Page 77 of Magic and Muffins

“It’s more than a pinch,” he muttered as he joined me.

I grinned, grateful for and loving their distracting banter, even as Shepard grumbled about Cross’ poor eyesight.

When I finished helping Shepard wash his back, he wrapped me in a towel and carried me to the bedroom where Cross was waiting. He already wore the shorts he favored for “sleeping” with me. I climbed into bed and surrendered my towel while Shepard put on a pair of shorts as well.

“That blank wall needs something,” Cross said as his arms wrapped around me from behind. “Something soothing. Something to inspire a good night’s sleep.”

As Shepard set his arm over my waist and kissed my forehead, I hummed my agreement.

Cross had impeccable taste. Whatever he chose would be beautiful.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

I wokewith a stretch and felt Shepard’s hand stroke over my side. His fingers lingered on my hip, tracing small circles.

“Good morning, mate,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “Do you want any pain relievers again?”

“Morning,” I murmured as I considered his question and realized how sore I was. My thighs ached when I moved my legs, but so did my shoulders. “I’m not sure yet. I think moving around will help.”

“I promise not to be so rough next time.”

Thoughts of the previous day filled my head. I hated that Effora had tricked us and that Orphia was one step closer to getting what she wanted. How many more days until my family returned?

I opened my eyes to stare at Shepard even as I felt Cross move behind me.

What in the hell was I going to tell my parents? Vampires are real, they’re trying to take over the world, and, oh, by the way, I’m in a committed relationship with one. And a shifter too.

“Why did that upset you?” Cross asked, kissing my shoulder. “Did you like it rough or are you upset that you’re stuck with Shepard for life? I can help with both.”

Shepard shot Cross a dirty look.

I laughed, thankful we could still find humor.

“I’m not upset about being your mate, Shepard,” I said when my laugh died. “I realized that what’s become very natural for me to accept might not be easy for others to accept. Normally, I wouldn’t care what other people think, but this?” I sighed.

“You’re worried about your parents,” Shepard guessed.

“A little. They’re good people, and I don’t think they’ll have a problem with the fact that I’m dating a werewolf or a vampire—well, maybe a little about the vampire, but that’s only because of the bad reputation and current news.

“But the key part is that it’s an ‘and’ instead of an ‘or.’ I don’t know how they’re going to feel about their only child having two husbands in a state that doesn’t allow polygamy.”

Shepard's eyes flashed gold, and if I were to guess, Cross’ had gone black as well.

“Trust us to make good impressions when you’re ready to introduce us,” Shepard said. “Maybe say we’re friends first so they can get to know us, and we can go from there.”

“Once they meet us, I think they’re going to embrace us like you have,” Cross said.

Having their unconditional support helped ease some of my fears. They snuggled me until I heard the bedroom doorbell.

“I give Vena ten seconds before she attempts to break down the door,” Cross said.

“I’ll say five,” Shepard said.

Cross and Shepard both chuckled.

“What are you laughing about?” I asked.

“It took less than three,” Cross said.

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