Page 80 of Confusing Hearts

“Uh, sounds like she’s in the shower,” Tessa said.

“Mind if I wait?” I asked.

“Go on in,” she said. “And hey, Chase?”

“Yeah?”

“You’ll watch out for her this week, right? I mean, I know you will, just, she’s going into pack territory. It makes me nervous. Keep her safe for me, okay?”

“I’ll protect that girl with my life, Tessa. Nothing’s going to happen to her. I promise. Besides, you forget, she is pack. It’s her territory now, too.”

Tessa didn’t quite look convinced, but nodded.

“Hey, Tessa, can I ask you something now?”

She turned around at the door. “Sure, what?”

“So, you know that news is spreading like wildfire around this place, right?” She nodded. “And are you aware that I was assaulted by no less than seven girls walking across campus just now?”

She snorted, crossing her arms over her chest defensively. “I’m not surprised. Rumor has it that you are ready to settle down and so they want to break you and Jenna up so they can have their chance, or just seduce you into taking them instead of her.”

“Yup, that’s pretty much my theory, too. So, we were originally heading out of town tonight, but Jenna wanted to wait until tomorrow after you girls leave, so that we didn’t draw any attention.”

Tessa laughed. “A little late for that, hon.”

I grinned sheepishly. “I know. So, you cool if I take her today instead?”

“She’s a big girl, she can make that decision herself, but sure, for what it’s worth, it’s cool. Just take care of my sister.”

“I love her, you know,” I said honestly.

She smiled. “I’m happy for you guys. Really. I know it won’t always be easy, but I don’t have any problems with you, Chase.”

“Glad to hear it, Tessa. Thanks. And have a great time in Cabo.”

She said goodbye and closed the door. I plopped down on Jenna’s bed looking around at her stuff and taking it all in. The water was still flowing in the shower and I was tempted to strip and join her. No sooner had I thought of it, I heard a loud and off-key rendition of We Are the Champions coming from the bathroom. I couldn’t help but laugh. My mate was a terrible shower singer.

Shortly after the song ended, the shower cut off. I stayed on the bed and waited until she finally opened the door. She was wrapped in a towel, a second one piled high on top of her head, and steam surrounded her like a vision.

She walked to her desk, picked up the phone, looked at it, and then put it back down. Her bottom lip jutted out in a pout. “Class ended an hour ago,” she said to herself.

“Yes, it did. Did you miss me?” I asked, unable to keep quiet any longer.

Jenna screamed and as she whipped around to face me, she dropped her towel. There was no greater sight in the world than my mate naked. Her chest was heaving up and down as she tried to catch her breath.

“I’m sorry.” I grinned. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Scare me? Scare me? Oh, no, I’m completely used to random guys hanging out in my bedroom. What are you doing here?”

The door to her bedroom opened and she quickly reached for her towel to cover herself. Four heads popped through the doorway to make sure she was okay. I had no doubt the sight of her standing before me, completely naked except for the towel still on her head, as she scrambled for the towel she’d dropped, was not what they envisioned from her terrified scream. Four jaws hung open in shock.

Tessa walked by them. “Sorry, sissy. I didn’t think you’d freak out that bad.”

“You let that boy in her room?” Ayanna asked in disgust. “With all those awful rumors about them flying around?”

“Drop it, Ayanna. Jenna’s a grown woman and can do as she pleases. Now close the door. You know she likes her privacy,” Tessa told her with some authority in her voice. To my surprise, they listened. A few blushes, and a few mumbled sorry’s later, followed by the sound of the closed door, and we were alone once again.

I grabbed the towel from her and pulled her down onto my lap. Wrapping my arms around her, I kissed down her neck until I found my bond mark and paid special attention to the sensitive skin there. Jenna shivered in my arms.

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