The Brave Human Mate

33.

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Healer Rhea's POV

The relief that Rhea had felt when exiting the meeting room was something that could not be described. Not in so many words at least, so when Stephan had found her standing idly by, he came forward and wrapped a supportive hand over her shoulder and turned to face her properly.

Only to find that her eyes were filled with tears.

"What is it? What's wrong?" He stumbled over his words as he managed to stand directly in front of her. He began caressing the better part of her face—Trying to detect any wrongdoings or injuries that might be pressing her at the moment.

"Just a happy cry. I don't think I would've been able to tell all those waiting for me bad news." Stephan sighed, nodding along.

This wasn't an ideal situation of course, but he would make do. He always did, and if anything, the woman beside him was just the same. Even with their courtship pending, there were a few dozen things that needed to get done as well.

The infirmary was running on the sheer will and stress of two hardly trained Healers that were more suitable as helpers than pupils, but Rhea approved of their motivation and dedication—And she thanked them endlessly.

In reality, Sadie and Noira were just thankful that their Mentor had returned, and with the promise of another Healer to aid them!

Rumor had spread about Rhea's miraculous return, and it was downplayed—Not only did the pack know about the King's obsessive nature, but the Alpha had made it known that they would do everything in their power to protect her.

Or so help them, goddess, they would be right back to worry about the health and care of their loved ones.

Course, Rhea couldn't see many patients a day. Not when she was meeting with the higher tiers about her coming project, making sure her males were alright, and training her pupils—On top of trying this courtship with Stephan.

But at the end of the day, it was the fact that she could sit down and unwind in someone's arms that truly made things at ease.
That she felt protected, cared for, and guarded.

Rhea did not know what Stephan had said to Cedric, but there was no doubt some sort of blame and guilt festering in Cedric. So the first had been a few glances in her direction and nothing more, not when they were alone at least.

It wasn't until she had a straightforward discussion with him that there was no harm done, no matter what anyone says. This wasn't his fault, and the poor male had cried out his relief that she felt this way.

Clearly, her abandonment had done more harm than good, and thus, she relished in the fact that she meant so much to this pack. And did her best to speak with as many pack members as she could, acquiring job opportunities for the new groups incoming.

The foundation of Rhea's property was already remodeled to fit the plans, dozens of trees were being cut down and crafted into the proper sizes to start the build of the large home—One that would house everyone for the time being, as the plans indicated.
Course, that would change when the individual homes were set to be built.

As of yet, there were only two dozen living on the property, and Rhea did her best to make sure they were fed and comfortable. However, the wind had given way, and the rumors of her shack being upgraded had called forth the better half of the pack.
The builders offered their support, the smith had offered to refine or borrow out tools that they would need.

The farmers had already set the inquiry for animals, and Rhea had purchased a good few of the pick—Hoping that Nelo would favor that since his woodwork was more so when things were finished or small. But no matter, even now, he was very diligent in the care for his young chickens and the young goats that caused more trouble than they were worth.