Savage Urges (The Phoenix Pack #5) - Suzanne Wright Page 0,93

about this. They’ll see it for themselves.”

“He hasn’t just done this to persuade the council we can’t protect the shelter,” said Ryan. “He’s trying to block our exit so we can’t get to the meeting.”

Makenna’s spine locked. “I’m not missing it.”

“No, you’re not,” Trey assured her. “There are other ways out of here—hidden exits we have for emergencies. It will slow you down a little, maybe make you a little late for the meeting. But you will get there.”

Taryn turned to Makenna. “I really wanted to be there today but—”

“You need people here in case they somehow manage to get through the gates,” finished Makenna. “I get it.”

“Jaime, Trick, and I will come with you and Ryan,” said Dante. “That means you’ll have enough backup without the pack being defenseless.”

“Is Riley likely to flee with Savannah and Dexter, thinking it will protect them?” Taryn asked Makenna.

Tao frowned. “She won’t flee.” It was more of a “she’d better not flee” statement.

“Riley’s smart,” said Makenna. “She’ll know that running off alone to protect the kids would be much worse than staying in a vast territory where there are lots of places to hide should the unthinkable happen and those fuckers get inside.”

Taryn released a sigh of relief. “Good. Those kids have wormed their way into my heart.”

Ryan checked the clock on the wall. “Kenna, we have to leave now.”

With a nod, Makenna quickly followed him out of the room, out of the caves, and through the dense forest until they came to a camouflaged building that turned out to be a garage. Claiming one of the four SUVs, Ryan then drove them out of a cleverly concealed exit that was only accessible from the inside of the territory’s perimeter fence.

After a ten-minute drive on a dirt path, they came to the highway. It took twenty more minutes to reach the territory on which the meeting was being held. Bordered by three mountains, the expansive land belonged to one of the council members, Parker Brant, who was known for being fair and impartial. Makenna sure hoped he’d be that today.

The council itself wasn’t exactly “good.” It would do what it had to do to preserve peace—even if that meant ending lives and wiping out packs. That was what made her so nervous. If they thought Remy having possession of the shelter would preserve the peace, they might just grant him what he wanted.

After they parked, four guards escorted them from the SUV to a building that looked like a smaller version of a courthouse. In the reception area, Dawn, Madisyn, and Colton sagged in relief at their arrival.

Madisyn hugged Makenna tight. “For a minute there, I thought you weren’t going to make it.”

“So did I,” said Makenna.

Dawn came forward. “What happened?”

“Extremists turned up at our territory, looking for Dexter,” said Jaime. Dawn paled.

“Bastards,” spat Colton.

Jaime glanced around. “Where’s Remy?”

“Opposing parties use separate entrances,” Dawn explained.

A door at the opposite end of the room opened and a male called out, “The council is ready to hear you now.”

Dawn straightened her blouse. “Let’s stay calm. Dignified.” She shot a meaningful look at the fidgety feline at her side.

Madisyn rolled back her shoulders. “I got it.”

Urged in by the dark wolf manning the door, they walked into a partially wood-paneled courtroom. It was empty other than for the four council members, who sat behind a raised bench, facing the attendees.

At the dark wolf’s direction, they all slid into a pew-style bench located on the front left-hand side of the room. A door on their right opened, and Remy and five of his wolves—including Selene—filed out . . . with Deanne, who cast Makenna an evil snarl that made her inner wolf flex her claws, wanting to take a swipe at the bitch.

Ryan shuffled protectively closer to his mate, all the while glaring at the female who he guessed was Remy’s mother—making it clear that he wouldn’t stand for her shit. She got the message, and she didn’t appear to like it. Remy lounged on the bench parallel to theirs, his posture and smirk arrogant. But arrogance could be a downfall, couldn’t it?

The eldest council member cleared his throat. “I am Parker Brant. On my left is Emilio Mendes. The two wolves on my right are Harrison Whittle and Landyn Green.” Harrison and Landyn inclined their heads to no one in particular. Emilio tipped his chin at Remy but merely stared at Dawn—clearly he was one of those people who were prejudiced against loners. The male had