Redtail Rise Altay

They didn’t expect his naked honesty, nor the tone of his voice. Masquerade wasn’t oblivious. They sensed an implication in Riley’s words, even if he himself wasn’t aware of it. Judging by the look of wonder in his eye, he probably wasn’t. And maybe Masque was wrong, though their stomach still dipped.

So? they said, shoving at his shoulder. There, I touched you again, and it was no big deal.

They looked down at the dead fox smeared in blood, an idea striking them like a bolt of lightning. Masquerade swallowed and looked up at Riley sharply, a calculating expression now on their ruddy face.

I have a better idea for this. I think you should take it to Redd. Have you ever thought about courting her? She’ll be of age this spring…