Netori Harem: New life as a hunter and gatherer

Chapter 291: Massage and burden

"Haah... it’s all done," Luke said as he finally lay down beside Monica after finishing the last of the traps.

The room they had been given was on the ground floor, spacious enough to fit two more beds with room to spare.

Judging by its size, Luke guessed it had once held far more furniture before everything was cleared out.

"Good work. You must be exhausted," Monica said softly as she helped him slip off his vest.

"Thanks." He gave her a tired smile before his gaze drifted toward the window. "This house has way too many entry points."

The window stretched almost from waist to ceiling, wide enough for a short man to climb through without even needing to crouch.

"Don’t get paranoid now. We’re safe here," Monica said, hoping to ease his worries.

"Yeah, I also don’t think they’ll make a move tonight. Still, I can’t afford to let my guard down."

He pushed himself back to his feet, walked over to the window, and shut it firmly. After checking the latch, he carefully installed another small trap. If anyone tried to open the window, it would alert them instantly.

Monica let out a quiet sigh and shook her head with a helpless smile.

Her mate was unbelievably cautious.

Then again, she couldn’t blame him. They were in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by strangers, while the people hunting them outnumbered them by a wide margin.

Luke had just returned to the bed and was about to pull the covers over himself when a knock echoed through the room.

"It’s me."

The familiar voice made Monica walk over and open the door.

"Laila?" she asked, raising a brow. "Do you need something? Or did you decide you don’t want to sleep with Thea?"

Since Roxanne was sharing a room with Mila, Laila had naturally been paired with Thea. It wasn’t because there weren’t enough rooms. They had arranged it that way purely for security.

Laila shook her head.

"No, I’ll be fine there. Um... I actually came to give him a massage."

She lifted a small vial of oil, the very one Luke had left in her room a long time ago.

She had been carrying it around ever since for... certain reasons.

Now that she had it with her, she figured she might as well put it to good use.

"Are you sure?" Luke asked, his voice filled with concern. "Aren’t you tired yourself?"

He couldn’t help but wonder if she was forcing herself just because of the promise she had made.

Laila stepped inside without hesitation and smiled.

"No. I’m perfectly fine. I slept plenty during the ride in the cart and rested again after we arrived. So... let me do it."

Luke looked conflicted. She had managed to get some rest, but it hadn’t been for very long.

Before he could object, Monica spoke first.

"Let her take care of you, dear. Your body needs it."

A faint smile crossed Luke’s face as he gave in with a nod. The truth was, the constant traveling and vigilance had left every muscle in his body tense. Now that they were finally indoors, away from the cold glow of the moon, the exhaustion he had been ignoring began to settle over him.

"Okay then."

He rose to his feet and slowly pulled off his shirt, revealing a well-built physique that left both women momentarily speechless.

The muscles across his back shifted smoothly with every movement, each subtle flex highlighting the strength carved into his frame.

For a brief moment, neither Monica nor Laila said a word.

"Hmm?" Luke looked back at them in confusion, noticing they had both gone still.

Monica cleared her throat before quietly nudging Laila.

"Go on. Don’t keep him waiting."

Laila quickly nodded and stepped toward the bed.

Once Luke lay face down, she uncorked the vial and poured a generous amount of warm oil across his broad back. The soothing liquid spread over his skin, carrying a faint, calming fragrance that filled the quiet room.

She rolled up her sleeves before asking softly, "Mind if I climb on top of you?"

"Go ahead," Luke replied in a lazy mumble.

Laila carefully climbed onto the bed and straddled his waist, making sure not to place her full weight on him.

A moment later, her soft hands met the warmth of his skin.

"Mm..."

A quiet sigh escaped Luke as she spread the warm oil across his broad back. Knowing a gentle touch would only tickle him, she applied just enough pressure to ease the tension buried deep within his muscles.

Her palms moved in slow, steady circles, gradually increasing the pressure as tight muscles began to loosen beneath her touch.

Next, she pressed both thumbs along either side of his spine, tracing two firm lines from his shoulders downward.

"Haah..."

The contented breath that slipped from his lips brought a faint smile to Laila’s face. His quiet reactions were all the encouragement she needed.

Using the flats of her palms, she glided down both sides of his back with slow, deliberate strokes. When she reached his lower back, she focused there, kneading the area with gentle circular motions to work away the lingering stiffness.

She then placed a full palm on each side of his waist and slowly pushed upward, her hands gliding along the powerful muscles of his back with firm, even pressure.

"Mm... this... is heaven..." Luke murmured, the corners of his lips curling into a relaxed, satisfied smile.

Laila continued the massage, maintaining the same steady rhythm.

Before long, the room was filled with the gentle sound of Luke’s soft snores.

A warm smile spread across Monica’s face as she looked at her peacefully sleeping mate.

"He must have been exhausted," she whispered.

Laila nodded, guilt flickering across her expression.

"He has been on high alert ever since we left the village."

Monica let out a quiet sigh.

"I know... I’ve been worried about him too. No matter how casually he brushes it off whenever I mention his exhaustion, he’s still human. No matter how strong he is, even he needs time to rest."

Laila lowered her gaze.

"You’re right. And it’s not just because of the journey. We all expected the trail here to be dangerous, considering the route we had to take. But even after reaching this village, we’re still surrounded by danger. If anything... it feels even worse than the forest."

Monica silently agreed.

"I despise those people," she muttered, her voice carrying a trace of bitterness. "They’ve stolen Luke’s chance to rest and simply enjoy himself. He was supposed to be exploring the village, meeting new people, and experiencing a new place. Instead, he’s forced to spend every waking moment protecting us."

Laila fell silent, her hands never stopping as she continued kneading Luke’s back.

After a long pause, she spoke in a quiet voice.

"Mother... I don’t think this will end here."

Monica looked at her, puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

Laila let out a quiet sigh.

"I mean... if he were alone, he could actually enjoy his life. He’d only have himself to worry about, and Luke is strong enough to face almost any enemy and come back alive."

Her brows drew together as her voice grew heavier.

"But when it comes to us... he becomes vulnerable. He has to split his attention between the fight and our safety. Every moment, he’s carrying the fear that something might happen to one of us."

Monica lowered her gaze.

Not because Laila was wrong.

But because she was right.

It was something Monica had realized long ago, yet she had deliberately pushed the thought aside every time it surfaced.

Now, however, she could no longer look away.

More than anyone else...

She was the burden he carried.

Luke had never once complained, nor had he ever made her feel guilty for depending on him. Yet that only made it hurt more.

She was his greatest weakness.

The one person who could force him into impossible choices.

Monica’s heart quivered as a painful thought surfaced in her mind.

What if... one day... you get hurt because of me?

She closed her eyes.

If that day ever came...

Monica didn’t know how she would ever forgive herself.

~~~~~