Idiot.

She couldn't belie--no, yes she could, as he'd done the same thing in one of her memories. It was obviously a hardwired response.

He kept whooping and kept swinging her up and down, until she'd abruptly had enough. She opened her mouth, and let the hat fall--then twisted free of his hold to shoot up and headbutt him right in his forehead.

She landed on the ground next to him, smoothing her ruffled fur as her golden eyes narrowed in irritation.

"Idiot," she said, her voice acidic. "I'm not a toy."