*Lexi's POV*

Dylan was still yapping on about why he was doing this to us. I heard Zuma mutter.

"Dudes...he's puwe evil." The poor lab was terrified.

Evil. Evil. Of course! Why didn't I think of that before!?

"Rocky." I hissed, gaining the grey pups attention. "I have a plan. Your sister always taught me that words are stronger than actions and to never show an offender your fear. I need you to help me so we can get out of here alive and get Dylan to break down."

"How?" I whispered my plan in his ear. "You sure that'll work?"

"It's a long shot but it's worth a try." I attached his sister's crystal to Rocky's own collar and stood to my feet as Dylan was facing the wall away from us. I nodded to the others and gave them a look, telling them to follow my lead. They nodded in response and I did a quick head count to make sure this would work.

*Rocky's POV*

Lexi stepped forward and began to repeat one single sentence.

"The strength of evil is good as gone, we stand together nine hearts as one." Dylan turned around and looked at her and amused pair of eyes meeting ones of steely determination. I stepped next to her and gave the same hard glare, joining her so we sounded stronger.

"The strength of evil is good as gone, we stand together nine hearts as one."

One by one, all of the pups and Ryder stepped forward and joined us and slowly but surely, Dylan realised that we weren't letting him go. He was surrounded by us and pinned against a wall. He was desperately looking for one of us to show weakness but even Skye and Everest, who only minutes ago were bawling their eyes out, gave him a glare that could kill. He dropped the gun and Chase reacted by lunging to grab it and he threw it across the room. Lexi moved quickly, despite her injury which by now had stopped bleeding so badly. She held both of the boy's hands behind his back and made sure he couldn't get away. She nodded to her pocket where her phone was. Ryder took it and made sure her location was switched on so Austin, who had alerted the police, could find us. One thing's for sure, we were safe. Skye looked over at the pup that lay on the ground and shed more tears. Chase put a paw around her and tried his best to be the strong one. It was a loss for all of us but those two, for still helping us after this happened, they deserve a medal.

*Chase's POV*

We sat outside as Lexi and Ryder were being checked by medics and Dylan was taken away by the police. Luckily, Lexi's injury wasn't as severe as it seemed, the cut wasn't deep at all but the bleeding was worse because of her adrenaline levels at the time; her heart working overtime and giving her more blood. Ryder's cut was very shallow, not even needing stitches.

"I'm glad they're ok." Skye mumbled, her head on my shoulder.

"Hmm." I sighed. There was nothing either of us could say. We'd just seen Blue - our pup - killed before our eyes.

"It should have been me." She cried into my fur. I closed my eyes and rested my head on hers.

"He's in a better place." I said, not knowing what else I could say.

"Who is?" A voice interrupted out mourning. We opened our eyes and gasped. Sat innocently in front of us was a small pup with grey fur and a white belly. His head tilted to the side and his turquoise eyes blinking up at us.

"Blue!" We pounced in him, covering him in kisses and hugging him as tightly as was possible.

"But we. How did? You were," Skye stammered as the other pups rushed over in surprise.

"I played dead. That was dad always taught me." He smiled up at us. Skye was speechless.

"That's my boy!" I tackled him playfully.

"Dad!" He groaned as I licked his cheek.

"Don't ever scare me and your mother like that again!" I said.

"Sorry dad." I glanced over and saw Lexi and Ryder stood watching us, smiles on both their faces. They walked over and joined us, giving us each a hug in turn. As Rocky was in Lexi's embrace, I noticed that both of them were smiling. Not just a normal smile, it looked different. I saw Skye and Blue hugging once again. They both wore the same expression. I smiled to myself.

"Whatcha smiling at?" Marshall asked, walking up to me. I looked at Lexi and Rocky, still holding each other tightly.

"If that isn't a mother's love, I don't know what is."

"Huh?"

"Rocky and Lexi don't say it much - how they see each other. But I think we all know how they do."

"Yeah."

"Guys." Lexi interrupted the silence. "I'm gonna get some things and come back with you all this week." I rolled my eyes.

"Always the overprotective one eh Lex?" I called.

"Excuse me! We're all lucky to be alive! If you think I'm leaving you, you've got another thing coming!"

A familiar car pulled up on the gravel by where we were stood.

"Lexi?!" Austin jumped out of the vehicle, frantically calling his girlfriend's name.

"Austin!" Lexi ran and held him tightly, her face buried into his chest. He held his arms around her waist and rested his head on hers. I looked at Rocky who tried not to show his sadness. Zuma walked over to him, sensing his mood. I decided to let them talk and walked back over to Skye and Blue, thankful that they were both ok.

*Zuma's POV*

I made my way over to Rocky. He looked upset about something. I followed his gaze to Lexi and Austin - ohhh I get it.

"You ok Wocky?" I nudged his shoulder.

"Yeah..." He sighed.

"I know you don't get on with him that well but he makes her happy." I admitted.

"I know. It's not that I don't like him - he's a good guy - it's just..."

"What?"

"Why do I feel like he's replacing me? Taking up the space in Lexi's heart that I had."

"Wocky, you still have that pawt of hew heawt. Always have done, always will do. One thing a mothew will nevew do is weplace hew son."

"You think?"

"Suwe as sugaw."

"Thanks Zuma." He chuckled. " I must sound so stupid."

"No you don't. I undewstand."

"You guys ready!?" Lexi called.

"Coming!" We all called and ran to the car, ready for Lexi to grab some stuff and finally, head home.