Surviving the Pack

By Shannon Duane

Katarina's been on the run from her pack in Alaska attempting to find a home for herself and a few others. Associating with the wrong people has gotten her more than a few enemies. No longer feeling welcome she continues to move on. Will she finally find her death in the very pack she longs for, her fated mates?
Dante, newly made Alpha wolf of the Sacramento pack, can't stop thinking of the dangerously sexy Katarina. When she requests to enter his pack he accepts, admitting to himself he hopes he can finally get her into his bed and out of his dreams. One thing leads to another and their beasts connect. Will they both be strong enough to accept love and survive the pack?
Although Dante's pack isn't healthy after their previous alphas toxic ways he continues to make changes for the better. Some pack members are angry and not afraid to challenge his leadership.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannon Duane
• Release date: Nov 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311795731

Shannon Duane

Shannon Duane is married, with three beautiful children, living right outside Napa Valley. She works, full time, in a busy emergency room as a registered nurse.

Book preview

Surviving the Pack

Fated Mate: Book 5

Shannon Duane

Smashwords Edition

Surviving the Pack

Copyright 2013 © Shannon Duane

Cover Art Copyright © 2013 Laura Shinn

Smashwords Licensing Notes:

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with other people, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you are reading this ebook without purchasing it and it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Surviving the Pack is a work of fiction.

Though actual locations may be mentioned, they are used in a fictitious manner and the events and occurrences were invented in the mind and imagination of the author. Similarities of characters or names used within to any person – past, present, or future – are coincidental except where actual historical characters are purposely interwoven.

Dedication

Sooo, I’ve dedicated books to my parents, my husband, my kids and my sister. Obviously, I love my family. My parents are such a constant support and I am so blessed to have them. My hubby is the love of my life and has been very supportive in my writing career; mostly by listening to my shock when I get positive feedback and my attempts to correct the negative. My kids are simply awesome.

This book is most definitely dedicated to any and all fans. I have been contacted by a few readers and because of them I will continue to write, happily. I have no formal training and sometimes I make errors, however, I entertain myself and in turn hope it spills over for you. If you enjoy this book or any others I’ve written please drop me a note, my contact info is below.

Tootles.

To view more of Shannon’s writing, please visit:

http://shannonduane.yolasite.com

http://www.facebook.com/shannon.duane.98?ref=tn_tnmn

Other books available by Shannon Duane:

Fated Mate Series:

An Alpha’s Trust

A Second Chance

A Pack Family

Mate Magic

Surviving the Pack

Irish Boys Series:

Carrick’s Caress

Liam’s Danger

Book 3 coming soon

Prologue

How was it possible for his life to become even more complicated? Since becoming alpha of the Sacramento pack Dante had lost his twin sister to another pack and was forced to banish his deceitful bitch of a mother. He received weekly death threats and had to accept at least three challenges to his leadership already. His only goal was to fix the pack he’d belonged to for his life and make the members happy and whole. He was beginning to think that was impossible.

He remembered his first alpha as strong, yet, kind and gentle, which is probably why he was defeated in a challenge by Allen, who was an underhanded cheater. The morals of the pack quickly were thrown out the window and the females were forced to breed and care for the young while the men were the only ones allowed to work. Allen figured if the women weren’t allowed to work they would be fine with tending to the males needs and raising the pack children.

It wasn’t until Dante’s last moon run where he impregnated a female, not knowing she was forced into the run, and she left the pack taking his children with her. He understood why Tara had done it and was pleased that she’d found her mate but he wished he’d listened to his sister in the beginning and saved his pack so much trouble. Hindsight was amazing.

And that’s how he ended up in the woods hiding from his sister to watch her marriage to a shifter in a different pack. He’d lost her support a long time ago and longed to go back to the days where they ran together in the woods and the simplicity of simply living and being free. Now he was weighed down with responsibility he didn’t want and she was currently marrying her fated mate in a private ceremony. Well…technically it was private, seeing as how the rest of her new pack was huddled behind the bushes to watch as they took their vows. Bailey was uncomfortable being the center of attention, especially after receiving her scars.

Dante watched the exchange of vows and couldn’t help but sulk; his sister was in a sheet no less. He thought about how messed up his life was and how he, unintentionally, almost messed hers up too. Bailey was a strong woman and he was proud of her. He’d let her down so badly by not taking control of the pack sooner and was glad when her mate asked him to attend their mating; hidden like the rest of his pack to prevent Bailey’s discomfort.

He wasn’t going to mope though. He needed to get back to the pack he’d just taken over. The pack was broken and he had a lot of work ahead of him. If only he could find his mate to share his worries with. He needed a strong female but all the women in his pack we’re weak, made that way by the old Alpha, Allen. He’d just have to work hard to repair the damage. He’d already gotten rid of the moon runs and outlawed attacks on women. Some of the pack weren’t trustworthy, so it was his job to cut away the dead wood.

Dante was already putting a few women through school so they could feel less dependent and helpless. Of the six women he paid for to educate themselves at the college three had dropped out and one had broken her leg forcing her to put her classes on hold. Dante didn’t understand why she couldn’t attend using crutches but who was he to know the severity of her pain. Although her bone would be good as new in a week or so she refused to go back to her classes.

It wouldn’t be easy and it would take a long time but he was committed to making sure the women of his pack were safe and never again abused. A delicate cough came from beside him. He whipped his head around to see the woman who was haunting his dreams. Katarina.

Can I speak to you?

He looked into her beautiful almond shaped brown eyes wondering if she was truly evil or if she was poorly influenced by her bear friends. He could never engage in a relationship with someone who would be evil, poisoning his pack even further. She was amazing though; tall and slender with shapely legs and hips made for a man’s hands. No, stop. Bad wolf.

I want to apologize for what Bernard and I did; it was never my intention to hurt your family or pack. I’ll make a formal apology if that’s what you need.

That’s fine. We hold Allen and Travis responsible as well. They were a poison to our pack and we’re glad to be rid of them. You all share in the responsibility of the attack on my sister and the attempted destruction of her new pack to gain territory. I ask that if you hear from Travis you contact me immediately so I can get rid of him permanently.

Katarina nodded her head, Of course. Some of our people have chosen to stay here in American Canyon, she hesitated biting her lower lip in obvious discomfort. I do not feel comfortable here. Even though I personally destroyed Bernard, I feel dreadful for what I have put these people through. Especially, your sister, she is a wonderful person.

Dante knew what she was leading up to and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it. He hated pulling his eyes away from her pure white teeth sinking into her lush lower lip but he found the strength to cast his eyes to the side and respond. I’m sure we could find land for your people but they would be expected to contribute as well. My pack is going through some changes so it’s not exactly, safe, for some women. I’m actively changing pack laws daily that have been in place for years. If you can attempt to be nontoxic, I will allow it.

Katarina’s eyes flared with temper. My only wish is to protect my people as well. I'm willing to assist you in securing your pack, and see that they remain unharmed. My people are loners and have never caused trouble, Dante’s eyes widened but she continued, "With the exception of the last few months when we were led astray. I will be the first to admit it, but you Alpha must also admit you were led astray in the past as well. We must start by being honest."

His ardour was swiftly fading with her mood. Agreed, and I will allow your people to come into my territory with the knowledge that we are a pack in progress. Have patience and keep to yourselves. Dante bowed to her and spun in place to walk away, promptly ending their conversation.

He heard her voice trailing, We will be there in a weeks’ time, Dante. He paused and rotated around looking at her expectantly. She stood stony faced not giving away her emotions.

In my pack we acknowledge the Alpha’s with respect.

Katarina knew what he wanted, for her to address him as Alpha Dante; not happening. I am bear. A wolf has an Alpha but a bear does not, the strongest survive and lead; the rest follow if they want.

I’m still the leader in the Sacramento territory. If you cannot find a way to give me the proper respect you’ll not be welcome. You will be entering pack territory so I suggest you learn to play nice with others.

She smiled showing a row of perfect white teeth and her amusement. Her voice was husky when she challenged, "Would you like me to bow, sir?"

Oh shit. I’m in trouble. You have a week to figure it out, princess. I will host a dinner in your honor and we’ll introduce you and your bears to my wolves when they arrive.

Chapter 1

Dante took in a lungful of air when he arrived home. The familiar scents of dirt, clean air and his car exhaust accompanied another familiar scent, rage. He wanted to be grateful he was home but