Micah merely raises an eyebrow at the sudden stillness, reaching a hand up to pet the column of Nathaniel's neck, resting it on his shoulder. "And what was that?"

He wants the leopards happy, and Nathaniel is close to him, and Anita; he's a sweet boy--he knows his real age, but he comes off so much younger, sometimes--and Micah envelops him with strong arms, and purrs at his back, barely loud enough to be heard over the gentle vibration.

"Tell me, Nat. I don't like knowing you're upset."