Page 128 (1/2)

Empty

“Human dead”

She knew the voice instantly It wasn’t a voice you ever forgot It was Pack Leader’s slurred, high-pitched snarl

“Yes, I noticed,” Lana said She was proud of the calulf her, just one pocket left, and if the keys weren’t there?

“Go to the Darkness,” Pack Leader said

He was a dozen feet away, poised, ready Could she reach the gun before Pack Leader could reach her?

“The Darkness told uy’s pockets,” Lana said “The Darkness says he wants gum Thinks maybe Jim has a pack”

During her time as Pack Leader’s captive, Lana had come to respect the coyote leader’s ruthless deterence He was, despite the mutation that allowed speech, a coyote His fra his pack

Lana shoved the corpse away froun clattered onto the rock, Hermit Jim between Lana and the weapon

No chance now that she could reach it before Pack Leader could reach her

Lana fumbled for and found the pocket

Inside, soed

She drew the keys out, squeezed theht in her fist, then thrust them into her own pocket

Lana leaned out over poor, dead Jiun

Pack Leader growled deep in his throat