After an accident, Imara, a 28-year-old plus-size black woman, ends up in a strange rainforest world from a bittersweet novel she read. This wild jungle is full of mysterious and dangerous beastmen, just like the stories she used to read.
To stay al...
It took us little to no time to reach the City of Beasts. I can't recall when I went to sleep, but Harvey woke me up by kissing me all over my face, saying, "Wake up, my love, we're here." I exhaled, smiled, and looked around.
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We were at the outer entrance of the city, and all eyes were on us, or more accurately, on me. It threw me off a bit.
Usually, I would smile and wave, but I wasn't in the mood. It felt like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed after my nap.
I observed everyone, reading expressions and unspoken words on their faces. Comments about my appearance, my hair, the peculiar large wooden structure I was on, the guards, and my mate mark filled the air.
While none of it was negative, it irked me. Perhaps it was because I didn't really want to be there. After glancing over them, I swiftly shifted my focus to Harvey and asked, "So, are we house hunting now? Did you find some options for me to explore?"
He shook his head, replying, "No, I thought we could go house hunting together, and you could decide which ones interest you."
I smiled and agreed, holding my hands out to him. He beamed, helping me down and carrying me princess-style.
Leaning into my ear, he asked, "Are you alright? Are you not feeling well?" His perceptiveness always amazed me.
I reassured him, "It's nothing to worry about. I was just a bit overwhelmed by being stared at like that as soon as I woke up."
He frowned, apologizing, but I kissed him and said, "No need to be sorry. Nothing is your fault."
As we approached some houses to look at, some males walked with us, bombarding us with questions about the big wooden thing I was on. Harvey didn't have to say a word; the guards and the guys filled them in while keeping a distance.
The crowd grew, and so did the guards. The one who had held me that one day received a signal from Harvey after I expressed my annoyance.
"Scram! Imara does not want to be bombarded," he roared, and most males, listened those with two stripes or more, kept their distance.
We looked at several houses, but none of them appealed to me. Only one caught my interest, situated in the heart of the city.
The other one was in the perfect location, It was small, with just one main room and a side room, more suitable for a bachelor than a family.
As the commotion died down and I contemplated the possibility of expanding the house and making it what I wanted, I heard Memi before I saw her.
The guards separated to let her through. "Queen!"
"Imara, bestie! I've come to see you. I miss you, and I need your help!" She looked at me and exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, you look so beautiful!" That certainly improved my mood.
