Story 1. Chapter 2

Shaded from the high afternoon sun the tall bronzed man navigated their way through the dense foliage, confidently following an invisible trail.

Bouncing along with every stride, Naomi straddled Oren's' well built back as he jogged through the lush rainforest undergrowth.

The pair had settled upon a piggyback after she had turned down his offer to carry her in his arms, and he in turn refused to let her walk on foot- referencing the fact the recent serpent incident was not uncommon. 

Naomi had changed her mind pretty quickly after listening to his brief but compelling argument. She wasn't taking that risk twice.

The two were quiet on the way, recovering somewhat now from the initial shock, Naomi took this opportunity to introduce herself properly; deciding it was best to go with the flow for the moment.

Hmm maybe I should be a little selective with my info....for now at least

Naomi grimaced inwardly, her mind gauging what she could share for now.

It'd been a while since she'd read that novel, so the details were a little fuzzy. If her memory was correct though, the female lead had fallen into a beast world where you had multiple shapeshifter husbands!

One of the story premise had been if one of these anamorphous males in this world save a female; it is customary for the woman in question to accept the suitor as mate. They will more than likely flat out follow you until the end of time otherwise. 

I think I might get to borrow some kind of back-up power afterwards though?

Her heart did a little flutter and she gulped, it had been a while since she'd been with a man, and she definitely wouldn't have been used to that kind of dynamic, and certainly not such levels of devotion to have multiple suitors.

Naomi wasn't against the idea necessarily, she's longed for the chance to have her own family of some kind in the human world- even if though it had yet to materialize. 

I could start a whole new life? It might be intimidating but so much fun too...

Pulling herself from her thoughts, she licked her lips a little nervously and went for it; she would think up a story of her origins for when he asked but for now she'd claim exposure-induced confusion if it came up.

Deciding what to say, she leaned closer into his thick blonde hair and spoke near his big fluffy ear,

"My name's Naomi, thank you for saving me. I think i might've been out in the sun too long, my head feels funny" she murmured.

It wasn't a lie exactly, she did feel a bit ill now, all the movement definitely didn't help her condition.

Oren huffed in approval, pleased at the close contact and rumbled out a reply "We near the village, stay close to me when we get there lovely Naomi." patting her thigh reassuringly, it was also a little bit intimate considering how high up he'd touched.

Oh he doesn't take a break haha

She couldn't help but smile, laughing inwardly.

"Is it a big or a small village?" Naomi queried, masking her smirk.

"Overall, it is not too large a tribe- they have pretty low fertility rates. My mothers tribe would be larger and with slightly higher success rates" Oren's deep timbre coyly responded.

The motion was starting to make her kind of travel sick as she watched the leaves and vines pass by. Not feeling great now, Naomi chose not to ask any more questions, she hugged his shoulders and groaned lightly; closing her eyes.

Her thoughts rolled around her head as she grappled with her new circumstances; a flicker of excitement was currently smothered by anxiety at what the future could hold.

Oren immediately slowed, smoothing out his quick strides; again patting and now petting one of her thighs comfortingly.

Slowly breathing in and out, inhaling the mixed scents of he jungle undergrowth mixed with Oren's heady natural scent as they ambled along.

~~

Coming out into the clearing now, Naomi lifted her head when Oren informed her that they had arrived.

On first glance she thought there were just a few wooden huts, covered with pointed thatched roofs, until she realised all the tall trees that surrounded the area were in fact tree houses.

Mouth agape, she couldn't help but stare up at the towering homes. Her gaze sweeping up the lengths of thick jungle vines that decorated the dense hanging foliage; lush greenery disguising the higher chambers.

Before she could question if she'd be going up some of those levels, Oren began to approach one of the larger huts instead.

Naomi could see some people now that inhabited the village were outside, eyeing the newcomer with inquisitively.

She could only make out two other women so far, one light brown hair and the other an older grey haired woman.

The pair tried to peer at the slight figure clinging to Oren's broad back but he swiftly strode up to a single reed door. 

Approaching, Oren pulled back the reed curtains and stepped in, ensuring to duck down.

It was only now that he finally swung Naomi around off of his back, gently sliding her onto the ground within his embrace. Gazing down at her intently, his strong brow creased in concern studying her condition; he softly cupped her face to tilt it up. Naomi smiled meekly in response, meeting his hazel eyes with a tired look on her face. 

"I'm ok, I'm not as bad now" she murmured up to him, starting to feel a little self-conscious in this position; shifting slightly and slipping her face out from between his large, warm palms. 

As if sensing her shyness, Oren felt a swell of deep down. Everyone enjoys a little ego stroke here and there.

Suddenly a slightly forced cough, caught Naomi's attention; someone else was in the hut and cleared their throat. 

Turning around and feeling a bit embarrassment at her ignorance; she caught sight of an older, sharp looking man with dark braided hair, the ends of which were adorned with feathers. He appeared to be late 50's but it was a little hard to tell. 

Thankfully this lounging figure was wearing some manner of clothing, a skirt of some sort; Oren was still very much nude. 

"Witch doctor Alan" Oren greeted, bowing his head towards the seated man. "I humbly request your assistance elder in healing my fatigued female" he continued, keeping his head inclined as he asked. 

It would appear I've been claimed already! the thought flickered across Naomi's mind, slightly stunned and feeling simultaneously pleased but also a tinge of annoyance at the confident statement.

Shaking it off Naomi looked at the older man a little more intently, his keen eyes reflecting a glint of humour and experience through all the years. 

"Hmmm....Oren of the Lion Tribe... Well do come in haha...and this is?" Alan rasped, greeting the pair, automatically scanning Naomi. 

"Ah.. I'm Naomi, I was just feeling sick from travelling and a bit of shock I suppose" feeling somewhat braver she introduced herself, deciding to be upfront. 

I just want to lay down at this point, this is all too much for one damn day; I died and everything!

She couldn't help the tiredness that crossed her face in that moment, like a wave it coursed though her body . Sighing she leaned back against Oren's warm, firm torso; his arms still snuggly slipped around her waist. 

She hated to admit how comfortable and natural it felt to be in this curious lion man's arms.