Just moments ago, the mutant dogs had been terrifying. Now, they bowed slightly, like they were greeting someone important. A massive wolfhound, about six feet tall, padded into view—muscles rippling, scars crisscrossing his body. It was a mutant wolfhound. "General?" Caroline's voice caught. She couldn't believe it. The dog she hadn't seen in ages was right here! Ever since she saved him, he has vanished from her life. Now, he looked even more commanding. His eyes glowed with a human-like intelligence, and it was obvious he was the pack's leader. All the other mutant dogs treated him with obvious respect. "Awooo!" General lifted his head and howled. Every mutant dog answered in perfect sync—a tightly coordinated chorus. That was one imposing, well-coordinated pack of mutant dogs. And the one calling the shots was General! Raven finally relaxed his stance. The two dogs exchanged a long, silent look, almost like they were having a private conversation. After a moment, they both gave a nod. Only then did Raven move, revealing Caroline, whom he had been protecting the whole time. Through his eyes, she understood the message. That pack was safe, and they could be trusted. Jet swooped down from above, landing with a little hop, buzzing with excitement. "Human! The boss of this pack says he owes you his life. He wants you to meet his wife!" "Huh? General already has a wife?" Caroline blinked, stunned. General shifted slightly, and a pregnant female dog stepped out from behind him. She was a gorgeous Samoyed. Even in the middle of the apocalypse, her white fur dirty and tangled, Caroline could still see that "smiling angel" vibe. But what really stood out was her round, lifted belly. Wow. So not only does General have a partner—he's expecting pups too!Caroline's jaw dropped. She was speechless for a long moment. Then her gaze fell on her own goofy Raven. Earlier, when Snow had howled, Raven had just swatted her, clearly annoyed. General was going to be a dad, and Raven was still single! Yet, even after getting swatted, Snow didn't give up. She stayed close, eyes shining with admiration. She even hummed softly, rubbing her big head against Raven's neck. Raven, as always, stood like a rock, completely steady, ignoring Snow's attempts. Caroline stared, amazed. Then it clicked—wolves respected strength. It was just in their nature. Raven had dominated Snow, and now she was smitten. But winning his heart? That was going to take time. The way Raven looked at Snow said loud and clear, "This one is trouble." By now, General and the female dog had come down from the ridge. They stopped beside Caroline. He was huge—a scarred mutant wolfhound, every muscle packed, a solid wall of strength. Still, when he reached her, he wagged his tail energetically, relaxed completely, and dipped his head in respect and genuine affection. Last time, she had given General spring water. She could tell he was far ahead of the other mutant dogs in evolution. No wonder he had managed to gather so many in such a short time and become their leader. Caroline reached out, gently running her hand over his massive head. General leaned into her touch, pressing his head into her palm like he was saying thanks. He rubbed against her a few more times, then stepped aside and nudged the female dog with his nose, encouraging her forward. The Samoyed looked shy, with ears folded back and eyes darting around.Caroline guessed a dog that pretty must have had an owner who loved her once. But when the apocalypse hit, pets became extra mouths to feed. With food scarce, many animals were abandoned—or worse, used as emergency meals. She couldn't imagine how that Samoyed, or all the mutant dogs, had survived. It couldn't have been easy for General to gather them and build a pack that big.