Page 64 of Confusing Hearts

I smiled and nodded. “Yeah, Kyle’s the Alpha of our pack now. He’d definitely have his reasons for bringing Jacob Winthrop with him. Right now, I don’t much care, as long as you’re okay.”

She closed the gap between us and wrapped her arms around my waist. “I’m okay as long as you’re okay.”

Jenna

Chapter 20

I regretted leaving the property almost immediately. Anita had refused to take me back and instead, drove to campus despite my protests. I sulked for only a few minutes before heading back out and walking to the far side of the campus where the woods began. I had faith that once I’d shifted, my panther would know exactly how to find our mate.

I had been right. We kept mostly to the trees where we could, or silently racing across open spaces, when certain the coast was clear. It hadn’t taken nearly as long as I’d thought it would to get back to the cabin.

I was shocked at the sight I saw there—so many shifters all in one place. They were in their fur and a group of canines were surrounding three large tigers. Jack was sitting on the front porch casually watching and chatting with a very naked Chad. Scanning the area, I recognized Matt’s jaguar mixed in with the canines. There were several solid black wolves, but I couldn’t determine exactly which one was Chase.

Then I heard a howl that caused my stomach to drop. I knew it was my mate. There was no question about it. I raced across the field, and as I rounded the side of the house, I saw him. The large man who had scared me earlier was now cowered in the corner. Another man stood over him and Chase was limping as he guarded this new stranger. Anger I didn’t know I was capable of surfaced. I hissed at the naked man and bared my fangs at him.

When Chase turned his back to the man, I kept my eyes glued on him. It felt right guarding my mate. It made me feel powerful with Chase by my side, just like it felt right to be enveloped in his strong arms now.

I knew there was no place I’d ever feel that safe. I squeezed him closer, trying to reassure myself and my panther that he truly was okay. The smell of desire filled the room and I laughed, smacking his backside. He was definitely okay.

“Chase, there are dozens of men outside waiting for you. Don’t even think about it.”

“What?” he said, pulling back and looking down at me with an innocent grin. “Honestly, I can’t help it. Their smell is in our house. They invaded our territory. I have this all-consuming need to mark every inch of this place, starting with you, my beautiful mate.”

A knock at the door made him tear his gaze away from my eyes. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could have handled his scorching look of desire before acting on it, so in a way, I was grateful to whomever interrupted, but on the other hand, I was quite simply irritated by it.

“Come in,” Chase said.

The door opened. “Jesus, Chase. Can you at least try to control it?” Kyle said, referring to the scent my mate was filling the room with.

“No,” he said seriously. “I really can’t, Kyle.”

Kyle just laughed at his discomfort. “Well, you have quite a mess out there. I think we’ve got it all sorted but need you to confirm a few things and let me know what you want my guys to do.”

“Yeah, okay,” Chase said, looking reluctant to leave me.

“You must be Jenna,” Kyle said, extending his hand to me.

I hesitated only a second before loosening my grip on Chase and meeting him halfway. “I am. You’re Kyle, right?”

“That would be correct.” He studied me for a moment. “You have a protective nature that’s not always common with panthers.” He stated this as a fact, not a question. “I noticed it immediately in the way you protected Chase from Stan, even when he was no longer a threat and Chase had his back to the guy.”

“Just because he was in human form didn’t alleviate the threat.”

“You’d be correct, though I fear he posed more of a threat to you than your mate.”

I blushed, taken aback by how easily he called Chase my mate. A noise just outside our bedroom door kept me from dwelling too much on it.

The door burst open as Liam walked in carrying a woman I didn’t know.

“Take it down a notch, dude. I need somewhere to lay Maddie down. Can I use your bed?” Liam asked. Chase nodded. I could see he was still battling a territorial thing.

“Hey, Jenna,” Liam said. “This is my mate, Maddie. Do you think you can do me a favor, and stay with her for a few minutes while we sort something out?”

“Sure,” I said. “What’s wrong with her?”

“Panic attack. Sweetheart, I need you to just keep breathing. This is Jenna, Chase’s mate. She’s going to stay with you, just listen to her voice and breathe. In and out.” He encouraged me to continue chanting with him.

“In and out,” I said.

---