Page 75 of Confusing Hearts

“Drive safe. It was nice to meet you, Tessa. See you later, Jenna.”

Tessa didn’t say a word until we were both in the Jeep. She turned and looked at me as I started it up. There was hurt in her eyes.

“It’s like you have this whole life I know nothing about, Jen. How is that even possible?”

I sighed. “I’m sorry, Tess. I know we have a lot to talk about. And I promise to answer any questions you have.”

I put the Jeep in reverse and pulled out of the parking spot. I headed off campus not certain where I was headed. As soon as we were on the road, Tessa turned her full attention on me.

“Okay, clearly you wanted to make certain no one heard us, and I can sort of guess why. So, spill it. What is going on with you and Chase Westin? Don’t think for one second that it has gone unnoticed that he too has been MIA the last two weekends. Were you with him? Are you two like together?”

I took a deep breath, started to close my eyes, then forced myself not to since I was behind the wheel of his baby.

“Um, yes,” I said, nibbling on my lip. I was so nervous.

“Okay, so where did you go? Were you just at the doghouse all weekend? Matt and a few of the guys said they hadn’t seen him.”

“Um, no. We weren’t on campus,” I said honestly.

“So, what, you take off on romantic weekend getaways with Chase Westin? Did he take you to some exotic place?” Tessa laughed at the thought.

“Tess, this isn’t funny. If you’re just going to poke fun at me, we can head back to campus.”

“I’m sorry, Jen. I didn’t mean to upset you. You really like him, don’t you?” she asked.

I nodded.

“Oh, Jenna. I truly hope you’re having a good time, but you’re not exactly a fling sorta girl, and this is Chase Westin we’re talking about. He’s way out of your league and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Chase won’t hurt me,” I told her.

“We all want to believe that when it’s happening to us. You think I don’t dream about a happily ever after with Jack? I know it’s not possible. Besides, Daddy would never allow it. But hey, at least he’s a feline. Chase is a wolf, Jenna. Daddy will freak.”

“Daddy will freak out about anyone who isn’t a black panther and you know it. Jack isn’t any better than Chase just because he’s a cat. The fact is he’s not panther and that’s all that matters to our father. I’m well aware of what’s going to happen when Daddy finds out about me. I haven’t told you about Chase because I didn’t want it getting back to him. I didn’t want him to take you away from me. I’m not ready to lose you.” Tears pricked my eyes as I spoke.

“Jenna, don’t cry. I don’t care what Daddy says. You’re my sister. My twin. You’re never going to lose me,” she said, causing tears to streak down my cheeks.

“You don’t know how much I wish that were true. I love you Tessa,” I told her honestly.

Throughout our admissions, I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was going until I was turning into the driveway of the cabin. I gasped.

“Where are we?” Tessa asked.

“I, um, I don’t know what I was thinking. I didn’t mean to come here. Shit,” I said. “Well, I suppose if we’re going to have this talk we’re going all in.” Suddenly my reserve strengthened and I was ready to face the facts.

“Wow, look at this place, it’s amazing,” Tessa said, craning her neck to look at the house.

I parked the Jeep and got out, motioning for her to follow.

“Wait, is this where you’ve been hiding out with Chase?” she asked.

I laughed. “Um, yeah, for the most part.”

I unlocked the house and escorted her in, remembering to stop and turn off the new alarm system Kyle and Patrick had installed. I hesitated for a minute to see how I’d react. Home. I sighed in relief, thankful I felt no fear or worries after the incident with the tigers. I was confident in my mate and his ability to protect our territory.

“Want something to drink?” I asked Tessa as she looked around, not even bothering to try to hide her interest.

“Sure. So, does Chase’s family own this place?” she asked.

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