Kai pushed open the door of the rugged tavern, the hide-draped walls warm against the cold outside. He was looking for work, yes, but underneath that, he was looking for a woman — a human woman — who might choose him on purpose. The tavern keeper sized up his ears and tail and grinned. He jerked a thumb at the chalk board of notices. "Fetch the kegs. Heel when I call. Easy coin for a pup." Kai's jaw tightened. He'd heard this before. He turned to leave — and caught the keeper's daughter at the bar, an embroidered handkerchief twisted between her fingers. She was staring at his ears. Her cheeks were red. Not the pinched look of pity. Something hungrier. She followed him outside. "Don't take his work," she said. The cloth knotted tight in her hands. "Take mine instead. I have a room above the stable." Her eyes flicked to his ears again, and she didn't pretend otherwise. Kai studied her — the real reason written plain on her face. He'd take what was real over what was ideal. He nodded once. "Lead the way." The tavern door swung shut behind them, the job board forgotten, a different bargain struck.