The Barbarian Mate [Edited]

Chapter 32

Three Moons Later

"Pixie! You mysterious imp!" Althea exclaimed, laughing as Pixie ran from her with a giggle. Althea shook her head good-naturedly, cursing the gods for giving her such a mischievous child. But as usual, there was a smile on her face.

Yeilk emerged from their home with their two other kids, Jimin and Tatsumi, in tow. The boys were way more laid-back than their sister, and Althea was grateful for that. "Papa!" Pixie squealed, running back to Yeilk.

Yeilk scooped her up, scolding her gently. "What do I tell you about worrying your mother?" Pixie looked down, her eyes welling up with tears. "Sorry, Papa."

Yeilk set her down, his expression softening. "Behave, okay?" Pixie nodded, looking up at him with big, round eyes. "Yes, Papa." She ran off, probably to complain to Rubes about her mean parents. Despite having a son of her own, Rubes never missed the chance to spoil her only niece.

Althea watched her go, shaking her head. "Phew! All this running around makes me very tired." Yeilk chuckled, picking up the boys and carrying them to their home. They were exhausted from playing with the kids all day.

Althea undressed them and bathed them, scrubbing away at the dirt and grime that had accumulated on their skin. They were filthy, and Althea couldn't help but laugh at the sight of them. Yeilk took over, getting them dressed and tucking them into their bed.

As soon as the boys were asleep, Althea dropped face-down onto their bed, feeling the softness envelop her. It felt good to lay down, and she let out a contented sigh.

Yeilk joined her soon after, looking equally exhausted. "You know, when we decided to have more kids, I didn't know what I was signing up for," he said, shaking his head. "Who would have thought Pixie would have become the troublemaker?"

Althea laughed, rolling over onto her side. "First child," she said, smiling.

Yeilk nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I adore them, but Pixie...Pixie makes me want to pull my hair out." He pulled Althea into his arms, holding her close.

"I'm not going back for any more. I am done."

Althea raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You sure?" Yeilk kissed her neck, earning a slap.

"Don't even think about it, mister. Keep it in your pants."

He chuckled, kissing her head. "Go to sleep." Althea nodded, snuggling into his chest.

"Gladly."

The next morning, they were awakened by a hyper Pixie, bouncing onto their bed and jumping up and down. Althea groaned, rubbing her eyes. She didn't have to ask how her oldest had ended up in this hyperstate. She had probably gotten into the honey again.

Althea grabbed Pixie, hauling her out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. "Pixie, calm down before I punish you!" Althea scowled, trying to hide a smile. Pixie put on her best-crying face, but Althea was unmoved. That face wasn't going to get her out of the situation she had put herself in.

"Mama!" Pixie wailed, but Althea just rolled her eyes. "You're in time-out, young lady. It's way too early for your shenanigans, and don't even think of crying to your father." After Althea got her to drink some water, she set her in her time-out corner. "And don't move."

Pixie cried, but Althea was unmoved. Yeilk came out and looked at Pixie, but Althea dared him with her eyes to say something. He knew better than to intervene. The last time Pixie was like this and he stepped in, let's just say he slept over at Rubes' place. It was torture because he didn't have Althea to cuddle with.

"I'm going hunting with the men," Yeilk said, picking up his axe. "I'll be back before lunchtime."

Althea nodded, smiling. "Come back in one piece." Yeilk kissed her before heading out the door.

"Always."