Chapter 14
I stacked firewood into the open space and watched the flames surge upward, hot and high. Kai helped me lower all the things I had molded—clay pots, a mortar, a frying pan—toward the fire. Then I carefully covered it all, leaving just enough space for the wood to breathe and burn.
I decided to stay close. If I didn't tend to the fire regularly, it might die out before everything finished baking.
It was still early when I noticed a beast male approaching Kai. Their hushed conversation carried vague words: court, war, fight, chief. Kai looked at me with uncertainty written across his face.
"Don't worry about me," I reassured him softly. "I'm not leaving the house."
He nodded, though he looked torn, then left with the male—urgency in his every step.
As soon as he disappeared from view, a heavy sense of emptiness settled over me like a blanket. I'd gotten used to Kai's presence. The silence without him felt strange. I focused on feeding more wood into the fire, trying to distract myself.
I didn't really know anyone else here—and that was the odd part. Just as I thought that, I heard leaves rustling nearby. I stood up quickly, alert and cautious.
The approaching footsteps were neither hurried nor hesitant. I was sure they didn't belong to Kai.
A female beast emerged from the trees. She looked unfamiliar, but something about her presence felt warm… comforting, even.
"Hi, Mrs. Walmart," she said gently. "I hope I'm not disturbing your peace. I'm Rose—Sam's partner. Kai asked me to keep you company."
She spoke with care, almost as if afraid of being misunderstood.
I studied her—not to judge, but to see through any possible mask. When I found none, I smiled.
She was undeniably beautiful—probably the most striking female beast I'd seen. Still, I couldn't help but think I'm more delicate, more feminine... more innocent, in my own human way.
"Please, sit," I said, motioning for her to come closer.
She smiled and walked over, looking at me like I was some rare statue.
"Is there a problem?" I asked, raising a brow at her intense stare.
"No… not really," she hesitated before adding, "I heard you were small and too fragile, but also... beautiful. I thought people were exaggerating. But now that I see you in person, they didn't describe even half of what you are."
Her words surprised me—honest, even flattering.
"You're the first to compliment me," I admitted, eyes drifting away. "Since I arrived here, all I've heard are judgments about how little and weak and infertile I am. It made me question the character of the beast people—especially the females."
Rose let out a soft sigh, then smiled.
"It's because you married Kai," she explained. "He was considered a rare treasure—unmated, untouched. Even the bonded females thought they had a chance. But then you appeared. Everyone assumed he'd reject you."
I listened, unsure where she was going with this.
"No one was concerned at first. Then, he marked you the same day you arrived. He hasn't left your side since. That's what unsettled them. Jealousy. Envy. Their words are meant to trigger your insecurities… or create them."
She paused before continuing gently, "But don't judge everyone by that. Most here are kind. Kai has ruled this tribe well. Don't let a few bitter females define us all."
I gave her a small smile. "And you? Are you jealous of me too?"
She laughed lightly. "No. I already have two male mates. Sam's one of them—you might know him."
Sam. Of course. Kai's right-hand man. But two mates?
"You're married to two males?" I asked in disbelief. "You… you can do that?"
"Yes," she nodded. "Female beasts are few, and we're vital for continuing our kind. To ensure survival, it's common for one female to marry several males. Some have six. Others have ten or more."
My eyes widened as her words hit me.
"Pearl?" she called, noticing the color drain from my face.
"I'm fine," I muttered, though my heart pounded. Ten mates?
"But your case is different," Rose added carefully. "Kai's the last of his bloodline. Your fertility is crucial. If you can't bear children, he may be forced to remarry. And honestly... that won't be peaceful for you."
Her voice softened, but the words struck like cold water.
I hated being pressured—but maybe this couldn't be avoided.
"I see," I murmured, turning back to the fire. I didn't want to dwell on it.
"I heard human females love fire," Rose commented, her tone curious as she watched the flames dance. "But… won't it burn you if you get too close?"
"We love it," I replied, feeding in more wood. "We use it to cook food."
She seemed unconvinced, like she didn't quite understand what I was doing, but we let the topic rest. We spoke more about life here and my limited memories of the human world. I avoided details—there was no way to explain things like phones, electricity, or cities without sounding insane.
Then, suddenly, that familiar cold and compelling voice cut through the air.
"Did you miss me?"
I turned sharply, and there he was—Kai.
I smiled, bold and genuine. Even though Rose kept me company, his absence had lingered in the back of my mind like a shadow.
"Looks like Sam is back," Rose said, standing up. "I'll leave you two. If you want to visit, I live in the cave opposite yours."
She turned to me with a playful grin. "Thanks for the tour of your 'house,'" she said, chuckling. The word sounded strange from her lips, but I had taught it to her—no wonder it still felt new.
"Goodbye," I waved as she vanished into the distance. Then I turned to Kai, shooting him an accusing look.
I didn't say a word, just walked back into the house.
"Seriously?" I heard him say, amused, but I ignored him as I stepped inside.