Normally it was Zevulun’s turn in a conversation with a pretty lady to say something that would astonish her but just now, it was Feray who took him by surprise when she complimented the color of his eyes. Zevulun blinked, feeling warmth radiating inside him from the compliment, and offered a cheeky, slightly shy smile on pink lips. Feray was quick enough to change the subject that he couldn’t further evaluate the point, but the feeling he’d received from what she said lingered heavily in his mind and made his heart ache with want as it pounded a little harder in his chest. It was getting more difficult to work past his desire toward her, especially if he kept thinking of how she’d looked at him a moment ago – bright eyes filled with wonder – but Zevulun was doing his best.
Her excitement to have him for company reignited the thrill he felt at the notion of traveling to Salem. Even his sisters had never been to Salem! Zevulun could imagine returning home to the Bay to tell Maziel all about his adventures in this island they’d only heard stories of. But more than seeing Salem, Zevulun realized he was excited to see it with Feray. Her glee at showing him the places she loved filled him with enough emotion that he couldn’t stand still in place – he shifted his weight and tossed his head, whuffling softly as his tail flicked behind him.
“Yes! I want you to show me everything!” He said, truly meaning it.
Feray was clearly equally moved, for she pulled from the bank and nipped at him. Zevulun’s grin stretched wider as she tugged at a lock of his hair and he pulled forward so he could turn about in a half-circle and sweep up behind her. Once he was close enough he couldn’t resist and reached, playfully running his whiskered lips over her flank. The scent of her filled his nostrils as he breathed in and he nearly grunted, but tucked his head back and settled for a wider smile instead.
|
