My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 404

Nadia

I slipped my key into the lock and stepped inside. The hallway was dim, only the front room lights on. I hung my coat and dropped my bag by the door. Mama's voice drifted from the kitchen. "Nani, you're home. I left your dinner on the stove."

I entered the kitchen to find Toby sitting at the table, shelling beans into a bowl. Mama was stirring a pot of soup and the smell filled the small room. A loaf of bread sat on the counter, cut into uneven slices. I pulled off my scarf and unwound my hair.

"Thanks, Mom, something smells good." I slid onto the chair beside Toby.

"Of course! I'd never let my favorite sister starve." He grinned at me.

"I'm your only sister." I rolled my eyes and snatched a bean pod from his hand.

"Hands off, thief." He flicked a green bean at me. "I worked hard shelling these."

I laughed and tossed the bean back, catching it neatly. "They're surviving somehow."

The front door creaked open. I felt my shoulders tense, but Toby just called out, "Dad's home!" as if it were any ordinary day. Footsteps approached and Father appeared in the doorway, briefcase in hand, looking haggard. He smiled wearily at us.

"Sorry I'm late. Had to finish up some reports." He set down his briefcase and kissed her cheek. "That smells wonderful, Wren." He turned and ruffled Toby's hair. "Toby!" Toby scowled and swatted at his hand.

Father finally turned to me. "Nadia. Good day?"

"I did, thank you." I hugged him, breathing in the familiar scent of his pipe tobacco cologne. "Are you okay? You look a bit worn out."

"Oh, it's nothing, just a long day." He waved it off. "I could use a cup of tea, I think."

Mama nodded and moved to put on the kettle. Father sank into the chair across from us and loosened his tie. Toby resumed his shelling. I noticed Mama's eyes flick to the window behind him, but she turned back to the stove without comment.

As Father sipped his tea he asked Toby about his day and they chatted about his school project. Mama ladled the soup into bowls and brought out plates of bread. We sat down together, the four of us.

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