Page 27 of Baseball and Shifters

“She’s dorm mates with one of our friends from math class,” I finish for him.

“I see,” I get the vibe that he doesn’t believe my half truth so I push it just a bit further.

“Yeah, Dallas, this adorable little otter shifter, she is super helpful when we need to study,” I lay it on thick and receive raised eyebrows from both Lucas and my dad.

“You think an otter is a good match for a dragon?” St. James’s arrogance makes my blood boil even if I hold no interest in Dallas.

“I think that is up to fate,” I reply with a shrug.

He scoffs again, apparently finished with this conversation.

“If you’ll excuse me, I think I will go say hello to my daughter before I leave.” He shakes Cooper and my fathers hand and then he’s gone around the side of the building.

I turn and give Lucas a look hoping he knows what he needs to do next, and he nods his understanding in return.

“Well, it was great seeing you Mr. A. I gotta skedaddle so I’ll catch you later.” He doesn’t wait for a reply; he just jogs off the same direction Rachel’s father just went.

Cooper also excuses himself after another round of handshakes and takes his leave. My father leads me around the side of the building where there are a few benches, we choose one and sit. He turns on me almost instantly, leveling me with his infamous “tell me everything” stare. I crack instantly, spilling everything that has happened from Saturday to today. Leavingno detail out, I tell him about Liam’s outburst and Bas’s jealousy and even my questions about Rachel’s parent pack. When I’m finished, I heave out a sigh and bury my head in my hands.

Why does a girl I’ve never seen face to face seem so important to me? Why does she drive me so wild? Why do I feel a need to protect her like the need to protect my boys? What is going on with my dragon?

My dad breaks me out of my thought spiral with another of his awesome dad hugs. When I feel like I can breathe again he releases me.

“That’s a lot on your plate, son. You say this mysterious daughter Ranger never speaks about is a kitsune? Interesting.” The familiar look in his eyes tells me he’s putting puzzle pieces together in his mind. “Well, that gives me something to look into, all I ever knew of his mate was that she died in childbirth. That alone is rare for shifters, but a kitsune with only one mate is basically unheard of. However, that’s not for you to dwell on or figure out. Right now, you need to focus on your brothers and fixing those rifts before they become too deep to overcome.”

“I know dad,” I hang my head and remember the look of pain on Liam’s face Saturday night. “I just don’t know what’s actually wrong or how to fix it.”

“That’s easy, D You talk. Haven’t your mother and I drilled it into your head at this point? Communication is the key to every relationship.”

“That’s easy for you to say when you're not dealing with an angry tiger and an angrier wolf at the same time,” I huff, a plume of smoke escaping my nostrils.

Dad just chuckles. “Oh, son, if you think an angry dragon mate isn’t every bit as vicious as those two combined, then you highly underestimate your mother.”

We both laugh at that. My mother is… passionate. She has to be to keep my dad and me in line.

“Okay, dad. I’ll try again,” I agree when we stop laughing.

“And if it doesn’t work the first time, you try again, and again if necessary. Don’t give up on them. They are more important to you than I can express,” he always speaks in riddles when he wants me to come to my own understanding and it drives me nuts.

“Ugh, why do you always talk in circles? What does that even mean?” This time, the smoke plume I release as I huff in frustration is a bit bigger.

“Didn’t you ever wonder why your mother and I made an effort to keep you four so close over the years even though you were on rival teams?” Dad says with a knowing glint in his eye.

“What does that even mean, old man?”

Dad just laughs again, “Remind me someday to tell you about your mother’s special ability.”

“Why can’t I know now?”

“When you’re older, son. For now, take care of your boys, the rest will fall into place,” he says mysteriously before he clamps me in another tight dragon hug and then raises from his place beside me.

“Love you, dad. Tell mom I love her too.”

“Love you too, son. Your mother sends her love too, you should give her a call soon,” he advises, then turns on his heel and walks back towards the parking lot.

I take a few minutes to get my head on straight. When I glance at the time, I see I have just enough time to swing by the café and grab a sandwich to eat while I walk. With a firm plan for at least the next two hours, it’s easier for me to face the world.

Math class is okay, but Lucas is buzzing and obviously has something on his mind. I try to make time to talk to him but there is none and next thing I know, we are on our way to practice. Typically, when I’m stressed, baseball helps me to relax, but that’s not the case today. Instead, I’m consumed by my father’s riddles and instructions. I keep replaying what he said on repeat in my mind. What did he mean when he said that he and mom kept me and the guys close? I always thought that we did that on our own. I’m instantly pulled from my thoughts when Hopper “accidentally” shifts right as he’s sliding into home plate. My reaction time sucks and he kicks me right in the face with his big stupid kangaroo feet.

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