I Saved a Drowning Wolf From the Frozen Lake—Then His Pack Surrounded Me
Previously: When Liam risked his life to pull a freezing wolf from an icy grave, he thought he was alone. But as the pack emerged from the mist, a terrifying standoff began.
A Cold Confrontation
Liam lay frozen on the ice, his muscles aching and his breath coming in ragged gasps. The wolf he had just rescued stood over him, shaking the freezing water from its thick coat. Just fifty yards away, the rest of the pack stood like ghosts in the mist. They didn't growl. They didn't charge. They simply watched, an eerie intelligence shining in their eyes.
But the fragile peace of the wilderness was violently shattered by the sharp crack of a rifle. A bullet struck the ice just inches from Liam's hand, sending frozen shards flying into the air.
Liam scrambled backward, his heart pounding in his chest. From the shadows of the pine forest stepped Vance, a notorious local poacher known for his cruelty and complete disregard for the law. He carried a high-powered hunting rifle, a wicked grin spreading across his weathered face.
"Well, look what we have here," Vance sneered, his boots crunching loudly on the ice. "A whole pack of prime pelts, and a bleeding-heart fool to boot."
"Get out of here, Vance!" Liam yelled, struggling to stand on the slippery surface. "These wolves are protected. Put the gun down!"
Vance laughed, a cold, dry sound that sent shivers down Liam’s spine. He raised the rifle, chambering another round with a loud click. He pointed the barrel directly at Liam's chest.
"Who's going to make me?" Vance whispered. "There's nobody out here for miles, Liam. Just you, me, and some wild dogs. Accidents happen in the winter. People fall through the ice all the time."
The threat was loud and clear. Vance wasn't just planning to poach the wolves; he was planning to eliminate the only witness. Liam looked at the wolf he had just saved. The beast had stepped in front of Liam, its head lowered, a deep, menacing growl vibrating through its chest. The rest of the pack began to fan out, slowly encircling the armed man. Vance’s grin faded as he realized he was suddenly outnumbered.
”Vance’s grin faded as he realized he was suddenly outnumbered.