Free Surviving the Pack by Shannon Duane Page A

and cupped his cheek in her palm.  “I’m sure.  I shouldn’t have gotten in her way.  I’ll try to stay out of the way in future family spats.”
    Paul turned violent eyes on Katarina and she actually took a step back running into Dante’s hard naked form.  She was shocked when he stepped in front of her.
    Dante stood silent for a moment before questioning, “What’s going on with Bailey?  I don’t sense any illness.  Are you okay, Bailey, and why are you shutting down our bond?”
    Attempting a wavering smile Bailey didn’t say a word but released the block she had on their twin bond.  When she peered at Dante she actually blushed.  How embarrassing.
    Dante struggled for breath before gasping in air and lunging toward his sister.  He hugged her while sniffing her neck as she rocked him back and forth in her arms.  “But Baily, I thought…Is it possible?”
    Bailey nodded and wiped at the unchecked tears that fell from her brothers eyes.  Seeing his emotional response at what she revealed confirmed that their bond was stronger than ever.  She never thought he’d forgive her from changing packs and leaving him here but he looked truly happy for her. 
    Dante stood abruptly and twisted around to where Paul was, still glaring at Katarina.  “Congratulations brother.  I’m so happy for you, if there’s ever anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to ask.  Her safety is of utmost importance and you should take her home.”
    Nodding his consent he scooped Bailey into his arms, walking back to their room he threw over his shoulder, “Maybe you should restrain your bear.  She seems to be…unpredictable, at the best of times.”
    Dante turned as Katarina was slipping out the door.  A few short strides had him at the door and when he wrenched it open he was shocked to see half the pack at his door.  Katarina was on the porch, face utterly stoic and unreadable while the elders yelled from his yard.  He was really getting sick of these unexpected visitors.  When Sasha, still covered in her vomit lingerie, threw a rock at Katarina, hitting her in the neck, he yelled.  “Hey.”
    There were murmurs and growls coming from the crowd, they acted like he wasn’t there.  All eyes were on Katarina.  He had to give her credit because she stood with her shoulder back, head up and face utterly blank.  She’d barely moved when the rock hit her.  Dante was so embarrassed and angered that this was the pack he led. 
    How much more did they expect her to endure?  They wanted her gone so she packed her bag and was heading out.  So why the lynch mob for one measly bear?  She waited for the wolves to make a move.  She was damn sure going to protect herself this time.
    Just as the group began to quiet she saw movement to her left, directly off the porch.  A young male wolf leapt up on the porch, springing at her with claws extended.  She felt Dante rush toward her to do the promised protecting but she was sick of shifters thinking she was weak and needed protection.  Instead of getting out of the way or fleeing she stepped back, grabbing him by the scruff.  While he wiggled and shifted in her hand she swatted his nose, “Behave.  You are an unruly set of wolves and I will not stand for your disrespect; I have not earned it.  So…get.”  She tossed him into the crowd.
    Twisting around, she addressed Dante with weary eyes.  “I realize this is your pack and I’m leaving but someone has to teach them a lesson and I intend that to be me.  Please only ensure that the fighting is fair; one on one.”
    Dante’s eyes widened as he nodded, knowing he wouldn’t allow her to get hurt but it was essential she assert her dominance or the pack would never accept Katarina as his mate.
    Katarina faced the crowd much in the same manner she had previously.  “Obviously, you have made a decision that I do not belong in this pack.  Fine, I’ll leave.  However, I would like you all to know that I find