After the conversation with Gato, Enzo’s life began a new routine. He went out with the gathering team in the morning and went to Gato’s in the evening.
The first night, after leaving Gato’s hut, he went back to his own hut and, after yet another meal of meat, went into the space.
He replanted the ginger and stared at the mushrooms. He didn’t forget that he wanted to go back for the dead log with the wood mushrooms he found earlier.
Lastly, he picked up the mushroom that was said to have energy. He looked at the difference between that mushroom and the others, yet he still couldn’t understand why it was so different.
He had no clue what energy it was referring to. He was flying blind, and he didn’t want to ask anyone in case no one knew. The novel never mentioned it, so he assumed no one ever found things like it.
On the second day, he found some time alone to get the log the mushrooms had grown on. This way he could have his own mushrooms whenever he wanted.
He collected his portion of sweet potatoes and even managed to hide away a seedling he found. Now, he didn’t need to worry about starving during the winter.
Because of the space, he had to start collecting more water. He shook his head when he thought that other people’s space had spirit springs or even well water, but he only had the large patch of soil.
He didn’t dwell on it for long. He also kept up with his exercises.
As for Golden Eyes, it wasn’t until the fourth day that he was allowed to get out of bed. Enzo forced him to stay a few more days to ensure the bone was set and there wouldn’t be any complications.
On this day, he was walking around, testing the leg, when Gato said, "The leg looks good."
Enzo couldn’t help nodding.
Gato continued. "Go out and try shifting. Go for a run and see how you feel. Take a bath as well. You’ve been dirty for so many days."
Golden eyes didn’t argue. He left, casting a long look at Enzo before stepping outside.
"I think he likes you," Gato teased.
Enzo looked out the door leading outside. "I think it’s better if he doesn’t. I’m not looking for a partner right now."
"Why not? I think he’s good-looking. If I weren’t old enough to be his sub-father, I would give it a try."
Enzo smiled. "How about this? When you get a partner, so will I."
There had never been any males around Gato, from what Enzo could see. Since Gato wasn’t in a hurry to find a partner, he would use it as an excuse to dodge his attempts to set him up.
"Who told you I don’t have a partner?" Gato asked.
"Ehh?" Enzo let out a surprised cry. "You have a partner?"
"I have three," Gato said proudly. He laughed; Enzo’s expression entertained him. "Did you think I lived here by myself, just me and my herbs?"
Enzo nodded numbly.
"This isn’t my home. I spend most of the day here, but I still go home at night. My partners take care of everything at home, so I’m free to take care of the tribe."
Gato cheekily looked at Enzo. His expression said, ’now let’s see how you refuse.’ Enzo scratched the back of his neck, a bit sheepish.
He hadn’t expected Gato to have a partner. Now, he didn’t know what to say. But Enzo truly wasn’t interested in finding anyone. Not to mention, no one caught his eye.
As Gato teased Enzo, Golden eyes came back. He was dripping wet. The blood had been washed off, and his body was completely clean. The loincloth was soaked too.
Enzo’s eyes lingered there for longer than necessary. His heartbeat picked up. He had been seeing golden eyes for the past few days. His dirty appearance made Enzo not want to look at him, but now...
He stopped in the door frame, his wet hair slicked back from his face. It was the first time Enzo had seen his face properly. There was a wild beauty Enzo hadn’t noticed in the other beastmen.
His eyes trailed unconsciously from his face to his chest. It rose and fell; Enzo really wanted to touch them- the tight muscles.
Water droplets clung to his skin, skating down his abs. He watched him shift his weight, and his eyes caught the wet loincloth.
Before he could stop himself, his eyes found the large bulge, very obvious, very intimidating.
Gato’s laugh came from beside him, and Enzo snapped out of his revelry. Enzo glared at him before he could stop himself.
When he saw Gato’s teasing grin, a blush crept up his cheeks. His glare disappeared, and he ran to find something to do.
Gato didn’t stop him.
And the beastman who had been standing at the door. Well, he smiled. A small smile at the corner of his lips.
When he saw Enzo looking, he didn’t stop him. He was determined to make Enzo his partner. Whether he looked now or later, it didn’t matter.
Enzo, in the corner, wanted to slap himself. He was seduced by beauty.
Get a grip. Your heart’s been broken before; don’t even think about it. The more handsome he is, the more trouble he’ll be.
He convinced himself over and over. After he finished brainwashing himself, he walked over to hear Gato speaking to the beastman.
"...do you plan to stay?"
"I want to," golden eyes replied.
Enzo was once again struck by his voice, a deep baritone that made him shiver involuntarily.
When they saw Enzo step back into the room, they turned.
"What?" Enzo asked curiously.
"He wants to stay," Gato replied.
"Oh."
The beastman stood up and walked up to Enzo; Enzo stepped back. He looked down at Enzo’s small frame.
"I want to be your partner."
Enzo choked. The blunt declarations caught him off guard. Wasn’t he just talking to Gato? How did it end up like this?
His voice cracked. "I’m a cub. I can’t have a partner."
"I will wait. On the day you become an adult, I will be your partner."
The words were certain. He didn’t give Enzo the chance to refuse. That didn’t mean Enzo wouldn’t try.
"We don’t know each other. I don’t know anything about you. Ask anyone in the tribe; I was rejected before. You don’t want a problematic female, do you?"
Enzo winced when he called himself a female. He wasn’t used to the title, but he had to get used to so he used it more often when he talked to sub-beasts.
Hearing about Enzo being rejected, his eyes narrowed.
"You were rejected?"
Enzo nodded, thinking he would reject him because of this. "So, you don’t need to think about me. There are other females you can partner with."
"No."
He stammered, unsure what to say, then he said the only thing he could. "I don’t even know your name."
"Riven." His golden eyes locked on Enzo.
Enzo felt his heart skitter and thud. He was almost certain that all three of them could hear it. He swallowed and repeated the name. His voice trembled as he said it.
Then he broke eye contact.
He stepped back. "Riven, I’ll only say this once. I’m not interested in having a partner. If you want one, please find someone else."
He turned to Gato. "I think I’m done for today. I’ll be back tomorrow."