this desert rose has thorns

Rava couldn’t relax, she could never relax really. Life in the desert demanded that she always be alert, she slept with one eye open and her muscles were forever tensed. The man seemed to realize without much vocalization, his current power over her. The star spangled she wolf was at his mercy even if he had not laid a paw upon her. Her glittering gaze lingered on his sharp eyes as his expression changed. Rava bent at her joints as he rolled to his paws, but otherwise she remained still as she watched him warily.

His slow movement built her trust in him, however insignificant, she could allow herself to drink as he made himself comfortable and purposefully positioned himself so she might feel safe enough to quench her thirst. Like she was an open book his motions were made to put her at ease. Rava’s mind continued to work in overdrive, trying to comprehend his motives.

At the least she knew she could skitter out of his reach if he was about to try something funny, but she barely hesitated in lowering her lips to the fresh clear water her body needed. Rava didn’t take her silvery eyes from him, but there was much less suspicion than there had been. She wasn’t sure if kind would be the correct word to describe him, but his perception was highest tier. He’d been around the block a time or two and that fact alone would lead her to be cautious around him despite every other instinct screaming to stay away.