My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 484

Taya

Earlier that morning.

"Damn it, Taya," I muttered, flipping the salt pork with a spatula. Grease hissed and popped in the hot pan. "You call that cooking?"

I slid the crispy, slightly burnt meat onto a platter, then cracked eggs into the pan. Scents of pork, char, and simmering milk filled the warm kitchen. I hummed quietly, a song echoing in my mind, as I stirred the eggs.

The door creaked and I glanced over my shoulder. Father was coming in, his left foot dragging across the stone floor. I smiled, watching him lower himself into a chair at the table.

"I'll have this ready in a minute," I said, sliding the eggs onto the platter. "Bread's just out of the oven. And I brought the strawberries I picked yesterday. Still warm from the sun."

Father smiled back, his dark eyes crinkling. I brought the platter to the table, then poured him a full mug of milk. Our mugs were mismatched... mine had a small chip, his a slight crack. I liked that they each had a story.

I sat across from him, tearing a chunk off my warm bread. "The clouds look good for rain today. We could use it." I took a bite, savoring the sweetness. "And there's still a gap in the western fence. The young ones got restless last night, tried to slip through."

"You should go with them next time," he said. "It's been too long since you've run."

I laughed. "You think I could keep up with them? I'd be exhausted in a mile."

He smiled again, his eyes twinkling.

The warmth of the kitchen surrounded me, mixing with the comfort of his presence. These were my favorite mornings. I lifted my chin slightly, keeping my gaze on him. "Father. A question for you."

"Yes, daughter?" His tone was gentle.

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