“Or imprinting has started.”

That made more sense, since a mating bond couldn’t fully function unless it had snapped into place. And yet, Ryan’s instincts told him this was more than imprinting. His wolf agreed.

She exhaled heavily. “Come on, let’s get this over with.” They both hopped out of the Chevy, and Ryan then moved to stand beside Makenna as he lifted a questioning brow at Trick. The enforcer was guarding the door with Dominic.

“He just arrived,” Trick told them, arms folded.

“And he doesn’t seem inclined to tell us why he’s here,” said Dominic, glaring at Remy.

Ignoring them, Remy pushed away from his vehicle and came toward Makenna and Ryan, exuding superiority and arrogance. “Makenna,” he drawled with none of his usual charm. His gaze flicked briefly to the distinctive bite on her throat. “I heard you wore a claiming mark.” Most likely from his spies. “I was doubtful about it. I hadn’t actually believed someone would claim a loner.”

Remy’s enforcers snickered. It would seem that Remy had decided to drop all pretense of being a nice guy.

His eyes shifted to Ryan. “I see you’re wearing a mark too. I’m curious, are you true mates or have you imprinted?”

“Why are you here?” asked Makenna, voice bland.

“I thought I’d give Dawn one final chance to join my pack before the council meeting tomorrow.”

Makenna snorted. “If you wanted to speak to Dawn, you wouldn’t have been waiting by your car. You’re here to see us. Why?”

Remy returned his focus to Ryan. “I appreciate that you’re protective of your mate and, by extension, the shelter. It’s only natural.” His expression hardened as he added, “But Makenna’s mate or not, you need to stay out of this, Conner. This matter does not concern you or your pack. Are we clear?”

Ryan grunted. It was a sound that Makenna translated to “Fuck you.”

“It would be wise of you to do as I say, Conner. After all, it’s not only your mate you have to think about. That cousin of yours—young Zac—also depends on you to keep him safe. I’ll bet he was a pretty child.” An arrogant smirk slowly spread across Remy’s face. “We wouldn’t want his old pack to learn his whereabouts, would we?”

A black, bottomless rage slammed into Makenna, churning her stomach and almost causing her knees to buckle. She quickly realized the emotion belonged to Ryan, who was as stoic and unreadable as always. He’d never show any vulnerability to this sick bastard. “You’re a big fan of blackmail, aren’t you, Remy?” A little of her own anger leaked into her tone. “That’s how you got some of Dawn’s sponsors to withdraw their funding.”

Remy’s chin jutted out. “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?” The morning after Riley and the children had been moved to Phoenix Pack territory, several cougars had arrived at the shelter asking whether a young viper was staying there. Trick had replied no, had told them about Remy’s hopes to get his hands on the territory that the shelter sits on.

Face tightening, Remy clenched his teeth. “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.” Makenna smiled sweetly. “Say, how’s your mom?”

His nostrils flared, his lips flattened into a harsh line, and his fists clenched. She actually thought he’d hit her. Instead, he took a long breath and turned to Ryan. “Don’t ignore my warning, Conner. For young Zac’s sake.”

Ryan’s wolf bared his teeth, releasing a primal growl that held both hatred and challenge. The animal wanted to leap on the sick male who would do Zac harm; he had no care for the politics surrounding the situation. But Ryan’s practicality won out, keeping him still and silent as he watched the Alpha return to his car and drive away. It was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do.

Ryan turned to his seething mate, striving to control his anger so that he didn’t overwhelm her with it. If the strain on her face was anything to go by, it was too late for that. He cupped her nape and drew her to him, pressing an apologetic kiss to her temple. “You okay?”

“I wanted to slit his throat.” She shuddered. “He makes my skin crawl.”

“His time is almost up, Kenna.” Soon, Remy Deacon would die. Ryan urged his mate up the path and into the shelter. Trick and Dominic followed them inside.

Dawn was in the reception area with Madisyn and Colton, rubbing her arms. “What did Remy want?”

“To warn Ryan and his pack not to come with us tomorrow,” said Makenna.

Dominic leaned against the wall. “I noticed he didn’t bother acting innocent when Makenna flung accusations at him.”

“Probably because he’s lost his patience at this point,” said Madisyn. “Most of his plans have come to nothing.”

Ryan nodded, looking at Dawn. “He wants you to feel backed into a corner so that you give in to him.”

Makenna draped an arm around Dawn’s shoulders. “But you didn’t; you fought for these people. You may have lost some of your sponsors, but you were able to attract new ones. He thought that having residents fired would keep the place full, stopping others from seeking refuge here. Instead, you were able to get them new jobs working for people who didn’t care they were shifters.