Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Twelve: Love At Last 🤧💞

He stuttered, "I-I thought you liked Parker"

He continued, "I mean, when you arrived, you mentioned how you thought Parker would claim you, considering he found you in the Misty Forest. And later, when you came to my hut, I believed your tears were because Parker had turned you down, and because of the pain in your back it only left you with no choice but to be with a no-stripe male like me and only because I'm a doctor."

He then added, "But based on what you told Parker earlier, it dawned on me that there was no way you actually had feelings for him. But, just because you don't like Parker doesn't mean you were going to choose me."

I looked at him surprised, but he held his hand up to let me know he had more to say. "Down by the lake, I overheard you saying that you wouldn't choose a mate in this valley due to them not having enough stripes and that includes me, but I knew beforehand I was never a choice."

Flashback

Harvey made his way to the lake to pick up Imara and Bai Qingqing. The time he spent with Imara had been nothing short of blissful, and he selfishly wished for those moments to never end.

They laughed, ate together, learned, and taught each other, she sang to him, forming a bond that he treasured deeply.

He had promised to cherish them until Imara found mates she deserved, mates who could protect her better than he ever could.

But despite his best efforts to suppress his feelings, he couldn't deny the growing love he felt for her with each passing day.

Her smile, her scent, her kindness, and her beauty captivated him, and the way she cared for him made his heart soar.

He dreaded the day she would leave, knowing that his life would lose its colors without her.

Yet, he understood that he had no right to hold her back from finding more powerful mates, ones who could provide the protection she needed. In this world, strength was crucial, and the higher the stripe, the better the protection.

As Harvey was arriving, he overheard Imara saying, "None of the guys here can protect me like I need to be protected. I have myself and my future family to think about, and I need mates who can stand up to any threat."

After Harvey heard what he knew to be true it still didn't stop his heart from being thrown into turmoil, and he tuned out the rest of their conversation.

End of Flashback

Harvey's heartache was evident as he poured out his uncertainties to me.

Tears welled up in his eyes, and I felt a mix of emotions washing over me. My heart softened, realizing the depth of his love for me.

I exhaled, and in my disbelief, I said, "You thought I liked Parker?" I said gently, reaching out to wipe away the tears from his cheeks. "No, Harvey, you're the one I like.

Harvey's cheeks redden at my bluntness.
I then addressed the misconceptions head-on.

"I was crying because I've never encountered someone as beautiful, and wonderful as you. Since the very moment we crossed paths, I've been consumed by feelings of love for you. I hesitated to confess my emotions so soon, fearing you liked Bai Qingqing."

This was Harvey's turn to look at me in disbelief. "W-what? You thought I liked Bai Qingqing? She's a kind and pretty female that's something all beastmen will like." He said it in a general tone as if it was a well-known fact. I appreciate her kindness; it's a rare trait among females. However, I don't have feelings for her as Parker does nor do I want to be her mate. What made you think that?