The Barbarian Mate [Edited]

Chapter 31

Althea sat on a blanket, gently rocking Pixie back and forth as she worked on sewing a new set of clothes for her growing baby. Pixie was developing at an incredible rate, and Yeilk had reassured her that it was completely normal. Still, it was hard not to feel a pang of sadness as she watched her baby grow out of her tiny clothes.

Rubes approached her, curiosity etched on her face. "He's not back yet?" she asked, nodding towards Yeilk.

Althea shook her head. "No, he needs some time with Ruel. Let him take all the time he needs." She was more than willing to give Yeilk the space he needed to help his brother. Ruel had been through a traumatic experience, and he needed someone to lean on.

Rubes nodded understandingly. "Want to go to the lake?" she asked, changing the subject.

Althea smiled, setting aside her sewing. "OK." She carefully lifted Pixie into her arms, and the two women set off towards the forest. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the trees.

As they walked, a group of children approached them, their eyes shining with excitement. "Chief, can we come with you? Please!" one of them asked.

Althea smiled, happy to oblige. "Of course, you can come." The children cheered, skipping alongside her as they made their way to the lake.

Rubes turned to her, a curious expression on her face. "You're really good with kids."

Althea chuckled. "I used to look after other people's kids for a living. I see it as experience for this very moment." She gazed lovingly at Pixie, who was sleeping peacefully in her arms.

They arrived at the lake, and the children eagerly jumped into the water. Althea sat down on the bank, dipping her feet into the cool water. Rubes joined the children in the lake, laughing and splashing with them.

As the day wore on, more and more people arrived at the lake, eager to cool off and enjoy the sunshine. It was a much-needed break for the tribe, who had been through so much in recent weeks.

Just as Althea was starting to relax, Hans appeared, looking serious. "Chief, Chief Yeilk has returned and is asking for you."

Althea's heart skipped a beat as she quickly got to her feet. "Is everything OK?" she asked, a note of concern creeping into her voice.

Hans nodded reassuringly. "Yes, I think he's just worried."

Althea smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Hans. Tell him I'm by the lake."

As Hans departed, Althea turned to Pixie, who was staring up at her with big, round eyes. "Your daddy is a silly man," she cooed, smiling.

Just then, Yeilk appeared, a look of amusement on his face. "I'm scared to ask what else you're saying to our daughter."

Althea playfully rolled her eyes. "Pretend you didn't hear that. Don't listen in on women's conversations."

Yeilk chuckled, placing a kiss on her head before gently taking Pixie from her arms. "I agree with your mom. Your mom got lucky."

Althea shot him a mock-angry glance. "Hey!"

Yeilk grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sorry, love, but you did."

Althea sighed, shaking her head. "It's called being in the right place at the right time."

Yeilk sat down beside her, Pixie nestled comfortably in his arms. "You like testing your luck, don't you?"

Althea raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Yes."

Yeilk chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm not surprised."

As they sat there, watching the children play in the lake, Althea felt a sense of peace wash over her. This was what she had been missing – a sense of community, of belonging.

Yeilk turned to her, his expression serious. "Where is Ruel?" he asked.

Althea's expression softened. "He left. He wants to find himself again. After years of being controlled, I understand and let him leave."

Yeilk nodded thoughtfully. "You're a great brother, even if you're a brooding brute most of the time."

Althea grinned, playfully teasing him. "Oh really?"

Yeilk's face turned red with embarrassment as Althea began to recount all the times he had acted like a spoiled child. Finally, he covered her mouth with his hand, laughing. "You've made your point, love. You won this time."

Althea smiled triumphantly.