Early the next morning, the blazing sunlight outside woke Hayes from his dreams.
He groggily opened his eyes and discovered that Albert was already lying in his arms.
In the latter half of the night, Hayes had reverted to his snow leopard form after all. For one thing, his body hadn't fully recovered yet, and using his snow leopard body was simply more convenient. For another, he felt that, under such slightly awkward circumstances, facing Albert in human form was not exactly a prudent choice.
Besides, if he were human, it wouldn't be so easy—or so justifiable—for him to hold Albert while sleeping.
And Albert smelled wonderful. Even though Albert had already helped him take care of himself, Hayes still wanted to fall asleep surrounded by Albert's scent.
Of course, the usually aloof and taciturn Commander Hayes would never say something like that in front of Albert. It would completely ruin his image.
