My Wild Beast

Silence had never felt so loud before. The jungle itself seemed to still at Nova’s words. The Apatka froze mid-motion, reptilian eyes glinting in the sunlight, their gazes sharpening on the ’shrimp’ who had just declined their leader’s help.

Nearby, a few of the muscleheads shifted their weight from foot to foot, rolling their shoulders and cracking their necks like they were warming up for a fight. It was certainly intimidating. Did they not see the size of her? There would be no fight— just a swift squash!

Strangely, Yoa didn’t tense or react to Nova’s comment. He sat at ease, long legs spread wide, one hand resting comfortably on her thigh, the other lifting the bowl to his lips as he drank the stew in heavy gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing with each swallow. Nova couldn’t comprehend it. He was so comfortable in his skin, so sure of his strength and skills.

She was confident in his skills too. He’d proven it time and again. But Yoa was still just one man against at least twenty angry, stone-bodied crocodile shifters who had no issues ending conversations they disliked with a powerful right hook.

Nova’s chin lifted slightly as she stared Yara down, trying to play the part of Yoa’s... Well, what was she to Yoa? She had no idea. It was way too early to have that sort of discussion, even if they had almost slept together at Moon Lake.

But with the strength of his thigh beneath her and his hand resting on her leg, part protective, part possessive, making his claim known to others, made her feel more at ease. He wasn’t reacting, and Yara had yet to throw the pot of stew in her face... or do something worse.

Yara’s gaze swept over Nova again, taking in her tiny form. Every fibre in her body wanted to lock up under that stony stare; even so, she resisted, appearing casual and confident sitting on Yoa’s lap. Yara’s lips twitched, then she threw her head back and burst into boisterous laughter once more, smacking her leg. Nova jerked slightly at the impact, noting the subtle shift of the rock under Yara from the force.

She stared at the crocodile shifter wide-eyed, unsure if Yara’s laugh was a good thing. The Apatka had yet to return to what they were doing, still awaiting Yara’s command. When she was done, wiping the side of her eye and returning Nova’s gaze with an amused one, she smirked, "I like you. You’re either incredibly brave for a little twig or incredibly foolish. Either way, you’ve got guts. Maybe there’s a little Apatka nestled in that heart of yours."

Yoa set the bowl down on the rock, still unconcerned. Did he know Yara well? Was that why he was so comfortable here? He had been wary from the beginning.

Nova cleared her throat, ignoring the way her heart raced and her fingers almost shook at speaking her true thoughts. "I just wanted to make it clear to you," she said, voice unwavering.

Yara waved her off. "Oh, it was made perfectly clear." She leaned forward then, elbow resting on her thigh, hand balancing her head. "Maybe I can see what all the fuss is about now."