Moon's Choice by Erin Hunter Page A

capable mate. Her parent-dogs had chosen carefully, and they were never wrong about such important Pack matters.
    She would go on making her Father-Dog and Mother-Dog proud, and she’d go on showing her gratitude to them and her favor to Hunter. I don’t care what Star thinks about it, Moon decided a little grumpily. It was true that she didn’t feel completely comfortable in Hunter’s company—he wasn’t the easiest dog to talk to, and he had a stern taciturnity that sometimes bordered on sullenness—but in time, they’d learn to get along. Why, she felt guilty for thinking even the mildest criticism of him; it felt like disloyalty to her parent-dogs. She and Hunter would make a perfect match in the end, she knew it.
    Behind Moon, the fir branches rustled as her Father-Dog emerged from the den and shook his fur. He waited expectantly as Hunter padded up to him and dropped the fat rabbit at his forepaws.
    â€œWell done, Hunter! Your day was good, then?”
    â€œIt was, Alpha,” replied Hunter, lashing his tail from side to side. “Plentiful prey, though some of it was too fast for the rest of the patrol.”
    It wasn’t the first time she’d heard Hunter criticize other dogs in his hunting patrol, but on this occasion Moon was a little startled. Rush and Meadow were very capable stalkers, after all, and long-legged Fly was a swift and agile runner. But as she glanced toward the brown-and-white dog limping up behind Hunter, she noticed he did look stiff and tired. He placed his paws awkwardly, as if he was trying not to stumble, and his eyes seemed much duller than usual.
    â€œStill, you’ve all done a fine job,” Moon’s Father-Dog was saying. He didn’t seem to have noticed the change in Fly’s condition; he was too busy admiring Hunter’s rabbit. “The Pack will eat well tonight.”
    Hunter gave his Alpha a nod of acknowledgment and stepped back, his eyes still shining with pride in his catch, but Moon nudged her litter-sister with her shoulder.
    â€œFly doesn’t look well,” she whispered to Star. “Don’t you think?”
    Star cocked her head, frowning at Fly. He was sitting on his haunches now, his noble head drooping. His lolling tongue lookeddry and swollen.
    â€œIt was a long hunt,” Star muttered uneasily, “so he’s probably just tired. And hungry—he’ll feel better when we’ve all eaten.”
    Moon wasn’t so sure, but she put Fly out of her head for the moment as the Pack began to gather for prey-sharing. Alpha and Beta, as was their right, claimed the first share, taking Hunter’s rabbit between them, but there was plenty of other prey for the rest of the dogs. As soon as his leaders had eaten their fill, Hunter paced forward and selected a juicy squirrel for himself. Moon could forgive the arrogant tilt of his head, the aura of satisfaction that surrounded him. After all, he’d done more than any dog to provide this feast. She watched him brightly and approvingly, ignoring any unease she felt at his cockiness.
    He’s my future mate. It’s good that he’s strong and confident!
    She felt Star’s breath at her ear. “Look at him,” her litter-sister muttered. “Thinks his tail touches the Sky-Dogs. Do you really want to be mated with him?”
    It irritated Moon that Star could reawaken all her own uncertainties with a well-placed jibe. “It doesn’t matter,” she growled quietly. “The Pack needs strong leaders, and that’s what Hunter is.”
    Star licked her chops and lay down with a sigh, clearly decidingthe best policy was to keep her jaws shut. Moon was glad. She could feel her hackles bristling, yet she knew she shouldn’t let Star’s words ruffle her fur. Her sister was talking nonsense, obviously.
    All the same, she couldn’t help stealing a glance at her parent-dogs. Now that they’d eaten, and