The Witch And the Beasts

Chapter 11: The Sea Guards!

Sofia woke up the next day fresh with full of energy, she couldn't wait to explore the new city.   She was expecting to see Gregory next to her to cool her from the heat, but he wasn't there with her, she found it strange... Oh wait, did he really go to find a house?

Close by she saw a new pair of clothes from Greg, but instead of a dress, it was pants with a shirt that looked like modern clothes.   Greg really wanted to know everything about his mate, I can't imagine how much research he has done to know about her preferences.

Unfortunately, she couldn't wear it no matter how much she wanted it, what if the Queen was also from the modern world as well? But she could still wear them when she was at home.

She took a look at the room she was but she didn't see any sign of modern design or furniture, she got dressed and was ready to leave to look for Gregory but when she opened the door she saw Harper right outside waiting for her to give her breakfast.

- [ Oh, God! Did he stay outside all night?]

- Um... Hi?

- Eh? Hi?! ... I mean... Please accept my courtship, I really like you.

- You do? 

- Yes!

I was caught off guard before I even drink coffee, DAMN! There is no coffee here and I can't ask about it! Give me my caffeine dose, I need it to wake up!

As for Harper, to be honest, I kinda miss the straightforward and honest confession instead of the long game until someone confesses, I'm too old for such games, and I got tired of them.

But that doesn't mean I will accept anyone who confesses, what if he doesn't accept the rejection?

 According to the novel beasts persist until death like Shuu, but some of them dodge a bullet like the stupid peacock, and the Scorpio.

- What do you like about me? You don't even know my name!

-  Your name is Sofia, and I like that you can shift, and I want to know more about you if you allow it.

- So, is just curio- Wait! How do you know my name?

- Gregory told me, he gave me his approval to pursue you!

- Why?

- Because I'm a flying beast, he said that if you accept me he will not disapprove.

- I see!  So, where is he?

- He is looking for a territory.

That's right, I talked to Greg about my future mates and told him that if he doesn't get along with the others I simply won't accept anyone, same with the accepted mates and suitors too.

We didn't have a good start with Harper, but he didn't stalk me like Muir did with Bai, instead, he came and told me that he was interested in me, so I believe he earned a chance to impress me.

I let him in and took breakfast together and we chatted, I was impressed, to be honest, I thought he would not be able to talk much like most of the eagles. 

The most shocking part of his words was that their territory used to be on a cliff far away from here but hawks made them migrate because they outnumber them, luckily they have been accepted in Panthera City.

Does that mean that Harper could actually know Muir? Harper is now 27 and Muir was 22 or 24 in the novel?   Hold on, is this the reason Gregory accepted Harper? I thought he just wanted to meet the main characters not attack them.

Before I asked for more a sound like a whale was heard, I turned to look at the source outside the window but nothing.

- The sea guards!

- Mermaids?

I have doubts but I wanted to be sure!

- No, big black and white fishes who migrate here and make the merfolk run away, and unmask the apes of their schemes,  so they became their meals.

- So, there are no apes, at all?

- No, no one likes them. They look down on other tribes and do nothing only for their benefit.  Besides, these guys are smarter than the apes and cause no trouble since they have their own territory.

So, If the Orcas ended up in the Beast City originally what would have happened?

- They are not allowed to enter the city?

- Of course, they can! They prefer the ocean.

- Shall we go for a walk? I want to see the city!

Now I know why it's been called Panther City! Most of them are cat beasts, lions, tigers, cheetahs, pumas, and leopards, but not so many Jaguars for some reason.

I could tell the difference between me and Bai by the look at them, when they saw Bai everyone was captivated by her looks, with me, everyone was looking cautiously and respectfully and they were clearing the way to pass. 

 I didn't hide my ears and tail to see their reaction and also because I didn't know how to do it, and why would I? I'm not ashamed of what I am. If they don't like what they see then just don't look at me, no one is forcing them to see me anyway.

Also, one of my theories was confirmed by their reaction.

In the wild males let females close to their territories to mate with them, but they won't mate with a young and inexperienced female because they want strong offspring for their survival.  In this world are not different since the females are much less than males, so they were focusing on the appearances of the females since they couldn't shift, but with a female who can shift? 

They could sense the power I guess, because even females were not daring to even look at me and make themself look harmless, a sign of submission. In the wild, the female would run away from a stronger female before it's too late, especially a mother with cubs.

The Lion Queen was not affected at all, the opposite, so maybe it doesn't affect Queens?   I turned to look at Harper and saw him puffing his chest with pride.

- I don't see a lot of Jaguars!

- They don't need big territory, and also they are a little isolated from others.

So, this is also may be the reason why they react like this.

- Do you know where is their territory?

- Close to the borders, they can hide better in the forest, if you are interested in moving there I'm sure they will accept you since you are also a Jaguar.

- I hope so. 

So, Jaguars may be guards of the border, I hope they will accept me, and find someone to teach me how to fight and hunt, find more mates, and go to the Beast City (if still exists).