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small smile curled her lips, boosting her resolve. She took up her position at home plate and made several practice swings. Then she looked up at the pitcher, giving glare back for glare. The pitch came at her, and Kaylie jumped back from the plate, dodging yet another near-body hit. The crowd booed, and the slut’s mouth tightened in irritation.
    That’s it , Kaylie steamed, her temper flaring white-hot as she instantly decided her next course of action and declined the walk, wanting another swing instead. The Togan’s pitcher had been consistent in hitting her body so Kaylie would use that knowledge to adjust her stance. With any luck, the ball would fly right back at the slut pitcher, only with much more velocity.
    She curled her fingers around the bat and moved into position. Just as the pitcher raised her arm to throw the ball, Kaylie eased back a foot. Too late for the slut to adjust her aim. The ball flew through the air, at what would have been Kaylie’s ribcage if she’d stayed in place. Kaylie swung, connecting hard. Ignoring the painful vibrations that swept up her arm, she ran hell for leather for first base. With dark satisfaction Kaylie noted that the ball had kicked right back at the outraged pitcher, slamming into the other woman’s vulnerable stomach before it bounced onto the ground.
    Exuberant, Kaylie’s feet flew over the dirt and crossed the white plate, but before she could rejoice something hard cracked with a sickening sound against her head and she found herself soaring through the air. Her last sight was of the green grass meeting her face before darkness took over.
    * * * *
    Dean hadn’t planned on attending the game, had in fact headed straight for Moon Haven. There he’d sat at his desk, staring blindly at his computer screen. Then he’d paced, from door to window and back again, seeing nothing but Kaylie’s beautiful face, so full of hurt, and her words, so full of cutting anger.
    Fucking Peter Everett. Dean’s fist shot out and landed with a crunching pop of flesh, bone and wood as it connected with the door. Dean pulled his hand back and stared at the gaping hole and then at his bruised hand. “Fuck.” There went another door. It was a damn good thing he’d bought the local lumber company.
    Scrubbing his hands over his face, he turned and slid down to the floor. His temper was just one more reason why he couldn’t allow himself to touch Kaylie, to claim her as his mate. Every time he saw her, his resolve began to crumble, and control was all he had left. He’d die if he ever hurt her. Logic dictated he should escape temptation, but his wolf thrashed in agony at that logic. But to keep her safe, and himself sane, he really should leave. The town, Kaylie, and the pack he’d come to care for.
    Dean looked around his office, his sanctuary within the sanctuary. He’d head home, back up some of his things, and leave tonight. Leaving was something he’d come to excel at before arriving at Woodcliff. It should be easy to pick back up again.
    But his heart felt like a lead weight in his chest; his wolf snipped and snarled in wild fury, as if battling for dominance to force the man to remain. Several minutes passed before Dean could force himself to his feet. Then he turned around and left without a backward glance.
    The insistent tug became too powerful to ignore. He passed the dirt road that led to the small apartment over his bar and headed into town. His hands tightened on the steering wheel, and he pointed his truck toward the school. If he was going to rip his soul out, he might as well do it completely. No use doing anything half-assed.
    He parked at the far end of the lot, and then made his way silently through the woods, rounding the school to come upon the baseball diamond unseen. He remained a good hundred yards back, behind the perimeter fence that separated the woods from the school grounds.
    Everyone was so avid, cheering Kaylie and her team on, egging the Togans, and