The Barbarian Mate [Edited]

Epilogue

Pixie's hand connected with Anes' face, the slap echoing through the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them.

Anes stumbled backward, his eyes wide with shock. "Pixie, please. I know I made a mistake. Please don't do this."

Pixie's expression was icy, her eyes flashing with anger. "You have no right to tell me who I can't hang out with. You lost that privilege the minute you decided Maize was better than me. No one is better than me."

Kelt joined them, his eyes equally cold. Tatsumi and Jimin followed, their faces stern. Anes flinched under the weight of their angry gazes.

Maize stepped forward, a smirk on her face. "Well, can you blame him for thinking I was better? I mean, look at me."

Pixie's gaze swept over Maize, her expression disdainful. "I'm looking. All I see is a woman who loves taking what doesn't belong to her. Listen, Maize. You can have him. I don't need a man. I know my worth. You're a disgrace to women. You want him, take him. Mom said I should give my used toys to the less fortunate. I'm giving him to you. Enjoy."

The women around her cheered, their faces filled with admiration for Pixie's bravery. Maize's face, on the other hand, was a picture of shame.

Althea and Yeilk stood to the side, their faces filled with pride. Pixie took deep breaths before walking over to her parents.

"You did good, little Pixie," Yeilk said, his voice filled with pride.

"We have someone for you to meet," Althea added, a smile on her face.

A man stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Pixie. For some reason, he reminded Pixie of her own father, only younger.

"This is Aregen," Althea said, her voice warm.

Pixie's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "Have we met before?" she asked, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

Aregen smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We met when your parents visited the north tribe last moon."

Pixie's face lit up with recognition. "Yes! You were the one who showed me where the good food was. It's nice to meet you again."

Aregen smiled, his eyes warm. "Yes."

"We're all a big happy family here. Come, I'll show you around."

Pixie took Aregen's hand, pulling him along as she showed him around the tribe. The tribe had tripled in size over time, so there was a lot of new ground to cover.

As they walked, Pixie asked Aregen questions about himself. "Do you have a mate?" she asked, her eyes curious.

Aregen shook his head, his expression serious. "No, I'm still looking."

Pixie's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "You're not interested in me because of my status, are you?"

Aregen's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes fixed on Pixie's face. "It's just a title. It doesn't define who a person is. You could be a farmer's daughter, and I'd still find you interesting."

Pixie smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Good."

Aregen smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "My father is a Chief, so I don't chase titles."

Pixie's eyes widened, her mind racing. "I like that."

As they continued their tour, Pixie pointed out various landmarks and introduced Aregen to the tribe members. Eventually, they came to Pixie's home, which was situated on the outskirts of the tribe.

Aregen's eyes widened, his expression impressed. "It's far away from your parents."

Pixie smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Independence. Living this far means I have to do everything on my own and not rely on my parents. I know they would be happy to help, but I'm an adult."

Aregen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Even adults need help sometimes."

Pixie's smile turned mischievous. "Not if I'm taking over one day."

Aregen's eyes widened, his expression impressed. "You'll make a great Chief."

Pixie's smile turned enigmatic. "Thank you."

As they continued their walk, they came to the river. Pixie's eyes sparkled and she inched closer to Aregen.

"What's with that look?" Aregen asked, his eyes narrowing.

Pixie's smile. "You'll make a great Chief too."