Beauty and The Beasts: Rain

48. Partaay, Or Not

Second update for today, May 23rd.

     "Isabella." Rain started with the primary issue. After confirming that she had the female's attention, Rain got straight to the point. "I'm sure Third told you something about the city. I'm going to tell you directly. Me and my family do not trust the ape king. Don't give any information to him unless you want to stand on his side."

     Third balked and almost growled, "She won't, Rain!" Rain didn't have the same belief in the female that he did.

     Rain looked back to her brother and addressed him. "If you want to keep her out of trouble, explain the ape king's history to her." Rain noticed his confusion. "If you don't know it well, Harvey can tell you both." Rain should've started with that. Harvey was a better speaker than she was.

     Rain continued, "Know that I see him as an enemy. I tell you this because of Third's interest in you. We will also be notifying the tiger king of your ideas." Rain caught Isabellas's paling expression and didn't understand what she feared. "The tiger king will only support you. You don't have to be scared." Isabella wasn't looking good and Rain decided to ease off.

     Rain turned to the rest of her family. "Don't share any unnecessary information where the ears of the apes can hear." She had probed a little during the expeditions, but was distracted by other things to gather sufficient intel.

     Rain found her eyes meeting Isabella's. Rain didn't blame her exactly. Isabella had no control over her situation. Had it been a different female, Rain would have thrown them back into the ocean. Some female's demanded too much and she didn't have the same patience that males had for them.

     Everybody nodded in agreement. Isabella worked up the courage to speak. "Okay. I get that you guys have bad blood. I won't say anything... What happens to me now?" Isabella watched Rain glare at Third as if something was his fault.

     "You find your own den and build your own family." Isabella's heart stopped for a moment. They wouldn't force her to sleep with almost strangers, would they?

     Rain couldn't understand why Isabella was acting like they'd throw her to ferals. Was something wrong with what she said? Rain was so tired. Thankfully, she explained how her family worked to Vern on her way back. That was one less thing to do.

     "Do I have to go?" Isabella whispered. She didn't mean to ask that. She was very aware of her freeloading status. She had gotten the gist of the rules without getting specifics. She figured that they didn't practice the concept of roommates here.

     "It's okay Isabella. I'll find you a den. I'll be by your side. If you don't like any males, I'll chase them away." Third babbled reassurances despite having read Isabella's worries partially wrong.

     Rain knew that there were no dens to find right now. The city had a recent influx of beasts and any den to be had must be built first. Rain was ready for rest, anything else can be settled after that. "Third, you and Isabella can stay on the second floor tonight. Work on your den tomorrow. Isabella, I don't know what you are scared of, but you best talk to Third about it. Also, this is my territory and my rules apply here. If your suiters cross that line to get to you, they wont survive long. Make them aware of that."

     Rain didn't wait for an answer and left to intercept her sister after she finished and made her go away. Snow pouted, but Rain needed the rest. They could catch up another time.

     Rain headed to the main bedroom. Harvey and Vern followed, but Brice stayed behind. Rain hissed at him and he nearly flew up to her side. It wasn't his first time up here. She couldn't leave him with the unmated female, lest she lose her guardian.