There were several different search patterns they could use to cover the forest, but Sergeant Martin and the ranger decided to work a grid pattern that would see each team responsible for an area outlined on the map. The ten-people teams would line up across one side of the grid with each person remaining in sight of the person next to them. Then they would all walk in the same direction, keeping in sight of each other and looking for anything unusual on the ground or in the forest. They would also be calling out the girl’s name and listening for a response. By operating in this way they could cover the greatest area in the shortest time while making sure they weren’t searching the same area twice.

“Do you think this will work?” Ranger Brock asked Sergeant Martin.

“We might get lucky,” replied the sergeant. “But I’d rather have a pack of bloodhounds right now.”

The ranger smiled, knowing that there already was a pack—of wolves rather than bloodhounds—out there in the woods looking for the girl. And with any luck, they’d find her well before the search parties got up to speed. “That would be my choice, too,” he said.

* * *

Each member of the pack had been following tracks through the forest for close to an hour. At one point Tora wondered how it was possible for one little girl to have traveled so far in such a short time, but then realized that she had crossed the track she’d been following and had wasted time on a track she’d already gone over.

She made a mental note to be more careful distinguishing between her own tracks and the tracks made by the wolves following Angelina Abruzzo. But then, she was so careful not to make another mistake that she didn’t see Harlan until he was standing in the middle of the trail blocking her way.

She shifted her shape and asked, “What is it?”

“The wolves,” he said in a voice that was almost a growl. “Her scent is getting stronger, more fresh.”

“That means we’re closing in on her,” Argus said, having followed his own set of tracks to the scene.

Harlan nodded. “We’re all closing in.”

Tora’s body was charged with hope that they would find the girl safe. “You mean searchers?” she asked, hopefully.

Harlan shook his head.

“The wolves?” Argus suggested, with a hint of despair.

Harlan nodded again, but Tora felt there was something more to it, something he wasn’t saying.

“What else?” she demanded.

Harlan was about to speak, but his words were cut off by something moving through the trees. Branches shifted, leaves rustled, and then, suddenly, there was a huge werewolf standing between Tora and her brother.

Phelan was in werewolf form, standing well over seven feet and looking as if he might tear each of them apart and have them for dinner.