Wiggle turned to his litter-sister. “They did save us,” she said. “Lucky and Alpha, they distracted the giantfur. And Lucky and Mickey looked after us when we were all alone.”

Lick looked at her brother, then tilted her head to look at Lucky. “We forgive you—don’t we, Wiggle?”

Wiggle responded by bounding up to Lucky, who leaned over to lick him on the ears. Mickey took a step forward, calling Lick to him as the other dogs watched.

Relief coursed through Lucky’s limbs. The pups had forgiven him. And they’d done it in front of the Pack, showing their maturity and ability to fit in. That they belonged. Lucky saw doubt crossing Bella’s eyes. Sweet pawed the ground thoughtfully. They’re seeing another side to these pups—a gentler side.

Only Grunt remained fixed to the spot, standing away from the Pack. Lucky looked up and met his glare.

“How about you, Grunt? Do you accept my apology?”

Please say yes. Just do whatever it takes to save this situation.

The pup rose to his full height, puffing out his chest. “I will never forgive you!” he barked. “My brother and sister are weak, but I know an enemy when I see him. Dogs that aren’t like us cannot be trusted—wild, ill-bred, sneaky dogs without any pride or honor. We should never have followed you.” He turned to Lick and Wiggle with a growl. “You two! We’re leaving!”

Lick took a step toward Grunt but hesitated, turning back to Mickey. Wiggle stayed firmly at Lucky’s side.

Grunt howled at them. “Come on! They don’t want us here, and we’re better than this shabby Pack. We’re going off to find our own kind—that’s where we belong!”

A shadow fell over the assembled dogs. Lucky spun around to see a large black shape at the base of the pine trees. Dark eyes glinted above a glossy face, jaws parted with a flash of white.

The voice was brutal. “You don’t need to find us. . . . We’ve found you.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The Fierce Dog raised her muzzle and glared down at the Wild Pack. Her coat gleamed, rippling over her taut, muscular body. Dizzying fear gripped Lucky’s stomach. It was the dog called Blade—the Alpha of the brutal Pack. He remembered her from the Dog-Garden—remembered her angry barks and her ferocious leadership. Standing a few paces away, Bella whimpered: “It’s her! We escaped her once and she’s come looking for us. She wants revenge!”

“I don’t think it’s us that she wants,” Lucky said, nuzzling Wiggle protectively. He pushed the pup behind him, putting his body between Wiggle and Blade.

“What is it? What’s happening?” Wiggle asked, trying to see around Lucky.

“Keep still,” Lucky murmured, keeping his face toward Blade. Whatever happened now, it wasn’t going to be good.