Before the wave of bodies could crash into her, Yanai's arm lashed out, wrapping securely around Nina's waist and whisking her backward in a blur of motion.
In the same breath, her other mates surged forward, shoulders locking to form an impenetrable wall of muscle between Nina and the sea of approaching females.
"Who are you?" Nina asked, peering over the protective barrier, her eyes wide with bewilderment. "Why have you all come here so early?"
A pretty young female eagerly squeezed through the front of the crowd, her face flushed and her eyes shining with pure, unadulterated adoration.
"Lady Nina, my name is Lulu!" She clasped her hands tightly against her chest, practically vibrating with excitement. "I've heard everything you've achieved for the tribes. I admire you so much—I just had to come here hoping to meet you!"
Another female scrambled up right beside her, desperate not to be left out. "Me too! I... I really look up to you!"
