Werebeast Gongs CH 120 Reminiscing On The Past
The more Lei Jin thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Don’t animals have mating seasons? He wasn’t sure about leopards, but given recent events, he couldn’t help but suspect.
"What’s got you frowning like that?" Xiya plopped down beside him, rudely interrupting Lei Jin’s contemplation of this critical life issue.
"Weren’t you supposed to be escorting the chief home?" Lei Jin had been sprawled on the grass, eyes closed, deep in what he called "meditation"—though in reality, he was just catching up on much-needed sleep. At the sound of Xiya’s voice, he jolted awake and instinctively tried to bolt. Only a fool wouldn’t run. Xiya was the most relentless of the three.
But his sore, weak waist betrayed him. He barely managed to lift himself halfway before collapsing back.
Xiya’s long arm snaked around his waist, dragging him into a firm embrace. With a teasing grin Lei Jin knew all too well, Xiya murmured, "Broad daylight, in front of so many people—flinging yourself into my arms like this is so embarrassing."
Lei Jin punched his shoulder, inwardly cursing. Embarrassed? Then why are you holding me so tight my spine might snap? If you were any less embarrassed, would you just take me right here in front of everyone?
Of course, he couldn’t say that out loud. Knowing Xiya, he might actually try something outrageous. So Lei Jin stayed silent, pretending the wind had drowned out Xiya’s words.
Despite the punch, Xiya was pleasantly surprised by Lei Jin’s uncharacteristic tolerance. He decided to play along—especially since Lei Jin’s exhaustion was obvious. Maybe they had been too anxious lately.
Grapes was only four months old and still needed careful nurturing. There was no rush for another child. They had their whole lives ahead of them.
"Take a nap. I’ll stay with you," Xiya whispered, covering Lei Jin’s eyes with a gentle hand.
"I don’t trust you," Lei Jin replied bluntly.
"Trust me or not, if you don’t sleep, I’ll strip you right here. We’ve never tried it under the sun on the grasslands. If you don’t object, today’s the perfect day to test it out. Might be… stimulating." Xiya’s hand slid down to squeeze a handful of Lei Jin’s backside, thoroughly pleased with the firmness. Their mate was truly exceptional.
This guy’s a complete rogue! Lei Jin fumed. Not that the other two were any better. Off the bed, they were all obedience and deference. But once on the bed? Even the usually docile Mingya turned into a relentless beast.
It reminded Lei Jin of his own past—how often had he been called a scoundrel? Guess it’s true what they say: villains are afraid of villains, and rogues are pressed down by rogues. Bah! That wasn't right, it was like attracts like!
His thoughts scattered as Xiya’s rhythmic patting lulled him toward sleep. The warm spring sun was perfect for napping.
"Remember to feed Grapes later," Lei Jin mumbled, already half-asleep.
"Got it. Sleep now." What a stubborn man. He could barely keep his eyes open yet he still resisted.
"Is he asleep?" Moya asked, airing out the house under the bright sun. He’d taken all the blankets and pillows outside to warm, ensuring a cozy night.
"Fought it tooth and nail, but he’s out now." Xiya adjusted his hold on Lei Jin, accepting the blanket Moya handed him. Despite the sunshine, spring breezes carried a chill.
"I saw him dozing earlier when I took down the curtains. Mingya startled him awake, but he played with Grapes for a while after." Moya smoothed Lei Jin’s hair—soft and silky despite using the same soapberry powder as everyone else. It now brushed his nape, though Lei Jin kept complaining it was "girly long" and needed cutting.
"Seeing him sleep so peacefully beside us feels like a dream. When we first met, he was so wary—we had to tiptoe around him." They’d weathered so much to reach this point. Now, all they wanted was to protect this man for the rest of their lives, watching him live freely and boldly.
It had been Lei Jin’s idea to raid the Bear Tribe. Since returning, they had also heard he’d led the tribe’s females in solving food shortages, earning even the werebeasts’ respect. Thanks to him, the three brothers were now envied by all.
Lei Jin always seemed to brim with energy, inspiring trust effortlessly.
Moya carried the washed curtains to the stream for rinsing—they’d be reused next winter. Mingya, with Grapes strapped to his back, frolicked across the grasslands, eliciting peals of laughter from the baby. A crow and a fox scampered beside them—a bizarre trio.
Watching Lei Jin sleep so soundly, Xiya felt drowsy himself.
That morning, while escorting An Bu home, the chief had mused, "If Lei Jin were a werebeast, he’d make a fine chief."
The comment startled Xiya. An Bu had been staying with them the past few days—though he’d sworn them to secrecy, his injury was from saving An Sen. Given that, caring for him was only right. Fortunately, the wound wasn’t severe and had nearly healed.
But An Bu was in his prime. Why talk of stepping down?
Long ago, chiefs were decided through combat. Strength was essential—the chief led hunts, and food was the tribe’s lifeline. But brute force alone wasn’t enough anymore. The chief needed the people’s trust.
If that’s the case, Xiya thought proudly, our clever, capable mate—aside from his slight lack of stamina—would be perfect.
Unable to resist, he pressed a light kiss to Lei Jin’s slightly parted lips.
As the weather warmed, snowmelt seeped into the earth, reviving the grasslands. The streams swelled, and Lei Jin, clad in lighter furs, felt invigorated. He splashed icy water on his face by the stream, relishing the chill. New shoots sprouted among the reeds.
The tribe’s fields had been allocated. Their plot, conveniently near the river, would simplify irrigation. The werebeasts were busy clearing new land for expanded cultivation next year. With proper care, the wheat should tide them over the next spring shortage.
But Lei Jin wanted a separate plot for corn and rice. If those failed, vegetables would suffice. A winter of nothing but meat, potatoes, and pickles had been brutal. At least they’d had tofu.
Never one to stay still for long, Lei Jin enlisted the family’s help to clear a patch east of their house. His first attempt at planting ended in disaster—he’d sown polished rice, which promptly rotted.
Roger explained: only unhusked rice from the stalk would grow. With no rice nearby and the Tiger Tribe too far for a month-long trip, they’d have to wait for the annual trade gathering. Jing Ping’s tribe might bring some.
"Caw! First time seeing someone plant white rice? So stupid, so stupid!" A crow landed on Lei Jin’s shoulder, flapping for attention.
"None of your business, coal-black menace. Where’ve you been all winter?" Being mocked by a bird—what was the world coming to?
"Caw caw caw! Too cold! Stayed in my nest. Not like you’d share your bed!" The crow cocked its head, studying Lei Jin. It had missed this human.
"Try it, and I’ll roast you." Lei Jin paused. "Wait—why can I understand you?"
"Caw caw caw! Probably from eating Mingya’s—"
Damn! Lei Jin barely stifled a curse. Since when do birds know about that?
"Eat more, eat more! Then we can chat some more." The crow had missed so much drama this winter. Curse its cold intolerance!
"Chat about what?" Lei Jin gritted out.
"Caw! Like who makes you feel best, who’s the most—"
Lei Jin lunged, grabbing its wings.
"Caw—Help! Abuse! Poor innocent bird—"
"Lei Jin, what are you doing?" Mingya limped out, puzzled. Due to his injury, he didn't need to work the field.
"Bonding." Lei Jin deadpanned, releasing the now-balding crow.
"Caw! Lies, lies!" It nuzzled Mingya indignantly.
Lei Jin shot it a look.
"Caw! Fine, fine." The crow wilted. I'm so pitiful, so weak, so helpless.
Satisfied, Lei Jin realized—this was the perfect messenger. If Jing Ping brought rice seeds this year, they might still plant. After much "persuasion" (read: feather-plucking), the crow departed for the Tiger Tribe with a knotted cord around its neck.
"Lei Jin, let Mingya do it once? Please? Mingya’s been good." Mingya clung to Lei Jin’s neck, pouting.
"Just once?" He held up a finger.
Lei Jin bit the offending digit, then turned away, stripping to lean against the wardrobe. Legs slightly parted, he crooked a finger. "Hurry." Before Xiya and Moya returned to demand their turns.
Mingya tore off his clothes and pounced, his eagerness sending a thrill through Lei Jin.
Mingya started with Lei Jin’s chest, lavishing attention on his nipples before sliding down to take him into his mouth.
Lei Jin arched with a moan, tangling his hands in Mingya’s hair.
"Cough—" Without warning, Lei Jin soon came and Mingya swallowed hastily, choking.
"Go rinse." Lei Jin slumped against the wardrobe.
"Mingya likes it."
Before Lei Jin could retort, Mingya hoisted his legs and sheathed himself in one thrust. Lei Jin’s gasp dissolved into ragged breaths as Mingya set a relentless pace.
The emptiness inside him was satisfied, Mingya's heated member rubbed and penetrated into his passage little by little. Lei Jin frowned at first, then slowly relaxed his brows, his legs hanging in the air, his body rocking violently with Mingya.
"Bastard, you... Mingya... ah..." Lei Jin shouted, but was immediately interrupted by Mingya's unexpected thrust. When he came in from behind for the second time, he had changed into beast form. That inhuman size could be fatal.
"Moya, do you think our little brother is really dumb or just pretending to be dumb?" Xiya heard the noise before he even entered the house.
Moya’s answer was to open the door directly.
Lei Jin did not have an easy time that night. Even though they said they tried to restrain themselves, Lei Jin was still pressed down by them as they took turns using their beast form. His hole was filled up so much that it was impossible to tell whose semen came out in the end. The most hateful thing was that none of the three of them helped him clean it, and he just slept with it inside all night. When he woke up the next day, his lower half was really sticky.
Chunji had said beast form only increased chances of conception—it wasn’t guaranteed. Given the tribe’s low birth rates, pregnancy should be rare.
There’s no way I’m that unlucky. One time? Impossible.
Not that he was opposed anymore, but life was easier without.
Probably not. Probably not. Lei Jin rubbed his belly, repeating it like a mantra.
Not that wishing would change anything.