The Hunt

Chapter Three

The Hunt

Chapter Three

I didn't have much time for thinking as the wolf lunged, but I did have time for swearing.

I waited for the impact of the wolf, expecting it's claws to sink into my skin while I was pushed to the ground and attacked without mercy. I had thought the wolf would pin me while the others stalked out of the woods, ready to join the kill.

I waited for nothing.

I opened my eyes and turned, finding myself on the ground. I must've fell to avoid the hit because the wolf was standing behind me, tail swishing just in front of my face. My nerves split in two as I scrambled to my feet, suddenly aware of my camera as it banged against my ribs.

The wolf was large, larger than I thought wolves got. It's back legs were in a power stance, strong muscles rippling underneath a layer of brown fur. The wolf's ears twitched, almost as though it could hear my breathing.

I looked up, wondering what had the wolf so entranced that it forgot I was easy lunch. Ben stood on his porch, shirtless and staring down the wolf. His eyes were blazing with a fury I couldn't place. Where was his terror? Sure, he lived in the woods but I doubted he had encounters like this on a regular basis.

"Run!" I screamed at him, "quickly!"

Ben looked at me over the wolf and my stomach pinched, what was he thinking? Why was he hesitating?

The wolf huffed out a heavy breath, stalking towards Ben slowly. The wolf turned, rounding on me as it kept its head low and dark eyes on mine. I felt my mouth open in terror, ready to let loose a scream if it came to that.

Ben walked down his front steps, heading towards the feet without fear or hesitation. He wasn't even wearing shoes and he was approaching the forest's most dangerous predator.

The back of my neck tickled with fear as I realized wolves didn't often travel alone. Where there was one wolf there was bound to be more. I turned slightly, checking the tree line for others but finding none.

"Go," Ben commanded sternly.

The wolf snapped its jaws and looked over its shoulder at Ben. It looked at Ben almost as if to say make me. Ben took two rapid steps towards the wolf, chest puffed with confidence. The wolf started and scampered forward, casting one lasting glance at me before disappearing into the woods.

I exhaled and collapsed, falling hard onto the ground and struggling to replace the air that left my lungs. I placed my hands on the soft grass, hoping the earth's touch would help ground me. It didn't.

I closed my eyes and tried taking deep breaths but the air was refusing to enter my body. I pressed my palms to my eyes and tried not to hyperventilate. Hyperventilating had only led to vomiting in my past experiences.

"Morda?" I jumped at the sound of my name and looked up to see Ben standing in front of me. He was clearly concerned, his brow scooped and his eyes worrying over my face.

I swallowed hard. "What the fuck?"

He started to smile and then quashed it. "It was just a wolf."

"Just a wolf?" I repeated, "just a wolf?"

Ben shrugged. "Yeah, I mean it's not a big deal."

"I just looked death in the face!" I exploded, suddenly able to breathe again. This time though, my breathing was far too fast. I closed my eyes as I tried to slow myself down. I was already starting to feel nauseated.