Chapter 51 - 051: Something like that
Three days had passed since Anaria’s disastrous attempt to surprise Kenai.
To her relief, life had returned to normal.
Nobody teased her about it, and Kenai hadn’t made a single awkward comment. He acted exactly as he always did, though Anaria occasionally caught herself watching him, wondering if he was secretly laughing about that embarrassing night but nothing, not even a smirk
Still, Anaria decided not to question her good fortune.
The days remained peaceful. Rylan and Kai continued working alongside Kenai around the residence, helping with supplies and whatever needed to be done. There was no tension or pointless arguing between them. Even the villagers had grown more comfortable around her. They often sent her fresh meat, fruits, nuts, herbs, and little snacks they insisted were good for her and the baby.
Anaria certainly wasn’t complaining, pregnancy had its inconveniences, but being pampered wasn’t one of them.
She had also started noticing how quickly her body was changing. Her stomach was becoming more noticeable, she tired more easily, and some movements felt different now.
Sometimes, she even woke up feeling as though her body had spent the entire night working without her permission.
Still, none of it seemed unusual enough to worry about.
Until this morning, Anaria woke feeling strangely warm.
It wasn’t exactly heat. It was a warmth beneath her skin that wouldn’t go away. She pushed herself upright and glanced toward the opening in the wall. Cool morning air drifted inside. "Maybe I’m just overheated."
But as she went about her morning, the strange feeling only grew, when Rylan walked past her, his scent suddenly seemed much stronger than usual.
Anaria paused "Proabably, it’s my fox senses"
A little later, Kai returned from outside, and the same thing happened. Even Kenai’s scent seemed stronger, lingering around her in a way she had never noticed before.
A look of confusion crossed her face "Maybe pregnancy had simply made her senses more sensitive"
She tried to ignore it, drinking water, eating, and keeping herself busy but it didn’t help. By midday, she couldn’t sit comfortably for more than a few minutes. She kept changing positions, lying down, getting back up, and drinking more water.
The warmth kept returning, stronger each time.
What Anaria didn’t know was that Rylan, Kai, and Kenai had already noticed the changes too, her scent was different. So were her movements and the restless energy around her.
They recognized the signs, but none of them approached her. If Anaria hadn’t realized what was happening yet, they would simply wait.
By evening, Anaria was exhausted, She tossed beneath the covers, unable to get comfortable. Finally, she kicked the blanket away and sat up "This is ridiculous."
Then her hand moved to her stomach. The thought of the baby suddenly made her uneasy "What if something was wrong?" The worry frightened her far more than the strange sensations themselves.
"System."
The familiar interface appeared before her.
[Yes, Host?]
"Scan me."
The System processed her condition, a few seconds later, the answer appeared.
[Host and fetus are stable]
[No danger detected.]
Anaria’s shoulders relaxed "Thank goodness."
She placed a hand over her stomach, relieved.
Then another notification appeared immediately.
[Host is currently experiencing a pregnancy-triggered fox reproductive hormonal cycle.]
Anaria froze "... What’s that?"
[A pregnancy-triggered hormonal cycle is common among fox beastwomen.]
She stared at the System "Is it dangerous or life threatening?
[No, host]
"Ohh okay but how long does it last?" Anaria asked again
[Approximately a few days.]
"A few days?" Anaria groaned "How do I stop it?"
[Stabilization is possible through Host’s recognized mates.]
She went completely still "...Oh."
[Host may choose one or more recognized mates to assist with stabilization.]
"One or more?"
[Correct.]
Anaria covered her face, there was no way she was asking all three of them "What about the outcome?"
[The final out of increases according to successful stabilization participation among compatible recognized mates.]
Anaria lowered her hands "So the more compatible mates that help, the better the outcome?"
[Correct.]
She stared at the System for a moment "Absolutely not."
The outcome wasn’t worth that kind of embarrassment. Another uncomfortable wave passed through her, making her shift restlessly.
She sighed "Can’t it be surged or cure another way???"
[No, host]
[[Failure to stabilize the condition may result in increasing emotional instability, heightened fox instincts, exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty maintaining control.]
[Host is advised to stabilise it with her beast man since al three recognized men are compatible.]
Anaria blinked "All three?"
[Correct.]
"You’re kidding me."
[No host]
[Stabilisation also comes with a reward]
"What reward"
[Reward: Hormonal stabilization, temporary increase in physical recovery, and increased bond compatibility.]
Anaria rubbed her forehead.
Of course it couldn’t make anything simple.
She thought about the three men.
Kenai was dependable, Kai was a big baby but her thoughts kept returning to Rylan. He had been her first mate and the person she felt most comfortable with, If she had to ask someone for help with something this embarrassing, she wanted it to be him.
"Rylan."
Anaria’s decision settled, she pushed herself off the bed and headed for Rylan’s room.
With every step, she wanted to turn back. The walk felt longer than usual. Her skin was warm, her pulse unsteady, and the discomfort in her body kept rising in slow waves. She pressed a hand lightly against her stomach.
"Anaria, this is not the time to make a selfish decision, or you might end up going berserk."
Another wave of heat rolled through her. She stopped walking for a moment, breathing carefully.
"No," she whispered to herself.
She kept walking. When she reached Rylan’s door, she stood outside for several seconds before raising her hand and knocking. "Come in."
She opened the door.
Rylan was preparing for bed. The moment he saw her, his expression changed. He straightened, eyes sharp with concern "Anaria?"
She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Her cheeks were already burning
"What’s wrong?"
Anaria opened her mouth, then closed it again. The words refused to come out cleanly. She looked away, staring at the wooden floor.
Rylan waited. He didn’t push. That somehow made it worse.
"Rylan..."
"Yes.."
She swallowed. Her voice came out quieter than she intended.
"Can you help me?"
His eyes softened.
"Yes, with what?"
Anaria took a step closer. The change in her scent was already noticeable in the small room. She could see the exact moment Rylan registered it. His shoulders tensed, but he didn’t move toward her.
"Mate with me."
Rylan went completely still.
Silence stretched between them.
"Are you sure?" he asked at last. His voice was low, careful.
Anaria met his eyes. She didn’t answer with words.
Instead, she stepped closer, rose onto her toes, and kissed him.
The kiss was brief, almost hesitant at first. When she pulled away, her heart was racing, but her mind was steady.
She placed both hands against his chest and gently pushed him toward the bed.
Rylan let her guide him. He sat on the edge of the mattress, looking up at her, still searching her face for any sign of doubt.
Anaria climbed onto the bed after him.