My Life as a Beast Keeper

---- Chapter 8 Clayton said, "I don't want to hide anything from you. I truly am a lowly, inferior beastkin. I've harmed humans and my own kind. Growing up, I never had normal interactions with people. "I never learned how to care for others. I barely know how to use cutlery. I don't know how gently to touch you so I don't hurt you. When you cried yesterday, I was truly terrified." [recalled last night, when the second time was so much better than the first. Suddenly, I lost control and burst into tears. Clayton froze in panic. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you?

It's my fault for not controlling my strength. You can punish me however you want. Bite me, hit me, starve me... anything. Please don't cry, miss." I vaguely recall him apologizing for a long time. But after Iwas done, I fell asleep without a word last night. That was why the atmosphere felt so heavy when Clayton left the room that morning. He was feeling uneasy. "Tt's okay." I leaned in and kissed his cheek. I cried yesterday because it felt so good.

---- "You didn't hurt me." He gently nuzzled the hollow of my neck, his silvery- white fluffy ears brushing against my cheek, and1 couldn't resist reaching up to rub them. Clayton's breathing grew slightly ragged. He reached out, his calloused fingers tracing the side of my neck. He carefully and meticulously stroked me there, inch by inch. That's where Salem came over to sniff this morning. Clayton probably meant to lick it off, but he couldn't do it with the muzzle on. I smiled at him. "Trying to cover up his scent?" He belatedly realized what he was doing and stiffly withdrew his hand.

"It's fine. I don't mind," I said. "However, I don't get it." I lifted his chin. "If you'd go three days without eating or drinking to avoid selling yourself, why haven't you ever resisted me? Were you resigned to your fate?" He tilted his head back slightly, his gaze avoiding mine and settling on my lips. "Maybe because you're young and pretty." ---- 1 agreed with him. "That's indisputable logic right there." "Maybe it's because you were inexperienced too. And maybe it was because it was my first time kissing someone," he added.

Clayton lifted his gaze and said, "I just want you to know that I may be vile and barbaric, but I'll never hurt you. Ever." "Okay, I believe you. As a reward..." I pushed him down and straddled him. "How about I kiss you again?" I got along well with Clayton. This made me realize why people spent a fortune on beastkin. Being with Salem used to be nothing but trouble. As a show-quality beastkin, he had exceptionally high demands for his living conditions. Thad to exercise with him every day, prepare nutritious meals, and force him to take fish oil.

I also had to help him bathe, groom, and brush his fur. In short, it tooka lot of meticulous care to keep him in perfect condition, only for him to serve Lisa in peak form. But Clayton was different. He was hardy and ruggedly handsome. I simply followed the vet's instructions to supplement his nutrition, and he looked radiant. I felt a bit biased, so I sat Clayton down to give him a hair wash ---- and conditioning. When Salem came in, I was in the bedroom washing Clayton's soapy ears. "Layla!" His eyes immediately reddened.

"That's my special foaming soap!" "I bought a new one for Clayton," I replied as I continued scrubbing. "So you're out already?" "Yes." Lisa stepped out from behind him, glaring at me." Your scheme worked. Are you happy now?" "Nope," I retorted. They got off too easily. "But I'll keep trying my best," I added.