Page 217 of As The Shifter World Turns

It wasn’t long until Toby took his fur and the first thing he did wasn't to run around or to find his reflection somewhere, no, his first move was to go to Neil and rub up against his leg.

“Look at you,” Neil puffed out with pride. “You are a fine looking fox, Toby!”

“I think I’m going to join him.” I pulled off my shirt. “Can you listen for the food?”

“I would do anything for my family.” He kissed my cheek. “Now go run with our new little fox.”

Family.I loved the sound of that.

I finished getting undressed and took my fur. It was time to play with my son in the way of our beasts.

95

NO LONGER WAITING BUT MATING

Neil

I was staying at Martin’s for the night. Charlie was asleep in his crib and I peeked my head into Toby’s room. He was reading and when he saw me, he put down his book.

“How do you feel?” I sat on the mattress and ruffled his hair.

“Weird but a good weird.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“I’m glad you were there, Neil. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else with me when I shifted other than my dad.”

“Stay where you are.” I leaped up.

“Neil, I’m in bed. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good. Don’t move.” Racing into Martin’s and my room, I paused and studied Martin who was reading a novel. He loved mysteries and there was always a pile of paperbacks beside his bed. “I love you.”

He peered at me. “Good, because I feel the same way.” His eyes flicked back to the page.

“Forever and ever.”

This time he put the book down. “Okay. Are you about to give me bad news?”

“Hopefully not. Let’s mate.” That got his attention and he gave me a smile that warmed my heart.

“I’ve been waiting a long time to hear that.” He flipped back the covers and crawledover the mattress to me.

“Neil,” Toby yelled from his room. “Are you coming back? You told me not to move?”

Oh, shoot, poor Toby. Charlie stirred but didn’t wake. “Come here, sweetheart.” He appeared at the door yawning. Martin had to be the one to tell him and I nudged my almost mate.

“I’ve got some amazing news.”

“What is it?” Toby yawned and sat on the bed.

I couldn’t wait and I blurted it out. “You dad and I are going to mate.”

“What?” He jumped onto the mattress. “For real? You’re going to be my dad?”

“I’ll be your third father. You have this dad.” I jerked my head at Martin. “And your other father is still your dad even though he's not here. And I’ll be number three.”

Toby held out his hand. “Jump with me, Neil.” His expression changed. “Wait. What should I call you?”

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