The growl deepened, resonating through the clearing. Whatever it was sensing had crossed some boundary. The wolf’s stance shifted, broad shoulders squared, muscles rippling. It was preparing to react, but not recklessly. Like a predator sizing up its environment before striking.
I took a slow step backward, careful not to appear threatening. The former alpha mirrored me, still watching intently. “It’s picking up on something.” He muttered. “And whatever it is… it’s close.”
My mind raced. Was it another wolf? A rival? Something human? Whoever, or whatever, it was, the massive wolf was aware of it and focused entirely on it, not me. Not yet.
I felt a flicker of unease. Its gaze flicked past me, and suddenly, the wolf leaned closer, head tilting slightly. That pulse hit me again, stronger
