NOVPUB
Chapter 81: Chapter 81 The pressure of taking on more mates
Kyra grabbed Sally’s hands, yanking her hard, almost sending her to the ground. But Sally’s mate caught her just in time.
"You’re going too far, Kyra," Sally’s mate spoke through clenched teeth. "You can’t treat my mate like that."
"Haha! Then teach your mate some manners. Does she think no one sees the tricks she’s trying to pull?" Kyra retorted coldly.
"PLEASE STOP FIGHTING! I CAN’T FOCUS ON THE TREATMENT!" Healer William’s voice cut through the tension, cold and firm. "IT’S BETTER IF YOU ALL GET OUT OF MY COTTAGE AND LET ME TREAT LUCAS."
Hearing this, everyone moved outside, intimidated by the healer’s anger. No one wanted to offend Healer William—without him, there would be no one to treat their injuries after combat and hunting.
Kyra followed them out, her heartbeat pounding with fear. She glanced back through the door, her eyes becoming moist as she watched Healer William begin to cut the fur around Lucas’s neck.
Lucas had always been proud of his fur. Her heart tightened with worry.
"Don’t worry, Kyra. Everything will be alright." Mia said, hugging her as Kyra burst into tears.
Mia was a new friend, someone she had only met yesterday, but she was genuine and kind. Kyra hoped Mia wouldn’t turn out like Sally.
"Thank you, Mia, for everything." Kyra said, smiling weakly.
"Don’t thank me. You’re my best friend." Mia replied, rubbing Kyra’s head gently as she held her hands.
Soon, Tim, Gin, and others who had heard about Lucas’s condition arrived in a hurry.
"What happened?" Gina asked, but then she followed Kyra’s gaze and saw Lucas lying weakly on the bed, being treated. Tears burst from her eyes.
"My cub... my cub," she cried.
"Don’t cry... don’t cry... Our cub is a strong boy." Wilson said, patting her back. Though he felt the pain for Lucas’s injury, he couldn’t let himself lose control. Every male have to endure such injuries to become stronger.
Gina broke free from Wilson and ran toward Kyra.
"GINA!" her mates shouted.
"Kyra, child... What happened to my cub? Why was he injured like that?" Gina asked, her voice trembling.
Kyra looked at Gina blankly, struggling to find words. Seeing her condition, Mia spoke up on her behalf. "Aunty, it was Sally’s mate and Lucas. For some reason we don’t know, they were already fighting cruelly when we arrived."
Gina nodded, taking in the information. "Who won?" she asked again.
Before Kyra could respond, Sally shouted angrily, "That female didn’t even let them finish the fight! She started kicking my love. She doesn’t know that if males fight, no one can stop them until it’s over! Clueless, dumb female!"
"Shut up! No one asked you, Sally!" Gina yelled at Sally, turning back to Kyra with a softer tone. "Kyra, you did a good job."
The winner of the fight didn’t matter to Gina; what mattered was her cub’s life. She knew how male life was always in danger from challenges by other males, and sometimes those challenges ended in death. Even though there were rules against killing beastmen casually, there were no rules when it came to combat between males.
"Listen, everyone," Partrich said in a commanding voice. "Tomorrow, we will talk about this matter in the council."
He then looked at Sally. "Nathan’s treatment is almost done. Sally, leave your two mates here and go back home." Sally nodded, glaring at Kyra before leaving.
Kyra ignored Sally and hugged Gina, who started crying again.
Everyone was waiting outside when Healer William approached them. "Lucas’s treatment is done. You can take him home now. I’ll pack some medicine for you," he said. "It would be easier if you had more mates to help take care of him. Come inside."
"Kyra hasn’t taken any mates because she hasn’t reached adulthood yet." Steven explained, frowning.
"Oh, I understand," Healer William said as he led Kyra inside. "But you can still take some mates like you did with Lucas, even before you become mature."
Kyra forced a smile and nodded as she followed him inside.
"I’m sorry for your loss, but I had to cut Lucas’s fur around his neck because he has a deep wound that could lead to infection. I’ve applied a bandage and some healing paste to help him recover. Please make sure the wound doesn’t get wet and let him rest until he heals. Kyra, it would be easier to take care of him if you had more mates. If you’re interested, I could introduce you to my nephews and grandsons. They are fine young males." Healer William suggested, hoping his family might get a chance with such a good female.
"I’ll think about it, but for now, let me take care of Lucas." Kyra replied, her mind starting to consider the idea of taking more mates. She didn’t want to be with anyone without feelings, but she knew she couldn’t be selfish.
"Don’t worry," Wilson said, his voice cold but gentle. "If you don’t want more males right now, don’t pressure yourself. You’re like a daughter to me. And Healer William, don’t advertise your nephews and grandsons right now. We understand what you’re suggesting, but Lucas’s dads are still alive. It’s not like we can’t take care of him." he said sternly.
"Haha! Sorry, Kyra and Wilson. Let me pack the medicine for Lucas, and you can take him." Healer William said, feeling embarrassed that Wilson had seen through his intentions so clearly. But then, Wilson was always smart.
Kyra walked towards Lucas and sat beside him on the bed. He was now in his wolf form. Her eyes fell on the bandaged area around his neck, his eyes closed and the fur around them wet. She softly caressed his head, then leaned down and kissed his forehead gently.
"My strong wolf." she whispered, letting her lips linger on his forehead. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Gina, her eyes teary but smiling.
"Indeed, he is a strong wolf." Gina said, her voice filled with emotion.
