The giantfur took a few steps forward and stopped. It dropped its head, sniffing the dusty earth, ignoring Grunt, who had started to bark in his high-pitched pup-voice.

Without warning, the beast bounded toward Daisy and the pups. The dogs scrambled away, cowering around the rock as the giantfur roared and threw himself up on his hind legs. Even Grunt moved out of the way, darting next to the base of a pine tree.

The giantfur raised a huge paw, but instead of lashing out at the dogs, he swiped the branches of the bowing tree, sending a storm of leaves through the air. His ragged claws sank into what looked like a nub of yellow bark and emerged sparkling in amber liquid. He stuffed his paw in his mouth and sighed, a dreadful, rumbling sound. In a moment a blizzard of bees swarmed over the beast’s face and he shook his head, his round ears twitching. Licking the last drop of amber juice from his claws, the giantfur took another swipe at the tree as the bees buzzed around him in a frenzied cloud.

Lucky shuddered with relief. “He’s not interested in the dogs,” he sighed. “Look, he’s ignoring them. There’s something in that tree he likes; that’s what he’s after.”

Alpha didn’t reply, his eyes fixed on the giantfur.

Lucky began to relax. They’re going to be fine. As long as Daisy and the pups keep calm, nothing will—

Grunt stepped out behind the giantfur as Daisy, Lick, and Wiggle cowered against the rocks.

Lucky felt a tremble of dread. What’s he doing?

“Get back here, Grunt!” Daisy urged the pup, who was squaring up to the beast.

“I’m not scared of him!” Grunt barked, stalking forward. “I don’t care how big he is!”

“That pup is a fool,” Alpha snarled.

Lucky tried desperately to keep calm. “Please, Alpha, we have to help! He’s young; he doesn’t know what he should do. He needs the help of senior dogs in the Pack—dogs like you.”

Alpha tossed his head dismissively. “Fierce Dogs are unruly mutts! I told you that right from the start.” He held his stance, refusing to let Lucky pass. “We must let this play out.”

Daisy was pleading with Grunt to stand down. “You’re just making him angry!” she yapped.

“A dog never backs down in the face of the enemy!” barked Grunt.

“A wise dog knows when it’s best to avoid a fight,” Lucky heard Daisy warn him. “You can’t win against a creature this big—none of us can!”

“She’s right,” barked Lick. “Look at the size of him! And you’re just making him angry!”

As though to prove Daisy’s point, the giantfur finally turned to Grunt, his eyes glistening as he stared down at the pup.