Page 45 of Baseball and Shifters

“I’m not surprised. He’s always seemed a little toodon’t rock the boatto me,” I say.

“Exactly why I hate politics. You’re there to improve people’s lives, not just do whatever you feel like. If you’re not passionate about making shit better, get a different job. Being on the tribunal should be an honor. Not just a paycheck.”

“I hear ya, brother. What else did your dad say about Ranger?” I try to steer us back on topic. We don’t have time for D to go off on one of his rants.

“Right. Sorry,” he grimaces and I laugh. “He’s trying to find more information about Rachel’s mom. He thinks she may be the key to taking Ranger down.”

“What about my dad?” Rachel says from behind me, startling me.

She looks stunning in her yellow dress. I’m not sure if she borrowed it or if she ordered it online, but either way, it’s perfect for her. She’s still very covered with the dress brushing her ankles and the flowy sleeves reaching her wrists but I’m surprised to see it looks like she left her gloves at home this afternoon.

“Hey, Emerald.” Derrick gives her a blinding smile, his entire countenance changing with her arrival. He opens his arms and tips his head to the side silently asking for a hug.

“Not until you answer my question.” She crosses her arms glaring at him.

“I was just telling Bas about the conversation I had with my dad. He thinks you should ask around about your mom. He doesn’t like that you don’t know anything about her. Neither do I,” he says, arms still out, waiting for his hug.

She sighs before closing the distance between them and wrapping her arms around his waist. He immediately closes his arms, holding her in a fierce dragon hug.

“I don’t like it either,” she murmurs. “I’ve always wished I could know her, but Father would never talk about her. When I found out Professor Stone knew her, I almost broke down. Maybe I can ask him about her.”

“That’d be a good place to start, Firefly.”

She pulls back from D and looks around. “What’s this? Lucas said we were having lunch together today, but he didn’t say anything about a picnic.”

“Do you like it? I thought it was too nice of a day to spend it indoors.”

“I love it. I haven’t had a picnic since I was little.”

“That simply won’t do,” Lucas says, taking a seat on the blanket. “Come on, have a seat.” He pats the ground beside him.

Rachel looks between us, torn on where to sit, when Derrick scoops her off her feet. She squeals and her hands fly around his neck, holding on tight as he lowers them onto the blanket with her in his lap.

That sneaky fuck.

“My dad also said he has a plan to keep Ranger busy while they keep looking for anything they can bring before the rest of the Eternal Council to start a formal investigation. He shouldn't have time to be on campus harassing you. You don’t have to worry about him anymore, Emerald. You’re safe with us.”

“Safe. I’m not sure I know what that feels like,” she murmurs.

Fuck the council. I’ll kill this asshole myself for making my mate feel so afraid.

“Remember how you felt Friday, wrapped in my arms? How you’re feeling right now, snuggled into Derrick’s chest? Get used to that feeling, Moonbeam.”

She smiles at Lucas and seems to melt further into D’s embrace.

I love that she’s becoming so accepting of affection from us. To think it was only a few weeks ago that she was running from the sight of me.

“Here, Firefly, have a sandwich. Maya said it’s your favorite,” I pass her a turkey and cheese sandwich.

She reaches out to take it but freezes with her hand outstretched. She looks around and Derrick’s dragon goes on alert.

“What’s the matter, Firefly?” I whisper.

“I don’t know. I feel like someone’s watching me,” she murmurs.

As soon as she finishes her sentence, I see Liam heading right toward us.

Has he finally pulled his head out of his ass?

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