My Panther Mate & Our Little Cub novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33 A Place to Cook

Finished

Seeing the grooves already carved into the earth, Jaden walked closer and asked, “Sire, what are you working on?

“I’m planning to set up another cooking area.”

Matthew’s attention shifted to Zachary’s red, irritated palm. He knelt down, took the stone from his hand, and said, “Eat first. I’ll handle this later.”

Zachary replied, “Just make it around the same size as before.”

“Alright.”

“What’s that?” Zachary noticed Matthew had returned with something wrapped in leaves.

Jaden explained, “Food for the stingtail beast.”

Zachary unwrapped it, and his eyes immediately brightened, his face filled with clear delight.

Inside was a large golden honeycomb, filled with thick, amber honey that looked clear, sticky, and gave off a rich sweetness.

“You got this yourselves? Did you get stung?” Zachary sounded happy but still concerned. There was no protective gear here, and he had heard of people dying from bee stings before.

Matthew answered, “Our fur is thick. Their stingers can’t get through it.”

“Then what about this?” Zachary noticed the swelling and redness on Matthew’s finger right away.

“It’s nothing.” Matthew glanced at it without concern.

“Did you pull the stinger out?” Zachary grabbed his hand to inspect it, only to find part of the stinger still embedded.

Matthew lowered his gaze. All he saw was Zachary’s slender, fair neck and long lashes casting soft shadows.

“I’m fine.”

“Stay still.” Zachary pressed around the wound and carefully removed the remaining stinger.

“Alright. If you wash it with some plant ash, it won’t hurt as much.” While speaking, Zachary leaned down toward the stove.

Matthew caught his arm. “I’m really fine. Let’s eat first.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

Zachary turned to Jaden as well. “Jaden, did you get stung?”

Jaden shook his head. “Alpha went alone.”

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Chapter 33 A Place to Cook

Zachary looked at Matthew, and something he had said yesterday briefly came to mind, but he quickly dismissed the thought.

He lifted the lid of the pot, took out the steamed egg, sprinkled it with chopped wild onion, and divided it into three portions.

The soft yellow custard shimmered with moisture, smooth and delicate like pudding.

Jaden asked, “Sire, what is this dish?”

“Steamed egg. Made from quacking beast eggs.” Zachary smiled. “Try it.”

Jaden held the bowl and took a bite. The texture was smooth and tender, lightly fragrant, and completely new to him.

“This is really good.” Jaden wasn’t as expressive as Taylor, but his surprised expression was clear.

Matthew was also slightly surprised. The dish was so soft it didn’t even require chewing.

Zachary chuckled at their reactions, resting his chin on his hand. “There’s more food over there.”

Both Matthew and Jaden had already noticed the stir-fried meat with wild onion. As soon as he mentioned it, they quickly picked up their eating sticks and started eating, their lips soon glistening with oil. The flavor was incredibly satisfying.

The moo beast meat, marinated with wild onion and ginger, was rich and flavorful. The outside was lightly charred, while the inside remained juicy and tender-each bite deeply satisfying.

After finishing the steamed egg and eating some meat, Zachary felt full. He sat near the fire, enjoying the remaining warmth while eating an apple.

Matthew frowned and set his eating sticks down. “Are you feeling unwell?”

Jaden also stopped eating and looked at Zachary with concern.

“Me?” Zachary glanced up, still chewing on a piece of apple.

Matthew looked serious. “You barely ate anything.”

Sub-therians typically ate less than therians, but not this little. In this world, a poor appetite usually means illness or injury.

A strong appetite was seen as a sign of good health and survival.

Zachary understood and explained, “I will have another meal around noon, don’t you remember?”

Although people in this world usually ate only two meals a day, he still made sure to eat lunch. Even if he didn’t cook, he would at least have something.

Matthew said firmly, “There’s plenty of food.”

Zachary smiled lightly. “I know. You’re the strongest therian in the tribe.”

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10:42 Fri, Jun 5 MO

Chapter 33 A Place to Cook

Matthew’s throat moved slightly, but he said nothing. His gaze carefully examined Zachary for a moment before he returned to the stone table and continued eating.

Jaden handled the dishes that day. After the meal, Matthew went back to carving the unfinished pit Zachary had started earlier.

Since therians had far greater strength than sub-therians, the rough structure took shape quickly.

Later, Taylor came over looking for Jaden. When he saw Zachary working with branches at the cave entrance, he walked up and asked, “Zachary, what are you doing?”

“I’m making a door.” Zachary trimmed the branches, arranged them neatly, and tied them together with vines, similar to weaving a curtain.

Taylor leaned closer and asked, “Do you need help?”

“It’s okay, just go find Jaden. Aren’t you two heading out to practice hunting nearby?” Zachary smiled. “I can manage this myself.”

“Zachary, I’ll bring back a long-eared beast for you today.” Taylor patted his chest confidently.

“Really?” Zachary smiled. “Then when you come back, I’ll cook something nice for both of you.”

“Yeah! Hooray!” Taylor became excited, his steps light and energetic.

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10:42 Fri, Jun 5

Transmigrated to Raise Panther Cubs