Page 53 of Baseball and Shifters

What is wrong with me?

The ground shakes below our feet and a rush of wind fills the small clearing with warmth. A familiar heat pulses through me as I feel Derrick stroke our bond in my soul. A massive shadow blacks out the moonlight momentarily just before a gorgeous emerald green and gold dragon lands on the other side of the clearing. He moves with a powerful grace that calls to me and without my permission my legs move me out of Bas’s embrace and towards my dragon mate.

Derrick shifts and stands with his intense protective gaze locked on me. I throw myself into his arms and he catches me as I knew he would.

“I’ve got you, Emerald,” he rumbles softly, his deep voice grounding me.

I melt into his embrace and finally the ache in my soul seems to ebb. But someone is still not here and without him I’m not sure the ache will ever leave. A chill settles back over the clearing. My mates surround me in defense as a menacing growl pierces the stillness. Glowing blue eyes peer at us from just beyond the treeline.

“Liam… please.” A tear escapes my eye as I step around my mates towards my final mate. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to force you into anything.”

For a heartbeat, it feels like time stops. Our connection hums in my chest feeling like the fragile wings of a hummingbird. I think he’s going to pull away, going to leave, but then he steps forward and shifts. Liam closes the distance between us and scoops me into his arms.

“Oh my sweet Shadow Girl. It’s not you. You are not the problem. I am. I’m so caught up in my own bullshit that I haven’t even considered what you may be going through. I’ve failed you so much already and I don’t know how I could ever deserve you. I’m so scared that I’ve messed this all up and I just don’t -”

I cut off his rambling with a kiss, planting my mouth firmly on his and taking what I want. I would never be this brave in real life but then again when Liam opened his mouth I knew I must be dreaming. So, what’s the harm, right?

Heat floods my veins as hands caress me from every direction. Bas’s firm grip, Derrick’s grounding embrace, Lucas’s soft touch, and Liam’s hesitant yet electrifying hold. I feel everything. I feel complete. Throwing my head back I close my eyes and just soak in their touch.

I feel so happy that I can’t even be mad when my eyes open and I’m awake instead of in that glorious dream.

Rolling over, I plan to snuggle back into Lucas’s side and try to get some more sleep, maybe even back in that dream, but I'm surprised to find two bright blue eyes waiting for me.

“Moonbeam, I just had the craziest dream.” His playful smile lights up his face.

“W-what do you mean crazy?” I have a feeling I already know but I have to be sure.

“It was you and me and we were in this amazing moonlit forest. Then Bas was there and Derrick and then Liam showed up. He was finally honest with you and you kissed him and I felt so…”

“Complete.” I finish for him. “I know, I was there too. Do you think this means we were all there?”

“I mean, maybe. I’ve heard of bonded packs with special powers before, but most wolves mate other wolves so it’s not something I’m super familiar with.”

“Do you think the others will be upset? We were all together and you were all touching me at once and I liked it.” The last words are a whisper, shame rising, choking me.

“Moonbeam, look at me,” his gentle order has me peering up at him from behind my lashes. “Not one of us will ever be ashamed or offended by your love for your other mates. Seeing them love you, seeing them make you feel good, only brings me happiness. I love that they love you and will be there for you always, just like me.”

He slants his lips over mine and I can feel his love and honesty in every passionate kiss. His hand slips down and caresses the exposed strip of skin between my shirt and his gym shorts.

“You know, I still haven’t seen my mark on you, Moonbeam.” His eyebrows wag at me suggestively and I can’t help but giggle in response.

I bite my lip, my heart racing. The mark, the one that started this wild ride of finding my mates. It all still feels so surreal tome. A part of me had always dreamed of finding my mates but a larger part of me had tried to stuff that down for their protection. Now that it’s a reality, I can’t see going back. These guys are mine and I am theirs.

I sit up, a sudden boldness rising inside me. Reaching down, I toss the covers to the side and hike up the leg of my borrowed shorts. His eyes darken in response and he traces the lines of the wolf on my thigh with a soft reverence.

“You’re so beautiful. Thank you for wearing my mark.” His soft words fan across my thigh as he sinks down to place several kisses on his mark, the warmth of his lips sending a wave of pleasure up my leg and directly to my core. “Mine forever and always.”

His lips linger on the skin just above the mark and I shiver. The connection is everything and the moment feels so right.

“Show me Lucas. Make me yours completely.”

A sudden tug brings me down the bed and on my back under his looming form. He kisses me slowly, deeply, as if trying to convey every feeling he has at this moment. The bond between us is practically glowing.

“I love you, Moonbeam. You are most definitely mine, but I need to know you want this. There’s no rush here. Is this what you want? Are you sure?”

His voice is low and husky and the tenderness in his words only strengthens my conviction. I can feel the sincerity in his question and I know he’s not just looking for my words. He’s looking for my soul, my heart, my truth.

“I love you, too.” I return his kiss and flood our bond with assurances. “I want this, I want you.”

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