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Tessa sprinted ahead, her footsteps pounding against the uneven terrain. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and tears blurred her vision. "Abominable! You always bully me, you dead bastard! You'll regret this!" she shouted into the empty expanse.
Eventually, exhaustion caught up with her. She halted, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. The adrenaline that had fueled her escape began to wane, replaced by a gnawing sense of vulnerability.
She shook her head, muttering to herself, "Maybe he's right. Dad has been overprotective. I'm not a child anymore. No one else has a father like mine."
A self-deprecating smile tugged at her lips. "Perhaps that's why I'm looked down upon." Her expression hardened. "But that bastard—I won't forgive him."
A gentle evening breeze rustled the surrounding grass and trees, the only sound in the quiet wilderness. The eerie silence sent a shiver down Tessa's spine.
Clasping her hands together, she glanced around nervously. "Where... where am I?"
She turned in a slow circle, realizing she had no idea how far she'd run or in which direction. The landscape was unfamiliar, the shadows lengthening as dusk settled in.
"How do I get back? Dad must be worried sick." Her voice trembled, and she began to walk, each step hesitant.
Suddenly, the underbrush ahead rustled. Tessa froze, her heart leaping into her throat. "Who's there?" she called out, her voice barely above a whisper.
A low growl answered her. From the shadows emerged a massive brown bear, its eyes fixed on her. Tessa's scream pierced the air.
---
Meanwhile, Cade was scouring the wilderness, his voice hoarse from shouting, "Tessa! Tessa, where are you?" A distant scream reached his ears, and his blood ran cold. "That's Tessa!" He broke into a sprint, panic propelling him forward.
On a nearby hill, Jack stood observing the scene, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "Looks like someone's in trouble," he mused, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
---
Back with Tessa, she turned and ran, the bear in pursuit. Her lungs burned, and her legs threatened to give out. The bear's growl grew louder, closer.
"Don't come any closer!" she cried, desperation lacing her voice.
A large rock loomed ahead. With a burst of energy, she scrambled up, the bear's paw swiping at her back, tearing through her shirt and leaving a shallow gash. Pain flared, but adrenaline kept her moving.
Perched atop the rock, she shouted, "I'm not afraid of you!" Her voice wavered, betraying her fear.
The bear roared in frustration, standing on its hind legs, attempting to climb. Tessa's eyes darted around, spotting a sizable rock nearby. She grasped it, muscles straining, and hurled it at the bear.
The rock struck the bear's head with a sickening thud. It staggered back, dazed, before collapsing to the ground.
Tessa's body trembled uncontrollably. She took a moment to steady herself before descending the rock, intent on escaping.
However, the bear stirred, its eyes now filled with rage. With a guttural growl, it lunged at her. Tessa turned to flee but tripped over a hidden root, crashing to the ground.
Pain shot through her ankle, immobilizing her. She looked back, the bear closing in. "No... Jack, you bastard," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Suddenly, a voice rang out, "Need a hand?"
A figure stepped between her and the bear, standing tall and unyielding. Tessa's eyes widened in disbelief. It was Jack.
The bear roared, swiping at Jack. He caught the paw effortlessly, a smirk on his face. "Is that all you've got?"
With a swift motion, he twisted the bear's arm, a loud crack echoing as the bone snapped. The bear howled in pain.
"Time to end this," Jack declared, delivering a powerful kick that sent the bear flying. It landed with a thud, unmoving.
Jack turned to Tessa, extending a hand. "You okay?"
She stared at him, a mix of awe and confusion. "What... what just happened?"
He chuckled, "Just saving a damsel in distress."
Tessa's face flushed. "I'm not a damsel," she retorted, attempting to stand. Pain shot through her ankle, and she winced.
Jack noticed, "You're hurt. Let me help."
Before she could protest, he scooped her up effortlessly. Tessa's heart raced, her face inches from his.
"You know," he began, "you were looking at me like I was your prince charming."
She sputtered, "I was not!"
He grinned, "It's okay. I'm used to it."
Tessa rolled her eyes, "You're insufferable."
Their banter was interrupted by distant howls. Tessa's eyes widened, "Wolves?"
Jack nodded, "Seems like it. We should move."
He carried her through the forest, the sounds of the wild echoing around them. Tessa clung to him, her earlier resentment forgotten.
As they reached a clearing, Jack paused, "Your dad's nearby, being chased by wolves."
Tessa's eyes widened in alarm, "We have to help him!"
Jack set her down gently, "Stay here. I'll handle it."
Before she could respond, he vanished into the trees.
Tessa watched him go, a newfound respect blossoming within her. "Maybe he's not so bad after all," she whispered.