“Don’t worry.” Lucky wasn’t about to forget the savage leader of the Fierce Dogs. He felt his hackles rise as he pictured her snarling, arrogant face. Lucky sniffed the frosty forest air for any trace of their enemy, but all he could detect were dying leaves, running water, and tiny creatures of the earth.

No, Blade won’t get near the Pack while I can stop her. . . .

“Good. Just stay alert, and make sure the others do too.” Fiery swung his great head to scan the forest. “Alpha’s certain Blade will be back for revenge.”

“I think Alpha’s right.” Lucky increased his pace until he was running closely at Fiery’s flank. “And he’s right not to let any dog go out alone.”

Fiery’s muscles bunched as he slowed his pace to a trot. “Let’s move carefully now,” he growled. The half-wolf Alpha had insisted that Fiery go out with Lucky on this first hunt of his new status. Lucky was fairly sure that was for strength in numbers and not an indication of his leader’s lingering distrust of him. It felt odd that Alpha should care about Lucky’s life after all that had happened between them, but Lucky and the half wolf seemed to have reached a kind of peace.

For now.

Lucky didn’t think he would ever trust Alpha completely, but that wasn’t a thought he could share with Fiery. He was the Pack’s third-in-command after Sweet, Alpha’s Beta, and had always been deeply, fiercely loyal to their leader.

“Lucky!” The excited yelp came from a clump of grass to his left, and Lick burst into view.

“You kept up,” barked Lucky, amused. “Well done.”

The young Fierce Dog visibly swelled, her head lifting. Lucky’s surge of pride in her was mixed with a tingle of foreboding. Though she was young, Lick’s Fierce Dog heritage already showed in her powerful muscles and her glossy hide—and in that strong jaw lined with ferocious teeth. Some of the other dogs were still nervous about accepting a Fierce Dog into their Pack.

Fools. Lick’s about as vicious as a rabbit.

“Keep your eyes open, Lick,” he growled softly at the young dog. “Remember, it’s a white rabbit we’re looking for, and Dart swears she saw one around this warren.”

“Why does it have to be white?” Lick frowned. “I can smell so much prey here.”

Lucky’s heart sank, but he kept his voice cheerful. “Alpha insists on a snow-white rabbit for the Naming Ceremony.”

Lick’s head lowered, and all her energy seemed to seep out of her. “Oh. For Squirm and Nose. I bet it’s going to be amazing.” In a resentful growl she added, “Not that I’d know anything about Naming.”

“Neither do I.” Lucky shunted her cheerfully with his nose. “I never had a Naming Ceremony, Lick.”