The Barbarian Mate [Edited]

Chapter 25

Althea woke up feeling queasy and hurried outside to empty her stomach. The women of the tribe gathered around her, concerned, and asked if she was okay. Althea gave them a thumbs up, still feeling a bit green. She rinsed her mouth with water and splashed some on her face, trying to shake off the lingering nausea.

Just then, Yeilk emerged from their home, looking worried. "I'm fine," Althea reassured him, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. He gently led her back to the healer's home, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.

Rubes burst into the healer's home, a huge grin plastered on her face. "She's pregnant!" she exclaimed, and Althea's eyes widened in surprise.

Yeilk's face paled, and he looked like he'd been punched in the gut. "What?" he repeated, stunned.

Rubes nodded enthusiastically. "Those are the same symptoms the other women have before they know they're with child."

Althea groaned, realizing that Rubes was probably right. She had missed a few months, and with everything going on, she had pushed it to the back of her mind.

The healer nodded in agreement. "Rubes is correct, Chief. You're with child."

Yeilk groaned, looking like he was about to pass out. "Babies are scary," he admitted, and Althea laughed, getting to her feet.

"You'll be fine," she reassured him. "They aren't that bad."

Yeilk's eyes widened in alarm.

"You have me too, brother," Rubes said, looking at Yeilk.

Althea hugged Yeilk, trying to reassure him. "Now I'm hungry."

They headed out to get some food, Yeilk still looking a bit shell-shocked. The possibility of becoming a father this early had never crossed his mind, but he was determined to be supportive.

As they ate, Rubes asked, "So, how is Hans?"

Yeilk raised an eyebrow.

"Well, he talks to me, so that's progress."

Rubes' cheeks tinted pink. "Okay, that's enough man talk. I have training."

Yeilk nodded. "Good luck."

Rubes headed off, leaving Althea and Yeilk alone. "So, where do you want to go?" Yeilk asked.

Althea yawned. "Back to bed. I need sleep."

Yeilk nodded and scooped her up in his arms. "You can put me down, you know."

Yeilk just smiled. "I like this way better."

He carried her back to their home, refusing to release her. Althea smiled, feeling a little spoiled. Her pregnancy had made Yeilk even more protective of her.

As she lay on her stomach, she couldn't help but smile. In no time, she was fast asleep, and Yeilk slipped out to train with the others.

When Althea woke up again, it was midday. She stretched and headed outside, where she was greeted by the smell of roasting meat and freshly baked bread.

Rubes exclaimed, "You're up! We got several baskets of berries and so much meat."

Althea's stomach growled in anticipation. "We celebrating something?"

Rubes grinned. "Just another day of life. There will be singing and dancing and all you can drink."

Althea's eyes lit up. "Well, I could eat. Where is that man of mine?"

Rubes chuckled. "Oh, he told me to tell you when you wake that he's waiting by the lake."

Althea's heart skipped a beat. "Oh, goodie. See you later."

She headed into the forest, careful not to get sunburned in the scorching heat. As she navigated her way to the lake, she spotted Yeilk leaning against a tree, completely naked. He was giving the animals a full view, and Althea couldn't help but laugh at the sight.