Page 9 of Baseball and Shifters

“Most water shifters know their mates from hearing their song. But it’s a two-way street. I have to hear theirs and they have to hear mine for the bond to be sealed.”

“Wow. I wonder how I’ll know,” Maya mutters.

“I’m sure there’s a class here that will teach you about your animal and what to expect,” Dallas assures her.

“I hope so. I hate being in the dark. It was so scary the first few times I shifted.”

“I can’t imagine going through your first shift alone. I’m so sorry,” Dallas frowns.

Looking around at the three girls surrounding me I feel a blossoming hope light deep in my chest. Hope for a normal life, for freedom to make my own choices, and for having friends who support and love me. Hope for a better future than I ever could have imagined.

Rachel

Today marks day five at Eldergrove Academy and the start of classes. I’ve gotten to know my roommates a lot over the last four days and I’m so glad the academy stuck me with like-minded girls. If I had to live with a bunch of party girls, I would not be as well rested and ready to take on the day as I am now.

My first class is Visual Arts with Professor Stone and I’m so excited that I wake up three hours early. I take a quick shower before Maya wakes up. When I’m done showering, I head back to my room and get dressed. I slide on a pair of jeans and my usual long sleeved crew neck shirt before looking over the welcome packet for the millionth time. I wish it had more information about my classes, but I suppose I’ll get that today. A knock jerks me from my thoughts and I jump.

I’m fully dressed. He has no reason to be mad at me.

“Rachel? We’re going to get breakfast, you coming?” Aubree’s soft voice calls.

My entire body deflates, and I breathe again as I’m reminded, I’m not at home anymore. I’m free.

“Yeah. Just a sec,” I call back, dropping the folder on my bed and striding for the door.

I grab my gloves from the dresser before turning the knob. Aubree, with her long platinum hair tucked up in a messy bun, watches me put them on with a curious look but doesn’t ask the question that’s dying to burst free. Dallas, fully dressed in high-waisted shorts and a bright blue crop top with a navy flannel layered over top, is beside her practically vibrating with energy. I have no idea how she manages to be the last to sleep and the first up, but so far, she has been every single day. Honestly, I’m kind of impressed. Her dark brown eyes sparkle with mischief and curiosity.

“Okay, spill. What’s with the gloves? I know it’s only April but it’s not that cold. There’s no reason to be wearing them. Or that many layers.” She looks me up and down, scrutinizing my outfit.

I knew it was only a matter of time before someone asked. If it were anyone else, I’d tell them to mind their own business, but for some reason, Iwantto tell them. I’m tired of carrying this burden alone. I can’t tell them everything. Father would kill me if I spoke a bad word about him. But they know about how I find my mates. I know Aubree can’t wait to find hers, but I think they’d be supportive of me actively trying to avoid mine. So, I stick to the basics, giving my new friends this kernel of truth.

“Skin-to-skin contact is how my kind forms the mate bond… I’m just… I’m not ready.”

“You don’t want to find your mates?” Aubree gasps as her bright hazel eyes widen in shock.

“I-” I look down, pulling at my gloves.

“Hey. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Dallas cuts me off. “It’s easy for me. I just don’t sing my song. Can’t accidentally find my mate if I don’t sing. But you? Some asshole could bumpinto you, and you instantly form a lifelong attachment? Fuck that. I don’t blame you. I’d be covering everything up too.”

“Thanks, Dallas,” I murmur.

“I got you. If anyone says anything, you send them my way. I may be small, but I’m scrappy. And no one messes with my friends. Right Aub?”

“She’s right about that,” Aubree agrees. “She once kicked one of the jock’s asses for taking my pebble purse from my bag. He apparently thought if he stole one that would make us mates, but Dallas never gave him a chance. She shifted to her otter form and dove into his shirt. He had to strip basically down to his boxers in the middle of the quad to get her out from under his clothes. He was so embarrassed he never messed with me again.”

They both crack up at that, I’m a little worried Dallas will pass out because I don’t think she’s breathing at this point.

“Okay, enough about that. I’m starving! You know I’d normally have eaten by now. Let’s go before my stomach eats itself,” Aubree wheezes out and they finally get themselves together.

“It’s only seven. How early do you eat?” I say.

“It’s not a time on the clock; it’s more about how long I’ve been awake. I’ve been awake for hours. It’s way past my eating time.”

“That makes sense. I’ve been up since five. But I don’t really eat breakfast.” I shrug as we head for the door.

Aubree stops in her tracks. “You don’t eat breakfast?”

“You haven’t noticed that over the last few days?” Dallas asks, giving her a funny look.

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