CHAPTER 17

  As the second wolf flew free, the first launched itself at Dante's face. Ducking his head, he caught it in the throat, but Dante's teeth clamped down on fur instead of flesh, and it squirmed away. It tried to back off for a second lunge, but Dante, out of aggression, leapt at it, backing it into a tree. It reared up, trying to get out of his way. He slashed for its throat. This time he got his grip. Blood spurted in his mouth, salty and thick. The first wolf landed on Dante's back. His legs buckled. Teeth sunk into the loose skin beneath his skull. Fresh pain arced through him.