The Apex Mother Chapter 1

I was a zookeeper specializing in Siberian tigers. While transporting three rejected cubs to a new sanctuary, a mudslide swept us off the mountain. I clawed my way out of the mud, digging the three cubs out with my bare hands. But when I looked up, I realized I hadn't just survived a crash; I had traveled to a "Beast World." Here, the Tiger Clan is the supreme race. Now, I’m living in a mansion with my cubs, fending off countless powerful beast-men who are desperate to become their stepdads.

* * *

I worked as a keeper for Siberian tigers. Recently, three cubs were born in the park, but the stronger adults bullied them relentlessly. I decided to transfer them to a satellite facility where they could be hand-reared in peace.

I was driving the transport van myself. These little guys had been rejected by their mother at birth, so I’d bottle-fed them. They were practically my kids.

The cubs were restless in the back, clawing at their crates. Even though they were small, their growls were already developing that deep, chest-rumbing bass.

I glanced back at them. "Keep it down, guys. Mama’s going to get you somewhere safe soon. I’ll stay right there with you, okay?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, the world shook. A roar louder than any tiger drowned out everything as a mudslide tore down the mountain, swallowing the van whole.

I was out cold for I don't know how long. When I woke up, I was gasping for air. I kicked open the van’s sunroof and scrambled out into the open air.

Hearing the cubs wailing inside, I went into a frenzy, prying the crates open and dragging the three muddy, terrified furballs out.

"It's okay, don't be scared," I soothed them, wiping mud from their faces. "Mama’s got you. We’re going to be safe."

I grabbed the crates to haul them away from the wreck, but then I froze.

Standing a short distance away was a crowd of people.

But they weren't just people. They were all over six-foot-four, ripped, and... furry. They had animal ears, tails, and claws.

I didn't think for a second this was a cosplay convention. My gut told me I wasn't in Kansas anymore.

I instinctively shielded the cubs with my body. Even if I died, these endangered species had to survive. They were the jewels of our zoo.

Suddenly, a man with bear ears roared, "Holy crap! Look at that! It’s an Apex Mother and her cubs! They must be in trouble—why else would they be in the Wastelands?"

They started to approach. Terrified, I shouted, "Back off! What do you want? These are protected animals! You want to go to jail?"