Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Forty Three: Pressure Times Four

Early Release Times Two! 🥰🥰 I can't help but spoil my besties. 💜🫶🏾

Story:

I was inside the house with the guys, working on making products, while the guards stood watch outside. As we worked, I asked about how the construction classes were going and if there was any other news.

They told me everything was progressing well. The villagers were raising the foundations of their homes, following the guidance I had given them with my drawings.

They also mentioned their training sessions with James and Harvey. The rotation allowed them to take turns protecting me on specific days. I already knew about these training sessions because I often watched through the mark.

A knock on the door drew our attention. It was Steve and John. The guys glanced at me, waiting for my response. I smiled at their respectfulness and nodded, signaling it was okay to let them in.

"Hi, boys. How are you?" I greeted them warmly.

"Good," they both replied in unison.

John asked, "Imara, are you planning to build your home on higher foundations too?"

I started to answer, "Well, since I'm planning to move to the city, I wasn't really sure. But now that I think—"

Before I could finish, their expressions caught me off guard. They all looked sad.

"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" I asked quickly, confused.

Steve spoke up, "Will you ever come back to Camel Hump?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I replied, trying to reassure them. "I'd like to visit the girls from time to time, so maybe building my home on a higher foundation isn't such a bad idea for those visits."

But instead of easing their sadness, my words seemed to make things worse. Their faces grew even more downcast.

I felt a sharp pang in my chest. "I really don't know what I'm saying wrong," I said, genuinely puzzled. "What's the matter? Tell me."

I looked at each of them, searching for an answer.

John's words caught me off guard. "Imara, you're really too kind to us males. I know Steve and I can't pursue you anymore, but at least we got to see you here in Camel Hump. Once you leave, none of us will get to see you again."

I stared at him, utterly perplexed. "What? Why—" My voice faltered as I struggled to grasp the weight of his words.

Frank's stance was rigid, his hands clenched tightly, and the emotion on his face was unmistakable. He spoke with a heavy heart, "You've made it more than clear that you don't see us as potential mates."

Nicholas flinched slightly at Frank's words but stayed quiet.

Frank continued, avoiding my eyes. "John and Steve lost the fight to Harvey, so they have to honor that."

He looked around the room, anywhere but at me, as he went on. "Once you leave, we won't have a reason to see you anymore. Only males actively pursuing a female can follow her. If she turns them down, they're required to step back. Sure, some males hang around in the hope that she'll change her mind over time, but we...we know you, Imara. We know there's no chance for us. So eventually, this will be goodbye." His voice trembled, and it was clear how hard it was for him to say this.

"But we're friends—we're family—" I began, but my voice trailed off. A deep sadness settled in my heart, and a heavy tension filled the air. I had assumed they would come with me, help us settle in, maybe stay for a while, and even visit me and Harvey after we fully moved to the City of Beast. Now I wasn't so sure.