Chapter 19: A Handsome Male Wolf

I wasn’t restricted to go out, unlike the other female younglings because I wasn’t showing any signs of estrus and due to the fact that I have no ability to make any physical contact with any male except my own siblings and father. The only restriction given to me by the elders was that I cannot be alone with any male without the knowledge or permission of any of the elders. Any males who would try to pursue me without the knowledge of the elders, especially the alpha, my father, shall be punished heavily according to the law of the Forest Lion Tribe.

A few days later, I begged my father and the elder healer to allow me to go back to the spring one more time. No elders will be available to teach me at home because everyone will be busy attending the wedding ceremony except for myself.

They agreed, but they asked me to return before dinner time so we can all dine together. They said that they planned not to attend the bonfire celebration for the newlyweds at night since I decided not to show up in front of Lindie due to the incident regarding Dillon’s rejection of their partnership.

I was so happy after being granted permission, so I started to pack up my things and drank my medicine before heading out.

I wore my cloak, mask and gloves this time, though I forgot to pull up my hood. Then, just like before, I flew over the high fence at the back of the territory, even though I knew someone saw me, since I already have permission to leave the tribe from the alpha, my father.

I excitedly went to the spring gliding swiftly through the vast sky.

When I arrived in the spring, I saw an adult male Wolf soaking in the steamy water.

He smiled at me while asking, “Would you mind my presence in this hot spring, young brother?”

My left eyebrows raised because of the way he called me “young brother”. I couldn't see his face properly because of the steam from the spring.

I then laughed because he thought I was a male, so I told him, “The spring is vast, just don't come near me and I'll be fine.”

“Why? Are you afraid that a Wolf like me will attack a Chimera like you?” he mumbled as he laughed from his own joke.

His voice was so familiar, so it took me a long time to respond. I suddenly remembered the beastman hiding in the forest a few days ago.

The refreshing aroma of the damp moss and wet tree trunks—the exact smell of the rainforest filled the air slowly soothing my panicking heart. A perfect smell that would blend into the forest masking his presence in the vast field of trees and bushes.

I asked for confirmation, “Was it you a few days ago?”

He teased me as he invited me to have a conversation, “Hmmm... Maybe? Why don't you just join me here and come closer so we can have a friendly talk?”

I removed my mask, then hid my ears, tail, and wings as I walked towards the secluded area of the spring and responded, “No, I can't. Because I am allergic to any physical contact with any males.”

His jaw dropped and his face turned bright red, he suddenly looked embarrassed, but I continued walking towards my destination intentionally trying to end the conversation without a word.

The Wolves normally enter the forest or mountain in packs. It was a taboo for them to separate from their group since it might be dangerous for them to lurk into the forest—their comradeship within their pack was enviable.

The current alpha was the son of Acwulf who succeeded him just a few years ago. I wanted to ask him if he knew the current alpha who never showed himself in front of me when I visited their tribe, but I don't want to converse any further since I felt awkward with the situation.

I also do not wish to poke my nose on other's issues, so I didn't ask what a Wolf was doing in this location. Their tribe was located quite a distance from this area, and it will take a few hours for a normal beastman to walk on such a distance.

As per usual, I placed my bag, shawl, cloak, mask, gloves, bow and quiver on the dry ground where it won't get wet once I bathe and soak in the spring. Then, I cleansed my body using the essential oils and herbal ointment made from various flowers and herbs before soaking in the steamy water.

I was deep in thought as I was soaking in the water trying to relax myself.

A male voice suddenly whispered in my ears, “Why are you always in a daze?”

I screamed as I instantly backed away, “Ahh! Pervert! Go away! Stay away from me!”

I dashed forward to the area where I placed my things.

He was sitting on top of the rock where I was leaning on earlier. He was baffled as he looked at my pale face and trembling body.

He tried to check on himself by sniffing his body checking for any foul smell and asked in confusion, “W-why are you scared of me? I just wanted to be friends with you. Do I look scary? Do I stink? Do I look hideous?”

I looked away, blushing in embarrassment as I perfunctorily threw my cloak to him and demanded, “Please cover yourself first!”

He was naked since he was bathing in the spring, but I didn't feel disgusted for the first time and his scent helped me soothe my panicking heart. His smell was not suffocating unlike the other beastmen I've met—excluding my father, Dillon, Gurion, and my brothers. Even the scent of the alphas of the other tribes suffocated me at a closer distance.

I only had a glance of his face, but he looked so handsome with his dark blue-gray hair, silver eyes and light brown complexion. His looks were similar to the description that the previous Forest Wolf Tribe’s alpha, Acwulf, described the current alpha, his own son.

He hurriedly tried to cover his lower body with my coat, realizing he was naked and responded nervously, “Oh no! S-Sorry!”

I turned around to calm myself and ask, “Lowell, right?”

It took him some time to react, but he responded in a surprised tone, “What?! How did you know?”

“I don't think this is a good place to chat. Visit the Forest Lion Tribe if you may. My father is Lev, the alpha of the tribe,” I said, hoping for him to back away once learning that I was a daughter of an alpha.

I stood up without looking back while grabbing my things, then placed my mask and my gloves in my bag. I wrapped the cotton shawl around my body, tying the ends just above my bosom draping it like a tube dress in a hurry, then tied my quiver securely on my waist and grabbed my bow, then flew away instantly without looking back.