Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin-Chapter 48: Space and Portals

Meanwhile, I spotted Titus skillfully crafting rolls, using a small green stone oven perched over the fire. A frown creased my brow as I sat up, my vision swaying slightly as I took in the scene. Where on earth had they found a stone oven? Even if it wasn’t particularly large, it seemed cumbersome enough to transport. It reminded me of those charming stone pizza ovens that are typically set up over an open flame.

My bewilderment deepened as I took in the sight before me: a quaint square table perched atop a luxurious mound of furs, with a delicate blanket draped over its surface. Above it, a charming canopy made of sheer white fabric was elegantly secured to four towering wooden poles, creating a serene oasis that shielded me from the relentless glare of the sun. I couldn’t help but wonder, where the heck did all of this come from?

The guys paused, nearly as one and all stared at me as if they’d been caught doing some unspeakable thing. Their eyes were wide and I couldn’t help but chuckle at seeing so many large or imposing men, along with Oliver who was just absurdly adorable, pause like they were in trouble.

"What’s this all about?"

"My love! You’re awake, I’m sorry that we disturbed you but I’m thrilled that you’re awake," Oliver said with his large tail happily wiggling behind him and his cute little ears standing forward on top of his head as if he could strain them to get closer to me.

What had been wrong with me? He was so cute.

He stared into my eyes and then gave me a dazzling smile. "You have been through a lot since you were going through your change. That can cause strong mood fluctuations, and apparently, you were going into heat at the same time, which makes it so much worse. Though, I didn’t know about the latter at the time that we were intimate. I hope that you don’t think that I did that on purpose." He bit his lower lip and looked at me with slightly watery eyes.

So, I found myself in heat—how bizarre, right? Elara had said it before, but it felt so far-fetched back then. Now, it all makes sense, especially with this overwhelming attraction to Oliver. Honestly, I wasn’t looking to get intimate with anyone anytime soon. But hey, at least I ended up with someone I genuinely like; can you imagine the horror of being with one of those rat brothers? Yikes!

"Everything’s perfectly alright, so no need to fret. We’re mates now, and that’s what matters. I’m curious, though—where did all this stuff come from?"

Oliver flashed me a dazzling smile before snuggling up against my side, leaning in close and wrapping his tail around me like a cozy blanket. I couldn’t resist pulling his tail into my lap, treating it like a plush toy as I gently petted it. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any cuter, he surprised me with a soft moan escaping his lips. "Perla?"

As I paused, my hands hovering in the air, I found myself lost in the memory of my first encounter with Milo. Beastkin certainly have a fascinating take on their tails, something I’m still getting used to, but honestly, they’re so irresistibly soft and fluffy that I can’t help but want to touch them. Since he’s already my mate, a little affectionate petting seems harmless, right? Let’s be real—I was just looking for an excuse to linger a bit longer. So, I wrapped my arms around his tail, giving it a gentle squeeze. Oliver gasped, his cheeks flushing a charming pink, his eyes looking a bit dazed. Wow, whatever this was doing to him made me wish I had a tail of my own. Oh wait, I sort of do! I wonder if tailfins would have the same effect. I might just have to find out someday. I’m curious if I’ll ever master the art of shifting out of the water.

"Hey you two, no need to put on a performance for the rest of us—though I wouldn’t complain if it meant I’d be getting some pets afterward," Titus said with a playful wink.

My face flushed as I caught sight of that look on his face. I definitely needed to discover what the equivalent of giving a guy a little tail rub was. But judging by Oliver’s recent moan, I had a feeling it might just make me want to dig a hole and hide in the sand once I figured it out. I suppose I should eventually apologize to Milo for my little escapade? Although, he seemed perfectly fine with my tail-petting antics—no wonder Elara was so taken aback! Elara, I felt a huge void without her, and once I get her back, there’s no way anyone’s prying her away from me again. Our friendship may be new, but it already feels like a lifetime.

"To answer your question, I’ve got a personal storage space where I’m the sole gatekeeper, deciding who and what gets in. My special ability is space magic, which allows me to conjure portals to places I’ve visited before. I can keep track of up to ten locations for quick travel, making it super handy for an adventurer like myself. Sadly, Duarte Village isn’t one of the spots I’ve stored, and I don’t have any nearby options either. However, Ira has already dispatched his brother to Duarte Village to join the ceremony and monitor things on our behalf. Ira says Calix is a speedy swimmer, and his pond offers a straight shot to Duarte Village, so he should make it there in no time."

I exhaled a breath of relief, a smile spreading across my face. "Oh, that’s such wonderful news! The quicker we can check on her, the better off we’ll be. But wait a minute—portals and storage space? That sounds absolutely fascinating! Would you be so kind as to give me a little tour of this incredible setup?"

Titus flashed me a wide, charming grin, then extended his hand with the palm facing out. From his palm, a swirl of light began to dance and grow, forming a doorway that hung in the air, seemingly disconnected from everything around it. Through that portal, I caught a glimpse of the most breathtaking beach—soft pink sands, mesmerizing blue-green waters, and towering trees that resembled colossal coconut palms. Seriously, where do I sign up for powers like that?

"Where’s that?" I said with awe, I’d only seen such places in photoshopped pictures before.

"I first set foot on that island during my early days as an adventurer, and it’s been a cherished spot ever since. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it remains just as pristine as I remember, with only a handful of quaint huts scattered about. I even own one of those huts, which gives me the perfect excuse to escape there for a few days now and then."

I found myself daydreaming about spontaneous tropical getaways and endless portable storage, and just like that, my superpowers felt a little less impressive. Hmm, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a trick to unlock that ability in my system.

"Could I see your storage space?"

"Are you taking more interest in me?" he asked, flashing a grin that showcased those dimples and a smile so perfect it could light up a room. Those pointed canines? Absolutely lethal! I could practically feel my heart skip a beat from his sheer hotness.

Honestly, is there some secret blueprint out there that makes men so dangerously attractive that women just can’t handle it? Is that the real reason why there’s a shortage of women? Am I still in heat? I’m still in heat, aren’t I? Maybe it was the heat talking but I wanted to slide down him like a fireman’s pole and eat him all up. I swear, my brain is doing somersaults! It’s no surprise that beastkin ladies can juggle so many males. Honestly, I could just give myself a good forehead smack right about now! I will be so relieved when I’m not in heat anymore.

He held out both hands, palms facing each other and a window showed up in the air between his palms, "see for yourself."

As I strolled closer, my gaze was drawn to the window, and just as I leaned in for a better look, he swiftly lowered it over me. In an instant, I was transported into a vast expanse that felt like an enchanting outdoor paradise. The ground was a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, and there stood a magnificent log cabin, exuding rustic charm, with a serene pond nestled beside it. My eyes widened in wonder as I took in the surroundings; the trees were unlike any I had ever encountered, their shapes and colors a delightful surprise. The pond was alive with an array of vividly colored fish, and the air was filled with the melodious calls of exotic birds perched high in the branches. It was a scene that felt both surreal and magical, inviting me to explore every corner of this captivating haven.

I couldn’t help but exclaim, "This is incredible!" as I took in the surroundings, with Titus standing next to me, a satisfied grin lighting up his features. But there was something more to that smile—a hint of something else that made me raise an eyebrow.

Coming Next Time: Shocked