He spotted Snap treading through the long grass, returning from a hunt, the limp body of a ferret hanging from her jaws.

“Snap!” he barked loudly.

The stout hunter squinted through the mist, ears pricked. “Omega, is that you?”

He took a step forward, standing over the edge of the hill. “Omega the City Dog challenges Snap the hunter!” he barked. Sweet rose to her paws, surprise crossing her narrow face.

Lucky took a deep breath. “Do you accept the challenge?”

Snap dropped the ferret, her eyes gleaming. Her body stiffened. “I accept!” she barked.

Lucky fought down a tremor of nerves. She wants revenge for the previous fight—the one where I beat her with trickery.

By the time that Lucky and Sweet had reached the bottom of the hill, half the Pack had gathered in the meadow.

Moon was nursing Nose and Squirm with Fiery standing guard, and plenty of familiar faces were emerging from the mist: Mickey, Bruno, Spring, Dart. Even Martha appeared, a dark blur in the gloom as she hung back.

Alpha walked slowly out and sat in the mouth of the cave. He said nothing, but gave Sweet a nod.

He approves the fight, Lucky thought. I bet that means he thinks I can’t win. But I’m going to show him.

Sweet stepped close to Lucky, her breath catching the fur of his ear. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

Lucky turned and met her eye. “Yes, Beta. I am.”

She addressed the Pack. “Omega has challenged Snap to a fight, and Snap has accepted. If Omega wins, he will be promoted above her. If Snap wins there will be no change in Pack rankings.” She took a step back. “May the Sky-Dogs look with blessing on your combat!” she barked. “May your fight be fair, and may the outcome be favored by the Spirit Dogs. When the battle is done, we all remain Packmates. And we all shall protect the Pack! On my word . . . fight!”

Snap sprang at Lucky immediately, knocking him off balance and sinking her jaws into his hind leg. He yelped and pulled away as she drew back, snarling. Hackles up, he started toward her, curling his lips over his fangs. He tried to leap at her but Snap was fast, slipping out of the way and behind him, pouncing on his back and catching his shoulder with a deep nip.

Lucky howled and shook her off roughly, throwing her to the ground. He pressed down with his forepaws, pinning her, and aiming a bite at her exposed stomach, but she scrambled out of his grip and all he managed to do was tear a shallow gash in the edge of her flank. She ducked into the mist, vanishing for a moment as Lucky blinked in confusion.

Snap’s voice came from behind him. “Nice try, City Dog!”