Barbarian's Valentine: A Slice of Life Novella (Ice Planet Barbarians Book 19) by Ruby Dixon

Author:Ruby Dixon [Dixon, Ruby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
Publisher: Ice Planet Barbarians - book 19
Published: 2019-02-11T02:00:00+00:00

5

HASSEN

Just as my Mah-dee promised, there is a celebration. Pashov’s mate Stay-see, Asha, and Kemli take charge of the food, doling out large portions of a slow-roasted dvisti stuffed with fresh herbs and seeds. The meat is tender and falls off the bone, and I groan with pleasure at every bite. Most of the cooking back at the Icehome camp is from a practical standpoint or necessity, and they do not take the time to pit-roast a dvisti for two days with herbs like Stay-see does. There are drums, and stories, and new kits to admire—Rokan’s new daughter looks just like him. Shorshie’s belly grows larger, as does Jo-see’s, and Vuh-ron-ca sits with Maylak, their heads close together as they share a private discussion. Pregnant Meh-gan sits in Cashol’s lap and clings to him as if he will disappear again. My Mah-dee does not—probably because Masan has taken over my lap—but she remains close and touches me often, her eyes promising wonderful things. I watch with contentment as Suh-mer and Kate bring out pots of paint and declare they will paint faces, and all the kits line up with excitement to get their turn.

As Mah-dee gets me another helping of food, I talk to my chief. I tell him how things are at the Icehome camp, how An-shee has given birth to a red-hued daughter and taken Vordis as her mate. How the islanders get better at hunting all the time. Shren and Will-uh’s return. How Leezh and Har-loh have both given birth to girls as well. How Raahosh and R’jaal have both taken on the mantle of leadership over the squabbling groups.

Vektal is pleased to hear that. “Perhaps I will not have to go back soon.” His gaze lingers on his mate, who seems thinner than before, and I know he wants to stay at her side.

“If they need more help, I will go back,” I promise. “But I will take my mate and son with me this time.” I do not plan on leaving them for such a long time ever again.

“Hopefully that will not be necessary,” Vektal says. “If they cannot be an independent tribe as they wish, it might be wiser for them to come here.” He rubs his chin, thinking. “We will see what the bitter season brings.”

Mah-dee clears her throat and leans over my shoulder, her mane swaying. “Are you two done talking?”

I glance over at my chief and he just grins, knowing. He gets up and approaches his mate, putting his arms around her as she talks to Jo-see. I turn to Mah-dee. “Now we are done.”

She wiggles her brows at me, her hand going to the front of my tunic. She grabs a handful of it and tugs at me, indicating I should get to my feet. “Masan is getting his other cheek painted, and then Summer’s going to keep him and Rollan busy for a while. They’re spending the night over at her place tonight. That means you and I get to privately celebrate.

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