Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Ten: Butting Heads

That morning, after a quiet breakfast with Harvey, I decided it was time to discuss the herbs I used for soap, shampoo, and conditioner. If I wanted to keep up with proper care here, we'd need to find the plants locally, and Harvey seemed more than willing to help.

"I remember you told me you can identify some of the herbs in my product right?"

Harvey shifted closer, his brow furrowing slightly. "Identify? You used that word last time. I think it means I can...tell what they are, right?"

"Yes, exactly," I replied, smiling as I rubbed his ear gently. "To 'identify' something is to recognize it, like knowing the name of an herb just by its scent. You're so smart—no wonder you're such a good doctor."

A faint blush spread across his cheeks, and he leaned into my touch, clearly enjoying the praise. I couldn't resist a small chuckle as I opened one of the containers, holding it up to him.

He leaned in, sniffing with focused intent, his eyes lighting up as he nodded, confirming he recognized a few of the herbs. "I know this one grows near the river," he murmured, shifting a bit closer to take another whiff. "I can help you find them," he said. His voice held an eagerness I'd started to appreciate.

As I sketched images of the herbs in my notebook to give him a visual reference, he watched closely, listening as I explained each plant's benefits for health and hygiene. Once we were set, we headed out, finding several herbs around the valley's edge and marking the locations for easy harvesting. Harvey pointed out plants I hadn't noticed, and his knowledge impressed me.

Over the next few days, we developed an easy routine of spending time collecting, experimenting with recipes, and sharing meals. Some days, the guys can along—John, Steve, Frank, and Nicholas—who never failed to bring laughter and rambunctiousness to the mix. Other days, I wanted Harvey to myself, savoring our conversations and quiet moments. It was fulfilling to spend these moments with him.

Despite his responsibilities within the tribe, Harvey never hesitated to lend a hand or join me on herb-collecting trips. I admired his dedication and commitment, though I hoped he'd take some time to rest, given all he'd been doing for me and the tribe.

We hadn't yet had the chance to sit down and discuss our feelings or the future of our relationship, but I wanted to give him the space and time to adjust to this life with me.

Our bond was growing naturally—we laughed, talked, took strolls, and shared stories. I sang to him almost daily, and it felt like something meaningful was blossoming between us. I sensed that, when the time was right, those heart-to-heart conversations would come. For now, I was content to savor these moments and build our connection step by step.

Though a few others had approached me, I turned them all down. None had enough stripes to meet my needs, and many reminded me too much of Parker—young, immature, and unable to carry themselves well. I had neither the patience nor the desire to babysit and teach them how to behave around me.

But I hadn't just focused on Harvey. I spent several days hanging with Bai Qingqing as we tried different recipes for the fish we'd caught. We prepared stews with a mix of meat and vegetables, dishes paired with rice, and skewers marinated in juices and honey for added flavor. The tribe began to notice. People gathered around our cooking fire, intrigued by the unique aroma. Bai Qingqing and I shared the recipes, and the tribe grew excited, hopeful that the new food ideas would help sustain them through winter.

By the lake, as Bai Qingqing and I washed clothes, she asked, "Imara, how are you so okay with the idea of having more mates?"

I thought to myself, feeling a bit conflicted. To be honest, I'd always been intrigued by the idea of having multiple mates in stories—especially in reverse harems. I devoured those books like candy, regardless of the genre. But in real life, I'd never been polygamous.