Makenna saw that Dawn was seriously considering their offer. She couldn’t blame her. As loners, they had no protection or resources or alliances, which made them easy targets for people like Remy, and they weren’t in a position to refuse any offer of aid. “I don’t really know how you can help,” Makenna told them. “But if you’re serious, come inside and we’ll tell you what’s been going on.”
Seemingly of their own accord, Ryan’s eyes dropped to the sway of Makenna’s hips as she led them up the path to the shelter. Her pert little ass made his wolf growl with need. The animal was still on edge after the encounter with Remy; he wanted to rip out the bastard’s throat for daring to threaten this female.
It had been hard to stay in the confines of the SUV and not immediately go to her side. But instinct had told Ryan that he needed to wait. Remy wouldn’t have spoken freely in front of Ryan and his pack mates, and they wouldn’t have learned as much as they did about the situation. But there was more to know, and he’d find out what it was. He meant what he’d said to Makenna; he’d make this his business.
They all entered a small, bright reception area. It was like walking into a wall of scents. Lion. Tiger. Cougar. Wolf. Hawk. Falcon. Bear. Fox. Snake. The place obviously hosted various breeds. His inner wolf was wary of the strange scents, unaccustomed to being around such a high and varied number.
A bulky, dark-skinned male rounded the reception desk and came forward. There were lockers behind the desk that Ryan guessed were used by the residents. “I take it he’s gone,” said the male, who Ryan instantly sensed was a bear. The male’s eyes softened a little when they landed on Makenna; the intimacy there made Ryan tense. Were they a couple? Something that suspiciously tasted like jealousy settled on his tongue. His wolf didn’t like this situation at all—in fact, he despised the bear on principle.
Dawn nodded before quickly introducing everyone. “Thank you for staying inside, Colton. I know it’s hard to resist confronting Remy.”
“Why didn’t he confront him?” Dante asked Dawn.
“For the same reason Madisyn didn’t: Remy would goad him into a fight, and the last thing we want is the residents of the shelter feeling this isn’t a safe place. Plus, shifters warring in the street would earn a lot of human attention. The last thing we want is to be on the radar of the human anti-shifter extremists.” Dawn took a deep breath. “Anyway, if you want to come any further, I’ll need you to sign in. All visitors and residents are required to sign in and out.”
While Dante obligingly scribbled down the names inside the book on the desk, Ryan read the “Rules and Regulations” sign on the magnolia wall.
No alcohol.
No drugs.
No weapons.
No violence.
No theft.
No breaking curfew hours.
Dawn presented them all with a bright smile. “Would you like a tour?”
“That would be great,” said Taryn.
Dawn talked as she led them down a long hallway. “The building has five floors in all, including the basement. We keep the bedding, food, cleaning supplies, and other such things down there. On this floor, we have the cafeteria, the common room, communal toilets, and some private bedrooms for people with children. Females sleep on the second floor, and males on the third—both floors are like dormitories. I live in the attic.”
Ryan frowned as he realized . . . “There’s magick here.” It seemed to hum in the air.
“Makenna found a witch to imbed protective wards into the walls,” Dawn told him. “If someone means harm to anybody in the building, they can’t get inside without an invitation.”
Such wards couldn’t have been cheap. Taking that and her reaction to Remy into account, it was clear that Makenna was emotionally invested in the shelter.
“How long have you been running the place?” Jaime asked Dawn.
“My mother started it thirty years ago. At first, it was just a day center. Somewhere loners could come to simply sit down, have a cup of coffee, talk with others, and eat a good meal. When she got some funding, she expanded it little by little.” Dawn opened a door on their right, and everybody inside froze. “This is the common room.”
Peeking inside, Ryan noticed that the large space contained a mishmash of things. The sofas were all various colors and styles. Some of the chairs were clunky and cushioned while others were plastic. There was an outdated TV on the wall, some lamps, and a few plants. There was also an old bookcase and boxes of toys in one corner where a few children played. The sight made his chest clench.
One of the children jumped to her feet with a smile of delight. “Makenna!” She ran to the female and hugged her tight.
Makenna smiled. “Hey, Cady.”
“Who are they?” She eyed each of the Phoenix wolves with distrust, particularly the males.
“They’re friends, Cadence,” Dawn reassured her. “Now why don’t you go play? Makenna will come back soon.”
“Can you read to me when you come back?” Cadence asked Makenna.
“Sure thing, Cady. Be good for your aunt.”
A female with hair as thick and dark as the child’s smiled at Makenna.
“I’ll stay here with the little ones,” Zac told Makenna. She knew he didn’t fully trust the Phoenix wolves yet and wanted to watch over the kids.
She smiled. “Thanks, Zac.”
As they continued down the hallway, Dante said, “Fox. That little girl’s a fox shifter.”