Savage Urges (The Phoenix Pack #5) - Suzanne Wright Page 0,42

Jaime, Ryan, and Kye came along, since the kid had latched on to Ryan’s neck and wouldn’t let go. The little boy was a mini version of his father but with Taryn’s hair, which was made up of several different shades of blond.

Zac’s excitement returned as they explored the first floor where the living area, kitchen, laundry room, game room, poolroom, and office were located. It was also where the Alphas, Betas, Tao, and the enforcers slept.

The second floor featured many en-suite bedrooms—some belonged to pack members, others were for guests—a small kitchenette, and a laundry room.

“There are two other floors, and they’re all the same as this one.” Taryn stopped at a particular room on the second floor. “This, Zac, will be your room.” She opened the door wide, revealing a large space that had been decorated perfectly for a teenage boy. Undoubtedly, Lydia had had a hand in the design.

“My room?” he echoed, voice hoarse.

Ryan spoke. “You can use it for overnight visits.” When Zac darted a panicked look at Makenna, Ryan added, “Makenna could come along. We have plenty of guest rooms.”

Swallowing, Zac forced a nonchalant shrug. “Okay. Sure.”

Ryan nodded approvingly. “Good.”

After the tour, Taryn led them all out of the caves and down to the surrounding land. Makenna smelled the food before they reached a lake where a large patio table, chairs, and a BBQ was set up. There was also another table on which finger foods, cakes, and other typical party foods were laid out. Dante and Grace were grilling meat on the BBQ while others lounged around, lazed in the lake, or played football—or, in Dominic’s case, repeatedly threw a ball at Tao’s head until the guy snapped and lunged for him.

Zac was practically dragged into the game of football; Kye and Ryan joined him. Taking a seat at the patio table, Makenna watched the Phoenix wolves interact. Watched them all laugh, play, and tease each other. Watched the mated pairs snuggle each other and make a fuss of the pups. The pack was like one big family.

This . . . this was what a pack should be like. This was what she’d never known. Oh, she’d been around packs before; she’d visited many when rehoming other loners. But she’d never spent so much time around them, and they had never relaxed enough around her to be themselves. Not that she believed the Phoenix wolves trusted her. No, they trusted one another to watch their backs.

This place was special, and it would be a place where Zac could heal and thrive. Going by the joy on his face, it was only a matter of time before he accepted their offer to join the pack.

Despite how special it was, Makenna didn’t feel comfortable or relaxed. Being surrounded by such a tight-knit group of people had a way of making a person feel very alone. But Makenna was good at being alone. Leaning on others was alien to her.

“Zac’s a cute kid,” commented Jaime, watching him with a smile.

“He is,” agreed Taryn. “He’ll break many female hearts when he’s older. We asked Rhett to find out what he could about the kid’s old pack. They’re still looking for him.”

Yes, and that worried Makenna. Zac would run if they came close. But he wouldn’t run to the Phoenix Pack, because he didn’t fully trust he’d be safe here. He’d just disappear. “I erased his trail as best I could and even laid down a false one. But if they’re determined to find him, my efforts won’t be enough.”

“I’m going to be straight with you, Makenna. If they come too close, we’ll take him—even if it’s against his will. Yes, he’ll hate us at first, but I’d rather that than him be back in their hands.”

Makenna liked the Alpha female’s fierce protectiveness. It was something she could relate to. “Good, because if you don’t, he’ll run again and be out there all alone. He doesn’t deserve that.” Taryn nodded—it was a deal.

Roni cocked her head at Makenna. “What pack are you originally from?”

“Not one worth discussing.”

“What did you do to be cast out?” asked Greta.

Unable to resist taunting the woman, Makenna replied totally straight-faced, “I was caught having a foursome with the enforcers.”

Greta gasped in horror while Taryn, Jaime, and Roni did their best to stifle a smile.

“The Alpha was quite pious and believed that shifters should only give their virginity to their mates.”

Greta spluttered. “He’s right. Foursome? Disgusting.”

Taryn puffed out a breath. “Well, Greta, looks like she