The Beast World Resets

Chapter 19

The evening air carried the warmth of a setting sun as Colette finished watering the last of her flowers, the soft petals of her newly planted garden brushing against her fingertips. She glanced over at the small picket fence she had built, an odd but comforting sight amidst the wild landscape. The garden, with its bursts of color, brought her a sense of home, despite how foreign it seemed to everyone else. Her thoughts lingered on the day's strange interactions with the females.

She still couldn't shake the surprise of their arrival, their curiosity obvious. They had been hesitant, unsure how to approach her, but Colette's warmth—and tea—had broken the initial tension. Though she didn't mention it, she knew Curtis had been quiet about her, likely fueling the curiosity that had brought them to her doorstep.

As she began to prepare supper, slicing through freshly foraged herbs, Curtis returned. His entrance was quiet as always, but the weight of his presence filled the cave. Curtis inhaled sharply, his nose twitching as he picked up unfamiliar scents, ones that didn't belong to the forest or Colette.

Colette turned, catching his curious gaze. "I met some of the females today," she said, watching him carefully.

Curtis paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Females?" His voice was low, almost suspicious.

"Yes, Nyssa, Kalira, and Lirae," Colette explained, wiping her hands on her apron as she moved to stir the pot over the fire. "They were curious about me, I think."

Curtis said nothing, but the slight tightening of his jaw and the flicker of his tongue suggested he wasn't pleased. Colette noticed the shift immediately and couldn't help but smile slightly to herself.

"They seem... interesting," she added, waiting for a response.

Curtis grunted, slithering closer, his eyes sharp. "What did they want?"

"They wanted to see who I was, and I think they were curious about the mark," Colette replied, her tone casual but laced with underlying curiosity. "You've been secretive with them, haven't you?"

Curtis's gaze darkened. He wasn't used to explaining himself—especially when it came to others. "I didn't see the need for them to know much," he said flatly.

"And why is that?" Colette asked, her tone teasing. "You didn't want them to know about us?"

Curtis' eyes flicked to her briefly before turning away. "They don't need to know everything."

Colette raised an eyebrow. His answer was guarded, vague—typical Curtis. She knew better than to push him too far, but she couldn't help the small smirk forming on her lips. "Well, they know a little more now."

Curtis didn't respond, his body coiled slightly in irritation. He didn't like that the females had come without his knowledge, didn't like the idea of others prying into his life. Curiosity could lead to trouble. 

"They didn't seem threatening," Colette said, noticing his silence. "Just curious."

"They always are," Curtis muttered under his breath.

Colette watched him for a moment, sensing that protective edge in his demeanor. She sighed softly, changing the subject. "You've never really told me about them, Curtis. Nyssa, Kalira, and Lirae. What are they like?"

Curtis' expression didn't change, but she saw the briefest flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "They're... the mates of my friends. That's all you need to know."

Colette gasped dramatically, clutching her chest with an exaggerated expression. "That's all I need to know? Why Curtis... I didn't even know you had friends." She smirked, watching him intently.