All fear slipped away as he held on to Juke, their connection strong and reassuring. They reached the service station without further incidents, and Dale sighed in relief when Juke told him they were on safe ground.
Juke slowed to a stroll as they approached a youngish-looking man. Having met Juke's dad, Dale had no idea if this person was younger or older than he appeared. He sat on a chair in front of a large warehouse, whittling wood with practiced precision.
The sculpture in his hands was taking form as he chipped away, and Dale could see it would be a wolf in mid-leap, not unlike the leap Juke had made to get him away from the pack of wolves who had tried to attack them earlier.
Seeing them approaching, he stood and placed the carving and knife on a log table that showed signs of similar use. His eyes widened as they landed on Dale riding on Juke's back, surprise and curiosity evident in his express
