No. Oh, no. Lucky tried to dart forward, but Alpha moved again, blocking his path. He had to crane to see over Alpha’s back.

The giantfur reared back on his hind legs. He swiped his forepaws in the air, claws glinting. One paw still oozed with amber liquid. He threw back his huge head and roared, revealing a dark red mouth framed by long, yellow fangs.

The beast took a thumping step toward Grunt, who cringed and backed into Daisy and his littermates. The dogs were cornered against a wall of rock.

Lucky was sick with fear. His heart thundered in his chest. “Please, Alpha! We have to help them! Even if you think nothing of the pups, do it for Daisy! She’s always been a loyal Pack dog; she accepted this mission without complaint, and has done her best by you and the others. She does not deserve this! We can’t abandon her!”

Alpha’s ears pricked up and his body tensed as he watched Daisy and pups cower. The giantfur towered over them, then lunged forward, a giant forepaw slicing the air. Daisy let out a short howl and rolled away, dragging the pups with her. When they climbed back to their paws, Lucky could see a trickle of blood in Daisy’s fur where the giantfur’s claw had snagged her skin. The giantfur roared again, and Lucky felt sure he could hear the sound of delight.

Daisy was looking around desperately and now her glance came to rest on Lucky and Alpha.

Feeling his stomach shrivel with shame, Lucky shoved himself up against Alpha. His voice was hoarse with desperation now. “What will your Pack think if you allow a loyal dog to die for no reason?”

The half wolf’s tail twitched.

Near the white ridge, Daisy howled in despair. “Help! We’re trapped!”

Something passed across Alpha’s face—a shadow of doubt. “Fine. Follow my lead.” He bounded toward the giantfur, Lucky close behind him.

Lucky slowed as he approached. He kept his stance low as the giantfur spun around and stared at him. Trembling by the wall of rock, Daisy and the pups whined with gratitude.

Alpha stepped closer, level with Lucky. His gaze was steady and his stance spoke of quiet pride. The giantfur’s eyes narrowed as he inspected the Pack leader. Alpha stood his ground, refusing to move or attack. Lucky had to admire how clever he was. The half wolf was making it clear that he did not want a fight, but that he would not back down, either. Slowly, surely, he began to circle the giantfur in order to stand in front of Daisy and the pups, signaling that he would protect them. Lucky came to stand beside him.