Surviving the Pack by Shannon Duane

will end your pack before I become one of them.  I am a force to be reckoned and I will not tolerate their insolence.”
    Dante saw his pack on the lawn, unaware of what they were saying, and longed to scoop his mate up and take her back to their rooms.  “Katarina-“
    “Who’s next?  I have all night.”  Katarina thought, I’ll defeat them all for not believing I’m good enough.
    Another young male approached, “I do not wish to challenge you ma’am.  But I love a good tumble,” he bent at the waist, “so let’s wrestle lil’ lady.”
    Katarina was so utterly pissed that she didn’t realize he was joking with her.  She sprang at him and tackled him to the ground.  He went down easy and when she had him under her she brought her claw out and positioned them at his neck.  He simply lay smiling, not attempting to engage.  “Are you going to attack?”
    Dante growled low in his throat and everyone stilled.  Katarina chanced a look back at him and was surprised when she felt a hand cup her breast.  Turning back to the young man she slapped his hand away and sent him a scathing look.  “What is your name and what are you about?”
    The young man gazed up into her eyes, “I’m Peter, ma’am.  I don’t want to attack you at all because you should never hurt a girl.”  His cheeks pinked, “I mean a woman.” 
    Peter’s hand came up to attempt another touch of her breast but she recoiled from him and vaulted off him.  Noticing the huge erection he had she also flushed and turned away.  Unfortunately, her gaze landed on a fuming Dante who attempted to burn her with his eyes.  “What?”
    Dante addressed Peter first, “Cover it up boy and be lucky I like you.  She’s mine.”  Seeing to the crowd he merely gave a terse, “Are we done now?”
    A shout came from the back of the crowd.  “Listen up, son, I have a problem.  This here lil’ lady is stirrin’ up all kinds a trouble.  I think she should get on outta here.”
    Dante took two big steps and grabbed Katarina’s arm pulling her behind him.  “I don’t think so, Leroy.  I told Katarina she could stay here for a while and I meant it.  It’s abhorrent the treatment she has received thus far and will not be allowed to continue.  Are we clear?”
    Pack elder Dusty came to the front of the crowd.  “No, alpha.”
    Dante’s eyes narrowed in confusion.  “What’s not clear?”
    A grim look came over the elders face as he lectured Dante.  “I have been a pack elder for many many years and I’ve gone through three alpha’s leaderships.  I applaud you for your attempt at healing this pack.  However, the killing and abuse of pack elders is wrong and you alpha will be punished.  You cannot go around on your whims and make decisions without consulting us.  I would have never consented to the murder of a pack elder and I don’t know what wolf in their right mind would.  Nor do I know an alpha stupid enough to perform the task.  We will meet tomorrow night to decide your fate.  Would you like to state your plea now, or wait until the ceremony?”
    Turning shocked eyes on the elder who had always been, not only a friend, but a father figure to him Dante frowned.  “I know nothing of a murder, let alone the murder of an elder.  When did this happen and where is the body?  I’d like to investigate.”
    Dusty’s reply was clipped and terse.  “The body has not been recovered alpha.  We will give you the details tomorrow night but until then please think about the impact this has on your pack and formulate a proper response.”  He swiveled around on his cane and began to walk away before he stiffened and threw over his shoulder, “Tell Bailey and Paul congratulations for me.  I’m so proud of her.”  He winked at a window in the front of the house before walking away; the crowd parted staring after him. 
    Dusty had always been the most respected elder in the group and Dante felt shame that he had to put him