“Dogs?” Lucky’s eyes shot up to the edge of the hill. Sunshine was right! Something was moving up there. His stomach clenched and he took a step forward, his eyes trained on the shivering grass beneath the pine trees. He saw a small, dark creature—too small for an adult dog—and instantly relaxed. It had to be some sort of prey.

“Yes, a dog!” yelped Sunshine. “But just one . . .”

Mickey was standing at the edge of the circle of dogs, nearer to the pine trees. “It’s a pup!” he yelped.

The Pack watched in amazement as a small dog tumbled out from between the long grass and scrambled over the hill, half running, half stumbling.

It was Lick!

Lucky’s heart drummed in his chest as she flung herself toward the circle of dogs. He stared into the tree line. Where were her littermates? Why was Lick alone?

“She’s hurt!” Martha cried.

The big water-dog was right. Lucky watched in horror as Lick loped over to them in broken, jolting strides. Her fur was torn with multiple wounds, the metallic tang of blood mingling with her sweet, milky pup scent. She made the final stretch on trembling paws and collapsed against Mickey, who covered her in gentle licks. Martha and Lucky rushed to join them.

Alpha surveyed the scene with his pale eyes. He spoke with surprising gentleness as he addressed Lick. “What has happened to you?”

Panting heavily, Lick broke away from Martha, Mickey, and Lucky’s affectionate embrace. She took a couple of wincing steps toward Alpha. Her body was a mess of bite marks and tears, but she addressed the wolf-dog bravely.

“It was Blade!” she yelped. “She attacked us when we were on the road. She kept saying, ‘You’re not my real pups! You’re not my real pups!’” Lick gasped, struggling to control her breath. Her small chest moved rapidly, and her whole body shook. She seemed desperate to speak, to fight her exhaustion and get the words out. “Then she killed him!” she howled. “She killed Wiggle.”

Lucky’s breath caught in his throat. For a moment it was as though the Sun-Dog had vanished, and the whole world was black and icy cold. He could hear Lick’s voice, but saw nothing.

Then warmth returned to his cheeks and he opened his eyes. Sweet was licking him. “Lucky, are you okay?”

He gave a slow nod.

“The Fierce Dogs killed your litter-brother?” asked Alpha.

“Yes,” whimpered Lick. “Blade killed him. She was going to kill Grunt, but he begged her not to. He promised that he was a real Pack Dog, and that he would earn his place. That he would be useful to her. He made her believe him. He didn’t seem sorry about Wiggle at all.”

Alpha lowered his head though he still towered over her. “And how did you get away?”