she ran with everything she had not bothering to look behind her as she could already feel the presence of the Talonese people. reptilian inrace they could turn into any kind of reptile they could think up. Unfortunately, that was quite a bit. turning around a rocky corner she pounded the ground her bare feet making surprising speed under the sharp stones of the mountain.

Passing a cave she ducks into it hoping not only that they would loose her scent but that she might find a moment's solitude. going to the deepest part of the cave, her gold-green tiger's eyes can see clearly in the dark crevace of the mountain yet she was concentrating on something other than the ground when she tripped over something.

Lifting her head dark auburn wavy curls falling around her shoulders and face and body to the ground she looks to find whatever it was that made her fall. to her surprise, Deep emerald sleepy eyes looked back at her with just as much shock. Rather grumpy having been awoken in such a manner he opens his mouth to scold the girl.

Before he has a chance, three dark shadows move over the entrance and he moves to the girl covering her mouth with his hand moving her back against the stone wall of the cave. as the three enter he sees dark red eyes piercing the darkness and he shudders. He can feel the coldness of the man and smell the cruelness of his nature. murmering some words in a different language he cloaks them to look as part of the stone.

the masses of men came fully into the cave and the gurl's eyes go black and she shakes slightly obviously either scared or angry. the guy just couldn't tell. His hold on her tightens in case she should try to pounce or make a sound. the men finally turn after what seams like an eternity and leave the cave. straining to listen the guy hears them fly off and can sense their presence fleeing from the mountain side.

Exhailing the breathe he didn't even realise he had been holding he turns to the girl once more and studies what little he can make out in the dark. gold-green cat's eyes clowing in the dark hold his gaze and helooks deeply into her. so much pain and loneliness, yet there was a strength and determination he could relate with. Independant and clearly a hunted hell fire of a woman, he couldn't help the grin as he removed his hand from her mouth and replaced it with his lips.

she stifens for only a moment and then relaxes. meltig into his arms as he predicted she would. her lips were so warm and inviting, soft and full. He felt as if he could loose him self in those lips and be completely satisfied. encircling her in his arms he deepens the kiss and to his surprise, he felt the air move before he felt the sting on his cheek.

Pulling away, he saw blood drop from his chin and he swore and grabbing her arm drags her out into the morning light.

"what the HELL is wrong with you?" He demanded with a clear edge in his deep rumbling voice.

..........TO BE CONTINUED