Page 49 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby
"He is still set in the old ways at times, I know." Cagan sighs. "Yet even he cannot ignore an innocent new life, blood of his blood."
I bite my lip, conflicted. The thought of Cagan's stern father holding our delicate Amira unsettles me. And yet, I know family means so much to Cagan.
Sensing my tension, Cagan gently adds, "My father and sister will arrive in one week's time, if you'll permit it."
"One week? Why so fast?" I cannot mask the anxiousness in my voice.
Cagan's brows furrow as he chooses his next words carefully. "When I spoke to my father about you and Amira, he said I must not waste any more time. That I should make things right between us immediately."
Make things right? My pulse quickens as I ponder his cryptic meaning. "What...what did he mean by that?"
Taking both my hands in his, Cagan meets my eyes. He slowly sinks down onto one knee before me, still clasping my hands. Sudden understanding rushes through me even before he begins to speak the words.
"My radiant Hayden," he begins, his voice rumbling with emotion, "from the very first moment I stumbled upon you in the woods, I knew in my soul that you were destined to be mine. In you, I found my missing piece. And now, we have built a warm, loving home and family together."
Cagan presses a tender kiss to my knuckles, his tusk lightly brushing my skin. The sensation sends a shiver up my spine.
"I should have done this long ago, the moment I realized I could not live without you.” He meets my wide-eyed gaze unwaveringly. “Will you make me the happiest orc in all the land and agree to officially be my mate?"
Joy surges hotly within me, momentarily stealing my voice. I had never dared to let myself hope that Cagan would ask for such a formal mating bond between us. It was more than I ever dreamed was possible.
Swallowing the lump building in my throat, I finally find my words. "Cagan, my heart and soul belong to you. I will gladly be your mate now until my final breath."
With a joyful rumble in his chest, Cagan sweeps me into his arms and claims my lips in a fierce, passionate kiss. Happiness washes over me in waves as we seal our commitment to one another.
As we slowly part lips, I smooth my hand over his cheek, looking deep into his penetrating golden eyes. "It was a little sudden, but also perfect. I am ready to stand beside you as your mate, now and always."
A flutter of anxiety still runs through me at the thought of meeting his family, but I feel a sense of peace now knowing that Cagan will be faithfully at my side forevermore. I nestle into the solid bulk of his chest. Cagan's muscular arms envelop me in their strength and warmth. At this moment, I feel so deeply loved and safe.
We have endured so much hardship together already - pain, loss, uncertainty. But we persevered through the darkest nights, finding solace and hope in each other's arms. Our bond grew from the ashes, forged by adversity into something unbreakable.
Where there was once only scarcity and sorrow in my heart, now there is an abundance of hope, fulfillment, and light. Cagan has walked this winding path with me, transforming my life in ways I never dreamed possible. With him by my side, I know I can weather any storm that lies ahead. As long as we have each other, the future shines bright for our family.
Still enveloped in the warmth of each other's arms, I gently rest my head on his broad, sturdy chest. As I listen to the powerful, steady beat of his heart, I know that I am exactly where I belong.
29
CAGAN
Icannot believe this is really happening. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that Hayden would actually say yes to my proposal and one day become my mate for life. But now, a month after that perfect night where we sealed our commitment to one another, the day has finally come for our mating ceremony.
The clearing in the woods has been decorated with garlands of wildflowers and vines. Rows of wooden benches have been set out for our clan members to sit. At the front, underneath an arch woven from fragrant lavender and wispy tendrils of ivy, is where Hayden and I will make our vows. The floral scents fill the air.
My heart pounds as I pace back and forth. I keep adjusting my ceremonial robe, as if that will help calm my nerves. The rich blue fabric trails behind me as I walk. I never imagined a day like this would come. After everything I have endured - the battle I fought for my clan, the disappointment over losing my position as future leader - finding a mate to share my life with felt utterly out of reach.
As I continue my pacing, anxiously waiting on our guests and Hayden, I can’t help but think back on the day I stumbled upon her, living wild in these woods. Her fiery spirit called to me from the very first moment our eyes met. She challenges me, inspires me, and above all, loves me in a way I never thought possible. I never dreamed I could find such joy and fulfillment.
And now, not only do I have the love of my life as my soon-to-be wife, but I have been blessed with the daughter we created together. My little Amira fills my heart with such pride and adoration. Between my beloved mate and precious child, my life is richer than I ever imagined it could be. With my family and my new clan beside me, I truly feel that I have found where I belong. My heart is full of love and gratitude.
Suddenly, the sound of voices pulls me from my thoughts. Guests are beginning to arrive. I soon recognize my sister Sharog's melodic tone as she laughs with our kin behind me. My closest comrades give me nods and slaps on the back as they pass by me and take their seats. My heart swells seeing our family and friends coming together to share in this momentous occasion.
Then I see him. My father, Malamute. He gives me a nod and a rare smile. As a young orc, I constantly strove for his approval, but never seemed able to earn it. Even now, as a grown orc, I still feel eager at times in his presence.
But today, his smile reassures me. He is proud of the mate I have chosen and the life we will build together. I stand tall, no longer letting his sternness get in my head. This is my mating day, and I know my father is happy for me.
He is carrying little Amira in his bulky arms. I cannot help but crack a smile seeing her tiny hands grasp at his long braids. She coos happily as he gently nuzzles her cheeks with his tusks. He may have been cold and distant when I was young, but he positively melts around his tiny granddaughter. It warms my heart to see him cradling her so tenderly.
"Big day, my son," he says in his gravelly voice, clapping me on the shoulder. "You have chosen well with Hayden. She will make a fine mate."