Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Forty: Training and Classes

Heading to the backyard, I found all the ladies gathered, except for Eudora—not that I minded. I greeted them with a warm smile and a wave.

"Hi, ladies, how are you?" I said cheerfully.

The women were seated on furs, their strongest mates nearby. They had set up coverings to shield them from the sun while letting a soft breeze pass through. Bowls of fruit and water, lovingly prepared by their mates, were placed at their sides. They returned my smile and wave warmly.

May approached me, her face lighting up as she gave me a warm hug. I hugged her back, patting her head affectionately. "Hi, May," I greeted her.

Katie, ever the jokester, raised her hands in the air and mimicked squeezing motions. "Hey, Big Booty!" she teased, causing all of us to burst into laughter.

"Hey, you crazy girl," I said with a chuckle, shaking my head at her antics.

At the front of the gathering was my designated spot. It had the same fruit and water as the others, along with my table set up with hygiene products and the bed we made displayed for sale.

As I took my seat at the table, ready to begin the discussion on hygienic practices, Harvey and the guys instinctively stood up, alert. Before I could say a word, someone suddenly bolted toward me at full speed, causing my heart to jump into my throat.

"Imara!" Memi shouted as she tackled me with an enthusiastic hug, nearly knocking me over. I couldn't help but laugh, hugging her back just as tightly.

"Memi?" I exclaimed, surprised but overjoyed. We hugged each other like old friends reuniting after years apart. In perfect sync, we both exclaimed, "Hey, bestie!" and burst into a fit of giggles.

"I missed you so much, Imara!" Memi exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around me.

"I missed you too! I was hoping you'd come, but I wasn't sure. I'm so glad you're here," I replied with a warm smile. "I was just about to start my class on hygiene." Her eyes lit up with interest.

"A class, you say? Looks like I arrived just in time. Where can I sit?" Memi asked eagerly.

Chuckling, I said, "I'll make you a spot right at the front." She smiled brightly and helped me to my feet just as her mates and James approached us.

I bowed slightly to James as a gesture of respect. "Thank you so much for coming," I said sincerely. James waved it off with a kind smile. "It's my pleasure," he replied. His warm expression, complete with a charming dimple, added to his already striking features. I could tell my gratitude meant something to him.

Harvey came over and said, "My love, we'll head out shortly, once James and Queen Memi's mates finish setting up her spot." He nodded toward Frank and Nicholas, adding, "They'll stay to watch over you while I'm gone."

Memi interjected, "I brought some guards too. They'll be stationed here to ensure your safety." Her concern touched me, but I started to assure her it wasn't necessary. Before I could finish, she gave me a pointed look, her smile a little tense.

"Word is spreading about you, Imara. Every day I hear something new. That means more suitors... and more danger. Having extra protection just gives me peace of mind," she explained.

I hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Memi. You're the best."

"How are you? Any troubles?" she asked, her tone filled with genuine care.

"I'm fine," I replied. "It's been busy but really productive."

Her gaze suddenly zeroed in on my mark, her eyes growing wide with astonishment. "Wow! Look at this! It's so big, so lifelike—it practically glows against your skin. How is this even possible? Is it real?" she asked, leaning in to inspect it closely. Then she sniffed the air and smirked. "I can tell you mated; Harvey's scent is all over you."