My head was buzzing and I was coming awake, coming alive. With one loud belch I backed away from the carcass. There wasn't much left—only head, legs, and fur.

The world looked strange as I blinked rapidly. In and out of focus, I could see leaves a mile away. I swayed on my knees.

Paul's golden eyes watched me. He gripped my arm more tenderly than he'd touched me thus far. He used the back of his hand to stroke my face. He sniffed deeply then his tongue came out to ...