Bennett offered Ariana a gentle smile upon hearing her, yet it somehow felt colder than the smirks he had given before.
He said, âYouâre correct; my profession involves training animals, but itâs typically only a couple at a time.
Managing a dozen simultaneously? Thatâs impossible.
â
âSo do we just sit here and wait for the end?â Desperation began to creep into Arianaâs voice.
âNot quite,â Bennett responded, shaking his head as he met her expectant look.
âWe do have another option.
â
âAnd what might that be?â Ariana inquired, her interest peaked as adrenaline pulsed through her veins.
âRun,â Bennett said.
The suggestion sent shivers down Arianaâs spine.
Was that really their plan?
Doubts about its viability surfaced immediately.
Bennett had a broken bone, and her own energy was nearly depleted.
Escaping a pack of wolves ready to strike seemed unlikely.
âI can see what youâre thinking, Bennett said.
âGo on and run; leave me here to handle them.
â
He looked at Ariana and continued, âDonât worry; I wonât take it personally.
Iâd likely do the same if I were in your position, so no feelings of guilt, agreed?â
A spark of gratitude flashed through Ariana, but then she scoffed, âClever attempt, but Iâm not convinced.
Youâre not coaxing me into feeling grateful.
And whoâs to say you wonât summon your crew to catch me once youâre free? Youâre totally capable of that.
â
Bennett rolled his eyes.
âUngrateful,â he muttered.
Ignoring his remark, Ariana dug through her backpack, extracting some beef jerky and canned luncheon meat.
She devised a strategy.
After she revealed her plan to Bennett, his expression brightened.
âYou intend to use this meat as a distraction?â
âIt beats sacrificing you,â Ariana retorted.
âJust be ready for my cue.
â
She swiftly opened the beef jerky packs and used a small knife to lever open the cans of meat.
As the aroma filled the air, the wolves grew restless.
Ariana promptly tossed the meat in diverse directions, successfully diverting the packâs attention.
Seizing the chance, Ariana grasped Bennettâs hand, and they dashed for safety.
Bennett was unable to move swiftly due to his injury, and Ariana found herself nearly supporting his entire weight.
But the rush of adrenaline seemingly banished her fatigue as they fled.
They had covered hundreds of meters when Arianaâs energy began to wane.
She let Bennett down among the bushes and stopped to catch her breath, only to feel a dangerous, familiar presence drawing near.
Slowly turning around, she realized the wolves had caught up with them.
Despite her attempt to distract them with the meat, it hadnât been sufficient for the ravenous pack, and the wolves were significantly faster than she was.