The Beast World Resets

Chapter 27

The path through the dense forest was familiar by now, yet Colette couldn't help but feel a prickle of anticipation as she followed Curtis deeper into his territory. The air was cool, and the trees cast long shadows over the uneven ground, but none of it bothered Curtis. He moved with the effortless grace of a predator at home in his domain, his golden eyes scanning the surroundings.

Colette could sense his tension—Curtis rarely left the eggs unattended, even for short periods. But this meeting with his friends was important, and as much as his protective instincts warred against it, Curtis knew they needed to discuss the Blacksheep Tribe's request for sanctuary.

"You sure the eggs will be alright?" Colette asked, her tone light but edged with concern. She knew Curtis well enough to sense his reluctance, even if he hadn't voiced it outright.

Curtis nodded, though his gaze remained fixed ahead. "They're safe. No feral would dare come near the cave. My scent is enough to keep them out." His fingers brushed the thick, dark stripes on his neck—the tetra-stripes that marked him as one of the strongest. Few would challenge him in this territory, and those that did had learned quickly.

Satisfied, Colette quickened her pace, stepping alongside him. "Good. I'd hate to see you tear someone apart just because we had a meeting to get to." She smirked, teasing him the way she always did.

Curtis shot her a sideways glance, his lips twitching in the barest hint of a smile. "I wouldn't have to," he muttered, the unspoken threat in his tone enough to make her chuckle.

As they neared a clearing, Colette's heart picked up speed. She had already met the mates of Curtis' friends—Nyssa, Kalira, and Lirae—but this would be her first time meeting the beastmen themselves. She'd heard enough from Curtis and the others to know they were as formidable as him, each boasting tetra-stripes of their own, except for one.

Curtis stepped forward first, his imposing presence signaling their arrival. The low murmur of conversation faded as they entered the clearing, where his friends had gathered. Zorin, Seren, and Korin stood around a small firepit, their golden and black scales gleaming in the soft morning light. Colette couldn't help but notice how similar yet distinct they were from Curtis, each carrying the same air of strength and confidence.

The females—Nyssa, Kalira, and Lirae—were already present, standing nearby. Nyssa glanced up first, offering Colette a small nod of acknowledgment. "They're waiting for you," she murmured, her sharp blue eyes flicking between Colette and Curtis.

Seren, the leader of the group, was the first to step forward. His tetra-stripes—four bold, golden marks along his neck—made him look regal, and his vibrant green eyes sparkled with charm. "So, this is Curtis' mate," Seren said, his voice smooth and teasing. "We've heard much about you, Colette."

Colette raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "I hope Curtis didn't paint me in too bad a light."

Seren chuckled. "Quite the opposite. It seems you've got him wrapped around your finger."

Curtis shot his friend a sharp look, but Colette just laughed, sensing the lighthearted nature of the banter. "Well, someone has to keep him in line," she replied with a wink, which earned a low rumble of amusement from Curtis.

Zorin, the strategist, approached next. His black scales shimmered in the light, and his tetra-stripes were dark and sleek against his neck, almost blending in with his obsidian-black skin. "I'm Zorin," he said in a measured tone, his silver eyes assessing her calmly. "I imagine you've already had quite the influence on this group."

Colette shrugged. "I try. Though I think Curtis is still more interested in fighting off threats than talking them through." Her comment earned another flicker of amusement from Zorin, though his expression remained reserved.