Rich was caught up in the red haze.  Although some humans were able to capture and focus the berserker rage known as bloodlust, it came naturally only to lycans.  From a young age, a lycan learns to control and harness their bloodlust, much in the same way a human child learns how to control their emotions.  Inherent to their race because of their uniquely savage nature, bloodlust can be a lycan's greatest weapon.<br/><br/>A weapon that Rich now put to excellent use.<br/><br/>Provoked by his instinctive need to protect a female of his species, the Alpha allowed himself to be infused with bloodlust, focusing it on the dying man pinned beneath him.<br/><br/>After crushing his wrist and hand, Rich jabbed his elbow into the hunter's chest, breaking three ribs and puncturing his right lung.  A quick, closed fist jab to the chin fractured his jaw bone.  Groaning, the man coughed up blood and broken teeth, his eyes rolling in their sockets; he was dazed, but still conscious.  The coppery tang of human blood filled the cavern.<br/><br/>Having subdued his opponent, Rich easily lifted the hunter off of the coarse ground and slammed his back against the rough granite wall.  More bones broke, and the hunter cried out weakly in pain.  Out of the corner of his eye, Rich saw Ian priming the pistol.  "Too quick," he growled at his packmember, indicating that he discard the weapon.  The hunter whimpered fearfully, eye darting between his assailant and his gun, and was quickly silenced with another flurry of rapid, powerful blows.<br/><br/>Rich heard Talton coming a few seconds before the powerhouse of a lycan arrived.  Regaining control of his bloodlust, the Alpha forced himself to step back, politely allowing his Beta to finish the scum off.  The hunter crumpled to the floor, his head conveniently hanging to the side, leaving his (relatively) unharmed throat exposed.<br/><br/>Once he was sure Talton wasn't seriously wounded, Rich turned to examine the female lycan.  She was a small, snow white wolf.  One of her flanks was matted red with blood, and her body seemed to be shaking ever so slightly.  Judging by the hunter's trigger happy nature, it was logical to assume she was suffering from both a gun wound and silver poisoning, although Rich couldn't rule out the possibility of it being simple exhaustion or fear.<br/><br/>Strangely, she didn't seem to welcome Rich's, Ian's, or Talton's assistance.  She was leaning back on her haunches, her lips pulled back over glistening teeth.  A weak but threatening growl emanated from deep inside her throat.<br/><br/>Rich took a cautious step forward, hands raised in the universal I-Mean-No-Harm position.  Despite the token gesture, he knew he wasn't a friendly sight.  He was clothed in an oversized windbreaker and ragged camo pants, and his hair was a long, tangled mess, hanging down to just past his ears.  And with the hunter's blood sprinkled all over his torso, Rich could understand why the female lycan had reacted to his presence with a menacing growl.<br/><br/>Despite his somewhat seedy appearance, the Alpha knew this was a rare, rare opportunity that simply could not be wasted.  Although he wasn't as vocal about the lycan breeding problem as others in his pack, Rich was very well aware of the consequences, and was very worried as a result.  But this female could reverse the trend.  If, maybe, just<em>maybe</em>, she was fertile...  Just the idea of it sent shivers down his spine.  Even if he had to knock her out and carry her back to Pine Springs, Rich was not going to let her escape or die.  No matter what.<br/><br/>The Alpha waved his hand, instructing his lycans to stand by.  "Hey hey hey," he said softly when the female growled again.  "You're hurt, we can help.  We have medicine, and a safe area."  He put on his best friendly grin.  "We'll take you back with us.  We'll protect you."