After cleaning up, with Luke doing most of the work since Ginna was far too exhausted to move much, the two returned to bed.
Ginna rested her head on his arm, pressing herself against his side while he gently stroked her back.
They had naturally put their clothes back on, although after everything they had just shared, the older woman had wanted nothing more than to fall asleep without them.
"What are you thinking about?" Ginna asked, noticing him staring blankly at the ceiling.
From this angle, his profile looked strangely captivating, making it difficult for her to look away.
Really...she should be acting more like someone her age.
But whenever it came to Luke, nothing ever worked the way it should.
"Nothing," Luke replied before letting out a quiet sigh. "Just thinking about what we should do from here."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Tomorrow, Monica, Laila, and I will be heading to Roxanne’s homeland. Before that, though, we need to move."
Ginna remembered the unusual request Luke had made in exchange for saving the village. It had been strange, but it was exactly the sort of thing he would ask for.
She could tell he carried a deep desire to see the world. Perhaps Roxanne’s village would become the first step of a much greater journey.
Speaking of moving...
"I heard about it from Monica," Ginna said softly. "But Luke, won’t things be better here now?"
Luke turned to her with a puzzled hum. "What do you mean?"
"I mean...you saved the mate of the man who caused all those problems for you. So now..."
"It isn’t about that anymore, Ginna."
Luke understood what she was trying to say, but his decision had already been made.
"Whether it’s now or later, we would have to move eventually. This place has become too cramped, and it will stay that way for quite some time. I’d rather have a home of our own."
It wasn’t just because of Terek.
Having their own house would free Monica from the constant fear that someone might overhear them. It would also ease everyone’s workload and finally give them a place where they could truly live in peace.
Sensing the sudden silence, Luke glanced at her.
"What happened, Ginna?"
She lowered her gaze, her fingers lightly clutching his shirt.
"Luke...I won’t lie. I’ve always been hesitant to leave this house, and you know why." Her voice softened. "But now...I’ve made my decision."
She lifted her eyes to meet his.
"I’ll come with all of you...wherever you go."
A faint smile tugged at Luke’s lips.
"What brought on this sudden change?"
Ginna slowly shook her head.
"Nothing happened." A small, almost shy smile appeared on her face. "I just finally understood what I truly want."
She nestled closer against him until there wasn’t even a sliver of space between them.
"And..." she whispered, "...what I want is to be with you."
Luke’s heart fluttered.
Such an adorable woman...
She deserved to be loved with all his heart.
’Monica was right about her...’
If not for Monica’s encouragement, Luke would have hesitated to approach Ginna. He wouldn’t have wanted to give her hope if he couldn’t truly commit to their relationship.
But now...
He was grateful he had listened to his mate.
He has a family now. Three beautiful women who trusted him completely, and whom he could trust with his life.
Letting out a quiet sigh of contentment, he wrapped his free arm around Ginna’s shoulders and gently pulled her closer before closing his eyes.
Today had been another long day. But ended on a sweet note.
....
Early the next morning, Luke woke up earlier than usual.
With a groan, he slowly opened his eyes and immediately realized why.
Both of his arms had gone completely numb.
His expression softened when he saw the two women still fast asleep despite the bright morning light streaming into the room.
It was rare to see them sleeping in. They were usually the first to wake, taking care of the countless little chores that kept the house running.
Carefully, Luke slipped his arms free, gently lifting their heads and resting them on the bed instead.
Thankfully, neither of them stirred.
He quietly got to his feet and stretched, his back letting out a series of satisfying cracks. A relieved groan nearly escaped his lips, but he held it back.
’Hopefully Roxanne hasn’t forgotten about today’s trip.’
She had said they would meet near her new house.
Before that, though, he needed to meet Gary. He wanted to hear about the hunting contest and find out whether Gary had managed to secure a new house.
Stepping out of the room, Luke found the house wrapped in complete silence.
It was surprising, but also understandable.
Just then, Luke heard the rhythmic sound of a broom sweeping across the ground.
It was coming from outside.
Quietly, he walked toward the entrance and opened the door.
The sight waiting for him was unexpected.
"Working hard, are we?" he asked.
The woman flinched before quickly turning around to glare at him.
"Stop sneaking up on me."
Luke let out a quiet scoff.
"Glad to see you’re keeping your word, Nala."
Standing before him was his first love...and the first woman to reject him.
Nala.
The woman who now served the second mate of the chief.
Two days ago, when they had met in the forest, she had asked Luke to find Thea. In return, she promised to work for him until then.
True to her word, she was here.
Crossing his arms, Luke leaned against the doorframe.
"Tell me, Nala. Did your mate participate in yesterday’s hunting contest?"
The question caught her off guard.
There was something unsettling about the way he mentioned her mate. His expression remained calm, almost amused.
Did it really not bother him anymore?
Lowering her voice, she answered, "He brought back the first major catch. An antler that was worth twelve bricks. But then Dart arrived, and my mate had no choice but to step aside."
Luke chuckled.
"And what did my dear friend bring yesterday?"
Nala blinked.
"You didn’t see?" Her brows rose in surprise. "It was a huge elephant..."
She grimaced before continuing.
"Then again, how could you have noticed? You walked in with that gigantic beast of yours."
Luke hummed thoughtfully.
"You saw that?"
"Yes." Nala nodded. "It’s still lying just outside the village perimeter."
After a brief pause, she added quietly,
"I didn’t know you’d become this strong, Luke."
He tilted his head with a faint smile.
"Having regrets now?"
Nala’s face immediately flushed.
"Don’t spout nonsense." She looked away. "Let’s not talk about the past."
Luke nodded.
"Fine. Let’s not."
His smile faded into something calmer.
"But one thing can’t be denied. If not for you, I probably would’ve stayed a weak, cowardly man for the rest of my life. Your cold words were what finally ignited my rage."
Nala’s shoulders sank.
"Luke..." Her voice turned hesitant. "Are you still upset about it?"
Luke simply shrugged.
"Who knows?" He chuckled. "Though I’m still willing to tolerate the sight of you, so maybe I’m not that upset."
Nala pursed her lips and stepped closer.
"Look, Luke..."
"Uh-uh."
He raised a finger, stopping her just before her hand could reach his cheek.
"Just because I’m speaking to you politely doesn’t mean we’re friends again."
His eyes met hers without a trace of warmth.
"Know your place, woman."
Nala slowly lowered her hand.
"...I apologize."
Her expression dimmed as she took a step back.
"I’ll get back to work."
Luke gave a small nod and watched her walk away in silence.
A grin slowly spread across his face.
’This is only the beginning.’
’The lingering resentment...and the desperate longing my old self once had for you won’t disappear overnight.’
’If I’m going to put those feelings to rest, expect much more than this.’