The energy of the moment was contagious, my heart pounding with excitement and my thoughts racing with images of Winston. Every emotion I had felt for him over time seemed to hit me all at once, intensified by the reality that he was finally here. All the waiting, the dreaming, and the longing were about to turn into something real.
Reaching my room, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath. My chest rose and fell rapidly, not just from the run, but from the overwhelming anticipation swelling inside me. This was the moment I had imagined over and over again, whispered to the night sky, and now it was happening.
I let myself revel in the excitement for a brief moment, feeling the happiness bubble up inside me. The thought of seeing Winston face-to-face made my stomach flip with nervous energy. This wasn't just a crush—it was something deeper, something that had grown over time, strong and unwavering.
Taking a steadying breath, I turned to my wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit. My hands trembled as I sifted through my clothes, wanting something that would make me feel confident and beautiful. Finally, I settled on a dress that hugged me just right, smoothing it down as I stood before the mirror.
"You've got this," I whispered, offering myself a little pep talk to calm the swirling nerves and excitement within me.
Just then, Harvey and Gabriel peeked into the room, their expressions a mix of amusement and curiosity. Gabriel leaned casually against the doorframe, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Excited, are we?" he teased, folding his arms across his chest.
Harvey, always the steady one, stepped forward and tucked a stray curl behind my ear. "Breathe, love. He's here now, and I'm sure he's going to be just as excited to see you," he said gently, his touch bringing a sense of calm.
"You really think so?" I asked with a nervous grin, feeling the butterflies stir in my stomach.
Gabriel chuckled, stepping closer to peer at me in the mirror. "Oh, I know so. He'd be a fool not to be," he said with a wink.
Harvey smiled, his voice warm and reassuring. "You're glowing, babe. He won't know what hit him."
A giggle escaped me, and I gave my dress another nervous pat. I turned to face them, my eyes wide with anticipation. "Do I look okay?" I asked, biting my lip.
Harvey gently cupped my chin, tilting my head as he gazed at me with a fond smile. "You look perfect," he assured me. "But the real question is—do you feel ready?"
I took a deep breath, their support filling me with strength. "I do," I said, my voice steady and full of conviction. "I've been waiting for this for so long."
Gabriel grabbed my hand, giving it a playful squeeze. "Then let's not keep him waiting."
Arriving at the center of the city, the scene before me was breathtaking.
Bai sat confidently on Parker's shoulder, while Muirmore stood close by, his protective presence evident. But my eyes were drawn to Winston in his majestic white tiger form. His shimmering stripes set him apart, and his size, slightly larger than King Calum, made him even more striking.
The scar running across his face added a rugged edge to his powerful presence. My heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nervousness—this was the first time I was seeing him in person, and the moment felt surreal.
I gripped Gabriel's fur tightly, overwhelmed by the thrill of it all. Finally, I was here, standing before him.
Five females stood nearby, and to my relief, they looked well taken care of, their faces showing none of the fear or exhaustion I had once imagined. Unlike the grim scenes described in the novel, they seemed calm, secure, and hopeful for the future.
YOU ARE READING
Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World
FanfictionAfter 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...
