Chapter 23: The Escape Plan
Samson spent the next few days either unwinding in the bathhouse or coming undone in Dalthu's embrace.
It should have been paradise. After all, Dalthu was attentive, affectionate, and a hell of a cook. He also knew how to leave Samson breathless in bed. He'd expertly use his mouth, hands, and toys (courtesy of Adora) to make Samson beg for more.
Except... just when it seemed like they were about to take the next step, Dalthu would back away. Oh sure, the big green lug would make sure Samson was satisfied. Often, the orc was so eager that Samson would have to spend a whole day in bed recuperating and feeling like he'd been drained dry. Still. Never any further. It was getting harder and harder to ignore his growing desire and the frustration of being denied.
"Samson? Are you in there?"
Samson jerked out of his thoughts, splashing water around the rim of the tub. He'd gotten used to luxuriating in the bathhouse alone. It was his sanctuary. So when Rachelle called out his name it sent him scrambling.
"Ah, yep. Gimme one--okay, you can come in."
He stood up and hastily wound a towel around his waist as Rachelle stepped through like sunshine, warm and bright. However, her cheery smile faded when she saw Samson's naked stomach.
"Still nothing," she muttered.
Samson cocked his head to the side. "What was that?"
"I don't understand." Rachelle frowned, ignoring his question. "I thought... could it be... " She grasped Samson by his bare shoulders. "You and Dalthu... you've rejoined, haven't you?"
Samson's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Uhm, when you say 'rejoined,' do you mean--"
"Rejoined! Copulated!" Rachelle's voice was shrill as she shook him. "Samson, he's given you his seed, hasn't he?"
"Um, no, not since that night, the night of the Mak'gora."
"Not since--" Rachelle's eyes widened. "What's wrong?"
Samson shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to answer. Rachelle grabbed his arm and pulled him up off the floor with a strength Samson didn't expect from the older woman.
A knot of anxiety twisted in his gut as she dragged him out of the bathhouse and back through the gate of the village. Rachelle wordlessly led him through the market, her grip on Samson's arm never faltering. As they weaved their way around the huts and tents, Samson felt the curious gaze of the other residents of the orcish stronghold.
They found Dalthu outside of Vetu's tent, haggling with the wrinkled merchant. Dalthu turned to face them with a bemused expression.
"Mok'ra, what's the matter?"
Rachelle got straight to the point by pulling down Samson's towel and pointing at his belly.
"By Luthic," Dalthu exclaimed as he quickly threw himself in front of Samson, blocking him from prying eyes. "Vetu, a tunic. Now!"
The orcish merchant obliged and, once Samson was covered, Dalthu stepped back. "Now," the orc took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself down. "Explain."
Rachelle and Samson replied in chorus:
"The mark--"
"Your mother--"
"It hasn't changed--"
"She's worried about the mark--"
Dalthu put up his hands, but his mother plowed ahead.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of, my son, you just need a little help, eh? I have recipes... tips! Have you tried oysters? Vetu," Rachelle swiveled to the merchant. "Oysters. He'll take a dozen."
The old shopkeeper suddenly became very interested in a fraying edge of his tent as Dalthu's face twisted in frustration. "Mother, there's nothing wrong--"
"Then why?" Rachelle pursued doggedly. "You performed at the Mak'gora so why have you not joined together since? Unless it is because your--"
"Mother. Stop."
"Does your blood not run hot enough?"
"If my blood ran any hotter I would explode."
"Then why--"
"It's none of your business!"
Rachelle flinched. "You're my son," she said, evenly. "Therefore, it becomes my business."
"We just need some more time, that's all."
"You have a duty!"
Snarling, Dalthu slammed his fist down on the merchant's table, cracking the solid wood and sending splinters flying. The marketplace went quiet.
"Do not presume," Dalthu growled, "to tell me my duty."
There was a tense moment of silence. Rachelle pressed her lips together into a tight line. "Don't wait too long," she said, finally releasing her grip on Samson's arm. "You know what will happen if you do." With that, she spun on her heels and marched away, head held high.
The marketplace slowly returned to its cacophony of chattering and haggling. Samson cautiously approached Dalthu. The orc's cheeks glowed pink and he refused to meet Samson's gaze. He shifted slightly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I... I'm really... you shouldn't have seen that," Dalthu grumbled.
Samson tried not to think that Dalthu was cute when he was embarrassed. He cleared his throat. "What was she talking about? What will happen if we wait too long?"
"Nothing."
"Then what did she mean by saying it's your duty?"
"Nothing."
Samson stepped closer and placed a hand on Dalthu's arm. "She seemed pretty upset for it to be nothing."
Dalthu shrugged, still avoiding Samson's eyes.
"Maybe you should go after her?"
"She's wrong."
Samson bit back a smile. Dalthu's demeanor was not unlike a child's, stubborn in their beliefs. Samson tried diplomacy. "I'm not saying she's right," he said, stroking the large warrior's arm. "But you're family. Don't leave things unsaid." Unbidden, an image of his own mother's face sprung to mind. "You never know what might happen," Samson trailed off softly.
Dalthu finally turned to look at Samson. Regret flickered in the orc's bright golden eyes and he cupped Samson's hand between his own. Dalthu opened his mouth to ask something, but then shook his head, thinking better of it. He brought Samson's hand up to his mouth and brushed a kiss against his knuckles. "If my mate wishes it, I must obey."
Samson felt a rush of heat travel up his arm as Dalthu's lips touched his skin. "Anything I wish?" He already had a couple of ideas.
As if reading his mind, Dalthu's lips curled into a smile. "Anything."
Samson swallowed hard. "Then... I'll see you later?"
The orc chuckled, low in his throat. "Yes, but it may be late. Where most women are stubborn as rocks, my mother is a mountain."
"Well, don't be too long," Samson lowered his gaze coyly. "I have more wishes, after all."
Dalthu sucked in a steadying breath, his pupils dilating with desire. "Wait for me," he rumbled. It was both a question and a command.
Samson nodded. Dalthu grinned and, before Samson could say anything, darted in to steal a quick kiss, then hurried off, red-eared, into the bustling marketplace.
Stupid orc.
A soft cough reminded Samson that the orc merchant, Vetu, was still there.
"Oh, right. Um, sorry for all the--"
Vetu waved a wrinkled hand. "No need."
"What do I owe you for the tunic?"
"Dalthu will take care of it." The wizened merchant squinted at Samson. "It's nice to see you looking so happy."
"Happy?"
Vetu motioned toward a mirror hanging in the corner. Samson covered his mouth.
How long have I been smiling like that?
Warmth crept into Samson's cheeks. He excused himself from Vetu's tent, ignoring the merchant's amused chuckle, and made his way through the marketplace.
"Wait!"
Samson glanced over his shoulder and saw a woman running toward him. Her sharp features were unmistakable; it was Hazel.
She stopped in front of him, gasping for air as she handed a roll of paper to him. "Here," she said in between breaths.
Samson opened the roll. It was a map of the surrounding area with multiple routes marked out. Hazel nodded excitedly.
"Tomorrow," she said softly. "When everyone is asleep."
A shiver of anticipation ran up Samson's spine. He wasn't sure if he could trust Hazel--after all, Dalthu had robbed her of her only child--but he knew this might be his only chance to escape. However, his reply was interrupted by the sound of jingling metal.
A familiar orc covered in sparkling baubles and trinkets approached them. He flashed Hazel an insidious smile as he spoke her name.
"Hazel," he rasped, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You ran off so quickly that I thought I'd never catch up."
"Ragnuk is the one--"
Ragnuk struck like a viper. He grabbed Hazel around the mouth and hissed, "Not so loud, sweetness." His long fingernails dug into the soft flesh of Hazel's jaw. "You want to give us away?"
Samson was alarmed. "He knows about this?" he asked Hazel, who jerked free of Ragnuk and gave a curt nod.
"It was necessary," Hazel said with a tinge of regret. "He knows--"
Ragnuk cut her off. "Breeders really are terrible at keeping secrets," he tutted. "Let's just say that I'm assisting in this little venture, shall we?" The orc's beady brown eyes landed on the map clutched in Samson's hand and he nodded surreptitiously. "Better put that somewhere Dalthu won't find it. Although," Ragnuk leered as Samson quickly tucked the map away, "I'm sure there is no place on your body he wouldn't check."
Ignoring the provocation, Samson focused his attention on Hazel. "Where are we meeting?"
"There's a dog hole near the west gate. We can meet there." Hazel leaned in urgently, blocking the orc with her body. "Tomorrow. Be ready."
"I hope you are prepared for what is to come. I know I am," Ragnuk crooned. He crooked his arm out, beckoning Hazel. "Come along now Sweetness, there's still much to do."