Caleb's wolf growled in response, defiant. Tension hung between us, and the road that once represented an uncertain destination transformed into the stage for an imminent battle.

“It doesn't have to be like this, Caleb. We can resolve this without violence,” I tried to argue, even knowing that the words would likely be ignored.

The wolf lunged, fast and lethal. Hunter, with surprising agility, evaded the attack, but the situation unfolded rapidly.

Hunter, moving with ...