Page 93 of Sass in the Grass

Then, shocking the hell out of Cherokee, Jovian moved ahead of him and pointed to the ground. “These are deeper, but I think they’re the same.”

Sure enough, about fifteen feet from the edge of the rock floor, was a set of deep tracks. “She jumped. Why would she jump?”

“After some prey?”

“Yeah, sure, but she didn’t get it, or we’d see a scuffle or blood.”

“Maybe she’s just hunting something, and she’s not interested in the camp at all.”

“Well, if she doesn’t catch the prey and she smells anything at the camp…”

“Can you be a little more positive?”

Cherokee smiled. “You’re right. That’s likely what’s happening, baby. Let’s keep going.”

They followed the new set of tracks until they were one creek. Right away, Cherokee saw where the cat had leaped across the running water to the other side. “You okay to wade through?”

“This place has already ruined my new clothes, so I doubt it could get worse.”

“Thank you for sacrificing your clothes.”

“Don’t be snippy,” Jovian said as he waded into the creek. “Gross.”

After an eye roll, Cherokee got into the creek and walked quickly across, watching for Jovian as he kept most of his attention ahead and around them.

Once Jovian was out of the water, Cherokee pulled him close and whispered, “Stay right behind me, and keep quiet. I have a feeling we are getting close.”

“Okay.”

He raised the barrel of the rifle and walked slowly, glancing down on the ground for the tracks as he went. They were a little deeper, though not as deep as when she’d jumped across the creek.

She was running.

They were still quite a ways from the camp, and the tracks were veering north. He brought Jovian close again, whispering, “She’s definitely chasing prey. Good job, baby.”

“Close?”

“I think she’s after a rabbit. See the tracks?”

There were two sets, and one was much smaller. The mountain lions tracks were covering half of the rabbits, but that bunny was running like the wind.

“Poor thing! Can’t we save it?”

“Jovian, it’s better the rabbit gets caught and…and eaten. Then the mountain lion will probably be full and retreat to where her home is.”

“But…I guess, but…”

The heart on Jovian was bigger than anyone had guessed, even him. “I understand, baby.”

“I don’t have to watch, do I?”

Text that number I just called. I’ll have True and Bernie come fetch you and I’ll keep an eye out for the mountain lion.”

“No one isfetchingme. Do Ilooklike a dog toy? I’m staying with you!”

And then…his mouth dusts off his attitude and Cherokee is grinding his teeth again. “I…am trying so hard not to feed you to the lion.”

“I know you’re just saying that. You’d miss me.”

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