Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Twenty Eight: Days at The Leopard Tribe Castle XII Big Girl Talk

As we sat there, Harvey rocked me gently, his warmth a soothing balm against my swirling anxiety. Despite his solace, my nerves refused to settle. I gathered my courage and finally spoke. "My love..." My voice wavered, so I coughed to steady it and swallowed hard, trying to regain control.

"Hmm?" Harvey's soft hum reassured me, but my mouth had gone dry. Why was I so nervous?

"I'm on birth control," I admitted. The words felt like they stopped time itself.

Harvey's eyes widened in surprise. "Birth control? Like the medicinal soup we make for females who don't want cubs after ferals or rootless beasts force them?" His voice was cautious, trying to piece together my meaning.

I shook my head. "No, not exactly. Birth control in my world is more like a preventative soup. It works beforehand, preventing pregnancy entirely. It stops the sperm from reaching the egg, so there's no fertilization in the first place."

Harvey's expression shifted through a whirlwind of emotions—curiosity, concern, and surprise. "How does it work?" he asked.

I explained, "I use a method called the DEPO shot. It's an injection that prevents ovulation—the release of eggs—by introducing a hormone into the body. It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to travel. Essentially, it creates a barrier."

Harvey's ears flicked in thought. "How long does it last?"

"About thirteen to fifteen weeks—roughly the length of winter here," I replied. "Once it wears off, I would need another shot to keep it working."

He nodded slowly but then looked at me, his face etched with concern. "Why did you start taking it? Did something bad happen?" His hands gripped mine, his worry building.

"No, nothing like that," I reassured him quickly. "Two years ago, I dated someone, and I thought the relationship might lead somewhere. I decided to start birth control just in case. But it didn't work out—he didn't want to wait after a year of dating. I wasn't interested in casual flings, so things ended and after that, I just never stopped taking the shot."

Harvey's grip on my hands tightened slightly, a comforting pressure. "I'm sorry, my love. You deserve someone who values and respects you." His voice was soft but firm, grounding me.

I smiled at him, my heart swelling. He was far too perfect for any world. But I had more to say, and it made my stomach churn.

"Umm... there's more," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady. My attempt at a smile turned into a nervous grimace.

"Go ahead," Harvey encouraged, his chuckle betraying his amusement at my obvious struggle.

"I...I wanted to know what kind of preventative measures we could use once my birth control wears off... during mating," I stammered, my face heating up. The embarrassment made me want to melt into the floor.

Harvey's gaze remained calm and steady, but his quiet attention only made me more self-conscious. Desperate, I covered my face with my hands. "My love, please spare me!"

Harvey laughed gently, pulling my hands away. "You don't have to be embarrassed, Imara. It's important for us to talk about these things." His tone was warm and reassuring. "There are herbs we could use—something like your preventative soup, but tailored to our bodies."

I nodded, my heart beating a little slower. This wasn't as terrifying as I had built it up to be.

"I also have a strong sense of smell," Harvey added. "I can detect when females are most fertile—before their cycle, during ovulation, and even pregnancy. It's a natural warning system."