After drinking water and resting for a short while, Mom and Dad continued moving with the three cubs.
James finally understood how large their territory really was.
Across such a vast area, they had several backup dens scattered around. These places were used when they needed shelter during travel or when danger appeared.
Most of these dens were chosen by Mom while she was pregnant. They were usually located near riverbanks, inside hollow logs, or in gaps beneath large tree roots.
Saber-toothed tigers rarely dug their own dens. Instead, they preferred to take over abandoned burrows made by other animals and modify them slightly.
Because the three cubs were still young and had limited stamina, the journey was slow. Mom and Dad stopped frequently along the way.
By the time evening arrived, the family finally reached a new den.
It was another rocky cave with a narrow entrance. Even Mom and Dad had to squeeze through sideways to get inside.
But once past the entrance, the interior opened into a wide chamber.
The space was large enough that the entire family could lie down comfortably.
James collapsed onto the ground the moment they arrived.
I'm exhausted.
The long journey had drained every bit of energy from his body. He stretched out on the ground and immediately wanted to sleep.
Zack and Zoe were no better. Their limbs felt weak from the long walk, and they quickly curled up beside him.
The three cubs pressed close together and fell asleep almost instantly.
Soft breathing soon filled the cave.
What they didn't know was that after they drifted off, Mom and Dad stayed awake for a while.
They walked around the cave entrance, carefully checking the surroundings.
Then they quietly left.
They needed to hunt.
The long journey had drained their strength, and they hadn't eaten all day. Hunger pushed them to leave again despite the fatigue.
For predators, hunger often wins against sleep.
So after settling the cubs inside the den, they went out to search for food.
James didn't know how long he had slept.
When he woke up, the cave was completely dark.
The first thing he felt was hunger.
A sharp, empty ache twisted in his stomach.
I'm starving…
He lifted his head and looked around.
Mom and Dad were gone.
That meant they had probably gone hunting.
Dusk and nighttime were their usual hunting hours.
James slowly stretched his body and crawled toward the cave entrance.
Outside, night had already fallen.
The forest beyond the entrance was completely black.
He hesitated.
Going outside alone at night was too dangerous.
Forget it… I'll just wait.
With no better option, he returned deeper into the cave and tried to ignore the hunger while waiting for Mom and Dad to return.
Half an hour passed.
They still hadn't come back.
Soon Zack and Zoe also woke up.
Both of them were hungry as well and began making small whining sounds while looking toward the cave entrance.
Then— Grrr…
A loud stomach growl echoed inside the cave.
Zack froze.
He slowly looked down at his own belly with a confused expression.
Huh? Why is my stomach making noise?
Watching his reaction, James couldn't help but chuckle.
You idiot
Nearby, Zoe was licking her fur calmly.
But suddenly her stomach growled as well.
She stopped grooming and blinked in surprise.
She looked at Zack's stomach.
Then at her own.
Her eyes filled with curiosity.
My stomach can make sounds too…
James stared at both of them.
These two…
A moment later— Grrr…
Another stomach growl echoed in the cave.
This time it came from him.
Zack and Zoe both turned to stare at him at the same time.
James froze for a second.
"…That's a normal "
He lowered his head and pretended nothing had happened.
Great… now everyone's hungry.
Just as the awkward silence settled in the cave—
A faint rustling sound came from the entrance.
James instantly became alert.
His body stiffened.
Wait…
Did some predator find our new den already?
His ears tilted forward as he stared toward the entrance.
A small shadow slowly appeared.
Then a tiny animal stepped into the cave.
James blinked.
"…A rabbit?"
The gray-furred cottontail rabbit hopped cautiously inside.
It had probably found the cave earlier and thought it was empty.
Now it had walked straight into the home of three saber-toothed tiger cubs.
Zack and Zoe also noticed the unexpected visitor.
Both of them stared at the rabbit with wide eyes.
The rabbit froze as well.
For a moment, three tiger cubs and one rabbit simply stared at each other.
The cave became strangely quiet.
Then—
Zack moved first.
He kicked off the ground and leaped toward the rabbit.
But instead of panicking, the rabbit reacted instantly.
It turned sideways and kicked backward with both hind legs.
Thump!
The powerful kick struck Zack directly.
He flipped across the ground and rolled several times before stopping.
Zack lay there stunned.
What just happened?
James stared in disbelief.
A rabbit just knocked him over.
The rabbit let out a sharp squeak as if mocking the defeated cub.
James narrowed his eyes.
Seriously? My Stupid brother got beaten up by a rabbit , How embarrassing!
His claws slowly slid out of his paws.
Alright…Now I'm definitely catching you.