Page 76 of Baseball and Shifters

“A basic reversal spell,” Liam says with a shrug.

“You guys are ridiculous,” I say, shaking my head.

“And effective,” Derrick adds smugly.

Finally losing my battle to contain the laughter, I join Lucas in his joyful release. I lean back on my elbows and soak in the sunshine and laughter. The weight of the day slowly fades intosomething more manageable. The safety of my guys and the realization that we will always have each other's back is enough to make my anxiety recede. For the first time in my life, I believe the words inscribed on the tag around my neck.

I am not alone.

Lucas

Friday couldn’t decide if it wanted to be chill, or a disaster. I was holding out hope for a chill day, but between the school's investigation looming over my head and the revelation about Rachel’s mother, I wasn’t feeling lucky

Liam and I decide to take her to the campus cafe for a little lunch date. Something low key and fun before the weekend. I don’t realize how much I need this time with my twin and our mate until I get to the cafe and see them seated together at a table for three. Rachel is wearing a fitted black tank top and a cute pair of denim shorts. All four of her bond marks are at least partially on display. Her dark hair is pulled back in a messy braid, a few strands catching the light like silk.

It does my heart good to see her finally dressing the way she wants, shedding the shame and the layers her father unfairly heaped on her.

I let out a low whistle as I approach the table. “Look at you, Moonbeam. You look like an angel with the sunlight coming through the window behind you.”

She giggles and smacks my chest as I lean down to give her a peck on the cheek. “Laying it on pretty thick today, aren’t you?”

“You complaining?” I tease back.

“Oh, woe is me, my mate likes to compliment me and make me feel beautiful. Whatever will I do?” She puts her hand on her forehead and flops back in her chair for added dramatic effect.

I take my seat, chuckling at her antics, and take a sip from the drink waiting there for me. They’ve already ordered and have my favorite cafe meal, a chicken salad sandwich, bag of chips, and big slice of carrot cake, sitting here waiting for me.

Liam reaches over to swipe one of my chips and I bat his hand away with a snarl. “Paws off, you could've gotten your own.”

“Why would I?” he asks with a smirk. “You always have the best snacks.”

“You two are weird,” Rachel giggles.

“We’re twins, Moonbeam,” I say. “It’s in the agreement we signed before we shared the womb. Shared insults, snacks, family… mate.”

Liam raises a brow. “You suggesting we share her right now? Cause I would be so down for a quick trip back to the dorm.”

Rachel’s cheeks turn a deep pink, but I don’t miss the hunger in her eyes. I don’t think she minds that idea too much.

“I mean,” I say leaning in close enough for my breath to fan across her neck. “We’ve never tried the whole twin sandwich fantasy…” Goosebumps race down her arms as she shivers slightly. “But I can promise when we do, there’ll be nothing quick about it.”

She shifts in her seat crossing her legs and letting out a breathy laugh. “I swear you live to rile me.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Liam says with a dark glint in his eye. “Personally, I like seeing my mate all hot and bothered, wanting me.”

“You mean us,” I add petulantly

“Can I please eat my sandwich in peace before you two start a public sex scene?” she asks, adjusting in her seat again. “We can revisit this sandwich idea later… when there aren’t so many witnesses.”

I glance out the window trying to rein myself in before we get kicked out of this cafe for public indecency. That’s when I see him enter the cafe, the same kid that came to get D when his dad was here, and he’s bee-lining straight for us.

“Shit,” I mutter, hanging my head.

If the dean is summoning me early that can’t mean anything good for the results of the investigation. The guy comes to a stop directly in front of our table but instead of addressing me like I expect him to, his attention is on Rachel.

“Rachel St. James?” He waits for her nod before continuing. “You have a visitor requesting your immediate presence in the dean’s office.”

Rachel glances at us, obviously confused and afraid. I don’t even try to suppress the protective growl rising from my chest.

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