I don’t have time to answer my own questions before the one in front takes a step forward and Oakie mirrors it, taking a step back.
[Don’t panic.] She says. [I’ll get us out.]
“Okay. Okay, I’m with you.” I manage to say even though I feel every bit of my fear and dread in every joint.
She keeps backing up slowly, one careful step at a time, not breaking eye contact with the one in front but the other two keep pace with it, maintaining their angles.
Then Oakie runs.
She turns and bolts and the three of them come after her immediately, the sound of paws hitting ground filling the woods from three directions at once. Oakie is fast — I know she’s fast — but these wolves are big and the ground is uneven and it’s dark now.
“Faster, Oakie. Go faster.” I cry.
[I’m going.]
I can feel t
