Page 39 of Shifter Marked and Claimed

“Yes, go enjoy ladies’ night. I’ll watch the baby. Done. Now, can we get this game started?”

Lucy laughed but she didn’t argue with me. “You’re the DM?”

“Of course I am.”

I had no idea how Susan had convinced her to come tonight. It obviously had nothing to do with me because Lucy had been genuinely shocked to see me. I didn’t care if she knew anything at all about the game. If she was willing to just hang out and learn, I would be thrilled to teach her. It was more than I could have ever hoped for.

I loved Dungeons and Dragons almost as much as I loved her.

I stared at her for a minute. I loved Lucy. There was no doubt in my mind. I loved caring for her and making her laugh. I loved spending time with her. Just hearing her voice last night had righted my bad day. I was in love with my mate, and I quickly learned that she was in love with D&D, too.

She was good, really good. I mean I knew she was intelligent and quick witted, but damn. I was turned on more than ever watching her play and strategize throughout the night.

When everyone finally said good night, she pulled me to the side.

“Are you serious about babysitting Friday night?”

“Are you seriously okay with that?”

She nodded. “I’ve been a little edgy tonight and I’m anxious to get back and check on Vada. Silas just texts me updates of ‘no one’s dead’ which really isn’t helping to calm my nerves.”

I laughed and shook my head. “He certainly has a way about him. It’s an acquired taste though.”

“I can see that. I would actually feel a lot better if you were with her.”

She looked both hopeful and nervous.

“I’ll be there,” I said leaning down to give her a quick kiss. I knew I couldn’t deepen it no matter how much I wanted to. She needed to get back to Vada and Susan and Tarron were waiting in the car to take her home.

“Do you think I should do this?”

“I think it would be good for you. They are a crazy, but great group of ladies.”

“You know them?”

I laughed. “Luce, I know everyone around here.”

“Right. So I should do this?”

“Yes. And Vada and I will be fine.”

“I know,” she said confidently.

“Plus, it will be good for you to make friends and start finding your place around here.”

I had already said too much, but I needed that more than anything. Because I knew the more she settled in San Marco, the better my odds were that she would stay. I needed her to stay because I couldn’t imagine not having her in my life.

Thoughts of her leaving scared the shit out of me.

CHAPTER 11

LUCY

I was excitedto start my new job, but nervous about working so closely with Micah. I knew I was getting too close and enjoying his kisses a little too much. He made me feel things I’d never experienced before and certainly had me thinking things that were not appropriate for work.

I had no idea how I was going to manage to keep the two separated.

My first day started off great. He gave me a tour around the place, showed me the files, which to my surprise were all offline and old school paper files.

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