Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Twenty Three: Days at The Leopard Tribe Castle VII Picking Mates

As we reached the front, three leopards stood in a line. The sunlight streamed through the trees, casting shifting patterns over the ground. The leopards stood tall, their capes swaying slightly in the gentle breeze. They wore brown crop capes adorned with an emblem on the left shoulder and matching brown waist cloth ties. Their stance exuded pride and readiness. Above us, an eagle—whom I assumed was Muir—circled gracefully in the sky before landing on a tree branch nearby. His sharp gaze fixed intently on the scene below, like a silent observer judging the proceedings.

The air was still but heavy with anticipation, a quiet hum of energy that seemed to radiate from the group as I approached.

I had Harvey hold us back, observing silently until Parker had said his piece. Memi seemed to share the same idea, remaining poised and watchful.

A realization dawned on me as I studied the leopards. These were the ones who had been with Muir on the rescue mission from the novel. What an unexpected but pleasant surprise. I hadn't known who Memi had chosen as potential suitors for me, but this twist felt like fate aligning paths.

Parker wasted no time rushing over to the group. His voice carried urgency and desperation as he addressed them.

"Gabriel, Sampson, Theo, Muir—good to see you all! That stinking feral took my mate. I need y'all to find her. I'll follow once you do."

The leopards nodded in unison. "Our young lord," Muir, perched above, gave a solemn acknowledgement. One of the men asked, "Do you have anything with her scent?"

Parker's shoulders dropped slightly. "We'll have to stop by my place in Camel Hump Valley to get something that smells like Bai Qingqing."

That was my cue.

I tapped Harvey's shoulder, motioning for him to carry me closer. "Parker, there's no need for that," I said, producing a small bundle from my bag. "I stopped by your home before we came here and grabbed her socks."

The leopards turned to look at me, surprise and curiosity plain on their faces. I offered them my warmest smile—a feature I knew had its charm. Sure enough, their expressions softened, and baby did they all fall.

Parker stepped forward, taking the socks from my hand with a mix of surprise and sorrow etched on his face. "Thank you, Imara," he said quietly.

"No problem, Parker," I replied with a nod, signaling Harvey to set me down.

Before Parker could say more, I added, "You should work with Muir. His senses and aerial view can help track the snake's trail faster. Have him pick up Bai Qingqing's scent from the socks and locate the cave. It might save precious time."

Parker's eyes lit with determination as he morphed and climbed the tree with ease to confer with Muir. From the ground, I could see their animated discussion, likely revolving around Bai Qingqing and the best approach to finding her.

I smiled to myself, reassured that Parker's usual impulsiveness would likely keep Muir occupied for a while—a deliberate tactic on my part to avoid any premature encounters with the eagle.

Memi approached then, her regal aura commanding the attention of everyone present. The leopards bowed deeply to her. "Queen Memi!" they chorused.

She raised her hand in acknowledgment before gesturing toward me. "These are some of my best guards and eagle allies," she said warmly. "There is one more candidate, currently with my mate the Leopard King Calum, whom you will meet later."

She turned back to the group, her tone firm but kind. "Imara is in need of more mates, and I have chosen you as potential candidates. However, she is under no obligation to choose any of you. You must earn her trust and respect, as well as that of her current mate, Harvey. She is also under my protection, and I expect you all to treat her as such."