Gyrfalcon's Keep Kindle my heart

When the cougar swung its head in his direction to fix him with a fierce glower, Viinturuth hunched his powerful shoulders and readied himself what he anticipated would soon follow. As the little she-wolf scurried away, he could barely spare her a glance - taking his eyes off of the mountain lion could have dangerous consequences for him. And so he waited, bristled, unwilling to make the first move, and together wolf and cat continued their staring contest.

But then there was a snarl, and the sandy feline twisted itself with a grace Viin didn't think it to be capable of. Its approach felt drawn-out for him, almost slow motion, as it picked up the pace and padded heavily toward him. The dark brute parted his jaws in a terrifying snarl, lips peeled back to reveal his impressive set of fangs, and as he did so did the big cat stop in its tracks once more. At first he thought proudly that his own display had made the cougar hesitate, but he realised with the turn of its crown that he had not been the cause. Something else had sought its attention.

It was as though, all of a sudden, he did not exist. The mountain lion made to slink away, and Viinturuth rumbled as he began his pursuit. As he neared the cliff edge he spotted the dappled form of the female he'd tried to lure the cat away from and there she stood, stupidly inviting it back to her. Furrowing his brow, Viin used the opportunity to take a running start and, as swiftly and silently as he could, made his leap at the predator's flank as it contemplated a safe passage to its previous victim's level, sending them both rolling down the rocky slope in a snarling ball of black and gold.