Page 64 of Baseball and Shifters

Itext Lucas again, but he still doesn’t answer. When he left me last night, he convinced me everything would be fine and not to worry about what happened with Trent, but I just can’t relax this morning. Something feels off… Like something big is coming and I don’t know what it is. I felt the same way the morning of my first shift… restless.

There’s a soft knock on my door before Dallas says, “You coming out sometime today?”

“Dallas,” I hear Aubree scold as I shake my head, glad they can’t see me silently laughing at their antics.

Opening the door, I meet Maya’s eyes as Dallas and Aubree argue like only sisters can.

Maya’s honey-brown eyes are wide beneath her soft curls, her delicate fingers gripping her tablet like a shield. Dallas leans casually against the doorframe, her lightly tanned skin glowing in the morning light, dark brown hair pulled into a high ponytailthat swings with every sarcastic jab she throws Aubree’s way. And Aubree, freckles, bold brows, and a too-cute puffball bun, has her arms crossed with all the fire of a drama queen mid-monologue.

“You wanted me out of my room to watch you fight with Aub? Is that really necessary?” I arch a brow, biting back a smile.

“Har, har,” Dallas says. “We’re going to the library today, remember? Maya didn’t want to leave without you, but of course she was too shy to knock on your door and disturb you.”

“You’ve been spending so much time with your mates lately, and I love that for you, but it’s time for a girls study date. Now hurry and get ready, let’s go to the library.” Aubree’s eagerness has me fighting a chuckle.

“Where’s the fire?” I arch a brow.

“In my stomach,” she says, dramatically flopping back onto the couch. “We’re stopping by the cafe first. I need a chocolate croissant and another iced latte or I will simply cease to exist.”

“You ate breakfast an hour ago,” Dallas snorts, shaking her head.

“Yes,” Aubree deadpans, “and now it’s time for second breakfast.”

“You’re a penguin shifter not a hobbit,” I mutter but I can’t hold back the smile tugging at my lips.

By the time we reach the library, Aubree is happily munching on her croissant and Dallas and Maya have both gotten brain freezes from how fast they consumed their frappuccinos. We find a table near the back corner, well away from everyone else and settle in.

“Alright,” Aubree says, clapping her hands together. “Let’s get to it.”

“To what?” I ask, unpacking my bag and pulling out my notes from math.

“Dallas has a dilemma,” Aubree answers with a smirk.

“It’s not a dilemma,” Dallas huffs, finally setting her drink down and beginning to unpack her bag. “I just can’t decide between taking Shifter Sexuality or Self-Defense next semester.”

“Shifter Sexuality?” I blink, glancing at Maya, who suddenly looks way too interested in her notebook.

“Yeah,” Dallas shrugs. “It’s not all about sex. It’s about mate bonds, instincts, and understanding yourself better. Apparently, it’s super interesting.”

“Okay, so what’s holding you back?”

“I just think Self-Defense might be more practical,” Dallas admits, tapping her pen against the book in front of her.

“You can take that later, Professor Rains is amazing and she said she offers Self-Defense all four semesters for this very reason. You can take her class later, Shifter Sexuality sounds like something you’re actually curious about. I say go for it.”

“You know what?” Dallas sighs, a grin tugging at her lips. “You’re right. Shifter Sexuality it is.”

“Maya?” I prompt gently, my gaze landing on her.

Her cheeks flush, but she meets my eyes. “I… I was thinking of taking it too. I just…” She trails off, biting her lip.

“You want to learn more about yourself,” I finish softly, understanding dawning.

She nods, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

“I think it’s a great idea,” I say, giving her an encouraging smile. “I’m proud of you, Maya.”

“Speaking of being proud,” Dallas says, her warm brown eyes meeting mine, understanding swirling in their depths. “You haven’t worn your gloves in like a week and I notice you’re finding a new style. I dig it.”

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