Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin-Chapter 34: Attempting to Seduce Oliver

I blinked, letting my hair cascade over my face, hiding my thoughts. Can you believe I’m actually considering how to seduce him before we reach Duarte Village? The very idea sends my heart racing! But the thought of someone else swooping in and stealing him away? Absolutely not! Oh, but how on earth do I even go about seducing someone? My mind is a whirlwind of uncertainty. Yet, he’s so kind and gentle; I doubt he’d mock me, even if my attempts were hilariously awkward. Still, the idea of doing this in front of a crowd? That’s a recipe for embarrassment I’d rather avoid!

As I gazed deeply into his eyes, a resolute determination blossomed within me—I was ready to claim him as my own. With a gentle shift, I inched closer, my fingers wrapping around the delicate bowl of tea. The sweet, floral notes wafted up to greet me, and I couldn’t help but smile; hibiscus was a cherished favorite of mine, and discovering it here felt like a delightful stroke of fate. Tea had always held a special place in my heart, a comforting ritual I savored.

Of course, I had a soft spot for coffee with a luscious creamer, but that seemed like a distant dream at the moment. After all, Sam was a sheep, and while I had nothing against sheep’s milk, the thought of actually milking him was a whimsical notion that danced in my mind. This place was already brimming with oddities, and the image of me attempting to coax milk from Sam for my morning coffee was simply too hilarious to contain. A soft chuckle escaped my lips, a blend of amusement and disbelief at the sheer absurdity of it all.

I pulled my meds out of my bag and quickly took them without allowing him to see what I was taking, I wasn’t ready to fully explain them to him. As I savored the last sip of my tea, a wave of gratitude washed over me, enveloping me in the soothing embrace of the warm liquid. Each drop seemed to melt away the day’s worries, leaving me in a state of serene contentment. The gentle warmth radiated through me, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the tranquil moment as I emptied the cup, feeling utterly at peace in that moment. The contents of this tea were nothing short of extraordinary.

Oliver leaned back just a touch, his relaxed demeanor effortlessly conveying a sense of comfort as he nestled next to me, a testament to how naturally he belonged in my company. A teasing smile played on his lips, and his eyes sparkled with intrigue as he asked, "Should I dare to ask?" The warmth radiating from his expression enveloped me like a gentle hug, deepening the intimacy of the moment we shared.

With a playful lilt in my voice, I leaned back just enough to match his relaxed posture, ensuring our closeness remained unbroken. "You could certainly ask," I mused, a teasing smile dancing on my lips, "but I can’t promise that my answer would be forthcoming." I hoped my expression conveyed a flirtatious charm, rather than the clumsy uncertainty that bubbled beneath the surface.

The expression on his face transformed once more, adopting a more solemn demeanor. "How are you feeling?"

"Honestly, I feel relaxed and content. I truly appreciate your kindness earlier and the lovely tea you just brought me. It’s absolutely delightful." freēwēbnovel.com

"I’m glad to assist," he replied, his gaze filled with a sincerity that took me by surprise. How often have I encountered such a genuine look? Perhaps no more than the fingers on one hand.

As I settled into the warmth of his presence, a delightful sense of comfort enveloped me, urging me to lean closer and find solace against his side.

"Um... maybe," he stammered, his voice betraying a hint of vulnerability as he cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts. "Maybe it would be wise for you to rest a bit; today has certainly been quite the tiring day for you."

"I can finally relax, but only if you stay by my side. The thought of being alone makes me uneasy. You don’t mind sharing this cozy little bed with just the two of us, do you? I’m feeling a bit chilly, and the idea of solitude frightens me after everything that occurred today."

"Don’t you think you’d feel more secure with one of the other males?" He cast his gaze downward, as if the weight of his own shame made it impossible to meet my eyes. "Any of them could easily overpower me. I couldn’t even step into the water to rescue you or stand up to the monster when it emerged to strike. He spoke softly, his voice trembling, "I’m just an ordinary chipmunk beastkin, nothing remarkable about me." The fear in his eyes suggested he believed I might flee from him, deeming him unworthy of my company, never to return. It left me pondering the shadows of his past that could instill such a deep-seated fear of rejection.

I placed my hand on top of his and his eyes finally met mine with surprise shinning out at me. "I’ve known all along that you’re a chipmunk beastkin, I’ve always loved chipmunks. I wouldn’t sell yourself short anyway, there are many remarkable things about you, I’m honestly a little dazzled."

He glanced down, a soft chuckle escaping his lips, tinged with a hint of self-mockery. "I can’t help but wonder how you’d feel if I hadn’t offered you that tea. But if it’s not too much to ask, I’m grateful to hear such kind words at least once before my time runs out. The only one who has ever shown me kindness is my brother Sam, yet I’ve only brought him heartache. He chose to stay by my side even after our mother turned her back on me. Her fury stemmed from discovering that our father had a chipmunk beastkin for a mother and kept it a secret, leading to my unexpected arrival as a chipmunk beastkin myself. She wanted no part of us and left us both behind. My father, heartbroken by her rejection, succumbed to his grief, while my older brother, witnessing the loneliness I would face as a hatchling, made the brave choice to leave home to protect me. I can never truly repay him for his selflessness, but he sacrificed so much to ensure I wouldn’t be cast out as I grew older. That’s why I hope you’ll cherish him. He may be a sheep beastkin, which isn’t the typical choice for many, but his heart is a rare treasure, and he’s a diligent worker."

I softly clasped his hand, offering solace. "Your mother had no right to act that way. What does it matter what kind of beastkin you are? You are her son, just like the rest." My cheeks flushed at the thought of what I was about to reveal, yet I pressed on. "I adore chipmunks, so I can only imagine how utterly adorable a bunch of little chipmunk beastkin would be. I would shower them with all the love and affection they could ever dream of."

He suddenly lifted his gaze to meet mine, his big brown eyes sparkling with an intensity that made them seem even larger than usual. His cheeks were charmingly flushed, and in that moment, all I could think about was how utterly irresistible he was.

As I nestled closer, I let my ear find its place against the rapid rhythm of his heart, a steady drumbeat that echoed the excitement coursing through me. In a moment of playful spontaneity, I had practically leapt onto him, urging him to recline back, caught off guard by my sudden affection. He remained motionless, a delightful mix of surprise and disbelief painting his features, while I melted into the warmth of his embrace. The world around us seemed to fade, and I could sense the others gradually recognizing my desire for a private moment with Oliver. After the events of the day, they had come to appreciate him in a new light, understanding that his stature belied a strength of character that commanded respect. With that newfound understanding, they chose to give us the space we needed, allowing our connection to flourish in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

As I curled up against him, the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat pulsed through me, wrapping me in a cocoon of warmth. I lifted my gaze to meet his eyes, which twinkled with an enchanting surprise that made my heart flutter. A mischievous spark ignited within me, compelling me to lean in just a little closer, my pulse quickening with each inch I drew nearer to his lips. In that moment, I felt a rush of exhilaration and bliss, as if I were enveloped in a tender embrace that whispered promises of something beautiful.

But in a swift moment, his hand darted out, a barrier between us as he gently covered my lips, halting my advance just before our mouths could meet. The surprise of that gesture caught me off guard, leaving me in a whirlwind of confusion, a blush of embarrassment, and an aching sense of longing that I couldn’t quite shake off. Did I completely misread his intentions? Am I really facing rejection here?

Coming Next Time: Honorable Oliver