In "the interlopers" how does the word "wolves" fulfill a purpose in the narrative arc?

a. it hints at an action and grabs the reader's attention in the exposition.
b. it introduces animals as characters in the story and suggests a setting since wolves often live in the wild.
c. it instills a sense of fear in the reader and adds to the rising action and conflict.
d. it suggests what the conclusion might be as the story closes and signifies the end of the falling action.