The Barbarian Mate [Edited]

Chapter 21

Althea lay spent, her body still trembling from the intense lovemaking. Yeilk grinned down at her smugly, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She saw stars, and he knew it, his ego growing with the knowledge.

She pulled him down, straddling him as he settled into the mattress. His hands settled on her waist, lifting her before sliding into her again. She sucked on his neck as he pounded into her, her moans echoing against his skin.

She was addicted to the man, her body craving his touch like a drug. She pressed her lips against his as she came undone around him, her body shuddering with release. Yeilk growled against her mouth as he filled her up, his own body trembling with pleasure.

"That was amazing," Althea breathed, her voice husky with satisfaction. "You ruin me for any other man."

Yeilk's grin grew wider, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Good, because you're mine."

"All yours," Althea replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

A knock came at the door, making them both look up. "Are you two done now?" Rubes asked, her voice teasing.

Althea imagined the smile on Rubes' face and rolled her eyes. "No, go away."

Rubes chuckled. "Hey, don't be rude. You have all the time in the world."

Althea got off Yeilk and started getting dressed, Yeilk watching her every move with dark, hungry eyes. All he wanted to do was pull her back into bed and take her again.

Eventually, he got up too and got dressed. They walked out to Rubes leaning against the wall, a knowing glint in her eye.

"So, what's up?" Althea asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the flush still rising to her cheeks.

"The people want to know what's going to happen now that the queen is gone," Rubes replied, her expression serious.

Althea nodded thoughtfully. "They don't need a monarchy to thrive. This is their chance to rebuild their lives."

Rubes nodded in agreement. "I thought so too. So, when are we going back?"

Yeilk spoke up, his voice firm. "As soon as we're finished here. I don't plan to stay too long."

Althea nodded in agreement. "Same. Let's go see how much more we can help with."

They left the castle and walked through the town, Althea smiling as she saw the kids eating and laughing, huge smiles on their faces. A woman came up to them, thanking them over and over again. Soon they were surrounded by almost everyone, their faces filled with gratitude.

Althea's heart swelled with emotion as she looked at the crowd. This was how they should be – happy and looking forward to another day.

"Can we join you?" a man asked, his eyes hopeful.

Althea smiled, her heart full of warmth. "Sorry, I'm Alik."

"Nice meeting you, Alik. Do you have a family?" Althea asked.

Alik nodded, his face lighting up with a smile. "Yes, a big one."

Yeilk spoke up, his voice firm. "You can join us, Alik, and anyone else who wants to leave."

Alik's face lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Chief Althea! Thank you!" He rushed off to spread the news.

Althea chuckled at the look of excitement on Alik's face. "Rubes, maybe you can find a man among them."

Rubes raised an eyebrow, a look of disbelief on her face. "Men are too complicated. I'm better alone."

Althea chuckled. "We'll see."

Just then, the sky darkened, and a loud rumble of thunder echoed through the air. "It looks like it's going to rain," Rubes said, her eyes looking up at the sky.

Althea felt a pang of worry. She had been there for weeks, and it had never rained. She had grown accustomed to the dry, sunny weather.

"Chief Yeilk," a voice called out.

Yeilk turned, bowing with respect. "Master Anan."

Althea followed suit, bowing her head in respect. "Master Anan."

The old man smiled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Are you ready to go home?"

Althea's heart skipped a beat. "Home?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Master Anan nodded. "Where you came from, dear."

Althea's grip on Yeilk's arm tightened. "You have a choice," Master Anan said, his voice gentle. "This world or yours. Once you make the decision, you can't go back on it."