He gave a firm nod. "Good things deserve good responses. So, if Pala decides to stir up any trouble, count on to step in and negotiate. The sooner we sort this out, the sooner we can hit the road. Now, are you finished here for the mont? I’ll take you to dinner to kick off this eting."
He strode toward with undeniable confidence, effortlessly scooping up into his strong, defined arms, and pressing against his firm, warm, and perfectly sculpted chest.
I averted my eyes, savoring the sensation of being enveloped by him. What was happening to ? I had just t this man, yet here I was, utterly captivated. A deep, rumbling sound emanated from his chest, prompting to steal a glance at his face. Our eyes locked—his blue-gray eting mine—where a gentle warmth contrasted sharply with the bold masculinity of his features. The intensity in his gaze made my cheeks flush, and I instinctively looked down to escape his penetrating stare.
He chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent delightful shivers through as he stepped out of the healer’s hut, carrying through the village I hadn’t yet had the chance to explore. I glanced up, grateful for the distraction. The village was modest compared to Duarte Village, with simple huts and no second stories. The ground was mostly dirt, worn down paths where grass once thrived. Short, dry grass dotted the landscape, occasionally interrupted by a fruit tree. There was a small area with stalls, but they were all closed up for the night. The buildings had a rugged charm, and here and there, a post held a lantern, its light dim and flickering from low-quality luminescent crystals. Yet, the most stunning sight was the night sky, a canvas of twinkling stars—more than I had ever seen in my previous life. I could hear soft murmurs from within so of the huts, but it seed that this town settled down early, embracing the tranquility of the night.
We arrived in silence, the air thick with all the things left unsaid. There was a palpable tension that made my stomach flutter with nerves. Before us stood a sizable hut nestled next to a gentle river, its condition far superior to many of the other structures around. Flanking the hut were several long wooden tables, intricately carved with powerful claws, accompanied by chairs hewn from hefty logs. Lanterns dangled from the trees above, casting a warm glow, while a charming floral arrangent graced the center of the three tables. The overall ambiance was surprisingly delightful.
Our host directed us to an empty table, where she took her place at the head, flanked by admirers who seed eager to bask in her presence. At one table, a group of distinguished elderly beastkin held court, while another table was populated mostly by n, with a few won casting envious glances at the host and her entourage. Their irritation was palpable, especially as she occasionally shot them a smirk, clearly reveling in her elevated status. It was evident that Pala thrived on being the queen bee, delighting in flaunting her popularity to the other won.
Titus began to lead to a seat at the farthest table from Pala, but that simply wouldn’t do. I needed to have a word with her, and shouting across the gathering was not on my agenda. The presence of so many people only added to my discomfort. Who knew when another opportunity like this would arise? I had to resolve this today, especially since I planned to leave with Titus first thing tomorrow morning.
As Titus strode into the gathering with in his arms, the self-satisfied smirk on her face evaporated, replaced by a flash of indignation. I could practically see her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized the way he held so closely. Her gaze was laser-focused on his hands, brimming with disapproval. But as we neared her table, her deanor did a complete one-eighty, transforming into a bright and cheerful welco.
"I had no idea you two were such close friends. But honestly, did you grow up in a cave? Because where I co from, it’s just not done to touch males unless you’re seriously considering them for sothing more—like a mate or a servant. I an, what kind of remote village did you crawl out of? In the real world, that kind of behavior is just not acceptable. I don’t want to be rude, but I really wouldn’t want people to think you’re from so backwater tribe with zero class. And let’s be real, you’re so young that I doubt you’ve even experienced your first heat, considering no male has bothered to claim you yet—no mate bangle, no prospects. Maybe in a few seasons, when you’re a bit more mature, it might be appropriate for you to be touched by a male. At that point, I could introduce you to a suitable first male, because not every male is proper to be a first mate for soone like you," she said with a stiff smile while Titus inched closer to .
As she spoke, a handful of petite n erged, balancing plates of food—presumably her servants. Just how many n has she cramd into that cozy little hut? I attempted to count them but lost track at twenty, overwheld by the bustling activity and not wanting her to catch sizing up her entourage. Seriously, how does she keep all of them in line?
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. The thought of bringing this up made jittery! Why couldn’t Oliver have asked for sothing less awkward? This was just plain uncomfortable!
"Speaking of mates, I was curious if you might consider releasing Sam to ," I said, cringing internally. I felt like a scandalous mistress asking the wife to step aside.
Pala stared at , her eyes wide with disbelief, then glanced at Titus before returning her gaze to . The chatter at the tables ca to a halt, and all eyes were on us, a mix of shock and amusent painting their faces. It was clear everyone was tuned in to this unexpected mont.
A slow, smug grin crept across her face, starting off as a re smirk before blossoming into a full display of her sharp, pointy fangs. "Oh, Sam? He was my first male, you know, back when my family decided to settle in this quaint little village. At that ti, there were no predator beastkin around, so I had to settle for the strongest prey beastkin available. And let’s be honest, you know the drill—every girl needs a first male, or else it’s straight to the Female Snatching Ritual. Can you imagine the chaos if I joined that? Males would be clawing at each other just for a chance with , and honestly, that would just ruin the fun for everyone else. Only the desperate females get involved in that ss; we can’t have any order if I’m in the mix. Now that there are predator beastkin around, though? I might just consider parting ways with that little prey. I an, having a prey beastkin as my mate? So not my style. But hey, I’m sure he’ll find soone who appreciates his... lack of fangs," she said with a casual shrug, then turned her gaze to Titus, fluttering her eyelashes like she was trying to shake out so imaginary dust.
I was on the verge of speaking up, so close I could taste it, but I held back my words. Offending her while trying to persuade her to comply with my rather inappropriate request seed counterproductive. So, I opted for a smile and bit down on the inside of my cheek instead.
She hesitated, clearly expecting to chi in, but when I remained silent, a flicker of annoyance crossed her face before she moved on. Clearing her throat, she tossed her hair over her shoulder just as a male servant approached with her drink. I couldn’t help but notice the small army of at least thirty males milling about. My gaze drifted to the few won at the adjacent table, struggling to engage the available n with little success. It’s a pity that Pala, with her undeniable cuteness, had such a nasty streak. I’ve always found weasels charming too; it’s a sha she cos with such an unpleasant personality.
She cleared her throat, clearly realizing I had montarily tuned her out, and when I turned back, there she was with that oh-so-annoyed frown plastered on her face. It was almost cute how desperate she was to be the star of the show. So, I leaned in, elbows on the table, wearing my best "I’m totally captivated" face, all while suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. Satisfied that I was hanging on her every word, she flashed another smile and carried on.
"I guess I’ve just outgrown him, and honestly, he’s my only option for a beastkin mate. His personality? Not exactly my type, but hey, not everyone can snag a peak alpha male, right? She shot a look full of heart eyes at Titus. "If I were to hand Sam over to you, you wouldn’t be rushing to find another male anyti soon, would you?" She noticed how cozy Titus was getting next to again.
"Co on now," I said with a playful grin, flicking my wrist as if to brush off the idea. "I’m far too much of a novice to handle more than one guy at a ti. That’s precisely why I was hoping for a quiet beastkin; I tend to get all tongue-tied around males, particularly the ones who seem a bit daunting. Honestly, I should be the one asking you for so guidance."
"Oh?" she said and sat up straighter.
Coming Next Ti: "Help Out"
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