The surrounding dogs were barking wildly, scared and excited, as Alpha stepped forward. He loomed over Lucky.

Alpha snarled. “Be brave, traitor. It’s time to take what’s coming to you.” His yellow eyes glittered and he licked his chops.

No! I won’t let you do it! thought Lucky with a surge of anger. You will not touch me!

He shook and scrambled against Sweet until she loosened her hold on his neck; then he growled as he threw his forepaws against her. Sweet fell back, stunned, and Lucky spun his whole body around, forcing Snap off his back. He scrambled to his paws and pushed through the circle of dogs.

He threw a breathless look over his shoulder. The dog-wolf wasn’t prepared for this. Alpha barked in fury as Lucky passed Bella and Daisy, who made no move to stop him. Sweet looked surprised, even upset.

I’m sorry, Sweet. I just can’t stay here!

Lucky hesitated long enough for Snap to launch a second attack. He was about to throw her off when a great weight fell on top of him. Thick brown fur with black patches obscured his vision for a moment, and then he looked up into the pointed face of Bruno. His heavy, powerful body pressed Lucky to the ground and Lucky yelped, more from shock than pain.

Bruno! But he’s a Leashed Dog!

Lucky could hardly believe it. A moment later Sweet had joined him, her forepaws digging into Lucky’s neck. With three dogs holding him down, there was no way he could flee.

The dogs surrounding Lucky were barking feverishly. Sunshine, the white long-haired dog, hopped and spun in panicked circles while Mickey retreated a few paces, his longpaw glove held protectively between his teeth.

Alpha’s shadow fell over Lucky as he drew closer, baring his gleaming fangs.

“A traitor walks among us,” Alpha began. “According to tradition, he must be marked so that all may know what he has done. As Alpha, it is my duty to make this mark.”

Lucky closed his eyes. He promised himself that, however badly it hurt, he would never let them know it. He would not whine, yelp, or howl as Alpha’s teeth sank into his flank—he would not give Alpha the satisfaction.

Alpha brought his face to Lucky’s ear and snarled softly. “You can forget your life of freedom now. You will be known as a traitor for as long as you live. No Pack will ever make the mistake of trusting you again.”

The half wolf dipped his head, about to bury his fangs into Lucky’s fur and flesh.

There was a high-pitched sound like shattering clear-stone. The air felt cold.