Page 49 of Baseball and Shifters

“And we’re all very happy that you’re finally pulling your head out of your ass,” D chimes in. “I’m glad I didn’t have to pull it out for you.”

“Whatever,” I grumble. “Back to Rachel and her being afraid of her dad.”

“Now he wants to talk about Rachel,” Lucas teases with a smirk.

Why does he have to make it so hard to not punch him?

“Just tell me what I’m walking into already.”

“Long story short, he doesn’t like that she has four mates. He’s made her feel less than and called her vile names since she was a kid. We spent that lunch trying to convince her not to be afraid of him anymore and he was watching her the entire time.” Bas grinds out.

“You think he’ll hurt her?”

“He can try,” D snarls.

My mate’s in danger. She fears for not only her life every day, but ours as well and here I am throwing myself a pity party because I met her? What the fuck is wrong me? She deserves better than me.

So be the mate she deserves. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and wolf the fuck up.

How can I make it up to her?

What if she doesn’t want me?

I have to fix this. I have to help keep her safe.

But am I ready?

Doesn’t matter. My mate needs me. This is bigger than my comfort.

The conversation fades as I fall deeper into my spiral. The guys, all lost to their own thoughts, thankfully leave me alone for the rest of the ride and next thing I know, we’re pulling up to the school. We file off the bus and grab our bags and gear from under the bus.

“Good game, today,” Coach Mace says. “Everyone rest up the rest of the weekend and don’t forget to hit the weights Monday. The season’s off to a great start. Let’s not ruin it by getting complacent.”

“Yes, Sir!” We say as one before Coach heads to the employee duplex compound and the rest of us turn toward the dorm.

A few guys try to stop me to talk about my birthday tomorrow, but I ignore them, still lost in thoughts about Rachel.

It’s a quiet elevator ride and when we get inside, everyone goes their separate ways. I beat Lucas to the bathroom and smile when he pounds on the door.

“No fair! It’s my birthday! You couldn’t even let me have the shower first?” he grumbles through the door.

I turn the water on in response and groan loudly as I stand under the spray.

“Man, that’s nice after a long game and a longer ride home,” I say over the sound of the water, snickering as he continues to berate me.

The pounding finally stops and I hear him stomp away. Feeling better after riling my brother up, I scrub my hair then body, washing away all the sweat and grime from the game.When I’m done, I get out but leave his door locked and head to my room to get dressed.

Not planning on going anywhere for the rest of the night, I throw on some basketball shorts and a t-shirt. I’m hanging my towel back up in the bathroom when the banging starts again.

“Let me in, asshole! Rachel’s gonna be here soon.”

Fuck. She’s coming? Here?

Of course she is, numb nuts. It’s her mate’s birthday. Why wouldn’t she come over?

“Okay, okay. Chill out. Don’t get your panties in a twist.” I chuckle as I unlock the door seconds before Lucas rips it open.

“You’re such a dill hole.”

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