I’m staring danger in the face yet I feel so calm. They must have heard me coming; such beauty in their power. Before me stand three tall white wolves, one standing closer to me than the others. They must have heard me coming, I can tell by the way their eyes are fixed on me.

I hold onto my hiking stick with both hands in front of me, my lower back is feeling the strain of the 45 minute hike I’ve completed so far. Only another twenty minutes until I’m back at the car. If I’m allowed to continue.

The alpha wolf takes a step closer, raising its nose and sniffing the air around me. I think he’s try to suss out whether I’m a threat or not. I stay where I am and as still as I can l, although my breathing needs to slow.

The other two wolves stay put, waiting for permission.

My heart rate quickens, maybe I’m not as safe as I thought I was. Is anyone going to notice if I don’t make it back home? Will anyone know where to look for me?

The aplha moves in closer yet, I maintain eye contact - not wanting to back down. He circles around the back of me and my feet become tree roots, holding me to the ground. And luckily, he comes back round the front. I let out a sigh of relief as he walks back to the pack. He has spared me my life. How do I show my gratitude to a wolf?

I smile, it’s the only thing I can think to do.