Orc Bound Mates

Chapter Ten

Once inside, Vlorg leads us through the entryway; animal pelts and tapestries cover the walls and floor. Depictions of epic battles between Orcs from different tribes. The colors and patterns of war paint adorning their skin shows a clear difference between the combatants. Some descriptions highlight magnificent wolves, like Skarr, standing next to massive Orcs armed to the teeth for battle. I can hardly believe the fantastical illustrations all over the walls, the great and terrible wars, and the magnificently valiant Orcs and wolves standing proud against the ghastly backdrop. I take in everything around me, not wanting to miss any of the awe-inspiring works of detail.

I notice a gigantic, embroidered piece hanging against the far wall that shows three stunning women in different manners of undress along the top of the fabric. I step closer to the tapestry to get a better look and notice they hold between their delicate fingers a red string. The female on the left is spinning the thread into existence, while the middle one dispenses it to the last female, who cuts the yarn. The hanging loops of thread weave down the length of the piece to knit the story of an Orc. He starts his life in strife, hungry and cold. His parents were gone before he was old enough to care for himself. He becomes a mighty young Orc who joins his Tribe in fighting for their territory. He wins the battles before him and takes over as the ruler of his Tribe. He finds his Mate with his two brothers in arms, and they have three sons. It shows that his people have grown and prospered from all the arduous work he’s bled into them.

“That is the history of our Sire,” Orguk explains as he steps up beside me in front of the massive draping piece of art. “He has been through many trials to get where he is now. That is the main reason everyone in his Tribe respects him deeply. He has earned the right to hold the title of Chieftain. Without him, we would be no better than the Gray-Skin Clan.” I turn my face to him and smile at the legacy his father has been leaving for his sons. Pride fills my chest for them even though I’m not connected to their life yet. “The three females above him are The Fates. They are birth, life, and death. They weave the thread of life, distribute the paths of every person’s fate, and cut the string when it’s your time to return to them.”

“It’s so sad how he started life, but he’s accomplished so much. It’s amazing. You must be proud of the world he’s built for you.” I lean into Orguk's strong shoulder as I peruse the tapestry again. I enjoy the comfort of his warmth seeping through my dress and wonder how his father managed to stay steadfast throughout the trials and tribulations he’s been put through. The Fates have been hard on him, giving him everything any lesser man or Orc would have crumbled under, but he flourished under their guidance.

“We are.” Vlorg whispers into my ear, and I can’t help the squeak of surprise that slips past my lips. His powerful thick chest presses into my back, and I can feel the heat radiating off his skin. I relax into the calming sensation of his body against mine. “Let us continue to the meeting hall.” He commands as he loops his arms around my waist and directs our group in the right direction.

There are furs on the floor from beasts I’ve never seen and some I have. One looks remarkably similar to a massive grizzly bear, while another has six legs, a giant head with three slots for eyes, and a nasty maw full of teeth. The creature’s fur is an odd black with purple undertones, and the snout is a light gray tipped with a pale pink nose. I imagine getting my foot caught in the mouth of the pelt as I walk over it; the idea makes my skin tingle with unease. A shiver runs up my spine at the fur on the floor. I never want to encounter a living version of the creature.

The entryway is inviting and overwhelming all at once. Large dark wooden tables and five-tier shelves line the walls. The warm earthy tones calm my nerves while the terrifying fur prickles at my senses. Creatures of all kinds in every stone imaginable fill the wooden surfaces. Again, some of the animals are familiar, and some are entirely new. Some of the creatures have six legs like an insect and several eyes dotting their large heads. Others have no legs, gelatinous bodies, and eyes on stocks. One of the figurines has dread chilling my insides; its maw is filled with rows of razor-sharp fangs, spider-like legs sprout from the bulbous backend, and four more arms are coming out of the torso section. The thing is nightmare fuel on steroids. I can only associate it with a spider anthromorph without the human aspect to it. I tear my gaze from the figure and follow my Orcs.

We continue through a few halls with more embroidered pieces of art hanging from the walls and furs accenting the otherwise bare surfaces. Wall tables dot the corridor with vases of flowers in their middle. Skarr moves from under my arm to sniff around the skins scattering the floor, exploring his surroundings but sticking close to me. The twins release my hands to shift their position behind me, ensuring I’m in a triangle of protection. I find it odd since we are in their parent’s home. I doubt anyone would try to abduct or hurt me here while I’m in their company.

Coming to a halt in front of a set of massive double doors, Vlorg raps his knuckles against the surface. A deep masculine voice calls for us to enter from the other side. The rich depths of his voice shoot a shiver up my spine. That voice alone is enough to make anyone want to run for the hills; the man must be just as intimidating. Recalling the tapestry hanging in the entry, I don’t doubt that he's just as fierce as his voice indicates.

Pushing the doors open, Vlorg leads us into the brightly lit room. I can’t see his parents around his massive form, but I take the time to observe the rest of the room, which is surprisingly empty. Several huge windows line the right wall, letting brilliant shafts of sunlight into the open space. There’s an expensive-looking carpet on the floor, not a fur pelt like I’ve seen so far, in swirling shades of green and brown. These have no embroidered war scenes or Orcs, just flowing colors that draw the attention from one loop to the next. I trace the arcs, swirls, spirals, and curls for a few moments before scanning the rest of the room.

We continue into the room until we’re standing in front of an enormous table. The twins and Skarr move in behind me; Skarr takes his place under my arm again, providing me with physical support to keep me on my feet. I silently thank the wolf for having the foresight to help me because my nerves are peaking to unpredictable levels. Orguk and Borguk stand at attention slightly behind me on either side; Vlorg moves to the opposite side of Skarr and stands next to me. I get my first look at the rest of the room and their parents. The nerves that have been ratcheting up are flaring to internal panic.

The room is what most would consider the throne room; however, usually, there would only be the two thrones that a king and queen would sit in. Guards, statesmen, attendants, and the such would be lining the walls to witness the meeting. Exuberant banners to flaunt the wealth of their kingdom. There is none of that here. Simplistic functionality seems to be the theme for Orcs. Sitting beyond the oversized table on an aptly sized throne is the Chieftain, and his wife sits in a much smaller chair beside him.

The Chieftain, Worthag, is one monstrous-sized man. I thought Vlorg was the biggest, but his father is noticeably bulkier. His skin’s a healthy hunter-green covered in scars, most likely from battles fought and won. His body is a testament to his accomplishments; he's one formidable male stacked with more muscle than any bodybuilder could ever hope to accomplish. His hair is the same obsidian black as his sons' in a similar style as Borguk’s, but his hair is dreadlocked and twisted into braids instead of straight hair braided back. His green eyes are so dark they border on black, and he holds a hard stare that could cut diamonds. If I didn’t know that he granted us permission to be here, I’d think he was annoyed to be burdened by our presence.

His wife sits comfortably in her chair, her bright carrot-orange hair mostly loose, hanging down to her shoulders. Several small braids accent her otherwise straight hair; some braids are pulled together behind her head to keep her hair from falling into her face. Her soft pale blue eyes shine with a motherly warmth that’s focused on her sons and me. She’s on the heavier side like me, her stomach softly rounded, cheeks full and sweet. She has a full figure, and realizing that I’m wearing one of her old dresses makes perfect sense. We have the same body type. Her pale strawberry skin shines in the sunlight, a healthy blush filling her cheeks. She’s motherly comfort personified, from her comfortable figure to the gentleness in her gaze.

Something tells me that she tempers the Chieftain when his mood flares. She looks like she could calm the whole town with how sweet she appears. Seeing her makes me miss my mother, but it also puts some of my nervous energy at ease.

“Good day, Sire, Mother. Sorry for the delay.” Vlorg greets, standing at attention with his hands behind his back. He’s not standing before his father and mother; his posture says he’s presenting himself for his Chieftain and his Mate.

“Good day, my sons,” Worthag returns the greeting, looking at each of his sons before settling on me. I swallow at the powerful intensity of his stare on me; it feels almost predatory. As though he’s sizing up his next kill, and I’m sitting in the target’s center. “Good day, female.” He continues formally.

“Good day, my sons. And good day, female.” His wife continues where he leaves off. The twins greet their parents simultaneously before returning to their silent guarding behind me.

“Vlorg, you can relax. There is no one else here. You have come today as my son.” Worthag instructs his sons while leaning against the high backrest of his throne. The stiffness in Vlorg’s posture relaxes at his father’s direction. Not sure what I should do, I stay quiet and wait for the invitation into the conversation. The last thing I want to do is offend the people I want to gain favor with; otherwise, asking to stay with their sons will not be received well.

“What brings us together today?” Worthag questions as he reaches for his wife’s hand to lace their fingers together. The hard edge to his stare warms at the contact with her radiant energy.

“This is Alexa. We found her in the forest outside of our territory. She was being hunted by Urghat when we saved her.” Vlorg draws all the attention back to me. The Chieftain and his wife observe me more closely; a scowl distorts Worthag’s face. I can’t tell if it’s directed at me or the mention of Urghat.

“Hello, Alexa; I am Nina. I am their mother. I am sorry that you had to suffer the hunt by such an unworthy male.” Nina introduced herself before looking at her husband and continuing. “This is the Chieftain, Worthag. As well as my Mate.” She smiles brightly at me before stealing a glance at her Mate.

“Hello, Nina. Hello Worthag. Thank you for granting me your presence today. There’s so much that I don’t know and need guidance.” I praise myself for the calm level cadence of my voice, worried for a moment that my voice would betray how nervous I feel. I catch Vlorg looking at me for a moment, but I try to remain focused ahead. “Your sons have taken exceptional care of me during the time I’ve been within their supervision,” I amend, wanting to reassure them that no further ill will has come to me after their sons found me.

Nina’s smile warms at the statement, a knowing glint in her eyes, letting on that she knows her boys would always treat a female with nothing less than excellence. I clear my throat to distract the wayward thoughts of how well these Orcs have taken care of me.

“That is wonderful to hear. My boys know I would tear them apart should they ever treat a female dishonorably.” Nina turns a scathing glare at her boys before smiling mischievously. “I have raised good boys. They know how to behave in the presence of a female. They were lucky to witness firsthand how a male should treat his female.” Nina touches her Mates arm in affection; he rumbles softly in response.

I’m a little unsure how to respond to what Nina said, so I continue with the reason for our visit. “I don’t know if Borguk informed you when he was here yesterday, but I’m not from this world. I come from a place where there are billions of humans and not a single Orc. We have no magic and no Mates.” I supply wanting to figure out how much they know about my situation. Worthag nods at the information, confirming that he was made aware of it.

“If you are not of this world. How did you come to be here?” He questions, scratching at the stubble lining his jaw. Not wanting to confuse the events that I remember, I take a moment to collect my thoughts.

“I was leaving work when I noticed a strange man following me, it was very dark, and that had me fearing for my life.” I start; four angry growls pause my recounting, another animalistic growl vibrating from Skarr through my side. I pat his head to calm him down, not wanting him to get riled over something that has passed. At times, the wolf seems to understand a lot more than any normal wolf should be able to, but having him at my side, protecting me, envelopes me with a deep sense of safety. “I ran from the man into a park inside the city I live. I ran …”

“What is work? And what is a park? And city?” Worthag inquires for more information from my story. I blink at the interruption and think of a way to explain what they are to him.

“Work is like a job or daily task that I did to make money or currency to provide for myself. A park is similar to a tiny meadow and forest but inside the town's boundaries. And a city is a huge town with buildings made of stone and metal. Many of those buildings have many levels.” I pause at the tilt of Worthag’s head and indicate with my hands the motion of a building rising from one hand up. “Imagine the Longhouse with more stacked-on top. And instead of compacted dirt roads, they are made of another stone in my world.” I piece together bits of this world to have the explanation of my world make sense. I wait for further questions, and when everyone remains silent, I continue with the rest of my story.

“So, I ran into the park, hoping to find someone to help me. There was no one to save me from the man. I tried to hide in the forest part of the park, hoping the darkness would camouflage me. I didn’t notice it then, but I felt a weird sensation while running through the trees, like a bug caught in a spider’s web before breaking free. Then I was alone. I took a moment to catch my breath. Then I heard more footsteps, but bigger. So, I ran again. I remember hearing a wolf’s howl that scared me half to death and made me run harder.” I chuckle, knowing it was Skarr alerting his masters that I was close.

“That was Skarr,” Vlorg confirmed my thoughts. “He could smell her and Urghat. So, we came running to her. Not wanting Alexa to suffer under the hand of that despicable male.”

“I caught sight of Urghat; he was so big, gray, and terrifying. I thought I’d lost my mind. In my world, Orcs only exist in the imagination of people. When I saw him, I ran again. I ended up running right into one of them. Physically. When I collided with him, it knocked me out.” I finish relaying what happened that night, everything that I could remember.

Vlorg takes that moment to help fill in the blanks in my memory of the events. “Alexa ran into me. She was screaming. Everything in us demanded that we protect the female hunted by Urghat. Skarr bolted past her before stopping to hold back the charging male. Borguk and Orguk stopped with him to form a line of defense.” He takes a moment to settle the growling in his chest; every male needs that moment to calm the rage that seems to come at the mention of Urghat.

I’m glad the angry sounds and stares aren’t directed at me.

“Urghat broke through the trees. He stopped short at the barrier of Orcs and Skarr. He demanded that we hand her over. We refused. We claimed the right of First Catch. Even though she caught us first.” Worthag chuckles as his Mate giggles at the idea of a female catching one of her sons. I blush in embarrassment, knowing there’s no way I’d be able to catch any of them, even if my life depended on it.

“After Urghat left with much protesting and challenges, that he will take back ‘his’ female. I gathered her into my arms and took her home. Let her rest in our bed. We fed her from our stores. Let her bathe in the warmth of our pool. Now we are here.” Vlorg turns back to me and his brothers, a strange look in his eyes. “We have expressed wanting her to be our female. She has not given a response yet.” I school my expression, sadness tinging my heart at the well of emotion behind Vlorg’s words. I want to chastise him for putting me on the spot like this before his parents, but part of me already belongs to them. I have to get the consent of the Chieftain and his Mate.

Silence fills the room, everyone taking their time to consider everything said. Worthag and Nina quietly discuss the line of events sharing small glances at me before turning their attention fully back to us.