Primal Fortune

Chapter 4 A Pup to Save

As a werewolf, Ivy had conflicting views on zoos.

On one paw, they served important purposes as far as conservation and educating the public went. On the other paw, her instincts lashed out at the mere idea of a 'cage.' No matter how well maintained they might be, animals deserved to roam wild and free.

"So, I take it you aren't a fan of pandas?" Kenji's brows furrowed in confusion.

Ivy wanted to smack her forehead for spacing during her first date with Kenji. Still, she managed to refrain from indulging in the awkward gesture by sipping on the coffee Kenji bought her. It was filled with two of her favorite things. Sugar and caffeine.

That, and it provided her with the perfect opportunity to stall for time while she searched for a socially acceptable answer to Kenji's inquiry. Everyone loved pandas. The last thing she wanted was to be seen as anti panda on their first date. "Oh, I love pandas. I'm just worried that they might get cold in their exhibits with winter coming on."

It was a lame excuse, but Kenji either bought it or was kind enough to pretend otherwise as the pandas continued doing panda things. Which mostly consisted of eating bamboo and acting adorable.

"Well, they do have fur and these outdoor exhibits are connected to the inside ones. So, if they get cold, they'll just head back inside." He smiled at her, the picture of innocence as he watched the adorable mountains of fur chew on their food. "They're smart like that."

Ivy blamed his outfit. That black hoodie was deceptively casual while those blue jeans flattered his ass in ways that ought to have been illegal.

She couldn't help, but smile at that. "Good to know. Why don't we go check out the wolf exhibit though? Pandas are cute and all, but I'm afraid my tastes have always run a little more on the wild side."

"Oh really? Glad to hear it." His eyes shimmered with a sensual playfulness as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Well, wolves it is."

Ivy shook her head, knowing that the gesture's weight was likely reduced by the smile on her face. "That's not what I meant, pervert. You're lucky that you're cute. That, and you do have amazing taste in coffee. Maybe I'll buy you some cotton candy afterwards. You seem like a cotton candy type. It's only fair since you bought the drinks."

Water for himself and sugary goodness for Ivy. It was a very gallant gesture. After all, the fastest way to a werewolf's heart was through their sweet tooth.

The wolfish grin returned in full force. "I can't deny that charge on the grounds of accuracy. Candy sounds good and all, but it'd still rather know more about your tattoo. It's only fair since I've shown you mine."

"Thank goodness that you decided to use your talents to look after cute animals instead of for evil. How exactly am I supposed to counter such flawless logic?" Ivy tried, but failed to stifle a giggle. "You win. I'll show you my tattoo after you take me home."

The tropical fruit extravaganza resurfaced as Kenji beamed. "Deal. Trust me, you're going to love this pup. Cutest thing that I've ever seen in my life next to you."

While not the suavest pick up line by any means, Ivy still thought it was charming enough to warrant a laugh. That, and she let him take the lead to the wolf exhibit even though her supernatural nose would have found it with ease.

"It's pretty crowded today." Ivy remained vigilant as the two of them bobbed and weaved through the zoo. There were enough people that even with her canine grace, she still struggled not to bump into someone.

"Yeah. People are probably just trying to get in a final visit before winter hits." Kenji nodded in agreement. "I don't blame them. Maine winters can be a bitch to deal with."