Chapter 6
I stirred slowly, warmth wrapping around me like a cocoon. It took me a moment to realize I wasn't alone. I was completely enveloped in Kai's arms—his large body pressed firmly against mine, his scent surrounding me, his breath tickling my ear. His hold was firm, almost possessive, yet it felt… natural. Like I belonged there. Like I was made to be here.
My gaze shifted up, landing on his perfectly sculpted face. And to my embarrassment, he was already awake, eyes wide open and staring right at me. My face flushed instantly.
Was I drooling in my sleep?
I panicked and squirmed slightly, trying to break free. "Good morning," I mumbled, shy and flustered.
He didn't answer with words at first—only a low, pleased hum—then pulled me closer like I was his favorite blanket.
"Kai…" I whispered his name for the first time, startled by how natural it felt on my tongue.
His body stiffened just a little when he heard it, then relaxed again. He tucked me even more securely against him, as though I was something precious.
"I like it," he murmured, his deep voice sending vibrations through my back. "When I hold you… when I watch you sleep… and especially when you say my name."
My face turned a deeper shade of red. I thought he was going to devour me with how intense his eyes were, but instead, he simply held me, gently, with no rush or pressure.
"Aren't you supposed to be busy? Chiefly duties? Meetings to run?" I asked, hoping to distract both of us from the tension building in the room.
"No. I'm not expected back until after you're pregnant and have delivered. Unless something urgent arises," he said plainly.
I gaped at him, mortified.
"Is that all these chiefs think about? Getting people pregnant?" I muttered under my breath. "Bunch of bullies…"
His lips twitched, clearly amused.
Then I remembered something—his words from last night. I looked down at my arm. There it was. A tiger's head, glowing faintly, marked into my skin like a brand.
"It looks like a tattoo…" I whispered, brushing my fingers over it.
"Tattoo?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You say strange words sometimes."
I blinked and laughed awkwardly.
"My family never noticed, but he picks up on the modern stuff I say. He's sharp," I mumbled.
Kai smiled at the offhand praise, clearly pleased.
He really likes being praised. Noted.
"Alright, I should get up now," I said, attempting once again to wriggle free from his grasp.
That was a mistake.
"You're making me hard," Kai whispered roughly in my ear, his voice low and hoarse.
I froze in place. That's when I felt it—his hardened length pressing insistently between my stomach and thigh. My heart skipped a beat and my breath hitched.
He chuckled at my reaction, not moving an inch.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to eat you… not yet. Your body is still too weak, too fragile… too small."
For once, being petite had its perks. Apparently, it just saved me from being devoured.
---
Later that morning, he led me outside, and I gasped.
This was not the same environment I had fallen asleep in.
"What happened? Where are we?" I asked, eyes scanning the serene scenery.
"The cave you met me in was just one of my lookout spots," he explained. "I use it to watch over and protect the people in that region. I'm the youngest chief, but my authority is… unique. This"—he gestured around at the vast landscape—"is my true domain."
A nearby waterfall glistened under the morning sun.
"That water belongs to me. The surrounding land too. Past that ridge is shared territory and the main market."
"You have a market?" I asked, eyes widening.
He nodded and handed me a pair of familiar sandals—the same handmade pair given to me by a servant before I left home. I slipped them on quickly and ran to his side, excitement bubbling in my chest.
"Would you like to see it?" he asked, reaching for my hand.
I hesitated for just a second—then took his hand.
I didn't pull away.
He's my husband now… and I didn't hate his touch.
---
The village was no longer quiet. Beast-humans filled the market path—lively, vibrant, and incredibly attractive males everywhere. Only a handful of females walked among them.
I couldn't help but mutter under my breath.
"Why are the males so unfairly beautiful, and the females… so ordinary and besides didn't I hear that his population is so little?"
Kai smirked. He had heard me.
"You've misunderstood," he said calmly. "Our female population is small. That's why most females are bonded with multiple males. They usually give birth to more males than females. Just this season, we've only had two female births—compared to thousands of males. It's believed that human females can break that cycle. That's why you're valuable."
His words hit me hard.
So… they're expecting me to give birth to female children?
And if I don't?
Will I be discarded?
An icy shiver ran down my spine.
Sensing the shift in me, Kai squeezed my hand firmly.
"Don't overthink it," he said softly. "Whether you bear a boy or girl, it doesn't matter to me. I just don't want my bloodline to end with me."
I didn't respond. I simply followed him, keeping my thoughts to myself.
Whether I liked it or not, giving birth was part of the deal. But maybe… just maybe, I could still enjoy life while I was here.
---
As we stepped into the market square, all eyes turned to me.
"She's the human Chief Kai married, right?" "She looks so fragile." "Can she even survive childbirth?" "If she doesn't give birth, Chief Kai might have to take another female."
Their whispers swirled around me like daggers, each word laced with doubt and scrutiny. My heart tightened. The insecurity I thought I'd buried clawed its way back.
I had promised myself I wouldn't let it get to me… but it did.
My steps slowed.
Kai noticed immediately. His easy going posture stiffened, and his aura shifted—growing cold, commanding, and laced with danger.
He turned his sharp gaze on the gossipers, his energy pressing outward like a silent roar. They scattered in seconds, the oppressive weight of his presence too much to bear.
I blinked in surprise.
He didn't just ignore them like everyone else did. He stood up for me—silently, powerfully, without saying a word.
For the first time in a long while… someone saw my discomfort.
And cared.
I looked up at him and smiled softly.
Maybe this life wouldn't be so bad after all.