Page 2 of The Pack

A twig snapped somewhere behind me.

I whirled around, my heart lurching into my throat. The forest was still. Too still. The kind of stillness that made me want to hold my breath and listen hard for a sign of whatever was out there.

“Who’s there?” I called out, my voice much louder than I intended.

No answer.

But I could feel it now. Something—or someone—was out there. Watching me. Following me.

I tightened my grip on the branch, forcing myself to stay calm. Whatever was out there, I wasn’t going to let it catch meoff guard. My chest heaved with quick, shallow breaths, but I squared my shoulders and prepared myself for anything.

If this was some kind of sick joke, I wasn’t laughing. Not even a little bit. I just wanted it to end. Right here. Right now.

Another sound—a low rustle, closer this time. The hair on the back of my neck stood up.

I didn’t wait to find out what it was.

I turned and bolted into the trees. I ran, branches slashing at my bare arms and legs as I pushed through the underbrush. The forest blurred around me—gray, green, brown—a chaotic swirl of shapes and shadows as I sprinted through the trees. Having no idea where I was going, I just ran like my life depended on it. My breath came in quick bursts, each one dragging fire through my chest.

The sound of something moving behind me was growing louder.

Closer.

It wasn’t just footsteps through the brush like a normal person’s would be. It was the heavy, uneven thud of something big. An animal, maybe? Something that didn’t care about being quiet. The feeling in my chest went from bad to worse.

It was like I was beinghunted…

I skidded to a halt, my bare feet digging into the dirt as I whipped my head around, scanning for anything—anything—I could use to my advantage. My eyes landed on a rocky outcrop just a few paces to my right.

It wasn’t much, but it would have to do. I read somewhere that high ground is easier to defend. I’d take any advantage I could get right now.

I darted toward it, adrenaline fueling my legs. The rocks were slick with moss, and my foot slipped as I scrambled up, my palms scraping against the rough surface. I reached the top and crouched low, my makeshift spear clutched tightly in my hands.

The sound of snapping branches and pounding footsteps stopped along with me.

Then there was silence. Heavy, oppressive silence.

I strained to hear, my heartbeat thundering in my ears. My chest rose and fell as I gripped the branch tighter, the wood biting into my palms, and I gulped down my fear, trying to feel brave.

Then a monster emerged from the trees like a nightmare made flesh.

It was a wolf, but not like any wolf I’d ever seen.

It washuge, easily the size of a horse, its fur black as midnight and matted with dirt and blood. Its eyes glowed an unnatural yellow, so bright they almost seemed to burn like the depths of hell. Saliva dripped from its bared teeth, its massive chest heaving as it growled—a low, guttural sound that vibrated through the air and into my bones.

I froze, every muscle in my body screaming at me to run, but there was nowhere to go. Nowhere else to run.

The wolf’s gaze locked onto mine, and for a second, time seemed to stop.

Then it lunged for me.

I barely had time to throw myself to the side as it leapt onto the outcrop, its claws raking through the space where I’d just been. I hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air from my lungs. The wolf turned to face me, its massive body crouched low, its jaws snapping as it advanced toward me.

I scrambled backwards, my mind racing. My spear—my only weapon—was still clutched in my hands. But what was I supposed to do with it against something this big? How was I supposed to survive this?

The wolf lunged again, and I swung the branch wildly, the impact jarring up my arms as it hit the side of its face. The wolf yelped, but the blow barely slowed it down. It was on me in seconds, its claws swiping at my legs. I kicked out, connecting with its snout, and it snarled, shaking its head violently.

I scrambled backwards, my back hitting the rock behind me. My eyes darted around, desperate for an opening, a plan,anything. The wolf crouched again, preparing for another leap.

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