Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter One Hundred and Nineteen: The Promise of Return

After cleaning up and ensuring everyone received proper medical care, Bailey and her mates stayed the night at my house.

The rain was too heavy for her to travel back home, even though it was just down the street, so her mates took excellent care of her.

We moved them to the spare room and relocated Winston to our room so Bai could have her room back.

Bailey mentioned that the cub, or cubs, must be from her deceased fox mate because she had been feeling this way even before she was rescued, so it would likely be a fox cub.

John and Steve made me so happy with how they treated her. They spoke to her softly, anticipating her needs even when she didn't know what she needed herself.

Bailey soaked up all the affection like a sponge, as if she had never experienced it before, accepting whatever made her feel safe. It made me a little sad and curious about how her fox mate had treated her before and what had been going on for it to be just her and him.

However, I didn't pry, knowing it was her story to tell or keep to herself when she was ready. For now, she seemed very happy.

Shugh, Muir, Frank, and Nicholas slept on pallets on the floor in the main room. Everyone seemed to have settled in comfortably. Being the caterer I am, I ensured everyone was good and comfortable.

Nicholas and Frank had morphed and were lying on their front paws. I sat between them, rubbing their heads. "Everything all good?" I asked. They chuffed in contentment.

Shugh lay across from them in the same position, while Muir was nestled near a wall with his pallet scrunched up around him like a nest.

Shugh's POV

As Imara walked through the house checking on everyone, I felt out of place, like I didn't deserve to be here. Yet I knew I couldn't leave because Imara told me not to, and I didn't want to upset her. Honestly, I didn't truly want to leave; everything I ever wanted was here: friends, family, comfort, and Bai.

Here, I could relax and not worry about always being on guard, tied to duties, and never straying from them. I could let my curiosity get the best of me without being belittled. This was something my father never allowed.

My father, Gallant, was strict on following the rules and being loyal to our duties for our safety. He always had us ready to battle and defend at any time. It seemed like that was the way of life – and in many ways, it is. Danger always lurks, and safety can always be compromised. But I've come to learn through Imara that there's more to life than just that.

My brother Bart and I aren't close. He never wanted to play with me. He was always cold, training, and on duty. Our upbringing was harsh and militaristic. I would sneak off with other tribe members to find moments of freedom, but Bart was always too busy, too focused on our father's expectations.

We became even more distant once he became mated to Rosa.

Our father was only kind to our mother, Amelia, who wasn't dominant and let him lead. She didn't handle stress well, so she wasn't as nurturing to us.

Life with my father was like a constant drill, never changing, always cold. Bart mirrored that coldness, becoming a reflection of our father's standards in life. My father's motto was always putting the family and tribe first, staying on guard, and never letting our weaknesses show.

The only softness I ever saw was in how he treated our mother.

We were constantly under pressure to keep ourselves safe and be devoted to the Ape King once he rose to power and took control of the city and I get it. Wilbard, the Ape King, is our beacon.