Page 132 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
She drew a blank. “I’ve been nominated for something?”
He hummed a coy affirmative. “Spokeswife.”
FIFTY
Glimmer
Hanoo said, “Let’s try this again.”
Tenma had all but forgotten his fear. Either this whole taming thing worked fast, or Lapis was acting as some kind of counteragent. A wave of calm settled around him, and he could tell Hanoo was the source. Cocky. Carefree. Then came a gentle shower of golden happiness. Tenma smiled and reached for Ploom’s hand, which rested on his shoulder.
Ploom had gotten closer, but not physically. Tenma could discern him as an individual—steady, loyal, and loving. He treasured his parents, his packmates, but especially Yoota. It was as if he and Ploom were two parts of the same person.
What had it been like for these wolves, leaving behind their packmates and crossing an ocean, only to be divided further? Had it been hard for Ploom and Yoota to be in different triads? Such courage.
Tenma’s gratitude welled up, and Ploom uttered a low sound. Then he reallydidget closer.
“You guys ever meet Ever?” Tenma asked.
“Quen’s kid brother? Nope,” said Hanoo. “Haven’t had the privilege.”
“Fair warning. He likes to ‘sniffen’ people.”
“Same.” Ploom sighed contentedly against the nape of Tenma’s neck.
He was curious what his classmate was looking for. “Can you smell fear?”
“Not at the moment,” said Ploom, whose mood set off another golden cascade. “You’re doing great.”
Could wolves catch the scent of a soul in the same way he could detect colors and feelings? If so, he hoped these wolves found his presence pleasant.
Fear had faded, and weariness dragged at his senses. Tenma felt safe and warm and liked. Maybe even a little bit needed. A small, insignificant part … but still a part. Turning his thoughts further inward, the next time Tenma felt Ploom’s surge of happiness, he responded with gratitude and affection.
Ploom made another soft noise.
Surprise?
Tenma could tell he’d startled his friend, and he could feel an accompanying uncertainty. Not wanting to worry him, Tenma searched for a better way to express himself to the kindhearted wolf. But his thoughts were drifting now.
Fingers drummed on his chest. Lapis inquired, “What was that, unsealed boy?”
Tenma stirred enough to mumble, “What?”
“Are you conscious of what you just did?”
“Sorry, I was mostly asleep.”
The dragon asked, “May I?”
“Huh?”
“My turn, little glimmer,” said Lapis. “I want you to show me what you showed Ploom.”
Tenma asked, “Is that safe?”
“Are you threatening me?”
He fumbled until he located one of the heavy stone bracelets around the dragon’s wrist. I thought these were to keep reavers at a safe distance.”
