Lucky saw Sweet edge up to Moon. “Hurry back to the rocks,” she murmured. “Keep Nose and Squirm inside the pup den; don’t let them come out until it’s over.” Moon gave a quick, grateful nod, glanced at Fiery, and then bounded away in the direction of the rocks.

The Fierce Dogs were still advancing, their unhurried steps perfectly matched so that they looked like a solid wall of black-and-brown fur. The Wild Pack stood their ground but Lucky knew they weren’t prepared for this. Dart hid her head in her paws, whining helplessly. Bruno was yelping. The air around the camp seemed to have been replaced with fear-scent.

The stench was making Lucky dizzy.

Wiggle? Where’s Wiggle? he thought suddenly, his guts clenching. He had lost the pup in all the panic. He couldn’t see any of the younger Fierce Dogs.

“Pack!” barked Blade. “Contain the mutts—and find the pups!”

Before any of the Wild Pack could move to stop them, the Fierce Dogs’ line split and they looped around the Wild Pack, hemming them in.

“Face out!” Sweet barked. “Don’t take your eyes off them!” The Wild Pack backed against one another, jostling and shoving in their desperation to avoid the menacing Fierce Dogs. Lucky could feel other dogs squirming beside him and even the nip of some dog’s teeth on his coat—a Packmate, driven wild by fear.

“Keep your wits,” Alpha howled, “or I’ll tear your throats myself!”

Suddenly the Fierce Dogs froze in formation. Looking around and gulping for air, Lucky was astounded by how easily they had gained control of the Wild Pack. Lick, Wiggle, and Grunt huddled together at the center of the circle.

Lucky squeezed through to them. “Pups, are you okay?” It was difficult to make himself heard above the desperate whines and howls, and the occasional huge bark of a Fierce Dog.

Wiggle nuzzled against him and Lick spoke up. “Yes, but what’s happening?”

Grunt pulled away, glaring at Lucky. “What’s happening is that our Pack has come to take us away. We can finally leave this horrible place, with these dishonest dogs.”

Lucky winced, as though he’d been struck. “Grunt—”

The pup ignored him and thrust between the scrum of Wild Dogs, pushing his way out. Lucky bounded after him. He caught up just as Grunt reached the edge of the group.

“Stay back!” Lucky urged, blocking Grunt with his body. Then he looked up, a cold chill shuddering down his spine. The furious eyes that met his were familiar. It was Blade’s Beta.

“They’re here, Alpha!” he howled. “This mutt has brought them to us.”

“Good work, Mace!” Blade barked. She still towered over the Packs from her vantage point at the pine trees.