Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Forty Eight: Harvey's Ultimatum

After I laid Imara down and comforted her to sleep, I stepped outside where the boys were waiting.

We walked a good distance from the house to ensure she could rest without interruptions.

Frank opened his mouth to speak, "Har—"

"I don't want to hear it," I cut him off sharply, my voice brimming with anger as I turned my glare on him.

"From any of you," I added, my gaze sweeping over the rest of the group, my eyes narrowing to slits.

I let the silence stretch, the weight of my fury pressing down on them.

"So not only did you make my mate cry," I began, my tone low and dangerous, "but you also hurt her feelings. You made her think you didn't care about her as a friend, only as a potential mate." My voice hardened, every word cutting deep. "And honestly? Maybe you don't care. Maybe you're just playing your part."

They erupted all at once, voices overlapping in a frantic clamor:

"No!"

"That's not true!"

"Impossible!"

"I do care!"

Their protests grated on me, and I snapped, my voice a growl of command. "I said I don't want to hear anything out of any of you!"

The force of my tone silenced them immediately. The air was heavy, charged with tension and the weight of what was to come.

I stepped closer, towering over them. "You know what I see?" I sneered. "A bunch of males who think they're entitled to more than what Imara offered. You disregarded her wishes and acted selfishly."

I scoffed, the sound harsh and mocking. "Who are any of you to make her waste her time explaining herself? You knew exactly what she meant, but you played dumb, hoping she'd change her mind and give you a chance."

I took another step closer, my voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "Do you realize what would've happened if you tried this with any other female? You wouldn't have walked away unscathed—not with the disrespect you showed her."

I let my words sink in, watching the shame spread across their faces.

"You're lucky I allowed you into her space at all. I gave room to males who aren't her guardians or mates. And this what you do—this—is how you repay her kindness?" I roared, my fury echoing in the night.

They lowered their heads, their silence filled with guilt.

I growled, my anger barely contained. "She's my mate. Not yours! And I've had enough!"

The primal roar that tore from my chest silenced even the distant night sounds. It was a roar of frustration, of protectiveness, of dominance. I growled sharply, a signal, and the guards immediately surrounded them. The atmosphere crackled with tension as they closed in, their presence a physical manifestation of my anger.

"Since you all want to pressure my mate, now it's my turn to do the same to you," I snarled, my voice low and dangerous.

I took a step forward, my gaze burning into each of them. "You walked into our home and disrespected her. Let me remind you of your wrongdoings!"

I gestured to the guards, my claws flexing in anticipation. "No unmated male is allowed in any female's home—only mates and guardians. Then, you pressured her to make a decision she'd already made. And the worst of all? Hurting her."

I gave the signal, and the guards launched their attack.

With a swift transformation, I lunged forward, slamming Frank to his knees with a heavy swipe of my paw, sending him sprawling. My growl rumbled through the air. "You made her cry, and you made her feel like she was the one causing you to suffer—when she'd already said no!"