My Wild Beast-Chapter 157: Heroes Revelry (2)

The music swelled again, pulling dancers back into motion. Shadows twisted around the fire, joyous and wild. Yoa’s father, Raokan, rose from the circle of elders and made his way toward them. His movements were deliberate but steady, his expression softened by the warmth of the night.

"Nova," he greeted, his deep voice blending with the hum of drums.

She stood, uncertain, but he gestured for her not to bow or step back. "I owe you words I should have spoken long ago," he said. "When you first came to us, I greeted you with suspicion. I saw a stranger near my son and forgot that not every stranger means harm."

Nova opened her mouth, but he lifted a hand to continue. "Yoa is... more precious to me than I can ever say. When I thought your presence might endanger him, I spoke harshly. For that, I am sorry." His gaze shifted toward the horizon, where the first stars were appearing. "I see now that since you came, he has learned how to live, not just to fight. You brought back the part of him we feared was lost."

Emotion gathered in Nova’s chest, thick and sudden. "You were protecting him," she said quietly. "I understand that."

Raokan smiled faintly. "Still, thank you for being in his life. Whatever path the two of you walk, I hope it brings him the peace he’s searched for."

When he walked away, the firelight framed him like a shadow returning to the past, and Nova felt the weight of his words settle into her heart like something sacred.

"I didn’t even have to tell him to do that," a gracious feminine voice spoke from the other side of Nova.

She spun around and smiled at the woman who was so warm and welcoming, accepting Zanari’s embrace instantly, allowing the shawl to fall on top of the log. "Thank you," Zanari whispered, squeezing her gently.

It was probably one of the best hugs Nova had ever had. It wasn’t crushing, but it wasn’t insincere, and was entirely comforting. Pulling back and not trying to look like a fool for becoming suddenly teary-eyed, Nova said, "Raokan is a great man."

"He has to be, or else he wouldn’t be mine," Zanari joked lightly, squeezing Nova’s shoulder, then frowning when she winced a little. With a knowing look, she stepped back. "The night is still young. Do not tire too early... I do want cubs sometime soon."

Amusement flashed in her golden-red eyes at Nova’s dumbstruck look and Yoa’s sudden coughing. Zanari walked away with a swagger and a chuckle, returning to her mate’s side.

Before anything could be said between the pair, Veyra landed in front of them with a thud. Nova looked up, wondering where the feline just popped out from. The questions on her tongue died as she took her hand and fiercely glared at Yoa when he started to protest.

"Don’t worry, I’ll bring her back soon!" Veyra called over her shoulder as the giant woman pulled Nova along with her. She was almost being dragged along, laughing as she looked over her shoulder at her mate, who looked ready to break limbs for any who dared to take his Serakai away from him, cousin or not.

Veyra waved him off and took Nova inside a hut full of other women. A few smoked from a pipe in the corner while others were mixing something together in coconut shells. "What is all of this?" Nova questioned.

Veyra answered by sitting Nova down on the ground. "What-" She almost cried out as multiple hands came towards her.

Yoa shifted uncomfortably on his feet as he sensed Nova’s distress rising. He took two steps in the same direction his cousin went, but then her anxiousness zapped out, replaced with warmth and happiness. He narrowed his eyes. What were they doing...?

His question fell away as Nova pushed aside the flap to the hut, emerging into the soft golden firelight once more, revealing black and gold splodges painted along the opposite side of her body to his. A few graced the corner of her forehead and cheekbone, beautifying his mate further.

Nova tucked some of her hair behind her ear, appearing a little self-conscious, but as more tribesmen saw her, they all cheered and whistled, making her gait more confident, her shoulders pulling back as she smiled up at Yoa again. "What do you think?" She whispered self-consciously, hoping she didn’t appear out of place.

"Breathtaking," he breathed like she really had taken his breath away.

"Like always, my little mouse." His thumb and forefinger took her chin gently and kissed her lips softly. More applause broke out among the crowds, and they grinned, laughter bubbling up past Nova’s lips as she blushed under their attention.

The drums shifted rhythm again, faster now, the tribe clapping and stamping in joyful chaos. Yoa took Nova’s hand and drew her into the open circle. She laughed, pretending to resist, until his arm slipped around her waist. Her breath hitched as sparks danced across her skin—like the first time they’d ever touched. That was all he needed to do for her to give in.

They moved with the rhythm, spinning between other dancers, the flickering glow painting gold across their skin.

Many stepped aside to watch the Serakai pair who caused shimmers of gold to form around their bodies, along the ground, enchanting the earth as they danced to the beat, their movements graceful and in sync, even for one as large as Yoa. He was with his mate, and so they truly showed off how much they belonged together in those moments, blessed under the rising moon, and above Tayun’s skin.

When the song ended, Yoa didn’t let go. Instead, he leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "Come with me," he whispered.

Nova’s laughter caught in her throat as he lifted her effortlessly, the motion so fluid it felt like flying. She barely had time to wave at Aiyana and Atia, who were still locked in a dazed conversation, before Yoa carried her into the night.