Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 166: Behave yourself

Deep within the forest, Rory discovered a strange fruit tree, its clusters of crimson berries glistening like oversized cherries. Their skins were taut and glossy, as though lacquered with morning dew.

She stepped forward to pick them.

The moment her fingertips brushed the vivid fruit, a cool presence pressed close behind her.

Xarion’s chest settled against her back.

The chill of his body seeped through the thin fabric of her clothes, like touching polished jade on a summer day. A faint tremor ran along her spine.

His arm slid past her side, his sleeve grazing her bare wrist, carrying with it a faint scent of pine and frost.

"Female Master, I’ll help you."

His voice brushed the shell of her ear, warm breath at odds with the cool embrace surrounding her.

Something was wrong.

Very wrong.

Ever since they left the cabin this morning, Xarion had been seeking opportunities to stick close to her—touching her hand, holding her waist, brushing against her whenever possible.

"Xarion?"

Rory turned her head slightly, studying his cool, handsome profile with concern. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"I’m not unwell," he answered seriously. "Female Master, are you uncomfortable?"

Was his technique incorrect?

Had he made her uncomfortable?

He felt quite comfortable himself.

"I’m not uncomfortable," Rory said quickly, though her confusion deepened.

If it wasn’t physical discomfort... then what?

Suddenly, it occurred to her.

Could this be a rut?

She had heard that males experienced periodic heats. Those without a female endured it alone. Those with one tended to cling to their partner... seeking closeness.

Just like this.

Rory felt an inexplicable sense of danger. She tried to step out of his embrace, but Xarion’s cool arm slid around her waist.

In his other hand were the freshly picked fruits.

She wasn’t uncomfortable. That meant she was comfortable.

The book had said that once the Female Master felt comfortable, he could kiss her.

His gaze dropped to her soft, red lips. His throat moved subtly.

Would she be angry if he kissed her without warning?

He lifted two of the bright red fruits to her lips. "Female Master, would you like to taste one?"

The fruit was so close she could see droplets of dew clinging to it. After a brief hesitation, she leaned forward and bit into it from his hand.

The juice burst across her tongue, sweet and vibrant. Scarlet juice stained the corner of her lips.

Xarion’s fingers rose to her mouth. His cool thumb brushed lightly over her lower lip—but lingered on that streak of red.

His gaze darkened, predatory, like a snow wolf watching his prey. "It got on you, Female Master."

His voice lowered. And then he bent down.

When his lips met hers, she tasted the lingering sweetness of the fruit—only for it to be overtaken by his firm, possessive kiss.

His tongue swept across the corner of her lips, catching the drop of juice, deliberately grazing her lower lip before retreating.

Rory’s breath faltered.

His kiss carried the chill of winter, yet the heat between them flared intensely. One hand cupped the back of her neck; the other tightened at her waist, pressing her between himself and the rough bark of the tree.

The bark scratched faintly at her back—but it was nothing compared to the overwhelming sensation of his body in front of her.

His cool touch was far more intoxicating than the fruit’s sweetness.

"Big sis! I found a lot of small fruits over here!" Lola’s voice rang out.

Rory jolted awake from the haze and pushed Xarion back. "We’re outside. Behave yourself. And even if it’s your rut, you’ll endure it."

She had no intention of playing dangerous games in the middle of the forest.

Then she called out, "Lola, I found a lot over here, too!"

Rut? Was she talking about him? But he wasn’t in a rut.

Xarion obediently stepped back and stood at her side. Quietly, he ran his tongue across his lips.

Her taste still lingered there.

For a fleeting moment, he felt as though his sense of taste had returned.

Sweet.

Her taste was sweet.

***

Inside the rest cabin, Nix sat on the sofa, diligently studying the new material Yuel had sent him.

In the corner, the pink rabbit secretly peered at his own light-brain screen. He had thought the first two books were already intense.

The new links were even more stimulating. So much so that he felt his own heat stirring prematurely.

Thus, the pale-blue lion-tiger beast and the fluffy pink rabbit studied in tense, eerie silence, neither disturbing the other.

As dusk began to fall, Nix finally received a reply from Vincent.

Vincent did not immediately question why such links had been sent.

Instead, he asked:

Vincent: [Has Jasper woken up?]

Nix shot upright on the sofa.

Nix: [Not yet. Probably not today.]

Nix: [About the links this morning—it really was an accident. Cotton Candy stepped on my screen.]

Rory had already shared with them that Cotton Candy was her new pet.

Vincent and Yuel both knew. Whether the links had been sent by accident, however, was not what concerned Vincent.

Vincent: [Where did you get those links?]

[Besides me, who else did you send them to?]

Wasn’t it enough to explain it was a mistake? Why was he digging deeper?

Nix grabbed Cotton Candy and rubbed him in frustration.

"It’s all your fault! How am I supposed to explain this to His Highness now?"

The rabbit covered his face. Even he could see it.

Vincent, a Marshal of the Astrium Empire—how could he not guess where the links came from?

He was clearly setting a trap. Only Nix wouldn’t notice.

After a long hesitation, Nix finally replied.

Nix: [I found them myself.]

No matter what, he wouldn’t betray his brother. If he sold out Yuel, he’d never get advice again.

One full meal versus a lifetime of meals—he understood the difference.

Vincent raised an eyebrow when he read the response. The fool had some loyalty, at least.

Vincent: [Even if you don’t say it, I know Yuel gave them to you.]

Nix’s heart dropped. How had he guessed?!

If Yuel found out he had leaked this, he’d never clear his name.

Nix: [I begged Yuel for them. Your Highness, please don’t confront him. It’s entirely my fault. I’ll give you a Rank Ten insect core as compensation, alright?]

He would even part with one of the freshly acquired cores.

Beside him, the rabbit silently facepalmed. Vincent had merely bluffed—and Nix confessed everything.

When no reply came, Nix nearly panicked.

Nix: [Your Highness? Please say something!]

Vincent: [Apologies. I was busy.]

He couldn’t bully Nix too harshly.

Vincent: [I won’t tell Yuel. Nor will I mention this to Rory.]

[However, some of the material Yuel sent you absolutely cannot be used with Rory. It could hurt her.]

[Forward everything Yuel sent. I’ll review it and tell you what’s appropriate and what’s not.]

[And remember—if Yuel sends anything like this again, show me first. I’ll vet it for you.]