My Beastly Fertility System Chapter 24: Moonlit Temptation

"The clan's salt comes from trading with nearby clans. The next exchange should happen a few days before winter. Let's go together then."

Claire spoke with genuine curiosity about the marketplace.

The original Claire had never traveled that far from home, much less visited another clan.

Zane nodded.

Taking Claire along wouldn't be a problem.

He glanced at the sweet potatoes roasting in the fire, confused. "Is this the root vegetable you found today?"

"Yep. Ignore the burned skin. Wait until it's done. It'll taste incredibly sweet."

Zane trusted her and moved aside. Following her instructions, he carved several wooden bowls and small plates.

He even crafted a few pairs of cutlery.

In the past, they simply broke branches to use. Now that he had time, he made proper utensils.

When dinner was ready, the wooden tableware proved useful.

Zane's hands were skilled, and his sharp claws worked with remarkable precision. Everything he shaped was smooth and polished, free of splinters.

He copied Claire and split open a steaming sweet potato.

"Careful. It's hot."

Claire blew gently on hers to demonstrate before taking a bite. The texture was soft and creamy, and the flavor was sweet as syrup.

Zane tasted his portion, and his eyes brightened.

"So sweet."

Though his movements remained graceful, he ate quickly and finished in moments.

Claire managed one sweet potato and a few pieces of meat before she felt full. The rest disappeared into Zane's stomach.

Afterward, he still carried her to the river to wash.

Claire poked his flat abdomen, feeling slightly envious. "You ate so much. Why isn't your stomach sticking out? I'm jealous."

Zane laughed softly, his chest vibrating.

"Males eat far more than this. What we had barely counts. If we truly indulge, even an entire wild boar might not satisfy us. But it's fine. We don't need that much every day. One large meal every month or two is enough."

"That's impressive."

Claire sighed.

The original Claire had only known her father. He rarely explained such matters.

The river shimmered beneath the moon, the water pleasantly cool.

As usual, Claire bathed first while Zane kept watch.

On their way, they had discovered a soap pod tree. Zane gathered several ripe pods, and Claire used them to wash her hair and skin, feeling cleaner than ever.

"Finally spotless. I've never felt this fresh. My skin feels brand new."

She ran her hand over her smooth arm, wrung out her long black hair, and let it cascade down her back, highlighting her pale skin.

Just as she prepared to call Zane over, a sharp voice interrupted.

"Zane, I searched everywhere. So you're here."

Zane remained silent, watching Fiona approach with guarded eyes.

"Did you know Claire spent time with another male beast right after bonding with you? And he's a Level 2, stronger than you."

Zane's expression didn't change. He stared at Fiona coldly.

"If it were me, I would never behave that way. Don't you think Claire went too far? She has you, yet she still flirts with others."

Zane finally answered.

"Is that so? Don't you already have five mates? And today you gained a sixth."

His voice turned icy, and Fiona remembered Gavin with disgust.

Earlier at the clan's entrance, her mother had barely forced Gavin's mother to retreat.

Still, Elena had warned that Gavin would keep strict control over her in the future.

Fiona nearly lost her temper at the memory.

Yet under the moonlight, one look at Zane's striking face calmed her anger.

She stepped closer and laughed softly.

"Zane, you're jealous."

She sounded certain.

Hidden nearby, Claire felt nauseated.

Zane jealous over Fiona? Impossible.

Zane felt no amusement. Irritation grew within him, and he longed to leave. His gaze drifted toward Claire's hiding place, wondering why she wasn't finished.

"Zane, I know you like me. Every male in the clan does. I'll give you one opportunity. Help me get rid of Gavin, and I'll accept you as my mate."

Claire gasped quietly and covered her mouth.

Fiona was ruthless.

But she had chosen the wrong man.

With another male, her scheme might have worked.