Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Two: Ripples of Consequences

I watched the situation unfold before me, and it was overwhelming. I felt a pang of sorrow for everyone involved. I watched my Sweet Pea turn and leave for her room like a lifeless soul, while Parker stood in the front room, equally weighed down by emotions.

Muir and Shugh, overshadowed by the heaviness of the moment, silently stepped out the front door into the rain.

All I could do was offer up a silent prayer that this would somehow resolve in a way that brings safety, clarity, and future comfort for everyone.

I closed my eyes, offering up a silent prayer that everything would work out for Bai, Parker, Muir, and Shugh. When I opened them, Parker was standing in the middle of the room, his fists balled up and his gaze downcast, staring into nothingness.

His usual vibrant energy seemed drained, replaced by a heavy, lackluster presence. My heart ached at the sight of him. I could hear Bai crying softly in her room, and the sound pulled at me, tearing me in two directions. I wanted to comfort her, but I knew she needed time and space to process everything.

I walked over to Parker, gently taking his balled-up fists in my hands. His grip was tight, as if he was holding on to the last of his strength.

I slowly led him to the couch by the window, where we both sat down. The rain pattered against the pane, the sky outside growing darker as evening settled in. I kept my hand on his, feeling the tension slowly easing from his knuckles.

"Parker, sweetie," I said softly, rubbing my hand up and down his back, trying to soothe the storm inside him. "It's going to be okay. You're doing the right thing, and I'm so proud of you. She'll come around eventually; she just needs to come to terms with it herself."

He gripped the fabric of his garment tightly, his head hanging low. His voice cracked as he finally spoke, "I just want her to be safe. This is the best way, but it seems like all I do is hurt her, even when I communicate. I can't even go in there and comfort her while she cries. It makes me feel like I'm not doing anything right. I'm really a fool... an idiot."

I reached up and cupped his cheek, gently turning his face towards mine.

"Parker, don't say that. That is not true. She just needs time to adapt. It's a lot to have several mates for us. I mean, it may not look like it, but even I'm still adapting. Whether you believe it or not, I feel overwhelmed some days too, with the whole situation. But just know that everything works at its own pace. Just continue to exercise patience and be there for her. It'll work out."

"When?" he whispered, his voice filled with the weight of his emotions.

"Soon," I promised, brushing away a tear that had slipped down his cheek.

After wiping his tears, I wondered what else I could do to soothe him. My mind drifted to the fish balls I'd set aside just for him.

"How about I give you some of the extra fish balls I saved? And a little bit of raw fish chopped up, just the way you and the guys like it. I know you all enjoy your fish raw sometimes. It might help you decompress.

Hmm? How's that sound?" I hesitated, then added with a soft smile, "I actually set them aside just for you because I'm so proud of you today. You really stepped over a huge hurdle, and I know it wasn't easy."

He looked at me, his sad eyes lighting up just a little with that familiar hunger I knew so well. It was a small sparkle, but it was there, and it made me giggle. "I knew food would do the trick."

Frank and Nicholas came out of the back hall, immediately focused on Parker's state. They quietly led him away to tend to his bruises, their presence comforting and reassuring.