Page 85 of Plaidypus

“I don’t know, but it sounded like a good idea at the time. I’m hungry, and when I get hungry, I also get a little stupid.”

“You’re not stupid, you’re just temporarily thinking impaired,” my mother replied with a grin, giving me another kiss before bouncing off. “Don’t let them wander off. And don’t you even get me started about those snakes, you.”

My father sighed. “I was hungry, and it was hissing at me, and when in a snake-eat-pony world, I would eat the snake before it ate me.”

Poor Dad. “He’s right, Mom. Otherwise, the pony wouldn’t have won, and you would have been sad if the pony hadn’t won. He was doing good deeds in unconventional ways.”

“I’ll allow it this once.” Her glare implied he’d continue to pay for his sins.

I waited for her to leave before saying, “Sorry, Dad. I tried.”

“She’s upset because I didn’t fight your Leonard. I saw no need to put him through additional stress when it was clear he’d made a mad dash across Australia to rescue you. Except, I hear, you were just romping around the country having yourself a grand time.”

“I’m an opportunist, and I had an opportunity to have a grand time, so I did. Did you see the fish I caught?”

“I have. They’re quite impressive. Lucifer explained how he had lured the one to your hook, so the first one you caught could have a suitor and help preserve the species.”

“When I’m not hungry, I do like catch and release programs. Except for Icy. She’s mine.”

“I was under that impression, as she checked on you several times once you were actually sleeping.”

Busted. As there was no talking my way out of it, I pointed at Leonard. “He was wearing plaid. You can’t blame me.”

“Why would I want to blame you? You’re an adult, and if you want a wolf who wears plaid, you’re getting a wolf who wears plaid. Now, if you want some sport, have him shift to be a wolf, set him loose in the woods, and hunt him on your Icy. Tag him with a marker of some sort to showcase your skills, and then take him home and do whatever you want with him.”

“You have such great ideas, Dad. Leonard?”

“I’m game, but only if I get a turn hunting you.” Leonard’s sly smile promised nice things for when he took me home and did whatever he wanted with me. “Your wolf has a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to teaching her.”

My animals, who’d been loved into submission, stirred at his offer, and their interest in being taught amused me. “Don’t forget the platypus. She has an equal say.”

“Oh, I’m aware. But I’m confident in my belief I have her wrapped around my finger already. You said it yourself, Lady Plaidypus.”

We were busted, and I didn’t even mind being called out. “In this case, even when I lose, I’ve won, so I don’t mind.”

“That’s as close as she gets to flirting, so good luck, Leonard. I’ll go help your mother with the food. No running off until after you’ve eaten. And I don’t care what Lucifer says, if you don’t want to watch the news, don’t. All you need to know is that justice was served this day, and mercy was granted to those who needed it. As for the other consequences of your actions, well, time will tell.”

That it would. Until it did, I would embrace everything life had to offer.

No longer would I come in second place, and I meant to make the most of the opportunity.