He perched on the windowsill again, away from her, so she wouldn't feel threatened.
She crept forward and dropped the bar into place. "Are you happy now?"
He bobbed his head up and down.
She chuckled, and her expression softened. "You're pretty smart… for a bird."
Ha. 'Tis nay amusing. He shook himself, fluffing his feathers.
"Have I ruffled your feathers now?"
Amused, he lowered his head, then made his feathers sleek again.
Wary, she watched him. "Can I pet you?"
He bobbed his head in a nod, unable to believe she wanted to touch him.
"Don't bite me."
He moved his head side to side, his best attempt at a negative shake of the head. He feared humans with his animal instincts, even though he was one inside. But he knew Dani wouldn't hurt him.
She approached with caution, her hand outstretched. He turned his sharp-hooked beak away from her. With gentle fingertips, she stroked the broad feathers of his wing. Then, her palm smoothed over his back, comforting him. Every day in bird form was lonely, but Dani could change that. He hated the weakness, the vulnerability. Hated being under a witch's control.
"If I had one of those gauntlet things, I could carry you around. Although you do look pretty heavy."
Och! I'm a vicious predator. And I will nay have my wife carrying me around like a lapdog or a wee bairn.
A knock sounded at the door, and Dani jumped.
Gavin gave a screech of warning.
Dani stuck a finger in her ear. "Ow, you're loud. Who is it?" she called.
"Ewan."
She moved toward the door.
Nay!Gavin jumped to the floor and grasped the back of her skirt in his beak.
Halting, she twisted. "What are you doing? It's only Ewan."
Gavin shook his head and tugged at her skirt.
She frowned. "You don't want me to open the door?"
He repeated the negative gesture.
"I'm busy," she called out to Ewan.
A ruckus sounded in the hall, and someone tried to open the door. "'Tis locked. You have the key. Open it!"
"'Tis barred from inside, Alpin. A key won't help!" Ewan yelled.
"Open the door, lass, or I'll kill Finch!" Alpin commanded.
Chapter 17
Dani's mouth dropped open, and she looked to Gavin. "He's going to kill Finch?" she whispered in a panic.
