The Wicked Female and Her Eight Beastmen Mates: Pregnant From Day One - CHAPTER 3

Al! What are you doing here?

Before Bai Yue could even thank her rescuer, she heard Kame’s shocked voice ring out behind her.

Clearly, she hadn’t expected that beastman to show up here of all places.

Al… that name sounded familiar.

Bai Yue thought for a moment before it clicked he was the original male lead briefly mentioned in the novel’s first chapter.

In this world where males outnumbered females, some races still practiced one-to-one pairing.

The eagle tribe was one of them rare males, rarer females.

The original novel had said that before the heroine’s rebirth, she’d been betrothed to Al,

but unwilling to spend her life with a cold, stoic mate, she’d run away the night before their bonding ceremony.

Her first stop after escaping? The White Fox Tribe.

Looks like the scene was unfolding exactly as the book described.

This question should be mine, said Al evenly, his deep voice steady.

Kame, why did you leave our tribe the day before our bonding?

He released his hold on Bai Yue’s waist. The warmth of his hand faded,

leaving behind a strange emptiness she didn’t quite understand.

Kame’s breathing turned sharp and uneven. She hadn’t expected him to follow her all the way here.

This ruined everything her carefully built false identity, her new beginning.

I… I don’t like you! she blurted out suddenly. I never liked you!

Agreeing to bond with you was just to comfort my father. If it weren’t for him, I never would’ve said yes!

Her words came out halting at first, but once she found a thread of logic, she couldn’t stop.

Yes, that was it. She didn’t like him not in her past life, not now.

Why should she live like the other eagle females, circling around a single male all her life?

Other females got to have multiple mates. Why couldn’t she?

She was a female too!

Her emotional outburst didn’t seem to rattle Al. He only frowned slightly. You should’ve told me earlier, he said calmly.

And what was I supposed to say? To whom? she shot back, voice rising.

Everyone told me I should bond with you that you were already the best choice I could get.

The moment I said no, the whole tribe cursed me for being ungrateful!

All the pent-up frustration spilled out.

I didn’t do anything wrong! she shouted. I just didn’t want to bond with you! I deserve to choose for myself! I’m a female!

Al still couldn’t understand. The eagle tribe didn’t think the same way as other races especially about mating.

He tried one last time, his voice patient. If it’s only me you dislike, I can step back.

You can still choose another male from our tribe.

No! Kame screamed. I finally escaped that cage! I’m never going back!

Her voice pierced the air, shrill and raw. Every beastman nearby flinched and clamped their ears shut except Al,

who merely frowned deeper.

As you wish, he said at last, and turned to leave.

When he passed Bai Yue, he paused for just a heartbeat. Then he continued walking,

heading toward the White Fox leader to formally announce his presence.

As an outsider, that was necessary otherwise, he’d be treated as an intruding rogue.

Kame collapsed into sobs the moment he was gone.

The other fox females hurried to comfort her, cooing and fussing.

Bai Yue, realizing none of this involved her, quietly slipped away.

Unfortunately, the universe didn’t plan to let her rest.

Turning a corner, she walked face-first into something solid and unyielding.

Ow!

Her nose smacked straight into a wall of muscle. Tears sprang to her eyes instantly.

Thank goodness that chest wasn’t fake, she thought bitterly. Otherwise it’d have caved in.

Why are you standing here like a statue? she snapped once she could breathe again.

Bafeng’s expression didn’t change.

Catching someone, he replied.

Catching someone?

She blinked, a sinking feeling forming in her stomach.

Other than her, who else was there to catch?

Bai Yue bristled.

She shoved him on instinct, but he didn’t budge. The force rebounded on her instead, sending her stumbling backward.

I’m a female, not a slave! What right do you have to lock me up in that cave? she demanded.

This backward era was seriously driving her insane.

Bafeng looked almost puzzled that she was angry.

By the Beast God’s covenant, he said simply, no one may harm a witch or a healer.

So that was it—she knew what he meant. The original Bai Yue had forced the tribe’s

witch doctor to eat a fruit that caused uncontrollable desire, violating sacred taboo.

But that wasn’t her! Why did she have to suffer the fallout for the original owner’s mistakes?

She threw her arms wide in frustration. Fine! Burn me, then!

Alright, he said.

The calm reply hit her like thunder.

Wait—what?

Burn you, Bafeng repeated.

Before she could protest, he hoisted her effortlessly over his shoulder.

For a second, she was too stunned to react.

No, no, no! This wasn’t how the story was supposed to go!

System! Help me! she cried inwardly.

The system, fully aware of the situation, tried not to laugh. Just plead with him, it advised.

How? she demanded. Offer to be his servant or something?

The system metaphorically rubbed its temples. No wonder she’d been single for twenty years.

Act cute, it said finally.

What!? she sputtered. I’m a college student! A college student!

And do your academic credentials help you right now?

No…

Then drop the pride, the system said dryly.

Did she really have no shame left?

Probably not.

Watching the forest path vanish behind them, she decided to surrender—for now.

After all, cowardice from an educated woman wasn’t cowardice. It was strategic adaptation.

Bafeng… she whined softly, drawing out his name, I don’t feel so good~

The drawn-out tone hit him like a shockwave. His steps faltered.

He set her down slowly, frowning. Where does it hurt?

Here, she said, gesturing vaguely. It’s all red, look~

She’d meant to point at her arm, but there wasn’t even a mark. Thinking fast, she redirected toward her chest instead.

At least that area was covered—he couldn’t check.

White Fox females were already known for their natural allure. But this one was something else

perfect features, teasing eyes, a small, tempting mouth. Even her soft white hair brushed against his chest like a whisper.

Every instinct in him stirred.

Bafeng… I know I was wrong, she said pitifully. Don’t burn me, okay?

Her watery eyes blinked up at him, head tilted just enough to make his heart thump painfully loud.

Finally, he grunted.

Mm.

That was all she needed. Her face brightened instantly.

Then, as if she hadn’t already pushed her luck enough, she pointed to her bare feet.

Bafeng, my feet hurt from walking. Carry me back, will you?