I jump up to the sound of a gunshot. I gulp, it was close, another shot. I shake Calico, "Calico!" She sighs, "I heard. Kitten, stay by the fire." I touch her fur, "No, I'll go." I grab the door latch and pull away from the cold. I wince and a heat goes to my hand. I grab the latch and open without any problems. A man runs towards the cabin. He turns his back to me and shoots a handgun. A spider shrieks and he grabs his knees. "You friendly!?" "Are you a cat person?"

He sighs and walks towards me, "No, but I'll take the warmth any day." He peers over my shoulder, "You a hunter?" I look back at that poor deer, "Yup." "Liar, an animal did that. Big kind." Calico peeks out and the man jumps, "Wow, you caught one?!" "I'm sorry?" He smiles, "Those things- I saw a stray cat change before my eyes. Into that." I shake my head, "No, we..." He squints, "We're friends." "A wolf is your friend until you aren't the alpha."

I gulp, "Nice rifle- O17?" "Nope, a model made special, watch." He lifts the rifle to Calico and I push his gun up. "What the hell!?" "I told you, she's a friend!" He rolls his eyes, "I don't care what kind of bond you have with it, I have orders to put it down or capture it." I rub my fingers together, "Ok, let me say goodbye at least." Calico roars and ducks down. "She comes out, shoot her."

I get in and whisper, "This guy's military." "Military?" I nod, "Yeah, he's probably not alone out here." Something whizzes past and Calico roars. I grab at the dart in her skin. I turn and the barrel pushes through the heavy deerskin curtain and a dart hits me. I seize up from the sudden impact. I collapse and he kicks up the door, "We got one alive boys!" I close my eyes.