Free Moon's Choice by Erin Hunter

good, then?”
    â€œVery good,” he told her. “This is fine land, Moon.”
    â€œSpring looks a bit uneasy.” Moon glanced over his shoulder, curious.
    â€œYes, but not about the hunting. She was complaining about some bad feeling in her fur. She says her bones are buzzing. I felt it myself, but it’s nothing. The air feels a little strange, that’s all. I think maybe there’s a big storm coming, but it’s nothing to worry about.”
    â€œI’m not worried.” Moon couldn’t help panting with happiness, and her tongue lolled with joy. “Fiery, I’ve got something to tell you.”
    Instantly, he was all concern. “What is it, Moon? Is everythingall right?”
    â€œEverything’s better than all right,” she told him softly. Oh, I wanted to prepare him more for the news, but if I don’t tell him, I’ll burst. “We’re going to have pups.”
    Fiery jolted back so that he could stare into her eyes. He looked utterly startled, but his jaws opened in a broad grin. “Moon! Really?”
    â€œReally.” She turned her head to nuzzle her flank. “I was hopeful yesterday, but now I’m certain. You’re going to be a Father-Dog, my love!”
    He gave a howl of delight, then fell to licking her ears and nose with enthusiasm. “Moon, this is wonderful! I’ll take good care of you, you’ll see. I’ll protect you through this storm, I’ll find you the best prey, I’ll—”
    She laughed, nuzzling him as they walked together back to their den. “I know you will. And you’re going to be a wonderful Father-Dog, I know that too.”
    I thought I would never be happy again, she thought to herself. Back when I was sick, and my Packmates were dying, I thought there was nothing left that I could live for.
    How could I have been more wrong? I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.
    â€œYou have time to rest before prey-sharing,” Fiery told her.
    â€œAre you comfortable, Moon? Are you warm enough? Can I—”
    â€œI’m fine,” she laughed gently. “I couldn’t be better, Fiery.”
    As they settled in the den, Moon nestled against Fiery, feeling his warm heartbeat through her flank.
    Everything will be good from now on, she thought. Some mysterious prickling in Spring’s hide and bones can’t change that. If there’s a storm coming, however big, we’ll survive it. We can survive anything together, Fiery and I . . . and our pups.
    She closed her eyes, feeling happiness wash over her in a warm tide.
    The worst is definitely over.

 

CHAPTER ONE
    Pausing as she stepped out of the forest’s shade, Storm took a moment to stretch her paws and her back, and to claw the ground blissfully in the rays of the morning Sun-Dog. His light shone warm on her sleek back and, in the rippling grass around her, he kindled rich scents of rabbits, mice, and squirrels. Storm sniffed appreciatively at the soft breeze. There were good prospects for their hunting patrol.
    Storm felt full of optimism on this glittering New Leaf day. It was her first chance to be in charge of a hunt, and she was proud that her Pack Beta, Lucky, had shown such faith in her. He always has, she thought gratefully. She owed so much to the golden-furred Beta who had once been a Lone Dog.
    She glanced over her shoulder at the team she was leading. Some of the Pack’s best dogs, she thought with pride. Snap, who had long been part of Sweet’s Pack, had always been a fine hunter, andMickey, despite his Leashed Dog origins, had learned to track down prey with the best of the Wild Dogs. Arrow the Fierce Dog had been one of Blade’s Pack, and his focus, discipline, and deadly accuracy were invaluable assets. And Whisper, who had been one of the mad dog Terror’s underlings . . . well, he was extra keen to please his leaders and prove his worth, now that he wasn’t