The moment it was dropped, Zacharie descended on the game like some voracious fly, little teeth tugging clumsily at soft fur, trying to find an opening. Not even a thank you. But then—!

EUGH! Zacharie wailed, scrambling backwards as Jaxxon's shaking splattered the tyke with cold water. Inside the den! Pap-aaaa! He complained, in a growl and high-pitched bark brimming with the greatest and most personal offense.

Putain! (Fuck!) A word for being grumpy that he had learned from Dulcie and no amount of encouraging him not to repeat it had stemmed. Non. Mouillé! (Not. Wet!), came the scolding.

Big green eyes glared over a thick-lipped pout. Donne-moi lapin, (Give me rabbit,) he insisted, creeping back toward the pile of tasty smelling meal while watching suspiciously for any additional rainwater assaults.