Transmigrated to Raise Panther Cubs novel Chapter 62

ransmigrated to Raise Panther Cubs

Chapter 62 A Night Beneath the Panther’s Guard

They cleared a small area, dragged a few stones into place, and gathered enough wood to get a fire going.

Zachary was drained to the bone. Every part of him ached–his arms, his back, and his legs- like they’d been wrung dry.

After tagging along with Quincy and the others to relieve himself nearby, he slumped onto a rock the moment he returned, completely unwilling to move a muscle at all.

Compared to them, the therians seemed inexhaustible. After a full day of travel, they continued to laugh and talk among themselves, casually chopping wood and moving supplies with an ease that made it seem like they hadn’t tired in the slightest…

Matthew stepped away for a bit.

When he returned, he carried a large leaf folded into a makeshift funnel. “Not feeling well?” he asked, bringing the water to Zachary’s lips, signaling for him to drink.

Zachary’s eyes were barely open, his face lined with exhaustion. “Just… tired.”

Zachary hadn’t done much physically, but that didn’t change the fact that he was worn out. Being carried around all day by a leopard would wear anyone out–especially over rough terrain like mountains.

His stomach felt unsettled, his head throbbed faintly, and even lifting a hand felt like too much effort.

“Drink some water.” Matthew lowered himself slightly and nudged the leaf against his lips.

Zachary didn’t resist.

Too tired to bother, he leaned into the gesture and took a few long gulps. The water was cool, with a faint hint of sweetness. It soothed his throat instantly and eased some of the discomfort weighing him down.

“Are we going after that food you mentioned?” Zachary asked, his voice quiet.

“Tomorrow,” Matthew replied.

“It’s getting dark.” After a brief pause, he added, “There could be beasts nearby. Stay close.”

Zachary gave a small nod.

The three groups settled down close to one another. The sub–therians stayed in the center, while the therians positioned themselves around the perimeter, forming a protective ring.

Dinner came from several freshly hunted baa beasts.

When traveling, therians didn’t fuss over flavor. As long as they could eat their fill, that was enough. If necessary, they could even eat raw meat without hesitation.

Zachary glanced at the large chunks of meat roasting over the fire, but his appetite was nowhere to be found. Instead, he reached into his pack, took out a few fruits, and bit into them without a second thought.

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14:55 Fri, Jun 5 M.

JM

Chapter 62 A Night Beneath the Panther’s Guard

Seeing that their spices were limited, Matthew cut off a piece of cooked meat. He wrapped it in leaves, sprinkled a bit of chili and ginger powder over it, and brought it over to Zachary.

“Eat,” he said quietly. “Then get some rest.”

Zachary nodded.

Even if he didn’t feel like eating, he knew he had to.

This wasn’t the time to be picky.

Holding the meat carefully, he tore off small bites and chewed slowly.

The baa beast meat, unseasoned beforehand–but the chili and ginger powder helped cover most of the gamey taste–just enough to make it tolerable.

A few people nearby glanced over.

Harper and Wesley exchanged looks as they watched the interaction between Matthew and Zachary.

Since when had those two gotten so close?

Wesley frowned slightly and thought to himself. Did Zachary hit head harder than we thought?

Luke walked over to Wesley’s side and inclined his head politely toward Harper.

Harper smiled in return.

Luke then handed a portion of water to Wesley. “Drink.”

Wesley accepted it with a casual nod.

Taking a

seat beside him, Luke looked at Wesley with open admiration.

Wesley shared Zachary’s striking appearance, but their personalities couldn’t have been more different.

Especially compared to Zachary’s past reputation, Wesley stood out even more.

It was no surprise that he had many admirers in the tribe. Luke was one of them–and the most persistent and devoted, but Wesley had higher expectations.

He wanted someone like Matthew… or even stronger.

Someone like Luke simply didn’t make the cut. Even so, he never rejected the attention.

The therians‘ values were nothing like those of the modern world. Their way of life was more instinctive, more unrestrained. So, even though everyone could tell where Wesley stood, no one commented. Sub- therians were fewer in number and capable of bearing offspring, which naturally gave them the right to choose.

The forest grew darker as the last light faded, and the sounds of birds gradually died down. Several fires illuminated the clearing. The sub–therians gathered together, feeding more wood into the flames now and

then.

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14:55 Fri, Jun 5 M.

Chapter 62 A Night Beneath the Panther’s Guard

Meanwhile, the therians shifted into black panthers and began rotating the night watch. A lone panther might be vulnerable in the dark–but dozens together? No beast–or rival tribe–would be foolish enough to provoke them.

Zachary shifted uncomfortably.

Sitting didn’t help, and lying down felt just as bad. It felt like his body had been completely worn down despite his age. He frowned, rubbing his lower back and massaging his sore legs, fighting against the heaviness pulling at his eyelids.

Looking up at the sky, he let out a quiet sigh. Modern transportation really was better–get in a car, and before you knew it, you’d arrived in time.

Matthew was scheduled for the latter half of the night patrol, but he had already shifted into his beast form. He padded over, picked a spot beside Zachary, and settled down. Then, he gently nudged Zachary with a paw, signaling Zachary to lie on top of him.

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