He stepped out of the car and hurried to her side, carefully helping her out. The ground sloped steeply downward, slick and uneven. Fernando steadied her as they moved farther down the hill together.
Only then did she notice the blood on his arm as well.
He was badly injured. He needed medical help now.
"You need aid," she said softly, fear thick in her throat.
But Fernando didn't slow. He kept walking deeper into the woods, his grip on her hand firm almost possessive.
"I'm fine," he replied gruffly.
Something was off.
They should have been heading toward the highway but instead, he was leading her straight into the forest.
Suddenly, he stopped.
His arm shot out in front of her, a silent barrier as though shielding her from something unseen.
"What is it?" she whispered.
"Shh." He pressed a finger to his lips.
A low, menacing growl echoed behind them.
Before she could react, Fernando shoved her hard to the side.
A massive bear lunged at him.
