Blacktail Deer Plateau PACK HUNT: Prancer was Good Eatin'

Koda's reservations about letting Saena join the hunt were soon justified, when the girl rushed recklessly toward the deer and took a hoof to the face. She hit the ground hard, and though Dante bravely put himself between her and the lashing hooves, Koda was sure she was mortally wounded. He faltered, torn between going back for the girl and possibly letting the prey escape. He was thankful now for Blue Willow, who rushed to the injured wolf's side, allowing the hunters to finish what they'd started.

He dog piled the doe along with Finn and Dante, and used his weight to keep the struggling prey down as Finn's jaws throttled the life from her. When the animal became still, Koda stepped back from the carcass and joined the wolves gathered around the injured girl. She was awake and talking, to his surprise and relief. He'd seen more than a few young wolves die from a blow to the head.

"You idiot, throwing yourself at a bucking deer like that," he scorned. His relief had been replaced by anger at the girl's recklessness. He was equally angry with himself, if he listened to his gut and stopped her from joining the hunt, this wouldn't have happened. "You're lucky she didn't take your head clean off."