Savage Urges (The Phoenix Pack, #5)(36)

With Zac and an overbearing enforcer on either side of her, Makenna followed the Alphas through what turned out to be a network of tunnels. The walls were light-cream sandstone and looked so smooth that she ran her fingers across them, half expecting them to be soft. Her wolf, always curious, was especially intrigued by her surroundings and wanted to explore by taking the occasional turnoffs.

“We’ll give you a tour soon,” said Ryan.

Zac’s eyes lit up even further. “Sweet.”

Finally, they reached the living area, and Zac halted after taking only one step inside the room. At the same time, he shuffled closer to Makenna and she understood why. It was one thing to know that people were waiting to meet you, it was another thing to see an entire pack crowded together in one space with their attention totally focused on you.

Easing the tension, Dante, Dominic, Marcus, and Trick came forward and greeted Zac with fist bumps and light slaps on the back, treating him as “one of the guys”—something he seemed to love.

“I know everyone’s been sending you pictures, Zac,” began Jaime, “so I’m guessing the others don’t really need to introduce themselves.”

Zac rubbed one of his hands on his thigh. “I recognize them.”

An older woman stepped forward wearing a wide, affectionate smile. “It’s great to finally have you here, sweetheart.” She pulled Zac into a hug. “I know my Trey sent you some pictures of me with little Kye.”

“You’re Greta.”

“That’s right.” Greta’s attention shifted to Makenna, and her expression lost its warmth. “You must be the loner.”

Wow, the latter words were like blades. Jaime had laughingly told Makenna all about Greta’s issues, had warned her that the psychotic woman would see her as a threat to her unmated “boys.”

Taryn quickly came to Makenna’s side with a little boy balanced on her hip. “This is my son, Kye.” He gave Makenna a shy wave. “Greta here is Trey’s grandmother; feel free to ignore her.”

Sounded like a good idea.

The wolves who hadn’t yet officially met Zac then came forward to chat with him. He didn’t move from Makenna’s side, but the tension had left his body by the time the introductions were all done.

Taryn then offered to give them a tour. Jaime, Ryan, and Kye came along, since the kid had latched on to Ryan’s neck and wouldn’t let go. The little boy was a mini version of his father but with Taryn’s hair, which was made up of several different shades of blond.

Zac’s excitement returned as they explored the first floor where the living area, kitchen, laundry room, game room, poolroom, and office were located. It was also where the Alphas, Betas, Tao, and the enforcers slept.

The second floor featured many en-suite bedrooms—some belonged to pack members, others were for guests—a small kitchenette, and a laundry room.

“There are two other floors, and they’re all the same as this one.” Taryn stopped at a particular room on the second floor. “This, Zac, will be your room.” She opened the door wide, revealing a large space that had been decorated perfectly for a teenage boy. Undoubtedly, Lydia had had a hand in the design.

“My room?” he echoed, voice hoarse.

Ryan spoke. “You can use it for overnight visits.” When Zac darted a panicked look at Makenna, Ryan added, “Makenna could come along. We have plenty of guest rooms.”

Swallowing, Zac forced a nonchalant shrug. “Okay. Sure.”

Ryan nodded approvingly. “Good.”

After the tour, Taryn led them all out of the caves and down to the surrounding land. Makenna smelled the food before they reached a lake where a large patio table, chairs, and a BBQ was set up. There was also another table on which finger foods, cakes, and other typical party foods were laid out. Dante and Grace were grilling meat on the BBQ while others lounged around, lazed in the lake, or played football—or, in Dominic’s case, repeatedly threw a ball at Tao’s head until the guy snapped and lunged for him.

Zac was practically dragged into the game of football; Kye and Ryan joined him. Taking a seat at the patio table, Makenna watched the Phoenix wolves interact. Watched them all laugh, play, and tease each other. Watched the mated pairs snuggle each other and make a fuss of the pups. The pack was like one big family.

This . . . this was what a pack should be like. This was what she’d never known. Oh, she’d been around packs before; she’d visited many when rehoming other loners. But she’d never spent so much time around them, and they had never relaxed enough around her to be themselves. Not that she believed the Phoenix wolves trusted her. No, they trusted one another to watch their backs.

This place was special, and it would be a place where Zac could heal and thrive. Going by the joy on his face, it was only a matter of time before he accepted their offer to join the pack.

Despite how special it was, Makenna didn’t feel comfortable or relaxed. Being surrounded by such a tight-knit group of people had a way of making a person feel very alone. But Makenna was good at being alone. Leaning on others was alien to her.

“Zac’s a cute kid,” commented Jaime, watching him with a smile.

“He is,” agreed Taryn. “He’ll break many female hearts when he’s older. We asked Rhett to find out what he could about the kid’s old pack. They’re still looking for him.”