Page 16 of Shifter Marked and Claimed

“I can’t even fathom the feelings of people calling my child an abomination. So she didn’t have a normal conception. There are a lot worse things in this world. Around here every child matters and we’ve tried to explain that to her, but quite frankly, she’s scared, Micah.”

“It’s not like we haven’t seen it before, though. Ben and Shelby’s triplets potentially have a similar story. I’ve been watching them since birth and they are growing and maturing just as any other normal kid.”

“I know. We haven’t really discussed any of that with her yet. She even asked us not to mention to Vada that she is here.”

“She’s scared,” I said.

“And very much alone.”

CHAPTER 5

LUCY

I hadmy cry and then I got up and cleaned the house. Having things neat and orderly had always helped me settle emotionally.

I also packed a bag. Then I unpacked it. Finally, I packed it again.

I knew I had some big decisions to make, but I was still in shock. I stared down at his card in my hand. I was itching to call him even knowing that was the dumbest thing ever.

I barely met the guy. I shouldn’t be feeling all these things for him.

Mate!

That was it. It wasn’t him, it was the idea of him. I was simply mourning the idea of never having a mate, not him. I wasn’t mourning him. I didn’t even know him and he could never know me, not in that way.

I was startled when there was a knock at the door.

I couldn’t imagine who it might be.

There was no one I knew or even wanted to talk to. If there was a problem at the school then Vanessa would have called me first. I just pretended I wasn’t home.

When the knock came a second time, I stepped back into the shadows as if they could somehow see I was there even though I was not by the window.

The third knock, I crouched down on the floor with an uneasy feeling.

You’re an adult, Lucy. This is ridiculous. Grow some balls. You are no victim.I pep talked myself.

With a huff of resolution, I walked over and opened the door.

My jaw dropped. Micah was the last person I expected to see here.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“We need to talk.”

He pushed into the house leaving me no choice in the matter. I should have been furious. I should have demanded he leave right this instant. I didn’t and secretly, I liked his assertive attitude.

I used to be that way. I would tackle the world head on. My mother used to say there was nothing I couldn’t do when I set my mind to something. Micah reminded me of that. But I wasn’t that person anymore.

Now, I was scared and pathetic. I was broken beyond repair and I couldn’t bring him down with me. I already worried enough about the effects it would have on Vada.

He looked down and noticed the bags.

“Are you leaving?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” I told him honestly.

He sighed. “Don’t blame you.”

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