Page 65 of Baseball and Shifters

“Yeah, I’ve noticed, too.” Aubree adds. “How do you feel?”

“Stronger,” I admit. “My guys have been so supportive and even Liam is coming around I think. Derrick got his dad involved and I just don’t feel as scared anymore.”

“You shouldn’t be scared,” Dallas says, her eyes blazing with a fierce protectiveness.

“Yeah, not only do you have your mates but you’ve got us. We have your back, always.” Aubree adds, her smile bright and warm.

“Always,” Maya echoes, her hand brushing mine in silent support.

My throat tightens and I hold back my tears as I offer them a smile.

“Thank you guys, seriously. Just a few weeks ago I never would have imagined I could have even one good friend and now I have three of the very best friends a girl could ask for. Thank you.”

We all sit in silence for just a moment before Aubree breaks it.

“And four smokin hot mates, what more could a girl ask for.” She shoots me a playful wink and we all dissolve into giggles. “Now… who wants to hear aboutmynew love interest?”

“Another one? What happened to Garrett?” I furrow my brow.

“Garrett is so last week.” Dallas shakes her head. “Keep up, girl.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize… Are you okay, Aub?”

“I’m fine.” She waves away my concern. “He was a good guy. He just isn’t the one. No point leading him on, ya know?”

“Aub is serious about finding her mates. She’ll give anyone a chance until she figures out they’re not it,” Dallas tells us. “That’s why she’s been in a lot of relationships, but they don’t normally last longer than a week.”

“You gotta kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.” Aubree shrugs.

“Right. So, tell me about your newest frog.”

Maya and Dallas giggle and Aubree rolls her pretty hazel eyes, but doesn’t try to hide her smile.

“His name is Logan and he’s majoring in Criminal Justice. He’s super cute and kind of short for a guy which I love cause he doesn’t make me feel like a kid standing next to her dad.”

“Well, he sounds like a lovely frog. I hope he doesn’t taste like one when you kiss him.”

Maya and Dallas burst out laughing as Aubree playfully glares at me.

“This is going to be a thing now, isn’t it?”

I smile and shrug. “How many frogs do you think she’ll go through this term? Should we place bets?”

“I like your thinking!” Dallas high fives me. “My money’s on twelve. One for every week.”

“I’m sitting right here, you know,” Aub huffs.

“You can’t bet. That’d be cheating.” Dallas scowls.

“I’m not saying- You know what? You’re otterly unbearable. I’m telling mom.”

“Tell her.” Dallas shrugs. “She’ll hang up and call me to place her bet.”

“Ugh! I hate you,” she grumbles.

For the first time all morning I feel a bit lighter, but that restless feeling still lingers in the back of my mind, refusing to fully leave.

We’ve been studying for a while when that restless feeling comes creeping back in. My notes blur in front of me and I rub absent-mindedly at the ache in my chest.

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