A grey blur suddenly jumped upon Belle, but it wasn't one of the wolves. Erik released a snarl at the animals, standing over Belle as to protect her. His fur pressed against her and she could likely feel the rumbling in his chest as he made threatening noises to scare the attackers away. They didn't turn tail; they just attacked. Two were upon the beast before he could even react, but he quickly swiped them both off. The rest piled onto him, making him roar in pain as one bit down hard on his shoulder. A few drops of his blood dribbled onto Belle. Erik shook the animals off, swiping hard at their leader. It was sent flying into a tree, the impact making a loud crack. The wolves suddenly whimpered, and sped out of the clearing with their tails between their legs.<br/><br/>Erik was gasping for breath, his shoulder bleeding heavily. Slowly he  took a few steps from Belle, but collapsed against the snow.