Nicolas awoke with a start. Zenya's heart beat against his own. He rolled and disengaged from their sweaty, stuck-together bodies. It made him smile. Obviously exhausted, she didn't stir. Pulling on black sweats, he walked from the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. Passing the other rooms, he saw no one in them. He also heard no talking or sounds from the front rooms.

Turning the corner of the hallway, he stopped. Cats and wolves lay on the floor in a pile. Each of them ...