Page 73 of Baseball and Shifters

She shifts slightly, throwing her leg over mine and tucking herself into my side. I slowly run a hand up and down her spine, sending goosebumps trailing down her arms.

“Did I break you?” I tease softly, nuzzling her hair.

Her sweet giggle is almost musical. “Completely wrecked. You’re not allowed to be that good, I’m supposed to have functioning brain cells tomorrow.”

“That,” I say. “was one hell of an MVP trophy.”

She hums and nuzzles into my chest. “You earned it, my tiger. I love you”

Hugging her tight I plant a kiss on top of her head. “Love you too, Firefly.”

Her fingertips trace patterns across my chest and I can feel her mind drifting, her thoughts spinning despite how relaxed her body is.

“You’re thinking awfully loud there, Firefly,” I say gently. “What’s on your mind?”

She hesitates for a moment then sighs. “I think I’m going to ask Professor Stone about my mom Tuesday.”

“Tuesday?” I exhale slowly. “You sure you’re ready for that?”

“No,” she admits with a deeper sigh this time. “But I need to know, we need to know. Mr. Ashford thinks it could help find the answers he’s looking for about my father and honestly I just really want to know who my mom was. What was she like? It’s so weird to go your whole life missing someone you know so little about.”

I have to suppress my anger at her father for putting her in this position. If only he were a half-way decent person she wouldn’t be in this situation.

“You’re so brave, Firefly. But may I make a suggestion?” She meets my eyes and nods her head. “How about you wait until your Film Studies class. You’ve got that with Liam right?”

“Yeah…” she says slowly.

“Let me talk to him. I’ll let him know the plan. He’s going to want to be there for you, Firefly. And I know I’d feel better if at least one of your mates can be with you.”

Her eyes soften and I see her melt a little more. “You guys are always doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Anticipating my needs before I even know I need them.”

I smirk. “Well get used to it. We won’t be stopping any time soon.”

She rolls her eyes but kisses me again anyways. “Thank you.”

“Always.” I settle back with her, pulling her close again.

Outside, the night is still and calm, but here in this bed, we’re all fire and safety wrapped into one. I know no matter what the future brings we’ll face it together.

Rachel

Tuesday morning I wake warmly wrapped in the arms of my dragon mate. Derrick’s bed is bigger than the one in my dorm, but somehow we always wake up practically on top of each other. Our bond thrums with a sense of contentment that makes it hard to pry myself out of his bed. But today is the day I ask Professor Stone about my mom, today is the day for answers.

Carefully, I climb over my sleeping mate and make my way to the bathroom to get ready for the day. He doesn’t stir, as I gather my clothes and silently slip through the door. After taking a quick shower I pull on my clothes and reluctantly brush the mess of tangles out of my hair. I definitely should have braided it before I went to sleep last night.

When I finish and tiptoe back into Derrick’s room I’m surprised to find his bed empty. I make my way into the main area and find him standing by the front door with a travel mug of coffee and a breakfast sandwich wrapped in a paper towel.

“You really thought you could sneak past a sleeping dragon? Bold move,” he teases, his eyes lighting up as he laughs. “Caramel latte, extra drizzle and I even added a dollop of frozen whip cream so it’s the perfect drinking temperature. And this,” he holds up the sandwich. “Is a steak, egg, and cheese bagel. Eat it on your way to class, okay? Don’t make me hunt you down and hand feed you in front of your entire class.”

I blink at him, stunned and deeply touched. “You are far too good for me, my dragon.”

Crossing the space between us, I go up on tiptoes to give him a kiss before taking the offered cup and sandwich.

“We are exactly what you deserve, Emerald. If anything you’re way too sweet for us.” His sincerity causes a blush to rise in my cheeks and I duck my head. “Love you. Have a great day, and plan on meeting us for lunch in our spot after you talk to Professor Stone.”

---