The lion’s head snapped up instantly. With a roar that rattled the glass, he lunged forward, his massive paws slamming against the barrier. Gasps rippled through the crowd, children clinging to parents, but Noah’s eyes never left him.
King prowled the length of the barrier, eyes locked on the tiny creature in the keeper’s arms. His tail lashed, muscles taut, every inch of him screaming to reclaim what he had guarded. But then the puppy whimpered softly and nestled against the keeper’s chest, clearly alive, clearly safe.