Moonspear Even Doves have pride

Katmai laughed, but there was something gentle in his eyes.

"Then I will be honored and offended both," he told her, pausing in his patrol to look at her more earnestly.

"You can be yourself around me, Kinusi," he said, a promise in his voice. "We are friends, aren't we? And I care for you. I care for you deeply."

He swallowed last the nervousness that rose up in his chest. They weren't talking about his other feelings right now.

"You are chief beside me," he said. "I would like for us to be equals. Partners, even — even if that's all you want. I just hope you can feel as safe with me as you make me feel."