Page 83 of Corbin
Turned headfirst toward the water, Corbin saw what was coming at them fast. As Ares fell through the air with wild paddling movements, Corbin silently admitted that raging froth scared him too.
Chapter 25
Ares plunged into icy water, thrashing his legs around.
Corbin lost direction for a moment.
A reddish-golden wolf’s head came into view, then Pixie got under Ares and pushed him up.
When Ares broke through the surface, he was coughing and terrified.
Finally getting his wits back, Corbin started talking to Ares.You’re doing good. Pixie is right here with us. She will not let anything happen to you. She’s an extremely strong swimmer, so this is her element. Try to calm down and relax. You will have an easier time keeping your head above water.
Ares still floundered and slashed his paws like he was trying to claw the water to death.
That could be true.
Pixie bumped into him, and he jerked around to face her. She paddled smooth strokes.
He wouldn’t even try to mimic her and started sinking.
Pixie growled at him and shoved her muzzle under his head to keep it above water and allow him to breathe.
Corbin told Ares,She’s working really hard to keep you safe. You could help her by relaxing and moving your legs with smoother strokes. Do that and you’ll be swimming.
Ares said,Too heavy. Drowning.Then he coughed up water.
Pixie is a big wolf, and she isn’t sinking, Corbin argued.Trust her. Our mother was sick in the head. Pixie and Eirene are smart and good.
Once again, Pixie swam closer, but this time she licked his muzzle, an intimate motion for a wolf.
Ares still didn’t know what to make of her, but he did calm down. He moved his legs in less erratic motions. His shoulder muscles flexed without being tight.
Hope surged in Corbin again. Ares was beginning to swim!
Pixie slyly watched Ares, then floated away from him.
Ares made a loud bark, then paddled over to her.
Corbin laughed. Pixie was playing with a dangerous wolf half again her size who was acting like a love-sick puppy.
Once Ares calmed down and churned his powerful legs more like Pixie, he began making progress. She had no problem keeping up with him.
They’d made it probably two miles by the time dark began to settle fast with the sun hiding behind tall trees once they’d left the gorge. Corbin searched the bank until he found muddy skid marks likely made by people who had camped and then put kayaks into the water.
Ares, see that muddy bank on this side of the river?
Yes.
Guide Pixie there. I think we’ll find a good place to rest for the night.
Good.
His wolf sounded calmer, even relaxed. Corbin had never thought he’d use those words to describe Ares before now. His wolf would still blast out to kill anything in sight when needed, but he had been gentle around Pixie even after hitting the water.
Once both wolves reached the bank, Ares pushed Pixie out first. They shook off water and then sniffed the area. Yes, someone had camped here recently. The grass had been flattened where they’d raised a tent to sleep in.
Ares said,Need food.
