Chapter 1

My boyfriend, Norris, liked to say that it was hard for animals to make a living in the human world.

We should pinch pennies where we could and spent only when it counts.

Nice clothes were for going out, he insisted. At home, I should make do with skimpy, threadbare things.

That day, as I tugged at a rabbit dress that was far too short, strange words flickered into existence in the mirror.

[Is the male lead really this broke? He can't even afford a complete outfit? Without ears and a tail, how is this a bunny girl?]

[You must be new here. The male lead is actually loaded. He just doesn't want to spend money on the supporting girl.]

[Am I the only one who thinks the male lead is trash for playing both sides? He gives all his earnings to the heroine while flirting with the supporting girl on the side.]

Watching the comments scroll past, I reached behind me. Sure enough, there was a small, ragged hole at the back of the skirt.

It was clearly meant for a tail. This was too much. Worn-out clothes were one thing, but now they were skimping on fabric as well?

*****

"Norris," I cried out. I was so scared I tried to shift back to my true form, but I was completely immobilized.

But when I saw Norris, I froze for a second. 'Seriously, how is he getting even hotter?'

With those sharp brows and fox-like eyes, Norris was devilishly handsome. He was almost unfairly attractive, with a charm that could get him anything he wanted.

Right now, Norris was sprawled out on the couch, gold-rimmed glasses on, casually flipping through a magazine like he had all the time in the world.

He looked every bit the perfect gentleman, but it was all just for show.

Norris had me wearing threadbare scraps, while he strutted around in a tailored suit like he owned the place.

When he heard me, Norris just gave me a quick glance, then looked right at my face. "Baby, you look so cute in that outfit."

Norris's ears even went a little pink as he said it.

But I wasn't falling for it. I leaned over and smacked the magazine. "If this is supposed to be a bunny dress, then where the heck are the ears and tail?"

Norris took off his glasses and snuggled up, rubbing his head against my neck.

His ears were burning red, and the way he pressed against me made my skin feel hot and ticklish.

'He's a snake demon, but right now he's acting just like a puppy.'

"Because you're already my bunny, baby," Norris teased. "Ears and tails cost way too much. Why don't you just use your real ones for me, huh?"

Norris was pulling his usual puppy-dog act, just like always.

His voice was husky and tempting, almost enough to make me cave, if I hadn't seen those bullet comments.

"No way." I shoved his head off my shoulder, whining like a kid who didn't get dessert.

I said, "Just look at this dress! The top's ripped, the bottom's a mess, and now there's a hole in the back too.

"You seriously expect me to plug it with my own tail? Why not just let me go full bunny and ditch the clothes altogether?"

I covered my eyes with my hand, fake-crying for dramatic effect, hoping he'd cave and buy me a few more cute little dresses.

Before we left the mountains, we'd already formed our mate bond in front of the whole clan.

In human terms, that was basically like being married with all the paperwork done.

'If I can't have both love and cute outfits, I should at least get one of them, right?' I let out a couple of fake sobs.

But Norris didn't react at all. I couldn't help sliding my fingers away and sneaking a look.

Norris was staring at the hole I'd just pointed to, his eyes dark and unreadable, almost shifting into those snake-like slits.

'Wait, is he pissed? Man, the city vibes really do bite. We've only been here a few months and he's already gotten so moody.'

I felt a bit uneasy under Norris's stare.

I was still hesitating about whether to keep pushing for more cute dresses when he beat me to it and spoke first. "Alright, my bad. I'll get you those bunny ears and tail tomorrow."

Norris was blushing from head to toe, his whole "snake" self looking a bit out of sorts.

I wanted to curl up around him and comfort him, just like I used to when we were little and he was still in his snake form.

But then it hit me. We were both human now.

I was half bent over while Norris just sat there. So when I pounced, all I could do was grab his head and hold on tight.

Norris's hot breath washed over my chest, making me shiver all over.

Norris was really losing his cool now. He pulled me away, his face grim and his voice rough, almost growling.

"I'm taking a shower," Norris said gruffly.

Before I could even process it, Norris hurried off to the bathroom.

His back was hunched, his whole posture screaming 'caught off guard and totally flustered.'

The sound of water started up in the bathroom almost right away.

I let my real bunny ears show, and yeah, I could just barely hear his faint, shaky breathing from inside.

Looked like he was actually pretty worked up.