I was driving through the mountains, returning home after visiting my family. I saw the storm approaching, but after driving two hours, I decided to push forward.
The rain is torrential. I consider pulling over when lightning crashes down in front of me. It hits a huge tree. As I see the tree falling, I put my breaks on, but I start to skid on the wet pavement. I turn into the skid, and the passenger side of my car slams against the trunk. The explosive sound of twisting metal makes my ears ring
I sit in the car trying to calm my breathing. I check myself for damage. Shattered glass rained all over me in the crash. Branches have speared through the back windows. The tree will have to be cut up before my car can be extracted. My bags and emergency kit are in the trunk. No help there as it is all smashed up. I reach to the passenger seat, looking for my phone.
I find it. It has a full battery, but between the storm and the mountains; there is no reception. I put it in my pocket, grab my keys, and get out. I look behind me, but I don't see any cars coming. I climb over the tree, and make my way forward. The thought of hitchhiking fills me with foreboding, but I need to get to shelter.
I slosh through the water on the road. Running down the side of the mountain, it hits my ankles with force. Lightning strikes around me, lighting up the dark areas of the forest. I see a silhouette of a wolf in the distance. When the light fades, I can't see it any longer, but I'm not waiting around here. I push forward.
In my haste to get away, I place my foot wrong. I go down, and the water sweeps me down the side of the road. I curl into a ball going with the flow of the water. I travel a good distance before a group of trees stop me.
Soaked to the bone, I lay there trying to get my bearings. As I look around, I see the wolf at the top of the road, looking back at me. Its fur is a beautiful silver color, and it is far huger than what my glimpse of it earlier suggested. I struggle to get to my feet. My sodden clothes make everything harder to do, but I find my balance and move.
I look back behind me, but I can't see it. It probably gave up to find easier prey. With the rain and water build up, climbing up isn't an option. I make my way farther down. The mountain is heavily forested where I am. I pick my way down, and see that I am going into a valley. With the ground flattening out, I might be able to find a road.
I stop under some trees, taking a break. My tummy starts to growl at me, and I realize that it's been a while since I've eaten. I pull my phone out of my pocket, but it's as waterlogged as I am. I shove it back in, then start looking for a road; wondering when it will quit raining.
As I move, my eyes keep scanning for possible signs of life. With the storm and the forest covering, darkness is not far off. I'm fairly warm, but later it will be cold. The sound of a branch cracking draws my attention to the right of me. For a second, I thought I saw a bit of silver fur through the trees.
I look harder, but the rain obscures my vision. I veer to my left. I keep a steady pace, picking my way through the trees. I am already soaked and starving, but now I can feel my body tiring. I push myself to keep going. The trees look like they are starting to thin out.
I step out into a clearing. There is a sheer mountain wall right in my way. I have wasted all this time to get to a dead end. I scream in sheer frustration. Behind me, I hear a wolf howl. I turn around and realize that it is six feet from me. I back away from it, right into the cliff face. I am trapped.
My heart is pounding in my chest. Its eyes are a silverish-blue color. It takes a step forward, sniffing the air. I am sure that it is catching the scent of my fear. It pads softly towards me, and I start to tremble. I feel adrenaline hit, and I run to my right. I hear it chasing me.
I see a cave entrance up ahead. I use my last bit of energy to get to it. The mouth is large enough for me to get into without having to duck. Inside the cave opens to a short tunnel. I can move through it without hitting the sides. It opens into a large area.
I blink as I look around. There is a fire and bedroll set up like someone lives here. Off to the side there is a hot spring connected to a stream. Exhausted and out of breath, I sink to the ground, wrapping my arms around my knees. I hear the soft padding from the wolf coming up behind me. I look at it. "Are you someone's pet?" I ask.
It stops in front of me, and stands up on its hind legs. As I watch, the fur on its body recedes. Its facial features soften to human features. I realize it is all male. I hear a whimper, realizing that it came from my own throat. I hear the word "No," as I slip into unconsciousness.
I awake to the smell of roasting meat and wood smoke. My stomach growls as my brain recognizes it. I am warm and comfortable. My body is naked. I am laying on a Sherpa bedroll, and covered with a fur blanket. I open my eyes, and let my ears take in my surroundings.
"I know you're awake. I can hear your heart beating faster."
I sit up, holding the blanket to me. He is sitting on his haunches by the fire. His hand rotates a spit over the fire that is holding a brace of rabbits. There is a tanning rack holding four new furs, and a stand with my clothes next to it. Between the fire and the spring, the cave is comfortably warm.