I left her after one night without a word.
Five winters later, she walks through my gate…

Holding my son's hand.

He has her eyes. My jaw.
And tusks just starting to break through.

She didn't come back for me.
She came because he can't survive another winter.
And my camp has the only real medicine for fifty miles.

She kept him from me.
I claim them both anyway.

In front of my entire clan.
Before she can argue.

Now she sleeps under my roof.
She watches me like I'm the danger she has to survive.

I told myself that night with her was a weakness I'd buried.
It took her one walk across my yard to prove me wrong.

She kept my son from me to protect him.
But she's about to learn I'm the only one who can.

Read on for a scarred orc war chief who never knew what he'd walked away from, a fierce hunter who'd walk into an enemy camp before she'd let her son suffer, and a second-chance romance that turns one reckless night into the family he never thought he deserved. HEA guaranteed.

Published
October 22, 2026
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Author

Celeste King

Celeste King is the author behind the Worlds of Protheka, a collection of interconnected series that promise dark fantasy, intense romance, and washboard abs. When it comes to her stories, there are sure to brooding alphas, sassy humans, and plenty of spice to look forward to.With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.She helps keep the…