With her outstretched arms she barred the way.

Her skirt brushed almost in the face of the dog, and the beast shrank away not in fear, but crouching in readiness to leap.

The sharp ears twitched back; a murderous snarl rolled up from between the wicked teeth.

Yet she did not cast a single glance at him; she faced the greater danger.
She was saying: "Whatever Buck did, it wasn't done to hurt you, Dan; it was done for your own sake.

And for Dad's sake.