Beauty and the Beasts

“Leave?” Parker stood up and moved closer to Bai Qingqing, his expression so dark it was terrifying. “You dislike me so much?”

 Bai Qingqing’s heart trembled by the way Parker was staring at her, causing her to retreat backward. Turning meek instantly, she shook her head and said, “No, I’m very grateful to you. And I’m also rather fond of you. But our relationship isn’t at that level yet. If you must force me, I can only choose to leave.”

 Parker’s raised heart lowered at her words, the darkness and maniac in his eyes dissipating. Yet, he feigned anger and continued, “Do you know how dangerous it is in the forest? It’s not simply wild beasts. To think of going in there alone, you must be dreaming. This time you were lucky to run into me. If you had run into a homeless beast, they would capture you back to their nest, lock you up, and force you to keep giving birth. If you refuse, they will beat you up. No way would they consider your feelings.”

 Earlier on he had thought that Bai Qingqing would rather be rescued by a homeless beast than be rescued by him—that was a fatal humiliation to a male.

 Bai Qingqing’s face turned pale. “Homeless beast?”

 She was merely trying to find out more information by threatening to leave. A female like Eve wouldn’t understand the dangers of the forests, so she could only try to find out from Parker. She felt that Parker was trying to intimidate her with his words, but what he said must be based on facts. Otherwise, she only had to verify with someone and the lie would be easily exposed.

 At hearing this, Parker realized that Bai Qingqing didn’t even know about the existence of homeless beasts, which made him feel even better now. He decided to inject her with a strong dose of fear. “Homeless beasts are male beastmen who are not popular with the females. Snakes, lizards, cold-blooded beastmen. They treat females terribly.”

 Parker wasn’t lying though, but he did conceal one thing—homeless beasts usually resided deep in the forests and only came out during the breeding season to seek a female. Moreover, they only dared to go to small tribes. Their tribe was in the vicinity of the City of Beastmen and homeless beasts didn’t dare intrude. Also, the spot where he found Bai Qingqing was also within the realm of influence of the City of Beastmen.

 Bai Qingqing felt a chill all over her body upon learning this. That would truly be more tragic than being eaten alive by wild wolves.

 “Are you still leaving?” Parker assumed a calm and composed manner as he gazed at Bai Qingqing.

 She shook her head repeatedly. “Not leaving anymore.”

 Parker chuckled. “Then let’s mate. If we miss this round, you’ll only have a chance to conceive cubs next year. It’d be a waste not to mate.”

 Beastmen had a tendency to do this because the chances of females conceiving babies were too low, so they considered it a sin to let any chance slip by. If he wasn’t able to make Bai Qingqing pregnant, the tribal head would forcibly assign her to another male. That would be terrible.

 One chance a year?

 An idea suddenly struck Bai Qingqing. She hurriedly said, “No, I have this every month. I can get pregnant at any time. Don’t be anxious. Let’s nurture our relationship first.”

 Her periods finally came in handy. Bai Qingqing felt slightly heartened.

 “Impossible.” Unmoved by her words, Parker declared. “I’m not like those males from small tribes who haven’t seen the world. I’ve seen many females, and all of them go into heat once a year. Same for you apes!”

 The exasperated Bai Qingqing felt like crying. But I’m a pure human! Parker from a large tribe, have you ever seen a pure human before?

 Seeing that she was unable to refute him, Parker felt pleased with himself as if he was a victorious general.

 Bai Qingqing said half-heartedly, “Your meat is burned.”

 There was now a charred smell in the air. Parker’s eyes widened, then he yelped. “Ah! My meat!”

 Parker strode over vigorously and flipped the meat over, fanning the grilled meat that had caught fire with a pained expression on his face. Sitting down next to him, Bai Qingqing thought to herself, If I don’t manage to convince Parker on the last day of my period, I’ll confess to him my identity as a pure human. This tribe doesn’t seem superstitious or anything. Even if they do have some superstitions, by then Parker’s feelings towards me will have deepened, so he probably won’t blab it.