The luggage and little beasts were all packed and ready to go as soon as Lionel arrived. Abyssyus insisted on having a leopard tribe member accompany Happiness, to the point of being obsessive.
Happiness leaned against Alexander and dozed off. She had been sitting with them for a long time. The light outside gradually dimmed, and the dim light and dropping temperature in the hall made Happiness even drowsier.
"It's going to snow soon," Eliot said. "It's a good idea to leave tonight. During heavy snow, the hunters usually stay at home, which will better mask Happiness's scent."
"Can't wait any longer. It's getting urgent," Damian said. In this day and age, there were still beasts without phones. They couldn't even keep track of where he was.
"Don't worry, it should be about time," Abyssyus said.
"Wait ten more minutes. If he doesn't arrive, we'll leave first and let him go directly to the second district, if he wants to," Alexander said.
Happiness wrapped the blanket tightly around her nose and exhaled a few puffs of hot air. The weather in this world was really strange. It was sunny in the morning, but the temperature dropped below zero at night. They didn't even give her a down jacket or a coat. Relying solely on a thin dress, she couldn't maintain her body temperature at all. Even with a blanket wrapped around her, she couldn't completely ward off the biting cold.
Abyssyus was also getting anxious. He got up and walked to the door, then opened it and went out. Time was ticking away. Just as Alexander was about to announce their departure, Abyssyus pushed the door open and came in, his face full of joy. "Lionel has arrived!"
The cold wind, accompanied by snowflakes, blew in through the wide-open door. Even sitting in Alexanders arms, Happiness still felt her hands and feet freezing. Abyssyus quickly pulled Lionel into the room and closed the door immediately.
When this male beast entered the room, the temperature seemed to drop by more than ten degrees. He scanned everyone in the room with his icy gaze, finally landing on Happiness.
Happiness did not recognize Lionel, nor did she know that he was the ultimate bodyguard that Abyssyus had kindly found for her. She only saw a black-haired man standing at the door, taller than Alexander but with a somewhat slender figure. His expression was very serious, and he exuded a threatening feeling that seemed substantial. The cat-eyed beast patted this man on the shoulder and said something to Happiness. She couldn't understand what was said, but she could sense that the cat-eyed beast was introducing her. So, she nodded in Alexander's arms.
This man had deep eyebrows, and his narrow, icy blue eyes looked particularly profound. He was a seasoned hunter who was used to being alone, and even his gaze carried a heavy scent of blood. Happiness felt a bit guilty under his scrutiny. His eyes lacked the excitement and enthusiasm that she had seen in Alexander and the others. They were completely cold, and even a bit repulsive. Happiness lowered her head and dared not meet his gaze. She just tightened her grip on Alexander's clothes, feeling anxious. Since crossing over, all the orcs she had come into contact with had showered her with love and affection. She relied on this love and affection to live safely. But this beast showed no hint of affection towards her. His cold and scrutinizing gaze made her very uncomfortable. Happiness didn't know how to face this newcomer. She raised her head again, wanting to greet him with a simple "hello" in the language she had just learned. But as she opened her mouth, she choked on her own saliva due to nervousness and started coughing.
Happiness's embarrassment and panic were seen by the other beasts. Andy glared at Lionel, but Lionel furrowed his long, thick black eyebrows and looked at Happiness, saying, "Why not let her transform into a beast?" He didn't expect the female beast in human form to be so weak and powerless. With just one finger, he could flatten her. He hoped that this female beast would always be an exception and not develop into a common phenomenon. Lionel was very worried. If all the female beasts turned into such weak forms, the end of the orc race might truly be near.
"She can't transform yet, and her scent is not something that both beast and human forms possess." Obviously, Lionel's tone and gaze annoyed Damian. In fact, besides Abyssyusi, no one wanted him to come along, let alone know about Happiness's existence. Fear of female humanoids? Who cares about that? The preciousness of the little female beast would not diminish by even half because of a few eccentric otaku with peculiar personalities.
Abyssyus solemnly said, "Lionel, this is not a joke. I need you to protect her until I can accompany her."
Lionel furrowed his eyebrows again. Although he was indeed surprised when he saw this female beast with his own eyes, and her scent was indeed not unpleasant, it did not mean that he was willing to sacrifice himself for a female beast. Since this "Happiness" was a rare animal, why not just hand her over to the breeding camp or higher-level research organizations? It's clear that if the matter is exposed, Abyssyus and the others will bear some heavy charges. Isn't this just asking for trouble?
"But you already agreed to do this for me. Don't tell me you want to go back on your word?" Abyssyus said.
"I will protect her," Lionel said coldly. "But I will only stay in the second district for three months, whether you can find time or not. But Abyssyus, this matter can be big or small. You should think carefully before making a decision."
"I have already made the decision before I came to you," Abyssyus said, handing a cellphone to Lionel. "Take it. I know you don't like it, but I need to be able to contact you at any time."
A few seconds later, Lionel took the phone and pressed a few buttons, dissatisfied. "No internet?"
"No..." Abyssyus said.
Lionel put it in his pocket and emphasized, "I won't stay for too long. The second district means nothing to me."
"There's no need to force yourself. Actually, you can leave now," Alexander stood up, still holding Happiness in his arms. "Abyssyus, I'll take Happiness first. I should be able to come back by tomorrow morning."
After speaking, Alexander didn't wait for Abyssyus to say anything and gestured for the road to open the door. He walked out with Happiness and Eliot had already started the off-road vehicle parked outside the house. Happiness was put inside, and then Alexander also got in the car. The male beasts of the Wolf and Dog clans were quite indifferent to Lionel. They all rushed out one after another. The back seat could still accommodate one person, but Andy and Luth intentionally squeezed the seat full and slammed the car door shut.
Lionel sneered, "Abyssyus, wasting three months is my limit. I won't comment on your actions this time, but you should know that I don't agree with what you did."
"Then it's up to you." Three months was enough to settle down. Abyssyus didn't mind Lionel's cold attitude at all. On the contrary, he was happy with Lionel's reaction. He had no interest in the little female beast. This was exactly what Abyssyus wanted to see. How perfect, a powerful protector who posed no threat to the little female beast, and most importantly, he was from the Leopard clan.
Eliot had already driven out of the city. He looked in the rearview mirror and saw a dark green Jeep ghostly following from afar. Eliot said, "He still followed."
Happiness sat in the middle of the second row, looking at the road illuminated by the headlights. Because it was already night and snow was falling, the visibility on the road was extremely low. Despite having Alexander and others by her side,Happiness still felt a sense of confusion as if she had embarked on an unknown journey.
Ben turned on a small light on the passenger seat. In the faint yellow light, he took out a thermos cup, poured a small cup of hot water, and turned around to bring it to Happiness's lips. Happiness wanted to take the cup, but the road had already tilted the cup. She had to open her mouth like a bedridden patient and let the road carefully pour the water into her mouth, then gulp it down.
Andy squeezed next to Happiness. He looked at Ben feeding Happiness with extreme desire and envy. Unfortunately, he had nothing to feed the little female beast. Seeing this, Ben took out a fruit, hesitated for a long time, and finally handed it to Andy.
Thanking Ben with his eyes, Andy held the small fruit in his hand and eagerly brought it to Happiness's mouth. Happiness didn't want to eat, but she couldn't refuse the kindness that was delivered to her. She put the fruit in her mouth and mumbled a thank you. When Andy's finger touched her lips, he trembled all over, remembering the day when everyone took turns looking at and touching the little female beast. The body he touched was so soft and smooth. And now, he was so close to her, the car was filled with her warm fragrance. Could there be anything better than this in the days to come?
Poor Andy was panting heavily and feeling a bit short of breath. His fingers began to tremble, to the point where he had to put his hands in his pockets. His face turned red, his eyes shining, and he was almost howling like a wolf.
Happiness understood him very well. She had the same feeling when she was a child. When she went to the zoo to play, she would do the same thing. At that time, she eagerly took vegetables from her father's hands and excitedly fed them to giraffes, fallow deer, and ostriches. After that, she would be so excited that she would lose the ability to speak for a short time.
Eliot turned on the warm air, and the sealed car quickly warmed up. This was much more comfortable than indoors without heating! Happiness stretched out her small hand and rubbed her face, sighing comfortably. The male beasts, on the other hand, couldn't adapt to this heat at all. Even Alexander silently turned his head and stuck out his tongue a few times.
Happiness loosened the blanket wrapped around her and said to Andy, "I'm Happiness, what about you?" This was a very simple language, and she had mastered it effortlessly.
Andy smiled, "An An An Di Di Di."
Huh? This name is quite strange. The same pronunciation repeated three times. Happiness tried to say, "An An An Di Di Di?"
Andy's ears were burning. He knew that Happiness was not intentionally imitating his stutter to make fun of him. This made him feel even more embarrassed. Fortunately, Alexander laughed and took Happiness's hand, saying to her, "It's Andy, Andy."
"Andy," Happiness tried again.
Andy nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, yes, it's An An Di Di Di..."
------------