Northstar Vale Molars gnashing

He rose, and Shi smiled as if pleased. Just as Clay thought- good cop, bad cop routine. Ordering the boy around one minute and kind the next, just as he was with Reiko, or anyone who he saw as below him, really. The Apaata returned his sentiments, though Takeshi wasn't sure whether he was being honest or not. A good liar, but not so great at reading other people and their intentions. 

The word that the boy had a beloved was a relief- it meant he would keep his paws off of Reiko, or so he hoped. But Shi was curious, and Clay's submissiveness spurred him onward to more questions- Your beloved, is she in another pack? He wondered without judgement, though clearly quite oblivious.