“I agree with Moon,” he growled. “It was our pup who died, but it was our other two pups who were saved. The Leashed Dogs were wrong to do what they did, but they did the right thing in the end. That shows courage and honor, Alpha, and I respect it.”

Fiery’s tail lashed slowly as he bent down to nuzzle Moon’s head. The other dogs stood in hushed silence, watching Alpha as he scowled down at the two mates. There was fondness in his frown, though, and Lucky found his hopes rising just a little.

“Beta. Do your job.” Alpha sighed and glanced at his elegant partner. “Advise me.”

Sweet scratched thoughtfully at her ear, then placed her paw gracefully back on the rock. “It’s true that they fought well,” she murmured. “Whether against us or for us.”

“And which of those carries most weight?” asked Alpha.

Sweet made a rumbling sound in her throat. “They would be worthy allies, and bad enemies. I suggest we put aside our differences with the Leashed Pack, Alpha. There’s more that draws us together than divides us. As Moon said, we are all dogs, and we’re living in a changed world. When I came here after the first Big Growl, I thought this Pack was safe from its effects, but I nearly died in the second Growl, and who knows what else is to come?”

“And their leader?” Alpha’s baleful gaze rested on Bella once more.

“Hmph.” Sweet gave her a cutting look. “I’m willing to do what Moon and Fiery want. It seems to me they have the right to decide.”

Alpha licked his jaws again thoughtfully, his pointed white teeth gleaming.

“Very well,” he said at last. “Sweet talks sense yet again, and she also talks me out of my instincts. Again. How shall we arrange this new order?”

Sweet sat down, eyeing the members of Bella’s Pack. “I suggest we invite their Pack to join with ours. But every one of them will have to accept a low place in the hierarchy. They must be loyal only to you. If they’re willing to do that, it’ll prove we can work together for the good of all.”

Alpha nodded as Bella’s Pack exchanged nervous but hopeful glances. Lucky stared at the ground, torn. Could Bella’s Pack really fit in with these true Wild Dogs? He shuddered to imagine Sunshine in the hierarchy, trying to find a place for herself that was survivable. How did he feel about the Packs uniting?

Bad, was the answer. And good. And everything in between. Lucky shut his eyes in despair.

He blinked them open when Alpha scraped his claws against the rock, a screeching sound against the stillness of the clearing.

“Very well. We’ll organize the Pack roles as best we can, if the Leashed Dogs agree to join us. Which they will, if they have any sense. We still won’t tolerate outsiders trespassing on our land, so they will join us or run far away.”