Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
As we walk the hall, I catch my reflection in a polished stone panel—wide-eyed, skin too pale in the cool light, hair a little wild from the mountain breeze. But my shoulders are square. My step is steady. I am still me, and, for the first time in months, I feel energized.
The baby sneezes again, louder this time, and I grin, watching the cuteness unfold.
He doesn’t linger on it. “This way. Your quarters are downstairs.”
The stairs descend in a gentle spiral, the walls inset with more of that glowing moss and a series of handrails at varying heights, one at toddler-level. My room is at the end of the hallway. We step in, and I look around, finding it big enough for a queen bed, a desk, and a wardrobe that’s clearly been imported from the human side of the mountain. There’s a stack of fresh towels, a brand-new tablet for house scheduling, and a welcome basket of mini soaps and chocolates, which is so not-Orc that I actually laugh out loud.
Aric looks at me, one eyebrow up. “The amenities were Kol’s idea. He says it’s important to acclimate human employees gently.”
I run my finger along the desk, testing for dust, and then turn to face him. “You don’t have many humans working here, do you?”
“Not in the settlement proper,” he says. “There’s Brielle at the library and two techs in the communications center. The rest live across the river in Fable Forest. Most Orcs prefer to handle their own affairs.” He leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “But I was desperate.”
That last bit is news to me, and my face must show it. “Why?”
Aric doesn’t flinch or dodge the question. “Because I’m in way the fuck over my head.” He glances down at Ainsley. She’s chewing on her fist and drooling like crazy. “My friend died. His whole family, wiped out in a car wreck on the human side. He named me guardian, and now she’s mine.” He says it so matter-of-factly, but I can see how tight his jaw goes and the way his massive hands flex like he’s holding the whole damn world together.
“She’s not just someone’s kid. She’s my kid now. I want the best for her.” His voice grows really fucking quiet. “I promised him I’d give Ainsley a real home. But I barely know what I’m doing.”
My chest twinges for him. “You’re doing fine, Aric.”
He looks at me for a beat, like he’s not used to someone saying that out loud. Then I swear his shoulders drop two inches, the tension draining out of him like air from a popped tire. “You’re direct,” he says, and there’s a new edge in his voice that isn’t military at all. “I like that. You’re going to fit in here better than you think, Ella.”
I manage a smile, nerves and pride all tangled up. “Good. Because I’m not great at pretending to be something I’m not.”
His mouth twitches, almost forming a grin. “That’s the only kind of human who survives long on this side of the wall.”
“I have to tell you something.” He needs to know the entire story. “I only met my birth mother and stepsisters a few months ago. I spent my entire life in foster care after my mother abandoned me.” I can’t stop the word vomit once it starts. “I thought I was finally going to be part of a family, but I got here and discovered they only wanted me to move in to be their housekeeper. And to pay most of the bills.” I finally run out of steam.
“You will be part of a family. The Arch Orc family.” He gently pats my shoulder. “Your bitch mother’s loss is our gain.” In that instant, I realize I really might’ve found my place in the universe.
There’s a sharp ping from somewhere in Aric’s pocket. He checks his phone, amber eyes flicking over the screen with militant focus. “Change of plans,” he says, mouth twisting in a dry almost-smile. “Oren and Kol are both tied up. Apparently, Kol’s dealing with a security breach, and Oren’s running the training yard with a handful of idiots.” He pockets the phone, looking almost apologetic, which is hilarious considering the dude could crush me with a single bicep.
“Council will run your background check tonight,” he adds, all business again. “I have no doubt it will clear, and you’ll be good to move in by tomorrow or the next day. I’ll message you as soon as it’s official.”
“Sounds great.” I nod, heart doing this weird little tap dance. Aric leads me back through the glowing, mossy halls and out toward the front gate, pace never flagging, silent but not unfriendly.
The second time I show up at the Arch Settlement, it’s with my little car filled to the brim with boxes. The Council must’ve processed my background check in record time since Aric sent me a brief, efficient text late last night letting me know I could move in today. I woke up this morning to a text from Aric informing me Kolson will be meeting me at the gate.