Page 38 of Shifter Marked and Claimed

My heart wasn’t really in the game. I was rather kicking myself for not taking things to the next level with Lucy while we would be truly uninterrupted.

I hadn’t told her what I had going on today or how I played basketball with Bravo team every Wednesday then spent the evening geeking out over Dungeons and Dragons. I liked to think she saw me as a rather cool guy. Would that change her impression of me?

I knew I couldn’t let that worry me. She’d find out eventually and would have to come to accept it. I was too invested to just quit now. I would do anything for my mate, but that might be testing my limits.

I was hosting tonight.I had snacks lining the island counter and a big pot of chili waiting for my guests. Susan had apparently enjoyed playing with us and Tarron had told me she was coming again and this time she was bringing a friend.

I always loved introducing new people to the game.

Of course, they were the last to arrive.

“Wow, something smells good in here.”

I shook my head unable to believe my ears.

Tarron and Susan walked in. I saw Susan sniff the air and then shrug.

“I don’t really smell anything.”

“Really?”

I was on my feet and crossing the room before Lucy even came into view.

She came to an abrupt stop when she saw me. “Micah? What are you doing here?”

“It’s his house,” Tarron informed her eyeballing me suspiciously.

“Hey,” I told her wrapping her up in my arms and kissing her to make it absolutely clear that this girl was mine.

“What the hell? Is this why you were practically dancing out of your skin all afternoon?”

I raised my middle finger to him.

Tarron shook his head. “Promises, promises. Wait until the guys hear about this.”

“You didn’t tell me you were mating,” Susan said to Lucy.

I realized she was a bit embarrassed having just been put on the spot and maybe even by my aggressive move to claim her.

“It’s not really something people talk about, is it?”

“Oh, we definitely talk about it.” Susan linked arms with Lucy and dragged her away from me and over to the table. “This Friday night is ladies’ night. You’re coming. I don’t want to hear any excuses. Trust me, you need this.”

“I can’t. I’m not asking Vada to watch my kid again this week. I’m not even confident they’ll survive tonight,” she said.

“Vada and Silas are babysitting?” I asked and I could see concern on her face.

“They really do need the practice,” Susan confessed.

“But not on her,” I argued in disbelief. I could feel my wolf perk up and listen in. He wasn’t any happier about this than I was.

“They’re fine,” Tarron argued. “But if you’re so worried about it, then you watch the kid Friday night.”

“Okay,” I said without a second thought.

“Okay?” Lucy asked, sounding surprised.

That didn’t sit well with me. Vada was mine too. Of course I would watch her.

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