"I think that a territorial instinct," Re-l said, but more for the sake of an argument than because she disagreed.

The kitten was purring stormily on her shoulder, and she could feel the vibrations deep inside her own chest. Gabriel's hand, stroking the kitten's head was on the edge of her awareness. The sun was heavy and warm, and the air was heavy with the scent of flowers.

"My lack of a name for the kitten is not an invitation for you to start thinking of one," she said, peaceably. "But if you insist, it's going to have to be short and simple. Nothing extravagant."