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 always been a bit of an asshole. It seemed they wouldn’t be getting much support from that corner.

Parker looked at Remy. “As I understand it, you wish to claim the shelter and its land as your own.”

Remy straightened. “Yes. Unfortunately, Dawn is opposed to the idea.”

“Before we proceed, I must ask both parties if either wishes to change its stance.” When he received no response, Parker continued, “Remy Deacon, as you are the applicant, let us hear your case first.”

“May I please ask that the Phoenix wolves be removed from the room? This business is not theirs.”

Makenna blinked. Ho, ho, ho—what a sneaky little shit. She placed a hand over Ryan’s clenched fist, feeling his aggravation flow through her.

Dawn spoke quickly. “Makenna is one of my most trusted staff members and, as such, this is very much her business.”

“She is a Phoenix wolf?” asked Parker.

“Yes. Naturally, her mate and some of her wolves are here to support her, just as Remy’s wolves are here to support him.”

Parker inclined his head slightly. “Very well. Let us continue. Remy, please come forward.”

As Remy moved to the chair that was slightly to the right of the panel, Emilio leaned forward. “Tell us, Remy, how long ago did you first approach Dawn about joining your pack?”

Remy spared her a brief glance. “Approximately seven months ago.”

“And what was it that you discussed?”

“I told her that I admired what she did for lone shifters, that I would imagine she found it difficult to run the shelter without protection. I offered for Dawn and her staff to join my pack. I won’t say I did it purely for selfless reasons. I made no secret that I was interested in possessing the land the shelter sits on. I wish to expand my territory.”

“What was Dawn’s response?”

“She turned down the offer, claimed she didn’t need any protection. I wasn’t happy about that, but I respected her decision. I would have stayed away from the shelter but . . .” Remy sighed. “I’m sure you all remember that local humans began a petition to have the shelter shut down.”

Harrison replied, “Yes, the human court dismissed it.”

Remy nodded. “But I was worried for the shelter and its future, so I went back to Dawn and repeated my offer. Again, she rejected it out of hand. I felt my only choice was to apply to the council. When I served Dawn the mediation letter, I tried one final time to convince her to accept my offer. It did not happen. In fact, the Phoenix wolves warned me away. I don’t feel that such intimidation was necessary or fair. I expected better of Dawn.”

Emilio tapped his chin. “I take it mediation was not productive.”

“Dawn sees no gain in this for anyone—not even me. I had hoped she would change her mind at some point. I’m surprised she didn’t, given the things that later happened.”

Landyn’s brows pinched together. “Could you elaborate?”

“As I said, I was worried for the shelter and its future. And as I hoped the land would soon be mine, I assigned some of my wolves to guard it. They reported that Dawn was having problems.”

“What sort of problems?” asked Parker.

“The shelter always had a constant flow of people coming and going, but lately it seems that not many loners are moving on. The place is becoming overfull. And, according to some of her staff who actually want to move to my pack, some of her sponsors have pulled out.”