“Oh, I see. You think that threatening Dawn with the big, bad council will make her ask just how high you want her to jump.” Who would have thought the stupid fucker could be so amusing? “Well, feel free to go to them. I can’t promise it’ll get you anywhere.”
“I already have gone to them.” He pulled a folded slip of paper from his pocket.
With a bored sigh, she opened it. It was a summons to attend a mediation meeting. The council preferred that shifters attempt to resolve their issues through mediation. If the parties didn’t reach an agreement, the disputing shifters had the council’s permission to go to war after twelve weeks. The hope was that those twelve weeks would give both parties the chance to cool down and drop their issues. In many cases, it worked. But . . . “We’re loners. We can’t go to war with you.”
He stepped closer, eyes softening. “I don’t want us to be at war, Makenna. If you read the summons, you’ll see it states that if Dawn and I can’t reach an agreement, the matter will go before the council. They’ll then decide. Of course . . . we can just avoid all that if Dawn agrees here and now to join my pack and hand over this territory. Surely she’d prefer to be part of a pack. Wouldn’t you, Makenna? You know, you’d make a good Alpha female.”
This time, both she and Selene snorted. Makenna’s wolf wanted to stab a claw in his fucking eye.
He was about to speak again, but then the front door of the shelter creaked open. He smiled at Dawn, who stood in the doorway—chin up, arms folded. Madisyn was behind her, nostrils flaring, looking eager to claw Remy’s face off . . . which was no doubt why Dawn was obstructing her path.
“Dawn,” Remy drawled. “It’s always a pleasure. I was just telling Makenna about—”
“You’re not welcome here, Mr. Deacon.” Dawn’s voice was strong, firm. “It’s something you already know. So I’m confused as to why you’re here. But if it’s to repeat your offer, let me again say that my answer is a resounding no.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked. “Do you have any idea what I’m offering you? My pack is large, well known, and powerful. In case you’ve forgotten, you’ve got nothing. But I’m welcoming you and your volunteers into my pack. I’m offering to give this place what it needs to keep going and to adequately protect whoever is within it. Surely you want to protect the future of the shelter and all its residents.”
The slamming of a car door made Remy’s attention snap to a sight over Makenna’s shoulder. She would have worried it was Zac if wariness hadn’t momentarily flashed in Remy’s eyes. Ryan’s scent reached her before his body soundlessly sidled up to her, his arm brushing hers, like he belonged in her personal space. His pack mates came to a halt just behind Makenna. Huh. For them to turn up, either Zac had told them about Remy or they didn’t appreciate being made to wait longer to see Zac.
“Well, if it isn’t the Phoenix Pack.” Remy didn’t look quite as unaffected by their presence as he sounded. The reasonably small pack of nineteen wolves had a reputation for being dangerous, particularly since Trey’s wolf had a tendency to turn feral during battle. “Interesting friends you have, Makenna.” The word “friends” had been coated in distaste.
She could sense that Taryn wanted to assert her dominance as an Alpha female and tell the shithead to fuck off. But she didn’t, obviously aware that it would make it seem like Makenna couldn’t fight her own battles. She appreciated that the Alpha did no more than stand with her Betas. “You should go, Mr. Deacon.”
He looked ready to argue, but then his eyes flicked to Ryan. Whatever he saw in the enforcer’s eyes made Remy think better of it. “I’ll see you soon,” he told Dawn.
Selene gave Makenna a condescending wave. “Bye now.”
Once Remy and his enforcers were gone, Makenna turned to Ryan. “I didn’t need you to step in.”
“I didn’t say a word.”
“Just because you didn’t speak doesn’t mean you didn’t interfere. You came to my side wearing that serial-killer stare”—Taryn snorted a laugh—“making a statement that you’d stand with me against him.”
“Making a statement that you’re under my protection. I’ll kill him if he touches you. It’s best if he knows that.”
Makenna blinked at the casual way he’d spoken those menacing words. “Not quite sane, are ya?”
Ryan was thinking the same about her. He was actually just as taken aback by his strong sense of protectiveness as she was, but he decided not to overthink it. Self-analysis held no interest for him.
Hearing fast, light footsteps, he looked to see Zac dashing toward them. At the same time, two females—one in her forties, the other in her twenties—stepped out of the basic redbrick building that looked like an old high school and strolled down the path.
“This is Dawn and Madisyn,” Makenna told the Phoenix wolves. “Dawn owns the shelter, and Madisyn’s a volunteer.”
Ryan studied the two females. The plump brunette, Dawn, was as short as Taryn, and strength seemed to radiate from her. This female was a born alpha. He also sensed that she was a cougar shifter. The dark, curvy female, Madisyn, had the sharpest eyes he’d ever seen—Ryan would bet nothing got past her. She was also a feline, but Ryan struggled to sense what kind.
After everyone exchanged greetings, Dawn put her arm around Zac’s shoulders as she turned to Makenna. “What’s the piece of paper you got there?”
“We’ll talk about it inside.” She ushered Dawn, Madisyn, and Zac up the path toward the door, intending to tell the Phoenix wolves she’d need to postpone their visit with Zac, but Ryan moved to follow them. Obstructing his path, she arched a questioning brow.
“You said we’d talk inside,” he rumbled.
She gestured at herself, Dawn, and Madisyn. “I meant that we would talk inside.”
“You should have been more specific.”
But he made no move to leave. She narrowed her eyes. “This ain’t your business.”
“It will be.”
Taryn stepped forward. “I’ll admit, we were all totally eavesdropping from the Chevy before we came over here. We heard a little of what’s going on. We’d like to help if we can.” It wasn’t a request; it was a statement of intention. To Makenna’s surprise, the Betas looked just as determined to help. Ryan had resolve and determination etched into every hard line of his face.
Madisyn crossed her arms over her chest. “Why would you do that? We’re loners.”
“We owe you,” replied Taryn. “You helped Zac when we didn’t. You’ve been keeping him safe. If Makenna hadn’t contacted Ryan, we wouldn’t have even known he needed help. Besides, if you’re going to keep Zac here, we need to be absolutely fucking positive in our minds that he’s safe. I’ll be honest, I’m tempted to pull him out for his own protection.”
Zac backed up. “No way! I’m staying here!”
“Calm down,” Ryan told him. “We won’t force you to leave.” Zac would just run from them if they did.
“Too fucking right,” muttered Zac.
Dawn lightly tapped his shoulder. “Language, Zac,” she reprimanded. She studied the Phoenix wolves closely as she asked, “How is it, exactly, that you wish to help?”
It was Dante who replied. “Any way you need it. But we can’t know what you need until we know the whole story of what’s been happening with Remy.”
Makenna saw that Dawn was seriously considering their offer. She couldn’t blame her. As loners, they had no protection or resources or alliances, which made them easy targets for people like Remy, and they weren’t in a position to refuse any offer of aid. “I don’t really know how you can help,” Makenna told them. “But if you’re serious, come inside and we’ll tell you what’s been going on.”
Seemingly of their own accord, Ryan’s eyes dropped to the sway of Makenna’s hips as she led them up the path to the shelter. Her pert little ass made his wolf growl with need. The animal was still on edge after the encounter with Remy; he wanted to rip out the bastard’s throat for daring to threaten this f
emale.
It had been hard to stay in the confines of the SUV and not immediately go to her side. But instinct had told Ryan that he needed to wait. Remy wouldn’t have spoken freely in front of Ryan and his pack mates, and they wouldn’t have learned as much as they did about the situation. But there was more to know, and he’d find out what it was. He meant what he’d said to Makenna; he’d make this his business.
They all entered a small, bright reception area. It was like walking into a wall of scents. Lion. Tiger. Cougar. Wolf. Hawk. Falcon. Bear. Fox. Snake. The place obviously hosted various breeds. His inner wolf was wary of the strange scents, unaccustomed to being around such a high and varied number.
A bulky, dark-skinned male rounded the reception desk and came forward. There were lockers behind the desk that Ryan guessed were used by the residents. “I take it he’s gone,” said the male, who Ryan instantly sensed was a bear. The male’s eyes softened a little when they landed on Makenna; the intimacy there made Ryan tense. Were they a couple? Something that suspiciously tasted like jealousy settled on his tongue. His wolf didn’t like this situation at all—in fact, he despised the bear on principle.
Dawn nodded before quickly introducing everyone. “Thank you for staying inside, Colton. I know it’s hard to resist confronting Remy.”
“Why didn’t he confront him?” Dante asked Dawn.
“For the same reason Madisyn didn’t: Remy would goad him into a fight, and the last thing we want is the residents of the shelter feeling this isn’t a safe place. Plus, shifters warring in the street would earn a lot of human attention. The last thing we want is to be on the radar of the human anti-shifter extremists.” Dawn took a deep breath. “Anyway, if you want to come any further, I’ll need you to sign in. All visitors and residents are required to sign in and out.”
While Dante obligingly scribbled down the names inside the book on the desk, Ryan read the “Rules and Regulations” sign on the magnolia wall.
No alcohol.
No drugs.
No weapons.
No violence.
No theft.
No breaking curfew hours.
Dawn presented them all with a bright smile. “Would you like a tour?”
“That would be great,” said Taryn.
Dawn talked as she led them down a long hallway. “The building has five floors in all, including the basement. We keep the bedding, food, cleaning supplies, and other such things down there. On this floor, we have the cafeteria, the common room, communal toilets, and some private bedrooms for people with children. Females sleep on the second floor, and males on the third—both floors are like dormitories. I live in the attic.”
Ryan frowned as he realized . . . “There’s magick here.” It seemed to hum in the air.
“Makenna found a witch to imbed protective wards into the walls,” Dawn told him. “If someone means harm to anybody in the building, they can’t get inside without an invitation.”
Such wards couldn’t have been cheap. Taking that and her reaction to Remy into account, it was clear that Makenna was emotionally invested in the shelter.
“How long have you been running the place?” Jaime asked Dawn.
“My mother started it thirty years ago. At first, it was just a day center. Somewhere loners could come to simply sit down, have a cup of coffee, talk with others, and eat a good meal. When she got some funding, she expanded it little by little.” Dawn opened a door on their right, and everybody inside froze. “This is the common room.”
Peeking inside, Ryan noticed that the large space contained a mishmash of things. The sofas were all various colors and styles. Some of the chairs were clunky and cushioned while others were plastic. There was an outdated TV on the wall, some lamps, and a few plants. There was also an old bookcase and boxes of toys in one corner where a few children played. The sight made his chest clench.
One of the children jumped to her feet with a smile of delight. “Makenna!” She ran to the female and hugged her tight.
Makenna smiled. “Hey, Cady.”
“Who are they?” She eyed each of the Phoenix wolves with distrust, particularly the males.
“They’re friends, Cadence,” Dawn reassured her. “Now why don’t you go play? Makenna will come back soon.”
“Can you read to me when you come back?” Cadence asked Makenna.
“Sure thing, Cady. Be good for your aunt.”
A female with hair as thick and dark as the child’s smiled at Makenna.
“I’ll stay here with the little ones,” Zac told Makenna. She knew he didn’t fully trust the Phoenix wolves yet and wanted to watch over the kids.
She smiled. “Thanks, Zac.”
As they continued down the hallway, Dante said, “Fox. That little girl’s a fox shifter.”
Madisyn nodded. “Yep. She and her aunt came here six months ago.”
Jaime cocked her head. “Why?”
Madisyn smiled wanly. “That’s really their story to tell. All I’ll say is that her aunt discovered the pack wasn’t safe for Cady and so she took her away. They’re in hiding at the moment. But Makenna’s in the process of rehoming them.”
Dawn stopped at a door, pulled out a set of keys, and unlocked it. “This is one of the private family rooms. It’s not being used right now.”
She opened the door, revealing a very basic room that contained two sets of bunk beds, a cot, and a lockable wardrobe. Although it was clean and bright, Ryan still found it to be a sad sight. Maybe it was the cot. The idea that a baby would be without a pack or home . . . It wasn’t right.
As Dawn shut and locked the door, Taryn spoke. “Are all the loners here in hiding?”
“No.” Dawn led them farther down the hallway, passing more doors Ryan guessed were also private rooms. “Many are homeless. Some are runaways. Some have been cast out after losing a duel or something similar. And others feel lost after their mate died and just can’t function. It’s possible to find some lone children wandering the streets, sad to say. Social Services often brings lone children here, just as they brought Makenna and Madisyn.”
That almost brought Ryan up short. It hadn’t occurred to him that she would have grown up here. What pack would cast out a pup? Just the very idea made his blood boil. It was practically a death sentence. He couldn’t imagine that a pup could have committed a crime that led to a banishment. Maybe she hadn’t been banished; maybe she’d run away from some sort of abuse. His wolf growled at the thought. The animal’s protective streak had shot to life at the sight of Remy threatening her, and it wasn’t easing.
“The girls became friends quickly,” added Dawn.
Makenna nodded. “Madisyn taught me how to make fire without matches or a lighter.”
The feline smiled brightly. “And she taught me empathy.”
Chuckling, Dawn rounded the corner. “You were both thick as thieves. Always sneaking out to the local hangouts for teenage shifters.” She smiled at Taryn. “They’re so good at sneaking, I wouldn’t have even known they’d left the building if they didn’t always come back covered in bruises after scrapping with the other teens.”
“We went there in peace,” claimed Madisyn. “There wouldn’t have been any fighting if they hadn’t targeted us for being loners.”
“Yes, well, you both quickly earned a reputation for being crazy. Of course, the teens couldn’t complain to their Alphas about you because these hangouts were secret. Their Alphas would have tanned their hides if they knew the juveniles were sneaking out.” Dawn stopped and pushed open a door on their left. “This is the cafeteria.”
To Ryan, it looked like a typical school cafeteria with all the plastic tables and chairs. People sat around, talking and drinking coffee. They nodded at Dawn, Madisyn, and Makenna, but the sight of Ryan and his pack mates made them stiffen. Ryan realized that Makenna had been correct in what she’d said to Remy: loners would never go to a shelter for sanctuary if it were ruled by a pack. They didn’t trust strangers one bit.
/> As they continued walking down another hallway, Taryn sidled up to Dawn. “Are there any other shelters for loners?”
“Not many, which is unfortunate because the lone shifter lifestyle is a growing problem. There’s only one other shelter in California.”
Dante abruptly stopped, his gaze on something outside. “There are tents out there.”
Ryan looked out of the window, and, sure enough, dome-shaped tents were scattered around the land. Only the children’s outdoor play area was clear of them. More children played out there, supervised by a number of adults.
“Some prefer to sleep outside,” Dawn informed the Beta male. “Sleeping outside allows mated couples to stay together at night. And there are some people who feel safer sleeping in their animal form, so they choose to stay in a tent or sleep on the surrounding land.”
“Do you ever have to turn people away?” Jaime asked as they began walking again.
“Rarely. In emergency situations, we accommodate more by folding up the tables and chairs in the cafeteria at night and setting out some mats and blankets. It’s not ideal, but the alternative is sleeping outside in a box or under a bridge. They’re just grateful to be warm and safe. Especially the little ones.”
Jaime threaded her fingers through her mate’s, as if needing his touch for comfort at the idea of children in such need. “What’s the average length of stay for residents?”
“Most don’t stay long,” replied Dawn. “Makenna does her best to get them a place somewhere. If they have relatives they trust, she tracks them down and the relatives then often take them in. There are some Alphas that are willing to foster or adopt loners, even if they’re unrelated, so that helps.
“However, some want to remain loners. In those cases, I do my best to get them whatever education, therapy, or support they need to find a home of their own and fit into the human community. In the meantime, I ensure they have a bed, showers, meals, a place to do their laundry, and somewhere to store their belongings. When you’re homeless, the simple matter of toilet paper is a luxury.”