Ryan shook his head. “It will never come to that.”

Makenna was surprised at the vehemence in that vow. “You heard what he said out there—‘Everybody has a price.’ He was prepared to bribe Dawn”—the feline bristled at the insult—“so I’m thinking he’ll try to pay off the mediator, try to make them convince us to give in to him and maybe even suggest to the council that Remy should be given what he wants.”

Taryn snorted. “The Californian mediator for shifters happens to be my best friend. Trying to bribe Shaya will achieve nothing. I’m not saying she’ll jump on your wagon. She’ll remain impartial because it’s her job, despite that she’ll no doubt totally hate what he’s doing.”

Madisyn didn’t appear completely reassured. “What if he tries to bribe the council?”

“I hope he does,” said Dante. “The last time someone did that, they were killed for the insult. When is the meeting?”

“Two weeks from now,” replied Makenna. She looked at Dawn. “I’ll be coming with you.”

“Me too,” said Madisyn. Dawn shot them both a grateful smile.

“In the meantime,” began Taryn, “all you can really do is stay alert. When you need us, we’ll come.”

An hour later, after spending time with Zac and an extended tour to check out the basement and upper floors, the Phoenix wolves were ready to leave. Dawn had proudly shown them around while Makenna and Madisyn accompanied her for protection.

Hey, the Phoenix wolves seemed friendly and eager to help, but that didn’t mean Makenna trusted them. She especially didn’t trust the broad, rugged male who moved into her personal space as if he had every right. Or, more specifically, she didn’t trust that his behavior didn’t bother her the way it should.

Having said their good-byes at the front door, the wolves then began filing outside, heading to their Chevy. Ryan, however, snatched Makenna’s cell phone from the pocket of her denim jacket, keyed in his number, and then just as deftly returned the cell to her pocket. Had she not been looking at him, she might not have noticed. She should have bristled at his boldness, but she was too busy admiring the sneaky move.

“If Remy comes back or there’s a problem, call me.” It was a rumbled order that brooked no defiance.

A lesser female might have folded under the weight of all that dominance and raw masculinity. “Careful, White Fang. You’re pushing.”

His scowl deepened, but he said nothing. Just stared.

“Yeah, that whole ‘I’ll just stare until she gets so uncomfortable she gives in’ ain’t gonna work with me.” His frown remained firmly in place, but there was the slightest touch of amusement in those dark eyes. And she couldn’t help wondering what he looked like when he smiled. Did his face light up? Did his eyes crinkle? Did he have dimples? Was it a lopsided smile or was there simply a slight curve to his mouth?

It was only right then, when his lips parted slightly, that she realized she was staring at them. She snapped her gaze to his, swallowing as the air became hot and thick. Need began to slowly spill through her veins like warm honey. To evoke this kind of need in her . . . it was power over her. Power that made her anxious. She took a step back. “See ya.”

With a grunt, he turned and left. And she indulged in a thorough inspection of his rather epic ass as he stalked down the path.

No sooner had the Chevy disappeared than Madisyn dragged Makenna aside. “I want the details on Mr. Dark and Dangerous.”

Of course she did, the nosy feline. “He’s Zac’s cousin,” Makenna replied with a nonchalant shrug. But Madisyn waved a hand, encouraging Makenna to continue. “That’s it. There’s nothing else to say.”

“Why ‘White Fang’?”

“You remember the movie, right? The wolf was fierce, morose, and a deadly fighter.”

“I guess Ryan does have a savage look about him. I have the feeling that’s part of why you’re so hot for him.”

Makenna frowned. “Who says I’m hot for him?” Madisyn just stared at her. “Okay, I’m hot for him.” She liked his hard, dangerous looks and his enigmatic nature. Mostly, though, it was his strength and air of self-possession that drew her. He seemed so solid and steadfast—wolf nip to someone who had never known stability, who had never been able to relax, who hadn’t felt safe in a very long time. “But I’m pretty sure that’s a one-way street.”

Grinning, Madisyn shook her head. “He looks at you like he wants to take a bite.”

Makenna blinked. “A good bite or a bad bite?”

“Depends how you define ‘bad.’”

“Honestly, I’m not sure I’d know what to do with him. I’ve never been around a guy as dominant as him before.” He wasn’t someone who could be handled. “Dominant males are tricky, domineering bastards. Even Colton can’t deny that.” The dominant bear—who was standing at the reception desk, totally eavesdropping—just shrugged, unoffended. They’d once had a short, casual fling, but they’d quickly realized they were better as friends, and there had never been any awkwardness between them. “Still . . . I know Ryan doesn’t talk much, but when he does”—she shivered—“I honestly have to wonder if he could talk me into an orgasm.”

Madisyn laughed. “You know, I’ve heard that the quiet ones are always the most vocal in bed. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to let him take that bite he seems to want.”