Seven
JOEL GRIPPEDhis shovel as tight as his half-numb hands would allow. Brady followed him. The black wolf stood near, watching their every move no matter how slight, his sideways swath cutting an invisible line between them and the den.
“Everyone move to the right—to the backside of the lodge.”
Cries, huffs, and comments flew among the remaining stragglers, but they did as instructed.
“Jayce, Devon, hold your ground. As soon as they see we’re in the lodge, staying away from their den, they’ll leave.”
Devon stood sentry, his shovel out at a diagonal angle. “I sure hope you’re right. These guys got some teeth.”
“Keep them back long enough to get everyone inside,” Joel said, thankful Cassie was already there.
Jayce shifted his legs apart, his position very much like a cop on the riot line. His recent police academy training had kicked in.
Joel assessed the group. “The ladies are too spread out.”
Mia hurried, increasing her pace.
“Don’t run,” he warned, moving to escort her and Nat. He kept his steps as calm as possible while plowing his way through a snowbank.
Mia’s pace increased more, bordering on a run.
“Mia, no. Slow down.”
She shook her head and, screaming, she broke into a run.
The large black wolf bolted after her, its strong legs doubling the ground she made.
“Stop!” In her panicked state, Joel doubted she even heard him. Another three yards and the wolf was nearly upon her.
“Stay upright!” he warned.
She flailed forward, and the wolf lunged on top of her, baring its teeth.
Jayce raced over, swinging his shovel in the air. “Get off!”
Brady shifted into Jayce’s place at their three, providing coverage of the howling white wolf almost blending in with the snow.
The black wolf pawed Mia’s back. Nail marks ripped through her snow pants, tearing the thick fabric like butter.
Jayce moved to swing again, and the wolf raced off, then circled back around.
“Inside!” Joel hollered as the remaining members of their group stopped to watch. “Go!”
“I got her,” Jayce said, lifting Mia up and moving for the lodge.
Howls rent the air, echoing in the canyon as the group reached the lodge and safety.
My body frozen, I rubbed my arms, trying to ease blood back into them, then stomped my feet to do the same. They all thought they were so safe in the decrepit lodge, but they don’t know I’m here—yet.
Once his racing heart subsided, Joel surveyed his surroundings. Heath carried an old kerosene lantern, walking down the hall toward them—his shadow looming large on the floral wallpaper, which was unchanged since the last time Joel and his family stayed there years ago.
“No electricity?” Joel frowned.
“Nope.” Heath shook his head.
“I thought I saw some light when I was racing back out but must have just been your flashlights.” Joel narrowed his eyes. “Speaking of flashlights, why the lantern instead?”
