The stranger's mouth opened and closed like a landed fish.
Twenty years of casual prejudice warred against Noah's pressure and his friend's glaring disappointment.
"I-I... I apologize."
The words came out strained, directed toward the floor rather than his intended recipients.
Noah wasn't satisfied. He turned toward his employees, voice gentling considerably.
"Do you forgive him?"
Alissa nodded quietly, her natural grace preventing any scene.
Grix bobbed his head eagerly, desperate to avoid conflict. Kip glared at the stranger until his sister's elbow found his side.
He glared at him one more time before reluctantly nodding.
'Good enough.'
The shop's atmosphere remained thick with tension, but crisis had been averted.
Noah's message was clear: his employees deserved respect, regardless of species.
'Anyone who can't handle that can shop elsewhere.'
Woodrow stepped forward, relieved that the situation had de-escalated.
