New life in the Beast World

8.

**

When Winston returned to the camp with his kill, something was different. He looked in the direction of the fire, but Liana was not there. There were only the females they traded at the village with their suitors, but when they noticed him they gazes turned away. Only few beastmendared to glare in his direction. The thought that something might have happened in his absence weighed at him and he hurriedly looked around for Liana.

And he saw her sitting alone in the corner that were covered in darkness. As he made his way towards her, he noticed that on one side near her in the shadows were hiding Bart. And on the other side high in the crown of the tree were sitting Muir in his beast form. Both of them were looking after her without her noticing. When Muir noticed his presence he took off in to the sky to make sure there won't be any surprise attack from the ferals. They all knew that ferals from City of Flames this close to their city is a bad knews.

Bart on the other hand stayed on the same spot even after his return. That means only one thing. He is courting Lia. With two 3 striped beasts at her side she will not need him anymore. There would be no reason for him to stay at her side after she rejects him. And she will. Why would she want a damaged male at her side? If that happen he will look after her from the shadows. Anything just to stay close to her.

But she keeps surprising him. She did not detest his presenc and she even aproached him herself. Just like that, she kept digging her way deeper to his heart. The warmth he felt while she were sleeping next to him felt like pure heaven. He wished for the moment to never end. He imagined that he changed to his male form so he could hug her closer to his body so they could become one. Just the thought of that send a pleasant shivers to his body. To let that moment last as long as possible he stayed awake the whole night. He could not sleep even if he wanted to. The excitement from having her this close didn't let him sleep. So he stayed up guarding her sleep.

But the morning came faster than he thought. He tried to stall for as long as possible, but he had to wake her up eventually. In the morning Bart and Muir joined him and to be able to witness the small beauty waking up. They all swooned at her cuteness. The wolf even brought some fruit for her so she can eat them for breakfast. And how envious he were when he saw her touching the wolf. But he was't alone. He saw the glare that the eagle were giving them. And all the interactions were watched by others as well.

After several hours on the road, he noticed Lia's hold on him weakened. He hurriedly stopped and let the others know that they will rest here. Oh how he cursed himself for not taking better care of her. How can he even dream about being her mate when he is not capable enough.At this rate he is not even confident to be her guardian.

He wanted to be the one that hold her instead that wolf. But he could even watch from afar. And so he did. He admired her and listened the beautiful song that came from her luscious lips. He wanted to run to her and hide her from the prying eyes of the others. But he could only releas his beast pressure to put them in their place not noticing the golden-brown eyes hidden in the tree watching them.

And when the time came and he got the chance to make her his, he asked for the only position he thought was suited for someone like him. So he pushed all of his dreams and desire deep in his heart and asked.

"Will you accept me as your guardian beast?"

**

I was flabbergasted. Does he not want me? Was I not obvious enough? What if he really is't interested? What do I do now? Was I making a fool of myself this whole time? I could feel tears pool in my eyes. Well there were no certainty that he would fall for me. I could feel as one tear slipped down my face so I hung my head so no one would see. But I guess they did because I could hear some gasps and snarling as well.

"You don't like me?"

I finally asked him in a small voice while raising my head to look at him. His eyes widened in realisation and his hand raised to my face to wipe my tears that were now falling.

"Of course I like you. I just did't thought that you would accept me so I wanted to stay by your side as your guardian at least. I'm sorry for hurting you little one. I don't deserve you."

He looked at me broken and was about ready to cry him self. And here I tought he don't like me. Turns out he has no self-confidence.

"Well I like you too and want you to be my first male. So you should ask again."

I smiled at him widely and his lower lip tremble before he spoke again. This time more confident and with spark in his eyes.

"Will you accept me as your mate?"

Happy that this was resolved I raised my hands to him and with a wide smile give him my reply.

"Of course, my silly tiger. Now take me home please."

He lowered him self to pick me up and hoisted me on his big forearm where I could sit comfortably.

"Anything you wish my love."

Kyaaaaa did he said my love? Awww I forgive you for making me cry! But I had to hide my face in his neck, because there were no shy Winston to be found anymore. He looked all confident and had passionate look in his eyes. Ok I might be in trouble like this! It looks like it will be him teasing me this time. When he got his confirmation of my feelings his demeanor changed at once. He took long strides off the stage with shouts of cheering from other beastmen. While we were leaving ape king were shouting in our direction.

"We will hold a bonfire celebration at ape castle. Please be sure to attend!"

Well ok. I guess free food is always good. So I looked at him and waved at him to confirm our attendance.

While I was enjoying my ride I noticed we were walking in the direction of a castle. I guess he is still living in here then. Well I hope we will move out soon. I would rather for us living alone far from any prying eyes and ears. And Rosa. Although I will have to meet with her at least once I guess. Be nice and not make any unnecessary enemies.

As I was looking around I noticed Winston looking at me without even glancing on the road. Well this is awkward. Please don't stare my heart can't handle that yet.

"We can rest at my den in the tiger castle for today and tomorrow I will go looking for a house we can move into. Just tell me what you would like and I will make all the arrangements."

I smiled at him happy that I did't have to bring that up myself. I love how reliable Winston is.

"Thank you, I would love that!"I got bold and kissed him on the cheek which made him blush a little. Ha! That's for making my heart pound earlier! I grinned at him triumphantly and didn't notice that a wery angry Bart and Muir crossed our path.