He frowned at that, eyeing the leopard. He wasn't sure whether it had some history of abuse and was concerned, or if he was supposed to offer his protection; he certainly wasn't alphic enough to promise protection to anyone.
But, he was Jean-Claude's pomme-de-sang: if he asked for protection for someone, he had little doubt that Jean-Claude would give it.

And something in those fearful eyes reminded him of far too many people he loved.

"Anyone who tries to hurt you will go through me first. OK?"