Lucky dipped his head and the two dogs carried the bedding beneath the brambles into the cave. Then Sunshine shuffled forward on her short legs and Lucky licked her nose. “You’re a good dog, Sunshine,” he told her. “I bet you made your longpaws really happy.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, burying her muzzle against his neck. Then she turned and scampered away to join some of the others in the meadow.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Are you ready?” asked Lucky.

“Ready!” yipped Wiggle. He dived at Lucky, who sprang back, just out of the pup’s reach. “I’ll get you!” joked Wiggle, charging forward on his thick little legs. This time Lucky let the pup pounce on him and they jostled and sparred. He was surprised at Wiggle’s strength. It took some effort to flip him over and pin him down.

“You’re a great wrestler,” Lucky panted, impressed not only with the pup’s strength, but by his speed and technique.

Lick and Grunt watched, their short tails lashing. Lucky glanced up and met Sweet’s eyes, narrowed in concentration as she observed the lesson.

Is she here to observe the pups . . . or me? he wondered. Even though this was one of his agreed duties, it wasn’t exactly Omega work. Lucky was sure Alpha had sent her to keep an eye on him as much as the three Fierce Dog pups.

Wiggle yipped, struggling to escape Lucky’s hold, and Lucky turned his attention back on the wriggling pup. His grip was firm but gentle, careful to avoid Wiggle’s throat and belly—the delicate areas.

The pup is growing up fast. Soon he’ll be the one who’ll have to go easy on me!

If Lucky could teach the pups to be honorable and good-natured, they would certainly be an asset. Who would dare attack a Pack with Fierce Dogs among them?

“Lunge for his neck, Wiggle!” barked Grunt. “If you can’t reach, kick with your legs! Imagine you’re being attacked by a monster—it’s evil and cunning, but you’re smarter and faster. Try to find any soft bits of his body, like the neck or the muzzle, and bite as hard as you can!”

Wiggle twisted and thrashed, planting a firm kick on Lucky’s chest that winded him, though he didn’t release the pup.

“That’s no good!” Grunt snarled. “Come on, Wiggle! If the coyotes had caught up with you, you’d be dead by now! Use your teeth!”