"That tickles. Stop."
Su Yaoyao gently pushed the black panther's head away. The more she looked at it, the more familiar it seemed. 'Why does it look so much like Reg's pet, that little cub, Leopard?'
'But Leopard isn't this big. Still, I need to focus on the task at hand.'
But the large black panther was thrilled to see her. It planted its front paws firmly on Su Yaoyao's shoulders and, no matter how much she pushed, stubbornly refused to get off.
It even stuck out its long tongue, licking wildly at her cheeks and neck.
The warm, wet sensation spread as the sharp barbs on its tongue scraped against her skin, bringing a tingling, unbearable itchiness.
Su Yaoyao couldn't help but giggle, wriggling to get away.
"Okay, good boy. I need to figure out how to soothe Reg."
The black panther quieted at her words but still refused to leave. It lay on top of her with its head against her chest, its round amber eyes gazing up at her pitifully as if begging to be petted.
