“I don’t have the faintest fecking idea. I got a text from Ben—weird guy who’s doing some work for Dylan—that said I should call this number, and I’d find you. Except I found Robbie—and a woman.”

“That’s Addison. She’s human.”

Seamus’s tone turned amused. “What, you had time to go to a groupie bar?”

“No,” Kendrick said, his voice going harsh. “She’s not a groupie.”

“Hey, don’t knock Shifter groupies—I found me a real sweetheart of one. We want to be mated, Kendrick. Except I want you to do it, not these Collared shites. Where are you?”

Kendrick paused. Seamus, one of his closest friends, sounded happier than Kendrick had ever known him. He looked forward to presiding over the joining under sun and moon after he’d solved the problems raining on him now.

“We need to meet,” Kendrick said.

“I agree. I want to see you.” Seamus waited a beat. “Don’t let this go to your head, tiger-man, but we miss you.”

Kendrick warmed. “I’m your leader.” It was natural for Shifters with less dominance to want to be with those of higher dominance.

“No, shithead. Not you, Oh Great Leader. You, yourself, and your boys. They all right? Robbie sounded scared.”

“They’re fine. Keep your phone on you. I’ll pick a place and let you know. Do I have to tell you to keep it quiet?”

“Don’t get all emotional on me now.” Seamus’s voice was full of laughter, so good to hear. “I’m not Dylan’s man, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Thank you for that. I’ll be in touch.”

Kendrick punched the hang-up button and closed the phone, sliding it into his pocket.

Ben had left it, he suspected. While the man had been wandering the grounds before Addison spotted him at breakfast, he could have dropped a cell phone for Kendrick to find, then told Seamus to call it. Kendrick wondered how the hell he’d missed it.

Addison walked into the bedroom even as he had the thought, and shut the door, and Kendrick realized exactly how he’d missed it. He’d been focused on Addison alone. He’d been trying to tell himself that his sudden need for her was simply hormonal, after being celibate for so long.

Right. His urge for her sprang to life as soon as he saw her. He wanted to pull her to him, kiss her, climb with her to the absurdly high bed, finish what he’d started in the barn. His whole body sang for her.

“What do you want from the store?” Addison was asking. She stood against the closed door, a position which pushed her ample breasts at him. She’d grabbed the T-shirt he’d flung at her, this one black with a Harley logo on it.

Kendrick turned away to take another shirt from his duffel bag . . . and found the bag empty. Everything that had been inside it was gone.

“Dresser,” Addison said before he could ask. “Second drawer. I took the top one. That is, I’ll take it after I buy myself some more clothes.”

Kendrick opened the drawer to find his shirts, underwear, and socks in careful rows inside. She’d even folded his underwear, by the Goddess.

“I don’t want you going with Charlie,” Kendrick said, pulling out a shirt. “Tell me what you need, and I’ll get it for you.”

Addison’s eyes widened. “I’m going to let a man buy my clothes? Are you kidding me?” She studied him, her eyes dark blue and beautiful. “Besides, if people are looking for you, you showing up in a town will only alert someone to your presence. I bet there are Shifter spies all over South Texas. None of your enemies—or friends for that matter—know me. I’ll pretend I’m Charlie’s niece or granddaughter going with him to help him shop.”