Astri is conflicted. She likes Wayde, she wants more with him, but she also fears the eternal connection. As she understood, they would never stop being mates and it's impossible for a male to leave the female.
He would suffer too much and would probably go crazy. If Wayde wishes to be with her, he knows what will happen if they mate.
Beastmen are very straightforward about mating. If they like each other, they don't think too much and just mate. Maybe it's because the males don't have many choices, and they choose what is best in their perceptions. Astri was raised having to think very much and fearing being thrown away.
She helps him mince the vegetables for the hot pot and watches him prepare the hot pot. Wayde has an amazing memory, most of the time she only needs to tell him once about anything and he will remember.
Dieg arrives and sits on Astri's side. They also became closer, but Astri still looked at him as a friend. He's happy deep inside because Wayde will be out for a long time and he will be alone with Astri every day.
"Hot pot again today?" Dieg asks.
"Wayde wanted to try making it. He's doing it perfectly." Astri answers.
"Can you teach me how to cook it too?"
"I actually didn't teach him. He simply watched me."
"I don't want to watch him cooking."
"You were here when I made the hot pot yesterday too."
"But I was focused on you, not on your cooking." He answers with a smirk.
She rolls her eyes, chuckling.
"Even if he watched properly he wouldn't remember." Wayde mentions, making Astri hold her laughter.
It's true, Dieg couldn't be more different from Wayde. Dieg is younger and he has the spirit of a young fun man.
"Let's see if I can't cook for her when you're traveling." Dieg said with a mean voice.
Wayde looks at Dieg seriously, knowing Dieg is taking advantage of the situation.
"Stop, you two. I would love some peaceful time." Astri speaks.
"Well, I have night patrol today. I need to go. See you in the morning." Dieg says and kisses her head.
"All right. Be careful." Astri is used to Dieg's behavior already, she just doesn't let him hug her in bed because he gets too horny.
He shifts and leaves running.
"Annoying cub. Next time they need someone to go to the trade market, I'll tell them to send Dieg." Wayde mumbles.
She giggles, then stands up.
"If you don't want to get mad at him. Just don't." She says, looking at the pot.
"I only get mad when I feel he wants to take you away from me." He hugs her waist and brings her closer.
"Remember that if that ever happens, it's my choice to be away from you. And if I decide to be away from you, it's because you made me make this decision. Not anyone else." She says, poking his chest.
"That means you will never leave me then." He answers, with a smirk on his face. He kisses the top of her head. "I'm just hating this idea of traveling now. I wish I could bring you with me, but it will be dangerous. Especially carrying expensive products."
"I don't want you to go too. Is the sea away from here?" She asks.
"Around 2 days from here. Why?"
"Because when you come back, I might know a way of never having to go exchange things for salt again" She answers with a smile that shows she has some plans. "How is salt made?"
"Merman people do it. We just buy from them. Do you know any merman?" He answers.
"No. I don't. I just know a way to make salt." She answers. He looks at her impressed. "It's a lot of work, but since it's something so rare and expensive, maybe we should try to do it."
"Are you serious?" He asks, shocked. She nods. "Don't tell anyone about this. People will try to get you for this."
"I won't."
"This is something that will make someone very rich. A tribe be powerful as a city."
"Do you want to be rich?" She asks, curious.
"I just want to give you the best and safest life." He answers.
"And how do you think you can do that? What are your plans for life? I mean, you're the most powerful here. Even more than the chief. You're smarter too. Why did you never think of being a tribe leader or something?"
"Do you want me to be? I can be if you want."
"I don't want you to do something you don't want. I want you to be happy with your choices, that's all."
He smiles, so in love with that little female. Hearing her say she wants his happiness makes him believe he's the luckiest man alive.
"I come from a big city. I didn't like how things worked there and decided to leave. I kept traveling for years until I arrived here. The chief offered me this cabin to stay around and keep the village safe. I simply stayed and lived day after day, until I found you. You make me want to have more." He tells.
"Why is that?"
"Being my mate is already the best reason." He answers with a playful smile, but he sees that she's waiting for more. "You're special, Astri. Females are already targeted, but even if you try to not call attention people will notice you're special. People from this village already noticed just by seeing our house. Because most males want you. I can't protect you just by being who I am forever, you will need more. And I don't want to lose you."
She blushes, smiling. She knows he's right.
"Who's the most powerful beast you know?" She asks.
"There's the King of Beasts. But he's not the most powerful. The Higher Priest is the most powerful beast. No one ever sees him besides the temple guards and the king. It's said that he has powers and doesn't need to go anywhere to know what is happening. He's also the most knowledgeable about medicine." Wayde explains.
She wonders if Claud is this Higher Priest.
"What are their names?" She asks.
"The king is Tyr. The Higher Priest I don't think anyone knows his name besides his closest guards."
Should she ask Claud if he's this Higher Priest? It's very probable he is. He said that not everyone has the power he has to communicate with her like this.
"Why do you ask?" He asks her.
"Nothing. Just curious. You don't need to aim to be a king or a priest if you don't want to, but I believe that there's much more besides this tribe. However, having a tribe or village means more responsibilities. Is it something you want?" She asks.
"If that means keeping you safer. Yes."
She smiles and nods.
"You're a natural leader. You will have success with anything you choose, Wayde." She says.
"Why are you so sure about this?"
"A leader tries to provide for his people. A good leader provides for his people. And an amazing leader knows that happiness can be found even if it's not his own. What I learned until now is that true happiness comes to us when we do things for others. Planting a tree which it's shade others will sit in. I'm sure you're an amazing leader." She tells.
His heart jumped. Only she can make him feel like losing his balance. He hugs her waist, pulling her up a little bit to kiss her lips. He's already hard just by hearing what she said, he wants to explode after kissing her.
Astri can't lie to herself, she also wants him. She fears that soon she won't be capable of denying him anymore. She likes him and he's been the most gentle boyfriend. It's just a bit scary that once they make love they will be husband and wife!