Shadewood two hearts, too hard

His mind swirled. Over and over again the currents of his thoughts raged and dripped from his chin to fill his mouth with a salt-tinged wetness. He shook his head, tasting the air, and cursed under his breath. 

A rustle behind him - he half expected to see Colt's wretched face but instead he locked eyes with the rugged features of the cowboy. What was he doing here? Had he followed him? He didn't know much about this guy, but he knew enough to put two and two together as the man introduced himself. So this was Boone. Hackled raised, he spins to face the man as he approached. Despite his gentility, Matteo was loath to trust him. For all he knew, he could be a friend of Colt. And he was so much bigger than him.

The question caught him off guard. White fur, the warm scent of milk. Was it his fault? Had he not loved her enough to make her stay? His lip trembled. "None of your business," he sniffed, puffing out his chest to appear larger than he felt beside the man. "Anyway, whaddya want, Boone?"