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the Wild Pack territory. Her fur bristled with nerves, but her head was held high and proud, and between her jaws hung a sleek, plump rabbit.
    â€œWhat in the name of the Sky-Dogs—” The deep powerful bark was full of shock, but Sweet didn’t flinch. She recognized Fiery’s voice, and for all his size he was a fair dog. He wouldn’t kill her. Not outright, not straightaway.
    Dogs were gathering around her now, some snarling, some stunned into silence, some exchanging glances of disbelief. The red Beta barged forward, butting smaller dogs aside.
    â€œWhat are you doing back here, Bony Dog?” Her voice was filled with contempt. “You’ve just made a big mistake. And your last!”
    â€œWait, Beta.” Fiery shoved easily through to her side, the smaller dogs moving hurriedly out of his way. “Look, she’s caught a rabbit. By herself.”
    â€œThat’s pretty impressive.” The white-and-tan dog nodded reluctantly.
    â€œI’m certainly impressed,” said a black-and-white dog who was fat with puppies. She leaned against Fiery’s flank. “We could use her, Beta. There’ll be more mouths to feed soon.”
    The red dog turned on them all, snarling. “Which means we don’t need another! Our Pack has all the dogs it needs!”
    â€œThat,” said a commanding voice, “is not your decision.”
    The half wolf Alpha stepped forward through the ranks, lashing his bushy tail as he watched Sweet’s eyes. He circled her, looking her up and down till Sweet’s hide began to itch. But she stayed silent.
    â€œLook at this,” he told his Pack. “Not only an impressive catch, but the strength of will to carry it here without eating it.” He nudged Sweet’s bony ribs with his muzzle. “And it’s not as if she isn’t hungry. That’s the kind of discipline I like.”
    â€œYou’re not serious?” yelped Beta. “We know nothing about her!”
    Alpha looked from his Beta back to Sweet. Thoughtfully hecocked his head.
    â€œWe know she’s a good hunter,” he murmured. “She’s clearly respectful, and has a sense of honor. What more could we ask for in a dog?”
    â€œI don’t believe this!” snapped Beta furiously, her hackles springing up. “You can’t—”
    â€œCan’t?” echoed Alpha, a dangerous edge to his silky voice. “Are you telling me I can’t do something, Beta? Because it’s not the first time you’ve questioned my authority.” His growl deepened. “It’s not the first time you’ve betrayed your delusion that you are Alpha here.”
    â€œNo, I—”
    â€œDo you know better than I do? Do you think you’d make a better Alpha, perhaps? Would you like to . . . challenge me?”
    Beta ducked her head, lowering her forequarters and backing off. Sweet could not miss the flash of terror in her eyes, and no wonder. The half wolf was much bigger and more powerful than the red dog—she wouldn’t stand a chance if it came to a fight.
    Alpha gave a snort of dismissal, and turned back to Sweet. “You may stay for now,” he told her. “Prove yourself a valuable member of this Pack, and a loyal one”—he shot a glare at Beta—“and you can stay for good.”
    Murmurs of agreement went around the Pack as Sweet dipped her head in gratitude. The pregnant black-and-white dog came forward to lick her nose.
    â€œI’m Moon. I’ll show you where you’ll sleep,” she told Sweet cheerfully. “Welcome to our Pack!”
    Sweet felt a wave of relief. I’ve found a Pack. I’ll howl again at the next full moon! But she couldn’t miss the glance Beta shot at her. As she turned and stalked away, the red dog’s eyes glowed with resentful hatred.

CHAPTER FIVE
    â€œCome on, Sweet. Really attack me! I know you can do