Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin-Chapter 83: A Certain Fluffy

Milo’s Perspective (Yes, our adorable Fluffy is here!)

Milo’s heart was pounding wildly in fear as he came upon the dome of spider webbing and recognized the aura of a legendary spider beastkin species mixed with the scent of his beloved Perla. His instincts screamed for him to dig a hole and escape before he was found and turned into a meal, yet he was resolute in his mission to save Perla. Though their time together had been short, he had made up his mind to spend his life with her; he just hoped that his life wasn’t about to end so suddenly. After losing her, he and Kai disagreed and parted ways, both on a quest to find her. He regretted not being more vigilant in watching over her and felt remorse for assuming she was aware of Elara’s departure. He hoped that she wasn’t still mad at him, but even if she were, he was determined to appease her and eventually get back into her good graces.

He wore a dark green hooded robe and was enveloped in a scent-masking spray that resembled the aroma of the forest. He retrieved a bottle of potent alpha scent, which was contained within and, to any male, caused a burning sensation in their nose, leading to irritation or an instinct to escape. For someone like the spider, he understood that detecting another alpha male attempting to assert dominance in his territory would ignite uncontrollable fury and an urgent need to swiftly confront the intruder who dared to challenge his claim. After saturating several trees with the scent and darting from spot to spot as quickly as he could, he emptied the bottle and buried the remnants.

Then, he dashed to the opposite side of the dome and waited with bated breath in anticipation of the spider’s emerging. It wasn’t long before a male with long, shimmering silver hair appeared from the top of the dome, strolling along with an air of casualness yet with purposeful strides. He was clad in a short, opaque white robe crafted from delicately woven spider silk, which fluttered in the breeze, giving him an almost ethereal appearance.

Milo scowled as he observed him strolling nonchalantly atop the dome, while he stayed concealed in the shadows of some trees. Why hadn’t he transformed into his spider form, and what was with his relaxed demeanor?

Once the spider beastkin had moved more than halfway past the dome, Milo cautiously made his way to the opposite side of the dome, traveling underground. He moved slowly, listening intently for the spider beastkin, and eventually reached the edge of the dome, which was partially buried beneath the earth.

He dug deeper, ensuring he didn’t disturb the webbing in the slightest as he passed beneath it and entered the legendary spider’s domain. Once inside, he burrowed his way to the top and easily located Perla by following the faint little paw mark left on him.

Perla’s Perspective

After Omen left, I found myself sitting in the little web dome, lost in thought about why he had suddenly taken off and what he wanted to talk about. I mindlessly brushed my fingers over the spot on my forehead where he had kissed me, then traced my lip where he had licked the wound, now healed.

I shook my head, trying to clear the images swirling in my mind. I really shouldn’t dwell on it; I can’t tell if my growing feelings for him are real or if it’s just because I’ve been cooped up here with him, feeling a connection due to his seeming openness towards me. For all I know, this could be a well-planned act to stir my emotions for him. It’s what I wished for; he did mention that he wouldn’t intentionally get someone pregnant whom he cared about, even though I had intended for those feelings to remain one-sided.

Perla didn’t have to linger in uncertainty for too long, as just moments later, she heard the soft sound of scurrying feet. Then, out of the ground emerged the most stunning snow-white fox, complete with a large, fluffy tail and an irresistibly cute face. Our eyes locked, and I recognized them instantly, "Fluffy?" The fox emitted a soft, purring sound before dashing over to me and giving my cheek a gentle lick. I pulled him close, burying my face in his fur. He was a snow-white fox, about the size of a lion. Not quite as muscular or tall, but that fluffy tail was simply gorgeous.

Inhaling his scent and holding him tight wrapped me in a comforting safety that I so desperately craved. He tugged gently at my dress, encouraging me to climb onto his back. I clambered up, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, my face nestled in his warm, soft fur. He smelled like the forest, but under that scent, when I buried my face in his fur, was the smell of freshly dried laundry, and his fur was softer than silk. I inhaled his scent, holding on tightly with my eyes shut, as he dove underground. I kept my eyes closed, my face buried in his fur. When I dared to glance around, I noticed the ground whizzing by us at an astonishing speed. I shut my eyes again, focusing on my breathing...in...out...in...out. I tried not to think about how Omen would react if he found Milo. No, he mustn’t, and even if he does, I have to protect Milo from him. I need to ensure Milo’s safety. Suddenly, my eyes flew open as I recalled the spider mark on my shoulder and the ring Duarte had given me. I clutched his fur tightly, hoping I wouldn’t hurt him, but pressing my ring against the spider mark was urgent.

I clung on as best as I could with one hand while my other hand reached over to press my ring against the mark, channeling mana through it. Thankfully, I didn’t have much mana control, but I had just enough for this. Suddenly, a tingling sensation washed over me, accompanied by a slight burning pain and an overwhelming sense of loss that made tears stream down my face. It felt as if I had lost someone incredibly dear to me, leaving me feeling achingly lonely. I swallowed hard against the pain in my throat, fighting back my sobs. I didn’t want to distract Milo right now; he deserved so much better while he was out there saving me, searching for me, and putting his life on the line.

I’m still unsure about my feelings for Omen; I shouldn’t be feeling such a profound sense of loss over him. It clearly has something to do with the mark being blocked. I’m still trying to understand how all of this works. It seems wise to keep my distance from him until I can sort out my true feelings and whether they make sense, or if they might end up causing harm to me and those I care about. Maybe these budding feelings will fade away on their own, and they’re just a result of my time alone with Omen.

Milo kept sprinting as fast as he could, and once I was certain the mark was being kept at bay, I clung to Milo tighter and buried my face in his fur again. I swallowed hard to hold back my tears and coughed from the strain. What a dreadful thing a mating mark can be.

I kept inhaling and exhaling as I watched the tunnel cave in behind us while Milo ran. I realized he was intentionally collapsing the tunnel with his long tail, but it was still unsettling to see. I tried to push all other thoughts away and focus on snuggling so I wouldn’t spiral into the panic attack that felt so close.

Milo was back; he had been searching for me. "Thank you for finding me," I whispered into his ear and placed a gentle kiss beside it.

Milo jumped a bit, startled, and let out a gentle purring sound as he picked up speed once more. It felt like ages of running before I sensed him rising back to the surface.

We found ourselves in a remote cave I had never seen before. It was a cozy little cave, featuring a bed made of dried grass topped with a soft brown fur blanket, and a small chamber pot tucked behind a leather curtain that hung from a wooden beam in the ceiling. On the other side of the little cave, there was another smaller bed, no bigger than a cot, less elaborate with just a couple of furs lying on the floor and no grass. There was also a wooden tub concealed behind another curtain. A small fire pit was present, with a stone pot dangling above and a soft cotton blanket spread on the ground, layered over the fur on the bed. Beside the bed was a basket, just like I had asked him to make right before we got separated. The space was simple and rustic, yet it felt so warm and beautiful at the same time. He had created such a lovely spot for us to rest after saving me, keeping my preferences in mind.

He gently placed me on the soft bed and transformed back into his beastkin form. He quickly wrapped a soft white robe around himself and moved to the entrance, setting a stone door in place. Afterwards, it didn’t take him long to start a small fire and start pulling food out of the basket to get a meal of bird and veggie soup started.

He prepared a simple yet tasty stew, and my stomach rumbled loudly when he filled a wooden bowl and handed it to me. I eagerly dug in, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me as we both enjoyed our meal in silence, clearly both starving from everything we had been through.

After we finished eating, Milo took care of the dishes, and I helped myself to another bowl while he started filling a bath for me, heating the water with some tools powered by beast cores. He added some mint, which was soothing for my sore muscles, and I stepped in, scrubbing myself clean behind the curtain he had kindly set up for my privacy. I felt so loved and cherished, and for the third time that day, tears streamed down my face. My eyes are going to be so puffy in the morning.

After I finished my bath, I slipped into a fresh light purple cotton nightgown that Milo had set out for me, and I got into bed while he tidied up. I had a cotton cloth wrapped around my hair, and I felt a little awkward since I wasn’t wearing a bra or anything to keep the girls in check.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that I was all alone with Milo, and as I gazed at him more intently, I noticed he was not just cute, but incredibly handsome too. His face had this androgynous appearance, with long, thick white hair cascading down to his backside, complemented by those adorable white fox ears and that big, fluffy fox tail that I absolutely adore. His delicate features and stunning light blue eyes were captivating. He had a fit physique and stood a bit taller than me, with a soft blush creeping onto his cheeks as he noticed me admiring him.

I felt this urge to take things to the next level with him, but for tonight, cuddling would be enough, and honestly, I could really use some rest. I had already made up my mind not to sleep with anyone else until I had a chat with Kai again, but that didn’t need to stop me from biting Milo. My eyes fell on the servant mark on him, so faint it was nearly invisible. It was placed there with a drop of my blood, a temporary way to make him my servant, but now that he’s back in my life, I can’t bear the thought of losing him again. He’s proven his loyalty to me, and I’d be foolish to let my mark on him fade away.

"Milo, my sweet Fluffy," I said, leaning back on the bed and offering him a soft smile.

"Yes?" he replied, blushing cutely and wagging his fluffy white fox tail.

"Do you want to sleep beside me tonight?"

Coming Next Time: Fluffy and a Revelation