Each one of the howls was louder than the last, echoing through the trees with a haunting, guttural pitch that sent birds scattering from branches and silence rushing in like a flood.
Orion lowered his head, muscles taut, black eyes locked on every enemy in the clearing. His massive frame stood between the cart and the surrounding danger like a living wall of fury and resolve.
Megan's breath caught as the third howl faded into the canopy. She tightened her hold on the twins, rocking slightly, trying to calm the mounting dread clawing at her chest. Every instinct in her body screamed to protect her children — but she couldn't move. She had to trust Orion.
Edvin's lips twitched with unease. He hadn't expected this.
The wolf was indeed as huge and menacing as Garron had described. Bigger even. Its eyes dark like the bottomless pit of the underworld. For the first time, Edvin doubted if the men he brought would be enough. Thank the gods he hadn't relied solely on them.
