His Very Own Harem

Chapter - 50

The journey back to Ironhelm was thankfully calm, a welcome reprieve after the intensity of recent days. They traveled on the horses they'd brought with them, with Elara and Lily sharing one mount, while Angela rode with Jacob, seated in front of him. As she leaned back, her body pressing gently against his, Angela rested her head on his chest, as Jacob inhaled the scent of blueberries that drifted up from her hair.

Angela found herself amazed at how quickly she had come to feel comfortable—and undeniably drawn—to this man she had only recently met. The ease, the warmth, even the stirring of desire she felt in Jacob's arms was something she had never known with her husband, not in all their years together.

Whenever they made camp, Jacob often found himself glancing at the women, the small family he'd brought together. Angela, Elara, and Lily spent much of their time immersed in conversation, rediscovering bonds that had been strained and frayed by years of separation. Sometimes they would erupt into shared laughter; at other times, they would all have tears in their eyes, holding each other, as if to make up for the lost time.

--

As Ironhelm's gates came into view, Jacob felt a sense of ease. He led the way through the streets and toward the Iron Mug. The familiar smell of iron, wood smoke, and well-cooked food drifted through the air. Pushing open the door to the inn, he spotted Thorne right away, lounging behind the bar, as usual, a mug of ale in one hand and his gaze already focused on the small group entering.

Thorne's sharp eyes shifted from Jacob to the three women trailing behind him, eyebrows raising in recognition. As Jacob approached, he saw the glint of humor flash across Thorne's face, and he braced himself. "Ah, welcome back, my friend," Thorne said with a dramatic sigh, setting his mug down and wiping a nonexistent tear from the corner of his eye. "Look at you, Jacob—off on an adventure, and you come back not only triumphant but with your very own 'harem.' My little Jacob, growing up so fast. I'm so proud."

Jacob felt heat rise to his cheeks as Thorne chuckled, clearly reveling in the reaction he'd gotten. Angela, Elara, and Lily exchanged amused glances, and to Jacob's surprise, they all laughed—Lily letting out a little giggle, and even Angela's eyes crinkling with a soft smile. Jacob could only shake his head.

"Right, well," Jacob started, trying to maintain his composure, "Thorne, let's keep this introduction simple, alright? Angela here is Elara's mother, and the younger one is Lily, her sister." He pointed a firm finger at Thorne. "Now listen, I don't want you pulling any stunts or saying anything that'll make them uncomfortable, understood?"

Thorne straightened up, putting on a mock serious expression and giving a haphazard salute. "Aye aye, sir. I shall behave, as befits a gentleman," he said, feigning solemnity before winking at the women, who smiled in return.

Jacob sighed, but he handed a pouch of orins to Elara, nodding toward her mother and sister. "Elara, help them settle in. Anything you all need—clothes, supplies, just the basics—take this and get it, alright?"

Elara accepted the pouch with a grateful smile, tucking it away. She turned to her family and then gestured to Thorne, who took a small, graceful bow.

"Meet Thorne. Other than Jacob, he's one of the few friends I've got here," Elara explained, smiling a bit sheepishly. "He's actually quite a nice person—when he's not being ridiculous, that is."

Angela chuckled, "Well, it's good to know we'll have friends in this new place."

Thorne grinned broadly. "The more, the merrier! And I'll be on my best behavior," he added.

Angela and Lily then followed Elara's lead as they headed upstairs, leaving Jacob and Thorne standing in the main room.

Once they were out of earshot, Thorne leaned in, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. "So, bringing back a whole family this time, eh? Quite a soft side you've been hiding, Jacob."

Jacob rolled his eyes. "It's not like that, Thorne," he replied. "They've been through hell. I was in a position to help, so I did."

Thorne shrugged, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, either way, I'm glad to see you back in one piece. And… I think they'll be good for you."

Jacob didn't respond to that. Instead, he nodded and headed toward his room. Upstairs, in the hallway, Jacob heard Elara already filling them in on the small things she'd learned about Ironhelm, telling them stories about the inns and shops they'd soon visit and the things they might need. 

"Let's get some rest. Later, we'll go out and get everything we need to start fresh here," he heard Elara say.