My Wild Beast

Manhandled once again, Nova was flown to another tree where dozens of tribesmen—both in eagle and human form—were gathered. Unlike Ixana and Vulcan, the other eagle shifters in their beast forms were noticeably smaller—still fully capable of tearing flesh and pecking out eyes, but smaller nonetheless.

The massive trunk of this tree spread out into a wide, natural platform where their kind could gather and socialise. Its branches jutted horizontally, giving the impression that the tree had been squashed by some ancient giant, its limbs sprawling out far more than the trees around it, offering more space for the eagles to mingle and perch.

The space buzzed with life. Groups clustered together in conversation. Families kept their young close—none of the children looking older than fourteen. Teenagers sparred near the edges, shoving and grappling until one tumbled, wings flaring out just in time to catch the air. Others bantered and boasted, puffed up with energy, eager to prove themselves capable fighters, hunters, and potential mates.

Their chatter hushed the moment Nova’s feet landed on the bark. All eyes turned to her, scanning her from head to toe, murmuring to each other. She felt the weight of everyone’s interest, and had to fight the urge to look down or cross her arms. That would only confirm how uncomfortable she was—and in this world of survival, she needed every little advantage she could get, even if it was just the illusion of confidence.

Body language was everything. When she first started her career, she’d had to fake confidence in her abilities—until the results caught up with the effort, and her self-belief became real. Fake it ’til you make it, and all that.

But did that mindset apply here?

Probably not... not if someone actually challenged her to a fight—because she’d lose. Badly.

A nudge behind her, forced Nova into a walk. She tipped her chin a little higher, ignoring the rapid beat of her heart. She wanted to ask where she was meant to go but if they wanted to tell her, they would.

The two women stayed close behind her, acting like her shadows, and perhaps her guards. That made her feel somewhat better, especially when the guy who’d kidnapped her abandoned her and—oh.

Vulcan landed with a soft thud in the middle of the tree. Like a ripple effect in water, the crowd parted for him, heads bowing in reverence as he started towards Nova. The morning sun bathed his bronze skin in soft light, casting a warm glow that danced across the defined lines of his body. His pale hair shimmered like stardust, catching the light with every subtle movement. He looked so ethereal right now that she couldn’t blame the way most of his flock watched him, unable to look away, awe struck into their hearts. Yet beneath that beauty, his eyes held a sharp glint of calculation, like the sun’s warmth hiding a blade beneath.

Nova met him halfway, and although he was the villain in her story, she’d prefer to have his company right now than be left like easy prey to his kind.