through the cellophane at the basket, which was large enough to hold an entire crochet project with room to spare, assuming I installed a nice slick lining to keep the yarn from catching on the reeds. “It looks handwoven, too. This is a nice basket, Sebastian. I will use it for crocheting.”
“That is stunningly practical. You haven’t even checked what is inside the basket, and you’re making plans for the container.”
“Presents are meant to be fully enjoyed, and I’m enjoying the thought of using this for crocheting. I’ll make a nice liner for it, and that will protect my yarn.”
“Do I need to help you open the present? If you stare at the wrapper and the basket itself all day, I will help you open the present.”
“Impatient lion,” I teased.
“After your present comes my present, and I want my present. And if you take too long, I’ll just toss you over my shoulder and carry you to the bedroom so I can have my wicked way with you. If you purr nicely for me, I’ll even help you shower before you adventure at the spa.”
“I sense I’m being trained to purr on command.”
“There are worse things I could train you to be doing,” the lion replied without any hint of shame. “I’m a lion. A selfish, proud, majestic, and egotistical lion, and I need you to purr for me.”
I rolled my eyes. “You are so damned strange, Sebastian.”
“That’s not purring for me or opening your present, Miss Murder Mittens.”
“This should be savored, Mr. Mane. Savored! Presents are rare and must be fully appreciated.”
“Right. Huge family, and that probably boiled down to minimal gift giving at Christmas. I’m an idiot. I’m sorry. Please, take your time, then. I will also make sure you have plenty of presents to unwrap over the holidays. I will have to research every holiday involving the gifting of gifts and use these as excuses to shower you with presents.”
“What about you? You need presents, too.”
“You are the present.”
“You deserve presents, too.”
“I’m sure you will think of something appropriate to give me. Your complete surrender in my bed makes an excellent present, and you can give that to me every night if you wish. And as I am a noble lion, I will make sure to show proper appreciation for any gifts you give me.”
“Aren’t you being too nice?”
“Not at all. It will take time for you to learn the true majesty of a lion. When I’m finished with you, you will know lions are the true top feline, and that for you to be loved by a lion makes you a treasured jewel of the feline world. This raises the place of lynxes to a close and beloved second.”
“Lynxes are so much better than lions. We can purr. All you can do is futilely roar whenever you don’t get your way. All talk, Mr. Mane.” I plucked at the red ribbon keeping the basket closed, peeling away the crinkly cellophane to reveal a stuffed bear, a ridiculous amount of chocolate, a bottle of champagne, two champagne flutes, and a gift-wrapped box that reminded me of a gift box for clothes, except a little taller than normal. I picked it up to discover it was a great deal heavier than a clothing box and chill to the touch. A little sticker informed me practitioner magic preserved the contents of the box, and the magic would last for a period of five years before it needed to be renewed. My eyes widened. “Sebastian, this box keeps things cold!”
“It probably contains a cheese board, weapons to assault your cheese, and cheese. Boxes like that show up at the CDC sometimes, which leads me to believe your uncle was involved. I bet it’s catnip infused cheese, since that’s the only cheese anyone should give to a feline.”
“Catnip infused what?”
“Cheese, usually an old cheddar to make it extra special.”
My mouth watered at the thought of cheese and catnip mixed together. “This must have cost a fortune.” I peeled off the wrapping paper to uncover a polished box crafted of dark wood and engraved with feathers. “This is really pretty.”
Sebastian sat on the couch and patted the cushion beside him. “Sit and enjoy opening your present. They probably went overboard. The presence of two flutes implies they made this arrangement after I stole you away from them.”
“You didn’t steal me, Mr. Mane. I stole you. And I denied them the right to beat you up at their leisure.”