"If we're not careful, we're going to lose her," Chaob muttered to Acat when they stopped for a short rest on their way back to the village. Called into the city unexpectedly to take care of some business, they chafed to return to their mate's side. It just about drove him crazy to spend so many nights away from her and he knew Acat felt the same.
"I don't know what else you expect me to do. We've already bent rules because of who she is, rules Father never bent for our mother, such as letting her leave the village and letting her reveal our secret to her sister, a sister I might add who has now left us and is free to tell any and all what she saw and experienced."
"But won't. Her mates will make sure of that."
"Or so we hope."
"What is it you truly fear?" Chaob asked.
"I fear nothing," Acat boldly claimed.
"Liar. You and I both know she's not cut out for a life led exclusively in the jungle."
"Her friends have."