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from admonishing them when they got out of hand. Her humanity never prevented their obedience, either. Only a couple of older wolves gave her lip, which earned them the attention of her mate. Not an enviable position at all.
    Meeting her gaze, Matt inclined his head. “Yes, ma’am. I absolutely do. Shi means the world to me, and I’m glad she’s home.” Absolute truth. If playing her lover for a while would get the pack to forgive her, and give her a break from her parents, then he was in. Giving his mom something else to think about was a perk.
    “Hmm,” was Tiffany’s only comment. She glanced at Shiloh as Matt helped her into her jacket. “Thanks for having coffee with me.”
    “I enjoyed it.” Honesty echoed in every word. “It was nice to talk to someone happy to see me.”
    “Hang in there, Shiloh. It may take the pack some time to forgive you, but they will.” Yes, they would. Matt agreed with the older wolf wholeheartedly. One arm around Shiloh, he offered his free arm to Tiffany. She chuckled, and let him guide her out of the coffee shop.
    Ryan met them halfway across the street, scooping his mate into his arms and kissing her soundly. Though affection between mates should be treasured, Matt avoided staring at them and directed his attention to Shi instead. Her puzzled expression gave way to one of almost desperate hunger. The need reflecting in her eyes sucker punched him. Tightening his arm, he tugged her closer. No one should ever look as lonely as she had in those few seconds. Especially not her.
    “Give them a sec, and we’ll get your groceries,” he murmured against her hair.
    “What are you doing, Matt?” The low, barely audible whisper amused him and he tugged her braid.
    “Taking care of you. Just go with it.” When he added a kiss to her forehead to punctuate the order, something shifted in his gut. Drinking buddy, best friend, hell raiser and problem child—Shi was all of those. As affectionate as they were, however, he’d never kissed her and, for a split second, he contemplated what it would be like.
    Her elbow went for his gut, and he caught it, slipping behind her and wrapping his arms around her middle. They were in the center of town, utterly visible. If Daisy didn’t spread the word, everyone else would. Tiffany rubbed her mate’s cheek, then glanced at them. Speculation filled Ryan Huston’s quiet gaze. Speculation which would no doubt lead to further questions. Shi meant the world to Matt, so he met the older wolf’s gaze without flinching before dropping his eyes in a show of respect.
    The attorney was definitely more dominant than him, and even if he wasn’t—well, more stories were attributed to those who made the mistake of crossing Ryan than those who got away with it. “Let’s get you kids squared away, then I’ll take care of Kirk.”
    At the mention of the other human, Shi glanced at the sidewalk where Kirk Carver stood, alone and isolated, as wolves crossed the street to avoid going anywhere near him. Sadness edged her scent…sadness and concern.
    “He’ll be okay,” Matt promised. He’d talk to one of his brothers, get them to keep an eye on Kirk. Maybe they should keep an eye on all of those who’d conspired with Three Rivers. No one had to approve of their choices, but they were still pack.
    “I hope so.” Though she seemed like she wanted to go to her friend, she remained at his side. More Hunters drifted along the sidewalk. Phillip Chase finished at Shiloh’s car and returned to Kirk. He loaded the human’s groceries into his vehicle and they left together. After bidding Tiffany and Ryan farewell, Matt got Shiloh into his jeep. Though she hadn’t complained, her pale face and faint shivers betrayed her cold.
    He cranked the heat, then put her hands near the blowers. The silence held fast all the way to her place. Neither of her parents’ cars were in the driveway, and he didn’t detect any sign of her siblings. Easy peasy. “Okay, I’ll