Read Twirling Tails #7 for Free Online Page B

go back to sleep.
    â€œCome on, Storm. We might as well start getting ready.”
    Kirsten washed quickly and dragged a brush through her hair and then decided to give Storm a brush. He gave her a pained doggy grin and managed to put up with it for about half a minute before he started play-growling and trying to bite the brush.

    Kirsten giggled. “I get the message!”
    Ten minutes later, she and Storm stood side by side, looking in her wardrobe mirror. “Don’t we look great?” Kirsten said admiringly.
    She was too excited to eat breakfast and only managed a mouthful of toast. Her mom drove the short distance into town. As Kirsten, Storm, and her parents emerged from the garage, Kirsten saw Molly and the others at the meeting point on the market square.
    â€œSee you later,” she said to her mom and dad, hurrying toward the LMs.
    Tracy was already there and Helena was just arriving with her parents. She waved to Kirsten and Storm. “Good luck. Knock ’em dead!” she cried.
    Kirsten took a deep breath. “This is it. Ready?” she whispered to Storm.
    Storm nodded, holding his head high.
    The Limelight Majorettes took their positions. The brass band began to play.
    Sunlight glinted off the polished buttons and musical instruments.
    Kirsten, Storm, Tracy, and the rest of the majorettes moved forward.
    The crowds cheered as the parade progressed through the streets. Colored banners fluttered from the stalls and smells of cotton candy and burgers filled the air. Entertainers juggled clubs, and acrobats tumbled through the air.
    Kirsten twirled her baton, high-stepping in perfect time to the cheerful beat. Beside her, Storm’s red hat nodded as he marched at heel.
    The colorful parade moved through the streets. It seemed like no time at all to Kirsten before the majorettes and the band came to a halt. The mayor, wearing her gold chain over a pretty blue suit, cut the ribbon and declared the new store open.
    â€œGreat job, everyone,” Molly said, beaming at her troupe. “And well done, Storm. You’re a perfect mascot. I suggest you all relax now and enjoy the entertainment.”
    The delicious smells of food had made Kirsten hungry. She decided to buy a burger and share it with Storm. But as she went to speak to him, he suddenly whimpered and tore away through the crowd.
    Kirsten didn’t hesitate. She ran after him and just glimpsed him running into a loading dock at the rear of a store. She whipped around at the familiar sound of growling and saw two large dogs some distance away. They were sniffing around under some parked vans.
    A cold shiver ran down Kirsten’s back as she saw their pale eyes and long sharp teeth.
    Storm was in terrible danger.
    Kirsten rushed into the loading dock and slipped down between two parked trucks. Suddenly, there was a dazzling flash of bright gold light and sparks sprayed in all directions.

    Kirsten saw Storm, a tiny helpless puppy no longer, but a magnificent, young, silver-gray wolf. His thick neck-ruff looked as if it had been sprinkled with a thousand tiny gold diamonds. An older wolf with a gentle face stood beside Storm.
    And then Kirsten knew that her friend was leaving. Her throat tightened with tears, but she knew she would have to be strong for Storm’s sake.
    â€œQuick, Storm. Your enemies are near. Save yourself,” she urged.
    Storm’s big, midnight blue eyes softened with affection. “You have been a true friend, Kirsten. Be of good heart.”
    She rushed forward and threw her arms around Storm’s muscular neck. “I’m really going to miss you,” she sobbed, her voice breaking.
    Storm allowed her to hug him. He held up one huge, silvery paw as a final burst of bright gold light filled the loading dock and sparks crackled down around Kirsten and went out as they hit the floor.
    The two wolves faded and were gone.
    On the floor by Kirsten’s feet lay something red and gold.