The Drowning Wolf I Saved From the Ice Returned to Deliver Shocking Justice

The Ghost of the Past Returns

The wolves did not attack. Instead, the rescued wolf slowly stood up, shook the icy water from its thick coat, and cast a long, lingering look at Jesse before trotting back to its pack. The majestic beasts vanished into the fog like ghosts, leaving Jesse alone to drag his freezing body back to his cabin. Shivering violently, he stripped off his wet gear and started a fire, believing the drama of the day was behind him. He was wrong.

A loud knock rattled his cabin door. When Jesse opened it, he found himself face-to-face with Silas Vance, a ruthless local land developer who had been trying to buy Jesse's land for years to build a luxury resort. Silas stood on the porch, a high-powered hunting rifle slung over his shoulder and a cruel smirk on his face.

"I saw the tracks, Jesse," Silas sneered. "You've got a pack of wolves nesting on this land. That makes it a public hazard. I'm going to clear them out, and then the county will finally condemn this dump."

Jesse stepped outside, blocking the doorway. "Get off my land, Silas. You have no right to be here."

Silas's smirk vanished, replaced by a dark, menacing glare. He unslung his rifle, pointing it directly at Jesse's chest. "I have every right. I owned this mountain before you came here to hide. And I'm tired of waiting for you to leave." Silas leaned in, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "Just like I got tired of waiting for your family to sell their old lodge."

Jesse froze, the implications of Silas's words striking him like lightning. "What did you say?" Jesse whispered, his voice trembling. Silas laughed, a hollow, evil sound. "You thought that fire was an accident, didn't you? It's amazing what a little gasoline can do. Now, it's time to finish the job." Silas raised the rifle, aiming it straight between Jesse's eyes.