Page 69 of Confusing Hearts

I wished Elise and Kelsey could have been there, and even Lily. I missed my family when I was away at school, but I got so tied up in my own life that I didn’t always remember that, until I was face-to-face with any of them.

Jenna rose and headed for the kitchen. She fumbled around the cabinets and then came back grinning. From behind her back she pulled out a bag of chips and tossed it over to Patrick.

Grinning, she asked, “Crisps, right?”

“Ah, a lady after my own heart,” Patrick said. “She’s a keeper, Chase.”

“That’s the plan,” I assured him.

We ended up ordering pizza as we talked, laughed, and caught up. Maddie and Jenna seemed to hit it off quickly. I was grateful for it and thanked Liam for bringing her even though she hadn’t given him a choice.

I was still curious as to why humans were brought in to help, but I didn’t dare ask. I didn’t know everything that Maddie had been through, but I knew it was bad. Hearing her confessions to Jack had rattled me, and I couldn’t stop thinking of Jenna and what I’d have done if they’d have tried that with her. I don’t think I would have had the restraint Liam had. I’d have wanted blood. Hell, I wanted blood for Maddie. I knew I’d see nothing but red if that had been my mate.

It was getting late. I watched Jenna stifle a yawn.

“You guys came by helicopter, right? Are you planning on spending the night? It’s kind of late to head back home now,” Jenna said, thoughtfully.

“I don’t think we even thought that far ahead. The helicopter already headed back with the others. We’ll pick up a rental and drive back tomorrow. Do you guys have room for us to crash? We can get a hotel if you want to be alone,” Kyle said. I appreciated his understanding, as Jenna and I were newly bonded, after all.

“We have plenty of room.” She got up and walked over to the laundry room, returning with an armful of freshly laundered sheets and towels. “Let me just change the sheets and make up the beds. There’re four bedrooms upstairs. This place is crazy big, much more than we need, but we like the peace and quiet out here. Well, it was peaceful and quiet our first week here, at least before today,” Jenna said, exasperated after the day’s events. My brothers all laughed.

Maddie jumped up. “Let me help you with that, Jenna.”

“Sure,” she said, gratefully.

The girls disappeared up the stairs. I watched them go, talking amicably. I felt a sense of peace wash over me. Jenna and I were going to be okay. Any concerns about my family that had tried to infiltrate my brain, were being put to rest seeing the two girls already becoming fast friends.

“She’s nice, Chase. You did good, baby brother,” Kyle said.

I didn’t need his praise, but it sure felt good to have it. “Thanks, she’s the best.”

“I’ll admit, I was a little concerned when we were here last,” Liam confessed, “but I was wrong. She’s really good for you. You’ve settled. I can feel the change.”

“She’ll have you neutered in no time, but it’s not all bad,” Patrick said, and we all grimaced at the analogy.

Shaking my head, I threw a pillow at Patrick’s head, laughing as Kyle and Liam clearly had the same idea. Pillows went flying in his direction.

“How’re Kelsey and Zander doing?” I asked Kyle, changing the subject.

His entire being brightened as he went into a ramble about how amazing his mate and son were. I started tuning him out immediately. He was still talking when the girls returned.

“Who’s Zander?” Jenna asked, joining in the conversation.

“My nephew. Kyle’s kid. He’s one year old. You’ve seen his picture taped to my computer back at the doghouse,” I said absentmindedly.

“The little blonde with the curls?” she asked.

“That’s him,” Kyle said proudly.

“He’s really cute. So, the older kid with the dark hair, that’s Oscar?” she asked, remembering the pictures I kept taped to my monitor.

“Yes,” Maddie said. “That’s our little boy, or not so little these days, I guess. He’ll be eight this year. It’s unbelievable.”

I could see Jenna calculating, and putting things together.

“Oscar’s the greatest kid on the planet,” Liam said matter-of-factly. “Z’s a cool kid, but he’s still got big shoes to fill.”

“I can’t deny that,” Kyle conceded.

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