Page 82 of That’s My Orc, Tusk Off

I opened the door.

An orc in dark robes stood with his back to me, studying my bookshelf. Tall, but not as tall as me. Older, gray streaking his temples. He held a ledger in one hand, the leather cover worn smooth from years of use.

Cold authority radiated from him like winter air.

He turned and his gaze took in my loose hair, the dirt, and the sweat, and his expression didn’t change.

“You arrive at the final moment,” he said, his voice clipped.

“I apologize.” I closed the door behind me, my pulse roaring in my throat. “A creature escaped. I had to⁠—”

“I’m not interested in your beasts.” He gestured to the chair across from my desk. “Sit.”

He sat first, in my chair, without being invited.

I remained standing because I didn’t know what else to do.

He laid the ledger on my desk, opened it, and held his pen over a blank page, looking up. “Do you have a mate, Traig Valtresh?”

My throat closed. The truth sat there, too complicated for the blank line on his page. Yes, I chose someone. No, I can’t prove it yet. No, she hasn’t chosen me back. Yes, I’ve been making her coffee for weeks. We’ve kissed. I think she likes me too. Does that count?

None of it would fit in his ledger.

The scribe waited, his pen ready to document my failure.

“I don’t have⁠—”

The door banged open.

My head snapped toward the sound.

Willa stood in the doorway, slightly breathless, her hair coming loose from where she’d tucked it behind her ear. She wore a dress, a soft blue thing I’d never seen before, because she never wore dresses at work.

Everything in my chest went still.

She crossed the room and latched onto my arm with both hands, her fingers digging into my sleeve.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said.

She extended her hand toward the scribe.

“I’m Willa Enford,” she said. “Traig’s mate.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

WILLA

Drogar found me at my desk, Fred grumbling on my shoulder, Amanda’s crown flaring orange.

“The scribe is here,” he said. “In Traig’s office.”

I was moving before I’d decided to do so. Down the hallway. My shoes loud on the tile.

I heard Traig’s voice through the door.

“I don’t have⁠—”

No.