This is a metaphor referring to the behavior of a wolf who will circle a fire built by a human, looking for an opportunity to attack (or at least raid the campsite for food). If you Google "wolf circling campfire" (without quotes) you will get a number of references to this behavior.

Can't really excerpt this one very well: https://steamcommunity.com/app/305620/discussions/0/611698195147120309/

A novel (I think):

As the animal approached the campfire, its features were clearly those of a large, overly muscular black wolf.

 

... After circling the fire a few times, the wolf stared at the prospector with an eerie grin, baring his teeth.

Metaphorical use:

It had taken that, a different woman's scent on Ranjit's skin, to make me face a truth that had circled my life for two years, like a wolf circling a campfire.

The behavior is also mentioned in numerous books and novels such as White Fang.

This is a metaphor referring to the behavior of a wolf who will circle a fire built by a human, looking for an opportunity to attack (or at least raid the campsite for food). If you Google "wolf circling campfire" (without quotes) you will get a number of references to this behavior.

Can't really excerpt this one very well: https://steamcommunity.com/app/305620/discussions/0/611698195147120309/

A novel (I think):

As the animal approached the campfire, its features were clearly those of a large, overly muscular black wolf.

... After circling the fire a few times, the wolf stared at the prospector with an eerie grin, baring his teeth.

Metaphorical use:

It had taken that, a different woman's scent on Ranjit's skin, to make me face a truth that had circled my life for two years, like a wolf circling a campfire.

The behavior is also mentioned in numerous books and novels such as White Fang.