Page 101 of Baseball and Shifters

“I don’t have to go alone?” Rachel’s quiet voice guts me.

“You’ll be lucky if I let you pee alone, Shadow Girl,” I grumble, earning a soft smile.

“You’re lucky I’m feeling clingy or that type of over-protectiveness wouldn’t be attractive,” she smirks.

“That’s the tip of the iceberg of reasons I’m lucky, Shadow Girl. Don’t ever do that to us again. I wouldn’t survive it.” I press my forehead to hers, muttering the last part so softly I’m not sure if I actually say it out loud.

Demi pulls into the parking lot, stopping by the sidewalk leading to the dorms. “I’ll pick you up when you’re ready.”

We all agree and get out of the car. I’m just standing up as Derrick closes his door, his dad’s light voice floating to us on a chuckle.

“Your mom and the girls left you a surprise.”

A surprise?

The door closes behind me and Demi drives off before we can ask any questions. Like what does he meana surprise?

Shaking my head, I head toward the dorm, ready to cuddle my mate and get this day over with.

When we walk into the dorm, I see what Demi was talking about.

The living room has been transformed into a giant mattress nest, again. Every pillow and blanket we own has been pulled out, layered and fluffed into a warm mountain of comfort. There’s a tray of snacks waiting off to the side, water bottles, a stack of movies, someone even lit one of those ridiculous calming candles Derrick swears by.

Rachel gives a soft, tired sound when she sees it. It might’ve been a laugh. Or a sob. Maybe both.

“This is your throne tonight, Moonbeam,” Lucas says gently, helping ease her from my arms to the center of the bed mound.

We all follow her in.

Bas lays at her feet like a sentinel. Lucas curls on her left side, arm draped over her waist. I claim her right, one hand threaded through hers and Derrick lays lengthwise by her head watching over all of us as he gently brushes his fingers through her dark halo.

Our bond finally settles into a hum that sayssafe, safe, safe.

She doesn’t say much. But before her eyes close, she murmurs, “Thank you, all of you. I love you all so much.”

We stay that way for hours. Murmuring I love you’s and affirmations of safety and comfort to her as she sleeps.

She’s home.

And I swear to the stars, I’m never letting anyone take her from us again.

Rachel

Ican’t move.

My feet are stuck, heavy as stone, while the world around me shifts like a funhouse mirror. Shadows twist across the walls, creeping toward me, whispering things I can’t quite hear.

Then I see him.

Trent steps out of the dark, smug and solid, like he belongs here. Like this is his place firmly implanted in my mind. His grin is wide, stretched across his face like something broken pretending to be whole. His eyes are too bright, gleaming with a deranged joy that makes my skin crawl.

“There you are, Foxy,” he coos, stepping closer. “I was starting to think you didn’t miss me.”

My stomach churns.

I try to speak, but nothing comes out. My throat burns, dry and raw. I reach for my fox, but all I feel is a strange silence.

I’m alone.

---