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Chapter Text

Valerie awakened with a system at the start of the apocalypse before anyone else, but it was no use she was already dying. 

[System recalibrating...]

[As the first to die in the apocalypse we will fulfill a wish. What is your wish, Player Valerie?]

"Safety and good health." Her voice broke through cracked lips. 

Valerie has always had bad health; depression, migraines, fatigue, and dizzy spells. It had put her out of work and with no safety net and no family she eventually ended sleeping under cardboard in dark alleys. 

She had forgotten what it felt like to have energy, to not be skin and bones, to not always being afraid of footsteps. 

[Wish processed. New world loading...brace yourself for teleportation and body upgrade.] 

[Player body back to best health in previous adult body.]

A screen showed a younger version of herself, when she only first started having a spattering of symptoms. A migraine here, a fainting spell there. 

Remembering a time she once used to curl up and play games on her laptop in bed she clicked on her Status. 

[Player Name: Valerie

Age: 18

Race: Phoenix *]

Clicking on the *.

[As a Phoenix you will be functionally immortal, in the case that you 'die' you will fall to ash and reborn with fresh new body with most recent stats. Your spousal marks will not be effected, they will never have to become rootless due to your temporary deaths.] 

"Spousal marks?"

A rush of information was downloaded. 

"Oh so I'm going to a Beastworld." 

[You will be the door to all of them.] 

Back to her Status...

[Fertile: Yes*]

• there basically said since she was a transmigrator she got special privileges essentially where she had complete control of her fertility. She could decide when, by whom, and what genders she had. 

[Portable Territory: Level 1 (Cottage)

Health: Symptomatic 

Abilities: (Locked)]

[Mission: Expand your safe portable territory, get healthy, take mates and grow a family.]

[Note: Player Zenith Location - Camel Hump Valley, Beauty and the Beasts world]

[Prepare to be dropped off in the forest. Call out "Phoenix Haven" to find territory and doors to other Beastworlds.]

Chapter Text

The forest didn't feel safe, Valerie shivered feeling as if thousands of eyes were watching. 

[No adversaries nearby.]

That didn't reassure her it all. 

"Phoenix Haven!" 

Before her appeared a modern tudor cottage of her dreams. She used to sketch ideas of her dream home and now it was before her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stepped into the shadow of the home. 

Her not-quite-violet-not-quite-gray eyes darted behind her fearing what might be lurking out in the forest could come in. 

[Only yourself and your future family will be able access 'Phoenix Haven' it exists in its own dimensional space inaccessible by others.]

She nodded in relief tucking her copper curl behind her ear. 

As she opened her large wood door, a wave of warmth came in a wave toward her. When had she been truly warm? It had felt like ages since then. 

She stepped in tentatively and looked around as she closed the door behind her. 

Valerie gazed up at the tall ceilings, how was she supposed to keep this space clean?

[Home has auto-clean installed. Please focus on your wellbeing first.]

Before she could let out a sigh of relief three system notifications came one after another. 

[Player Zenith gifts you: 1 million system coins (can't be returned)]

[System Store now open!]

[Mission 1: Make yourself a simple meal of cucumber salad, meat and cheese with crackers and fresh spring water. 

Duration: 2 hours

Reward: Closet full of Beastworld appropriate clothes.]

Valerie blinked it really did seem like the system just wanted to take care of her. And the gift...the player's name reminded her of a female boxer she had been a fan of. She even got an in person autograph once. She wasn't sure what to make of such a generous gift. She didn't know what she could possibly offer in return. 

The kitchen was to the right with navy cabinets, white stone countertops and bar stools waiting for guests lined up by the island. Large arched windows let in light above a comfortable looking breakfast nook. 

An alcove led to a pantry and wine bar. 

It was so much. 

She felt as if it were a dream. A dream she wished she never woke up from. 

Stepping into the kitchen, her hands shook as she opened the refrigerator door. Fresh ingredients laid out before her. 

She set about getting the ingredients for a cucumber salad. Washing, peeling and chopping the cucumbers almost felt relaxing. The tension she'd been holding in her body slowly drained away. 

Not long she set out her meal of cucumber salad, meat, cheese and crackers with fresh spring water (a tap that was by the sink). She stared at the food as if expecting it to disappear before she slowly began eating each item one by one. She chewed and swallowed in almost reverence. It had been so very long since she had fresh, nutrious food. 

It was then she noticed her energy levels were higher, a small almost smile came on her lips as she finished her meal. 

With her energy she cleaned up after herself, placing the dishes and utensils in the dishwasher before cleaning the countertops. 

Only for a wave of dizziness making her clutch the counter before she sunk to the floor putting her head between her legs. 

When she was standing again she wobbled over to the couch in the living room before collapsing on it and curling up to go to sleep.

Chapter Text

As Valerie woke she heard a chime. 

[Mission 1: Complete

Rewards: 

- Beastworld wardrobe (placed in master suite walk-in closet)

- Bonus: Oathbound Vows*]

[Player Valerie please eat your leftovers before they spoil.]

It almost seemed like the system was worried about her. It was almost sweet. 

But then no sooner than finishing eating she got a new mission that nearly sent her into a panic. 

[Mission 2: Get Your First Mate

Details: Mission will complete after Oathbound Vows (engagement) are made.

Bonus Points: Healer Mate

Duration: 3 Days

Rewards: 

- Apothecary/Clinic (if mate is healer)

- Small Garden + 3 Healing Type seeds (if mate is healer)

- Healing Hot Spring

Penalty: Phoenix Haven goes fully off-grid for 3 months. Supply limited. Utilities limited.]

Day 1 after her second mission was issued was filled with anxiety. Her briefing herself on the two Beastworld options. Walking up and down her staircase nervously biting her nails, trying to convince herself she'd be fine with limited resources and utilities. She'd done it before with much less.

Day 2 she convinced herself she would just talk to the healer she has in mind. His response would help make up her mind. She had a light breakfast, took a warm shower and dressed herself in light linen sage matching set of shirt wrap and skirt with slit for easy walking. A belt with a inventory satchel with some beastworld currency, a change of clothes and 2 courting gifts she got through the system using system points. 

She paced for a couple of minutes before the 'Romance in the Beastworld' door. She knew her choice would be odd to some people but she read about how kind and selfless the beastman healer was. 

She walked through the door and looked worriedly behind her as it disappeared.

[You can access your territory anywhere you are all you need to do is call out it's name.]

A splash nearby has her running forward only to see a young woman look like she was drowning. Flashes of losing her only brother to drowning has her taking off her belt and diving into the water. 

The girl was naked and something tickled in the back of her mind but Valerie was focused on grabbing her and pulling her towards the surface. Thankfully the girl began to swim once her shock was overcame. 

They were nearly to the surface when she felt her lungs began to burn only for two large hands to grab the both of them out of the water. Looking at the tall white haired naked beastman before them Valerie could have swear dropped. She just ruined the meeting of the female lead and her male lead. Oops!

The girl gasped and looked at Valerie with wide lavender eyes. Her brown hair plastered to her cheek. 

"You saved me!" 

Glancing at her belt bag undisturbed at the side, "I have some spare clothes would you like them?" 

She was suddenly glomped from behind and she blushed as she felt the pillowy breasts of the female lead against her back. Glancing up at the still naked tiger beastman, "It was also this male that helped us. I nearly ran out of air before we reached the surface." 

As the female lead exclaimed over the nakedness of the beastman, Valerie grabbed her bag and took out the dry clothing before turning back relieved to see the male had put a loincloth on. 

"Here." She handed the clothes to the female lead, "The pants might drag a little bit, I'm a little taller than you." 

As the female lead went behind a bush to get changed, Valerie couldn't ignore the piercing gaze of the beastman.

"It's strange for a female to care about another." He tilted his head to the side, his tiger ears swiveling. "Where are your males, female?" 

Valerie stood and wobbled only steadied by the big hands of the beastman on her hips. She squirmed away, uncomfortable with the touch even if it had helped her. 

As she put her belt back on over her wet clothes and wrung out her wet hair, she glanced at the tall beastman. 

"I don't have any yet. I came to the Rock Mountain tribe to court someone in particular."

"Females don't court."

She pursed her lips, "Well maybe they should."

He stared at her before speaking in a deep but smooth voice, "I can take you the rest of the way to Rock Mountain." 

"Thank you. Could you also help um..." 

"Female I..." 

Just then the female lead burst through the brush, she'd rolled the pants up over her ankles but everything else seemed to fit alright. 

"I'm Lin Huanhuan. What's your name, savior?"

"I'm Valerie." 

A pretty smile appeared on Lin Hunahuan's lips, "Do you know where we are?" She sidled up next to Valerie, looking nervously at the tall beastman. 

"You've entered one of the many Beastworlds." 

"I isekaied!" 

Valerie nodded.

"Did you too?" 

"Kind of." 

Lin Hunahuan tugged Valerie down so she could whisper in her ear, "Do you have a system too?"

Valerie sighed knowing the beastman could hear every word they said despite the quiet voices. 

Still she answered, "Yes. You'll have to prepare yourself for a different life, Lin Huanhuan. You'll never be able to return to your home world. Try to make the best of this one, yes?"

Lin Huanhuan nodded, "I'll try." 

Looking over to the beastman, Valerie continued their previous conversation. "I'll pay you for the trouble of taking the both of us to Rock Mountain." 

"No need female you can be..." 

"Yes please, big sis Valerie is right. I'll cook you a meal or..." 

The white tiger beastman sighed as if resigned he wouldn't ever be able to finish his sentence. 

"No need." Throwing off his loincloth, and throwing it to Valerie who caught it with a grimace, the beastman shifted into his giant white tiger form. He bent down and nodded toward his back, "You both can ride my back. Just hold on tight." 

Chapter Text

They broke through the tree line after what felt like hours. Valerie could feel fatigue tugging on her limbs but she was determined to push past it (at least until after she talked to the healer of Rock Mountain). 

A large rock mountainside with holes spread out across the landscape. 

Wolf beastman, in a range of colors, ran back and forth through the market by the forest, some in beast form with bundles in their mouths as they leapt to their homes in the mountainside. 

Lin Huanhuan and Valerie climbed off the white tiger and observed the active atmosphere around them. 

"So lively." Lin Huanhuan marveled the new world around her with wide eyes.

Valerie handed the loincloth back to the white tiger as he shifted into beastman form. 

"Every 10 days the wolf tribe hosts a market at the foot of their mountain. Beastkin from surrounding areas come and exchange goods for what they need."

Lin Huanhuan stared as a disruption came at the center of the market. A wolf beastmen begged on his knees before a beastwoman with her nose haughtily in the air.

"So many men around one women."

Valerie spoke up, "Women are rare in Beastworlds. They are coveted. They tend to have 10 or more mates, or husbands, each. Even then many a beastman never end up having a female for themselves." 

"That's so...sad." 

"Yes." Valerie nodded, "But it's not wrong for a female to be picky with the mates she takes. This world is dangerous for females the most. They can be kidnapped, raped and used as breeders. Having strong mates lessens the chances of them falling into danger." Valerie sighed, "But that also makes the females self-righteous, they value themselves above the males and treat them lower than slaves."

She looked over to the beastman who had a contemplative expression on his face, "Mr Tiger, I'm sorry I never asked for your name."

"I am Bai Di." 

She nodded, "Bai Di, could you direct us to the healer, please?"

He nodded before coming over and picking up both Lin Huanhuan and Valerie, one in each arm as if they weighed nothing at all. 

Lin Huanhuan let out a little squeal and clung to his arm. 

"It's better this way. The males might swarm if they see you two." Bai Di said before turning away from the market place. 

They had just reached the healer's cave and Bai Di knocked on the door after setting them down outside of it.

"Healer Lang Zhu!"

Valerie suddenly felt really nervous. So much had happened she had almost forgotten the reason she came but suddenly it was before her. She fiddled with her fingers and pursed her lips hard. 

"Bai Di, what brings you here?" It was a friendly voice, not gruff as she expected instead it had a soft tone to it even though it was still very manly. 

"He looks like Santa Claus." Lin Huanhuan whispered beside her. 

Stepping inside the cavern they watched as the bearded older wolf beastman's grey eyes widened. "Two females!" 

He rushed forward, "How many mates do you have?" He was exuberant his light eyes nearly sparkling, no doubt thinking of the good tidings their arrival meant to his tribe. 

Lin Huanhuan stepped back in apprehension and Bai Di bodily lifted Valerie out of the way. She patted his hand and he let her go, before she approached the older man. She tilted her head up and silently told herself 'Have confidence!' 

"We are currently unmated. Lin Huanhuan came from a sheltered tribe and needs a safe place to stay before choosing her first mate." 

"Of course, of course." The wolf beastman nodded. "She can stay here in one of my spare rooms." 

"Would your mate mind?" Valerie tried being sly and worried she absolutely failed. 

The older beastman tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy. 

"Mate? I have no mate." 

"Do you have a female you desire?" 

A blush came up on his cheeks and he shook his head in confusion. 

"Then..." Valerie took a deep breath, "I would like to court you." 

"What?" He sputtered. 

A gasp came from Lin Huanhuan behind her. 

"I am not a healthy female. I am told by my guardian..." (Her system) "that I will get better but it will take time. I have heard about how good of a beastman you are. Adopting those abandoned and supporting your tribe selflessly. You are someone I would be honored to have by my side." Her eyes widened thinking of something, "And I would never ask you to leave your tribe I can understand how important it is to you and I can make my home anywhere. I just hope you'll give me a chance." 

She looked up to see Lang Zhu completely gobsmacked. 

"But I'm too old!"

"I have no complaint about your age." 

"You are so young you should have strong beastmen by your side." 

"I don't care about that but if that's stopping you from saying yes I have two courting gifts for you. One will bring you back to your prime age and the other will level you up to a spirit beast." 

"Female, you would give such valuable items? For me?" He pointed at himself in shock. 

"Only as courting gifts. If you decide to be mine, we will exchange vows and become engaged. You will receive a healing building full of ingredients and a garden with healing plant seeds once we mate. I hope with these things you won't just be able to help me become healthier but also your whole tribe." 

He sat down in shock, "I'm not worthy." 

She shocked everyone in the room as she kneeled before him, "I believe you are. Shouldn't you finally get something in return after everything you've given others without one thought about what they could give you in return?" 

"I..." 

A growl came from her stomach that interrupted whatever he was about to say. She blushed and stood too quickly black dots entering her vision before she passed out on top of her possible mate. Her last thought before darkness was 'how embarrassing!'

Chapter Text

She felt hot, too hot, she whimpered and heard growls.

"You should have thought about..." That's right she had passed out on top of Lang Zhu.

"I have no right to her since..." Bai Di? Who were they talking about? What did she miss?

"Quiet! You are disturbing her rest." That was Lin Huanhuan. Valerie never expected how attached the female lead would get to her.

She succumbed to the heat again.
The next time she woke it was to small arms wrapped around her shoulders and the soft voice of Lin Huanhuan, "You need to eat. I made some broth... Good now swallow. Here's another..."

She succumbed to sleep not long after.

The next time she came to conciousness it was to hear her system.

[Mission 2: Time extended. 1 week given starting when you wake.
Penalty: 1 month off-grid.]

Then a shout from a new voice she didn't recognize.

"What's this female doing here! Send her to her mates!"

A low growl from a wolf beastman came nearby, "She's mine!"

"What are you talking about old man? She has one right outside the door standing guard, Bai Di can take care of her."

"She doesn't know about his pursuit. She came to Rock Mountain to court me."

A bark like laugh came from the unfamiliar voice.

"Shut up, both of you!" That was Lin Huanhuan, "Can't you see you are too loud. Valerie is whimpering." She hadn't even noticed she had been.

Valerie felt the bed sink, and a cool hand put on her forehead.

"It's ok the big bad beastmen won't hurt you."

Valerie might have laughed if she was more lucid.

"Can you open your eyes for me, big sis?"

Valerie wished she could but it felt like heavy weights were on her eyelids.

"Let's get you some more broth instead."

Valerie swallowed when a spoonful of savory broth was placed in her mouth. After being fed for a couple of minutes, she whispered "Thank you Huanhuan."

"Sleep well, I'll keep the boys behaved as you rest."

When she finally woke almost a week had passed since her arrival in Rock Mountain. She was glad the system had extended her mission even if she was penalized for not originally fulfilling it on time.

This time Valerie slowly got up not wanting a repeat of what happened before. Lang Zhu who had been organizing his herbs sped to her bedside.

"You are awake!"

"I apologize for troubling you."

"No trouble, female."

"Valerie, you can call me by my name."

"Valerie." A blush rose upon his cheekbones before he cleared his throat. He was adorable. "I have decided to accept your courtship. We can even exchange these vows now if you wish."

Valerie searched his eyes for any reluctance but only saw honest eagerness and admiration. What did he admire about her?

"Do you want your courtship items now?"

The rough voice she remembered from her fever memories spoke from the doorway.

"You dare try to poison the healer of my Rock Mountain tribe!"

"Yun Shuang!" Lang Zhu chided the wolf beastman by the door.

Valerie shook her head, "I have no reason to and that would be counterproductive when I want him as a mate."

"As if I believe that."

"Then how about this, he takes de-aging pill first in front of your tribe and if he dies you can maim me."

"Hah! Trying to evade death."

Valerie sighed, "If you killed me, I would rise from the ashes again. It would make my word useless to ask for retribution that would have no real effect."

"Could it be! Are you a Phoenix?" Lang Zhu looked shocked.

She nodded.

"They are the most rare females in the Beastworld!"

"I have been reassured any future mate bonds will not break at any of my deaths. And I would never abandon you."

And so it was they stood before the tribe all gathered to see an impossible feat.

Lang Zhu confidentially swallowed the pill and at first nothing happened and then his white hair grew down to the middle of his back. His wrinkles seemed to melt off his features. His hunched shoulders straightened and he stood taller. Several females looked at him with lecherous eyes as he stood before them a new man. Freshly in his prime at the age of 30. Sharp features but kind gray eyes.

"How do I look?" He turned towards Valerie and it was her turn to blush.

"Very handsome but you always were." In her opinion at least, his personality was his best feature. His exuberance, kindness and selflessness. "I'm sorry about your hair. I wasn't sure if it would revert back to your old coloring or not."

He ran a hand through his long tresses, "I don't mind if you don't."

"I like white hair."

In the corner of her eye, she saw a familiar white tiger straighten up from her words. She'd think on that later.

"When would you like to take your next gift. It would no doubt knock you out for a little bit while your body upgrades."

Lang Zhu nodded toward the chief before holding her by the waist and directing her back to his home. He didn't like how some of the beastman looked at her. He knew of course she would have to take more mates eventually but until then she was his.

"I'll take it before I sleep. Now what about those vows?"

"You will be held to them so be careful what you vow."

He nodded and so she took the lead.

"I vow to you Lang Zhu my future mate that I will always respect you and never abandon you."

A golden ring mark appeared on her left hand ring finger. She knew it would stay there until she received his spousal mark.

"I vow to you Valerie as my future mate to always look after you, strive to help you heal, and respect you."

A golden ring appeared on his left hand ring finger where it would stay unless they didn't mate within a year's time. Her family mark (lavender and access to her territory) would also appear behind his right ear like where hers was behind her left once they mated.

"You are brilliant, Valerie."

She gave him a smile before going on her tiptoes and sealed their vows with a kiss.

Chapter Text

Valerie sat vigilant by Lang Zhu's bedside as he underwent the upgrade to spirit beast. 

[Mission 2: Complete

Rewards: 

- Apothecary/Clinic added to territory (outbuilding)

- Small Garden (placed beside Apothecary outbuilding) 

- 1 packet of Turmeric seeds 

- 1 packet of Rosemary seeds

- 1 packet of Valerian seeds

- Healing Indoor Hot Spring (outbuilding)]

In the end, Valerie ended up falling asleep her head rested on her arms upon Lang Zhu's bed. 

She woke to a ticklish feeling of her left ear being nuzzled. 

"Good morning, Valerie." A deep smooth voice spoke in her ear.

She gasped, her hand over her ear as she blushed red as she gazed into Lang Zhu's laughing grey eyes. 

"Good...morning. How do you feel?" 

"Energetic." He grinned, "Do you think we could do something about that?" 

She didn't think she could turn redder but somehow she did. She was 'saved' by a knock on the healer's door. She stood carefully before going to open it, only to find Bai Di there with a bouquet of roses. 

"Oh hello Bai Di. Are you here for Lin Huanhuan?" 

"No I'm here for ..." The tall white tiger beastman shook his head. 

A strong hand wrapped around her waist and a voice harder than she'd ever heard from her healer, "I thought I told you to give her time. She barely is back on her feet." 

The chief appeared with a sack behind Bai Di, "Move out of the way." 

Lang Zhu sighed, "Come in Bai Di." 

The chief followed in after Bai Di eyeing him suspiciously. 

Lin Huanhuan came out from her room before her eyes narrowed on Yun Shuang,"You!" 

Valerie watched curiously as the tsundere chief blushed before thrusting the sack toward Huanhuan, "Here!"

Well at least it seemed like one of the male leads stayed the same. 

"What is it?"

"Red berries for your..." He gestured toward her and this time it was Huanhuan who blushed and quickly snatched the sack. 

"This doesn't mean I've forgotten how you treated big sis!" She looked down at the sack, "But I guess you are not such a douchebag after all." She turned, briefly pausing to tell Valerie, "I'm glad to see you better, Valerie." Before she stomped back into her room. 

"Douchebag?" Yun Shuang whispered and Valerie could almost imagine a big question mark above his head before he wandered out. 

Now that the distraction was gone Valerie suddenly found her with the direct attention of two tall beastmen. 

Bai Di handed the flowers to her. 

"Take me as your mate. I will never allow you to get sick on my watch again." 

Valerie patted his arm, "That wasn't your fault. I could have gotten a dry pair of clothes at any time but I was too stubborn." 

"It's the job of the males to take care of the females and I failed." 

"I'd rather not take a mate because he feels guilty for letting me down." 

Bai Di quickly shook his head, "I wanted to be your mate the moment I saw you dive in after Lin Huanhuan." 

"Oh." Well, he really botched up the plot, didn't she?

[The plot is only one possibility for each world, not it's fate.]

She looked towards her only other mate Lang Zhu, "What do you think? Would you be alright with him as part of our family?" 

Lang Zhu smiled, "Family, I like the sound of that." Looking at Bai Di, "The white tiger is a strong beastman, he'll keep you safe when I cannot. He can be beside you when I cannot due to my rounds." 

Valerie stared at Bai Di and he stood straight watching her peruse him. She did like white/silver haired characters in anime. It seemed only fitting her first two hubbies would fit in both categories. 

"If you truly want me, I will accept you." 

She was suddenly face to pecks as Bai Di lifted her in a hug and nuzzled the top of her head. 

"Down please." She looked up to find almost a pout on Bai Di's lips. "I'm going to take time to get used to touch. I had several bad experiences with males touching me unwanted in my past life." Growls erupted from both hubby candidates and she was encased in a beastman sandwich. Lang Zhu behind her running his hands up and down her arms softly while breathing her in as if to confirm she was safe in front of him. While Bai Di didn't touch her again but smelled the top of her head as if memorizing her scent (which honestly couldn't be the best it had been awhile since her last shower).

Stepping out of the sandwich she looked at Bai Di, "I don't have any courting gifts for you, I could get some..."

He shook his head, "I'll court you. Can I still make the vows now?"

He was so intent, probably scare she'd slip away somehow. 

"Ok." 

He offered his hand to her and she slipped hers in his giant one. 

"I vow to you Valerie my future mate to honor you every day of my life. I vow to respect you and always take care of you. I vow to show you how desired you are every day for the rest of our lives." 

Goodness he was a sweet-talker she hadn't expected that. 

"I vow to you Bai Di my future mate to always respect you and never abandon you." 

She wasn't confident in any other vow on her part yet. When she finally had more feeling for them she'd show it until the day she could express them. 

Gold bands shone on both their fingers and Bai Di looked down at them with awe. 

[Hidden mission complete: get another fiance. 

Rewards:

Woodworking/Crafting Shop (outbuilding)]

It would seem the rewards matched her fiances rather well.

Chapter Text

A week passed since Valerie gained two fiances.

When Bai Di (who barely left her side) came upon her looking solemn, "I'll be leaving on a hunt it will take 10 days before I can return."

Ever since her kiss to seal their vows Bai Di had been clingy, and yet somehow it didn't annoy her. 

She went on her tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth, "Be safe, ok?" 

He nodded, his hands flexed at his sides wanting to touch her. With a smile Valerie put his hands around her waist and gave him a hug. 

Despite being always by her side, Bai Di had been respectful of her wishes of her needing to initiate touch. And it was't that Lang Zhu hadn't been just so as well, but Bai Di was with her constantly so much so she had yet to get back to her territory and she wondered if perhaps it wouldn't happen until she'd mated at least one of her fiances.

Lang Zhu was always hovering his hands over her as if memorizing her body's wavelengths. Speaking in her ear or against her neck making her blush. 

Bai Di was a comforting presence. She thought it would come to annoy her being shadowed everywhere but instead she felt comforted and almost safe. He helped her pace herself, when she tried helping out around the healer rooms, made sure she ate on time and rested. She hadn't had another fainting spell since her last. She still got the occasional migraine (Lang Zhu always seemed so happy to rub her temples for her or massage the back of her neck).

She had come to respect and care for each of her fiances deeply. She was yet to utter the 'L' word but she was growing more comfortable around them and seeing them as forever kind in her mind. 

She almost startled when with a chuffing sound, Bai Di lifted her up in his arms and buried his face in her neck. She wrapped her legs around his middle and held his shoulders. 

"I'm going to miss you, my Valerie." His lips brushed her neck where his head was buried and a tingle went down her body at the feeling. Her fingers tightened their hold and she caught her breath embarrassed she almost moaned from the simple feeling. 

And he noticed, she felt his plush lips smile against her neck. She squirmed but didn't ask to be let down, he pulled her against him tighter. Her eyes widened as she felt something rise beneath her. How could he be that big? 

She squirmed again and a growl came from deep in Bai Di's throat stilling her. 

"Be careful, don't start something you won't finish." He nuzzled her neck and took a lungful of her scent, a rumbling moan coming from his throat. "You smell so good, my Valerie." 

A little gasp came from her as he turned his head and nibbled her ear lobe. 

A chuckle came from behind them and Valerie went to put her legs down but Bai Di held them. 

"Please don't move." His head raised and he made eye contact with Lang Zhu who approached carefully hovering his hands over her hips before she nodded. 

He stepped closer and spoke in her other ear, "Why don't you take Bai Di as your mate before he leaves?"

She turned blushing as she heard a groan from Bai Di who she accidentally brushed against. 

"What about you?"

"Oh." Her wolf healer grinned, "You want to take us both?" 

She buried her head in Bai Di's shoulder and felt as Lang Zhu kissed the back of her neck, "Only teasing." He came into her view, and tilted her chin up. "I can have you at any time while he's on the hunting trip, can't I?" His smile grew as she nodded. "Go ahead and use the extra bedroom. She'll want to feel safe somewhere familiar, but that room is further back in the cave for privacy." He directed the command to Bai Di who was quick to run off with Valerie who wrapped her arms around his neck, a soft smile on her lips. 

He laid her gently against the furs and looked her right in the eyes. 

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I want you, Bai Di." She is kneeled and brought his head down so she could kiss him, before she whispered against his lips, "Be gentle with me, this body has never had a male before." 

If he noticed her wording he didn't acknowledge it, instead he dove in to give her a more passionate kiss. She felt as if she was being consumed, his tongue dove into her mouth as if searching for a treasure and when his tongue entwined with hers their moans vibrated their throats. She climbed into his lap, her hands running up and down his arms exploring his broad shoulders, running her fingertips over his pecks. While he nibbled her lips, before begininng to make the journey down her body. 

"Do you realize how beautiful you are?"

She shrugged, which was the wrong answer. He threw her back on the furs bracketing his arms on either side of her head. 

"Then I'll have to just show you how beautiful you are by exploring every single bit of you." 

He slowly, reverently, peeled her clothes off her before he began to kiss her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Tingles went up and down her body as she felt pleasure and safety in the same place (something she'd never experienced before). 

She was a gasping mess when he bent her legs and spread them. His fingers running over her most intimate place, before dipping his middle finger in and she came with a shuddering gasp. She'd also never come like that before, this felt so new and so good any lingering fear fell away leaving only anticipation behind. Even if her eyes widened as she saw the giant tenting that was happening with Bai Di's loincloth.

She barely had settled from her orgasm before he began thrusting two of his long fingers in and out of her. Her breasts heaved as little moans started slipping from her lips with each thrust in and then he curled his finger and she nearly arched off the bed with a cry. 

"Such a good little female, taking my fingers so well."

But he wasn't ready for the main event yet as he lifted her legs over his shoulders and began to devour her with his mouth. 

She grabbed on the furs beneath her desperate for something to hold onto as he began to thrust his tongue in and out of her opening before my nibbling gently on her clit causing her to have her biggest orgasm yet. 

Then he switched their positions. 

"You are ready for me, I want you to take me at your own pace." Her legs trembled on either side of him and he had to help guide his cockhead to her opening before she began to lower herself. Despite her several orgasms he was still enormous, she estimated he might very well be nearly the legendary 12 in cock and he was thick she could barely wrap her hands around the base of him. 

She tensed unattentionally at feeling the stretch. 

"Relax, Valerie." To help he began to rub her clit as she lowered herself inch by inch on his cock. Then she felt him rub against her g-spot a place she honestly believed didn't exist when his rubbing picked up a notch. 

"I can't...it's too much." 

"Yes you can you are doing wonderfully, wife." With that one word she exploded and she saw stars, and she didn't even notice she slid down taking the rest of him. 

"How?" She looked down in shock as she took him to hilt. 'How is that possible?' 

[You have advanced anatomy due to being a Phoenix.] 

She nearly jumped in surprise but instead she lifted and thrust back down, a whimper-like moan coming from her throat. 

"Easy." Bai Di sat up and as if it were even possible it felt like he went in deeper touching her the very back of her. 'Her cervix?' 

[Yes you have a longer tunnel than most.]

'Ok that's enough I'm mating right now.'

She placed a hand on her lower abdomen and pressed lightly only for both of them to moan as she tightened up instinctively. 

After asking permission, Bai Di began to lift her up and down on him setting a fast pace that she couldn't keep up with. She lost count how many times she came before she felt him grow thicker and a surge of warmth was spilled inside of her. With a sigh she laid down on top of his chest and fell asleep only to waken when the system chimed. 

[Congratulations on taking your first official mate, Bai Di!

Rewards:

- Alaskan king size bed (placed in master suite)

Bonus: Remaining off-grid (2 weeks) time has been lifted.]

[Please choose where his spousal mark will be.]

Envisioning what she wanted in her head, she turned over an smiled at the white tiger leaping over ribcage, paw out reaching for her heart.

Chapter Text

When Valerie woke it was to Bai Di kissing her forehead.

"The hunting party is leaving right now." 

She grabbed his hand and pulled him down to whisper in his ear, "If ever you are in danger call on the 'Phoenix Haven' and go inside when it appears. Only my mates and family are allowed inside."

She saw him give a confused nod, before he brushed his plush lips against hers. 

"I wish I didn't have to leave you now." 

"It's ok. Just be careful and come home safe."

His nose trailed up her face until his lips brushed her forehead again. 

"Lang Zhu is wondering if he can help clean you up?" 

She nodded. 

"See you in 10 days, Valerie." 

And then he was gone and Lang Zhu was in his place. 

"I've drawn a bath for you." 

"Thank you, Lang Zhu." 

"Anything for you, my Valerie." 

He wrapped her in a clean fur and lifted her into his arms carrying her out into the corridor and heading towards her room. 

When they got to her room it was full of soft candlelight. The tub waited in the middle of the room with soft flower petals floating at the top of pristine water. 

Holding her with one arm, Lang Zhu checked the water's temperature with his fingertips, "Perfect." His voice rumbled softly in his chest. She let out a content sigh, feeling absolutely safe in his arms. She almost afraid to get used to this new feeling, worried it would be ripped from her grasp. 

As if sending her distress, Lang Zhu's arms tightened around her and he nuzzled the top of her head. 

"I'm not going anywhere, Valerie." 

She wrapped her arms around his neck and just held him for a couple moments. Suddenly wishing she wasn't so sore, because she would love to connect with him too. 

[Body modifications can be purchased that can help.]

As she snuggled Lang Zhu she perused the system store until she found a multi-layered one that would work. 

[Modification: Always Ready to Mate

-Subability: Quick Healing

Note: This modification does not make you aroused all the time. Merely preps your body to mate at first sign of arousal.

Cost: 1,000 system coins]

'Will this knock me out or would it be an instant upgrade?'

[Instant.]

'Purchase, please.' 

She felt a tingle across her body, and loosened her grip on Lang Zhu's neck only to see his pupils dilated no doubt smelling her want for him. 

He buried his head in her neck with a groan, before shaking his head and mumbling to himself, "She's too sore." 

She kissed his cheek, "I heal quickly." 

He licked his lips before going to set her carefully in the stone bath tub. 

"Will you let me wash you?" 

"Yes." She nodded. Sighing and placing her head on the ledge her long copper hair over the side as she slipped the rest of her body beneath the perfect temperature warm fragrant water. 

Her eyes closed as she felt him take her arm out and carefully begin wiping it with a soft fur cloth, before he went to her other side and did the same. 

She opened her eyes and looked into his gray eyes, "Why don't you climb in behind me? There is enough room."

She watched as he disrobed, his arousal showing clear to her. She was relieved he wasn't as big as Bai Di, but it was still hefty. 

He climbed into the stone tub behind her, lifting effortlessly before placing her in his lap. 

She turned her head to capture his lips before parting and whispering, "Can I?" She gave a little wiggle of her bum so he knew what she meant. 

He groaned and kissed her neck, running his nose up and down it before rubbing his cheek against her, scenting her. 

"Easy. Be careful I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't." 

She took his hand and with it she guided his cock into her opening, rising slightly before sitting down on him. There was a slight stretch, but mostly a pleasing weight inside her as she sat in his lap warming his cock. She took his hands and placed them on her boobs urging him to explore. 

With his head still buried in her neck, where he started nibbling her, he began to run his hands up and down her sides, teasing her nipples with every pass. She shifted as she felt slightly ticklish, thus lifting and then setting herself down on him again.

She squeezed him with her kegal causing him to hold her hips and thrust into her. 

"Oh my sweet mate." Lang Zhu whispered in reverence, "You don't realize what you've given me have you?"

She tightened around him in answer and he murmured against her skin, kissing up and down her neck before doing the same to the other side. 

The water sloshed out of the tub as he began thrusting more feverishly up inside her. 

"I care about you Lang Zhu so much, thank you for caring for me too."

He slowed his pace to deep but luxuriously torturous thrusts, turning her chin toward him. His gray eyes connecting with hers. 

"I love you, my dearest Valerie." 

Tingles ran down her to her very quim and she tightened before her head fell back onto his shoulder her gaze still on his as her body shuddered in a full body orgasm. Tears fell down her cheeks, and Lang Zhu licked them before giving another mighty thrust the base of him growing to lock his cock inside her. 

His cum filling her up. 

Tenderly he picked her up while they remained locked, sat down on the edge of her bed before wiping the both of them down with a soft fur. 

Then he curled up around her in her bed, his arm wrapped around her. She fell asleep to him nuzzling the back of her neck and her body warm against his.

Chapter Text

Valerie woke to find Lang Zhu smiling down at his spousal mark, his wolf leaping over her right boob front paws over her heart. 

He kissed it, "Even if you never say the words, this shows me how you feel." 

"I placed it there. I don't like leaving things to chance." 

She looked down at the mark worried he'd think lesser of her for not leaving it up to whatever magic placed spousal marks in each beastworld. 

He tilted her chin up, "That makes it mean even more to me, knowing that you picked the spot."

"Really?" She almost didn't dare to hope. 

"Really." 

She kissed him and sighed against his lips, as he nipped them gently before exploring her mouth with his tongue. 

[Congratulations on taking your 2nd Mate, Lang Zhu!

Reward: Stasis Room - keeps food in stasis keeps prepared temperature (Attached to kitchen pantry)]

[Mission #3: Prepare enough food for winter. Enough for personal family and supplement for tribe if needed.

Duration: 2 months

Reward: LOCKED] 

Getting up, not caring about her nakedness, she held her hand out to Lang Zhu, "Come I want to show you something." 

He looked at her curiously. 

"Phoenix Haven." Valerie said firmly and before them as if there were a doorway outside shimmered into existence Phoenix Haven, where once was a blank rock wall. 

She watched Lang Zhu's features as his jaw dropped in shock. 

She pulled him forward and in his shock let her right through where the wall had been and into her territory's lovely pristine lawn. 

His gaze went to the house. "How?" 

"My guardian gave this territory to me. Only my family and mates have access to it." She pointed to an a frame building to the side of the property with a glass greenhouse attached. "That is your apothecary and garden." 

She pulled him instead toward the house, "This is our home." 

"Your guardian must have great power." 

She nodded, "I'm not sure how powerful they are exactly but before I was a Phoenix I lived a very sad life, I was dying and they saved me." 

He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her waist. Not liking the idea of her dying without the ability to be reborn. 

"What do they want in return?" 

Lang Zhu's forehead had furrowed, and Valerie went on her tip toes and smoothed the wrinkles there with her fingertips. 

"It gave me a mission. To continue to expand the territory, take mates and grow a family. In addition occasionally it will give me smaller missions with added rewards given afterwards." 

"Has it asked you to do one recently?" 

She nodded, "Just today it asked me to prepare enough food for our family and the tribe, if needed, for the winter."

"Bai Di will get started on the goal being the hunting party. We can also search for plenty of edible plants, I know both you and Lin Huanhuan need those to stay healthy." 

"Thank you." She kissed his cheek, "I will help any way I can." 

His eyes narrowed, "Don't forget to take plenty of breaks. Now that I know you can be safe here when I'm on my rounds please make good use of this place."

She showed him the rest of the house. The refrigerator and stasis room were of great interest to him. She blushed as she showed him the massive bed in the master suite that could fit both her mates and herself. 

He was like a kid in a candy store when he at last got to view his in stock apothecary, and got right to planting the seeds he received for his marriage gift. 

Valerie looked forward to seeing what Bai Di thought of his workshop. 

---

Two weeks passed, the stasis room was being filled with hot stews, fresh vegetables, and cooked meats when Bai Di returned from the hunt. 

He smiled as she ran out to him, throwing her arms around him as she jumped into his arms. 

"Miss me my little mate."

She nodded into his chest. 

He had brought back a whole wagonful of prey that he had been pulling in beast form. 

She saw much cooking in their future. With Lang Zhu having learned how to use the Haven's cooking appliances though she hoped it would not be too slow. 

When Bai Di saw the territory he took to the wondrous space like a duck to water. He even built a fire pit out in the yard for large prey as they didn't have an ideal spot in Rock Mountain. 

And he loved his workshop, he was determined to learn all the tools before the end of winter. 

In other good news, Lin Huanhuan had moved out and into Yun Shuang's rock cavern home. Valerie had it on good authority (Huanhuan herself who blushed the whole time she told her) that despite tsundere attitude he was actually really gentle and attentive in the mating bed. 

"We might have had a rocky start but ..." Lin Huanhuan smiled and cuddled a fur her new husband gave her, "He is really good to me."

"What convinced you that it was time." 

"He admitted not all females were to be hated. He saw how happy Lang Zhu was with you, and how you helped around despite your health. He saw how much I cared for you, and said..." She giggled, " 'I guess not all females are selfish harpies.' "

"How romantic." Valerie deadpanned before giving Lin Huanhuan a wink. "I'm glad Huanhuan that you found a good first mate."

"Yeah...I guess I'll have to take more won't I?"

"It's not just for your safety but also your husband's." She saw the question in Huanhuan's expression, "He already has so many responsibilities as the chief of the wolf tribe. He can't be with you all the time. Sure you can always hang out with me, but that's not guaranteed safety either. In a fight where he's against multiple adversaries you'd want him to have the best chance of winning. That's where more strong mates come into play." 

"There's safety in numbers." Huanhuan stated. 

Valerie nodded, "It's just fact around here. Even I need to start thinking of adding more to my family soon, if not after this winter." 

---

The night of the first rains, a system notification came: 

[Mission #3: Complete

Rewards: 

- Beastworld winter wardrobe for both you and your mates

- Natural scent, pick between> cinnamon, honey-amber, or jasmine

- Infinite supply of sanitary napkins

- Body Modification/Ability: Orgasmic Birth]

Valerie blushed at the last mod/ability. I mean on one hand that took some of the fear out of giving birth out on the other...

It would seem the system had noticed she'd been getting stronger and suspected her periods might start up again soon. Not awkward at all, she thought sarcastically. 

She picked the honey and amber natural scent thinking those two scent tones would compliment her the best.  

She couldn't help but wonder about the events of this world and how things will have changed with her interference. All she could do is wait and see.

Chapter Text

"The wolf tribe of Blackwater has arrived." Bai Di walked into the Haven house living room, his brows furrowed. He looked at where Valerie was sewing some hides together for some handmade loin clothes (despite the system providing what they needed, she liked to stay busy and she liked the idea of her mates wearing something she made). 

"Do you think they are here to cause trouble?"

She knew that in the original story one of the females caused lots of trouble for Lin Huanhuan wanting both the chief and Bai Di for herself. But by then in the story, Lin Huanhuan hadn't mated either of them. 

But now Lin Huanhuan was mated to the chief and Bai Di was mated to Valerie. Mates couldn't be stolen once their bond was sealed. 

"The leader of the Blackwater tribe is Yun Shuang's uncle. However, it is odd they've come during the rainy season, so close to winter." 

"I have a bad feeling about them being here."

Bai Di nodded, "Can you stay here until we are sure it is safe?"

"Only if one of you check in regularly and can one of you check on Huanhuan too?" 

Bai Di smiled, "It's kind of you. I'll offer to the chief that she stay at the healer cavern when he's going about his work."

"Thank you, Bai Di." 

He kissed the top of her head and hummed, "I love your new scent. It fits you."

She smiled, a light blush dusting her cheeks.

---

"The Blackwater leader's female attacked Lin Huanhuan because she took Yun Shuang as her mate." 

Valerie gasped, she had been getting ready for bed when Bai Di found her. She turned to him, "How is she?" 

"The chief was informed of the reason why they came and rushed to her. Her leg got scraped by falling on the stone, Lang Zhu is treating her now."

"I must go to her." Lin Huanhuan had truly become like a little sister, and Valerie had been debating offering her to officially become part of Valerie's family. Adopted family and future children received the lavender mark behind their left ear. "Bai Di I'm thinking of adopting her as family, Yun Shuang is already almost family since Lang Zhu adopted him as a young wolf this would just make it official." 

"Both would have access to the Phoenix Haven?" 

Valerie nodded. "I don't usually trust easily but Huanhuan took care of me when I was sick. She cares about people, she's been adapting to this world well despite it being so different from her original home. I just want my whole family to be safe and I've come to realize that includes her."

"You have my blessing, although you didn't have to ask." 

"I'll always ask...well unless it's something time sensitive."

Hand in hand they walked out of the Phoenix Haven walking back into her room in her husband's cavern. She quickly ran to the healer rooms where she found Lin Huanhuan complaining that her husband was smothering her with his worry. 

"Huanhuan let him worry. We all care about you and it sounds like it was scary what happened." 

Lang Zhu glanced at his wife where she stood in the doorway before going back to bandaging Lin Huanhuan's leg. 

"Huanhuan I'd like to make an offer to you. I'd like to officially adopt you as my little sister." 

Huanhuan's lavender eyes widened, "Really?"

Valerie watched her healer husband give her his nod of approval. 

"Your mate is already practically my nephew." 

Valerie laughed as she saw Yun Shuang wrinkle his nose at her saying so. 

Lin Huanhuan giggled too. "How do we this?" 

"Lin Huanhuan do you promise to keep the secrets of me and mine, to never betray family and to bare the mark of the family territory, which is lavender?" 

Valerie held her dear friend's hand. 

Lin Huanhuan nodded resolutely, "I do." 

She gasped as she felt a tingle behind her left ear as a lavender stalk appeared there.

"Then you and yours are now my family as well. Know that if anyone ever intentionally tries to betray any of us their mark will be removed instantly."

 "Oh is that the mark?" She pointed to Yun Shuang's mark on his neck below his left wolf ear, "It's pretty." 

"What are the marks for?" Yun Shuang spoke up his eyes narrowed. 

"It gives you access and use of our territory." 

[Hidden mission: Complete> Adopt member(s) into the family. 

Reward: Territory will be upgraded to include new home for new family members. What style of home?]

"Speaking of my territory, Lin Huanhuan what was the dream home you always wished to have in the before?"

Lin Huanhuan's eyes lit up, "I know it's silly because I never would have been able to afford it but I wanted a modern Chinese villa with a big koi pond out front."

Valerie communicated to the system exactly what her new little sis said. 

[Property added to territory.]

With a grin, "Chief could you pick up your wife there's somewhere I'd like to show her." 

Lang Zhu smiled at his nephew, "Don't worry we won't have to go outside this room." 

Stepping forward Valerie whispered in her sister's ear, "Say 'Phoenix Haven' loudly."

Lin Huanhuan raised an eyebrow but called out, "Phoenix Haven!" She gasped in awe as the territory spread out before them. "Whoa! Did your..." 

Valerie nodded anticipating the question. 

Stepping forward onto the territory looking behind her to see her family following her. She pointed out each building, before leading them toward the back where Lin Huanhuan made a high pitch squeal at the sight. 

"Is that mine?" 

The modern Chinese villa was beautiful and pristine white. A sparkling koi pond in front of its front patio. A winding path leading up to its door. 

"Lin Huanhuan welcome to your home away from home. The house will expand to accommodate your growing family." 

Yun Shuang looked stunned, "What do you want in return?" 

"I just want my family safe, healthy and happy."

Chapter Text

"I was wondering...um...never mind." 

Lin Huanhuan and Valerie were cooking in the main house. 

"Go on what is it?" 

Lin Huanhuan mashed up the potatoes more vigorously before sighing and stopping. 

"After what happened I think Yun Shuang is feeling like he's not enough and although there's not any eligible males right now to court me.... I thought maybe if he was stronger maybe he wouldn't be so overprotective." 

"Ah." Without waiting for Lin Huanhuan to say another thing, Valerie bought the spirit level awakening pill. "Here it's best he take it in your home in the territory before bed. He'll konk out but by morning he should have awakened." 

Lin Huanhuan hugged Valerie's side. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." 

"Anything for you little sis." 

"I've always wondered why you call me little sis. You can't be older than me."

"Before I became what I am now, a Phoenix, on my Earth I was dying at the age of 40. When my system saved me it returned me to my healthiest age as an adult which was 18. So my body might be your same age but my mind isn't."

----

"You are a strange female." Yun Shuang said with his mouth full of grilled meat. His bicep now sporting his newly awakened 1 star spirit beast. 

"Don't talk with your mouth full, nephew." Valerie smirked as the Yun Shuang wrinkled his nose at the address. 

After he swallowed, "You make another female's male stronger." 

"You both are family, that's what real family does...support each other." 

She remembered the family she lost just before her 18th birthday in her past world. How harmonious they'd been, how loving despite all the hardships they'd endured, they never stopped being generous. It was something she always wanted. 

It was strange it took her coming to another world for her to finally gain it. 

Until the day she almost lost it again. 

Lin Huanhuan, Mu Xiang (a female that had taken Huanhuan under her wing), and Valerie were out on the cliff face soaking in the rare bit of sun during the season. 

Mu Xiang had just announced her pregnancy, and the other women congratulated her. 

It all felt familiar to Valerie and she went back in her memories of the plot. Her eyes widening when she remembered what might happen. Quickly she bought an instant body modification that would give her the ability to have beast form and half Beastkin form. If Lin Huanhuan fell from the cliff she was going to spread her new wings and catch her. 

"I'm also pregnant. And yet you aren't are you wild female?" The Blackwater female looked over at Lin Huanhuan with a sneer, "Maybe that's because you are barren." 

Lin Huanhuan turned away ignoring the insult and when the female went to grab her shoulder, Valerie strode forward and grabbed her wrist. 

"Haven't you caused enough problems already? Do you really want to get put back in prison for assaulting the chief's mate?" After making sure the female's males were behind her she released the wrist pushing the female back into their arms. Turning toward Lin Huanhuan and her friend, "Perhaps it would be best if we go back inside."

With a fierce yell the female rushed forward, "If I can't have Yun Shuang then no one can!" 

"Big sis watch out!" 

"Huanhuan!" 

And they both went over the cliff. 

Her wings sprung from her back but still they dropped until Lin Huanhuan's system teleported them far away. 

Chapter Text

Lin Huanhuan woke with a shiver. There was a draft on her back but her front was warmer. She opened her eyes to find herself cradled in Valerie's arms. Large fiery red ombre wings were wrapped around her. Wherever they were she was sure now that Valerie had broken their fall. 

"Always saving me big sis." She quickly checked her pulse and breathed a sigh of relief before shaking her should. "Big sis, you need to wake up. Wherever we landed it's snowing, we can't stay here."

Valerie blinked slowly her expression turning from confused to looking like she might collapse again. 

"Valerie, we need to at least find shelter." For some reason Lin Huanhuan felt like she was forgetting something important but right now she was in triage mode. Her sis looked like she might be suffering from a concussion, they were in an unfamiliar cold place and from the look of the positioning of the sun they didn't have long before it got dark. 

Just as the sun duck behind the horizon they had hobbled over and found a cave. 

"Sis can you put away the wings?" 

Valerie's brow furrowed as she focused and the wings popped out of existence.

Lin Huanhuan was still worried though wondering how hard Valerie had hit her head on arrival for her to have non-verbal concussion. 

Staring out into the blizzard, Lin Huanhuan shivered. Her poor hubby he must be worried sick, thankfully he would still know she was alive since he'd be able to feel the connection to her spousal mark. 

Then she got distracted out in the snow was a form laying in it. 

"Sis I think someone else got stuck in this blizzard. Let's help them." She looked at Valerie who nodded, her copper curls falling on either side of her head. 

They ventured out into the snow to find a beautiful man lying bleeding out from his side, unconscious. 

"Valerie can you grab one arm and I'll grab the other and we will pull him into the cave." 

After they pulled him into the cave, Lin Huanhuan hugged Valerie. She was very warm despite their cold surroundings. Did she have a fever or was it because she was a phoenix?

Valerie blinked and looked down at her, her words at last came slow and sluggish. "Why haven't you called out for the Phoenix Haven yet?"

"Oh right." Lin Huanhuan blushed, that's what she was forgetting. She stood, "I'll go but what about him?" She pointed to the mysterious injured man with the luxurious clothes that didn't seem to fit the rest of the world. 

"I'll take care of him. Go into the Phoenix Haven. It will notify Yun Shuang of your arrival." 

"But..." Lin Huanhuan nibbled her lip, not liking the idea of leaving her sis alone. 

"I'll be fine. Go." 

With one last look behind, Lin Huanhuan called out for the Phoenix Haven before disappearing from the small cave. 

---

Sang Ye came to conciousness as he felt someone slip him something that dissolved on his tongue. A tickling sensation went over his wounds before he felt them heal, not a poison then. His hand shot up and grabbed the arm near him, he still wouldn't let the person escape. They could have other nefarious goals. 

His dark eyes opened to find the most beautiful female he had ever seen in his grasp. Fair skin. Cinnamon curly hair. Big eyes that almost looked violet but not quite. An elegant nose and plush lips not too big and not too small. 

"You healed me." 

"Yes." 

She didn't supply anymore details just looked at him as if she were cataloging his every reaction. Intelligent and wary then. 

"You have my gratitude. My name is Sang Ye. What is yours?"

"Valerie." 

"Let me hunt for you in exchange." When he saw her about to decline, "It's the least I can do." He threw off his clothes and changed into his beast form. The female didn't shrink back in terror, females usually didn't like great pythons. Instead he watched her stroke his scales. 

"You are gorgeous." She looked up at him and didn't even flinch when he lowered his massive head and flicked his tongue at her cheek. "That tickles..." She squirmed and he felt his jaws spread into a smile. She was such a unique female.

"I don't eat raw meat. Go ahead and hunt for yourself I have something for myself."

He didn't like leaving her alone but he did. Speedily going out and found a burrow of rabbits that he attacked. When he came back she was wrapped in large fur and eating some steaming soup. How did she get those things? It was desolate around them for miles. 

This mysterious female began to intrigue him even more. 

"Be my mate." 

Valerie didn't look surprised at his statement, in fact it almost looked like she was expecting it but not in the arrogant way he knew other females could be like. 

"I have two other mates, will you be able to share?"

She unwrapped part of her wrappings so he could see the edges of each of her spousal marks close to her heart. 

His eyes narrowed, jealousy pooling at the pit of his stomach. 

"How can you keep them when you are alone out in this desolate place?" 

"I was foolish and went out without one of them. One is a healer and was on his rounds, the other was working on some furs." 

She was loyal. A quality that was hard to find. He would have to test these males though and make sure they were worthy of such a female. 

"I'll share if they are worthy." 

She gives him a confident smile, "I'm sure you will not find them wanting. I also require Oathbound Vows. I will be bound to them just as you." 

How strange, "What would you ask of me?"

"That you never betray my family or myself and you show us all respect." 

It was not unreasonable. 

"I accept." 

"I should inform you that I was ill for awhile and only now have started getting better. Are you still willing to have me as a mate?"

She was honest too. So very rare indeed. 

"Yes." He released his grip on her arm and felt happiness surge through him as she held his left hand instead. 

"I vow to you Sang Ye my future mate that I will always respect you and never abandon you as long as you never betray your own vows to me." 

Smart female. 

In similar fashion he said his own vows, "I vow to you Valerie that I will always show respect to you and your family and never knowingly betray your family or yourself." 

She gave him a small smirk before nodding down at their left hands where golden bands formed on their fourth fingers. 

"I have a shortcut back home but in order for you to come with me you'd have to be my mate. I normally would wish to get to know you before we mate but..." She gestured to his side, "Someone obviously tried to kill you and I don't like the idea of the member of my family on their own journeying to Rock Mountain when they could be attacked at any moment." 

She was compassionate too. Sang Ye was determined to have this female no matter what it took.

Chapter Text

Valerie was vague on the details regarding the snake Beastkin called Sang Ye, but she knew he was powerful and once he set his mind on something steadfast. 

Carefully she sat in his lap watching we he shifted in half beastman form so that he coil his dark purple tail around her middle. 

"Can I kiss you?"

His dark eyes sharpened like twin blades, he leaned forward his long tongue slipping between her lips until his lips met hers. It was an odd sensation his tongue tickling the back of her throat had her leaning back, only for him to grab her head and devour her. Licking the roof of her mouth, entangling his tongue with hers and a low hum came from him causing his tongue to vibrate against hers. She gasped.

 He flicked his tongue up the side of her neck before leaning forward and whispering into her ear, "You taste delicious. I wonder..." His gaze traveled down her body shedding her of the fur and then her wrap dress. 

A shiver of pleasure went down her spine as he lifted her up in his dark coils so that her quick was level to his face before he dove in like a man starved. 

It was strange and yet oddly pleasurable feeling his tongue flick against her every wall, exploring her tunnel. She blushed as she remembered that snakes smelled with their tongues. And how this snake beastman seemed to enjoy it. 

Low hums and breathy moans came from him as he delved in and she felt herself following too. Her back arching and her quim tightening around Sang Ye's invading tongue. 

A pleased voice, "That's it my beautiful mate, come for me. I'll need you nice and wet for my cocks."

With hooded eyes she glanced down at his dual cocks. Long, not as thick as Lang Zhu but together they would be. 

"I'm ready." 

It was time to put her body mod 'Always Ready to Mate' truly up to the challenge. 

He straightened before using his tail he positioned her over his cocks. 

"Tell me if it becomes too much and I'll take you one by one." 

She gave him a more confident smirk then she felt, "I'm a Phoenix I was built for this." 

"You truly are my treasure." He licked her ear lobe, chuckling as he felt another shiver of pleasure shudder through her. His fingers slipped beneath her and into her. "You are practically dripping. You are ready for me, aren't you my precious?" 

She barely suppressed a giggle over that last nickname. Not the time she chided herself. She instead leaned forward and kissed the corner of his mouth. 

"Always." 

"I'll take that as promise." Before he moved her down on his cocks using a combination of his long tail and his two hands. He threw his head back in a moan, his Adam's apple bobbing sexily. "Oh you are perfection." 

Then he set the pace and all Valerie could do was hold onto his shoulder for dear life. His cocks rubbed against her walls deliciously, one bumping against her g-spot while the other sought for the end of her. She shattered with a squeal-like scream, and she heard as their sex started to sound wet and messy. But she didn't have time to think about that before his pace picked up where the cave walls turned into a blur and her vision went white. She went lax in his grip as she passed out. 

She woke to kisses up and down her cheeks, across her forehead and on either sides of her neck. She moaned. 

"Awake my treasure?"

"Can I finish please?"

She blinked her eyes open and found Sang Ye almost nose to nose to her, her walls pulsed around his cocks and with a groan he rested his forehead again and started rocking against her slowly this time, more careful but no less deeply.

She nodded, "Please take me." She whispered. 

"You might regret that, I won't stop this time."

"I'd tell you if I wanted you to."

"I'll hold you to that." He began a steadier pace before he got a wicked glint in his eyes and began vibrating the very tip of his tail against her clit. He chuckled as her eyes rolled back and she came again. He kept the vibration up as he began pounding her again. 

It was becoming overwhelming but at the same time she didn't want to stop. The sensation of his cocks rubbing against her walls was so good, she almost didn't want it to end. She felt aftershock tremors running through her. 

"You are just like a fountain aren't you my treasure."

With one final thrust he let out a hiss like roar and she felt coolness explode within her. 

He kissed the top of her head, "Now your forever mine." 

She smiled into his neck as she got the system notification. 

[Congratulations on your third mate, Sang Ye!

Reward: Study added to upstairs rooms in main house.]

[Where would you like his spousal mark?]

In answer she visualized where she wanted it. Sang Ye's beast form wrapped around her right bicep with his head resting on her shoulder.

She felt him kiss it as soon as it appeared. 

With a sleepy smile she looked up at her new mate, "Let's go inside and rest in a nice bed." 

His dark brows furrowed, "Inside where..."

"Phoenix Haven!" Valerie called out and watched Sang Ye's serious features dissolve into astonishment. "Could you carry me inside please?"

"It would be my honor, my treasure."