Okay, he tried to ignore her. In truth, Ryan’s mind, body, and wolf were intensely conscious of her, of her scent, her movements, her words, and her innate sensuality. The fact that he had his mate with him, on his territory interacting with his pack mates, gave him a deep sense of satisfaction.

He was aware of just how fortunate he was to have found his mate, since many shifters didn’t. It was hard not to claim her, not to make it all public and official. Holding back agitated his wolf; he didn’t understand any of Makenna’s issues. But Ryan did, and he’d give her the time she needed. He just hoped it wouldn’t be too much longer.

“I’m curious, Makenna,” began Grace. “You spend a lot of time trying to rehome loners, and you’re obviously good at it. Why haven’t you found yourself another pack?”

“I seriously doubt any Alpha would condone one of their wolves associating with loners, let alone volunteering at the shelter,” replied Makenna. “That’s a job I refuse to give up.”

Ryan would ensure that Trey didn’t force her to do so. Whether she trusted the situation or not, the fact was that she was his mate, and that automatically made her a Phoenix wolf.

Grace popped a grape in her mouth. “Do you keep in touch with any of the loners you rehome?”

Makenna felt Zac still beside her. “If they’re okay with that, yes.” She liked to be sure that the placement was working out for them, and that they were happy and safe.

Dominic nudged Zac. “So, you staying over tonight? I figured you’d want to try out your room.”

Wide-eyed, Zac glanced around the table and swallowed hard.

“Come on,” urged Dominic, “it’ll be fun. Makenna can stay over too.”

“But . . . I don’t have any stuff with me,” Zac pointed out.

“Actually, the guys bought you some new clothes,” said Taryn.

Ryan grunted. “You’ll need stuff of your own when you move here, so we got you some.”

“I can lend Makenna some sweats to wear for bed,” offered Jaime. She cocked her head at Zac. “So, what do you say?”

As Zac looked at Makenna, seeming torn, she asked, “Would you like to stay over?”

He swallowed. “You’ll stay too?”

“If that’s what you want.”

Zac turned to Dominic. “Okay. I’d like that.”

Makenna smiled. It was a big move for Zac. A step in the right direction that—

Crack.

Before Makenna could wonder at the sound, Ryan sort of disappeared from her peripheral vision. Blinking, she looked down to see that one of his wooden chair legs had broken, and he was now awkwardly wedged between her and Trick.

“Damn, you okay?” asked Trick, shoulders shaking.

Not at all impressed with the situation—or with Dominic and Zac for laughing so hard they couldn’t seem to breathe—Ryan got to his feet and shoved the chair away. He glared at Makenna, who was wearing an “I told you so” look. “Don’t say it.”

She held her hands up, averting her gaze. “I wasn’t gonna.”

They both knew that was a lie.

Later, when the BBQ was over and the sky had darkened, everyone cleaned up and then filed back inside the mountain. Jaime lent Makenna some clothes, and then Ryan and Dominic escorted her and Zac to the second floor. Stopping outside Zac’s door, Ryan pointed to a room at the end of the tunnel. “That’s where Makenna will be staying.” Ryan would prefer to have her in his room, but he knew Zac would feel better if she were close by.

“Whoa, wait,” Dominic said to Zac. “You’re not going to bed yet, are you? Come play pool with Trick, Tao, and me.”

Zac turned to Makenna, who gave him a look that said it was his decision. He shrugged at Dominic. “Sure.” The two males disappeared down the tunnels, talking and laughing.

Ryan led Makenna to her room, opened the door, and moved aside for her to enter.

She walked inside, admiring every inch of the space. “Nice.” Hell, the guest room was nicer than her apartment. It was like a luxurious hotel room, complete with a balcony and an en-suite bathroom.

Hearing the door shut behind her, she turned in time to see Ryan turn the lock. The raw hunger in his dark eyes tightened her nipples . . . and told her exactly what his intentions were. That hunger called to hers, pulsing in the air like a living thing. Even though she knew this wouldn’t be a good idea, excitement burst through her, making her heart pound and her mouth dry up.

She forced a breezy smile. “Zac’s clearly having a great time. Your pack’s been very welcoming, which really put him at ease. His room’s perfect for him, by the way. I’m betting Lydia designed it. You know, I think you’ve got a good chance of making Zac join your pack sometime soon. I mean, he—”

“You’re rambling,” said Ryan, stalking toward her.

“I’m not rambling.”

“You’re nervous, so you’re rambling.”

Shit, she was. “Why would I be nervous?”

He backed her against the wall next to the balcony door. “Because you know exactly what’s going to happen.” He was going to fuck her again and again, until neither of them could walk. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, taking her scent inside him where it belonged. It was spiced with arousal, making his wolf growl.

Makenna shook her head as his warm hands settled on her thighs possessively. “You’ll try to claim me.” Her voice came out embarrassingly breathy.