"It's not about what Jaenelle says, and you know it. Either you are, or you aren't." There were some things Rainier wouldn't back down from. "She doesn't command that you give her your heart, she simply waits for you to offer it, freely. Because she knows how much more powerful that bond is. And once you do, it doesn't matter if you are sitting, standing, or walking on four legs when you do."

He didn't have to see Surreal's eyes, to feel the heat from them.

"If none of that matters to her, how could it possibly mean something to me."

There was another sip of wine, and a breath.

"Did the lady just imply I have an attitude?"