That was when Jack took a step backward in surprise. It was such a sudden change that had come over her, and.....scary.

Not as scary, though, as the knife-edged feeling that pierced his shirt. There wasn't a great deal of pain at first. Just a little, but it blossomed and spread as his shirt became soaked.

Several long, heavy blond-tinged locks fell to the forest floor. One braid.

Jack fled to Buffy's side, raising the crossbow to his shoulder and turning to face his enemy as he did.