My Wild Beast
Chapter 43: Friendly Faces (1)

Chapter 43: Friendly Faces (1)

Silence had never felt so loud before. The jungle itself seemed to still at Nova’s words. The Apatka froze mid-motion, reptilian eyes glinting in the sunlight, their gazes sharpening on the ’shrimp’ who had just declined their leader’s help.

Nearby, a few of the muscleheads shifted their weight from foot to foot, rolling their shoulders and cracking their necks like they were warming up for a fight. It was certainly intimidating. Did they not see the size of her? There would be no fight— just a swift squash!

Strangely, Yoa didn’t tense or react to Nova’s comment. He sat at ease, long legs spread wide, one hand resting comfortably on her thigh, the other lifting the bowl to his lips as he drank the stew in heavy gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing with each swallow. Nova couldn’t comprehend it. He was so comfortable in his skin, so sure of his strength and skills.

She was confident in his skills too. He’d proven it time and again. But Yoa was still just one man against at least twenty angry, stone-bodied crocodile shifters who had no issues ending conversations they disliked with a powerful right hook.

Nova’s chin lifted slightly as she stared Yara down, trying to play the part of Yoa’s... Well, what was she to Yoa? She had no idea. It was way too early to have that sort of discussion, even if they had almost slept together at Moon Lake.

But with the strength of his thigh beneath her and his hand resting on her leg, part protective, part possessive, making his claim known to others, made her feel more at ease. He wasn’t reacting, and Yara had yet to throw the pot of stew in her face... or do something worse.

Yara’s gaze swept over Nova again, taking in her tiny form. Every fibre in her body wanted to lock up under that stony stare; even so, she resisted, appearing casual and confident sitting on Yoa’s lap. Yara’s lips twitched, then she threw her head back and burst into boisterous laughter once more, smacking her leg. Nova jerked slightly at the impact, noting the subtle shift of the rock under Yara from the force.

She stared at the crocodile shifter wide-eyed, unsure if Yara’s laugh was a good thing. The Apatka had yet to return to what they were doing, still awaiting Yara’s command. When she was done, wiping the side of her eye and returning Nova’s gaze with an amused one, she smirked, "I like you. You’re either incredibly brave for a little twig or incredibly foolish. Either way, you’ve got guts. Maybe there’s a little Apatka nestled in that heart of yours."

Yoa set the bowl down on the rock, still unconcerned. Did he know Yara well? Was that why he was so comfortable here? He had been wary from the beginning.

Nova cleared her throat, ignoring the way her heart raced and her fingers almost shook at speaking her true thoughts. "I just wanted to make it clear to you," she said, voice unwavering.

Yara waved her off. "Oh, it was made perfectly clear." She leaned forward then, elbow resting on her thigh, hand balancing her head. "Maybe I can see what all the fuss is about now."

She held Nova’s gaze, her eyes filled with wisdom beyond her years. There were still thin lines of time around the edges of her eyes, revealing her age to be at least forty to fifty. "Please do return. I’d like a different..." Her gaze roamed over Nova’s body once more before finishing her sentence. "Perspective on things."

Before Nova could respond, Yoa’s large hand moved down her thigh and settled on her knee, gripping a little more, silencing Nova from speaking more. "The stew was delicious as always, Yara. We best be going unless you wish for Silver Feather to cause a disturbance among your... peaceful waters."

The waters may be peaceful but the Apatka certainly weren’t. The children had returned to wrestling in the water as spectators watch, their mothers cheering them on.

"Ah, maybe we need a little disturbance..." Yara’s eyes hadn’t left Nova. "I have been getting a little restless for some time now."

Yoa’s jaw locked in place. He didn’t like Yara’s attention on Nova. Was she one more foe he needed to handle? He wouldn’t hesitate to say that Yara was a better leader than her grandmother, and her daughter was somehow more cutthroat. She was most likely in the marshlands today, where Yara usually was. Perhaps the birds were louder this morning, spreading their gossip, but only the harpy eagles could understand their tunes.

The eagles... and apparently Nova. He hadn’t thought further on it yet and he would put those thoughts aside for now until he knew they were safely tucked away from Vulcan and his flock.

As though summoning the disturbance Yara seemed to be craving now, two figures leapt out from the shadows, taking the Apatka and Yara by surprise. They’d been so focused on Nova and the threat of the black jaguar that they hadn’t been watchful of their surroundings. Of course, Yoa had been aware of their presence for a while.

Aiyana waltzed into the small clearing, dragging her fingers through her thick locks of raven hair, her gaze sweeping over the Apatka like she could take them all on. Yoa refrained from rolling his eyes at her. Atia followed close behind, his demeanour once more relaxed, far too nonchalant among these crocs.

But the trio used to bounce off their heads as cubs, racing across the waters and out of danger from their snouts. Aiyana had been the first to challenge the boys, proving that her elegant looks and feminine nature didn’t make her any less fearless or any less capable of fighting them. She was definitely a scrapper, using any means possible to win at all costs.

Atia waved at Nova with a wide friendly smile, the motion caused Aiyana’s brows to tug together before her dark, almond-shaped eyes flicked to the girl sitting on Yoa’s lap. Her gaze seemed to pierce straight through Nova’s soul, pinning her to the spot. She couldn’t move even if she tried.

"Ah, Aiyana. It has been some time," Yara greeted, unconcerned by the two in her territory.

This was Aiyana...

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.