When Noah struck the wolf with the heavy stone, the animal recoiled with a sharp yelp, stumbling blindly to the side.
Luck was finally on Noah's side, as the wolf's retreat placed it directly in the path of its own pack mates.
For a few precious seconds, the pouncing wolves were blocked by their own kin, creating a momentary shield that gave Noah the window he needed.
He didn't hesitate. He lunged toward the narrow opening in the rock face, his heart hammering against his ribs as he scrambled into the dark, cramped safety of the cave.
As he was dragging his body through the opening, he felt a sharp tug at his lower half.
A set of claws hooked into his injured leg, pulling back with predatory strength. Noah let out a strangled cry, but the makeshift splint he had fashioned earlier saved him.
