Lion Head Mesa postscript: it was a terrible animal always feeding itself

iliksis kept straddled over shivali as shel struggled beneath him -- as soon as he felt he could extricate himself from inside her he did so with a rapid flourish, springing back catlike to his feet. he was not quick enough to avoid the snap of her teeth, and her jaws clicked shut around his cheek with a rip of flesh. it was painful, but he was more worried about what she would do next -- she would no doubt rise to her feet immediately, and the male was quick to back up enough that if she turned to face him, he would be ready.

a deep snarl pressed his throat and he began to walk off, feeling the blood hotly matt against his cheek. he kept an ear fastened behind him, but he boldly made to go uphill. he felt better; a little more satisfied -- and the sickening idea of relmyna and her bastard litter was slow to return to his thoughts.