Ari

Chapter 19: A Handsome Male Wolf

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 at night for the newlyweds since I decided not to show up in front of Lindie.

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

I wore my cloak, mask and gloves this time. Then, as usual, I flew over the high fence 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 beastman soaking in the steamy water.

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

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 couldn't see his face properly because of the steam from the spring.

I 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 beastman 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.

"Was it you a few days ago?" I asked for confirmation.

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

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

His jaw dropped and his face turned red as he suddenly felt embarrassed.

I continued walking towards my destination intentionally ending the conversation without a word.

The wolf tribes normally enter the forest or mountain in packs. It is 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 is 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 lone wolf is doing in this area. 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.

"Why are you always in a daze?" A male voice suddenly whispered in my ears.

"Ahh! Pervert! Go away! Stay away from me!" I screamed as I instantly backed away, heading towards the place where I put 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.

"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?" He uttered in confusion while he was trying to check on himself by sniffing his body checking for any foul smell.

"Please cover yourself first!" I demanded and threw my cloak to him perfunctorily while I was looking away blushing in embarrassment.

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 suffocates me at a closer distance.

I only had a glance of his face, but he looked so handsome with his dark gray hair, light-gray eyes and fair complexion. His looks were similar to the description that the previous forest wolf alpha, Acwulf, described the current alpha who is his own son.

"Oh! S-Sorry!" He stuttered as he apologized while trying to cover his body with my coat.

"Lowell right?" I asked for confirmation.

"What?! How did you know?" He replied in surprise.

"I don't think this is a good place to chat. Visit the 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 am a daughter of an alpha.

I stood up without looking back while grabbing my things and placing my mask and 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.