Both males went utterly still as I sensed another presence, too. Even the night noises vanished, as if all forest critters had been spooked, or were watching in silence what was about to unfold.

The smell of damp air, like before it rained, was coming from the newcomer. It was a very pleasant scent. All three of us were facing the golden-brown wolf, approaching cautiously, but his turquoise eyes were riveted to Marius, seeming to come to Blade’s aid.

It was as if he knew the chestnut wolf ...