Should Have Let Me Die

We stared at each other for a brief but intense moment. The bear was trying to see if I was just some punk or if I actually meant what I said. Suddenly, Breth inhaled profoundly and let out a rush of air that I took for a sigh.

"What are your plans for the Bearfolk then? Will you just leave us be here?"

"Not likely. I don't know if you've noticed, but the world is pretty messed up. The fact that your children are terrified of me is sad enough on its own, but your not the only race in this position. Do you feel that you could just sit around here knowing that others that we're like you still face the same dangers with your new strength? I don't need to tell you, but I plan on taking this world by storm and changing everything."

After the staredown Breth gave me, I didn't feel the need to sugarcoat things. He seemed to heed my words and didn't speak for a while. During that time, I turned to Kadence and Kyra, but both had pale complexions, but I couldn't blame them, this guy was pretty scary, but I also had faith in Kadence.

Finally, Breth stood up and walked to the door flap where Trem was standing off to the side. Breth motioned for us to follow, and we all got up and headed outside with him. There was already a group forming, but Breth still called out to gather the rest.

The other Bearfolk looked toward their leader in awe of his new Bear-Kin form. After most had gathered, Breth explained to them my gift but the request I asked in return. I didn't want to force people into this to serve and follow me, but this was the only real way to protect them.

Strangely enough, the folk put up no resistance and even formed lines to my relief. The less resistance, the better, and I decided to have the wagons move up now, sending Trem to relay information for me.

By the time the wagon arrived, I was able to play with some of the kids with the girls. Even Nina was chasing them around. I had turned off my hand clapping to be able to take my gloves off without worry, chasing Bear-kin kids around. I may be an asshole, but I had a soft spot for kids.

Looking to the House-Wagon, my eyes were drawn to the top patio, where I saw a group, but as my eyes sharpen, I muttered a string of curses and started to run towards them. The wives, with Trem in the center, jumped off the top railing, all holding hands. I almost had a heart attack as they leaped until I remembered pulling the same stunt with the Lizardfolk.

Regardless, I still rushed over, furious. For some reason, it bothered me that my wives did it when I did the exact same thing. They touched down just before I got to them, but Alex put up her hand to stop the tongue lashing I was about to give.

"Don't even think of chastising us for having a little fun! Or we won't be having fun like that for a while," Alex said, giving me a mischievous smile.

That was enough to stop me in my tracks and get very red in the face, as the other girls looked between the two of us, not really understanding. Kalita and Mishka came over to hug me, and I was able to push my embarrassment down. I turned with the girls in my arms to see Kadence, Kyra, and Nina walking up, followed by Berth.

I gave a short round of introductions, and Breth was shocked to know that I had taken not only the spider queen as my wife but also a Lizard-Kin Princess. Berth turned to me and got down on his knee. Even bent to one knee, Breth was nearly as tall as me standing.

"You truly are worthy of calling the Great Master! Is your plan to marry the nation to bring everyone together in peace?" Breth took on a hopeful yet scheming look that I didn't like.

"That is my wife's plan, it seems, but this place is going to take a lot more than a couple uniting proposals. Nah, we will have to tear some people out my there hair, kicking and screaming. Some won't be able to be reasoned with. After dealing with these idiots in Haertia, we will set up camp there for now and start working on expanding from there. This will allow us to start a wave to start spreading across the continent."

Breth's expression didn't change as I spoke. If anything, he looked more excited as I talked. Soon chairs and tables were brought out, and I told Breth to call over the village, as three long rows of tables with simple, sturdy benches were lined up. I noticed two new wagons had been added while I was gone. I guess it's good that they had faith in me to have a place ready for the Bear-Kin.

Everyone sat at the tables, and soon food of all sorts was brought out. The Kin all mingled as they ate, and it was nice to see everyone getting along. That alone was magic. I sat at a large table with Berth and my wives, with Nina and Mishka on either side. Nina feasted on fruit, while Mishka leaned into me as I fed her from my plate.

I wanted to complain, but when Mishka pressed her glittering chest into me and looked up at me with burning red cheeks, I could only gulp and start feeding her. Berth had watched this exchange with great interest, and I was beginning to get weirded out thinking he disapproved of my wives, but then he stood up and called out.

"Arrentia! Granddaughter, come here!"

Granddaughter? Oh no, here we go again. What was with these people!

A beautiful girl that looked to be Mishka's age ran up to Breth from her place and stood in front of him. She had long silver hair, and I remembered touching her during the village evolutionary jump. Berth put a large hand on her back and pushed the nervous Arrentia towards me.

"Great Master Hyde, as a way to unite us to you like the Lizard and Spider-kin are, I ask you to take my granddaughter, Arrentia Silver Fang, as one of your wives."

For the girl's part, she didn't look surprised. In fact, she looked like she already knew of the and was prepared. I turned to look at Alex, but the smirk was all the confirmation I needed. Why do I even bother? What's the point of even asking me anymore? I turned back to the smiling Arrentia and stepped off the bench, and turned to face her.

"Well, since everyone but me is in agreeance that this is the plan, I guess I don't have much of choice but to comply. Now, this doesn't mean I'm not excited to have you as my wife. It's just lately the choices have been getting made for me without being able to have a say."

With that, I took a knee in front of Arrentia, pulling my nerves together to steel myself. I didn't want to make this look like I was unwilling or that I wasn't happy about this because it was all part of the plan, right? Well, someone's plan.

I looked up to Arrentia to asked her the question while offering my hand to her.

"Will you become my wife?"

Instead of answering, Arrentia pulled me up into a kiss in front of everyone. So I wrapped my arms around her and returned the embrace, not caring who seen. After a short moment that felt like a lifetime, we pulled apart, and Berth stood up. He came over and slapped me on the back, leaning down to whisper something into my ear.

"I have four wives, and I didn't pick any of them, but they all get along for that reason. Count your blessing that they make all the choices, so they can't complain."

Wow, that was a better way to look at it? I think I would keep the Bearman close in the future.