Dan and the Neko's

Chapter 9 - How could they do that to Mari?

Dan reached over and very gently touched his shoulder. "Gently Tigger, gently, he is long since dead as well as his wife. I took care of that issue all by myself." Dan twitched back when one of Tigger's hands started to move with the claws fully extended.

Tigger was so enraged by what she had to say that for a moment all he could see was red and anything that came near was going to get clawed. How could someone do that to not only a child but their own daughter? When Dan touched him he lashed out and connected with Dan's arm. Another rage fueled snarl was ripped from his throat.

Oreo's eyes shot wide open at his reaction and his snarl. "Dan very slowly sit back. Move very slowly or he will attack you. I haven't seen this before but I know about it. It is a mode that males can go into when they feel that their mates or children need protection. He is going to have to work his way through it. Tell Mari to remain still and just hold onto him. He will feel that and it will help."

Dan was actually shocked at how fast Tigger reacted since he had managed to scratch him. *Mari do as Oreo says. It is sort of like a berserker mode from what I can see. It has to run its course and you staying with him will help.* He nodded at the other two to let them know she knew.

When Tigger reacted that way Mari was shocked at both the reaction and the strength in his arms. She could break free but she was stronger than a human by a fair bit. She barely registered the females reacting. Dan had reacted to what she had been through but part of that had been as her new Alpha and the rest was in sympathy. Tigger she barely knew and had taken a swipe at Dan to protect her and that was something new. She almost crawled into his lap and clung to him as the tears started flowing. "Tigger it is okay, that was many years ago. That is Dan that you tried to hit. Please Tigger calm down."

The tears didn't help but the pleading in her voice started to slowly impact on him and the rage cooled down somewhat and the red slowly drained from his vision. He felt the wolf clinging to him and crying and asking him to calm down. When he looked at Dan he was shocked to see four parallel claw marks on one arm. Nang and Oreo were also looking more than a bit worried and concerned. "What happened?" He vaguely remembered what Mari had said and then just raw fury.

Dan gave him a very respectful look. "Tigger don't ever let anyone say that you can't protect your mate. It has been a very long time since I have been nailed like that. I am tempted to drop you in Suzy's lap and have her teach you how to fight and defend yourself as well as your mate." There was definite respect in his voice as he spoke.

Tigger looked appalled when he realized what Dan was saying and he looked down at one hand and there was blood coating the tips of his fingers. "Did I do that?" His voice was strained as he spoke. The fury was still there and he was struggling to control it. When Dan complimented him and offered to teach him to fight Tigger almost lost it. "I have never done that before. The last time I drew claws like that was when I was a kit."

Mari shifted position and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you Tigger for that. I have never had anyone that I have barely known react that way. It means so much. It is long past and I have come to terms with it. I just wanted you to know I understand how you feel. Dan does his best to make sure that shit doesn't happen in his territory. It would never happen in the pack." She gave him a good hug before turning to Oreo. "Not sure what I did to set him", she frowned, "and you I think off but I am sorry."

Oreo slowly moved over and wrapped her arms around Tigger and Mari and took a slow deep breath. "We don't have such things or it is so rare we never hear of it. You sort of touched off his fight reflex for when a child or mate might be hurt." Her eyes were wide open still.