Page 34 of Purring, Presents, and Parties

Until he saw her place a hand on Jalin’s arm, halting the human male’s progress. He couldn’t make out exactly what she said, but she was gesturing back inside.

Had she changed her mind? Was she inviting him to rut her instead of going to the celebration?

No!

He thought he could be calm, collected, and logical—he was wrong!

His higher mind shut down and he became a creature of anger and instinct.

“Get away from her!” he roared, sounding a war rattle and charging up the path.

Both humans jumped and turned to face him. Jalin clutched the box, eyes wide with fear. “Healer Kasium?”

He wasn’t a healer anymore, he was the embodiment of rage. “I will rip you apart!”

“Don’t touch him!” Zuri shouted, jumping in front of Jalin.

Ignoring her warning, Kasium continued to advance. Zuri pulled back her hand and threw the bottle she was holding. It hit him full in the face and broke. Cold liquid splashed down his face, neck, and front. The smell of herbs and alcohol filled his nostrils.

Pain blossomed from where the impact had hit across one of his eyes, but that’s not what stopped him. It was the revelation that Zuri felt so threatened she’d decided to violently defend herself.

What kind of monster had he become?

“I—” he started to speak, to apologize and beg forgiveness, when she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms and legs around his neck and torso.

“You were going to kill Jalin,” she whispered.

“Not kill,” he rushed to assure her.

“Well, you weren’t about to hug him,” she retorted, eyes boring into him. “You were jealous.”

He couldn’t do anything else but admit it in a voice so quiet he was surprised there was even sound. “Yes.”

“I’ll get help!” Jalin yelled, backing away.

“We’re fine,” Zuri said without loosening her hold or looking over at Jalin. Her tone was confident and without fear. “You head to the celebration.”

Kasium had gone perfectly still the moment she’d latched onto him. He was scared to hug her back because he might not let go.

“Zuri, are you sure?” Jalin said. “I’ve never seen Kasium like this. Is there a disease that causes Talins to go feral or something?”

“It’s called stupidity,” Zuri answered. “But after this display, I think we might have had a breakthrough.”

Jalin and Zuri’s short exchange made Kasium want to run away and hide with shame. “I will go.”

“No,” Zuri said. “You’re going to stay and talk to me. Really talk to me.”

“I need to say something, then I’ll go,” Jalin said, edging a little closer while keeping a wary eye on him. “Abuse is not romantic.”

“I would never!” Kasium objected at the same time Zuri spoke up.

“This isn’t abuse,” Zuri assured Jalin. “But if he doesn’t listen, I’ll leave, because life's too short to love someone who won’t love you back.”

“Damn right it is,” Jalin agreed. “We’re talking tomorrow, Zuri. No excuses.”

“I promise,” Zuri agreed. With a last nod, Jalin left.

“Let’s go inside,” Zuri suggested, petting the back of his head.

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