Winter Born

Simi was beaming as she carried a wide collection of bags. "I gots my last bit of shopping done," she announced proudly. "You should be glad, Dante, your panther-woman don't buy much."

 

"You know you could have spent whatever you wanted," he said to Pandora.

 

"I know, but all I wanted was this."

 

He frowned as she handed him a small wooden box. "What is it?"

 

"Open it and see. I bought it just for you."

 

Dante opened it to find what appeared to be a bell-shaped necklace. "I don't get it," he said.

 

Pandora took the necklace out and placed it around his neck. "This is just in case you ever again have to fight someone else. Next time, I'll know which panther you are and I won't accidentally cut your head off. I plan on living a long, long life with you, Mr. Pontis. And no one, not even you, is going to stop me."