Raising Beast Cubs to Find a Husband novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195: Beginnings and Tides

[PRIMROSE]

The bell above the door of Little Whiskers Daycare gave a cheerful chime as I pushed it open. Instantly, the familiar scent of warm milk, honey-cakes, and baby powder washed over me, wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

I stood in the entryway, my nine silver tails swishing softly behind me, and just let myself look.

The walls were still painted with the clumsy, colorful murals of forests and clouds that I had done myself so long ago. The tiny wooden cubbies were lined up perfectly by the door, each labeled with a small, painted animal paw. This place was small. So much smaller than the grand halls of Unity Academy or the sprawling Warlord estate. But to me, it was the biggest place in the world.

This was where it all started. Where I was just a desperate chef trying to make a living and not get eaten by a bunch of feral beast-cubs, only to end up accidentally adopting them—and their terrifying, overly-protective fathers.

"No, no, little one, we don’t eat the blocks!" a sweet, flustered voice called out from the main room.

I peeked into the playroom. Luna, her long bunny ears twitching with mild panic, was gently pulling a wooden alphabet block out of the mouth of a chubby little Bear-kin toddler. She looked a bit tired, her apron covered in something suspiciously sticky, but her smile was radiant.

"You look like a natural," I said, stepping into the room.

Luna jumped, her ears shooting straight up. When she saw me, her shoulders relaxed and she beamed. "Primrose! Oh, thank the stars. This new batch of cubs is so energetic. I think the little bear just tried to hibernate in the toy chest."

I laughed, walking over to help her gather the scattered toys. "They always test the boundaries on the first week. Vali used to try and bite the table legs, remember?"

"How could I forget?" Luna sighed fondly, picking up the toddler and bouncing him on her hip until he giggled.

Once the last cub was settled in the back room for naptime, Luna and I sat in the small kitchen at the back of the daycare. I reached into my bag, placed a thick, sealed envelope on the table, and slid it toward her.

"What’s this?" Luna asked, wiping her hands on a towel.

"The deed," I said softly. "The transfer papers. It’s all signed and registered with the Empire. Little Whiskers is officially yours, Luna."

Luna stared at the envelope as if it might bite her. Her nose twitched, and her large eyes immediately filled with bright, shiny tears. "Mine? But... Primrose, you built this place."

"And you helped me run it when I was losing my mind," I reached out and squeezed her hand across the table. "I have the Academy now, and the Sovereign duties, and a house full of Warlords who want to run the PTA like a military campaign. I can’t be here the way this place deserves. But you can. You’re wonderful with the kids, Luna. You’re the perfect person to take over."

A fat tear rolled down Luna’s cheek. She scrambled out of her chair and threw her arms around my neck, hugging me tight. "Thank you. I promise I’ll make you proud. I’ll take such good care of them."

"I’m already proud of you," I smiled, patting her back.

Luna pulled away, wiping her face with the back of her hand. "Actually, since you’re here... I have something for you, too."

She reached into the deep pocket of her apron and pulled out a different envelope. This one was made of thick, cream-colored paper, sealed with a silver wax stamp in the shape of a shield.

I took it, raising an eyebrow. When I broke the seal, a beautifully handwritten invitation slid out.

"Luna!" I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth as I read the names. "You and Jax?"

Luna blushed fiercely, her long ears drooping bashfully against her hair. "Yes. He... he asked me last night. He actually had the other guards help him set up a perimeter of glowing mana-lanterns around the eastern watchtower. He got down on one knee right there in his full uniform, looking so serious and official. But his fox tail was wagging the entire time."

"A wedding," I breathed, feeling a rush of pure, bubbling joy. "A real, proper wedding. Oh, Luna, I am so happy for you! The Fox guard and the Bunny merchant. It’s beautiful."

"You have to be my maid of honor," Luna insisted, grabbing my hands tightly. "Please? I don’t have anyone else I’d rather ask."

"Try and stop me," I grinned, my tails wagging happily. "I’ll even handle the catering. Jax won’t know what hit him."

---

Leaving the daycare, my heart felt light. The afternoon sun was warm, casting a lazy golden glow over the capital streets.

A sleek, dark wood carriage was waiting for me at the corner. The door swung open before I even reached it, and a small, energetic blur launched itself at my legs.

"Mom!"

I caught Orion effortlessly, hoisting my nine-year-old son into the air. He had his father’s striking teal eyes and the same messy, sea-swept silver hair that caught the sunlight, shimmering with a faint, beautiful iridescent glow. When he smiled, he showed off a row of sharp, adorable Jiaoren teeth.

"Hey there, my little prince," I laughed, kissing his cheek. "Did you finish your lessons with Jasper?"

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