Page 34 of Shifter Marked and Claimed

“I yike Doc,” my little one announced cutting through the tension Silas was experiencing.

I could be crazy, but it felt like maybe all Vadas had a bit of magic over that man.

“We are just getting home from school, but I have soup simmering. I know it’s a little early, but would you both like to stay for dinner?”

Vada hesitated and Silas looked back towards the car.

“We have friends with us, Tarron and Susan. I know it was a crazy day the last we saw each other, but both Silas and Tarron are part of Westin Force and were there for the rescue.”

“Well then, I’d love to thank him too. There’s plenty for everyone.”

Silas nodded towards the car and the two strangers stepped out.

“Hi, I’m Susan,” the woman said.

There was something about her that I instantly liked.

“Welcome, come on in.”

Normally I didn’t like people in my space. It stressed my wolf out, but for some reason, and I suspected it had a lot to do with a certain doctor, she was feeling extremely agreeable.

The next few hours we talked and laughed. I had the best time with them as they all doted on my daughter as she ran around or sat and played nearby.

My first impressions were rarely wrong, and this was no exception. I truly liked Susan.

“So,” she said biting her lower lip. “Vada tells me you like playing games,” Susan finally blurted out.

“I remember you always playing with the others.”

I shrugged. “There wasn’t exactly much else to do. Even when we were caged, we could still play or at least pretend to play Dungeon’s and Dragons. Of course we didn’t have the proper tools and dice and all to really play, but we made up ways around that and made it work. The story telling alone provided a great escape for many of us.”

“You play D&D?” Tarron asked.

“Not for a long time. I don’t even know if I’d remember how.”

“Oh please, once you’re in, you’re in for life. It’s like riding a bicycle, just comes back to you.”

“Do you play?” I asked him.

“Hell yes. Every Wednesday night. You should come.”

“I just went for the first time last week. Tarron’s been begging me to give it a try. I’ll admit, it was a lot more fun than I expected. You’re welcome to join us this week. We play from six to eight.”

I considered it for a minute, but that wasn’t the type of thing I could just bring Vada too.

“It sounds fun, but…”

“But nothing. You’re in,” Tarron said.

I shook my head. “I don’t have anyone to watch Vada and I wouldn’t really enjoy it if I was worried about keeping an eye on her too. I doubt kids tag along to those things.”

“Oh, let me babysit,” Vada said. “Please, Lucy. Silas and I can care for her on Wednesday nights while you take a break doing something you enjoy. It would be doing us both a huge favor.”

“How would pawning off my kid help you?” I laughed.

“Well, neither of us really expected to have kids. Okay, we don’t know anything about babies,” she confessed.

“Not a damn thing,” Silas confirmed.

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