Beast World

Chapter 9 – Hands of Wolfy

Startled awake by a roar, Charlottes heart jumped a mile in the air. She studied her surroundings, she appeared to be in a makeshift cottage. Shelving lined the walls with all sorts of herbs, spices and specimens. Not seeing Derik, or the cave Charlotte was terrified. Anxiety nearly tore her apart and she shouted loud as she could, “DERIK!” Ebson changed into human form darting into the house before Johnston could take a step.

Charlotte gawked wide eyed at the tall handsome man who almost skidded to a stop right in front of her. He had hair as dark as charcoal. Basically the same build as Derik, less the scaring that in her opinion distinguished Derik’s features. He had a strong jawline and an air of arrogance about him. Yes, Derik could be cold at times, but not arrogant. As her eyes continued to lower she realised this man was butt naked, what was it with the men here. Speaking of which why was she here, she realised Derik must have carried her after she cried herself to sleep. Emotions still high and eyes still sore from crying Charlotte was less then please with her surroundings.

Ebson reached forward to touch Charlotte. “It’s ok little female, ill protect and look after you from now on”.

Johnson entered his home watching Ebson place his hand on Charlotte’s arm. Johnston did not think Ebson was paying attention to her aura and could sense something bad was going to happen.

Charlotte was completely taken back by this asshole who she had never met, who was f*****g naked! An was placing his hands on her! His hand provoked no physical reaction for her. In fact, she felt dirty and disgusted. Forcing a smile to her face Charlotte took the man’s hand into her own, watching as the mans expression softened while gazing at her in somewhat of a trance. She then without warning Charlotte jerked forward biting his arm so hard that he started bleeding. She almost took a hunk of flesh out as she pulled away, jerking her leg up to kick for his manhood before he could react.

Ebson fell to the floor after taking her kick in total surprise. Pain flooded his body as he tried to pull himself back up. Johnston couldn’t help but laugh a little in the corner. He looked at the injured Ebson, “maybe go out for a while, while I check little Charlotte over” he suggested.

Groaning an answer sounding like ok, Ebson struggled to the front door to sit on the porch.

Charlotte stared at Johnston’s gentle yet amused face. His green eyes and silver hair quite a rarity. He stood a head shorter then Derik and was not as bulky or toned. She assumed already that this was the resident healer Johnston that Derik had mentioned. From what she gathered and how Derik spoke about him that he was a good man. Finally she broke the silence, “where is Derik?”

“He will be out hunting and will return later for the choosing, are you hungry?” leaving no room for more questions concerning Derik, Johnston tried to push forward the conversation.

“Yes, thank you Johnston.”         

“You know me?” Johnston turned to a bench starting to prepare some sort of porridge while cautiously awaiting her answer.

“Derik mentioned you and said you were a healer, was kind obvious with your house”. Gesturing to the walls. Charlotte accepted the bowl passed to her and tried the porridge. Surprised at the reasonable taste she dug in. After a quarter of the bowl was gone she handed back the bowl thanking Johnston.

“You don’t like it?” Johnston asked ready to prepare something else.

“I’m full", it was actually quite nice she genuinely smiled at him. “Derik said you had to give me a check up so go ahead let’s get this done so we can talk about this choosing thing.”

Nodding in collaboration with Charlotte, “I’ll talk you threw it while we get this over and done with". Slowly checking her pulse and checking areas where injuries Derik had told him about were. Johnston started speaking, “The choosing ceremony is for unmated females, or female entering a new clan with no current partners. Meaning her partners have died or like you she had none to begin with. The choosing ceremony takes place in the main hall where all single males in the clan who wish to become a partner of the female gather. The female will then choose a male by kissing him. The male will in turn bite her, marking her as their own. If a female picks multiple partners they will fight amongst themselves with only the strongest marking her as her first mate. If a female refuses to pick a male the leader of the clan will pick 1 or multiple males to fight for the right to become the females partner. Once bitten a female will feel intense heat and pain until mated with her chosen. Not obtaining a partner is not an option". He added in case she thought that was an option. Thinking about the possibility of a guardian beast due to Astro’s words this morning. “Some females also take guardian beasts, this is a male does not mate with the female. However his loyalty is as deep as a partner both taking care of, protecting her and fulfilling her commands. If a guardian is chosen a partner will still need to be found. There is no way a female can leave the hall without accepting a male partner."

Feeling completely cheated Charlotte grinded her teeth, “then what’s a wild beast?” Remembering Derik brought it up numerous times.

“mmm”, Johnston paused before answering. He explained that it was an abandoned child who grew up initially outside of a clan.

“What does that have to do with the choosing?” Charlotte challenged.

Johnston tried to explain the negative views on wild beasts. A female will lower her prospects by having a wild beast for a mate. “When did you hear about wild beasts?” Johnston continued.

“Derik said he was one multiple times; I didn’t understand what he meant. Plus, he’s not the chattiest person around.” She audibly sighed, “you know I am not from here; I don’t want this!”

Johnston pursed his lips, “I’m sorry, this is the way. There is no escaping this fate. All you can do is try to control it". After facing her silence for a while, “I need to check your lower back. Something is not right". His expression grew curious.