Mira's head snapped up, her eyes wide with horror. "What the hell was that?!" she shrieked, her voice cracking. Hailey clutched at Nicole's arm, her nails digging in as she spun around, her breath coming in panicked gasps. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God—"
Paul didn't hesitate. He yanked his gun from its holster, his hands steady despite the fear etched into his face. "Everyone, back to back! NOW!" he barked, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Bill and Jack moved instantly, forming a tight circle around the women, their eyes locked on the trees. "Where the hell is it?!" Jack growled, his fists clenched, his body coiled like a spring ready to unleash.
And then the lion struck.
It burst from the undergrowth like a demon given form, its massive body a blur of tawny fur and rippling muscle. The horns on its head glinted in the dappled sunlight, black and twisted like something out of a nightmare. Its golden eyes were locked onto Paul, its prey, its next victim.
