Raising Beast Cubs to Find a Husband novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Dinner With Predators.

The Golden Pavilion was exactly the kind of place I avoided in my past life. It dripped with gold leaf, smelled of expensive perfume, and had a waiting list longer than a dragon’s lifespan.

But when you walk in flanked by the Wolf Marquis, the Tiger General, and the Snake Archduke, you don’t wait. The seas (or in this case, the crowd of gawking nobles) part.

We were led to the private balcony. The tension was thick enough to cut with a steak knife.

Lord Rurik Jaeger sat on my left, radiating a chill that wilted the table flowers.

General Rajah Khanda sat on my right, radiating heat like a wood stove.

Archduke Cassian Argentis sat across from me, looking like he was judging the silverware’s pedigree.

And I, Primrose Thistle, sat in the middle. A tail-less fox in a simple dress, surrounded by the most powerful predators in the empire.

The poor waiter, a trembling Deer-kin, approached the table. "M-my Lords? May I take your orders?"

"The lady will have the Frost-Aged Venison," Rurik rumbled, not looking at the menu. "Rare. It builds strength."

"Nonsense!" Rajah boomed, slapping the table. "She needs fire! The Volcanic Spicy Prawns! It strengthens the spirit!"

"How barbaric," Cassian drawled, flipping a page with a gloved hand. "Bring us the Moonlight Caviar and a bottle of the 82 Elven White. And for the lady... perhaps something light? The Crystal Salad?"

They glared at each other. The waiter looked like he was about to faint.

"Gentlemen," I said, my voice cutting through the testosterone fog. I smiled sweetly. "This is a conference, not a competition. And as a chef..."

I turned to the waiter.

"We’ll have the Braised Titan-Boar Belly," I said. "The fat renders beautifully and it’s rich enough for a Tiger." I nodded at Rajah.

"For the side, the Roasted Ice-Root Medley," I continued. "Earthy, hearty, and perfect for a Wolf." I nodded at Rurik.

"And for the wine," I looked at Cassian. "The 95 Shadow-Red. It has a dry, mineral finish that cuts through the grease. The Archduke will appreciate the complexity."

I handed the menu back to the stunned waiter. "And bring four plates. We’re sharing."

Silence.

Rajah blinked. "Titan-Boar? That’s my favorite."

Rurik grunted. "Ice-Root. Acceptable."

Cassian stared at me, his golden eyes narrowing. "You know your vintages, Lady Primrose. That is... unexpected."

"I know my ingredients," I corrected. "Now. Let’s talk about your sons."

The dinner was a battlefield, but I was the general.

I navigated the conversation like I was managing a dinner rush. I praised Arjun’s focus (to flatter Rajah), commended Vali’s passionate spirit (to soothe Rurik), and highlighted Jasper’s refined palate (to appease Cassian).

By the time the dessert arrived, the tension had shifted. They weren’t fighting each other anymore. They were competing for my approval.

"Vali hasn’t bitten a single servant in three days," Rurik stated, puffing out his chest slightly.

"Arjun did fifty pushups without breaking a vase," Rajah countered with a grin.

"Jasper," Cassian said smoothly, swirling his wine, "has gained two pounds. And he smiled yesterday."

He dropped that last fact like a mic drop. The other two glared.

"You’re doing well," Rajah said, leaning in, his large hand resting near mine on the tablecloth. "But... a woman of your talents... living in that tiny shop? Alone?"

"It’s dangerous," Rurik agreed, his voice low. "A fox with no tail... you’re vulnerable."

"My estate has a guest wing," Cassian offered casually. "It is... climate controlled."

Here we go. The Protection offer.

"I am quite happy in my shop," I said firmly. "It’s my home. And I have the best security system in the world."

"Oh?" Rajah laughed. "And what is that?"

"My clients," I said, smiling at the three of them. "Who would dare bother the woman who feeds the heirs of the Wolf, the Tiger, and the Snake?"

They looked at each other. A silent agreement passed between them. I had just accidentally created the most terrifying Neighborhood Watch in history.

We left the restaurant an hour later. The air outside was cool and dark.

As the three men argued over who would escort me home (Rurik brought his carriage, Rajah wanted to walk me, Cassian had a magic portal stone), I felt a sudden prickle on the back of my neck.

My Top Chef instincts—usually reserved for sensing a burning pot—screamed danger.

"Gentlemen," I said, turning back to the bickering trio. "I think I’ll take that ride home now." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

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