Page 6 of Loaned to the Leonid Knight

“But... But not theappearance? There will be no unusual characteristics that are noticeably human?”

Marcus flexed his digits, claws sheathing and sinking back into his paws. Hadn’t this fool read the information provided? “Size, fur density, and coloring seem to be the only differences.”

“How drastically different is the coloring?”

“The mother’s skin tone seems to slightly impact the cub’s fur coloration. You’ve met my wife.”

Farhet gave a tight nod.

Marcus held out his tablet and swiped to the starting screen, where two infant cubs were cradled in his arms. “You can see they have a lighter tinge to their fur. Almost blonde instead of golden.”

“That’s very attractive—especially on a female. Yes, I think it would even be striking on a male.”

“Indeed,” Marcus replied drily. “Miss Cordovair’s skin is more of a light tan. I think it would complement your shade nicely.”

Farhet clapped his paws together suddenly, nodding his head with vigor as if he had just made up his mind. “Right. I wish to meet her.”

“I’ll take you to your quarters on C Deck. She’s asked you to meet her in the lounge on C Deck. If the initial meeting in a public setting goes well, I’m sure you’ll be able to schedulea private meeting tonight to talk, get to know one another, perhaps have a quiet dinner to discuss your hobbies and what your—”

“Yes, yes, I’ll meet her in the lounge today, and in two days, once the shot has been administered, I’ll see her privately. Thank you, Dr. Marcus.”

“You’re quite welcome.” Marcus gave him a stiff nod and directed him towards C Deck once they reached the elevator. He knew that he’d been “dismissed” by the rich Leonid.What a cub this one is! Acting all high and mighty, as if his credits will make him a better father or secure him a cub faster. I won’t be surprised if Sasha sends him packing. I wouldn’t get into bed with him, that’s for certain.

Miss Cordovair has a better, kinder nature than I have, perhaps.

Well. Heishandsome. Maybe he grovels in private...

Chapter Three

Sasha walked into the lounge, a nervous smile on her face. “Hello, Farhet. It’s so nice to meet you!”

“Hello, Miss Cordovair. Sasha. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. Did you have a pleasant journey from the Milky Way Intergalactic Port?”

“It was very smooth. Thank you for meeting the ship.”

“I had no choice. They won’t do this sort of thing at Bastet Mercy for another year or two, or so I’m told, and I certainly didn’t want to waste the cycles it would take going all the way out to Lynx-Nineteen. Dr. Marcus tells me the only other doctor he would trust to do this procedure is out on that backwater mining planet. I’m sure the doctor went to a Lynxian medical academy, too.”

Sasha felt herself swept away in a tide of words, but it wasn’t a pleasant sensation. Though his tone had started out cordial enough, it had rapidly turned bitter. Condescending?

She shrugged, smile still in place. She didn’t know him. Didn’t know Felids at all, really. A few days of interacting with Felids and Canids who had lived with humans for cycles or years would be different from meeting a Leonid who had never met a human.

But he’s not putting down humans. He’s putting down other Felids and their homes.

Kaylee hinted at that, didn’t she?“I’ve never been to the Lynxian System. Or any of the Felid systems. I’d love to hear about Leonid-One,” she said, and it was true.

Farhet lit up. “I’m from the Imazi Hills district. The finest district on Leonid-One, if you ask me. It happens to be one of theearliest settlements on Leonid-One, you know. My father’s Pride is one of the oldest, you see, and so we have extensive property within the district. It was my great-grandfather who was first elected to a position on the Leonid Intersystem Council—”

Sasha nodded along as Farhet poured out endless details about his family’s wealth, power, and political prowess. It was good to see him relax, and even though he was clearly living up to the “pompous” description and was boring the pants off of her, Sasha began to relax, too. Her child would clearly have the finest things in life, and Farhet’s vast wealth meant he wouldn’t quibble about any extra credits she might earn for additional cycles needed or the twin bonus.

Skyla, who had been sitting in a distant corner, caught her eye and gave her a quizzical look.

Sasha gave her a hesitant smile and nodded.

“Excuse me. I have some files to send planet-side,” Kaylee murmured and exited.

Farhet gave a dismissive nod and kept talking away, his face animated and excited as he described how he was expanding his business.

Sasha moved closer to him as he sat on the edge of the dark couch, paws waving, preening his mane as he talked, his wide, tawny muzzle in the air. She reached down to grab one of the mini cloud cakes that Kamau had placed on the low table at the beginning of their meeting. “Are you hungry after your shuttle journey?” she asked, holding out the plate.