A nervous whine escaped Lucky’s lips. Surely the Fierce Dogs would not pursue them all the way here, just for revenge for their wounded pride? The female Alpha, Blade, had been especially arrogant and savage, but would she really leave her easy, spoiled existence in the Dog-Garden to come after a Pack of mangy Leashed Dogs?

Lucky wasn’t sure. And, in a way, that was worse than having something terrible but definite to fear.

He took his time snuffling around the trees, using his nose to nudge aside stones and branches. At last he felt a little more reassured—the scents were old and had not been refreshed recently, so whoever the Fierce Dog was, he had just been passing through. Still, he felt uneasy as he followed the others back toward the caves. There were far too many signs of danger around this place, too many traces of unfriendly dogs. Bella and her Pack could only move forward now. They could not turn around and walk back the way they had come—not when they were caught between two fierce, hostile Packs.

They needed to find a territory all their own. Somewhere.

The others were waiting for him, so happy and excited at the prospect of a good meal that Lucky decided not to mention his misgivings, or tell them about the strange and alarming Fierce Dog scent he had picked up. Any apprehension he felt was defeated by his appetite, which had been sharpened by the hunt and the clear air. He fell on his share of the prey with enthusiasm.

Afterward, he sprawled in the Sun-Dog’s light and heat, his belly full and his ears tickled by the soft breathing and contented grunts of his friends. At last, he rose up to all fours, stretching and shaking himself from head to tail. Much as he would have liked to, there was no sense putting this off any longer. As he paced toward Bella, the others raised their heads and got to their feet one by one, nervously gathering around him.

“I should be going.” Lucky nuzzled Bella’s ear, wanting to stay angry with her, but too aware of how much he would miss her, as well as the safety and companionship of this odd Pack, while he was away on his dangerous mission.

“I wish you didn’t have to go,” said Daisy.

“We’ve only just got you back,” Sunshine whined. “And those other dogs are so scary. Are you sure you’ll be safe?”

Lucky licked her black nose. “It’s for the best. You have to trust in Bella and me. That’s what Pack’s all about.” He wished he felt half as confident as he sounded. “I’ll be back again soon, and by that time I hope we will have clean water to drink. I’ll do my best for you all.”

“We know you will, Lucky.” Mickey nuzzled his neck. “Just . . . be careful.”

Suppressing a shudder, Lucky wagged his tail cheerfully. “Of course I will.” He turned to give Bella a last glance.