Page 42

Rachel

I wake up to find every inch of my body is sore and gloriously satisfied. My arm has fallen asleep and Lucas has my legs pinned to the mattress, making it hard to extricate myself, but I manage. When I finally free myself and stand, I look back to the bed to find a dazzling pair of hazel eyes staring at me.

“Good morning, Firefly,” Bas says with a grin.

Even propped up on one elbow with his hair a little mussed, I still have to keep myself from drooling at the sight of him.

“Morning,” I rasp, my voice still thick with sleep. “Up for joining me in the shower?”

Bas doesn’t even blink. He tosses the covers back and swings out of bed in one fluid motion. “Only if I get to wash you. Thoroughly.”

I’m too busy staring at him to answer. He stands, stretching like the tiger he is. Every muscle flexes, every line of him on display as he prowls toward me without a hint of shame.

By the time we get to the bathroom, I’m already warm, and not from the water.

Bas starts the shower, adjusting the temperature while I step in behind him. The moment the hot water hits my skin, I groan. “Oh my Gods. I might never leave this shower.”

“Careful,” Bas murmurs, “that sounds like an invitation.”

His hands glide down my arms, slow and reverent. Then up again, massaging my shoulders, thumbs finding the exact spots that ache. I lean back against him, content to melt under his touch.

“You okay?” he asks softly, lips brushing the shell of my ear. “Not too sore?”

“Definitely sore,” I admit. “But it’s the best kind of sore. The I-was-loved-thoroughly-by-four-insanely-hot-shifter-men kind.”

Bas chuckles. “Can confirm. You were very thoroughly loved.”

His hands skim lower, slipping around my waist, fingers grazing my hips. “But not by all four. Yet.”

I shiver. “Are you saying you’re feeling left out, my Tiger?”

He hums against my neck. “I’m saying I plan to fix that. Slowly. Completely.”

His hand slides up to cup my breast, thumb grazing my nipple, and my knees nearly buckle.

“Bas…” I breathe.

“Relax, Firefly.” He shifts to kiss my shoulder, nipping gently. “We’ve got time. I’m not in a rush.”

The steam swirls around us and he lowers his head, trailing kisses down my spine. His other hand stretches across my stomach, teasing light circles over my skin. I lean into him, letting his warmth and touch unravel the tension still clinging to my muscles.

“Want me to stop?” he asks, voice low and rough.

“Never.”

His laugh is a rumble against my back as he turns me to face him. “Then let’s start your morning off right.”

And fate, does he ever.

By the time we step out of the shower, the bathroom is thick with steam. I wrap myself in a fluffy towel, still warm from the dryer.

Thank you, Derrick .

Bas takes the remaining towel and does the same. The towel hangs low on his hips in a way that’s almost unfair. He catches me staring and winks.

“See something you like?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” I say, grinning. “But if I don’t leave this bathroom now, we'll never make it to the carnival.”

Bas steps closer, boxing me in against the sink. “And that would be a tragedy… why?”

I bat him away and hurry out of the bathroom, laughing. “Because, I’m pretty sure if we’re late, Dallas and Maya will hunt me down. We’re finalizing plans for Aubree's birthday celebration today. Her birthday is the day of the last tournament game and Derrick’s parents have offered to have everything ready at their house so we can go straight there after you guys nab the win.”

“Damn right, we’re bringing home that win,” Bas says as I sneak back into the bedroom, stopping when my eyes land on a pair of bright blue ones.

Liam smirks and my entire body heats at the thought of him listening to Bas and me in the shower.

Ok. Don’t think like that. You don’t have time, remember?

“Have a good shower, Shadow Girl?”

“Shut up,” I squeak as I run past the bed to the closet to get clothes, Liam and Bas laughing until I disappear.

By the time I come out of the closet wearing a cute sundress and wedge sandals I never would have considered wearing three months ago, the bed is empty. A commotion from the bathroom draws my attention so I sneak across the room to peek in. I can’t suppress the giggle that bubbles up when I see my four mates teasing each other and fighting over the mirror as they go about their morning routine.

“Should I be worried that four grown men can’t figure out how to share one mirror?” I tease from the doorway.

“We could,” Lucas says, pointing his toothbrush at Derrick, accusingly. “If Derrick didn’t hog all the good light.”

“Hey, not my fault the sun knows who the hot one is,” Derrick fires back with a shrug and smirk.

Bas flicks water at him. “You’re lucky we’ve got plans or I’d soak that smug look right off your face.”

Liam turns, rolling his eyes at the other guy’s antics. “You ready, Shadow Girl?”

I nod, smiling as I lean on the doorframe. “Almost. I just needed to take a moment to appreciate the chaos I signed up for.”

When everyone is ready, we head outside, taking the path toward the quad. Campus has been completely transformed. There are bright, colorful banners, live music on one end of the quad and vendor booths, games, and food trucks on the other. Enchanted lights hover along the walkways and over the temporary paths mazing through the grassy area. I’ve never seen anything so exciting. And I thought the farmer’s market was big. It looks like the entire school is here celebrating the start of the tournament.

Derrick holds my hand as we walk, pulling me back as I almost trip over my own feet. I’m too busy taking in the scene with wide eyes to pay attention to where I’m walking. I smile at him in thanks then keep walking, my head on a swivel.

Masculine chuckles echo around me.

“You should watch where you’re going, Firefly,” Bas chuckles.

I roll my eyes. “Why would I do that when I have you four to watch for me?”

“She makes a good point,” Lucas agrees with a shrug.

“Rachel!” Aubree squeals, drawing my attention to my three besties.

We greet each other with hugs as if we haven’t seen one another in months instead of just yesterday.

“Someone’s glowing today,” Maya teases as she pulls away from me.

My cheeks flush. “It is a bright, sun-shiny day,” I defend before Dallas takes her turn, wrapping me in a warm hug.

“Mhhmmm. And those tight muscles and tired eyes?” she grins as we separate. “Those from the sun, too?”

“Is she always this nosey?” I ask Aubree jokingly.

“Welcome to the family,” she responds with a wink.

We hug and I step back with a smile and watery eyes. “Best family I’ve ever had,” I murmur.

All three of my friends converge on me in the best group hug ever. Three months ago, I would have died of a heart attack at the thought of touching so many people. I never realized how touch starved I was. Once I realized I could touch people without the world ending, there was no going back. I think physical touch may be my love language. Not only was I never shown love, he tried to take my ability to show love too.

But now here I am. Surrounded by people who love me and show me every day. People who are always there for me when I need them. And in a way, I have my father to thank for it all. I mean, sure he tried to take it all away. But if he wouldn’t have sent me to Eldergrove, I would’ve never met any of them. The thought has tears coming to my eyes for a whole new reason.

Pulling back from the hug, I smile at my friends… my sisters . “I love you guys.”

“We love you too, Rach,” Maya says.

“Always,” Aubree adds.

“And forever,” Dallas ends.

“So, where to first?” I look around, including the guys in the question.

“I vote rides, then games, then food. I’ve found that’s the best order to tackle the carnival. You don’t want to do the rides after you eat… that could only end in puke. And you don’t want to be stuck carrying all the stuffed animals we’re sure to win you all day,” Lucas says solemnly.

“My mates are so smart. What would I do without them?” I beam.

“You’ll never have to find out, Moonbeam.”

“Awww, how sweet,” Dallas coos.

“I know,” I sigh. “I don’t deserve them.”

“You’re right, Emerald. You deserve way better than us,” Derrick says, kissing my forehead.

“Oh! Look! It’s bumper cars!” Lucas says, ending the sweet moment, making me laugh before the tear that welled up with Derrick’s declaration can fall.

“Oh, yeah! Let’s do it!” Liam smiles. “As kids, we always got a thrill out of getting to ram into our siblings and not get in trouble.”

“Well, you won’t be ramming into me. I’ve never driven before, I’m pretty sure I’ll be causing all the ramming.”

All four guys smirk at me with heated eyes and I don’t understand the sudden need flooding the bond until Liam opens his mouth.

“You’re definitely the reason for any ramming we do, Shadow Girl. But you’re the one who gets rammed… Just last night we ram-”

“Okay! Shh!” I cut him off, waving my hand in his face. “I didn’t mean it like that! ”

“Oh, we know,” Maya chuckles.

“That’s what makes it so hilarious,” Aubree says.

“And disturbing. I don’t want to know about all your ramming ,” Dallas adds.

“Okay, next person to say that word has to buy everyone lunch,” I declare.

“What word?” Lucas asks.

“Ram,” I snap before realizing my mistake.

“It’s okay, Emerald. I’ve got lunch for you,” Derrick shakes his head. “It’s not nice to trick our mate like that,” he scolds Lucas.

“Our mate can take a joke.” Lucas rolls his eyes before muttering, “just for that, I’m coming after you.”

We get in line for the bumper cars, the guys bantering back and forth as we wait.

“You sure you want that for the rest of your life?” Dallas asks as we stand back watching Liam put Lucas in a headlock.

My smile is as bright as the sun when I answer. “Never been more sure of anything in my life.”

“We’re so happy for you, Rach,” Aubree says, Maya and Dallas nodding their agreement.

“Thanks, guys. I still can’t believe this is all real sometimes. I’m finally free of my father. I have the best friends a girl could ever ask for, and the sweetest, funniest, most caring mates in the world. Add in passing all my finals and the guys in the tournament and days like this just feel like a dream.”

“It’s real,” Maya assures me with her hand on my shoulder.

I smile before the guy behind the gate starts letting people in and we’re set free to pick our cars. I really have no idea what to expect from this ride, but I guess the whole point is to hit the other cars. That shouldn’t be too hard.

I was wrong .

This is so hard. How do people even move?!

Every time I press the pedal, someone bumps into me, knocking my entire body around. Swear, I’m going to have whiplash after this.

“I’ve got you, Emerald!” Derrick calls as he slams into Lucas before he can slam into me again.

“My savior!” I swoon.

Bas cuts off Liam and I finally get enough space to move. I drive a few feet before crashing into Maya.

Okay so this is a lot more fun when I’m the one doing the hitting instead of being hit.

We drive around, bumping into each other and laughing until they shut the ride down and everyone grumbles before climbing out of their cars.

“Okay, that was fun! What next?” I ask as we leave the bumper cars.

After we get off the ferris wheel, we look around, trying to decide what to do next. This day has been amazing.

“What next? I think we hit all the rides, but I wouldn’t be mad if we came back and did the ferris wheel again when the sun sets,” I say.

“I’m sure we can manage that, Emerald.’

“Yeah, this time I get to sit by you,” Liam grumbles, still salty he lost the rock, paper, scissors game.

“Maybe you’ll have better luck with the carnival games, since clearly rock, paper, scissors isn’t your game,” Lucas laughs.

“Shut up. I only lost because-”

“Okay, you two, enough. Time for games. Let me show you how it’s done,” Bas cuts the twins off before their banter can dissolve into more rough housing.

“Love a man who takes control,” I smirk.

“I bet she does,” Dallas whispers to Aubree and Maya.

Bas chuckles, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from Derrick. “Come on, Firefly. I bet I can win any prize you want.” He winks.

Ugh. This man.

“I already have the best prize to come out of Eldergrove Academy,” I respond.

“There’s nothing wrong with second best. Give ‘em a chance,” he chuckles, pulling me to the closest booth.

There’s a wall filled with row after row of balloons, and in front of us is a ledge with darts. The sign says three darts for five dollars.

“Pick out your prize, Firefly. I’ll win it for you.”

“Someone’s cocky,” the man behind the booth laughs, his voice teasing and kind.

“Someone has reason to be,” I say. “You’re lookin at the star first baseman and captain of the Nightclaws. I don’t think throwing a dart is going to be a challenge for him.”

“Damn, Firefly. I like when you defend me like that.” He kisses me hard on the lips before turning to pay the man. Grabbing a dart, he lines up and shoots. The dart flies at an angle popping four balloons with one dart.

Impressive.

The man’s eyes widen and my grin widens.

That’s my tiger. Don’t let anyone underestimate you.

He picks up his next dart, and shoots again. Two more balloons down.

“Last one. How many you think it’ll be, Firefly?”

“I don’t know,” I shrug. “You’re all over the place,” I deadpan.

“Mmmm. True. Not very consistent with my numbers, am I?”

Laughing, I shake my head.

“I’ll have to do better with that,” he says as he picks up his last dart, lines his shot and pops five more balloons.

The man stands, mouth agape, blinking as he takes in all the popped balloons.

“Think we’ll take that giant tiger. What do you think, Firefly?

“You know, I was thinking the same thing.” I smile.

“How… What… How did you-” the man stammers, finally coming out of his stupor.

“My man’s got game,” I smile up at Bas.

“Hell yeah, I do.”

The man behind the booth shakes himself then reaches up for the giant tiger, handing it to Bas with a look of pure awe.

Bas passes me the tiger with a smirk and I hug it to my chest.

“Okay, you two are sickeningly cute,” Dallas grumbles, breaking our moment and making everyone laugh.

“Don’t be jealous. I’m sure you’ll find mates of your own soon. Who knows maybe it’s that hot guy over there,” I nod my head toward a guy standing at one of the game booths. He’s about the same height as the twins and looks a lot like Bas, only a little broader.

“Excuse me. What hot guy?” Lucas demands.

“Easy, wolf boy. I only have eyes for you four. Trust me that’s more than enough eye candy for my sweet tooth… eye? Whatever, you know what I mean.”

“Besides, tall, dark and broad over there is much more Dallas’s type than mine.”

“Is that so?” He arches a brow at me.

“Mmhmm.” I nod innocently.

Bas brushes up against my back and wraps his arms around me. “So you don’t like sporty guys with dark hair or a solid golden retriever vibe?”

“Nope!” I squeak.

“Liar,” he growls in my ear before nipping at my earlobe.

I jump and smack his arm. “Come on, I want a funnel cake!” I redirect.

“Nice change of subject,” Dallas mutters with a laugh.

“Listen up ladies, I’ve got some important knowledge to pass on. There are two sure fire ways to distract a man. Only one of those options is currently available.” I wink as I pull Bas to the nearest food truck, not even looking at what they sell. Every food truck sells funnel cake, right?

“I hate to break it to you, Firefly, but if you want funnel cake, we’re gonna have to find a different place,” Bas says. “This one only sells grilled cheese.”

I come up short, looking at the truck now in front of me.

No funnel cake?

But… grilled cheese…

“Grilled cheese, you say? I’m sure we could get funnel cake later…”

“Ooooh, gourmet grilled cheese?” Aubree groans. “Yes, please!”

“Anyone else want one?” I ask the group.

“I think I’ll go across the way to the burger place,” Liam says.

“I love that there’s a variety of things. I thought every truck would sell the same food, but that sure would be boring.”

“And I love watching you experience new things,” Bas murmurs with a soft grin. “The way your eyes light up when you’re surprised by something makes me fall in love with you even more.”

“Gross,” Dallas fake gags. “Will you two knock it off with the mushy gushy sweetness already?”

“Yeah, definitely not jealous,” Aubree snarks.

“Not at all,” Maya agrees with a giggle.

“Whatever. I’m getting my sandwich before I lose my appetite,” Dallas grumbles, walking past us to the food truck window. “I’ll have the ‘Gouda be kidding me’ special and a can of orange pop, please.”

Laughs bounce around as the rest of our group slowly split off heading to grab whatever food item has caught their eye. Bas and I stand in line behind Dallas and when she has placed her order we put ours in. We wait together for our sandwiches to be finished and head towards where the band is playing. There we find Aubree, Maya, and Liam already waiting, staking a claim over one of the big picnic tables.

We spend the rest of the day laughing and dancing, having an absolute blast. When we all fall into our big bed that night I’m surrounded by more carnival prizes than mates. I take my place in the center of the stuffies and men and enjoy the comfort surrounding. The feeling of home.