The Ugly Duckling Of The Tiger Tribe-Chapter 278: I wanted to play it cool

Noah looked at Fenric, then at Damar. He was fuming, but he knew I was right. He hated it, but he didn’t have a better plan.

This was actually one of those times Noah loses his cool guy character and falls into a depressed state.

The last time I saw him like this was during my labor. He completely lost his cool and his mind.

And now too.

He’s worried for me, I know, and I’m trying hard to consider not doing anything dangerous. The last thing I want is to take my cubs into a dangerous place, after all.

But there was no stopping his anxiety.

"Fenric," I called, turning to him. "Are you okay with this?"

Fenric nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Arinya. As long as Damar goes with, you, I’m not worried." He literally laughed as he added, "He’ll kill anything that breathes the wrong way near you."

Yeah, and he was a really good swimmer too. He was the best option to go with me on this scouting mission.

I smiled softly and stepped toward Fenric first, leaning up to give him a light peck on the lips. "Thank you."

Then I turned to Noah. I went for a light kiss on his lips, just as I did with Fenric to somehow reassure him.

I tiptoed until my lips met his, but he wasn’t just going to let me go after having just a light kiss. He wrapped a hand behind my head and pulled me in deep, kissing me like he was trying to memorize the taste of me in case he never saw me again.

It was intense, desperate, and typical perverted Noah. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

When he finally let me go, I panted and watched as his eyes searched mine.

"Promise me," he whispered. "If it gets tough, or if you see even a hint of danger, you’ll run. You don’t play the hero, little tiger. Your safety is more important so please... Just retreat." He hugged me, wrapping his arms tightly around me as he dropped his head on my shoulder. "I don’t think I can forgive myself if anything happens to you, so please promise me, Arinya."

I stayed still for a moment, feeling the heat of his skin pressed against mine. I could also feel his racing heart through his chest.

This husband of mine... What do I do with you?

He lifted his head and I saw the sadness in his eyes. I reached up and pulled his head down to kiss his forehead, smiling as brightly as I could.

"I’ll be fine. I’ve got Damar, and I’ve got the cubs. I’d be crazy to jump into danger on my own. Go be a King. I’ll go be your queen detective."

He dropped his forehead on mine, just wishing and praying inwardly. This was one of the times he showed his vulnerability.

He didn’t care if there were others watching, he didn’t care if he didn’t look like a dignified king. What he cared about was me.

He finally let me go, and before I could speak, Fenric wrapped his arms around me.

"Sorry, Arinya. I wanted to play it cool, but it got too hard all of a sudden." He said and I patted his big back.

"It’s fine," I said, brushing my finger through his hair. "But don’t hug me like I’m never coming back again. Just hug me because you need a hug."

It’d be a bad omen if this parting was with the intent of a goodbye in case we never see each other again.

Fenric snuggled up to me and smiled.

"Yeah. I just need a hug, so pat me, wife." I patted his back some more and he lifted his head, kissing my cheek deeply.

"We’ll wait for you to come back," he said and I smiled.

"Yeah. I won’t take long so wait for me."

And with that, I turned to the chief.

"Will you be my guide?" I asked and Robin looked at me, a little unsure.

"What do you plan to do?"

"Nothing big. I just plan to look over the cause of your problem right now." I said, brushing my thumb over my nose. "I’m going to go see the mer folks."

We waved us off until we disappeared into the main path. I could still see Noah and Fenric’s vid expressions, looking with longing and their gaze lingering... Reminding me that I shouldn’t do too much.

I should only do what I can and leave the rest.

If I get hurt, if I get lost... There was no way they could remain composed and sane.

I closed my eyes, repeating these words to myself because I planned to abide by them until the end.

Damar held the basket with our cubs. He hadn’t said a word since that whole little parting.

What was he thinking about? I wondered. But I couldn’t pry. I felt it was better that he didn’t say anything regarding this mission, because if Damar suddenly decided he didn’t want me to go because it was dangerous, then that was the end of it.

He would kidnap me, if he had to, just to make sure I did not step into danger.

But seeing how he was quiet, it was either that he didn’t believe this mission was that dangerous, or that he was confident in protecting me no matter what happened.

And he’ll definitely stop me if the risk I start taking seems too high.

He’s the most rational along with being a great swimmer, and an attack force that could take our multiple beasts at the same time, so he was the best tag partner for this mission.

"The mer-folk usually stay in the deep water," Robin explained as we walked. "We have heard stories that they can shift form."

"You mean like turn into real fish?" I imagined that was the case because they were already half fish.

Thinking about it made me chuckle but Robin shook his head.

"Now, their tails can become legs and they can walk on land,"

"Hm, that’s surprising."

Did they make a deal with a sea witch or something? Is it just me? I can’t help but think of the Little Mermaid in this situation. Haha.

"But it’s probably just a myth." Robin continued.

"How so?"