Rais had no doubt that, unlike himself, Cali meant every single word she said. His eyes were trained on her every move, watching each muscle beneath her white coat stretch and coil. Having learned from their previous encounter that she was surprisingly spry for her size, he had to depend on good timing rather than speed if he could hope for a successful escape. His weight leaned from paw to paw, waiting for the most opportune moment to make a break for it. He heard her words, her disapproval reaching into him and planting the only feeling close to regret that the careless youth could muster. But now wasn't the time for should-of's and would-of's, and what she said was just distracting him from what was really important, getting the hell out.

With a ferocious snap of her teeth and a threat she began to advance towards him, her center of gravity shifting in preparation for a lunge. He saw his moment and bolted, hoping to dash out of her line of attack and away.

table by bryony