Savage Urges (The Phoenix Pack, #5)(29)

“How old were they?”

“I think two of them were seven and the other was eight, but I’m not certain.”

“Do you think Remy killed them?”

“That, I don’t know. It’s hard to imagine him doing such a thing. He’s very protective of all the pups, even if it’s for the wrong reason.”

“Maybe they fought the abuse or threatened to tell someone,” suggested Jaime. “Remy wouldn’t have liked that.”

Ryan grunted his agreement. Remy would get rid of them not just to protect his reputation but to show the other children what would happen if they put up any sort of struggle.

“Myles mentioned that one of the males within the pack accused Remy of abusing his son,” said Trey.

Fenton nodded. “I wasn’t there, but Rosa was.”

“That was an awful morning. Vance was a dominant wolf, but he wasn’t the confrontational type. He was a very laid-back male, hardly ever lost his temper. But that morning, he tracked Remy down and looked ready to kill him. Vance said that his nine-year-old son, Clay, claimed that Remy touched him inappropriately when they went on one of their nature walks. He called him sick and perverted and a bunch of other names. Then he just flew at Remy, shifting into a wolf midair. He fought well, but Remy won. Vance’s mate didn’t survive his death, and Clay was nowhere to be seen. Some think Remy killed him, but most think he just ran off.”

Ryan had a question. “How many actually suspect he’s a pedophile?”

“Not many,” replied Fenton. “We talked about it. We thought of grouping together and confronting him. But most of us were submissive wolves—we didn’t have a chance against Remy, even as a group, especially since he has his Beta and enforcers to protect him.”

That much was true. They would have simply gotten themselves killed, which wouldn’t have helped anyone.

“And after seeing what happened to Vance, we were all afraid,” added Rosa. “By killing him, Remy showed the pack exactly what would happen to anyone who voiced their suspicions. And that’s all they are—suspicions.”

“But that Clay kid accused Remy of abusing him,” Trick reminded them.

“Yes,” allowed Fenton, “but as Remy pointed out, Clay was a troubled pup who was always lying and stealing.”

The perfect target, in a way, since it was unlikely that his accusations would be believed.

“Yet, you didn’t stay there.” Dante tilted his head. “I’m surprised he let you leave.”

“That’s the thing about Remy,” said Fenton. “He is a good Alpha. He treats his wolves well. That’s why it’s so hard to believe he could be guilty of those things. But we have kids; we weren’t prepared to take the chance.”

Neither was Ryan, which was why he had to ensure that the shelter was never handed over to Remy. And if it turned out that the rumors were true, Remy would have to die.


Makenna was serving a customer when the door of the gas station opened and a specimen of untamed masculinity stalked inside. Her wolf sat up, fascinated as always by Ryan’s immense confidence and forceful presence. As his dark, brooding eyes met hers, raw hunger flared through Makenna’s body. It was a need that viciously clawed and bit at her day and night. She’d dreamed of him the previous night, his teeth dominantly locked around her shoulder as he fiercely hammered into her.

Dragging her gaze away from him, she smiled at her human customer and handed him his change. It was almost amusing the way he regarded Ryan nervously, as if expecting to be leaped on. Ryan didn’t spare him a glance; he was staring right at Makenna—focused on her with the intensity of a jungle predator. And the memory of his kiss shoved its way to the forefront of her mind. All day, she’d tried not to think about it. Tried not to think about how he’d overwhelmed her senses and taken her mouth like it was his right. Tried and failed.

Once he was finally alone with Makenna, Ryan said, “We spoke with Myles’s pack mates.” He’d half expected his words to be guttural. A ferocious hunger was building inside him, tightening his body and causing an animalistic growl to build in his chest. He frowned as he saw that the mark on her lip had faded. “They had a lot to say.”

After he told her all he’d heard, Makenna blew out a long breath. “A small part of me actually feels bad for Remy, but none of what happened to him could ever excuse what he’s doing. He can’t get his hands on the shelter—”

“He won’t,” Ryan promised, voice filled with resolve. “I won’t allow that.”

It was impossible not to believe him. “Well, thanks for keeping me updated.”

As she released a tired sigh, Ryan noticed the dark circles under her eyes. A growl trickled out of him. “You haven’t been sleeping.”

Stress tended to keep her awake. Unable to resist poking at Ryan, she merely said, “So?”

“So I don’t like it.”

“Is that a fact?” She chuckled.

“You like to see me agitated.”

“I’d rather see you smile. I’m working on that.”

Warmth filled Ryan. He couldn’t recall anyone ever caring whether or not he smiled. Makenna Wray, or whatever her name was, had to be his mate. He placed his hands on the counter. “Bonnie Phillips.”