He snorted in disgust. "This man hit you... beat you... was going to kill you... and you still mourn his passing?" The wolf-creature seemed perturbed at Delilah. He shook his head. "It was a regular wolf that killed him. You never saw me, I don't exist." He began limping away, injured arm held up to his chest. That hadn't been birdshot in the gun, but a slug, a giant chunk of metal intended to kill big game. If the girl had been shot in the head, neck, or chest she'd be dead. He slowed.

"But I suppose I can thank you," he said, just loud enough for Delilah to hear. "I'm one step closer to achieving my goal." He started limping away again, slightly dizzy from blood loss.