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Book 2

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Matthew Donaldson
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5 views

Book 2

Uploaded by

Matthew Donaldson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Part 2: Into the Wild

The cool night air carried a mix of scents: freshly cut grass, distant pine, and
the faint tang of adventure. Max and Luna padded silently along the quiet streets
of Willow Creek, their eyes wide with excitement. Every shadow seemed alive, every
sound a hint of the unknown.

“Where to first?” Max asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“The woods,” Luna replied, her tail swishing confidently. “It’s the quickest way
out of town. We’ll follow the creek from there.”

Max glanced toward the looming silhouettes of the trees in the distance. He’d
always wondered what lay beyond them. Now, with Luna by his side, he was finally
going to find out.

They reached the edge of the neighborhood without incident, crossing the boundary
where manicured lawns gave way to untamed brush. The woods welcomed them with an
orchestra of chirping crickets and rustling leaves.

“This way,” Luna said, leaping over a fallen branch with ease. Max followed, his
larger frame crashing noisily through the undergrowth.

“Could you be any louder?” Luna hissed, her ears twitching.

“Sorry,” Max muttered, lowering his head. “I’m not exactly built for stealth.”

As they ventured deeper, the canopy thickened, blocking out the moonlight. Max
stayed close to Luna, relying on her keen senses to guide them.

“Do you hear that?” Luna suddenly stopped, her ears swiveling.

Max froze, his ears straining. At first, there was only the sound of the breeze
rustling the trees. Then, a faint growl.

“Is that…?” Max began.

“Coyotes,” Luna whispered, her fur bristling. “Stay close.”

The growl grew louder, joined by a chorus of yips and barks. A pair of glowing eyes
appeared in the darkness, then another, and another.

Max stepped forward, placing himself between Luna and the approaching coyotes.
“What do we do?” he asked, his voice steady despite the fear prickling his fur.

“Run,” Luna said, already darting toward a cluster of rocks.

Max turned and bolted after her, his paws pounding the forest floor. The coyotes
gave chase, their snarls echoing through the trees.

“This way!” Luna called, leading Max toward a narrow gap between two boulders. She
slipped through effortlessly, while Max squeezed through with a grunt, the coyotes
snapping at his heels.

“Keep going!” Luna urged as they emerged on the other side.

They ran until their legs burned and their breaths came in gasps. Finally, they
reached a clearing bathed in moonlight, the sound of the coyotes fading behind
them.
“We… we made it,” Max panted, collapsing onto the grass.

“Barely,” Luna said, though her voice was softer than usual. She padded over and
touched her nose to Max’s shoulder. “Thanks for protecting me back there.”

Max looked up at her, surprised. “What are friends for?”

Part 3: The Unexpected Ally

The next morning, the duo woke to the sound of birds chirping and the sun warming
their fur. Luna stretched luxuriously, while Max yawned, his tongue curling.

“Where to now?” Max asked, his energy restored.

“Follow the creek,” Luna replied, nodding toward the glimmering water nearby.
“It’ll lead us somewhere.”

The creek wound through the forest like a silver ribbon, its gentle gurgle soothing
their nerves. As they walked, they began to relax, the memories of the night’s
danger fading.

But the peace didn’t last long.

“Stop right there!” a gruff voice barked.

Max and Luna froze. Standing before them was a scruffy terrier with a tattered red
bandana around his neck. His fur was matted, and one of his ears was torn, but his
eyes were sharp and calculating.

“Who are you, and what are you doing in my territory?” the terrier demanded.

“We’re just passing through,” Luna said calmly, stepping forward.

“Passing through, huh?” The terrier eyed them suspiciously. “You don’t look like
strays. What’s your deal?”

“We’re… explorers,” Max said, his tail wagging hesitantly.

The terrier snorted. “Explorers, huh? Well, you’re lucky you didn’t run into the
pack last night. They’re not as friendly as me.”

“We noticed,” Luna said dryly. “Thanks for the warning. We’ll be on our way.”

The terrier tilted his head, considering them. “You know, you two seem all right.
If you’re heading downstream, watch out for the bridge. Humans like to dump their
trash there. Sharp stuff, dangerous for paws.”

Max and Luna exchanged a glance. “Thanks,” Max said. “What’s your name?”

“Rusty,” the terrier replied. “And don’t mention it. Just stay out of trouble.”

With that, Rusty trotted off, disappearing into the trees.

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