Ryan liked her almost animalistic ferociousness. This was a female who was confident in her ability to protect herself and anyone she considered under her protection.

“I ask that you meet with Zac a few times, get to know him. Then, when he’s comfortable enough to do so, he can visit you on your territory and meet all of your pack members. That could be all it takes to make him want to stay with you. However, it may take some overnight visits. It’s all about building trust. If you rush this, if you try to take him against his will, he won’t feel safe with you. He’ll run again.”

The same part of Ryan that balked at leaving his relative in a shelter also balked at causing the kid that kind of distress. Ryan wasn’t that much of a bastard. For the most part. “I’ll agree to take this at Zac’s pace.”

Makenna had to smile at the way he’d said “Zac’s pace” not her pace. It was a message that she best not think she was in control here. “Good.”

“But I want to see him soon.”

“Today won’t be possible, but tomorrow would be fine. You know Trevon Park, right?”

“I know it.”

“Zac and I will meet you there at noon tomorrow.”

Ryan didn’t like being made to wait for anything. As a rule, he generally didn’t deny himself the things he wanted. But it would probably be best to take the time to speak to his pack before meeting Zac anyway. So he nodded. “I’ll be seeing you soon, Makenna.”

Makenna almost shivered. His words sounded more like a sensual threat than a good-bye, although that was most likely because his voice had that gravelly quality to it. As she walked away, she felt his gaze burning into her back. Her wolf was disappointed to leave him; she liked his quiet, confident, mysterious air. Makenna couldn’t deny his appeal. But she’d sure like to.

As she slowly drove out of the lot, Makenna noticed Ryan standing by his Chevy, watching her leave with a deep frown. That natural snarl should have been off-putting, and she couldn’t work out why the hell it was far from it.

Chocolate. She needed chocolate.

Passing through the security gates of Phoenix Pack territory, Ryan nodded at Cam, who was manning the security shack. He then drove into the wooded area, taking him onto the rocky trail that led to what his Alpha female called “Bedrock.”

Most packs lived in cabins on a large stretch of land—some even lived in one single pack house. The home of the Phoenix wolves, however, was built into a cliff. Deep into the expansive wooded territory, the inconspicuous ancient cave dwelling had been increasingly modernized over time. Even when its arched balconies or windows were lit, they weren’t easy to see. As such, it was doubtful that anyone would recognize the dwelling for what it was unless they were looking for it.

Having parked in the concealed parking lot at the base of the cliff, Ryan ascended several flights of steps that were carved into the mountain wall leading to the main entrance. He then walked through the maze of limestone tunnels, taking himself deeper into the mountain, as he headed for the living area. Only as he turned one corner . . .

“Ryyyyyyyaaaaaaaaannnnnn!” A three-and-a-half-year-old came dashing toward him and scrambled up his body like a monkey, wrapping his little arms around Ryan’s neck.

Not good with kids, Ryan awkwardly put one arm around the son of his Alpha pair. It was then that he noticed the object in Kye’s hand. “Um, I don’t think that’s yours.” Kye’s new favorite game seemed to be “let’s see what I can steal today.”

Tao, the Head Enforcer and Kye’s personal bodyguard, rounded the corner and sighed. “That kid is fast.” He held his hand out for the cell phone. “Give it back, pup.”

Smiling impishly, Kye shook his head.

Tao arched a brow. “What did I say earlier?”

“Don’t eat snot.”

“What did I say before that?”

“Don’t pick your nose.”

Tao sighed. “Forget it.”

Kye snapped his little teeth when Tao tried to detach him from Ryan. “No! I want to stay with Uncle Ryan!”

Ryan cleared his throat as the little boy rubbed his cheek against his. Ryan wasn’t good at receiving or giving affection.

Sensing his discomfort, Tao smirked. “Hey, this is what you wanted. When you first heard Taryn was pregnant, you told us you’d be the kid’s favorite uncle. You are.”

Ryan had said it to needle the other males. He knew little to nothing about kids. He was even worse at dealing with them than he was at dealing with adults. Fisting a handful of Kye’s shirt, he dangled the pup in front of him like he often did. As usual, Kye squealed in delight, kicking his legs.

Grabbing the pup by the waist, Tao took him from Ryan. Giggling, Kye squirmed like a cat, stopping Tao from being able to keep a firm grip on him. Then Kye was once again scampering through the tunnels with Tao chasing him.

Ryan continued to the living area, where he found his Alpha pair, Beta pair, and Rhett on the sectional sofa, watching TV. “Rhett, I need you to do a background check on Makenna Wray—she’s a lone wolf.” Rhett was a talented hacker, and there was very little he couldn’t uncover. “And get whatever information you can on Damian Lewis and his pack.”

Rhett blinked. “Um . . . sure. Can I ask why?”

“I’ll explain soon. Just see what info you can find for me.”

As the male left the room, his Alpha female, Taryn, looked up at Ryan. “Who’s Makenna Wray?”