My Beastly Fertility System Chapter 45: The One Who Ran Away

Thinking about Zane's idea from last night, Claire felt her face grow warm for once.

Would it even work? This was her first time trying to "scheme" someone, and it was a man.

After eating their fill, Zane finally spoke. "Is it good?"

Rufus let out a loud burp. He was much more honest now.

"It's good!"

More than good—it was amazing!

Zane really got lucky. How did he end up bonding with such an outstanding female?

Rufus had to admit he was a little jealous.

Zane cleared his throat. "In that case, do you want to be Claire's second mate?"

"Cough—cough—cough!"

Rufus choked on his water and quickly looked at Claire.

Claire just smiled at him. She didn't object at all.

"What did you just say?"

This was the first time Rufus had ever been asked something like this—by a woman's first mate, right in front of her.

Zane didn't think it was awkward. In this world, some people were even more direct. Some would just knock someone out and drag them back to their cave. Compared to that, this was polite.

And he knew Rufus well.

He would agree.

"Think it over carefully," Zane added. "If another guy gets ahead of you, you might not even get the second spot later."

He had full confidence in Claire. She would definitely have more mates in the future.

If Rufus didn't act fast, he might miss his chance completely.

Funny how Rufus always bragged about loving freedom and refusing to bond.

Zane had seen the way Rufus looked at Claire these past few days.

He was just waiting to see Rufus go back on his own words.

Rufus felt torn inside.

This female was rare. Very rare. But what about his dream?

His thoughts spiraled in every direction.

Claire added fuel to the fire.

"Rufus, I know you're great. Why not give it a try? I can cook food like this for you anytime."

That line hit him hard.

Looking at the empty plates in front of him, Rufus felt his resolve start to weaken.

He glanced at the sky. The evening clouds were bright and colorful. He could imagine how amazing it would feel to soar straight up into the air.

He hesitated.

Claire and Zane waited quietly.

After a while, Rufus suddenly stood up. In a flash, he shifted into his beast form, spread his huge wings, and shot into the sky.

"I... I need more time to think!"

He ran.

Claire couldn't help but doubt her charm.

She touched her smooth face. Her skin was soft and pale now, almost like milk. Even though she was pregnant, her figure wasn't bulky at all. If anything, her boobs had become even more noticeable.

Did Rufus not like her type?

Zane took her soft hand and said with confidence, "Don't worry. I've got another trick. He'll agree."

Rufus was a Level 2 beastfolk. It might take a little more effort, but winning him over was certain.

Zane never misjudged people.

Early the next morning, Claire was woken by noise outside the cave.

When she stepped out, she saw a crowd of male beastfolk gathered there, along with a few females.

One of the females pleaded with Zane, who stood at the entrance like a guard.

"Please, just agree to it!"

"Yeah! I smelled the food from your place last night. I couldn't sleep at all. If you can teach us how to cook like that, I'll have my mate hunt you a wild turkey!"

"I'll offer a deer!"

Voices overlapped as the crowd grew more and more excited.

Zane snapped, "Quiet! Claire is still sleeping!"

Instant silence.

But everyone still looked at him with hopeful eyes.

Zane lowered his voice. "I didn't make that food. Claire did. Whether she teaches you—that's up to her."

The crowd was stunned, especially the male.

"A woman can cook? And that well?"

"I'm so jealous of you!"

They had never heard of women cooking. Usually, men handled all the dirty, tiring work.

If only Claire were their mate...

The male stared eagerly. Even the women's eyes lit up.

"I'm going to ask Claire myself! If she teaches my mate, I can eat good food every day!"

Just then, Claire walked out after washing up.

She had already heard everything. Smiling, she slipped her arm around Zane's.

"That's not hard at all. You'll learn it in no time. I'm hungry anyway. If you want to learn, come with me."

She walked over to a simple stone stove.

Zane followed closely, making sure no one bumped into her.

The beastfolk gathered around them, afraid to miss a single step.

Claire recreated the dishes from last night. There were still some leftover ingredients, so it went smoothly. Soon, everything was done.

She handed out small portions to everyone.

After filling her stomach, Claire didn't bother with the rest. She went back to sleep. When she woke up again, Zane had already gone out.