Page 30 of To Love A Monster
Her mate had grown tired in his old age, and she hated making him worry. I understood her heart's worries since I did not want Daegon to worry even a little.
"My apologies, I was certain you heard me approach."
"No worries, it felt nice to scream." My words caused us both to burst into laughter, my stomach churning once more as I felt the bile rise. Daerla quickly grabbed a bucket as I leaned over the bed and vomited again. Tears stung my eyes as my stomach knotted, Daerla's hand gently rubbing my back as I tried to catch my breath.
"This will pass, Aylin."
"I hope it will, for I fear I will vomit my child into this bucket if it does not." Daerla scoffed at my foolish words. I knew it would pass but waiting for it to do so was torture.
"Drink this." I took the small cup of water and down it eagerly, my body feeling heavy as I rested against the soft furs. Guilt started to rise as I watched Daerla tidy up our home, my body too weak to even slip out of bed. Whenever I tried to lift a finger, she would scold me and make me rest, my stubborn head finally obeying.
"Thank you, mother," I mumbled as my eyes felt heavy, and sleep finally took me.
DAEGON
“I have been trying to tell you for a week, Chief Daegon. We have barely enough grain for the month, and the meat is nearly gone. This harsh cold is killing all the deer and rabbits, and we barely have any mutton for two families.” I knew that my mind had been elsewhere, but I had no idea my neglect had caused our food stores to dwindle to almost nothing.
“Thank you, Krim. My apologies for this, as Chief, I need to take care of my people, and yet my mind has been clouded.”
“Your mate is suffering from the sickness of carrying an unborn child; any orc would let his mind wander.” His words brought some comfort as I watched his eyes wander to the blacksmith hut, his eyes glowing as Halla stepped out and brushed the soot from her thick black apron made from the hardened skin of many deer. Krim bared his teeth as Soryn walked out, showing off the mace he had just completed.
“There is no need for jealousy, Krim. Soryn is not interested in mating with Halla.”
“He is not interested in mating at all, my Chief. Rumors have spread that he has no interest in females. Several Orcs and Humans have offered themselves to him, and he has turned each away. It is also strange that he sleeps away from the village as if he is not welcome.” My stomach churned as I remembered Soryn’s beastly form, the burden of keeping it secret feeling heavy on my shoulders.
“It is how he prefers to be. Not all men wish to be mated to another.” I excused myself from his side and approached Halla, a smirk crossing my lips as I watched the water drip down her chin to her apron.
“Sir Daegon. How is your mate? Did my tea help her stomach?”
“It did, if only for a short moment. Thank you, Halla. I have a favor to ask of you, and I feel like a brute for asking any more of you.” I knew that asking any more of my friend was selfish. However, I knew I could not leave my mate’s side for long.
“What do you need?”
“I am sorry for asking this of you, our food stores are dangerously low, and we will not survive this harsh winter,” Halla smirked as she untied her apron and folded it before tossing it onto a table inside, an understanding growing between us.
“No need to say more. Your people are not used to this harsh cold, and food can be very hard to find. My people were built for this cold, so do not fret. I will take Krim, and we will travel beyond the forest, that is where the hunt will be.”
“He is fond of you, Halla.” I was taken aback when I saw a blush rise over her normally pale cheeks, her hand waving me off as I had not intended to embarrass my friend. “Is the feeling mutual?”
“He is lovely and timid; I fear he would run away if I tried to touch him. The feeling is mutual, but smiles and stares does not qualify as courting.”
“Give him time.” I chuckled. “He has never been with an Orc or human, but he is certain you are his mate. So, give him patience, and he will be more open.”
“Why do you think I am taking him on this hunting trip alone, Sir Daegon? It is not just him; it is also me. I have not known any other man than my mate who was taken from me. I fear that I have no more love to give another.” I patted her shoulder, hoping it would reassure her since if anyone deserved to be happy with a mate, it was Halla. I hope this hunting trip will bring them close or help them learn to open their hearts to each other.
“While I am away, your men will have luck with rabbits and small animals if they travel East, and Krim and I will return with many large kills.” I hugged her tight, much to her protest, before we both informed Soryn of her trip, his eyes always looking away from mine as I could see the guilt and sorrow he carried. I wanted to trust him, and I tried to call him a friend, but I could not excuse his past. Not yet.
“CHIEF! CHIEF DAEGON!” A voice called out as I burst out of the Blacksmith hut only to see Kaig, Cronin, and Krim looking as if they had just seen a ghost. The look in their eyes caused my heart to sink, for all I could see was terror and sadness.
“What is the matter? Why are you shouting for me?”
“It is your mother, Daegon. Aylin was screaming for help, and your mother she—she will not open her eyes.” I pushed past them before they could finish their words. Halla followed close behind as I felt my heart racing. Witnessing my father holding my mother’s limp body in his arms as tears streamed down his face instantly pulled the air from my lungs.
“Mother?” I whimpered as I fell to my knees and placed my hand on her arm. She did not move; she was not breathing, and all signs of life had left her eyes. “Mother!” I jerked as I felt a hand on my shoulder, a sob escaping as Aylin hugged my shoulder tightly.
“How—how did this happen?”
