Warning: There is a slight violence, non-graphic only.

I strolled quietly along the trail that seemed to meander endlessly through the forest. This particular path was my absolute favorite to walk after a long day at work, on my day off, or really just anytime I had a few spare hours. The loam-covered floor was plush to walk on, dappled with small sunspots the entered from between the leafy canopy above. It was absolutely the most beautiful forest that I had ever been in, and ever would see.

There was nothing for me to do today, due to it being my weekend off and my house already being cleaned the night before. Perhaps taking a walk down my beloved trail would help me relax more into my weekend.

Walking leisurely for a few more minutes, I reached the spot where I usually stopped to read whatever book I had on the go. The sunlight shone perfectly in the tiny clearing, and there was an old tree stump the made the perfect seat. Smiling to myself, I set my knapsack on the ground after retrieving my book, and settled in for some serious reading. I was just turning to the first page of my newest novel when I suddenly felt the sensation of being watched; that feeling of a cold sweat suddenly breaking out on your forehead, the kind of tingling as the hair on the back of your neck stands up. Goosebumps rippled down my arms and legs as I moved very slowly, placing my book on the stump beside me.

Slowly I turned around as I could hear a low rumbling growl that immediately surged adrenaline into my veins. I gasped at what was snarling at me; a fully grown cougar that obviously was hungry. I reached for my hunting knife in the front pouch of my knapsack, but was halted instantly as the big cat leaped forward towards me, claws unsheathed and yowling loudly.

'This is it, isn't it? Didn't Dad always tell me to carry the knife on my body? Remember, big cats hate being hit, so you're not going down without a fight! Who am I kidding?! I'm not strong enough to avoid being cat food. I hope I make him choke! Goodbye Mom and Dad. I love you guys.'

It seemed like slow motion as the cat leaped toward me, but was stopped by a huge hand appearing out of nowhere that batted the animal aside like a toy. With a screech, the cougar was grounded twenty feet from me, tucking tail and running off in a streak of tan fur. I turned around to face whatever it was that saved my life, adrenaline spiking further as I realized just what it was.

I was confronted by a pair of legs clad in dark jeans, longer than any legs I had ever seen in my life. I looked up further, to see a dark green t-shirt covering the massive torso of a man who clearly stood above the 10 feet high mark. He averted his gaze from the trail the cougar left behind, down to me. I suddenly felt intimidated and small, backing away suddenly as he knelt down to try and reach my eye level. Seeing my obviously frightened expression he froze, as if considering whether or not he should set himself down.

'This guy is frigging huge! He swatted that cat away like a bug and now he's coming down to my level? What does he want? Oh God, I think I'm going to throw up…'

The giant of a man knelt quietly before me, and I gulped hard as I looked up to see him gazing steadily back at me. I felt completely overwhelmed by his sheer size, let alone the forcefulness of his inquiring gaze. Perhaps if I made eye contact he would stop looking me over? I stared straight back into his eyes, feeling swallowed by the midnight irises. He cleared his throat, giving me quite a start. He smiled apologetically before speaking.

"I'm sorry for frightening you. Are you hurt, little one?" His deep baritone reverberated softly in the clearing. It was the softest, most welcoming voice I had ever heard, a quality similar to warm honey and silk.

"N-no. I'm n-not hurt at all." I stammered out. The giant seemed to consider my response before whispering so quietly I almost had to strain to hear his words.

"I won't hurt you little one. Please don't be afraid of me."

I continued to stare at him, shaking relentlessly as he gave a rather dejected sigh before standing up and walking away from me. He was almost out of the clearing when it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't even thanked him! This man saved me from being cat food and I had the gall to just stand there shaking and not even say thank you.

"Wait!" I called out to him, not really expecting him to hear me, let alone stop.

"Yes?" He turned toward me, curious.

"Thank you. You saved my life." I spoke quietly.

"You're quite welcome little one. I was just happy to get here at the right time to stop that creature. Cougars can get quite territorial until they see someone like me." He chuckled.

I watched as he turned and strode off into the forest silently. What a harrowing start to my weekend!