“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 female.
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?”