Sam reached out to touch her. He was hesitant, as though undecided whether to stroke her like a furry pet, pat her like a little sister, or just lay a reassuring hand on her. In the end, he tried a little of all three. Most likely he meant to be affectionate, but he rumpled her fur the wrong way. Worse, she felt the trembling of his hand and saw the fear in his eyes. He showed some courage, at least. His woman didn’t dare come near enough to touch. God, who was he to call himself family, then act like all the other hateful norms?