Free Surviving the Pack by Shannon Duane Page B

you dirty, conniving, beasts that have no respect for authority and even less for your pack mates.  I do not know how this came about but I am willing to take you on one by one.  So…if you have an issue with me that must be dealt with before I leave, get in line.  I will engage anyone who wishes it.”  She gave a slightly evil grin, “But I will not pay for your medical bills.”

 
    Chapter 9
     
    Katarina had just wheeled her suitcase to the edge of the porch when the first wolf attacked.  Not surprising, it was Sasha.  After batting her away easily Katarina pulled her hand back, eyeing her wet and sticky palm.  “What the hell are you covered in?”  She brought her hand up to her face and took a whiff, gagging.
    Sasha flew back at Katarina, landing a blow to her shoulder that was aimed at her face but easily deflected.  Katarina didn’t even blink.  Smiling she balled her fist and hit Sasha in the belly causing her to hunch over holding her stomach.  Katarina knocked her into the railing, tossing her over where she lay unmoving.
    Straitening Katarina yelled, “One down…who’s next?”
    An older man, who she’d never met, came forward and attempted to strike her across her face with an open palm.  She easily dodged the move and made no attempt to return a blow.  “I respect my elders and don’t approve of elder abuse.  I can’t have upset you already so I hope you’ll back off.”
    “You disrespect me by living.  Bears and wolves don’t mix.  It’s wrong.”
    Katarina was so stunned she didn’t see the next slap coming her way.  Her head whipped to the side, hearing Dante growl she responded.  “I didn’t realize this pack participated in gender and species discrimination.  I have to say I’m shocked and appalled.” 
    Without waiting for him to reply she cuffed his ears and pushed him off the porch.  “I hope you broke your hip.” Addressing the crowd, “I’d like to actually have a challenge and with someone who’s fighting for something they believe in.” 
    A young male she recognized came forward.  He was clearly in shape with bulging biceps larger than her thighs, his neck as thick as her waist.  Unfortunately, he was related to Sasha, who she’d knocked out and insulted.  Good times.
    “I would gladly fight you in honor of Sasha.  You should not harm those who are weaker than yourself.”
    “I have no desire to fight anyone.  I am merely defending myself against your pack who has not welcomed me as expected.  I only want peace and a loving home.  In your pack I have endured ridicule and assault, even though I was invited by your alpha with a promise of protection.  I fight for my honor and the disrespect you show your alpha.”
    The man flushed, turning toward Dante he simply stated, “Sasha is my addiction and I will fight in her honor.  I would ask for mate status between us.”
    Dante nodded his head and responded with a clipped, “Is she your mate?  You’re fated?”
    The young man inclined his head, “Her father wishes for her to be alpha mate but we meet in secret.  I love her and would mate her if accepted.”
    Dante’s heart warmed, “I understand.  Sasha is a lovely woman and will make you a great mate.  I give you my blessing.”  Dante glanced at Katarina, “She is my mate and will defeat you.  I do not wish for my pack to be broken any longer.  Take your mate home and leave.  I will have an official mating ceremony at the next full moon and I will make sure you and Sasha are there together.”
    The young man, Dusty, scooped Sasha up and carried her away.  “I believe alpha Dante has our best interest at heart.  He would like to heal this pack and his mate is strong.  Leave with me if you wish for a healthy pack,” turning he walked away snuggling his mate.
    Dante turned to Katarina, “You are alpha mate.  I know you’re strong, you have nothing to prove.”
    Gritting her teeth she announced, “I am no one’s mate.  I