Page 38

“Come on, little male, you’re making us look bad. She already thinks I’m a bonehead.”

“Maybe if we try walking off, he’ll have to follow,” she suggested, covering her mile-wide grin.

Aculus nodded, stood and backed away from Tarsus. After a few feet the wireless leash engaged. But rather than getting up and begrudgingly following, Tarsus let himself be dragged along the floor, his limbs trailing limply. The feline’s tail flicked in agitation, his unamused expression perfectly mirroring Aculus’.

“His tail’s moving. I call that a success,” Aculus commented with a straight face.

“Stop. I’m gonna pee,” she started giggling again.

He grinned at her as he picked up Tarsus. “Well, both of you need to hold your water, we’re going on a walk.”

“Sounds good.” She nodded and followed him out the door.

As they walked through the corridors, she admired Aculus carrying the little panther. It was really pretty cute the way he cradled Tarsus while the kitten looked around and sniffed wildly, unsure of his environment. She sighed happily.

“Should we bring him in here?” she asked when they reached the clinic.

“Probably not. I’ll come back in a few moments,” he offered.

“No, I’ll be quick. I’ll see if Mom wants us to bring her dinner or something.” She was having too much fun.

“Then we will wait, and practice walking.” He wiggled Tarsus’ paw at her.

“If you’re good, I’ll scratch your belly.” She rubbed the kitten’s head.

“Me, too?” Aculus asked eagerly.

“Yes, and you, too,” she snickered then headed into the clinic with a shake of her head.

“Hello, sweetheart,” her mom greeted her.

“Hey.”

“Did the toys for Tarsus come out all right?” Carol asked.

Nadzia choked hearing the question, her ass cheeks clenching inadvertently.

“Yeah, thankfully the chew bone came out just fine,” she replied, attempting to keep her expression deadpan and failing miserably.

“That’s good.” Her mother smiled, tilting her head questioningly.

“Sorry,” she sobered. “Tarsus is not fond of the harness. I mean who really wants to be tied up?” She cracked another grin. “The kitten let Aculus drag him across the floor, before the man gave in and picked him up,” she shared, rather than what really had her laughing with embarrassment.

“Cats can be pretty pathetic when you try to walk them for the first time,” Carol chuckled.

“Yes. But I think he’ll like the freedom once he’s used to it. Aculus is actually waiting in the hall with the wildcat. I wanted to see if you needed anything.”

“No, sweetie. You have fun.”

“Okay.” She kissed Carol’s cheek and headed for the door.

“Good luck teaching a new cat some old tricks,” her mother called out.

Nadzia spun with a smile. “You need to leave the dad jokes to Dad.”

“That was funny.” Carol stuck her tongue out. “Get out of here.” She made a shooing motion wearing a smile.

When she got back out in the hallway she froze. Tarsus was climbing up Aculus, his tiny claws digging into the joints of the man’s bony plates to give him leverage.