Barbarian Mine (Ice Planet Barbarians #4)(53)

Because I sure do miss sex. I love Rukhar, and I love being back with the tribe…but I want my mate back, too.

I tuck Rukhar under my arm and head over to visit Liz’s cave.

She and Raahosh are near Rukh and me, at the back of the spacious cavern system that houses the tribe. I’m not surprised to see Georgie there, though there’s no sign of the healer. “Where’s Maylak?” I ask as I settle in to join the women.

“Taking a nap,” Georgie says. “It’ll be a while yet, according to her. Liz is barely having contractions.” She pats her own enormous belly with a sigh. Georgie’s more than ready to give birth, though the child in her stomach doesn’t seem like it’s in any hurry.

Liz makes a face at Georgie. “The moment you feel anything close to a cramp, you’re going to scream bloody murder yourself, so don’t give me shit.” She raises her arms. “Now, gimme my favorite nephew.”

I hand off Rukhar, and settle in to wait with my friends. I’m a little annoyed Maylak isn’t here, because I want to ask her about sex and if I’m okay to have it again. She’s the closest thing we have to a doctor, and I’m impatient to make a change.

It’s time, I think.



? ? ?





Day passes into evening, and evening becomes night before Liz’s baby makes its way into the world. Raashel is a fat, healthy baby with a shock of her father’s dark hair and her mother’s pale coloring…and no tail. It’s different than Rukhar but she seems otherwise perfect, so even Maylak isn’t worried. Liz sobs happily and holds her child as if it might break. When Raahosh enters to see his mate and their child, I swear the man looks as if he’ll burst into tears of joy. Georgie, Maylak, and I quickly exit the cave to give the new family some private time.

Outside in the main cavern, someone has broken out the sah sah and is passing it around. It’s a fermented drink that the sa-khui like, but I’m not a fan of it. Plus, I’m nursing and I’m pretty sure that’s not good for the baby. There are rowdy drunks and someone drums a song. Georgie yawns and makes a face. “I am happy for Liz, but I can’t say that I don’t wish it was me at this point.”

“You are close,” Maylak says, reaching out to touch Georgie’s swollen belly. “Your kit has dropped.”

Georgie brightens. “You think so? I’m so ready to give birth.” She rubs her enormous stomach. “I feel like I should have been the first one to have a baby, and you and Liz are ahead of me.”

“Babies come on their own time I guess,” I say, holding sleepy Rukhar against my shoulder. He’s just finished feeding again and is ready to nap. “You’ll have plenty of time once he gets here. Or she.”

Georgie nods and holds her arms out. “You want me to take him for a few hours? Give you and your mate some alone time?”

It’s like she can read my mind. I blush and hesitate, looking at my sweet baby’s face. He won’t need to feed for a bit, and I wouldn’t mind getting Rukh alone. I look over at Maylak as if asking for permission.

She puts a hand on my now-flatter stomach, which startles me. Her eyes glow bright for an instant, and then dim again. She nods. “Your body is well.”

Georgie wiggles her hands, indicating I should pass the baby over. “Were you guys planning this?” I grumble as I hand her Rukhar.

“It’s a little obvious that you guys need some alone time,” Georgie says with a grin, tucking my son against her with an adoring expression on her face. She cups his little head and then glances at me. “Vektal says Rukh can’t stop staring at you every time he sees you, and he’s distracted on hunts.”

I blush. “Well, we can’t have that, can we?”

She winks at me. “Besides, this’ll give me an excuse not to party other than ‘I’m too pregnant and tired’.” She disappears into the celebrating throng, heading back to her cave. For a moment my entire body itches, and it takes everything I have not to chase her down and snatch my baby back. A few hours away will be good for both of us, and Georgie is more than ready to get some baby practice time in.

Maylak chuckles at my expression and pats my shoulder. “It gets easier, I promise. You will soon be excited for the days when someone offers to take your child for a few hours. For now, enjoy tonight and enjoy your mate.” She smiles and hides a yawn. “I’m off to find mine and my bed.”

Not the worst idea I’ve heard so far. I glance around the cavern, looking for a familiar pair of horns and a man that stands slightly differently than the others. I spot him easily – he’s off by the central fire pit, helping to butcher the kill and chatting with Vektal as he does. They chat with Oshen, one of the elders, as he spits some of the meat for the humans. Even though it’s been a year and some change, not everyone can get used to eating their food raw, and kills are divvied up accordingly. I still prefer mine cooked, and I’m guessing that’s why Rukh is waiting nearby.

As if he can hear my thoughts, my mate looks up and makes eye contact with me. A possessive gleam shines in his gaze as he watches me. I bite my lip, wondering if I want to wait for food, or if I want to enjoy the time with my man instead.

I tilt my head at our cave, suggesting Rukh meet me there. I’m going to go with ‘mate’ instead of food.