My Panther Mate & Our Little Cub novel Chapter 6

The two cubs had barely disappeared when Quincy arrived, a beast-hide bag slung over his shoulder.

He noticed Zachary standing at the cave entrance with both arms stretched outward, measuring the opening from side to side and then from top to bottom.

Curiosity flickered across Quincy's face. "What are you measuring?"

"Quincy, perfect timing." Zachary turned with a grin. "Cold air slips through the entrance at night. I'm thinking about putting a door here."

Quincy considered the opening for a moment. "Stack some branches across it, then wedge a big rock in front. That blocks most of the wind."

That was the tribe's usual solution whenever winter storms rolled through.

"Not a bad idea." Zachary brushed the dust from his palms and nodded in agreement. His gaze dropped to the beast-hide bag in Quincy's hand. "Heading somewhere?"

Quincy replied, "We're going to the eastern mountains to gather food. Want to come along?"

Food supplies at home had already run low. Zachary had been considering setting a few traps nearby anyway, so the invitation worked perfectly.

"Sure."

Exploring the surrounding area would also help him understand the terrain.

Zachary re-entered the cave and took two large beast-hide bags from the wooden rack. The stitching appeared rough, and the fur made them bulky, but they held together fine—at least nothing spilled out.

Both of them headed toward the center of the tribe.

The main path had been cleared thoroughly, leaving smooth ground underfoot. Dense forest crowded both sides of the trail, towering weeds replaced by thick trunks and tangled greenery.

More caves gradually appeared along the mountainside. Each entrance looked orderly, with neat stacks of firewood or stones arranged outside.

Several small black panther cubs tumbled around in the clearing. Their tails stuck straight into the air as they rolled, chased, and playfully nipped at each other's necks. Bright purring noises filled the air while they wrestled across the ground.

A smile touched Quincy's face. "Cubs love playing together."

"Looks like it." The sight stirred a gentle warmth in Zachary's chest.

Memories drifted through his mind.

Long ago, elders in his village would gather outside their homes to chat while the cats lounged nearby in the sun. Lazy afternoons passed quietly while animals stretched across warm patches of ground.

"Can they turn into therians?" Zachary glanced toward the cubs.

"Of course." Quincy continued walking at an easy pace, "Young ones simply prefer staying in beast form when they play."

After traveling a little farther, Zachary noticed something unusual.

Their cave sat far from the other homes.

He asked, "Quincy, how are cave locations decided? Does the tribe assign them, or do people choose their own spots?"

"You didn't enjoy living close to everyone else." Quincy gestured toward the distant edge of the settlement. "So, Matthew dug a cave for you along the outskirts."

"Oh." Zachary's curiosity sparked immediately. What kind of person is this Matthew, who keeps coming up in conversation?

More tribe members came into view as they approached the central area.

Elias turned toward Quincy with confusion written across his face. Zachary... Volunteering help?

Elias blanked for a brief moment. He is normally nothing but ice or anger. That soft, gentle look has never belonged on his face.

Suspicion still lingered in his mind. Past events had been ugly. Quincy's presence remained the only reason Elias stayed close instead of walking away.

Quincy continued forward between them while Zachary and Elias walked on opposite sides.

Occasionally, Zachary noticed Elias sneaking glances toward him. No hostility appeared in those looks, though curiosity definitely existed.

Zachary nudged Quincy's arm and lowered his voice. "What kind of relationship did Elias and I have before?"

Quincy chose his words carefully. "Your temper used to be... unpredictable. Elias sometimes got caught in the aftermath."

"A little unpredictable?" Zachary raised an eyebrow.

Quincy calmly listed examples. "Angry outbursts, broken furniture, arguments with Matthew, punching Jaden, and cursing anyone nearby..."

Their families shared a close connection, which meant Quincy had witnessed many of those incidents.

His gentle tone almost sounded like someone describing scenes from a bedtime story.

Embarrassment slowly spread across Zachary's face. Seriously? The original owner of this body is basically a walking disaster.

"Has my personality always been... this unique?" Zachary carefully chose his words. After all, he thought that inhabiting another person's body created a strange sense of politeness.

Otherwise, the situation felt uncomfortable.

Elias had overheard enough of their conversation to lean closer. "Your behavior looked pretty normal when you first arrived."

Zachary blinked. "When I first arrived?"