Not yet

Molly brings you a bowl of the heated up seasoned steak strips and hands it to you, along with a fork. You carefully fork one up and bring it to Mazl's mouth, allowing the mouthwatering aroma to fill her nostrils.

A growl is heard from Mazl's stomach. It's like she hasn't eaten in a very long time. "Here. You can eat if you want to. Or don't. It's up to you. I'm not sure what they were feeding you there at the center, but the difference here is I made this with love." You say as you continue to offer the poor manticore girl a piece of steak.

"Try **** feeding. A nutrient paste at best, and fluids at worst. Food... appals me. I almost feel disgusted. But at the same time, this smells like the most delicious fucking thing I could put in my mouth right now." Mazl replies.

"Itz marinated in my honey! All natural! Producer says it's the best." Molly buzzes.

"Would you like to try it?" You offer and smile at her genuinely. "No pressure, of course. We can try again later if you want." You say.

"I... I'd like that. But for now, I just want to be here with you for a bit. Is that okay?" Mazl replies.

You nod. "Of course. Take your time." You reply as you set the food to the side and don't press the issue.

Mazl drapes a paw over your leg. "You know, at the center... It was feeding time. No exception. Whether I wanted it or not. I felt like an animal. Less than a person. I'm a living being, who not only has intelligence but is also damn smart. Not some damn animal who belongs in a zoo." Mazl shivers. "So... Thank you. Let me hold you here for a bit, then I want you to take care of Molly. I can smell her need from here, and she's being very patient." Mazl says as she grips your leg between two paws. "You can touch my head or paws, if you want."

You take Mazl up on her offer, gently running your fingers through the fur of her large front paws. You caress each digit. "Mazl, can I give it a kiss?" You ask as you slip your fingers up to her paw's tip.

Mazl nods. You lift her paw up to your mouth and give the tip a kiss, before lowering it back to your leg. "That was... Nice. I'm okay now, thank you. Go on, take care of Molly, she's waiting."