The Orc's Faerie Mate (A Step Between Realms 2)

The Orc's Faerie Mate is the second story set in the world of A Step Between Realms. Each story focuses on a new couple that is part of an interconnected series of Monster Romances. They are best enjoyed in order.
Lark is a talented faerie, renowned for her powerful enchantments. She is content in her life with her adopted family in a secluded Ogre village, and she is one of the very few in the magical community who does not want to find her fated mate. In fact, she’d do anything to remain unmated. Her past makes her leery of love, and guilt keeps her in hiding.
Dereg is a good-humored though deadly Orc who loves his family and village. He has never begrudged his position as the younger brother to the chief, enjoying the freedom of leading hunts. While traveling with his clan, he is warned of a wicked enchantress who lives among the Ogres. He’s dealt with arrogant, lying faeries in the past; he has every intention of staying away from this particular one.
But a chance encounter in the woods changes everything.

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A very short and different version of this story was originally published in the After the Anthology.