Suddenly, the bear halted, turning its colossal frame toward him. Nolan’s pulse slammed against his chest. He froze, feeling the frigid air slice into his lungs. Then, with a slow exhale, he noticed the creature’s gaze resting on the pouch of dried fish at his belt.
Relief collided with fear, leaving him shaky and breathless. Of course the bear wanted more food—it wasn’t after his flesh, at least not yet. Nolan fumbled for another piece, nearly dropping it as the cold numbed his fingertips. The tension crackled like static.