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with Payton.

      “We met yesterday when she stood in front of my skidder while I was doing my job,” Payton continued. His manner was calm and friendly. Damn him. “Then we ran in to each other again last night when I found her hiding behind one of our vehicles at the house.”

      Her cheeks flamed. He was painting her in the worst possible light.

      “Is that true?” Tombi asked her. His face grew rigid, which meant he was getting riled.

      “Yes, but—”

      “It won’t happen again,” Tombi said to Payton.

      “You can’t speak for me,” she sputtered. Her brother might be the leader of the shadow hunters, but he had no right to act so bossy.

      Payton nodded. “Thanks. Much appreciated. We’ll just put this unpleasantness behind us.”

      He faced her, his mouth upturned in one corner. She couldn’t tell if he was smirking or was genuinely amused at her expense. He held out his hand and she glanced down at it like it was a snake. She was conscious of all the protestors watching the little drama. If she refused to shake Payton’s hand, everyone would accuse her of being surly and unreasonable. And that meant the protests to the land destruction might cease.

      Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his and then quickly tried to pull back.

      Payton maintained a tight grip. “I’m still interested in that date we talked about, if your social calendar happens to be free.”

      Someone in the crowd snickered.

      Tallulah seethed. He made it sound like they were already an item. Well, she had kissed him, but she hadn’t agreed to a date.

      Payton let go of her hand and smiled genially at Tombi. “Maybe we could all get together for dinner sometime and talk.”

      “I’d like that,” Tombi agreed at once. “Matter of fact, if you’re free tonight, my wife and I would love to have you over to our place for supper. About seven?”

      “Great, thanks.” Payton gave her a triumphant wave. “Pick you up about quarter ’til the hour. I remember the way.”

      Tallulah rounded on her brother. “I can’t believe you just did that.”

      “I think it’s time we all took our leave,” Chulah said. “I’ve worked on Hank’s motorcycle a time or two and know him fairly well. I’ll see if I can talk to him about the land. Find out for sure what’s going on.”

      “We’ll just stay a bit longer,” one of the protestors said. “Make a general nuisance of ourselves and see if we can stop their cutting for the rest of the day.”

      “Why did you invite him to dinner?” she continued. “I don’t want to see him.”

      Tombi raised a brow. “You sure about that? I saw the way you looked at him when he walked over to you.”

      A telling warmth flooded her cheeks. “Yeah, well, that doesn’t have anything to do with the issue. The fact is, he’s destroying our land and—”

      Tombi raised a hand. “Did you or did you not go over to their farmhouse without permission?”

      “Yes, but—”

      “We’ll talk about it at dinner tonight. Okay? I’ve got a busy day scheduled with work.” His face softened. “Listen, sis. I think it’s terrific you’re interested in seeing someone again. I know how tough it’s been on you with Bo’s death and then that mess with Hanan. This Payton seems like a nice enough guy. Give him a chance.”

      With that, he strode away and left her standing, mouth ajar. What had just happened here? The roar of a machine erupted nearby and she glanced toward the sound.

      Payton raised a hand and waved at her, a grin splitting his face.

      * * *

      Jillian slanted Payton a long, assessing look as she stood by the stove, stirring soup made with fresh vegetables from the local market. The lone female of their pack, she kept their various residencies running smoothly and was indispensable in keeping them organized.

      Inwardly, he groaned. Since she’d already seen him headed for the fridge, he continued on, brushing past her. A musky pheromone scent, a harbinger of desire, hovered close to her body like a horny aura.

      He pretended not to notice as he poured a glass of iced tea and returned the pitcher to the refrigerator.

      Jillian smiled tentatively. “Haven’t seen much of you since we arrived in Alabama,” she said.

      “Been busy,” he mumbled, knowing the excuse was lame.

      Her smile faltered. “Are you upset with me about anything? Have I done something wrong?”

      “’Course not. Been busy settling in with the new job. That’s all.”

      Damn. How was he going to get out of this without hurting her feelings? Sure, they’d shared a few experimental kisses and more over the last couple months, but she didn’t excite him. Not like Tallulah. Damn it to hell. He desperately wished he desired Jillian. After all, she was the alpha’s sister. Mating with her would be acceptable within the pack. As she was the only female wolf in the group, several of the males would jump at the chance to mate with Jillian.

      He was a fool.

      Payton took a long swallow of tea. He needed to find a tactful way to break it off, but he wasn’t sure which would be worse—Jillian’s hurt or Matt’s anger.

      “I made that stew you like and homemade bread to go with it,” she said.

      “Sorry, I’ve got plans for supper tonight.”

      “Plans?” she asked, her mouth slightly downturned. “What kind of plans?”

      He suppressed a sigh. “With a couple of friends.” Not a lie, but not the whole story, either. It was easier to avoid a confrontation. He kept hoping she’d get the message he wasn’t interested, but Jillian was persistent.

      “We’ve only been here a week. You sure make friends fast.”

      Did he imagine the disapproving note in her voice? He left every conversation with her feeling vaguely guilty.

      “I’m a friendly kind of guy,” he mumbled.

      Russell winked at him from the hallway, and Payton scowled at his best friend. Nothing funny about the situation—just pure awkwardness. With another wink, his friend strolled into the kitchen.

      “We’ve got a couple hours free this afternoon before you have to get ready for your date,” Russell offered. “Let’s take a stroll and go exploring.”

      “Date?” Jillian asked sharply. “I thought you said it was dinner with friends.”

      “A date with friends,” he said grimly. Payton hurried out of the kitchen, rolling his eyes at Russell, but still thankful for the diversionary tactic he’d provided. Perfect opportunity to bail out of the heavy talk with Jillian.

      “A walk sounds great,” he replied, trying to keep the relief out of his voice. “Later, Jillian.”

      They beat a hasty exit out the back door. Heat slammed into every pore of his body, and he sighed. “Thanks, man. Although you didn’t have to mention the date part.”

      Russell chuckled. “Thought I’d give her a little wake-up call. Been in that situation before. You want her to get the message, but at the same time you have to tread easy with her feelings or risk Matt’s wrath.”

      “Like I didn’t know that,” he muttered. How the hell was he supposed to manage that?

      Guilt twisted his gut. He’d never meant to encourage Jillian. He hadn’t discouraged her, either, if he was being honest. He’d hoped that one day his feelings would change, or that he’d want to settle down with an

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