Reborn as a Side Character in the Beastworld

Chapter Twenty-nine

I stored Lance's offer in the back of my brain for future exploration.

"Not tonight. I'm exhausted. Tomorrow after you reclaim your property, we'll find a decent place to camp outside of the city."

"Whatever you prefer." He shrugged and leaned into his coils, closing his eyes.

I leaned into Harvey. Both Harvey and Winston were looking at me expectantly. I had made the decision arbitrarily. I would need to speak with them one on one tomorrow and hear what their concerns are. It wasn't about not wanting others to hear but more to give them time to voice their thoughts without interruption. So, instead of saying anything, I crawled my way on all fours to Winston and Kit, making sure Harvey had a great view, before kissing both him and Kit on the cheek and laying my head on his thigh. Then, I looked at Harvey and held my arms out in invitation. He gave me a look of surrender before he shifted and made his way to me. He placed his large fluffy head within my arms and I kissed his muzzle. His ears and tail twitched in reaction. Kit must have sensed my presence because he snuggled closer to my head, burying his nose in my hair. Winston made eye contact and we held each other's gazes for a time. Then, he started to comb my hair with his fingers. I relaxed the last bit of tension I had been holding and closed my eyes, allowing sleep to put a pause to all my planning and anxiety.

Winston looked down at his fiery mate as he stroked her long silky hair. She had fallen asleep quickly under his touch. He knew that Bailey would need multiple and strong mates. It wasn't uncommon for females to have ten or more. But he couldn't' help the twinge of doubt that gripped his stomach. Bailey was decisive and strong. She chose her mates quickly once she knew she wanted them. He also knew that she was not the kind of female that chose just any strong male. It was like she saw into their hearts and knew whether they would be a good fit for her or not. She had only known Lance for a few days but was already sure. It was true the snake was different from any other feral he'd encountered, but he couldn't trust Lance completely. Based on their conversation, the snake was interested in Bailey but it didn't seem like he loved her the same way he or even Harvey did. Would that change? Would the snake come to love her, or would he lose interest and fail to protect her? If it was the latter, Winston desired nothing more than to become stronger so he could kill the snake himself.

The thought had his gaze move to the snake. "I'll kill you if you hurt her. Even if it kills me." His voice was low so as not to wake her.

Lance opened one eye to size up the tiger and then closed it. "If I hurt her. I'll let you."

The reply was unexpected. The snake had a way with words. He could very well be lying. But if he was being genuine... Bailey truly did have some insight into male hearts. Though he was conflicted about her choice, he decided to respect it. But he would remain cautious.

Harvey heard the words exchanged. He looked at her sleeping face so close. The wounds felt like a scar on his own heart. He had already failed once to protect her. Never again, he promised himself. He wasn't as strong as Winston so those kinds of death threats weren't something he could offer. Besides, she was free to choose whoever she wanted. He might not be able to protect her in the same way as the snake and tiger could, but he would never leave her. He was just happy to be by her side and would do everything in his power to keep both her and Kit healthy.

I woke to a fox paw on my face. Kit had gotten sick of waiting for me to wake up on my own and decided to take matters into his own paws.

"Mamma? Awake?"

I grumbled. "I am now." I scooped the little miscreant into my arms and tickled his belly till he squealed. He soon escaped my clutches and ran to hide behind Winston who was preparing the fish that someone had caught. I got to all fours and moved as though to chase after him, but Lance wrapped his tail around my middle, lifting me sit on him before I could. I gave him a small pout.