Chapter 170

Somewhere in the Lacandon jungle, a few days before Christmas ?

Nothing screamed "Wake up, dumbass!" like regaining consciousness to the fluttery warmth of something breathing moist air into her face. A living, breathing entity, which smelled both earthy and spicy ? covered in tickly fur. In other words, something that didn't belong in the shelter with her.

Panic took complete control of her body. Despite knowing it was the middle of the night and pitch black, Carlie's eyes flashed open to see the intruder. In retrospect, she perhaps should have feigned slumber, given she now stared into a pair of glowing eyes ? one golden, the other a clear blue. Had she forgotten to note they glared ? probably with murderous intent ? a few paltry inches from her face? Not a good distance when it came to wild animals, especially with no bars to separate them.