The growl came low and guttural, rising from the wolf’s chest like a storm building from nothing. Adrian froze, lifting both hands to show he carried no threat. “Easy,” he whispered, heart hammering. The wolf’s teeth flashed, then disappeared as its jaws snapped shut with deliberate restraint.
Adrian crouched, lowering himself until the mud soaked his trousers. Slowly, he set the spade down beside him, letting the wolf see the gesture. The animal’s gaze never wavered, its ears twitching in quick flickers. It was letting him stay—for now. He dared not test the fragile permission.