Page 65 of Confusing Hearts

He nodded and left her side. “It’s them, Kyle. And if we don’t get them out of here now, all hell is going to break loose. I will kill them for what they did to her. Do you understand me?”

I shuddered at the lethal threat. There was no doubt in my mind that he meant it.

“Shit!” Chase said. “Are you telling me that one of those guys out there is Oscar’s father?”

“Yes,” Liam said through gritted teeth as the brothers left the room in a hurry.

I was suddenly alone with Maddie. “Keep breathing, Maddie. In and out, just like Liam said.”

She was gasping for air now but starting to calm down. “I’m sorry,” she managed to get out.

“Whatever this is, you have nothing to apologize for. I’m certain of that. Those guys creeped me out pretty good earlier, too,” I said, holding her hand and stroking her arm in what I hoped was a soothing manner.

She growled, but not in a way that made me jump back. “Did they hurt you?” she asked, no longer struggling for control.

“No, just spooked me a little. They apparently were using the cabin and something about them just creeped me out. They acted like they knew Chase, but I didn’t believe it. Jack, one of the tigers, he warned me to get away, so I did.”

“My friend Anita was with me and we went back to our sorority house and I called Chase to explain what was happening on the way. He said he’d take care of it, which he obviously did. I just couldn’t wait around without knowing he was okay and came back anyway.”

She nodded, calming down some. “I’m glad you did that. I don’t know why one of them would have warned you, but I’m glad you listened. It’s Jenna, right? You’re Chase’s girl?”

I blushed again and nodded. Anita and Matt were the only ones I’d ever said anything to, so having my mating as basic, everyday conversation was completely foreign to me.

She studied me for a bit and when she seemed satisfied with whatever she saw there, she started talking again. “Those Westins, they love fiercely and with all their hearts. Once you’re family, you’re family—period—no questions asked. I know that Mary, Chase’s mom, worries things will be difficult for the two of you. Don’t let that discourage you. She worries about everything for everyone. Westin Pack opened their arms to me and my son, Oscar. He’s different, too. Half wolf, half, um, tiger. One of those striped beasts out there is his biological sperm donor. I thought I had seen them once before, a few months ago. Prior to that I had only seen them the one time . . . the, um, night my Oscar was conceived. They left me for dead when they were done with me.”

I gasped and tears stung my eyes at what she was telling me—and the things she wasn’t telling me.

“Shhh, it’s okay. It was a long time ago. I still get, um, anxious sometimes. I’m sorry you had to see that. It was just a shock. I’m only telling you this because I think it’s important for you to understand. If they can overlook my past and accept my son as part of the pack, they’ll accept you too, with open arms. That’s just how those Westins are.”

I cried openly as she voiced my biggest hopes and constant fears. “You, you know I’m not a wolf, right?”

She smiled. “I know. And if there were any doubts in anyone’s mind that you and Chase belong together, you put it to rest today. I’ve never seen any animal look as fierce as you did protecting that boy out there. He’s lucky to have you.”

We hugged, sharing a new unspoken bond. Chase had told me his pack would accept me, but I had never allowed myself to even hope for that. It was just too much to ask for, but here this complete stranger was telling me her darkest secrets and sharing this message of hope. Hope that maybe Chase and I really could have a normal, happy life together to share with family and friends.

The door opened and Liam walked back in. “Sweetheart, how are you feeling?” he asked her. The love and concern in his voice was evident. “They’re gone now. Well, all but one. His name is Jack, and even Jacob swears he’s not like the others.”

“Was he the one sitting on the steps?” I asked. I didn’t mean to interrupt them, I was just curious.

“Yes, that’s the one. Do you know him?” Liam asked.

“Not exactly,” I said honestly. “I’m going to go check on Chase and give you two some privacy, if that’s okay.”

Liam nodded.

With my hand still on the doorknob, Liam spoke again. “Thanks for looking after my girl, Jenna.”

I smiled back at him. “You don’t need to thank me for that, Liam.”

“Yeah, I do. I really appreciate it.”

I nodded and started to leave the room.

“Hey, one more thing . . .”

I stopped and looked back at where Liam sat on the edge of my bed, caring for his precious mate.

“Welcome to the family.”

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