Lucky shot Grunt a look, painfully aware of Sweet’s eyes on all four of them. “It’s not about the damage you can do to your opponent,” he said mildly. “It’s about protecting yourself and the Pack while keeping your honor. In the first place, fights should always be avoided. But if you must fight, the focus should be on defense, not uncontrolled aggression.” He looked down at Wiggle, who was bucking and bending in frustration. “Wiggle is in a dangerous position right now, but he can protect himself, even on his back. Like this. . . .” Lucky dropped onto Wiggle and flipped him around so the pup was on top; then he wrapped his paws around Wiggle’s head, forcing his snout to the ground. Wiggle snarled and Lucky spoke over him: “You see? The worst injuries you can suffer from another dog are inflicted by the teeth, and this maneuver will limit your opponent’s ability to bite. By gripping Wiggle’s head, I’ve stopped him from taking a chunk out of me!

“Now try it again, Wiggle.” Lucky released his grip and the pup struggled to his paws. Wiggle shook himself off with an angry yip.

“You’re doing really well,” Lucky added, licking the pup on the head. Wiggle dropped to the ground and rolled onto his back. Lucky planted his paws on the pup’s chest. “Try to wrap your paws around my neck and pull my head down.”

Wiggle reached out, his paws scrambling at Lucky’s neck, but his forelegs were too short for him to get a proper grip. He strained and grunted, his paws thrashing, but Lucky twisted out of reach and shook himself free.

The pup growled in frustration as he sank to the ground. “It’s impossible!”

“No, you’ll get it,” started Lucky, but Grunt brushed past him.

“Don’t give up!” he told Wiggle. “You need to be determined, whatever the enemy holds over you. Next time, you will beat him!”

Wiggle lifted his head and allowed Grunt to lick his nose. Lucky watched, admiring Grunt’s loyalty to his litter-brother. The pup is a natural leader. With a little patience and compassion, he could be a great asset to the Pack. I just hope Sweet can see what I see.

“Let’s try again,” said Lucky.

Wiggle spun around and charged at him, catching him off guard. The pup pummeled Lucky’s muzzle with his paws and when Lucky ducked, he clung on to his back and buried his teeth in Lucky’s flesh. A blast of pain shot through Lucky’s neck and he shook Wiggle off with a yelp. Sweet growled low in her throat and tensed, but didn’t move. Across the clearing, Bella looked up from grooming herself and narrowed her eyes.

Wiggle fell back, shocked by Lucky’s cry. “I’m sorry,” he whined, dipping his head, his tail drooping. “I shouldn’t have been so rough.”