The Ugly Duckling Of The Tiger Tribe-Chapter 186: It wasn’t enough

"I’m fine," I said, forcing a smile, but they were not convinced, not when they saw my situation.

We began our journey again. I couldn’t eat anything, not even meat or rice. I wasn’t doing it on purpose but it was causing them to worry so much that they lost their own appetite.

It wasn’t all that bad. At least, I wasn’t losing weight. And we later found out that I could eat fruits without throwing them up.

So, while I rested under the tent they erected with the blanket to keep the sun out, they went out to get as many fruits as they could.

Different varieties, just in case I got sick and tired of one type and that happened often.

Before we knew it, we had been on the road for three days with no single beastman in sight or tribe to stop at.

We couldn’t pick up the pace and moved steadily for my own comfort and gradually, my stomach seemed to settle.

And then on the fourth day, I woke up from a hazy nap to find myself alone under a tent.

It felt like I had slept for a few minutes and woken up because they still weren’t back. They wouldn’t leave me by myself for long.

I woke up with hazy eyes, lightheaded, and a burning body. Was it a fever? I don’t know but I was so thirsty it felt like I had walked under a scorching sun for hours.

I searched for the water pouch but it was empty. Not even a drop left.

I looked around, taking in the silence and the tweets from birds. Fenric and Damar weren’t going to be back any time soon but I couldn’t hold on. I... I wanted to at least pour water over my hot skin.

I lifted my heavy body, groaning as the world seemed to tilt every time I blinked.

I let out several breaths and then steadied myself.

I stumbled toward the sound, pushing through the ferns until I saw a narrow, crystal-clear stream bubbling over smooth stones. I didn’t hesitate.

I took off my clothes without even bothering to look around if there was anyone occupying this stream.

I just didn’t think there would be anyone in the middle of nowhere, and my skin was humming with a strange, frantic restlessness.

I quickly stepped into the water, one foot at a time, taking in the coolness that washed over me.

The cold was a shock, but it wasn’t enough to douse the fire in my veins. I went deeper, letting the current lap at my waist, closing my eyes as I tried to breathe through the haze.

There, in the center of this stream, I stood.

The water was only up to my waist, but I wished it were deeper.

I closed my eyes, flicking my wrist and splashing the water over my face, droplets rolling down my back in crystal-like beads.

I let out a hoarse sigh.

It wasn’t enough.

The fire burning in me was trying to devour me. I needed something more.

Where did both my husbands go at a time like this? They almost never leave me alone, and now that I need them so desperately to wrap their arms around me, they were not here.

I pressed my lips together, closed my eyes, and tried to sort myself.

I moved my hand down, dipping into the water, and then touched my clit. As soon as I did, it lit a fire that became so much more unbearable.

This feeling, though similar to a heat, was very different from it. I could feel it and I could understand it.

My body felt like it was getting ’ready’ and in the wake of that, it needed so much intimacy than I could think of.

Since I’m not familiar with my body’s constitution, I didn’t account for this situation; if not, I would’ve never let them out of my sight.

I was nearly about to finger myself when a ripple coming from the edge forced my eyes open.,

I turned around, my heart hammering.

A beastman stood a few paces away, half-submerged, just like me. He was tanned, his muscles corded and powerful, with black stripes swirling up his arms like ink, and then there was his long, black, rough hair that cascaded over those muscles.

Above his dark hair, two sleek black ears flickered, catching the sound of my breath.

He was beautiful. Dangerously so.

And... I caught his furry tail behind him.

"A wolf?" I whispered, my mind clouded by the feverish heat. My body, usually so guarded, reacted with a sharp, piercing hunger that stole my breath.

It wasn’t just the presumed pregnancy—it was as if my body had decided that this stranger was the missing piece of a puzzle to calm me completely.

"You don’t look well," the beastman said. His voice was a deep, smooth velvet that sent a shiver straight to my core.

"I... I’m hot," I breathed, the words coming out as a soft, needy whimper. I should have been terrified.

I felt his eyes scan my body, taking in the sheer sight of my curves, and I instinctively covered my front with my wet tail, and then my boobs with my arms crossed over my chest.

But even like this, he still took in the sight like I was putting on a valuable show for him. One he could not find no matter how far he searched.

I should have called for Fenric, screaming at the top of my lungs and hoping even Damar caught my voice with the wind. But instead, I found myself anticipating his approach.

I know he’s handsome, hot even, but I can’t believe I’m anticipating something because of my body’s current state.

For all I know, he might just be a stranger I might never see again.

I wanted to get my body in control and leave. I didn’t want to make a mistake I would regret. That is... Until I heard the words that slipped out of his mouth next.

"Female," he stepped closer. "...you have a nice scent." He said and my body froze.