Exton

Ike starts choking. Ob glares at her then cautiously moves his hand closer for the panther to sniff.

"Oui, I have an... Let's say Chats and I come to understandings."

Ike tries hard to stop laughing only to choke harder on her water. "My sister..." He slaps her on the back and she glares at him. "The family Cat, in so many ways."

Ike mutters "hound" at him but gives him a wicked grin. He ignores her and watches the panther sniff tentatively.

"Does she have a problem with canines? My stone shape is canine." Stoney watches in fascination as the cat sniffs again as if trying to place him. "She is beautiful, mon chaton, no?"

His free arm slides around the back of Alise's chair, and he glances at the door. He tries hard to squash the feeling of foreboding, forcing it back so Alise doesn't read it as clearly as his love for her. Ob is right. He needs to learn to guard his thoughts. Stoney forces his eyes back to the panther stalking around Raina's arm. His eyes meet Raina's and he knows she caught him watching the door.

Leaning over, he kisses the top of Alise' head, nuzzling her hair. Stoney breathes her scent deep, whispering *"Je t'aime, mon chaton".