Savage Urges (The Phoenix Pack, #5)(32)

Makenna could feel Ryan’s piercing gaze fixed on her with absolute precision. It always was. Despite the grave circumstances, his unbridled attention was heating her blood. He was still utterly convinced they were mates. “The facts speak for themselves,” he often said. That was something she agreed with, but she saw a different set of facts.

One, there was no mating bond.

Two, her wolf didn’t recognize him as her mate.

Three, mates completed each other—she had the kind of personality that would annoy Ryan rather than fit with his. Yes, he claimed to have been possessive, protective, and attracted to her from the start. But it was worth noting that those things hadn’t been enough to tempt him until he found himself convinced they were mates. Only then had he begun his pursuit.

If she was honest, though, she hadn’t tried very hard to push him away. In a world where she was surrounded by jaded people who’d suffered loss, betrayal, and pain, Ryan—with his loyalty and honor—was a breath of fresh air. He might not be sensitive or particularly empathetic, but he was good. Each time he stepped out of his comfort zone for Zac, each time he donated things to the shelter, and each time he swore to Dawn that he’d never allow Remy to take the shelter from her, he chipped away at Makenna’s defenses. And he damn well knew it.

Zac was totally won over by Ryan. They saw each other almost every day. After only a week, Zac had felt comfortable enough to go on day trips without her as an escort. Sometimes it would be him and Ryan alone; other times they would be joined by other members of the Phoenix pack. They had taken him to an amusement park, a bowling alley, and another football game, among other things.

Zac thoroughly enjoyed their contact, and he was always eager to see them. Nonetheless, he remained undecided about joining the Phoenix Pack. She knew it galled Ryan, and she could sense his eagerness to take Zac. But the kid had learned very early what it was like to be betrayed by those who were supposed to take care of him. He wasn’t going to risk that happening again by rushing into this situation.

Given how intense Ryan was and the danger that surrounded him like a cloak, she’d been surprised by just how comfortable Zac was around him. He actually preferred Ryan’s company to that of the other pack members—although Dominic was a close second. Maybe it was because of how strong and dangerous Ryan was. Ryan’s level of dominance most likely made him feel safe. Zac talked about him constantly . . .

Ryan said he’ll teach me how to track.

Ryan’s going to show me some combat moves.

Ryan promised me an iPad if I stop laughing at Dominic’s jokes.

Words like “fleek” and “awesome” were used a lot when describing Ryan. She was glad Zac had found a new role model, because she was far from a good one.

Pulling Makenna out of her reverie, the Mercury Alpha female cleared her throat. “I’m Shaya Critchley-Axton and I’ll be acting as a mediator in this dispute. I’m here to help this be a productive meeting by guiding the discussion, so you can communicate and explore your issues. Be aware that both parties are free to leave at any point. If you do so, a decision won’t be made in your absence. Now, starting with the applicant, could each party please introduce themselves?”

Remy slanted a look at the mediator that glinted with annoyance—that may have been because, according to Ryan, Remy had in fact tried to bribe Shaya. “Remy Deacon, Alpha of the Cedar Pack,” he said with supreme arrogance. “On my right is my Beta, Killian, and on my left is my Head Enforcer, Selene. Behind us are my five enforcers.”

Apparently it was supposed to be an intimidating sight. The fact that he felt the need to intimidate three females only served to confirm that he was in fact an *. Makenna was so tempted to question him about the rumors, but Dawn was right—he’d only cry “slander” to the council. It would work in Dawn’s favor if she were seen as a victim and he was perceived to be a bully trying to snatch the shelter from beneath her.

Shaya looked at Dawn. “As the respondent, can you now introduce yourself and your companions?”

“Dawn Samuels, owner of the shelter that Mr. Deacon seems to want, for a reason I can’t fathom,” said Dawn impatiently, as if Remy was a child asking for something he knew he couldn’t have. “Sitting on either side of me are two of my volunteers, Makenna and Madisyn.”

“Thank you,” said Shaya. “Next, you both need to outline the issue as you see it without interrupting each other. We’ll start with the applicant.”

Remy shrugged. “You know what I want, Dawn. We’ve discussed it before. The situation is very simple. I want to expand my territory by including the land your shelter sits on. I think we can agree that I’ve gone about this reasonably. I haven’t been confrontational, I haven’t made any threats, and I’m not proposing war. In fact, I’m offering you and your volunteers a place in my pack. That will give you protection, pack mates, and whatever help, support, and funding your shelter needs to keep running. It’s a beneficial situation for all concerned.”

Shaya spoke then. “Dawn, as the respondent, what’s your viewpoint on this?”

Dawn lifted her chin. “You say this is a beneficial situation, Mr. Deacon. And that confuses me. You see, I can understand an Alpha wanting to expand his territory, but there are other directions you can go in. My shelter is just a little spot on the map—it’s not what anyone would consider a prize. I don’t have alliances that could be useful to you, and the territory isn’t a beautiful stretch of land. Given all that, I really don’t see how you would benefit from this at all.”