Page 43 of Baseball and Shifters

“Sure. Whatever you say, Moonbeam.”

She rolls her eyes, but can’t hide her smile. “I guess… I have been wanting to see that new season ofShifter Season. They take 20 shifters of all species and put them in this house then make them do all sorts of challenges until someone wins.”

I try, I really try, to keep the grimace off my face, but judging from her laughter, it doesn’t work.

“You said I could pick, remember?”

“Oh, I remember. Not a mistake I’ll make again. Come on, let’s get this torture started.”

“Oh, so now it’s torture to spend time with me?” She crosses her arms and lifts a brow.

I don’t even think. I just react, lunging for her and tickling her sides.

“Take it back,” I warn as I dig my fingers between her ribs as she squeals.

“What?” She gasps between giggles. “Stop! I didn’t… I didn’t say it. You did!”

We roll around in the sand as she tries to escape my devious fingers until suddenly she’s on top of me, panting and my hands still on her hips. She puts her hands on my chest and pushes herself up so her face is hovering inches from mine. Her long wavy hair hangs around us like a curtain. I caress her face and her breath hitches. Leaning forward slightly, I brush my lips against hers in a tender imitation of a kiss. I want more, but I know she’s not willing to give it right now, so I pull back. The feel and taste of her linger on my skin and the bond warms in my chest.

“You ready, Moonbeam?”

She bites her lower lip, and I groan.

“I meant forShifter Season.”

“Oh. Yeah… You said we could… cuddle?” she asks hesitantly.

“I will cuddle you so hard, Moonbeam.”

“I think I’d like that.” She smiles tentatively.

“Okay. Time to get up.” I pat the outside of her thigh. If she stays on top of me much longer, things are bound to get awkward.

She wiggles around trying to get up and I groan. She freezes when she feels my undeniable hardness and looks at me with wide eyes.

“Up, Moonbeam. You’re not ready for that, remember?” I say with a groan.

The way she pauses and looks down at my crotch tells me she may be ready sooner than she’d think, but we both stand and ignore the monster in my pants as I turn away to adjust myself.

“Come on, time’s a wasting.” I grab her hand, and we walk through the forest until we come out behind the boys dorm.

I expect her to pull away once we’re out where people can see us, but she continues to hold my hand as I lead the way to the back door. She takes a deep breath as I open the door, and we walk inside. The lobby isn’t as full as it could be, most of the guys are either in their rooms or in town for the night. We still get more than a few looks on our way to the elevator. She squeezes my hand as we pass a group of guys and I quickly stab the button. Once we’re in the elevator, I let go of her hand and wrap my arm around her, pulling her into me. She squeaks but wraps both arms around my waist and holds on as she buries her face in my chest.

“It’s okay, Moonbeam. I’ve got you. No one can get to you as long as I’m here.” I run my hand through her long hair and kiss the top of her head just as the bell dings and the door opens to our floor.

We walk to the door, and I let her in, thankful for the empty dorm. Not that I want to hide the fact that she’s here, but I’d like to keep her to myself for as long as possible. I know Bas and D will try to move in on my time if they were here. But they’re not, so I take her to my bedroom and offer her some comfy clothes to replace her sand and soil covered outfit. When I’m sure she’s got everything she needs I head back to the kitchen and gather some snacks and drinks.

Making my way back to my room I knock and wait for the all clear to enter. I slip back in setting the drinks and snacks on my desk before grabbing my own change of clothes and heading to the bathroom I share with my brother to change. When I get back into my room she’s sitting on my bed looking as gorgeousas ever in my gym shorts and t-shirt. I think this is the most skin I’ve ever seen her expose and man does it do something to me that she’s wearing my clothes. Hints of my mark on her thigh are just barely visible, making me long to see more.

“Wow, Moonbeam. You’re just, wow,” I smile at her and her cheeks pinken.

“It feels odd to be so exposed. My father would flip his lid if he saw me like this.” She hangs her head and wraps her arms around herself protectively.

I can’t keep myself from crossing the room and wrapping her in a hug.

“You can wear whatever you want now. D is talking to his dad to get us some help and if Ranger shows back up, we will protect you.”

“But what if I’m alone? What if he finds out you’re my mate and he attacks you first? He’s found a way to get rid of anyone who’s ever shown me any kindness. He will hurt you if he gets the chance.”

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