Chapter 214: Six Days Left

Less than six days left before the Spring Festival. The weather had gotten much better and the snow had also reduced significantly. The cold was still there, but it was bearable now.

Sif and the kids were playing outside with a colorful ball that Neve had bought from the market using his Bond Points. Their laughter echoed through the village, a sound that made Neve smile even though his heart was breaking.

He watched them from the cave entrance, sitting on a cushioned seat made with fur that Popi had insisted he use. Since all he was asked to do was sit and do nothing because of the pregnancy, all he could do was walk around the cave slowly and eat fruit salad.

Neve had been using his time productively though. When he had energy, he sewed new outfits for everyone. Clothes they would wear for the Spring Festival. He had made dresses for Popi and the kids. He had made shirts and pants for his mates. He wanted everyone to look good for the festival.

Even though he knew he would not be there to see them wear those clothes. Or maybe he would. He wasn’t sure when it was going to happen.

Thanks to Sorin’s plant ability, the village had become prosperous and lively. Trees all over the outcast territory were producing fruits and vegetables. People had so much to eat that villagers were even surprised and asking how it was possible.

Neve had not told them the truth. Let them believe it was magic. Let them believe it was a blessing from the gods or whatever they believed in..

Popi came out of the kitchen carrying a wooden bowl filled with soup. She had made it herself. Steam rose from the surface, carrying a savory aroma.

Somehow, Popi had been learning how to take care of herself, especially how to make soup, since she was pregnant. Neve could see it now, the slight swell of her belly. She was carrying cubs or eggs.

Neve lowered his eyes to her stomach, wondering whose babies they were. Gideon’s or Varek’s. The two males had stopped fighting over her so intensely after Neve had talked to them about sharing. They did not even argue or fight anymore. Both Gideon and Varek were taking good care of her, working together to ensure she was comfortable and well fed.

It was actually kind of sweet to watch.

"Here," Popi said, handing the bowl to Neve carefully. "I made this for you today."

"Thank you," Neve said, taking a spoon and tasting it carefully.

The flavor was good. The broth was warm and filled with vegetables and meat. But it was slightly too salty.

"How is it?" Popi asked eagerly, waiting for his response.

"It is perfect," Neve said, "but could use a little less salt. Just a tiny bit less next time."

Popi nodded thoughtfully.

"I will try again tomorrow," she said. "I am still learning."

Neve laughed. "Why don’t you try making stew next?"

He had been eating soup for the past one week because of her constant practice. She kept making new batches and asking for his opinion.

"I am sorry," Popi said jokingly, putting her hand on her chest. "Just one more time. Please? I want to get it right."

Neve agreed, patting the seat next to him for her to sit.

When he gave her the wooden bowl back, a messenger suddenly ran into the cave. His clothes were torn and his face was red from exertion.

"Popi!" the messenger called out, breathing heavily. "Neve! Something is happening at the village!"

"What is it?" Popi asked, immediately alert.

"Someone is beating up Ryker at the village center!" the messenger said, still catching his breath.

"What?!" Neve screamed as he stood up quickly.

He grabbed his stomach in pain as he groaned a little, feeling a sharp discomfort from the movement. The cubs inside him were sensitive to stress.

Popi immediately put her hands on his shoulders, trying to calm him.

"Sit down," she said firmly. "You cannot be moving around like this."

She turned to the messenger, her expression serious.

"Who is beating Ryker up?" Popi asked. "Ryker is the chief. He is supposed to fight back. But if he is unable to fight back, it means the person is someone important. Someone he respects or fears."

The messenger looked at Popi and took a deep breath.

"He has a tattoo on his chest," the messenger said. "A tiger stripe tattoo. And his eyes are the same color as... yours."

Popi immediately groaned and clapped her hand on her forehead.

"It is my father," she muttered, shaking her head. "Of course it is."

Neve’s eyes widened.

"Your father? Why would your father be beating Ryker up?" Neve asked, confusion clear in his voice.

Popi immediately reminded Neve about the original arrangement. She was supposed to be mates with Ryker. But since Ryker had fallen in love with Neve instead, Popi had made sure she did not end up bonded to him.

"My father made a deal with Ryker," Popi explained, sitting down next to Neve. "Ryker wanted to become chief of the tiger tribe. My father said he would support him, but only if Ryker married me in return. My father wanted the union of two powerful beasts through me and Ryker."

Neve nodded slowly, understanding everything she had just said.

"But then Ryker met you," Popi continued. "And he fell for you. He decided he did not want to marry me. He wanted to be your mate instead."

"So what did you do?" Neve asked.

"I made sure the deal was off," Popi said. "I wasn’t able to tell my father that I did not want to be Ryker’s mate since he was always travelling. I couldn’t even tell him that I loved someone else. I’m sure my father would get angry, but he will eventually accept it. He still supported Ryker to become chief because it was politically beneficial for our tribe."

Neve felt the weight of the situation.

"So now your father is angry because the deal fell through?" Neve asked.

"Probably," Popi said, standing up. "Or maybe he found out about my pregnancy and wants to know who the father is. I’m not even sure. Either way, I need to handle this before things get worse."

"Go," Neve said, touching her arm gently. "Stop your father before it escalates. Ryker should not have to fight someone from his tribe."

Popi smiled at Neve.

"You are right," she said. "I know what to do. I will talk to my father."

She left quickly, moving toward the village center.

Neve heaved a long breath of relief and touched his stomach, rubbing it gently as the cubs inside him seemed to calm down.

"I better be careful," he muttered to himself, feeling the weight of his situation pressing down on him. "Before I trigger the system into making this six days reduce to two or maybe less."