Two Rivers Isle This sounds like the perfect opportunity for cannibalistic measures to be taken

Burke let out a huff when Malice used that stupid nickname. "Don't you dare," he puffed out at her. He watched how the female dipped her front down. Burke watched how playful Malice was. He dipped through his front legs too, which went rather well this time. He was far more relaxed. The male jumped to the side before jumping towards her and tackling her down.

Burke didn't intent to hurt her hence why his jump towards her was very playful. He was also not going to defend himself that perfectly because he saw this rather as a game instead of a true fight. Burke rather liked this playful mood and playing with Malice. He liked being with her because he could be himself. Yes, he was a grumpy old man and yes, he could be sweet. Malice liked all of that. She could deal with all of that.

She was the one that could also stop his grumpiness or rude comments. He wasn't sure what that power was that she had over him but there she was. Hell, she could even start this whole playful session in the middle of the night.