“Yeah... but still..."

“You're Lucky that you didn't make it out of my territory though," she continued. "As we have not mated I would have lost much of any right to claim you from them."

“How am I even supposed to know where your territory ends anyway?" he questioned.

She blinked, apparently puzzled again. "Isn't it obvious? I wouldn't expect you to recognize all the landmarks I used to initially define my borders, but monster girls constantly emit traces of the demonic energy in their bodies wherever they go. It lingers in the air for some time and I reinforce it on my daily rounds through the forest. Where my energy ends, so does my territory."

“And I should be able to notice this energy?" he asked with raised eyebrow.

“Father can."

“again with your father..." he sighed.

“I'm not him, so I wish you would stop assuming I can do everything he can."

“Fair enough," she stated, “clearly we have much still to learn about each other. Perhaps it takes time for a human to learn to sense such energy..."

“Maybe so, and time we have..." he trailed off.

“Let's head back to the tree house, I'LL prepare dinner as thanks."

“I told you no thanks are nece-"

“Well I'm thanking you anyway," he cut her off. "I haven't exactly had much to thank others for in my Life so I'll take whatever chance I can.

I still don't Like this but that doesn't change the fact you've done me a lot of favors. The least I can do is let you rest your blades."

“Very well," she conceded, starting to walk back beside him, her sore body compelling her to not use her usual acrobatics.

“Just remember to undercook mine if you cook it at all."

Carter shook his head in bewilderment.

“I don't think I'll ever understand how you can prefer the taste of raw meat."

“Nor will I ever comprehend your desire for cooked meat. The warmth is the only thing superior about it."

"Yeah, well, raw meat can make you sick!" he shot back and suddenly felt rather childish.