Bearclaw Valley Remember where you came from

the male took one unhurried step after the next, his topline hunched and head lowered. like a panther, he prowled closer -- his quarry the grieving mother ahead.

soon he became noticed; whether by wind or by sound, it mattered not -- for laurel spun around like a cornered cat. a snarl rippled from her lips, dying there in the still air as recognition flooded her hazel gaze.

he stood upright, his head rearing above thin shoulders. the tip of his tail twitched, and a pleasurable smile swirled across his features. "hello, love." the male crooned, seemingly an inanimate shade save for the hostile glint in his eyes..

and then he sprung, desire overcoming him. it was not enough to see fear or hate: he had to feel it course through the summer warmth of her coat, and seep malignantly into her bones.