Page 8 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

“I’m sorry, Natus. I didn’t mean to actually hurt you.”

He just laughs, his face relaxing. “You’re crazy, Cagan. You better go hunting or fuck someone or something. Let loose, before you actually kill someone.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine. I just got carried away. You should go to a healer.”

He laughs again. “I’m fine, I can take a beating. Though, I’d rather it not be from a psycho orc with a machete. I think I’ll take a break from sparring with you for a while.”

I nod as he gets up and leaves. When he’s gone, Sharog takes his place in front of me. She looks up at me, worry lines etched into her face.

“You scared me,” she says, her voice soft.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have sparred when I was so angry. This thing with your marriage is just getting to me.”

I can usually take my father’s bullshit when his decisions affect me. I’m good at ignoring him. But when they start affecting my sister, I just can’t.

She steps forward and hugs me. “I’ll be okay. Don’t worry about me.”

I shake my head. “No, I’ll do something. We’ll figure it out.”

Our embrace is interrupted by a screaming voice, one I wish I never had to hear again.

“Cagan! Sharog!” he roars.

4

CAGAN

Itake a deep breath to steel my nerves before turning to face my father, the Chieftain Malamute. The fury emanating from him is palpable, his eyes narrowed into icy slits and jaw clenched tightly. I knew confronting the elders would provoke his wrath, but I never imagined the sheer intensity of the anger now directed solely at me.

"How dare you," Malamute seethes, his voice low and menacing. "How dare you go behind my back and attempt to poison the elders against me? Your own father and chieftain!"

I lift my chin defiantly, refusing to cower under his glare. "I merely spoke the truth, father. The elders saw reason in my words, even if you are too blind to-"

The crack of his palm against my cheek echoes across the clearing, cutting off my bold reply. I stagger back, tasting blood where my teeth cut into my cheek.

"Insolent boy," he growls. "It's clear I was too lenient on you growing up. I should have beaten the defiance out of you when I had the chance."

Indignation flares hot in my veins. How typical of him, to resort to violence and threats when faced with opposition.

"I'm not a child anymore," I retort, straightening to my full height. "And I won't be cowed by your brutality. The elders agreed that our traditions are holding us back. It's time for change, even if you're too stubborn to see it."

Malamute’s face expression changes, the veins in his neck bulging with rage. "I am the Chieftain!" he roars. "My word is law! You have no right to question me, let alone incite others to do so!"

"I have every right!" I shout back, my own temper flaring. "As your son and future Chieftain, it's my duty to do what's best for our people. And if that means challenging your outdated ways, so be it!"

For a long, tense moment we glare at each other, the air crackling with anger and resentment. I half-expect Malamute to strike me again, but something in my unyielding stance seems to give him pause.

"You forget your place, Cagan," he finally says, his tone icy. "I am still Chieftain. Defy me again, and the consequences will be dire."

With that, he turns on his heel and storms out, leaving me alone with the weight of his threat hanging heavy in the air. But even as trepidation curls in my gut, I feel a flicker of grim satisfaction. I stood my ground today. I showed him, and the elders, that I will not blindly follow an unjust leader.

Change is coming to our clan, whether Malamute likes it or not. And I intend to be the one leading the charge.

"I am the future clan leader," I declare, my voice ringing with conviction as I stare down my father. "My opinion matters, whether you like it or not."

Beside me, Sharog tugs at my arm, her eyes wide with fear. "Cagan, don't. It's not worth it."

But I shake her off, my gaze never leaving Malamute’s furious face. "Sharog doesn't need to marry anyone," I press on. "Our relationships with the other clans are strong. Arranged marriages for rank gain are unnecessary."