There were different ways to shift and different meanings to them. Jack went back into the house and was happy when the doors shut, leaving the heat on the other side. There was so much energy in that tiny animal. He rolled onto his back, taking turns on each side to scratch against the hard, dusty ground. His furry belly heaved heavily as his eyes closed. He watched Rhys bound and play and then lay down to sun bathe. Jack braced as Rhys lept from him into the hot and dry backyard. “At least you aren’t afraid of me.” He watched Rhys sniff the air and look longingly into the room. “Well,” Jack grunted, resting his head in his hand, his elbow digging into the hard ground. Rhys lay on Jack’s back, sniffing the enclosure. Rhys ran and then jumped on top of Jack, knocking him to the ground again. Heat blasted around Jack and he bit back a few choice words. When there was no response, Jack stood in front of the door, to set the motion sensors off and open the doors. “Come and play, there’s a nice savanna for you…” “Rhysie, kitten?” he said to the space around him.

The room around him turned from cold and wintery into a dry, arid desert in no time. He entered the climate that was right for Rhys and then hit enter. He went to the computer next to the doors and booted it up. He had two of them, on either side to the living room. It was enclosed and made specifically for Jack’s animal side, but for now, it was going to be for Rhys. And when Rhys was comfortable, Rhys would be more relaxed and willing to meet Jack.

He turned it up to- what did he say he was used to? Sixty? That was a little too warm for Jack, but he would survive. He liked it cold in here, but Rhys would freeze if it stayed this cold. The elevators opened and he made his way to the thermostat. He’d spent the last few hours researching servals and watching videos. Jack returned to the penthouse, now armed with knowledge.

Wild thing you make my heart sing remix