The Beast World Resets

Chapter 28

The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant wildlife as Colette walked beside Curtis. His towering presence, powerful form, and ever-watchful red eyes made her feel both comforted and aware of the tension simmering beneath his calm exterior. The eggs, tucked safely in their cave, were always on his mind. As they neared the meeting site, she knew the task ahead would test both of them.

The clearing opened up before them, where Elder Rin and several Blacksheep builders had already begun surveying the land. Their eyes darted between Curtis and the other ferals—Korin, Zorin, and Seren—each marked with their own tetra and tri-stripes, signifying their immense strength.

Colette stepped forward, her mind focused on the task. This was no ordinary meeting. Today, they would begin building something bigger than just walls—today, they would lay the foundation for a city.

Colette's voice was clear as she addressed the group. "We'll start with the wall," she said, her gaze sweeping across the tribe. "The Blacksheep Tribe will be in charge of building it, using your skills to create something strong, something that can protect us all. The ferals will help gather materials."

Her tone was calm yet commanding. Even Curtis stood quietly at her side, his tension palpable but his trust in her leadership evident.

As Colette outlined her vision, some of the tribe's builders exchanged uneasy glances. The idea of living and working so closely with ferals, beings they had spent their lives fearing, wasn't sitting well with them.

It was Elder Rin who first stepped forward, giving Colette a respectful nod. "We understand the importance of this wall. My people will do what is necessary."

Before Colette could reply, a younger builder—a beastman with sharp eyes and tense posture—spoke up, his voice laced with doubt. "What guarantee do we have that the ferals won't turn on us? Living this close to them... it's not natural."

The tension in the clearing spiked immediately. Curtis, who had been quietly listening, straightened, his red eyes narrowing dangerously. A low, menacing growl rumbled in his throat, a warning to all who dared question his authority in this territory. His tetra-stripes marked him as one of the strongest, and no one could forget it.

But before Curtis could react, Colette stepped in, her hand briefly touching his arm, grounding him. She turned to the young builder, her expression sharp and unyielding.

"Either you follow the rules and provide mutual respect, or go back to your old village and rebuild it with the beastmen who also disagree," Colette's voice was steady, her words cutting through the air like a blade. "You may be good at building, but you're not the only ones. So tell me, who's at a disadvantage?"

The young builder froze, his earlier bravado melting away under the weight of her words.

"I may be a female," Colette continued, her eyes locking onto his, "but I will not tolerate those who can't follow the rules we set. Let me remind you..." Her gaze was unwavering, her voice dropping into something almost dangerous. "You've wasted the efforts of Elder Rin, but that's not my problem now, is it?"

The silence that followed was thick with tension. No one dared speak as Colette's words hung in the air. Even Elder Rin, though stern, didn't object. The young builder lowered his gaze, unable to meet her eyes, his earlier defiance thoroughly crushed.

Colette let the silence linger, ensuring her message had sunk in. She wasn't just Curtis' mate—she was the one leading this charge, and they would have to respect that or lose everything they had gained.

Through it all, Curtis had remained silent, but Colette could feel the heat of his protective energy radiating beside her. His stance had shifted, his body rigid, as though ready to strike at anyone who challenged their authority.

But now, his eyes were on Colette, a mixture of pride and tension swirling in their depths. She had handled the situation, but his instincts were still pulling him toward the eggs, toward the safety of their home.

She sensed it immediately. Turning slightly, she placed a gentle hand on his arm, her touch soft but firm. "Curtis," she murmured, her voice low so only he could hear, "we're doing this for our future. Once the wall is built, everyone, our family and friends will be safe. You just need to trust me a little longer."

His red eyes flicked to hers, the tension in his body loosening, if only slightly. He gave a small nod, his grip tightening briefly around her waist, a subtle acknowledgment of both his possessiveness and his trust.

Returning to the group, Colette laid down the rest of her plan, this time with even more authority. "The wall will mark the boundary of this city, but it's not just about building. It's about survival. Ferals and beastmen alike will live here, and we all follow the same rules."

She glanced around the group, making sure to meet each person's gaze. "No disrespect toward the ferals. You're living under their protection, and they've kept this territory safe. But in return, we expect full cooperation. If you can't agree to that, there's no place for you here."

One of the older builders, more experienced and perhaps wiser than the younger one, stepped forward. "We understand, female Colette. We'll begin the construction immediately."

She gave him a curt nod. "Good. Start by gathering stone from the western ridge. The ferals will bring in the larger pieces. We need the foundations in place by the end of the week."

The tribe's builders, though still wary, began to move into action. The earlier tension had dissipated, but Colette could still sense the undercurrent of unease between the beastmen and the ferals. This would be no easy task, but the groundwork had been laid. They would have to trust each other—or risk losing everything.

As the meeting wound down, Curtis was already shifting his weight, his gaze drifting toward their cave, where their eggs lay hidden. Colette knew it was time to go.

"Let's check on the eggs," she said softly, her voice a balm to his restless spirit.

Without a word, Curtis turned and began to lead the way back. As they walked through the forest, Colette felt the weight of what lay ahead. Building this city was just the first step. There would be more challenges, more tension—but as long as she and Curtis stood together, she knew they could face whatever came next.