Again, Argus did his best to make a sound, but it was impossible.

Sensing the problem, the massive werewolf eased up on Argus, allowing him a much-needed gulp of air…but only one.

“Well?” he asked again, lowering his weight back down upon Argus’s chest.

Not knowing what else to do, Argus changed the form of his upper body just enough to enable him to speak. “Arguss!” he wheezed. “Ar-r-guss Brock.”

The werewolf sneered under his breath. “You’re a long way from home, Argus Brock!”

* * *

Harlan had followed Argus’s scent deep into the forest. As it grew stronger and more fresh, he became certain they’d find Argus at any moment.

But then Harlan stopped in his tracks. Up ahead he heard voices. Harsh, rough voices. Voices that weren’t human.

Noble had heard them too. They were too deep into the woods to come across any human, even a logger. It was a bizarre thought, but voices this far removed from Redstone could only mean…

Noble crept forward, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever was speaking.

There, in a clearing, lay Argus in his werewolf form. He was pinned down by another werewolf, bigger than Argus by half. There was a look of fear on his brother’s face, an expression the pack had so rarely seen on him that it appeared unnatural.

There was no time to lose, thought Noble. Yes, this other creature was one of their kind, but there was no telling what it might do to Argus. It would be a difficult task for them to overpower this larger beast and free their brother, but once they pounced, Argus would likely join the fight. Four against one seemed like pretty good odds.

Noble transformed into his werewolf form and gestured to the others to do the same.

Within seconds Noble, Tora, and Harlan were ready for the attack. Without a word, Noble directed Harlan to the far side of the clearing, and Tora to the right, directly behind the massive werewolf. On Noble’s command, they would all strike at once. After that, who knew…

Noble counted to three, then sprang forward, flying through the air toward the big werewolf, talons and fangs bared. A split second later, Harlan came bounding through the bushes with a roar. Then Tora leaped on the beast’s back, claws ready to rake the creature’s face and slice it wide open.

“Wait! No!” Argus cried.

Noble relaxed immediately, but did not release his hold on the beast’s neck.

“Stop!” said Argus. “This is Phelan. He was a member of our parents’ pack. He knew our mother and father.”

Noble’s arms and legs weakened. He lost his grip on the beast and hit the ground with a loud, hard thud.

Chapter 11