My wolf, Chenault, immediately took over and shifted. Her great gray fur immediately joined the scene. Chenault howled, and it halted the fight between the Rogues and my pack for a heartbeat—before returning to the chaos.

I immediately went for Deanna, who was already crying while hugging her wolf stuff toy. Chenault swiped once at the Rogue that pounced at her and blood sprayed. She growled and the Rogue stepped back, not realizing the river was the one behind him.

A splash wet my paws but I was already moving.

I urged my daughter to climb my back. She was just one foot away when we were knocked down by...