Page 9 of Jack Raider

My hands shook as I crouched beside him. His golden eyes looked up at me, pain radiating from them. “I got you, baby,” I murmured, my voice rough. “We’ll fix you up. Just hang on.”

I grabbed my phone and dialed Nate.

“Yeah?”

“Wolf stepped in a fucking bear trap up on Frasier Mountain. I can’t get it off. Bring something to pry it open. And bring a four-wheeler—we’re gonna have to carry him out of here.”

“Shit. On my way.”

I kept my hands on Wolf, whispering reassurances. Minutes later, the low rumble of an engine broke the silence.

Nate and Frasier pulled up, both looking furious.

“I’m gonnakillwhoever did this,” Frasier growled.

They forced the trap open between them. I lifted Wolf and carried him to the four-wheeler.

“He needs a vet,” I said. My jaw tightened. “But they’ll take him away if I bring him in.”

“I’ve already been warned,” I muttered.

Nate exchanged a look with Frasier. “We’re two hours from my sister’s place,” Nate said.

My pulse kicked up.

“She won’t call the law on you,” Nate assured me. “Ellie has everything you need at her vet hospital. She’ll take care of Wolf.”

That was all I needed to hear.

“Let’s go,” I said, climbing onto the four-wheeler.

Wolf’s breaths were deep and slow. Something about it made my gut twist.

“Why’s he breathing like this?” I asked.

Nate frowned. “I don’t know.”

A low, threatening growl echoed through the trees.

We froze.

More growls followed. Close. Too close.

“Let’smove,” I said. “I don’t wanna kill any wolves.”

“They might be Wolf’s siblings,” Nate murmured.

Frasier’s hand rested on his holster. “If they attack, Iwillshoot.”

I didn’t argue.

I just hoped we’d get out of here before it came to that.

5

Eloise

The poundingon my door finally woke me. Blinking against the darkness, I groaned, my body aching from staying up late to help a French bulldog deliver puppies. Stumbling toward the front door, I barely registered the chill against my skin—until I looked down.

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