Page 62 of Orc's Pride

And that is what made me happy to see.

I would never force my people into accepting someone, even if it was at the detriment of myself. Though, that also didn’t mean I wouldn’t defend Dana if someone were to outrightly be aggressive towards her. That kind of treatment was uncalled for no matter the circumstance.

All in all, by the time Gathal had announced his return to his clan’s lands, the base had been almost completely rebuilt. It feltnice to no longer walk the streets and encounter the destruction left by traitors.

Now, we were ready to dawn into a new era.

“I think I’m going to miss him.” Dana leans into me, waving her hand high while Gathal and his men disappear into the distance.

“I’ll allow that statement just this once.”

She grins up at me. “Jealous, Pitha?”

I scoop her up before she has a chance to move away from me. “Horribly so, I’m afraid.”

That has her laughing and wrapping her arms around my neck to playfully press her head against my jaw.

“You’re something else.”

“I know.”

I carry her back to my home, happy to have finally settled my duties for the rest of the day. Even though it’s been rewarding seeing the base come back together, it’s been taxing as well. Both Dana and I have been so busy that we’ve barely been able to make time for each other.

Though now with the Redsmoke clan gone and the rest of the base in Gor’s hands for the remainder of the day, I’m excited to have Dana all to myself again. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to properly take care of her, aside from making sure she is fed and kept warm.

But those are the basic necessities and not something that I strive to give her now that I’m ready to devote the rest of my life to her.

The thought strikes me as soon as it passes through my mind, causing me to stop in place.

Dana lifts her head to look at me. “Pitha?”

Did I… Am I ready to want her to be my mate?

She places a hand over my cheek, turning my attention to her. Her teal eyes gaze at me softly, confusion and concerndarkening the color just a bit. I’ve never had someone care about me so deeply before. If I were to imagine my life a few months earlier, I never would’ve guessed that this is where I would end up.

How wonderful, to have Dana come crashing into it the way she had.

What did I do to deserve her?

“Pitha?”

“Be mine, Dana.” the words come barreling out of me. “Forever.”

She blinked in surprise. “What does that mean exactly?”

Inwardly, I wince. It isn’t my most tactful approach, but asking her here and now while my feelings are trying to burst from my chest is the only logical way I can think to tell her how much I want her to never leave my side.

That I would do anything for her and protect her with my very dying breath.

“I want you to be my mate, Dana. I know it seems sudden but… I don’t want to live another day without you.”

Her eyes water. “You… really mean that?”

I kiss her gently. “Of course I do. I would never say something that I don’t mean.”

“Oh, Pitha.” She deepens the kiss.

Good thing we are close to my home.