A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 402

"Demi, can we pet the tiger cubs?" Maria asked.

Caitlin's eyes shone with excitement. "I want to hold them."

"I want to kiss them," Vivian added, her gaze glowing just as brightly.

"Sure, but don't carry them too far. Their parents might get worried," Demi replied.

Maria and the others eagerly moved toward the cubs. However, they grew cautious as they got closer and saw the mother tiger.

The three of them carefully observed the mother tiger's expression, inching closer, before gently picking up one of the cubs.

The mother tiger lay on the ground, leisurely licking her paw as though reassuring them, "Don't worry. I won't bite."

"Aw! So cute!" Maria looked excited while hugging the cub.

Caitlin kissed the cub's forehead, her face glowing with joy, and Vivian kissed around the cub's maw.

The three women were utterly smitten.

The three cubs responded to the humans hugging them with playful growls.

"Let us hold them too." A few of the guys couldn't resist and stepped forward.

"Let's let Mrs. Yale hold one first," Maria said as she carefully placed the cub into Wendy's arms.

Wendy cradled the cub like it was a kitten, gently stroking its fur.

Ana stood at a distance, watching. Truth be told, she ached to hold them too. Few women could resist such fluffy creatures, especially when these fluffballs were impossibly cute.

The three cubs circulated among the guests. While the female participants squealed with delight, the men limited themselves to polite pats before passing them along.

"I want to pet them too!"

"I want to say I'm jealous again."

"My maternal instincts are bursting forth!"

Maria, Caitlin, and Vivian continued hugging the cubs even while eating.

"I really wish to raise one of these," Vivian murmured, her eyes sparkling with longing.

"Same. Pity our laws forbid it." Maria sighed while nuzzling a cub's velvety ears.

Vivian asked seriously, "Hypothetically—if I changed citizenship just to own a tiger, would that count as treason?"

"Absolutely!" everyone said in unison.

"You realize how impossible it is to obtain Cartro citizenship, right? And you'd give it up?" someone added incredulously.

George suggested, "If you love tigers that much, why not work at a zoo?"

Vivian shook her head. "Pass. I'd probably get fired."