upset ever again. He hoped she was going to talk to him now.

            "Chipo?" he whispered.

            His mate's eyes opened wide as he stepped out in front of the den. "Ashiki? What is it?"

            "Are you still mad at me?" It was like he was a cub again - wanting the approval of Baki, loving the shelter of Bahati's fur. He needed Chipo to say no, and invite him in.

            He heard Chipo sigh shakily, and from that he knew she was still upset. "I-"

            "It's okay, Chipo. I'll just sleep outside tonight."

            He turned away before she could argue with him. It made Ashiki feel guilty that he had upset his mate, but he needed to have done it. It was for their sake.

            He did not wander far from his family's den. He found a spot in the shade of a large tree, even though it was evening, and therefore there was no sun to block out. As he settled in, Ashiki raised his head to Pride Rock, and smirked.

            "Um, who are you?" a voice called to him.