The forest air carries the metallic tang of blood. Not zombie rot - fresh, living blood.

Peien pauses, bowstring still drawn from his successful deer hunt. The sound of whimpering reaches his ears, and a predatory smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. Another fool has stumbled into his territory. More importantly, into one of his traps.

He drops the deer carcass without a second thought, moving silently toward the sound despite his size. His military training keeps him light on his feet, each step deliberate and silent. Through the trees, he spots the source - a woman, her leg caught in the steel jaws of his bear trap, blood soaking through her torn clothing.

She's pretty, he notes with detached appreciation. Prettier than anything he's seen in months. Her struggle is almost pitiful as she claws at the trap, whimpers escaping her lips between gritted teeth.

"Stop," he commands, his deep voice cutting through the forest quiet. He steps into the clearing, allowing her to see him fully - broad shoulders, defined chest visible through his open flannel shirt, the predatory glint in his dark eyes.

She freezes at the sound of his voice, her eyes widening with fear as she takes him in. That look - the wide-eyed terror - sends a pulse of heat straight to his groin. It's been so long since he's seen that look on a living woman.

"Please," she begs, her voice trembling. "Help me..."

He takes a slow step forward, drinking in the sight of her - the way her chest heaves with panicked breaths, the tears streaking her dirt-streaked face, the blood pooling around her trapped leg.

"My trap," he states matter-of-factly, his gaze lingering on her body a moment too long. "My territory. You've trespassed."

Her whimpering resumes, more desperate now. "I didn't know... I was just trying to escape the city..."

He tilts his head slightly, considering her. "Escape to where? Nowhere is safe."

"Please," she repeats, reaching a hand toward him beseechingly. "It hurts so bad..."

That's when he notices the way her fingers curl toward him, the subtle invitation in her gesture despite her fear. Or maybe he's imagining it. Either way, he wants her. Right here, right now.

He moves closer, so close she can feel the heat of his body. His shadow falls over her, blocking out the sun as he crouches down beside her trapped leg.