Wild dog

Chapter 22

It's been over an hour and Kaieke was still attempting to get me to sit. I just lazily blinked at him. At some point Varf left, saying something about his mother and a shuttle. Kaieke looked vaguely worried about Varf's alarmed words and quick retreat. I couldl Kaieke wanted to talk to him, but Varf convinced him to stay and continue with me.

Kaieke sighed heavily though his nose and burried his head in his hands.He was usually a very patient alien, but something seemed to be hanging on his shoulders. I couldn't help but croon in worry at him. He dragged his hands over his face and sent me a small smile.

I stepped closer to him and nudged him with my nose. My instincts were whining at his heavy posture. Kaieke sighed again and ran his fingers through my mane. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the petting.

"I apologise." He spoke softly and I pricked my ears. "I clearly am worrying you, but I have been assigned to do a very important task." I looked up at him, right into his eyes. His palms lightly rubbed my cheeks. The small smile on his lips seemed to turn softer as he studdied my eyes. I didn.t know what caused it, but it helped my instincts to mellow out.

"It baffles me that such a magnificent yet dangerous predator has such a gentle soul." Yeah, I was a typical gentle girl. "I cannot find a name that fits you." His voice was soft and sweet. I flicked my tongue out to lick at his chest.

You idiot. I thought with an mental smile. My name is Annabelle.

Kaieke suddenly stopped rubbing at my cheeks. "...Annabelle."

I could feel my will straining to stop me from having reaction. How? What? When? Huh????

"Annabelle." He said my name more firmly, almost as if he was testing it. "It is a strange name, but" He gazed back deeper into my amber eyes. "it works."

Did I accidently project my mental voice towards him? Well at least I know I can do that and I'll have to avoid doing that. I dont know what they would do to me if they learn that I was in fact much more intelligent than they thought.

"Annabelle." Kaieke said as he let go of my cheeks. "Sit."

This time I did.

The next day in the ring Kaieke told me to sit a few times and "taught" me the gesture for me to follow him. After that he grabbed a short tube from his belt and twisted it. I jumped when it turned into a long bit thin pole.

I perked my ears and growled softly when the alien approached me. He stretched it out and allowed me to inspect it. I nudge it and it rolled in his palm. He held it there for a few second before he asked me to stay still with a low whistle.

I hesitated, but obeyed. I know I can trust him.

He positioned himself a few feet away from my side and lighty put the tip of it on my paw. My gaze zeroed in on it. I couldnt help but knead the earth. Kaieke hummed and I looked at him.

"Calm down. I am just checking your reaction and how much you are willing to tolerate." Ok, I don't know why you're telling me that, but thank you.

He shifted the pole and let it slide up my leg. It tickled, but didn't bother me too much. The tip slowly made it's way up, over my shoulder and down the curve of my back. It paused at the start of my tail and Kaieke walked around to repeat the proses on the other side, going up to down this time.

Kaieke did this a few times, before he stepped away and stood behind me. I turned my neck to look at him and saw that he was standing closer than before and tapped the poled at my back legs. My tail flicked and I reared my head up. He clicked his tongue.

Oh, he wanted me to move.

After the two clicks I did not hesitant to trot away from the pole. My ears pulled back when Kaieke followed me and nudged me to go to the one of the fenses. I reared up in a shot of panic, but Kaieke quickly showed me his palms. He reached out to try and calm me, but I ripped away from his hands and he back away.

Surprisingly, he started talking quietly, with a deep and calming tone. I paused my panicked body and strained my ears onto him. He was talking about what he noticed about my reactions and soon switched to the topic of a book he read the other day.

Only when my breathing settled did he approach me and slowly petted my head.

"I pushed too far. I apologise, Annabelle."

I instantly forgave him when he collapsed the pole and treated me with a Peanana. He opened the gate to the ring and I happily trotted out and down my water bowl before plopping down in the sun.

Kaieke studied me for a second, before he picked up the tablet on his porch table and started typing away.

*insert sneaky smile*