With my prize in hand, I had completed the task King Alton had personally requested. Now I just needed to escort tribal leader Reira, I wondered how well she would get on with Prince Hunter.

Oh crap.” I broke into a run remembering where I had left my unit, in a village full of wild female Tigris, who knows what they were doing to them. Wilds were known for their unpredictability.

As soon as I was out of the forest, I climbed upon Arata’s back without thinking, he broke into a run, making it to the village in a matter of minutes.

On arrival I breathed a breath of relief, looked like I had nothing to worry about as everything seemed peaceful, most of the Tigris were going about normally, gathering foods, repairing damaged huts, one was building up the fire.

The first of my unit I saw was Kiba and Lin. He’d whispered something in her ear, and she giggled.

Lin spotted me and stood up. “Fang.”

“Captain.” Kiba stood up too, gulping.

“Relax.” Arata strolled closer. “Where’s everyone?”

“Rex is patrolling, Finn went with him saying all the females made him nervous” answered Lin. “Ibiki has been answering any questions Reira has and my brother…” she glanced at Kiba.

“Trying his luck with the females,” smirked Kiba.

“Has he had any?” I asked curious, knowing he’d try something even though I specifically told him not too.

“No,” he shook his head. “They all come out with the same line.”

Lin shrugged. “Something about him not being a suitable mate,” she sighed. “I did warn him.”

“Perhaps they look for specific traits.” I didn’t really care; I was simply here to complete the second task I had been set to do. “Gather everyone, we make our return to Cathopia.”

“Roger.” Lin nodded and ran off to find them.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Ibiki and Reira are at the chief hut,” informed Kiba pointing in the direction, directly at a hut decorated with feathers, the biggest compared to the others.

“Thanks.” I headed towards the hut at the heart of the village. I spotted Edge gawking over a group of five females.

“Come on, females give me a chance.” He drew his sword, lighting it up in a blaze. “I control a fire talisman.” They giggled at him and walked off.

“Edge!” I called over; he froze. “Prepare to depart.”

“Right.” He extinguished his power and ran off. I shook my head as I entered Reira’s hut, she was in a lengthy conversation with Ibiki.

I was a little surprised to see how luxurious it was inside the chief’s hut considering these were wilds, perhaps I was expecting something a little more basic. There were a few comfy seats of which Reira sat on the one finely decorated with animal bones and feathers, a grand throne.

Inside she had a small fire pit, the floor carpeted with animal pelts and a large bed, the headboard decorated just like her chair at the opposite side of the hut. I also spotted a hole, big enough to climb down into, followed by the scent of meat, most probably where she stored her meat, in the cool earth.

The hut felt strangely welcoming and homely, I could have easily lived here. My attention went to Ibiki as he explained where she would be staying.

“You’ll be staying in the castle during your stay, in a room next to Prince Hunter considering the future connection between here and the city.”

“Makes sense,” she nodded. “I can’t wait to meet him.” Reira looked at me. “I presume it is time to head to the city.” She paused. “You didn’t rush back just in case I’d do something to your little team.”

“No,” I shook my head. “We have a time schedule to keep to. I don’t like keeping others waiting.” Tigra came to mind when I said that, her worry from when I was late home last time was something I wanted to avoid. “His majesty is waiting, shall we.” I stepped back signalling for them both to leave the hut first.

“Let’s go meet my future mate.” She rose to her feet and walked past. “I hope they did not treat you too harshly, even though protected by the fog, they still carry the fears of the past.”

“No problems, they just need guidance into what the world is today,” I responded. “Call your two guards and let’s move out, remember the king is very busy.”

“I understand.” She left the hut, and I heard her roar, just as fierce as King Alton was it due to being the Alpha.

“Everything sorted now?” asked Ibiki coming to stand in front of me.

“Yes,” I nodded. “It’ll protect the king for another two years; I just hope I can deal with it all by then.”

“Remember you are not alone,” smirked Ibiki, patting me on the shoulder. “Oh, I forgot to mention, I think Kiba, and Lin are definitely becoming a pair. I hope that’s not a problem.”

“No, just means they’ll become stronger to protect each other,” I answered. “Let’s go home.” I couldn’t wait to put this strange mission behind me.