The World Is Mine For The Taking

We moved through the thick jungle path, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant beast calls accompanying each step. The humid air clung to our skin, and the faint scent of wildflowers mixed with something more primal. As we walked in silence, Kirk suddenly spoke, his voice casual yet loaded with intent.

"To be honest, I already knew you're the Princess's lover," he said, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Huh? How so?" I turned toward him, brows furrowed.

He smirked, tapping the bridge of his broad nose. "I can smell her scent all over you. It clings to you like heat to flame. I was already sure you were her mate the moment I met you."

My mouth parted slightly. "Huh? Then what was the point of the duel?"

He gave a soft chuckle, the low rumble of his voice echoing like a distant growl. "Part of it was curiosity. I wanted to know what kind of man managed to claim a woman like her. The rest… was just for fun."

…Well, I guess that's fair enough.

The jungle gave way to a clearing, and what awaited us beyond it pulled an audible gasp from Zoey's lips. Her eyes widened in astonishment as we stepped into the view of the beastmen's village.

Massive trees—each towering over twenty meters tall—loomed above us, their thick canopies shading the village nestled atop their branches. Suspended walkways connected large wooden structures, creating a thriving settlement in the air. The scent of bark, fresh leaves, and fur filled the atmosphere, and the soft glow of tribal lanterns gave the village an ancient, mystical aura.

"Welcome to the Feliann Clan," Kirk announced proudly. "The clan acknowledged and revered as the royalty of the beast people."

The villagers bustled above, many of them lion-type beastfolk. The males were immense, their bodies carved with muscle and blanketed in fur. Kirk was no exception—his mane, tied in a rough ponytail, trailed down his broad back, and his thick tail swayed with every step. He towered over me by at least three or four heads.

The women were a more diverse sight—some bore the fierce heads of lionesses, while others had soft human features. Yet, even the lion-headed women moved with grace and femininity. The absence of manes made them distinct from the males, and their posture, confidence, and eyes made their gender clear. There were also males with human faces, further showing the variety among the Feliann bloodline.

"It's been a year since our Princess left for the academy in search of a mate," Kirk muttered, a rare softness entering his voice. "I often wondered if she was alright..."

"Are you perhaps related to her?" I asked, noticing the subtle shift in his tone.

He turned, raising an eyebrow. "What made you think that?"

"You reminded me of her," I answered truthfully.

Kirk let out a deep, rumbling laugh that vibrated in my chest. "Well now, aren't you observant? Yes, I'm the Princess's uncle."

"I see…" I said with a small nod. "That makes you my uncle-in-law then, doesn't it?"

He grinned, sharp canines flashing. "There's no real need for titles like that, but if it pleases you, call me what you will."

Soon, we reached a large wooden structure nestled into one of the tree trunks, its thick timbers bound tightly together and reinforced with ropes and bone ornaments. It exuded strength despite its natural material. Several guards stood by the entrance, clad in primitive armor with spears resting on their shoulders.

"Our chief is inside," Kirk said, gesturing toward the building.

"Alright," I replied with a nod.

Kirk then turned to the others. "Now, the rest of you—come with me. I'll see that you're given proper accommodation."

Zoey and the others followed him, vanishing down a different path.

I stepped toward the chief's dwelling, placing a hand on the carved wooden door. The moment I pushed it open, a wave of heat and scent rolled out—a pungent, unmistakable aroma.

My nose twitched.

Sex. The raw, musky smell of fucking saturated the air.

The interior was dimly lit, warm and humid. Furs lined the walls, and the earthy tones of the room were overpowered by the scene before me.

At the center of the room sat a hulking lion-headed beastman, lounging comfortably on a throne-like wooden seat draped in animal hide. His immense form radiated raw power—muscles bulging under fur, his mane wild and untamed. A large scar slashed across his broad chest, and another ran over his left eye, forcing it shut permanently.

Behind him, sprawled across a massive bed, lay several naked women—some with the heads of lionesses, others with alluring human features. Their bodies glistened with sweat, limbs tangled together, some still twitching slightly in post-orgasmic haze. Cum glistened between their thighs, staining the sheets. The scent of sex hung heavily in the air—thick, dizzying, impossible to ignore.

His golden eye slowly turned toward me, the pupil narrowing like a predator sizing up prey.

"Hm?" he growled, voice deep and gravelly. "Who are you…? And why are you here, human?"

I froze.

…Did I just walk in at the worst possible moment?

I stood my ground, though tension coiled within me like a spring ready to snap. "Um... I can step outside for a moment if you're busy," I said politely, already turning on my heel. This didn't feel like the right time.

"Hm?" The low rumble of his voice cut through the silence as he suddenly sniffed the air, his nostrils flaring like a beast catching prey. His golden eye narrowed, the other hidden beneath an old scar. "You're Trill's mate, huh?"

"Yes," I replied, turning back around, meeting his gaze without flinching.

"I see…" He inhaled deeply again, a faint growl rising in his throat. "There's no mistaking it. My daughter's scent is all over you." He leaned back slightly, his gaze sharper now, colder. "And since Kirk was the one who brought you before me, it means he has already confirmed it himself."

"Yes," I said once more, voice steady despite the pressure bearing down on me.

"Mhm…" He closed his eyes for a brief second, exhaling slowly through his nose. His large, furred elbow rested heavily on the carved wooden armrest of his throne, while his square jaw was propped against his knuckles. Then his eye opened, piercing into mine like a blade. "Now, tell me, boy… Why are you here? What business brings you to our clan—and without my daughter?"

"There were circumstances that brought me here. Honestly, it was pure coincidence," I explained, carefully choosing my words.

"Circumstances?" His voice dropped into a menacing growl, the air seeming to vibrate with his displeasure. "You stand before the Chief of the Feliann, human. Here, we do not entertain vagueness. Speak with full truth—bare your soul if you must. There is no room for riddles or cowardice in my presence."

I lowered my head slightly in respect. "Forgive me. But for now… I cannot disclose everything. The knowledge I carry could shake the very balance of the world. Still, I ask that in time, you be willing to listen."

His eye narrowed into a slitted glare. The room grew colder—or perhaps it was the gravity of his presence pressing down on me. After a long, tension-laden pause, he leaned back into his throne, the wood creaking beneath his massive frame.

"As long as you swear to tell me when the time is right," he said with a low growl, "I will forgive your insolent deflection—for now."

That was… surprisingly generous. I hadn't expected that level of understanding. Though, I still couldn't quite sense any resemblance between him and Trill. She must've inherited more from her mother.

"Due to those circumstances," I continued, straightening my posture, "I found myself deep within the forest in the dead of night. I wasn't alone. I had several women with me—two of whom are unaccustomed to surviving in the wild. The idea of sleeping under the trees, surrounded by the unknown… it shook them. For their sake and mine, I request temporary shelter."

"Hmm…" He considered my words, his thick mane shifting as he tilted his head slightly. "You shall have it. Since you are my daughter's mate, I will not cast you aside. But I must ask something—something sacred to us Feliann." His voice lowered, more solemn now. "When we find our mate, it is for life. We may have many mates, as I do… but we hold each of them dear. As the one who has touched my daughter's heart, do you swear to remain by her side for the rest of your days?"

There was no hesitation. No need to think. I looked him directly in the eye and answered, voice unwavering, "I will."

He stared into me, as though trying to peel back the layers of my soul with his gaze alone. Seconds passed—silent, intense—until he finally exhaled and gave a low, approving growl.

"Very well… I acknowledge you."

"Thank you," I said, bowing my head slightly in a show of respect.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"Leon," I answered, standing tall.

"Leon, huh…?" A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lion-like mouth. "A strong name. Fitting. Similar to my own." He thumped his fist once against the armrest of his throne. "I am Lionel Feliann. Chief of the Feliann clan. King of this land."