The Gathering (Darkness Rising 1)

Technically, the park is open to the public, but that's only because it was a condition of sale. Let's just say that the St. Cloud Corporation doesn't exactly roll out the welcome mat to tourists. The park provides minimal services. Same goes for the town itself. The St. Clouds weren't able to buy every cottage and campground between the town site and existing communities, so we do get "summer people"--campers and cottagers needing basic supplies like groceries and gas, who come to Salmon Creek to get them.

At this time of year, though, it's a rare park visitor who isn't a local. So when I heard a woman screaming, my first thought was that a female cougar had ventured into the park, hoping to get lucky.

Kenjii's ears swiveled forward. She didn't look terribly concerned, which for any other dog would suggest it wasn't a cougar. My parents bought me a big dog to protect me from the local big cats, but Kenjii had to be the only canine on the island that didn't really mind them. Bears, wolves, badgers, and foxes send her into guard dog mode. But not cats.

So, when I spotted a cougar stretched out on a thick pine tree branch near the park gates, I wasn't surprised. I can't say the same for the woman clinging to the branch above the cat. She was the one screaming. The cougar--a ragged-ear old tom I

called Marv--just stared at her, like he couldn't believe anyone would be dumb enough to climb a tree to escape a cat.

There's nothing in this forest as gorgeous as a cougar--a sleek, muscular creature nearly twice the size of Kenjii with tawny fur, a black-edged face, and light brown eyes with round pupils. They're one of the most elusive animals in the forest, too. But the woman screaming on the branch really wasn't appreciating the moment.

Marv pulled back his lips and snarled, flashing fangs as long as my fingers, which made the woman shriek louder. I stepped into the clearing--staying well out of Marv's pouncing range--waved my arms, and shouted. Kenjii chimed in, her deep bark echoing through the forest.

The woman stopped screaming. Marv looked over at me and chirped.

"Yeah, I'm talking to you, old guy," I said. "Shoo! Scat! Get out of here!"

He looked at me like I'd offended him. I shouted and waved some more, staying behind Kenjii. I'm not afraid of cougars, but I am suitably respectful of their ability to end my existence with one well-placed chomp.

As I yelled and Kenjii barked, another sound joined it--the rumble of a badly tuned motor. Then, a honk. A welcoming shout out a rolled-down window, followed by a curse as Daniel saw why I wasn't waiting outside the gates. The brakes squeaked. The door slammed. Sneakers pounded the hard earth.

It was then that Marv decided it was time to go. Daniel has that effect on people, too. He's only about five ten, but he's been the island wrestling champion twice and it shows. Marv hopped to the ground, mustered his dignity, and slid into the undergrowth.

Daniel shook his head as he watched the cat's black-tipped tail disappear. "Haven't I told you not to play with the big kitties, Maya?"

"It was Marv."

"Again? What's that, the third time this month? I think he likes you."

"What can I say? I'm serious catnip."

The woman lowered herself to the ground. She was maybe in her early twenties. Asian. Dressed in the kind of "rugged outdoor gear" you can buy at malls in Vancouver and really shouldn't wear any place wilder than that.

She stared at us. "The cat. It just ... left."

"Um, yeah," I said. "Most times, they do. That's a male, meaning he doesn't have any cubs to protect. Plus there's plenty of food around. I'd still suggest you return the favor and steer clear of the park today."

I walked to the front gate, opened the pamphlet box, took out the one titled "Predator Safety," and handed it to her. Then I pulled my cell phone from my backpack.

"I've gotta call this in," I said. "My dad's the warden. All cougar encounters--"

The woman backed away from me. "I don't have time."

"That cat's been hanging around. It's a problem. You need to report--"

"I will. Later."

She headed for the road and continued toward town.

"Walk in the middle," I called after her. "Cats don't like open areas."

She jogged off. Daniel hadn't said a word, which was weird. Normally he'd be the first person giving warnings and making sure she was safe. But he just stood there, staring after her, a strange look on his face.

"Yep, she's kinda cute," I said. "That'd be a whole different type of cougar, but I say go for it."

Now I got a look. Then he turned to stare after the woman, frowning.

"You know her?" I asked.