Bearclaw Valley I just slip away and I am gone

down her teeth came, and she tugged and tugged—but to no avail. his bulk is too heavy to do much with. she is just about to let him loose and try another tactic when his rear leg comes out, snakelike. it strikes her right in the solar plexus and she stumbles backward, wheezing—

she can't breathe—

her mouth opens wide, trying trying trying to get some air. after a few seconds that seem like hours, a little release—she takes huge whooping gulps, filling her lungs, gasping—

this isn't like a spar with her mother. this is for real. and if it's for real, then nothing is off the table.

her eyes catch the glint of fangs headed for the other man's neck, and she lurches forward, her jaws looking for weakness, for the barest glimpse of exposed, vulnerable throat.