Her eyes were suddenly full of sympathy, and she nosed anxiously at his flank. “Were you hurt, Lucky?”

“No.” Thanks to Alpha. “But, Bella, I’ve had enough. I want to come back, and we can move on together somewhere else. It’s not just loudcages and longpaws—it’s dangerous just being with that Pack. Omega—I mean Whine—could expose me at any moment. I’m not sure he’s finished with me—and after the Moon-Dog’s next turn, he’ll be Omega again, I’m sure of it. That’ll make him even more bitter and vengeful!”

“But that’s a long time away!” barked Bella cheerfully. “You’ve kept that horrible dog happy for now. You’ll be fine!”

Lucky stared at her. “That’s not the point. It isn’t just Whine! If those dogs ever find out I’ve betrayed them—well. You won’t be seeing your litter-brother anymore. I’ll be hunting worms with the Earth-Dog!”

Bella looked at her paws. “But you can’t, Lucky. You can’t come back.”

His heart seemed to stop. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, Lucky, I don’t mean forever. Just for now. You don’t understand.”

“No, I don’t!” he barked angrily.

“Listen,” Bella placated him. “Later, of course you can come back, Lucky. In a few days, perhaps! But Martha and Bruno are very unwell.”

His gut turned over. “Still? Bella, this isn’t right. They should be—”

“Oh, you mustn’t worry, Lucky!” she said hurriedly. “You have enough to think about. It’s a strange illness, that’s all—their bellies ache all the time. I think the sickness might cling to food or water. Maybe even air! And it’s creeping into other dogs’ stomachs. That’s all. They’ll get better, but it would be silly for you to come back, and get sick. Wouldn’t it?”

He stared at her for a long time. The nausea and disappointment were almost overwhelming, robbing him of his voice, and for a moment he felt his legs wobble and thought he’d have to lie down. I still have to stay away?

“I suppose . . . but . . .” Suddenly his disappointment turned into panic. “I put my life on the line for you and the Pack! I did everything you asked of me, I betrayed a dog, and now you’re telling me I have to go back there?”

Bella quickly interrupted him. “While we’re at such low strength, we still need you in the other camp. Do you see? We need you to spy for us a little longer, to keep the land safe for us to travel through, for food and water. It’s best that you’re . . . with them. You have to stay well, Lucky! We need you!”

She knows just where to nip me where it hurts, thought Lucky dismally. He gave a wretched whine.

“Please, Lucky? For me?”

Everything has been for you, Bella. “If I have to.”

“Please, Lucky.” Her eyes were dark and intent and solemn.

He shut his own, so that he wouldn’t have to look at her. “Just a little longer, then. Only a little. Can I come back with you and see Martha and Bruno first? I’m worried about them.”