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growled Beta, “to rid our Pack of a useless lightweight.”
    Sweet’s muzzle curled, but she didn’t respond. She didn’t have to. All around, other dogs were muttering, growling, barking out the things they hadn’t dared say before.
    â€œBeta did lie. I never believed Sweet would steal,” whinedTwitch.
    â€œNot after she carried that rabbit all the way here,” barked Spring in agreement.
    â€œBeta’s sneaky that way,” growled Snap. “I always said you couldn’t trust her.”
    Fiery gave Snap a sidelong frown of disapproval, but he said, “You can trust Sweet.”
    â€œYes,” said Moon, coming forward to lick the swift-dog’s ear. “Sweet has always been a good dog. She’s an asset to this Pack.”
    Sweet glanced at Beta. She almost felt sorry for her, but she couldn’t afford to give in to pity. Beta had pushed and pushed till Sweet had had no choice, and Sweet knew that she couldn’t show weakness now. That was the world after the Big Growl: it was about survival. And she would survive. She knew now that she had the strength.
    Beta curled her muzzle as she regained her breath and her dignity. “Enjoy your victory, Sweet.” She didn’t call her Sweetie now, thought Sweet with satisfaction. “But you just wait. I’ll challenge you again, swift-dog. I’ll challenge you on a day when I’m not tired from hunting, and I’ll take back my rightful place in this Pack.”
    â€œNo,” came a silky voice. “No, you won’t.”
    Alpha paced forward as dogs gave way before him, drawingback, every eye riveted on him. He stalked right up to Beta, till his nose was almost touching hers. Silence fell among the other Pack members.
    â€œYou lost this challenge, Beta,” he growled. “Not that Beta is your name anymore. But you lost more than a fight, and you know it. You’ve been exposed as a liar and a traitor, and this Pack has no room for dishonorable dogs. Leave now.”
    Beta looked stunned. Her jaws parted. At last she stammered, “But, Alpha—”
    â€œLeave,” he snarled. “Leave now, Packless dog , while you still can.”
    There was no mistaking the threat in his voice. Beta could only stare at him, her face stricken. She took a pace backward, glancing to left and right, and her gaze fell on Sweet.
    The hatred there was piercing, but at least it was fleeting. With a heartbroken whine, Beta turned and limped away into the forest.
    Sweet shook off the tremor that rippled through her skin. I can’t help thinking I haven’t seen the last of her. . . .
    For now, though, life with the Pack promised to be a lot more peaceful, she thought with relief. The Pack was dispersing, and dogs were murmuring and gossiping about the unexpected turn ofevents. Only Alpha still stood there, watching her with his head slightly cocked.
    â€œWell, Sweet,” he growled. “Are you ready for this? You are Beta of this Pack now.”
    Sweet raised her head, slightly shocked. “Alpha, that’s not why I fought her. I know that’s the rule, but I never really wanted—I mean, I only wanted to challenge her lies, stop her bullying me . . .”
    The half wolf hunched his shoulders, looking amused. “Whether you meant it or not, Sweet, you can’t break Pack rules. You defeated our Beta in a lawful challenge.”
    Sweet stared at him, her jaws slightly parted. It made sense, and Moon had warned her, but it really hadn’t crossed her mind when she issued her challenge to the red dog. Maybe , she thought, I didn’t quite think this through. . . .
    The light in Alpha’s eyes was somewhere between mirth and menace.
    â€œYou’d better get used to it, swift-dog. You are now the Beta of this Pack.”

CHAPTER TEN
    How in the name of the Earth-Dog, thought Sweet, could I ever have hesitated? How could I have thought I