Page 37 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

“When did you get the tattoo? And why didn’t you take me? We could’ve done it together,” she whines.

“I don’t have a tattoo.”

She does a double-take at my back, and I turn around to see what she’s looking at. On my back, there is indeed a black tattoo looking mark. A paw print overlapping an infinity symbol and encased in a heart.

What the hell?

I lick the pad of my thumb, I try to rub it off, but the stupid thing won’t budge.

Liliana laughs. “That won’t get it off.”

“Then what will?”

“Nothing. It’s permanent, and if it’s what I think it is, it’s very special that you have one.”

“Do you know what this is?”

She inhales. “I don’t think I should tell you. I think it needs to come from someone else.”

Who else needs to explain this to me, andwhatexactly needs explaining?“Lily, please,” I beg.

“Alright. I’ll tell you, but you can’t freak out.”

My breathing is coming hard and fast as my heart rate quickens. “Too late. Already starting to.”

“You remember I loaned you that shifter book a few weeks ago? The one where the female turned into the wolf, and she marked her fated mate?”

I nod. “Yes, I’ve read more of the authors other books over the last few days too.”

“Not my point. The mark is a mate’s mark. At least, I think it is. I mean, the only guy you’ve had sex with is Declan, and he, well… How do I explain this gently? He’s a shifter. He can transform into an animal. He has given you this mark, but it’s not an ownership thing. It merely says you’re fated to be his mate.”

I blink at her trying to make sense of her words. She’s joking. She has to be. Shifters aren’t real. “What? You’re not serious.”

She nods. “I am. The mark means that you’ve found your soulmate, and he has his.”

“Lily, you know I don’t believe in soulmates.”

“I know you don’t, but apparently, the fates have a twisted sense of humour.”

“Are you a shifter too? Is that why you know what this mark thing is called?” I ask, pointing to my back.

She nods, and I gasp. “I’m a white tiger. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s part of the code. We don’t tell unless we have to.”

I nod as I begin to shake. “I don’t understand how any of this is real. I have to get out of here. But wait, I want to buy all this stuff.”

“Give me your card, and I’ll buy them,” she offers. I look at her sceptically for a moment. My best friend hid from me that she turns into an animal, not a small one either. A fucking huge cat!

Can I still trust her?

“Winter, I assure you I’m the same Lily you’ve known for the last eight years. There’s just something new about me that you know. Please don’t push me away. I can help answer any questions you have.”

“I need some time,” I whisper.

“I don’t blame you. Go. I’ll meet you in the ladies once I’ve paid for your things.”

I relent and let her go with all my items. I quickly dress and race away past Declan, murmuring I have to use the ladies room. He grabs my arm, and I spin around. “Where’s the stuff you want?” he asks. Staring at him with those hopeful eyes, I want him. Now! Is this the mark thing? Is it some sort of magical connection? I don’t know. I don’t know what is real or fiction anymore. All I know is I need to breathe, and around him, I can’t.

“Oh, um…Lily has it. I really have to use the ladies.”

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