The male’s scent was barely there. Nonetheless, everything in Ryan bristled and possessiveness gripped him hard. His wolf snarled.
Sensing his mood shift, she nuzzled his chest. “I worked with him a little today, that’s all.”
Sliding his hands around Makenna’s neck, Ryan kissed her again. Harder and more dominantly than before. He took and tasted and demanded, stroking her tongue with his until she was pliant against him. The spicy scent of her need rose up, blanketing those other foreign scents until all he could smell was her. He hummed his satisfaction. “That’s better.”
A little disoriented, Makenna double-blinked. Walking on shaky legs had its challenges, but she managed not to embarrass herself as she hopped into the Chevy. Five minutes into the journey, she realized . . . “We’re not heading to my apartment. Why are we not heading to my apartment?”
“Because we’re going to Phoenix Pack territory.”
And there went Makenna’s buzz. She liked the Phoenix wolves well enough, she just didn’t enjoy feeling like a spare part. They were all so close and tight that it made her feel even more like an outsider than she normally did. Well, she’d get to see Zac—that would be good. “Oh, okay.”
If Ryan didn’t know her well, he might have bought her perky smile. But he sensed her disappointment and discomfort. He thought about telling her she had no need to feel awkward around his pack, but the night’s events would quickly teach her that.
When they finally arrived at his territory, the sky had begun to darken. With so few clouds, it was a pretty sight. He parked the Chevy and then led Makenna into the woods, which made her frown. “We’re not going inside?” He didn’t respond. “You’re being more mysterious than usual. If your plan is to drag me someplace private and have your wicked way with me, I’m totally on board. Just thought I’d throw that out there.”
Ryan almost smiled.
“I smell fire. And food. What’s going on?”
Stopping, Ryan turned to her. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so awkward. “I wanted . . . I wanted to do . . . something nice for you. I remembered you talked about an outdoor movie festival and . . .”
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