They were following. Tracking. The lion's body was beginning to tire, but for the adrenaline and the fear. Except, all of a sudden, the hunter was before him instead of behind, and the great cat skidded to a halt atop a boulder.

Even banked, Michael's words and presence made him flinch, made something in the back of his mind roll with--guiltandgriefandjudgement. He snarled, his ears flattening; his fur bristled, his body quivering with fear and energy, waiting for the slightest opening for escape.