“What is that?”
“Cats of any size like the sun. They like to lie around in the sun and sunbathe.” Hugh smirked. “Once a month or so, we have a party where the whole pride comes out and lazes around in the sun. Hence, a sunbathing party.”
“Don’t you worry about people seeing you?”
Hugh shook his head. “We’re far enough back from the road that people don’t see us. We also tend to stick to the back of the house that faces the forest.”
“And you all just shift and bake?”
Boone burst out laughing.
Even Hugh smiled. “It’s good for the pride to bond and for the cubs to experience being in the pride. It creates stronger bonds.”
“Our father never allowed us to spend time with the others in our pride when we were growing up unless punishments were being administered. He felt the ruling family was above mingling with common folk.”
“Well, that’s stupid,” Jackie snapped out. “Even I know a family needs to spend time together in order to stay close.”
Hugh’s smile grew. “Exactly.”
“I’m sorry your father died, but I’m glad I’ll never have to meet him. He sounds like he was not a nice person.”
Just that fast, Boone saw the smile fall from Hugh’s face. “He wasn’t.”
“Come on,” Boone said to change the direction the conversation was headed. “Let’s go inside so I can introduce you to my mother.”
Jackie shuddered. “I think I’d rather meet Neumus’s lion.”
