The Beast World Resets

Chapter 20

Curtis paced at the entrance of the cave, his large, coiled tail twitching with impatience. The air was thick with tension, not from any outside threat, but from the weight of what was happening inside the cave. Colette—his mate—was carrying his offspring, their snakelets. And though he said little about it, every fiber of his being was focused on ensuring that she and their hatchlings survived the next critical stage.

The beastman wasn't one for words, nor for showing concern in ways that others might recognize as tender. His instincts were honed for battle, for territory, for ensuring that his mate and his offspring were safe and strong. But these instincts also made him restless, unable to sit still for long as he kept watch. Anything that dared approach their den would face his fangs.

Colette's scent had changed in subtle ways since she became pregnant, something primal and protective inside him stirred whenever he caught it. His sharp eyes darted to her, observing as she lay in a nest of furs, her skin slightly glowing in the firelight. Her belly had begun to show a subtle roundness, signaling the growing life inside. She was carrying his snakelets, and Curtis felt a deep, instinctual pride at the thought. His offspring would be strong, just like him.

"Curtis," Colette called softly, bringing him out of his thoughts.

He slithered over to her, his movements deliberate and fluid, every action exuding the controlled power he always carried. He knelt beside her, his hand resting on her midsection with possessive certainty. "You're restless," she observed with a smile, reading him as easily as ever.

His eyes narrowed, though not in annoyance. "You need to rest, not worry about me."

"I'm fine," she replied with a calm laugh, her hand brushing over his. She paused, feeling the strength in his grip. He didn't say much about the pregnancy, but his actions spoke louder than words.

"You'll lay the eggs soon," Curtis said bluntly, his voice deep with certainty. There was no question or doubt. He had been keeping track of her progress in his own way, watching her body change, calculating when the time would come. "When that happens, I'll be here. No one comes near you. No one but me."

Colette blinked, surprised by his tone. "I know you'll be here," she reassured him, placing her hand on his arm. "But I'm not fragile. You don't have to worry so much."

Curtis' eyes darkened, his lips pulling into a tight line. "You're carrying my eggs. That makes you everything. Nothing else matters right now." His hand drifted lower on her stomach, his thumb tracing the faint outline of where the snakelets were growing. "I'll protect you with my life. I'll protect them." His voice was almost a growl, a low, dangerous promise.

Colette exhaled slowly, recognizing the seriousness in his gaze. This was Curtis—direct, fierce, territorial. He would sooner fight an entire tribe of enemies than let any harm come to her or their snakelets. She understood now that his intensity came from a place of love, even if he never said the word.

"Just don't forget I'm here too," Colette said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood. "I might not have scales and fangs, but I'm not exactly helpless."

Curtis grunted in response, clearly not amused by her attempt at humor. "I know you can take care of yourself. But that doesn't mean you should. You'll stay here, safe, until after the eggs are laid."

Colette opened her mouth to argue, but the stern look he gave her made her reconsider. He wasn't asking. He was telling. In his mind, there was no room for debate when it came to the safety of his mate and offspring. It was a reminder that, while she was strong-willed, she was still part of a world where the male beastmen took on a protector role—especially when it came to their pregnant mates.

"I'll rest," she finally conceded, lying back against the furs.

Satisfied with her answer, Curtis coiled his tail protectively around her as he sat by her side, his gaze never straying far from her form. His presence was like a fortress—silent but imposing.

"How much longer do you think until... you know," Colette asked, curious but hesitant. The concept of laying eggs instead of giving birth still baffled her, despite Curtis' straightforward explanations.

Curtis's eyes flickered toward her belly, his expression unreadable. "Not long. A few more weeks, maybe less. Depends on how well you eat, how warm you stay."

"You're very concerned about the warmth thing," she commented with a smile, reaching for his hand. "Is that just a snake thing?"

Curtis grunted again. "Hatchlings need heat to survive. Cold will kill them."

Colette nodded, now understanding why he was so insistent on surrounding her with warmth and ensuring that the cave was well insulated. She could feel the tension coiling around him, like a spring wound too tightly, ready to snap at any moment if there was the slightest threat.

"I'll make sure to stay warm then," she murmured, squeezing his hand gently. "And I'll eat plenty. Don't worry so much."

Curtis leaned in, his face inches from hers, his sharp amber eyes locking onto her with that same fierce intensity. "I don't worry. I protect. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you and the snakelets safe."

She felt the weight of his words settle over her, and though it might have sounded cold to someone else, Colette knew better. This was Curtis' way of showing love. He wasn't the type for soft words or tender gestures, but his actions and his unwavering dedication spoke volumes.

She leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "I know you will. I trust you."

Curtis exhaled slowly, his tension easing slightly, though the protective gleam in his eyes never wavered. He pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her, as if to shield her from the world.

For now, they would wait. But when the time came to lay the eggs, Curtis would be there, ready to ensure that his offspring hatched strong and healthy—and that Colette, his mate, remained safe by his side.