Page 23 of Confusing Hearts

I sighed and closed my eyes, remembering what it felt like to kiss her. I drifted off to sweet dreams of my beautiful mate.

Morning came too soon. My alarm didn’t go off because I silenced my phone, but Patrick woke me up. I grumbled but jumped in the shower and felt a little more human afterwards. The drive to the trail was short, and a light layer of fresh snow covered the ground.

It hadn’t been snowing when we got back to my dorm. It must have started in the wee hours of morning. The snow had already stopped, but it was beautiful, and I loved the smell of the crisp, clean air it brought with it.

We debated on human or animal forms, finally settling on our original plan to hike in our skin. We all agreed if it got too cold we’d shift for the run back.

Patrick had never been up to the ARC, so it was all new to him. He was quiet, observant as he took in the unforgettable mountain views. I had expected them to give me a hard time about last night, but each of us seemed content to be lost in our own thoughts as we hiked up the mountain to the most beautiful overlook imaginable.

Sitting there in reflection with my brothers I felt fully at peace.

“Thanks for coming this weekend,” I told them.

“We’d probably have had to commit you by the end of the semester if Patrick hadn’t been observant enough to sort out the twin thing.”

Patrick laughed. “Yeah, you must have had tunnel vision not to have noticed, but I get it. I’m glad it’s all sorted now, though I still worry. She’s a panther, Chase.”

“Does that bother you guys?” I asked earnestly. “That she’s not a wolf, I mean.”

Patrick shook his head. “I don’t care what she is or isn’t, it’s more of who she is. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. You’ve found your mate. I know how life changing that is, but her father . . . I just hope it works out for you.”

“But you don’t think it will?”

“It definitely isn’t in your favor,” he said.

I growled, and he put his hands up in surrender.

“He’s only keeping it real, Chase,” Liam said in Patrick’s defense. “We aren’t saying we don’t support you. Of course we support you. If she’s your true mate, then we want that for you, more than anything.”

“If? If? I told you she is my mate. Why would you question me on that?”

“She’s a cat, Chase. It’s just hard to take in. And it’s not just that. Patrick’s right, she’s a panther—a royal panther even. It’s not going to be easy for you, and we’re worried about you.”

“Well, don’t be. I’m a grown man. I don’t need you guys worrying about me. I just need you to support me!”

They looked at each other and both nodded.

“We’ll always support you, Chase,” Patrick assured me.

“We’ve got your back, no matter what,” Liam added.

I knew they wouldn’t stop worrying, but I needed to hear they were on my side, even if I had basically forced them to say it. I had enough to deal with worrying about her family without stressing over mine too.

We chatted about lighter things on the walk back to the car. They were both starving when we got back but I had to apologize and tell them I had plans for lunch.

“Just, be careful,” Liam asked.

“I will.”

I dropped them off then swung by the grocery store to pick up what I needed. The snow was still blanketing the ground and judging by the thick coat Jenna had worn the night before, I assumed panthers weren’t as warm as wolves.

As a full member of Westin Pack, money was of no issue to me. My family had started the Westin Foundation several generations back and it not only funded our pack but gave each of us a sizable monthly income. I was expected to work in the Foundation in some capacity after graduation. Business had been pressed upon me at a young age, but graphic design was where my passion lay. I had dreams of updating our website and redefining the look of the Westin Foundation. I hadn’t discussed that with Liam yet. As the current CEO, it would ultimately be his decision. I wanted to prepare a thorough portfolio and give it to him closer to graduation time.

I picked up the food, then swung by the hardware store to buy a small, portable propane heater that I hoped would keep Jenna comfortable outdoors.

Hiking to the spot I knew well, overlooking the lake, was easy, even with the added weight of my items. When I arrived, I checked the exact coordinates and texted them to Jenna. I hoped she could find it okay.

JENNA: Now?

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