"I might surprise you," Paul said.

"Your only importance lies in your usefulness, Alpha. If you do not wish to be useful, then you and your wolves will cease to exist."

"The Neratomay does not control the Wolves," Paul said. "You don't give me orders. But if you make a request … then I might honor it."

The Ran-thing seemed to be at a loss for words. It regarded Paul, no doubt taking in his fearless stance. In the blink of an eye, the Ran-thing transformed into ...