In Beast City, all the clan leaders gathered after receiving the message from the Bunny Clan about a female being held by a feral.
The Tiger Clan's leader spoke first.
"We must take action immediately. Since it is just a single feral, I propose sending my warriors, along with my son, to retrieve the female."
The Cheetah Clan's leader narrowed his eyes.
"Are you planning to take the female into your clan?"
Everyone understood the implications. A new female meant power.
With the extreme gender imbalance—one female for every fifty males—her presence could shift a clan's strength significantly. She would not only bear strong offspring but also bring her mates into the clan, further increasing its power.
Polygamy was a natural and accepted practice.
The Leopard Clan's leader chuckled.
"He's suggesting this because his son isn't interested in the females that throw themselves at him. If you want the female, send your own men to challenge the feral. No one will stop you."
Silence followed.
The Cheetah leader scowled but said nothing.
"Then it is decided," the Tiger Clan leader declared. "My warriors will lead the rescue."
In the cave, Xavier studied Ana.
"Bella, you can't keep wearing that dress. Let me make a new one for you."
She hesitated.
"Okay… but you're not allowed to touch me."
A lazy smirk tugged at his lips, but he simply nodded.
She swallowed hard and slowly removed her dress, leaving only her undergarments.
She felt exposed. Vulnerable.
Xavier, however, didn't reach for her. His gaze traveled over her form, memorizing her measurements with unnerving precision. Then, with practiced ease, he fashioned a two-piece dress—a fitted top and a flowing skirt.
Ana's eyes widened.
"Xav! This is perfect! How did you get my size so accurately?"
Xavier's smirk deepened.
"Don't you think you should give me something in return for showing your gratitude?"
Ana frowned.
"I don't have anything to give you. What could I possibly have that you don't?"
He leaned in slightly, voice low and teasing.
"Maybe… a kiss."
Her face burned.
Determined to get it over with quickly, she tiptoed to kiss his cheek—only to realize she was too short.
Xavier didn't move.
Her brows furrowed.
"Hmph! You're intentionally not lowering your head. If you didn't want a kiss, why ask?"
His lips curled into a wicked grin.
"I don't want a kiss on the cheek, Bella. I want one on my lips."
Ana nearly choked on air.
"O-Okay, but… just a peck!"
"Hmm." His gaze darkened with amusement.
She hesitated, then leaned in, her lips barely brushing his in the softest of pecks.
It was supposed to be quick. Fleeting. Innocent.
But the moment her lips met his, Xavier's hand slid around her lower back—firm. Unyielding.
Before she could retreat, his grip tightened, lifting her effortlessly against him.
A gasp escaped her lips, and in that moment of weakness, he took what he wanted.
His mouth pressed against hers with slow, deliberate intensity, deepening the kiss, claiming her completely.
Her fingers curled into his neck as heat flooded her body. He wasn't asking.
He was demanding.
He was making it clear that a mere peck would never be enough.
Her mind swirled.
'Our first kiss… my first kiss…'
For a moment, she was mesmerized.
She blinked rapidly, trying to process what had just happened. Then, flustered beyond belief, she shoved away from him and ran deep inside the cave.
Xavier chuckled, watching her retreat.
After some time...
Hesitating, she stepped closer to Xavier, shifting nervously on her feet.
"Xav, since I've decided to give you a chance, I want to tell you a truth. But you must promise not to tell anyone. If word gets out... I may be in danger."
His golden eyes gleamed with warmth, pleased that she was confiding in him.
"Tell me, Bella."
She took a deep breath before whispering, "I'm not an ape. I'm not even from this planet. I'm from another world called Earth. I'm a human."
Xavier's brows lifted slightly, but his response was instant, his voice unwavering.
"Whatever you may be, Bella, I love you with my whole heart. But... how does this put you in danger? As long as you're a female, you're safe."
Her hands clenched into fists, her voice breaking slightly. "The thing is… I can give birth multiple times a year, unlike the females here, who can only conceive once a year. If anyone finds out, I'll be doomed. I'll become nothing more than a breeder—forced to make babies because of the low female count."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around herself, silently trembling.
In the beast world, it was common knowledge that females only experienced their fertility period once a year, making conception rare and valuable. But if what she said was true… then she was in danger.
Xavier's jaw tightened. His instincts screamed to protect her, to keep her hidden from greedy eyes. More than that, her words carried another realization—they would have to be cautious in the future. More ferals in the world wouldn't be good for anyone.
But for now, she needed comfort.
Pulling her into his embrace, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his voice a quiet promise.
"It's okay, Bella. I'll protect you. Always."