Transmigrated to Raise Panther Cubs novel Chapter 5

"I'm a lynx. Why are you a black panther?"

Jaden answered calmly, "Because Alpha is a black panther."

"Are you kidding me?" Zachary groaned, leaning back as if he'd been hit by a wave of disbelief. Man versus nature... Is this some kind of Animal Planet?

He had thought the whole "Alpha" and "Beastworld" thing was just some symbolic, primitive ritual. Now it hit him—they were literally beasts!

Jaden stiffened, a flicker of tension crossing his face. Whenever Zachary looked like this before, it usually meant a storm was coming, and Jaden would bear the brunt of it.

Moments later, Zachary exhaled, swallowing his surprise. It was what it was. If he survived, fine. If not, there was nothing he could do.

On the surface, he seemed calm, but deep down, he had no choice.

As the immediate shock passed, so did the fear.

Zachary's gaze lingered on Jaden, and he couldn't stop picturing that tiny black panther from moments ago. A round little head, bright blue eyes, and soft, velvety paw pads.

It was just like a big cat!

He reached out, intending to ruffle Jaden's hair, but the boy tensed, lips pressing together, eyes closing reflexively, hands clutching at his hide shirt.

"I won't hurt you," Zachary said softly, his chest warming. He cupped Jaden's face gently. "I promise, Jaden. Trust me."

Surprise flashed in Jaden's eyes, then he nodded silently.

By now, the sun had climbed over the forest, lifting some of the damp though leaving a thin fog lingering.

Zachary wanted to brush his teeth. Not expecting much, he still asked Jaden for help.

Jaden handed him a short, brown twig.

Zachary sniffed it—it smelled clean and fresh.

"How do I use this?"

"Chew it," Jaden instructed, demonstrating.

Teeth were important for them, especially for therians. This twig doubled as a toothbrush and a teether, all in one.

After using it, Zachary's mouth felt cleaner, but he still longed for the comfort of modern toothpaste and a toothbrush that didn't make his jaw ache.

He rinsed, washed his face, and began breakfast.

He had only one piece of meat left.

Like yesterday, he rendered the fat for oil, sliced the lean meat thin, and seared it on a stone slab before simmering fruit tea with the produce Quincy had brought.

The stone pot and slab were heavy, and there was only one stove. Lifting and placing them was exhausting, and his hands burned quickly.

The pot couldn't be replaced—this world hadn't reached iron tools yet—but bowls and plates could be managed.

Zachary looked out at the forest and considered gathering wood to craft cookware when he had the chance. Furniture too, if possible—but that was a dream for another day.

Once the meal was ready, he plated it in advance, worried that Jaden might hesitate to take some.

Jaden's eyes widened at the generous serving of meat.

Zachary chuckled. "Eat while it's hot."

Taylor popped a crackling into his mouth and winked at Jaden. "So good!"

Even better than yesterday's leftovers!

He tried the fried meat next—fragrant, tender, and irresistible.

"Take it slow." Jaden handed him the apple soup. "Drink some so you don't choke."

"Sweet." Taylor relaxed, finally letting his guard down in front of Zachary. No longer stiff like before, he said sincerely, "This is the most delicious food I've ever had!"

Zachary smiled, his eyes crinkling. "I appreciate that, Taylor."

In one meal, Taylor's affection for Zachary deepened.

After eating, the boys hurriedly grabbed their bowls and sticks and dashed to wash them before leaving.

Once Taylor and Jaden finished tidying up, they got ready to head to the assembly. Still worried, Zachary reminded them over and over, "Remember—safety comes first, no matter what."

Jaden nodded.

Taylor tapped his chest. "I'll keep Jaden safe."

Zachary ruffled their hair. "I'll count on you then, Taylor."

At the cave entrance, Jaden straightened Taylor's clothes carefully, even retightening the sinew laces on his shoes.