Page 19 of Saved By a Barbarian

“If you’re going to be in here, make yourself useful,” she grouched, hobbling away to check on something else. Her tent always smelled so delicious, and I was glad no one heard mystomach grumbling. I’d worked up an appetite with Patrick the day prior.

While wrapping some twine around the bundles, I watched Patrick work. He had strong muscles in his arms from working the dough every day, and a serene smile on his face. He was happy working with Yamileth. I hoped that was a good thing.

“Have you cooked a meal yet?” I asked, because while I wanted to let him focus, I was also desperate for his attention.

He shook his head, smiling warmly at me. “Not yet. I asked Yamileth to give me the tasks first. I wanted to show her I know what I’m doing.”

I shot a questioning look at Yamileth, who nodded. “He is knowledgeable in cooking, but I need to see his skill before I allow him to cook for the clan.” She narrowed her eyes on Patrick. “When your tasks are done, cook me something small so I can see what you can do.”

I jerked to face Patrick, giving him my biggest pout. He snickered at me.

“Alright. I’ll make enough for both of you. Don’t make that face.”

“Why? Does it do something to you?” I asked, waggling my eyebrows. He laughed harder, which had been my goal, and I beamed in triumph. I wanted so much to make him happy.

“You two are sickeningly sweet,” Yamileth commented, making Patrick blush hotly. He didn’t look upset about the comment, though, a small pleased smile pulling at his lips. He was happy, and I would do anything to keep him that way.

I helped Patrick and Yamileth until Rath came to find me and dragged me away to hunt. He looked about as happy as I felt to leave, and when I raised an eyebrow at him, he made a face.

“You try waking up with an amorous bondmate and feeling excitement for doing anything but staying in bed with him,” he grumbled.

I nodded in commiseration. “I understand. I had no wish to leave the warmth of our bed this morning either. Had Patrick not had his own work to do, I would have tried to convince him to stay.”

As we guided our stallions through the trees, Rath asked, “Is he well enough to help? He is still in pain, is he not?”

“He is,” I agreed with a sigh. “But he’s determined to help.”

Rath hummed, keeping his voice low so as not to scare the game away. “Then support him and do what you can to ease his pain when he is resting. Perhaps more furs for sleeping, to make him more comfortable.”

That was a good thought. Patrick hadn’t complained about sleeping with me, but he was also not one to complain. He had yet to say much about his pain, even though I could tell he was uncomfortable. More furs would be good. I would also speak with Zoya and ask her what ways I could help Patrick. She said she would monitor him, but surely there was more I could do.

After catching a few larger fowl, I spent some time gathering the herbs Yamileth needed that were farther in the forest. There were others in the clan who would gather herbs for her, but none would venture this far without an escort. It was faster for me to do it.

I was tucking the last of the herbs away in my pouch when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“You should have told me you were lonely. I would have taken care of you,” Tavik purred.

Spinning around, I scowled at him. “What are you doing out here?”

Tavik was not a hunter. He was a warrior, and not a very good one. He was not taught how to defend against the more dangerous creatures of the forest, the ones who were not easily defeated by steel alone. He didn’t belong out here without an escort.

“I wanted to speak with you,” he said, the suggestive purr still in his throat. “Surely you aren’t getting your needs cared for by that casak.”

I bared my teeth at the use of the foul term. “Watch it,” I warned.

He strode closer, all cocky confidence. It was that attitude that made me uninterested. He had propositioned me before. I had no desire to waste my time with men like him.

“You know I am more a man than he will ever be. Let me prove it to you.”

He reached for my trousers, like he believed I would let him touch me willingly. I was quick to block him, drawing out my sword and putting it against his throat.

“Do not touch me.”

The air of seduction on his face faded, and he glared at me. “Why do you deny me? You always have. I am better than everyone in our clan and still you push me away.”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes at him. “It is that attitude that puts me off your advances. You are full of yourself and only interested in your own wants. It would be no different if I did indulge you. Go slake your lust with someone else. I am not interested.”

From the look in his eyes, he wanted to push the issue, but with my blade at his neck, he had no choice but to step back. He glowered at me, lifting his chin stubbornly.

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