Transmigrated to Raise Panther Cubs novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191 Suspicious Smell

Finished

good. After finishing one plate, both

They were not the sort to eat endlessly just because the food taste Zachary, we should continue our

forced themselves to stop, though their reluctance was obvious. “All

patrol.”

“We’ll come by tomorrow and help you collect firewood.”

“We still have a lot at home, so don’t trouble yourselves, Zachary said with a smile. He lifted the second batch of fried turnips from the oil, separated them into two portions, and wrapped each one in broad leaves.

“But could you help me with something else? Can you bring these to the shaman and the chief for me?”

“Of course!” They agreed at once.

Zachary had made plenty this time, enough to fill an entire basin by the end. He packed several more portions, planning to bring some to Quincy and Elias after Matthew returned.

Matthew had not even reached the entrance when Zachary noticed him.

“Where did you go?” Zachary walked over, then caught a faint medicinal smell on him. It was familiar, like something he had come across several times before.

“Nowhere.” Matthew changed the subject almost immediately. “What smells so good?”

“Oh, I made some fried turnips. Try one.” Zachary picked up a piece and fed it to him. “Good?”

“Mm. Good.” Matthew nodded.

Zachary asked, “Where’s Jaden?”

Matthew pulled Zachary into his arms and sat with him beside the fire. “He went with Yael and the others to check the fish traps.”

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At such close range, the smell of medicine on Matthew became harder to ignore. Zachary leaned toward his mouth and sniffed carefully.

“What are you doing?” Matthew turned his face slightly away.

“Why are you avoiding me?” That only made Zachary more suspicious. He held Matthew’s face in both hands and forced him to meet his eyes. “Are you hiding something?”

“No.” Matthew tried to steer the conversation elsewhere again. “What do you want for dinner?”

Zachary studied him closely, but Matthew looked perfectly calm. He could not find the smallest crack in his expression.

“Jaden should bring back our share of fish soon. Let’s steam fish tonight.”

Matthew’s hand settled at Zachary’s lower back, pressing and kneading with just the right amount of strength.

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Chapter 191 Suspicious Smell

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Zachary kept looking at him with suspicion, then suddenly wrapped his arms around Matthew’s neck and

kissed him.

Surprise flashed through Matthew’s eyes, but he quickly softened into the kiss.

After a short, messy while, Zachary pulled back a little and stared straight at him. “Your mouth smells like medicine. Where did you really go today?”

Matthew was still lost in the sweetness of that kiss when the questioning came at him without warning.

“Are you sick?” Zachary touched Matthew’s forehead, then started tugging at his clothes. “Or did you get hurt?”

“No.” Matthew caught his hands.

“Then why did you take medicine?”

Matthew had not expected Zachary to catch him like this. For a moment, his thoughts raced as he tried to find an explanation.

Zachary pulled his hands free. “Tell me.”

“Recently… I’ve been a little…” Matthew was not good at lying, especially not when he had to make up details on the spot.

If he claimed to be ill, he had no symptoms to show for it, and he knew he was not convincing enough to pretend.

Seeing him hesitate, Zachary suddenly thought of one possibility. He opened his mouth and asked carefully, “A little worn out?”

“Yes.” Matthew nodded at once.

Zachary did not continue questioning him. After a long pause, he suddenly said, “Then I’ll make some stew tonight.”

Matthew was surprised he let it go so easily, but a faint uneasiness remained in his chest.

Zachary thought for a moment. “Do you want to lie down for a while?”

“I’m not sleepy.” Matthew pulled him closer again, eating turnips with him as they warmed themselves by the fire.

Zachary remembered what he had planned earlier. “You rest here. I’m going out for a bit.”

Matthew immediately looked at him. “Where?”

“I’m bringing some turnips to Quincy and Elias.”

“I’ll

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with you

Zachary asked, “Aren’t you… tired?”

“I’m fine.”

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Chapter 191 Suspicious Smell

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Before they left, Matthew bundled Zachary up from head to toe again. Hat, scarf, everything was wrapped tightly around him, leaving only his eyes visible so he could see the path.

Matthew held his hand, walking with steady, strong steps.

Zachary looked at him and suddenly felt something did not add up. Could someone who was truly exhausted still walk with this much strength?

When they arrived at Quincy’s place, Taylor and Jaden happened to be coming back with Yael. The two children carried a large basket between them, wobbling with every step.

Yael caught the smell first and leaned closer with a grin. “What is that? It smells amazing!”

Matthew ignored him and handed the big leaf–wrapped bundle to Quincy. “Zachary made something new.”

“It tastes good.”

Quincy smiled and opened the package. The fragrance rushed out at once, nearly driving Yael mad.

His hands were dirty from handling fish, but he could not wait, so he opened his mouth toward Quincy like a hungry chick. “Quick, feed me one!”

Taylor quickly put down what he was carrying and stood on tiptoe. “Dad, I want one too!”

Matthew asked Jaden to take their family’s portion home, then held Zachary’s hand and continued toward Elias‘ cave.

The sun had come out that day, leaving the sky clear and bright. The wind was cold, but the air felt clean and refreshing.

The two walked slowly, almost as if they were out for a casual stroll.

When they reached Kyle and Elias‘ cave, Zachary tugged lightly on Matthew’s hand. “The door’s shut.”

“Mm.” Matthew did not stop.

Zachary suggested quietly, “Maybe we should come again tomorrow.”

Matthew looked at him. “Why?”

Zachary lowered his voice. “They might be… occupied.”

Matthew answered calmly. “They’ll be occupied tomorrow too.”

Zachary looked up. “What?”

“They still need to eat,” Matthew said, then raised his hand and knocked on the door.

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