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bloodlines. He’d be the first to admit that their customs seemed a little outdated, but he didn’t get to the make the rules, and no one else challenged them.
    Tess narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “No place is safe from the hunters. Not even here. Anyone who can’t fight is a liability.” Tess glared at him, anger simmering in her eyes. “Is that why the escorts are necessary? You don’t think I’m capable of taking care of myself?”
    Nate opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off.
    Tess took a step toward him. “I took out six hunters at my home. After getting shot, I ran from Washington to Tennessee. By myself. I’m not weak,” she hissed. “I can make it to Ohio on my own.”
    Nate licked his lips as he contemplated his words. The wrong thing would further enrage her. “I know. I’m sure you can. But our enemies are in this area. They know Sanctuary is around here somewhere. The leaders of Sanctuary want to play it safe.”
    “Whatever.” Tess rolled her eyes and marched toward the door.
    “You really took out six of them?” Nate questioned as he ran to catch up to her. Sure, she had to be tough if she’d run as far as she said, but their enemy was not easily defeated. Even in her feline form, Tess couldn’t weigh more than a hundred pounds. Hunters were human, but with enhanced strength and speed.
    “In the pride, you learn to fight from an early age regardless of your gender. Everyone is a warrior. Everyone learns how to defend themselves. Female shifters are treated as equals.” She placed her hand on the door then turned to meet his gaze again. Her eyes constricted into tiny slits. “Hunters don’t care if you’re a man, woman, or child. They’ll kill you regardless. They don’t discriminate. Why should you?” With that, she spun on her heel and entered the compound.
    Nate stared after her, watching the gentle sway of her hips. Tess Monroe was not going to make a lot of friends amongst the wolves with an attitude like that. But, Sanctuary needed more people like her. Fighters. Survivors. He could think of a handful of male shifters with Tess’ spirit, but no females. Go figure, the one female shifter who finally had his attention was a cat.
    Sanctuary housed a lot of female wolves, but none of them called to his wolf the way the leopard did. Cats and wolves don’t mix. The council would never approve, and his mother would kill him. Get her to Ohio and forget her. That was the best option for them both. Hopefully, his wolf would agree.
    ***
    T ess shook with anger as she followed the aromatic smell of roasted beef to the kitchen. Nate’s footsteps were a few paces behind her. She didn’t need anyone to show her around like she was helpless. Her senses and instincts worked just fine. She grinned as she came to a halt in front of two large wooden doors. Above them a red label read Cafeteria.
    She gripped the cool metal handle in her hand and yanked the mess hall door open. The conversation in the room quieted, and all eyes flicked to her. She clenched her jaw and marched in. Was this how they treated all newcomers? Why would anyone ever stay? Were people that desperate? The simple answer was yes. Hunters were everywhere and nowhere was safe. Safety was in numbers.
    If the pride in Ohio was gone as Nate suggested, Tess wasn’t sure she would have a choice but to come back. She wouldn’t last long on her own—no one would. Hunters always attacked in groups, and they thrived on seeking out easy targets. Leaving behind the safe haven of a pride—or a pack, would be signing her death sentence.
    I don’t want to get stuck here , she thought as she headed to the buffet. She could feel the stares boring into her. I’m certainly not welcome. Don’t pay attention to them. You’ll be gone tomorrow.
    Tess spooned a hefty scoop of mashed potatoes onto her plate and then used the tongs to pick up a steak. At least the shifters here knew how to eat. The cafeteria