Read Walker's Run for Free Online Page A

laid his head in her lap. The larger one examined her a few moments before he approached. A shiver of fear trailed up her spine, despite the comfort of the youth. The adult wolf towered over her. She’d never seen a mature one up close and couldn’t help but wonder if they all were this large. Unable to move, her eyes locked on the wolf in front of her.
    The adult male rubbed his cold nose to her cheek, followed by a gentle, warm lick. He made a soft sound in his throat and nuzzled the adolescent, scooting in next to him. She smiled and wrapped her arms around them, burying her hands in their soft, warm fur. It only took a few minutes for her to warm up while the wolves cuddled against her. The events of the past three hours had drained her. She curled up and drifted off to sleep feeling safe and secure.
    The sound of a rifle cocking woke her. She looked up to see her father and brother, Dean. The large wolf growled and rose to his feet, placing himself between her and her father.
    “Casey, hon. I want you to back away,” her father warned.
    “Daddy they were keepin’ me warm,” she protested.
    “They’re wild animals honey and can’t be trusted. They’ll turn on you in an instant.” Her father raised the gun and trained it on the adult male.
    The adolescent pressed against her leg. The large wolf gave a soft woof when he saw him there. The younger wolf pressed even closer against her. The elder snapped at him. With a yelp, the youngster backed away, looking anxious.
    “See, honey, they even snap at their own.” Her father narrowed his eyes looking at the wolf.
    Casey could hear the anger and fear in her father’s voice. She was torn with indecision. Though she’d never been one to openly defy him, she had to protect the wolves.
    “Please, Daddy, don’t shoot him,” she begged and placed her arms around the neck of the large wolf.
    “Honey, please.” Her father raised his head, worry obvious on his face.
    The wolf barred his teeth, a ferocious growl ripped from his chest in warning.
    Dean grabbed her from behind, dragging her away. Then placed himself between her and the wolf, raising his own rifle. Normally her brother’s need to play the role of the protector caused an eye roll of irritation. Now Casey wished she was the larger sibling and could get around him.
    Her father lifted the shot gun and motioned for Dean to pull her further away. The wolf turned, his eyes locked on Casey’s. Her father fired into the air.
    With a snarl, the enormous wolf turned and lunged for her father. She tried to dodge around her brother, but it was too late.
    The numbingly loud burst of gunfire rent the air again. The blast caught the wolf’s throat. Casey’s stomach lurched as she watched the animal’s head drop next to his body. Her gaze took in the blood that spread into the snow.
    “Daddy. No!” Casey sobbed, falling to her knees next to the lifeless form of her former protector.
    “The rest of his pack might be near. We have to get back to camp.” Her father gently took her by the arm.
    “He wasn’t going to hurt me. He was trying to protect me,” she cried looking up at her father. “You killed him for keeping me safe. He was scared of you, but he wasn’t scared of me.”
    “We’ll talk about this later, but we have to go. Now.” His voice was firm, his grip on her upper arm even more so as he pulled her to her feet and away from the dead wolf.
    * * * *
    “Daddy. No!” Casey sobbed and tried to roll onto her left side. Pain seared through her, jarring her awake. She gasped, winded from the pain and the horrible memory.
    Opening her eyes, she saw the concern in Braedyn’s pale eyes.
    “Bad dream?” he asked.
    “Yes.” She brushed a few stubborn strands of hair from her face and rubbed her eyes. “A memory actually.”
    He uncapped a water bottle and leaned in to help her. The scent of leather and snow surrounded her. His arm cradled her head while she drank.
    She noticed it was still dark