Page 44

One Year Later

I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the massiveness of an SLB game. I thought the Nightclaws games were unbearably crowded but they have nothing on these games. The stadiums are all huge and packed full of tens of thousands of raving fans every game, no matter where we are. Today is even crazier, though. My guys made it to the playoffs their first year going pro. It’s crazy and amazing and I couldn’t be more proud if I tried.

By some miracle, Lucas and Bas were both drafted to the Seattle Shockwaves. We’ve spent the last six months traveling the country cheering them on as they’ve demolished the competition.

The guys got us a VIP box for tonight’s game and it’s going to be filled with all of my favorite people here to support Bas and Lucas.

Life has changed so much in the past year. While Bas and Lucas chase their dreams on the field, the rest of us are carving out our own futures. After finishing the year strong, I finally launched the freelance design business I’d been dreaming about. What started as a few logo commissions has grown into something I’m genuinely proud of. I’ve designed banners, team merch, and most recently, a handful of book covers for an indie publishing house that specializes in fantasy romance. It feels good.

Like all the pieces of my creative soul are finally finding a place in the world. I even got a message from the Eldergrove marketing department last week, asking if I’d consult on a new line of alumni gear. Full circle, in the best way.

Liam’s chasing something quieter but no less meaningful. He sold his first photo to a nature magazine last month. A misty lake scene we stumbled across while RV camping in Oregon. Seeing his name in print under something he created had him beaming for days. He’s started building a portfolio, too. Not just landscapes, but moments. Tiny, perfect slices of our weird, wonderful life. I think it’s only a matter of time before a travel publication picks him up. His work has that rare kind of stillness that makes people stop and look.

Derrick’s stepping into something bigger. He’s still working with the Tribunal, but there’s talk now of him running for an official seat in the next election. He hasn’t said yes yet, but I can see the wheels turning. The fire in him isn’t just about protecting me anymore. It’s about building something better. For all of us. For every shifter who’s ever been overlooked or underestimated. If he does run, he’ll have my full support. My vote. My voice. All of it.

We’re not just surviving anymore. We’re thriving. Together.

Derrick’s parents arrive in the suite first, as always. They rarely miss a game. But they’re not the only family we have supporting us tonight. Lucas’s entire family pack made the trip.

I finally got to meet the Barkers over winter break. They were everything Lucas and Liam said and more. I completely understood why it took so long for us to meet. The Barkers are a big, busy crew. I’m surprised Sophia remembers all their names… most of the time. I was really happy we all hit it off, though. It would suck so bad to have my mates’ family hate me. Spending so much time with all of their siblings, though, I understand more than ever Liam’s hesitancy to find his mate.

I think being away from them has been good for him, though. He didn’t even lose it when he found out their pack was growing, again. From what I was told, he hasn’t always taken it well in the past. That’s right, Lucas and Liam are going to be big brothers… again. Poor Sophia can’t catch a break. She cried when she found out there were four this go round. She’s due any day now, and should be on bed rest, but she wouldn’t listen. Said there was no way she was missing her first baby play in his first professional playoff game. So she’s sitting in a special chair Paul, one of her three mates, had brought in for her as her mates dote on her. Somehow she’s able to keep her cheerful disposition despite the obvious physical discomfort she’s in. It only reinforces my desire to not have children anytime soon, if ever.

The kids are mostly inside playing games and watching their brother play on TV. Except for Kurt, one of his fourteen-year-old brothers, and the youngest set of twins, Brandon and Colt, who completely idolize their big brother. They’re all wearing matching Barker sixty-four jerseys as they lean against the railing of our balcony screaming at the top of their lungs.

Alexandria hovers, chewing her lip, Lydia is flirting with some guy from the booth next to ours and Nadia is hiding inside with a book. Before I met my guys, I would have been right beside her. Back then, I would much rather have been inside with a book than at some stupid baseball game. Funny how things change. When I was their age, I wouldn’t be caught wearing this crop top jersey or the cute denim shorts I paired them with. Now, thanks to my guys, I’m no longer scared or ashamed of having four mates like my father raised me to be.

I wish Bas had family here to support him, but his sister, Sierra, just started college and couldn’t make it. His parents are just assholes. I’ve yet to meet them, though I dread the day I do. I didn’t believe Bas when he said his parents wouldn’t care about him getting drafted. Even being in the SLB Hall of Fame wouldn’t be enough to get their attention. He’s not a doctor or lawyer, so he’s somehow beneath them. I hope I never see them. I don’t think I could keep my mouth shut about how they treat their son.

The stadium is huge, but the most impressive part is this suite they’ve put us up in. Between Lucas and Liam’s family and Derrick’s family, I was worried that by the time the girls got here we’d be out of room. Luckily that’s not the case because just as the game is about to start, they all come strolling in followed by their packs.

Things have been crazy since graduation and this is the first time Maya, Aubree, Dallas, and I have been all together in months. They’ve all found their mates just like Mama Ashford said. We’re all living our best lives with loving, doting men.

Maya, Dallas, and Aubree sit surrounded by their mates while I sit between Liam and Derrick, who each have to have a hand on me at all times, it seems. Not that I’m complaining. I love it when they touch me in sweet, affectionate ways like this. Any time I sit beside one of my mates, their hand always ends up on my thigh. As anticipated, tonight, I have one on each side. The old me would have been embarrassed by the public display, but the new me is surrounded by packs that love their mate with the same intense devotion, so I know I’m not the only female here with clingy mates.

Life couldn’t get better.

It’s the top of the ninth and the score is tied. I’m on the edge of my seat as the pitcher throws the ball. There’s a man on first and second, if he doesn’t strike this guy out, bases will be loaded. If that happens and the next batter hits a homerun, we’ll be done for. That’ll put them ahead by four. I mean, we still have a turn at bat, but we’d have to get five runs to win.

STRIKE ONE!

Oh thank God.

We have one out already. We just need two more, then it’s our turn at bat.

STRIKE TWO!

Yes! Come on. One more!

STRIKE THREE!

The crowd goes wild, especially those in our suite. The next batter steps up to the plate, and a hush falls over the crowd as the pitcher winds up for the pitch. It sails through the air and the batter swings, connecting with a loud crack.

The ball pings right down the third base line and Lucas dives for the final out. The entire stadium erupts as he holds the ball up.

Going into the bottom of the last inning with a tie score is super rare. All we have to do is score once, and the game is over.

Bas steps up to the plate, tapping the bat against the inside of his shoes before looking directly at me and pointing the bat at me like he’s done every at bat in every game. It’s so sweet, I melt every time. I can almost feel him in the bond saying this is for you, Firefly.

When he’s in position, I hold my breath as the ball flies toward him. He lets it pass, not swinging. He’s the best I’ve seen at knowing when to hold back and wait for his pitch. The umpire calls it a strike, which is absolute bullshit. That was clearly out of the strike zone. Something Kurt makes known with his loud, passionate heckles at the umpire.

It’s ok, baby. You got this.

I swear I feel his eyes on me, even though there’s no way he can see me from the field. He shuffles his feet, bouncing the bat in his hands over his shoulder as he gets ready for the next pitch. This time, when it comes, he swings. He swings so hard, his body spins with the momentum. The ball soars through the air right over the wall into the stands.

The crowd loses their minds as the team storms the field, lifting Bas into the air as the losing team heads to their dugout with heads low. Magical fireworks explode over the stadium in the team’s colors and the announcers declare them the winners. The box is pure chaos. Cheers, hugs, and confetti cannons fill the room.

Before we leave the stadium, we make plans to meet up with everyone for lunch tomorrow to celebrate. But tonight is just for us. I’ve found my guys are a bit superstitious when it comes to sports. They don’t deviate from their pre or post game rituals. And I’m their favorite one.

Derrick drives us back to the hotel and I jump in the shower while we wait for our victors to return. The front door opens as I slip on my robe. I was wearing it the night before their first win and now it’s the only thing I’m allowed to wear the night before and the night after a game.

Not that I’ll be wearing it for long.

I leave the bedroom and find all my mates in the living room. I try to stand back and watch them together, but Lucas senses me the moment I walk into any room.

The heat in his eyes when they land on me is enough to melt my non-existent panties.

“Great game, guys.” I smile.

“Did you see that catch, Moonbeam?” Lucas asks, stepping up to me and pulling me into him by my hips.

“Oh, I saw.”

“Worthy of an MVP prize, I’d say,” he murmurs in my ear, kissing down my neck.

“You the MVP?” Bas scoffs. “What about me? Did you see that hit? Walk-off homer? Total MVP move.”

“You’re both MVPs to me,” I gasp as they assault both sides of my neck.

“Mmmm. I think you’re the real MVP, Firefly,” Bas whispers in my ear.

“And all of you are my prize?” I say back.

“Forever,” Derrick rumbles from beside me.

“And you’re ours,” Liam says.

“Always.” Lucas adds before I’m swept off my feet and carried toward the bed.

This is what I love most about these men. I never wanted to be thought of as a prize to win, but with them, it’s different. I’m theirs and they are mine.

And we’re in this crazy life together. Always.