Page 44 of Chosen By Swift

The answer became clear as Alys turned toward him and smiled. The little boy slept blissfully against Alys’ shoulder. He couldn’t blame the kid. He rather liked tucking up against her that same way, especially with soft cushion of her full bosom right there. Seeing her with a baby, the gentle nurturing way she rocked him and caressed his pale white hair, sent his heart into overdrive. It was like a glimpse of the future—and he wanted it to become a reality more than anything he had ever wanted in his life.

“Swift,” Hallie greeted with a smile. “Alys has a magic touch when it comes to grumpy, teething babies.”

“I believe it.” He grinned at his mate. “She’s a very kind woman.”

“Yes, she is.” Hallie glanced at Zadie. “I’m glad these two were Grabbed together. It’s so much easier to adjust when you have friends.” Hallie’s gaze fell on Tirade, and her bright smile faded. “Of course, it’s even easier when the man who catches and collars you is respectful and patient.”

Ouch. Swift almost felt bad for Tirade. Almost.

“Yes, ma’am,” Tirade replied, duly chastised. His focus shifted to Zadie, and he said, “Sometimes, I can be a real idiot.”

“I can attest to that,” Orion remarked as he joined their small group with Vicious only a step behind. He exchanged a look with Tirade that made Swift extremely grateful he wasn’t the subject of the admiral’s ire.

“Kitten.” Vicious stepped behind Hallie, dwarfing his petite wife and holding her miniature in his arms. The girl was sleepy eyed and sucking her thumb, clearly just as tired as her brother. He must have noticed his son in Alys’ arms and reacted with surprise. “How did you manage to get Victor to sleep?”

“Heat,” Hallie said, glancing up at the general. “The only thing we haven’t tried.”

“It’s the ears,” Alys explained. “Those back teeth start to come in, and it makes their little ears hurt. Something nice and warm on the cheeks and behind the ears helps.” She hesitated. “There are some plants that can help—”

“Nightslipper,” Zadie interjected.

“Yes, but it’s tricky.” Alys gently rubbed Victor’s back as he made a whimpering sound. “If the plant is picked in the spring, it’s stronger and more deadly. If it’s picked in the fall, it’s less poisonous and less effective. We always gather it at the height of summer, when the plants are stressed from heat. It seems to make the best tinctures and salves then.”

“You use plants instead of medications?” Orion seemed interested. “I’m told you don’t have doctors either, and your community is hesitant to utilize the outpost medical care.”

“That’s changing,” Zadie assured him. “My father has allowed all of us to visit the outpost. My brother works there, and he told me the lines are getting longer. People are starting to trust you.”

“But?” Orion asked.

“Well,” Zadie exchanged a look with Alys, “you don’t let people pay for the care.”

“It’s part of our outreach mission,” Vicious said. “It’s supposed to be free.”

“Yes, but in our culture...” Zadie glanced at Alys, seemingly uncertain how to explain the problem.

“We’re proud people, sir.” Alys patted Victor’s back. “We don’t take charity.”

“I see,” Vicious said. “Then what would you suggest?”

“Barter?” Zadie offered. “Let people pay what they can afford. Farm fresh eggs. Milk. Bread. Produce. Meat. Your men have to eat.”

“They do,” Orion replied, and Swift could tell the gears in his brain were working. “And you think this would engender goodwill and more trust with the people in your villages?”

“Yes,” Zadie and Alys answered in unison.

Alys added, “You won’t make much headway with the more religious families like mine, but other families will take advantage of what you’re offering if it’s not seen as charity.”

The discussion ended there. Vicious and Hallie’s daughter started to fuss, and the two parents exchanged a look. It was the kind of silent communication long-term couples shared, and Swift wondered who long it would take for Alys to glance at him like that. Carefully, Alys handed Victor to Hallie who cuddled her still sleeping son.

“You really should consider entering the childcare pool,” Hallie remarked as she settled her son in her arms. “You’re a wonder, Alys.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“A few shifts from the pool now and you’ll have plenty of help when your first comes,” Hallie said with a pointed look in Swift’s direction.

Instead of coming straight to his side as the others left, Alys moved closer to Zadie. The two friends turned away from them, hiding their faces as they whispered whatever secrets they needed to share. Swift wasn’t bothered by it, but he sensed from Tirade’s rigid stance that his friend was worried.

“That can’t be good for me,” Tirade muttered grimly.

---