The guy was turning her insides to mush again. He looked uncharacteristically self-conscious, and it was just adorable. Makenna slid her arms around his waist. “You didn’t have to do anything for me. But thank you.” Her wolf was charmed by it.
He scowled. “You don’t have to thank me.” She was his mate. Obviously he’d do things for her.
Smiling, she rubbed her nose against his. “So grouchy. Come on, I’m hungry.”
Threading his fingers through hers, he led her through the tall trees. “The clearing’s up ahead.”
The closer they got, the more scents hit her: fire, popcorn, beer, marshmallows, nachos, and sausages. Stepping into the clearing, Makenna was surprised to see some unfamiliar wolves. She guessed they were from the Mercury Pack, since Shaya and some of her security team were also present.
“That’s a lot of people,” said Makenna. Some were gathered around a hissing, crackling campfire where Trick and Gabe were toasting marshmallows and sausages while Dominic whined that he wanted a turn. Some sat on fallen tree trunks, chatting and drinking. Others were settled on the blankets that were sporadically laid out with pillows and cushions; all faced a large white screen that Kye and a little girl with blonde curls were sniffing and poking.
Spotting Makenna, Zac hurried over, eyes gleaming. “What do you think?”
She smiled. “I think you guys must have had a really busy day.”
Jaime and Shaya appeared, wearing huge welcoming smiles. Then they both pulled Makenna into an unexpected hug as they greeted her.
“I’m so glad you’re finally here! Let me introduce you to my mate.” Shaya linked Makenna’s arm and went to lead her away . . . with absolutely no success. Ryan held Makenna’s hand tight, scowling at Shaya.
The redhead rolled her eyes at him. “Can’t you spare her for just a few minutes?”
Ryan yanked Makenna to his side. “No.”
“I’m sure you’ll find this great news,” said Jaime, smiling, “Greta won’t come. She said she won’t be part of an event that’s being held for ‘the loner.’”
Makenna’s mouth pursed. “That’s funny, because she’s right over there by that tree.” Arms folded, the old woman was huffing and humphing and snarling at the whole setup.
Shaya snickered. “She probably came because she’s scared of missing anything. What a shame.”
“Ryyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaan!” Kye ran to the enforcer and scrambled up his body. “Look what I’ve got.”
Ryan frowned at the object in Kye’s hand. “I don’t think that’s yours.”
Shaya sighed. “That’s because it’s Nick’s.” She held her hand out, but Kye didn’t give her the wallet. Just as she opened her mouth to speak again, a little blonde toddler crashed into her leg. “Hey, angel.” Shaya scooped her up. “This is my friend, Makenna. Makenna, this is my daughter, Willow.”
Makenna lightly tapped Willow’s cheek. “Hi, cutie.” The toddler smiled, the image of her mother.
“And the blond with Trey who’s heading for us is my mate, Nick.” Shaya smiled at him as he draped an arm over her shoulders and kissed Willow’s hair. “Nick, this is Makenna.”
Nick inclined his head. “Nice to meet you, Makenna. I’ve heard—Hey, that’s mine! Hand it over, pup.” Kye just stared at him. “Stop trying to outstare me,” Nick ground out, which made Trey chuckle.
“This again?” laughed a brunette with almond-shaped green eyes.
“Makenna, this is Ally, Derren’s mate,” said Shaya. “She’s a Seer.” Which meant she had visions of the future and was very empathetic.
Ally smiled. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard about the work you do at the shelter. I think it’s awesome. I came very close to choosing the lone shifter lifestyle myself once. Fortunately, the Mercury Pack gave me sanctuary.”
“And now we won’t let her leave,” said Shaya.
Ally snorted. “If I wanted to go, I totally could.”
Derren came up behind Ally and wrapped his arms around her. “Nah. I’d never let you.” He nodded at Ryan, who grunted.
Tired of sharing Makenna, Ryan handed Kye to Trey and then guided his mate to the collection of blankets. He chose one that was near a thick oak—far away from the blanket that Greta had claimed while no one was looking. He sat with his back against the tree and Makenna snug between his legs. “Comfortable?”
She burrowed deeper into him. “Yep.”
Brushing her hair aside, Ryan licked a mark he’d left on her nape. It had almost completely faded. He’d have to fix that. Later.
As Grace and Lydia passed around snacks, Makenna asked him, “What are the funniest famous last words you’ve ever heard?”
Lost, Ryan just stared at her. Why did her brain constantly spit out nonsensical questions?
“Fine, be boring.” She turned to Jaime, who was sprawled on the neighboring blanket, and repeated the question.
“Lightning never hits the same spot twice,” said Jaime. Everyone laughed. “You know any?” she asked her mate.
“Pull the pin out and count to what?” said Dante.
Dominic plopped himself on the ground next to Zac. “I got one: Hold my beer while I do this.”
Taryn raised her hand. “Hey, what does this button do?”
“This doesn’t taste right,” said Marcus.