Read Online A Pack Divided by Erin Hunter - Free Book Online Page A

“Why not? It’s Pack law!”
    Storm looked around at the other dogs. She licked her chops and swallowed. “I know that. And it’s true that any dog can challenge another, anytime—but Thorn, you’re young and fast. I’ve practice-fought you often, and I know you’re strong.” Storm took a nervous breath, knowing every eye was on her. She wished some dog would speak up in support of her, but there was only silence. “How can Twitch possibly fight you, Thorn?”
    Twitch, after all, had only three legs, and he wasn’t a true fighter. He’d become his own Pack’s Alpha for his guile and intelligence, not for his strength or fighting ability. Does Thorn really planto take his place as head patrol dog? It didn’t seem right to Storm, and she was sure Lucky would agree.
    â€œ I challenge Twitch ,” said Thorn again defiantly, ignoring Storm and staring at her Beta.
    Lucky glanced uncertainly at Alpha. The swift-dog hesitated for only a moment; then Storm saw her slim head move in a tiny nod.
    They’re going to let this happen! Storm’s jaw loosened with shock.
    Lucky took two paces into the center of the glade, and turned to gaze around at the gathering Pack. He placed his two forepaws on a low rocky outcrop. Dogs from every corner of the camp were padding curiously forward, cocking their ears, growling questions to one another.
    â€œThorn the patrol dog,” declared Lucky in a ringing bark, “challenges Twitch the lead patrol dog.”
    With that he stepped back from his rock, turned, and walked back to join the circle of watching dogs. Alpha paced silently to his side, and nodded to the two challengers.
    Slowly Thorn circled Twitch, who eyed her warily as he turned. Already he was off balance, Storm realized. Thorn’s tactic of constant motion was clever, disturbing the poise of her three-legged opponent.
    â€œI’m fighting for my Mother-Dog,” barked Thorn, pausing in her pacing to glare at Twitch. “I’m fighting for her place—to prove he can’t steal it.”
    â€œWait,” growled Storm, her hackles rising. “Is that allowed? Can Thorn even do that—fight for Moon to be top patrol dog?”
    Lucky glanced at Alpha, but neither of them responded.
    Storm clenched her jaws. What’s going on? Thorn’s going to humiliate Twitch for no reason other than pride—hers and her Mother-Dog’s! It seemed so stupid and unnecessary, and Storm laid her ears back with anger.
    â€œBeta!” she barked.
    Lucky shook his head slowly. He wasn’t even looking at Storm; he was watching Moon, steadily and expectantly.
    He thinks Moon’s going to put a stop to this. But she won’t! And indeed, Moon only stared at her pup and at Twitch, and stayed silent.
    â€œIt’s all right, Storm.” Twitch’s husky growl was perfectly calm. “I accept Thorn’s challenge.”
    â€œWait!” A low, aggressive bark rang out across the clearing. “If Thorn can fight for Moon, then any other dog can fight for Twitch!”
    Storm glanced at Lucky, who was silenced by surprise. Alphaherself looked startled. They both turned to the dog who had spoken: Breeze.
    Storm felt her heart swell in her chest, and her blood race through her muscles. Of course—Breeze is talking sense! I can beat Thorn for Twitch—and that’s as fair as anything about this challenge! She took three paces forward and raised her head to speak.
    â€œI’ll do it.” Another dog stepped into the circle before Storm could draw breath to offer. He had a mottled brown-and-cream coat marked by the scars of many battles; he was one of Terror’s former Pack.
    â€œWoody?” said Lucky, his tail twitching. He looked, thought Storm, as if he didn’t like how things were going.
    â€œYes. I’ll fight for Twitch.” The tough hunt-dog swung his head to eye Thorn and Moon. “You