I put a hand over my mouth to keep myself from screaming as Bates shoved me behind a tree, facing away from the direction the sound came.
We both held our breath for a few moments, listening for something, anything to indicate if the wolf was getting closer or moving farther away.
Bates was so close to me I could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage, or maybe it was mine. I couldn't quite tell.
After a few painstakingly slow moments passed, Bates pulled away from me slightly and peeked around the tree.
I lowered my voice, speaking as softly and as quietly as I could.
"Is someone there?"
I saw him hesitate to answer, like his eyes were still searching to make sure.
I heard a twig snap a few feet away behind us and my whole body jolted in surprise. Closing my eyes tight, I bega
