“Is Riley likely to flee with Savannah and Dexter, thinking it will protect them?” Taryn asked Makenna.
Tao frowned. “She won’t flee.” It was more of a “she’d better not flee” statement.
“Riley’s smart,” said Makenna. “She’ll know that running off alone to protect the kids would be much worse than staying in a vast territory where there are lots of places to hide should the unthinkable happen and those fuckers get inside.”
Taryn released a sigh of relief. “Good. Those kids have wormed their way into my heart.”
Ryan checked the clock on the wall. “Kenna, we have to leave now.”
With a nod, Makenna quickly followed him out of the room, out of the caves, and through the dense forest until they came to a camouflaged building that turned out to be a garage. Claiming one of the four SUVs, Ryan then drove them out of a cleverly concealed exit that was only accessible from the inside of the territory’s perimeter fence.
After a ten-minute drive on a dirt path, they came to the highway. It took twenty more minutes to reach the territory on which the meeting was being held. Bordered by three mountains, the expansive land belonged to one of the council members, Parker Brant, who was known for being fair and impartial. Makenna sure hoped he’d be that today.
The council itself wasn’t exactly “good.” It would do what it had to do to preserve peace—even if that meant ending lives and wiping out packs. That was what made her so nervous. If they thought Remy having possession of the shelter would preserve the peace, they might just grant him what he wanted.
After they parked, four guards escorted them from the SUV to a building that looked like a smaller version of a courthouse. In the reception area, Dawn, Madisyn, and Colton sagged in relief at their arrival.
Madisyn hugged Makenna tight. “For a minute there, I thought you weren’t going to make it.”
“So did I,” said Makenna.
Dawn came forward. “What happened?”
“Extremists turned up at our territory, looking for Dexter,” said Jaime. Dawn paled.
“Bastards,” spat Colton.
Jaime glanced around. “Where’s Remy?”
“Opposing parties use separate entrances,” Dawn explained.
A door at the opposite end of the room opened and a male called out, “The council is ready to hear you now.”
Dawn straightened her blouse. “Let’s stay calm. Dignified.” She shot a meaningful look at the fidgety feline at her side.
Madisyn rolled back her shoulders. “I got it.”
Urged in by the dark wolf manning the door, they walked into a partially wood-paneled courtroom. It was empty other than for the four council members, who sat behind a raised bench, facing the attendees.
At the dark wolf’s direction, they all slid into a pew-style bench located on the front left-hand side of the room. A door on their right opened, and Remy and five of his wolves—including Selene—filed out . . . with Deanne, who cast Makenna an evil snarl that made her inner wolf flex her claws, wanting to take a swipe at the bitch.
Ryan shuffled protectively closer to his mate, all the while glaring at the female who he guessed was Remy’s mother—making it clear that he wouldn’t stand for her shit. She got the message, and she didn’t appear to like it. Remy lounged on the bench parallel to theirs, his posture and smirk arrogant. But arrogance could be a downfall, couldn’t it?
The eldest council member cleared his throat. “I am Parker Brant. On my left is Emilio Mendes. The two wolves on my right are Harrison Whittle and Landyn Green.” Harrison and Landyn inclined their heads to no one in particular. Emilio tipped his chin at Remy but merely stared at Dawn—clearly he was one of those people who were prejudiced against loners. The male had always been a bit of an asshole. It seemed they wouldn’t be getting much support from that corner.
Parker looked at Remy. “As I understand it, you wish to claim the shelter and its land as your own.”
Remy straightened. “Yes. Unfortunately, Dawn is opposed to the idea.”
“Before we proceed, I must ask both parties if either wishes to change its stance.” When he received no response, Parker continued, “Remy Deacon, as you are the applicant, let us hear your case first.”
“May I please ask that the Phoenix wolves be removed from the room? This business is not theirs.”
Makenna blinked. Ho, ho, ho—what a sneaky little shit. She placed a hand over Ryan’s clenched fist, feeling his aggravation flow through her.
Dawn spoke quickly. “Makenna is one of my most trusted staff members and, as such, this is very much her business.”
“She is a Phoenix wolf?” asked Parker.
“Yes. Naturally, her mate and some of her wolves are here to support her, just as Remy’s wolves are here to support him.”
Parker inclined his head slightly. “Very well. Let us continue. Remy, please come forward.”
As Remy moved to the chair that was slightly to the right of the panel, Emilio leaned forward. “Tell us, Remy, how long ago did you first approach Dawn about joining your pack?”
Remy spared her a brief glance. “Approximately seven months ago.”
“And what was it that you discussed?”
“I told her that I admired what she did for lone shifters, that I would imagine she found it difficult to run the shelter without protection. I offered for Dawn and her staff to join my pack. I won’t say I did it purely for selfless reasons. I made no secret that I was interested in possessing the land the shelter sits on. I wish to expand my territory.”
“What was Dawn’s response?”
“She turned down the offer, claimed she didn’t need any protection. I wasn’t happy about that, but I respected her decision. I would have stayed away from the shelter but . . .” Remy sighed. “I’m sure you all remember that local humans began a petition to have the shelter shut down.”
Harrison replied, “Yes, the human court dismissed it.”
Remy nodded. “But I was worried for the shelter and its future, so I went back to Dawn and repeated my offer. Again, she rejected it out of hand. I felt my only choice was to apply to the council. When I served Dawn the mediation letter, I tried one final time to convince her to accept my offer. It did not happen. In fact, the Phoenix wolves warned me away. I don’t feel that such intimidation was necessary or fair. I expected better of Dawn.”
Emilio tapped his chin. “I take it mediation was not productive.”
“Dawn sees no gain in this for anyone—not even me. I had hoped she would change her mind at some point. I’m surprised she didn’t, given the things that later happened.”
Landyn’s brows pinched together. “Could you elaborate?”
“As I said, I was worried for the shelter and its future. And as I hoped the land would soon be mine, I assigned some of my wolves to guard it. They reported that Dawn was having problems.”
“What sort of problems?” asked Parker.
“The shelter always had a constant flow of people coming and going, but lately it seems that not many loners are moving on. The place is becoming overfull. And, according to some of her staff who actually want to move to my pack, some of her sponsors have pulled out.”
The lying little fucker. Makenna clenched her jaw to stop the words from escaping her.
“I see,” said Emilio.
“I have already told Dawn that I have the means to financially support and expand the building. Yet, she did not seek my help. At first, I thought the female was merely stubborn. But I’ve come to believe that it’s not actually Dawn who’s so opposed to joining my pack, it is the two females you see with her.”
Landyn consulted a sheet of paper in front of him. “Madisyn Drake and Makenna Wray?”
“Yes,” confirmed Remy. “They are, in a sense, her enforcers. I suppose they fear losing their position. My point was proven when Makenna insisted on continuing to work at the shelter after being attacked by extremists, even though it could lead them there. It clearly d
emonstrates she’s selfish and not devoted to the shelter for the right reasons. I believe that Dawn is. Still, if Dawn did not insist that Makenna stay clear of the shelter until things cool down, she doesn’t care for the place as much as I thought.”
Oh, the asshole was seriously good at twisting things. And that was a real problem. Makenna barely resisted the urge to call him the lying, scheming, sick piece of shit that he was.
“To Dawn’s credit,” Remy added, “she did appoint two Phoenix wolves to help guard the shelter—something which was very helpful when a pride of cougars tried to invade the building.”
Landyn stilled. “Cougars?”
Remy nodded. “They believe Dawn is giving sanctuary to someone they are seeking.”
“What happened?” asked Emilio.
“My wolves chased them off. They haven’t returned.” Remy shifted in his seat. “As I said, the Phoenix wolves have been helpful in guarding the shelter. But the reality is that their presence cannot be a permanent thing. Their pack is reasonably small. They cannot afford to spare enforcers on a daily basis. I doubt they will spare Makenna so often either, meaning Dawn will have less help from now on.”
Remy leaned forward. “The truth of the matter is the shelter needs help. It needs protection from humans, it needs more funding so that it can be expanded, and it needs more staff so that Dawn has extra support. I can ensure all of that. Dawn has worked hard for many years; she has put the needs of the shelter before her own in all that time. She deserves to finally be part of something bigger than the shelter; she deserves to have some of the load taken from her. I understand that the idea of change can be unnerving, but she would soon lose that fear and realize this is for the best.”
After a brief moment of silence, Parker spoke. “Remy, you may return to your seat. Who were the wolves who chased away the cougars? I’d like to speak to these witnesses.”
“They’re here with me.”
Selene and another of Remy’s enforcers were briefly questioned. Emilio praised them for protecting the shelter.
Parker then turned his attention to Dawn. He swept a hand toward the empty chair by the panel. “Dawn Samuels, could you please come forward?” She rose and, head held high, walked to the chair.
Once she sat, Emilio said, “Remy approached you a few times with his offer of protection, yet you quickly declined without giving any real thought to his proposal.”
It wasn’t a question, Makenna recognized; it was a statement designed to put Dawn on the defensive. If the way Dawn narrowed her eyes was anything to go by, she saw that very clearly.
Emilio braced his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers. “I must say I’m confused as to why.”
“Loners don’t trust packs,” Dawn pointed out. “They would never come to a shelter that is run by a pack. It’s also worth noting that there are many species of shifter at the shelter, not just wolves. They wouldn’t all fit in a wolf pack, and I doubt they would want to try.”
Emilio couldn’t deny that, but he sure as shit looked like he wanted to. “Remy has been very civil in his dealings with you. Nonetheless, you felt the need to scare him off using the Phoenix Pack.”
“No words were exchanged between him and the Phoenix wolves. They merely stood with us for support. If he finds them intimidating, I can hardly help that.” Dawn’s response made Remy’s upper lip curl back.
“So you admit that you need support?”
“Only against Remy.”
Parker looked about to ask a question, but Emilio beat him to it. “Tell me, Dawn, why is the shelter becoming overfull?”
“A large number of the residents were fired from their jobs after their employers—”
“Fired? That made it hard for them to support themselves and move on, I’m guessing. Is it true some of your sponsors pulled out?”
“It is, but—”
He whistled. “Now that must have had a big impact.”
Dawn’s mouth tightened. “We’ve attracted new sponsors. And none would have pulled out if—”
“So when Remy says you need help, support, funding, and the ability to expand the building, he couldn’t be more accurate. Your shelter is overflowing—”
“No one said it was overflowing,” she hissed, and Emilio looked pleased to see her riled.
“—you have cougars fighting to get inside the building—”
“There was no fighting.”
“—and you’re lacking the one thing the shelter needs to keep going: appropriate funding.”
Hissing again, she snapped, “Maybe if you’d let me get a word in edgewise, I could explain why I’m suddenly having all these problems.”
Instead, Emilio looked at Parker. “I think it might be helpful to speak with Makenna Wray and hear more about her problems with the extremists.”
Oh, fucking groovy. Makenna watched as Dawn’s back snapped straight and alpha vibes flowed from her. Not good in a courtroom.
“Makenna does not need to be questioned,” stated Dawn. “I can tell you whatever it is you need to know.”
Landyn gave Dawn a pointed look. “Reign in those vibes. We will not be intimidated.”
“I’m not trying to intimidate anyone, I’m—”
“Wasting time,” finished Emilio. “Makenna Wray, please take Dawn’s seat.”
Swallowing back a groan, Makenna patted Ryan’s rock-hard thigh. He didn’t want her going up there, she knew; he wanted her close, wanted her where he could easily protect her. “I’ll be fine,” she whispered in his ear as she rose.
Grinding his teeth so hard he was surprised something didn’t crack, Ryan rested a possessive hand on his mate’s ass as she slid past him. With each step she took away from him, his anger at Remy and Emilio built in his system. He hated the distance between them. Emilio probably meant to toy with her and twist her words, just as he’d done with Dawn.
What Emilio didn’t know was that she’d toy with him right back. Makenna would be pissed at the asshole for playing with Dawn and so she’d deliberately antagonize him. Ryan knew from personal experience how good she was at it.
“I saw the news clipping of your encounter with the extremists,” Emilio said as Makenna sat. “They appeared outside your apartment building, correct?”
“I don’t live there anymore.”
Emilio opened and closed his mouth. “In any case, did they begin a protest outside the building?”
Makenna tilted her head. “Why would you ask if you saw the news? Were you lying?”
Emilio’s eyes flashed. “No, I’m merely asking you to verify it.”
“Why?”
“Why are you asking why?”
“I think it’s important to question everything. Don’t you?”
Taking a deep breath, Emilio gave her a brittle smile. “You must have been very frightened to see them outside the building, knowing how zealous these human extremists can be.”
Makenna pursed her lips. “I was more annoyed than anything else. They were aggravating my headache.”
“Clearly you escaped. Were you seen?”
“By who?”
A muscle in his cheek ticked. “Extremists.”
“Well, none followed me.”
“The extremists know your name and address—”
“Old address.”
“—yet you didn’t stay clear of the shelter for its safety. You persisted in going there.” He paused as he caught sight of a spider crawling along the bench. He wacked it hard with a notepad, crushing the insect.
Makenna winced. “You shouldn’t have done that. It’ll rain now. Quick, cross your fingers.”
Ryan closed his eyes, sighing inwardly. His mate was insane, and now everyone knew it. Still, he couldn’t help but want to smile.
Emilio arched a brow. “Rain?”
“Yes, you killed a spider.”
Emilio turned to his fellow council members with a smirk, which they didn’t return. In fact, they seemed to agree with Makenna. Express
ion hard, Emilio turned back to her. “Why didn’t you stay away from the shelter?”
She blinked. “Why would I?”
“To stop the extremists from following you there, of course.”
“I already told you, no one was following me.”
“I’m sure they will from here on out, considering the news showed them hanging outside your new pack’s territory.” So they had seen this morning’s news.
“I don’t have to physically be at the shelter to help. My main job is to find loners a new home by tracking their family members. That mostly involves using a computer. I can do that from my own territory.”
“Perhaps, but—”
“They won’t stick around long, though. They’ll be too scared that The Movement will come for them.”
“That you’re so determined to continue working at the shelter makes me think that Remy is right. I put it to you, Makenna, that you have been pressuring Dawn to reject his offers of help. I put it to you that you have no true devotion to the shelter; you are too selfish to—” Cutting himself off, he stilled—hell, everyone stilled—as they heard it . . .
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.
It was the sound of rain hitting the window. Ryan almost smiled. Makenna blinked innocently as Emilio stared at her, jaw clenched.
Makenna leaned forward, as if about to share a secret. “Hey, do you want to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”
“I know the truth. I don’t need to hear your distorted version of it.” He waved a hand, dismissing her. But he froze as an audio recording began to play.
“You’re a big fan of blackmail, aren’t you, Remy? That’s how you got some of Dawn’s sponsors to withdraw their funding.”
“Blackmail is a quick and efficient way of getting things done.”
“Especially since your little plan to sic the cougars on the shelter didn’t work so well, huh.”
“I know you’re hiding the viper.”
“Viper?”
“Play dumb if you wish, but I’ve seen your records.”
“When you hacked into Dawn’s computer, you mean? Yeah, we know all about that.”