Stretching as you sat up, you glanced down at Yambul as he pulled you closer. He did it in his sleep, which doesn't surprise you. During this past year you've been with him, he's insisted that you sleep with him. Nothing romantic or anything like that, but for your safety. At first you absolutely refused, and even had a second bed in his hut. Until a very cold night forced you to share the bed with him for warmth, which you quickly became addicted to. He was like a heat magnet. Since he's also bigger than you that means you're wrapped in warmth all night long, which you love.
Wiggling away from him, you quickly changed into clothes before heading out. There were several other orcs who were starting their morning chores. Your chore for the morning is to pick herbs and fruits with Yambul's mother. Something you actually enjoy doing despite the fact that some orcs are still hostile towards you.
"Look at that, the Little Human didn't run away in the night." Turning to the harsh male voice, you saw a male and a female making their way towards you, "I have to give you credit for staying true to the deal your human king made, that won't last long though. There are already others planning to kill you."
"Others or just you two." You scoffed crossing your arms, " Near everyone else has accepted me except you two. Which from the looks of you two, I could easily take you."
"You wish." The female growled, making you smirk.
"Oh, then maybe my original title is being forgotten." You pretended to yawn while stretching your neck where you still had the tusks hanging.
Yambul and the other orcs insisted you keep them as a reminder of the battles you've won. Something the orcs themselves are proud of too. There are many who keep jewelry or weapons from their own battles. The male raised his fist as if he to hit you, which you were prepared to dodge. What you didn't expect was for someone to wrap their arm around you and punch the orc back several feet.
"Don't ever think of punching her again." Yambul roared pulling you closer to him, "This is my mate and your future chiefess. To fight her is to fight me."
They both seemed stunned as the woman helped the man up. Both of the scurrying off, out of sight from the other who were watching. No one was fazed though as they went back to work. Sighing, you gently pushed Yambul's arm off you.
"I had that handled." You pouted, earning a chuckle from him.
"I know you did, but they made me mad." He explained, handing you a black dragon scaled sword, "Incase, you run into any dire creatures in the words."
"Thanks. You're going hunting later, right?" You asked earning a nod from him.
Your eyes fell to the large teeth scars on his shoulder. It's where the direwolf bit him when he saved you. You still feel a little bad about it, though he's insisted that you shouldn't. As if he knew what you were thinking, he squeezed your shoulder with a small smile.
"Be careful out there then." You spoke, tensing and feeling your face warm up when you heard laughing behind you.
"So cute seeing you two act like a couple." Turning to Yambul's mother, Naz, you cleared your throat as you quickly moved to her and away from him.
"Good, you're here. Let's go." You coughed, grabbing her arm as you attempted to drag her too the woods.
She went willingly, since you know you can't actually drag her anywhere. However, she clearly wasn't going wanting to drop the topic because after nearly half an hour of picking, she was still laughing at you. Rolling your eyes, you grabbed a berry and flicked it at her face. Earning a shocked gasp from her.
"Honestly, you're acting like a child." You pouted, earning a smirk from her.
"It's entertaining watching you and Yambul fall in love." She admitted, shocking you.
"Wow, slow down. I wouldn't say we're falling in love." You corrected, earning a raised eyebrow from her as she crossed her arms.
"Keep saying that Little One," She chuckled, putting a hand on your shoulder, "but I already see a strong bond between the two of you. I'm willing to bet, if you have to fight together you two will be in perfect harmony."
Rolling your eyes, you laughed as you removed her hand, "Is that true or are you just encouraging me and your son to get married faster?"
"Can't it be both?" She grinned shrugging her shoulders.
Throwing another berry at her, you laughed as you dodged one, she threw at you. The fun was ruined by the call of a horn and the roar of a dragon. Glancing at each other for a second, you immediately dropped your baskets as you ran to the camp. A black dragon was flying overhead and breathing fire onto some of the huts. Several others were already engulfed in flames as orcs rushed to put the fires out. Glancing around, you immediately spotted Yambul, who was trying to direct kids to the forest. The dragon was flying closer to them though. You've got a crazy idea; one that just might work. Rushing to him, you drew your sword.
"Yambul!" At your scream he glanced up at you, before over his shoulder at the dragon.
He gave you a nod before crouching down and cupping his hands together. Stepping in his hands, you aimed at the dragon as he threw you. The timing couldn't have been better. Your sword went straight into the dragon's chest. Normally, a regular sword would have trouble going through a dragon's scales. It would usually take several tries, but with Yambul's black dragon scale sword, it only took one hit. Hanging onto the sword as the dragon roar and started to fall, you glanced over your shoulder to time your drop so you wouldn't take much damage. Your eyes fell to Yambul who was keeping pace under the dragon, with his eyes on you. Letting out a breath, you let go. Falling towards Yambul who had his arms open to catch you. Even if he catches you, it's still going to hurt you some. Shielding your head, the last thing you felt were Yambul's arms wrapping around you before you passed out.
"She's waking up." You could faintly hear, Naz's voice.
"We'll go get the surprise." Trogan announced, before there was silence.
Feeling someone grab your hand, you weakly opened your eyes as you turned your head to see Yambul sitting on the bed by you. Somehow you weren't surprised that it was him. There was a relieved smile on his face as he kissed your fingers then carefully held your head.
"Thank the gods you're alive, (Y/N)." He sighed, "Are you feeling, okay? Headaches? Sore muscles?"
"Just tired." You grumbled, but sat up, "Is the dragon dead?"
"Yes." He nodded, "You've been unconscious for three days."
"Three days?" You gasped, "What about my chores?"
"My mother has been doing your chores and hers. My father as picked up my chores since I stayed to care for you."
Sighing in relief, you felt better. You don't like to burden Naz or Trogan. You'll have to think of some way to repay them. Glancing up at Yambul who was just watching you, you were about to ask him what was wrong when he pulled you into a hug. You head against his chest allowed you to hear how hard his heart was beating. It was actually calming, and the hug made you feel safe. This surprised you considering how much you hated him before. The two of you stayed like that for a while in silence.
"I never thought I could love you more, Little Tusk Taker," He finally broke the silence, "yet you prove me wrong every day."
He always says he loves you, but this time, the words actually got to you. Maybe Naz was right about you falling in love with Yambul. In truth, this past year has been the best year you've ever had since your family was killed. Looking up at him, your eyes widen when he kissed you. Your heart raced, as you closed your eyes and let your mind go blank. Just you and him now, which doesn't disgust you like it used to.
"Oh whoops." Jumping at Naz's voice, you and Yambul looked towards the entrance to see her and Trogan standing there with black scales in their arms.
"Sorry, we didn't mean to interrupt." She apologized but gave you a knowing look that made you turn red from your ears to you neck, "We'll just leave these here and let you continue."
"What, but we have to tell them about the celeb....." Trogan opposed as she made him set the scales down and started pushing him out.
"I want grandbabies. Out." She whispered, probably thinking you couldn't hear her.
Laughing with Yambul, you let him get the scales and hold them up to you. Revealing that they were made as armor similar to what he has. He put them in your lap before holding up a finger and pulling something out of his pockets. A dragon fang on a necklace.
"The perfect matching attire for my mate and your usual trophy, which I know you like." He explained, tying the necklace around your neck, "Put the armor on. I won't look."
Watching him turn around, you glanced down at the armor, before quickly changing. You trust him not to look. You've stayed with him for a year, and he's never purposefully peeked at you while you changed. Looking at yourself in the mirror, you had to admit that you looked good. This will even give you more protection. Hearing his gasp, you glanced over at him to see his proud smile.
"You look fiercely beautiful, Little Tusk Taker." He complimented, moving to your side to wrap an arm around your waist.
You had to admit that you thought the matching armor with him was cute. You definitely liked it. Smiling as he kissed your head, you leaned closer to him as he started leading you to the hut entrance.
"Now, there has been a celebratory feast organized for your kill of the dragon. You've now become a hero to our clan. There is no doubt that you are the best choice for my mate and future Chiefess. Unless you have doubts."
Thinking about it, you shook your head, "I don't. It will be an honor one day, when we're married."
At your remark, he grinned at you before opening the hut door for you, "Then let's go celebrate your victory, My Little Tusk Taker."