Naturally, Albert could tell exactly why Hayes was reacting this way.
A big cat accustomed to dominance was fiercely possessive of what it considered its own.
Taking advantage of the moment while pulling out the wild fruit, Albert leaned in close to the snow leopard's soft ear and whispered in a low voice, deliberately mischievous:
"Give them the ones that are still unripe. We'll keep the ripe, sweet ones for ourselves. Deal?"
Hayes's ear twitched. He clearly wasn't used to the good-looking human suddenly leaning in so close—the warm breath brushing against his leopard ear made it itch terribly—
But he was, in the end, appeased. With a show of reluctant generosity, he lowered his head in noble concession, making it easier for Albert to reach the pouch.
Charles accepted the wild fruit Albert handed over, his face lighting up with genuine delight.
"Thank you."
"The fruit isn't fully ripe yet," Albert reminded him kindly. "It'll taste better if you let it sit for a few days."
