n

n

n~ SASHA ~

n

"That's lovely, Oska, thank you,

" Sasha repeated awkwardly.

"I'm sure we will be very good friends. I've always loved rabbits. It was one pet we were allowed in our apartment growing up—

"

nBut everyone at the table groaned. Sasha closed her mouth and looked around at all of them—who were all staring at Oska.

nThere was an almighty thump. The entire table rattled and Sasha startled. Oska leapt to his feet so his chair fell to the ground behind him.

n

"I was very clear!

" he yelled down the table at her. Everyone at the nearby tables quieted and turned to watch. Sasha caught several rolled eyes.

"We are hares. HARES!

"

nSasha's mouth dropped open.

"Oh, dear, I'm sorry, I never meant—

"

nLhars groaned.

"Oska, she's human, she doesn't know—

"

n

"EVERYBODY KNOWS INSTINCTIVELY!

"

n

"That's simply not true, Oska, you know the humans aren't nearly as in touch with their instincts as we are—

"

n

"Do I need to prove to you again that I am not intimidated by your predatory nature, LHars?

" Oska said, his face growing red. Sasha was horrified.

n

"I never meant to create a problem, I'm sorry—

"

n

"Don't worry about it,

" Lhars drawled, rolling his eyes.

"It's just a bit of a sore spot for Oska, is all. You weren't to know.

"

n

"This is not TENDERNESS!

" Oska roared, his leg stamping quickly on the dirt.

"I will not stand for this… this dismissal of our natures! We are not cuddly children's pets. We are not food for your fire. We are swift, hardworking Chimera with everything that is needed to kick your ass you—

"

n

"Okay, who set him off this time,

" a feminine voice said wearily from behind Lhars.

nEveryone at the table seemed to breathe again as a female of a height with Oska, and with glossy, blonde hair stepped alongside him and put a restraining hand to his arm.

n

"Ulka! Do not placate these… these… mutts!

"

n

"Who are you calling a mutt, Oska?

" Lhars growled, going very still, his jaw tight and eyes sharp on the smaller male.

nSasha held her breath.

n

"You! I call you a mutt, straight to your wet muzzle, Lhars—you think I cannot hold my own with you?!

"

n

"Oska, please,

" Ulka sighed.

"You're frightening the human. Think of her and her poor nerves. I'm sure they wouldn't stand a demonstration of your strength. The poor girl needs to feel more confident in her chosen Clan, not less. If you go beating all the wolves again, she'll just be frightened. Think of her.

"

nSasha wanted to laugh—surely the pompous display was all bluster? Surely this man wouldn't really have fought Lhars? A rabbit? Against a wolf? He had to be joking?

nBut Oska took a deep breath, then looked back and forth between Sasha and Lhars. Sasha did her best to look uncertain—because she was—and not smile. While Lhars' jaw kept twitching, but he kept his eyes on his food rather than on the bristling male—a gesture, Sasha was beginning to understand, was to demonstrate a lack of challenge.

nBut Oska was eyeing the wolf man as if he couldn't wait to pummel him, so Sasha stepped in, hoping she could help this time instead of hurting.

n

"I am so sorry, Oska,

" she said quickly.

"I had no idea you were so… strong. I am very impressed,

" she said, putting her eyes down and biting the inside of her cheek so she wouldn't smile.

"I assure you, I won't reference any other… anything other than a hare in respect to your clan again. And I hope… I hope you won't challenge anyone else. I would hate to be the reason anyone got hurt.

"

nOska looked at her sharply and she raised her hands, palms out.

"Anyone else, I meant—I can see that you are a… a formidable opponent.

"

nUlka flashed her a smile from beside Oska, who nodded.

n

"Yes, I am,

" he said baldly.

nThen he scanned the table. And when no one else met his eyes, he snorted.

"Very well, I won't unleash my strength here today. But mark my words—mark them! Do not underestimate me, or my people!

"

nEveryone at the table made murmured noises to affirm him, including Sasha, then Ulka pointed out two males at a nearby table who were getting to their feet.

"I was coming to look for you because your apprentices have been waiting to be shown that trail you'd mentioned might be good for trapping. The hunters brought in less yesterday and they're looking for anything that might add to the pantry before the storm.

nStorm? Sasha looked around. There was snow on the ground, but none had fallen since she arrived, and here under the trees, the ground was dry. There wasn't a breath of wind… she turned to Ulka who winked, then turned back to her mate.

n

"Very well!

" Oska said.

"I will take my leave. I hope you have all learned a lesson here today.

"

nHe pulled his mate into him and whispered something in her ear. Her cheeks colored, but he only kissed her quickly, then started down the aisle, weaving between tables until he reached the two younger males and began ushering them away from the diners.

nUlka waited until they'd moved closer to the trees, then turned back to face them, smiling,

"It is nice to meet you, Sasha. We've all heard a great deal about you. I hope Zev will find his place again soon, and you'll be happy here. And don't worry about my mate. He's a lot of bark when his ruff is up, but he's a good male—strong, and hard working. And he will make sure our people help you if you need it. Don't hesitate to ask.

"

n

"That's…. very kind. I'm really sorry that I offended him,

" she said, meaning it.

"I meant no harm. I'm still learning what's appropriate and what isn't. I'll make sure I never mention rabbits again around your clan—

"

n

"I heard that!

" Oska yelled across the clearing from where he stood between the trees, turned back to them. The two males with him each had a hand to his chest and began to wrestle him back.

"I heard that! You aren't funny!

"

nBut even Ulka giggled once he'd disappeared behind the trees.

n