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.”
“I’ll bet some don’t want to leave,” wagered Dante.
Dawn ushered them all into an office. “The isolation of a loner lifestyle is hard for any shifter. Here, they’re around people who can understand them and who’ve had similar experiences to them. They get mighty comfortable and want to stay. Shifters in packs, prides, flocks, or whatever it may be all lean and rely on each other. That’s part of what makes it hard for loners to adjust to being on their own. I allow some to stay permanently, but in exchange they have to work for me—whether it’s to cook, clean, wash clothes, or something else.”
Dante and Ryan leaned against the wall while Taryn, Jaime, and Madisyn sat on an old, faded leather couch. Makenna perched herself on the edge of the desk that Dawn then sat behind.
“You do good work here,” said Taryn. “I have to admit, loners have such a bad rep that it never occurred to me how hard it must be for them.”
Dawn gave an understanding smile. “It’s easy to forget that they’re not all bad. Most just need help. I do my best to provide that. But I can’t help everyone.”
“Must be hard for you.” Dante folded his arms. “It has to cost a lot of money and energy to run this place. This is a nonprofit organization, right?”
“Yes. I have sponsors, grants, and private donations. The shifter council only gives a minimal amount of funding, but everything makes a difference. Some people—shifter and human alike—are kind enough to donate blankets, supplies, and food. But some, like Remy, just present us with problems.”