Nicole’s scream and a feral snarl rent the air as Michael wrestled with the writhing beast, its teeth and claws tearing through his garments and his flesh. In seconds, his hands sought and found the animal’s neck, and with one sharp, powerful twist he both felt and heard its spine snap, then silence as the creature dropped to the snow at his feet. It lay unmoving, mouth partly open, fangs protruding, all long legs and sharp claws, its ocher fur a stark contrast against the white snow.Nicole stared mutely at the dead beast, as if too stunned and horrified for words.Michael embraced her, relieved to see that she hadn’t suffered a scratch. “It must have been hiding behind the rock, watching us.”“Is it a mountain lion?”“A female. They’re stealthy. The consummate predator. It was flying straight for your neck. One more second, one bite, and you would have been dead.”“Oh my God. Thank you,” she whispered vehemently, hugging him tightly and kissing his cheek. She seemed to be about to say more when she tensed suddenly, as if in response to something over his shoulder.
