The Apex Mother Chapter 2

"No, no! Tiger Mom, please!" the Bear-man stammered. "We just want to help. Apex Beasts are incredibly rare, especially a litter of three. We just want to take you to the Sanctuary. You’ll be safe there."

I didn’t trust these hybrid freaks, but I didn't sense malice. Plus, I couldn't sit on a mudslide with three tigers forever.

After a tense standoff, I agreed to let them help carry the crates. Don't ask why I didn't carry them myself—even as cubs, these guys weighed forty pounds each. I’m five-foot-four on a good day; I wasn't lifting that.

We arrived at a place that looked like a high-end, post-apocalyptic fortress. It was a walled city, surprisingly luxurious inside.

When we got to a secure room, they tried to open the crates. I threw myself in front of them. "No! What if they run off?"

They frowned. "Even as their mother, you shouldn't cage royalty."

I realized these people worshipped the cubs. They handled the crates like they held holy relics. But they were my cubs.

"I can't handle three loose tigers alone," I insisted. "I’m protecting them."

Just then, a chubby man with yellow and white patches walked in. He looked human but had fluffy orange ears.

"Don't pressure the Tiger Mom," he said softly. "She’s just a worried mother."

He bowed to me. "Greetings. I am Jasper, of the Cat Clan. Thank you for birthing such precious Apex cubs into this world. They will grow to be our mightiest warriors. But for now, I suggest you move into the Tiger Pavilion. We can offer better care there."

It felt absurd, but survival came first. "Will there be medical care for them? Food and water?"

"Of course. Right this way."

Jasper was polite, and he seemed to be a tiger subspecies, so I signaled the porters to follow.

The Tiger Pavilion was a massive estate with houses and courtyards, indistinguishable from human architecture, except for the twenty-foot walls.

I was settled in and given food. The cubs were released and immediately fought over slabs of raw meat. I checked it—no additives, high quality.

While they ate, I asked Jasper, "Are you a tiger too?"

Jasper bowed. "I am an Orange Tabby, not of the royal bloodline. May I ask... which city's King is your mate?"

Me: ???

He meant the father. He thought I gave birth to these three.

If I denied it, would they eat me? If I admitted it, where would I find a tiger husband?

Panicking, I blurted out, "He's dead."

I feigned deep sorrow.

Jasper didn't pry. Instead, his eyes lit up with excitement. I didn't like that look, so I stepped back, shielding the cubs.

He saw my guard go up and left, locking the gate behind him.