Kendrick knew she was right, but the thought of her out of his sight, unprotected, made his fur itch. “Charlie can go on his own.”

Addison let out a sigh. “Kendrick. No one knows me. I can’t trust Charlie to pick out clothes for me either. I like him, but he’s still a guy.”

Kendrick grunted. “Tell Charlie to go to a town where he’s not known—not his regular places. I don’t need anyone commenting on how much food he’s buying. He’ll need a ton for the cubs. They eat a lot.”

Addison gave him her little smile, which made her eyes dance. “Most boys do.”

“These are Shifter boys. You have no idea.” Kendrick took his wallet from his pocket and pulled out about out a thousand dollars. “Give this to Charlie. I hope that’s enough.”

Addison’s eyes widened as she stared at the wad of bills. “Damn, Kendrick, do you always carry around this much money?”

Kendrick shrugged. “I never know when I’ll need it.

Addison’s fingers brushed his as she took the money. Kendrick quickly withdrew before he could grab her and not let go.

“Where’d you find the phone?” he asked.

“Barn.” Addison folded the bills and tucked them away. “I think Ben left it up there, don’t you? We didn’t hear the horse fuss, so Ben must not be a Shifter. Y’all make her nervous.”

“Ben’s not a Shifter,” Kendrick said. “I’m not quite sure what he is.” He didn’t like that.

“About this Seamus,” Addison said. Her smile was gone. “You trust him?”

“I’ve trusted him with my life. I’m going to meet with him—in a place I choose—and find out if I still can trust him.”

“Okaaayy. And when will you tell me all about that?”

Kendrick let his grin come. “When you get back from your shopping trip.”

“Oh, so now you’re going to let me go?”

“Yes, if you do what I say and go someplace Charlie doesn’t know anyone.”

“Are you having fun being arbitrary?”

Kendrick considered. “Yes.” He was, he realized. Fencing with Addison was more enjoyment than he’d had in a long time. Tasting her had been even better.

Addison pointed one finger at him. “I’ll hold you to it.”

She swung around, jerked open the door, and stalked out, her unfettered torso under his shirt a wonderful sight.

*   *   *

Charlie decided he and Addie had better go into San Antonio, even though it was about a hundred miles away. Everyone in every small town in South Texas pretty much knew Charlie or had known Edna or her family—or his parents or his kids. His kids now lived in Houston doing highfalutin jobs he didn’t really understand, he said.

Kendrick told Charlie to watch over Addison, and Addison to watch over Charlie. Charlie promised to check in via his own cell phone, calling the phone Ben had left—a burner, Kendrick discovered. No name associated with the number.

Brett and Zane wanted to go with Addison.

“It’s a big trip, sweeties,” Addison said as she opened the door of Charlie’s pickup. Unlike the house, the pickup was nearly new, with four-wheel drive, good for the middle of nowhere.

Zane threw himself on Addison’s legs and hung on. Brett stood next to his brother, looking as though he was trying not to cry.

“They’re afraid you won’t come back,” Robbie said behind them. “You’ll come back, won’t you, Addie?”

Kendrick had the same fear but he would never admit it out loud. Addison could drive out of his life right now—he wouldn’t blame her if she did. The thought tore at him, making him want to join Zane in hanging on to her.