Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Seventy Seven: She's Out Of Her Milieu III

According to the novel, Wilbard's mate mark should have been visible on Qean's chest. But it wasn't there, and confusion churned in my mind. If they weren't mated, what exactly was their relationship?

Unable to hold back my curiosity, I asked her directly, "Is Wilbard's mark somewhere else on your body?"

Qean huffed, a flicker of annoyance flashing across her face. "He won't ever get to mate with me until he gets me what I want," she declared, her voice sharp and resolute.

Her words took me by surprise. While I believed males should provide for females before intimacy—something I'd carried over from my views on Earth—her stance seemed extreme even in this world. But I chose not to pry further.

"How long have you been together?" I asked, trying to better understand the dynamic between them.

"About ten years now," she replied with a tone that hinted at weariness, as though the weight of those years bore heavily on her.

"Ten years?" I echoed, stunned. My mind reeled as I tried to reconcile her words with what I remembered from the novel.

Suddenly, a detail I had forgotten surfaced in my memory. Wilbard had been delivering food to Qean on behalf of Bai in the story. During those moments, Qean had expressed similar sentiments to him about needing more before mating. It wasn't until a volcanic eruption forced him to flee to the Mermaid Clan a year from now that they finally mated.

The absence of a mate mark and Qean's unapologetic stance revealed a more complicated picture than I had imagined. Their relationship wasn't just unconventional—it was a slow, methodical negotiation of power and needs.

A whole decade together without consummation. The thought left me flabbergasted. How much patience does Wilbard have, and how much does she hold over him?

My musings were cut short by the arrival of Memi and the other girls. Their lively chatter and laughter filled the air as they rolled in on a wagon that Memi had cleverly crafted.

Their energy was infectious, and for the moment, my focus shifted from Qean's cryptic relationship to the new vibrancy Memi and the girls brought to the day.

Qean POV

"Bestie!" Memi's excited voice rang out, full of joy.

"Big Booty, I missed you!" Katie added playfully, making everyone laugh as Imara's face lit up with happiness.

I sipped my water, watching them with mild interest—until Katie's words sank in. Nearly choking, I froze, my eyes flicking to Imara's figure. Big Booty is right, I thought, the words slipping out before I could stop myself. Embarrassed, I quickly looked away, hoping no one heard.

Imara didn't seem to notice or care. She ran to her friends like a child seeing family after a long time apart, jumping into their arms so hard they all fell laughing to the ground.

"My ladies, oh my God, I missed you all!" she said, their laughter filling the air.

I watched, gripping my cup a little tighter. Their bond felt strange to me—so open, so genuine. It wasn't like anything I knew.

After helping each other up, still laughing, Imara introduced me with a smile. "This is Qean," she said.

Memi, who I recognized as someone important from the Leopard Clan, nodded at me. It wasn't a casual nod—it carried weight, a silent acknowledgment between equals.

The others introduced themselves easily, their friendliness making me feel more out of place. I couldn't hold back my thoughts.

"You're so friendly—it's strange," I said, my words sharper than I meant. "Why do you care so much about other people and their families? You should focus on your own."