Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jin looked up at Chasen and stepped back, wiping the wetness from her face. Someone had noticed she'd left. For once, she wasn't completely invisible.
She smiled, gazing into his chocolate eyes.
He'd taken the time to comfort her, wanting to be friends.
Warmth ignited in her chest, an excitement she couldn't name. Something buried within her began to crack. As she stared into his eyes, an unfamiliar pull drew her closer, strange and inexplicable. She was curious about the tug, but also didn’t understand it.
He stared back, unwavering, his gaze holding something more.
Her heart raced, and a shiver rippled through her.
She took another step back and dropped her gaze to her toes.
“I can’t go back out there right now. I don’t want anyone to know I’ve been crying.” She bit her bottom lip and poked her shoe into the floor.
Chasen, who had been lost in her shining emeralds, snapped out of his haze. He cleared his throat and walked over to the kitchen. “You don’t have to go back out there. Would you like something to drink?”
“Yes, please.” Jin sat on a stool at the kitchen bar and watched as Chasen reached into the fridge and pulled out a big pitcher full of iced tea.
“There you guys are,” Hunter said as he entered the house and walked up to them. He immediately noticed the redness around Jin’s eyes. “Hey. What happened?” His voice was gentle as he rested a hand on her back.
“It’s nothing. Really.” Jin forced out a smile, trying to show that everything was okay.
“He isn’t picking on you, is he?” Hunter raised an eyebrow toward his brother, who only snuffed air out in irritation.
“No, not at all. Chasen and I are friends,” Jin said sweetly.
“Is that right?” Hunter smirked and looked at Chasen, who refused to make eye contact with him.
“You can go back out there.” Jin didn’t want to keep Hunter away from the pack. She was also touched that even as a busy alpha, he noticed she was missing, too.
“Nah, it’s just small talk now anyway. Some are already making their way back home.” Hunter reached out and grabbed the cup that Chasen had poured for him as well.
Jin looked between both men. They were the only ones in the house now. This would be a good time to explain things and tell them about the person in the mall. “If you both still want to know about me, I’m ready to talk to you about it. But maybe up in the room.”
Hunter gave her a soft smile and nodded. “Thank you. I would like to know about your past, Jin.”
The three of them made their way upstairs and into Hunter’s room. Jin sat on the couch while Chasen leaned against the arm of the couch nearest to her and Hunter sat beside her.
“I have to warn you once more … it isn’t a pleasant story,” Jin started, looking down at her hands.
“When I was young, my parents were killed. They believed in balance and were on the side of yin.” She looked over at Hunter and Chasen.
“Yin is also known as the dark priestess, Kali. I’m not sure if you’ve ever heard of her before.
She is a balance keeper.” She sighed. “As you know, there are demons out there that are trying to take over everything. They are heavily tilting the balance. This goes against Kali, and she is fighting to restore balance. I am also on the side of balance, but I’m not on yin or yang’s side.
I fall on both sides. Anyway, I’m getting off track.
My parents were killed by other demons for taking the priestess’ side. ”
Her small hands began to tremble slightly as she remembered the events of that day.
“I was then taken and enslaved by those demons. They placed metal chains on me that sealed my powers. I’d been imprisoned by them up until just a few years ago, when Ciana rescued me.
I was being taken through a utopian village.
I was to be sold, traded, or exchanged for a service, I imagine.
Ciana saw me and snatched me away. She flew down and took off with me. I’m forever indebted to her.”
Jin inhaled a deep breath through her nose, and a couple tears trickled down her cheeks.
“I was treated horribly there. I was starved and beaten. I often wished for death just so I wouldn’t have to suffer anymore.
My life changed so much with Ciana. We’ve lived together for the last few years, deep in the mountains.
We kept close company with Kali, the dark priestess, and Selene, the Moon Goddess.
I received guidance from them. They’re the ones who told me about your family and about the fight for balance.
I knew then that the reason I was alive was so I could be your partner, Hunter.
” She looked up at him, tears glinting like small crystals in her eyes.
“I was meant to give you the element of air.
“Anyway, that’s the watered-down version of my story.” Jin became quiet and looked down at her hands.
“I’m so sorry. That must have been horrible. I’m glad Ciana found you and rescued you. But I don’t think you’re alive just to give me the air element. I think it’s so you can experience a real family here. We’re your family now, Jin.” Hunter patted her back and she smiled up at him and nodded.
“Thank you. That’s what I want more than anything … to have a place I can call home. I don’t even know what a home is. My memory is so foggy from before my parents died, it almost feels like that time never existed.”
Jin looked up at Chasen and then back to Hunter.
“At the mall today, I saw one of the demons who used to mistreat me, and at first, I was very angry. I could use my element now. I wanted to hurt him. But that’s not the person I want to be.
I want to use my strength for self-defense or to protect others. I don’t want to use it for revenge.”
“Good for you. Even the best of us get trapped in revenge,” Chasen said in a gentle tone.
He gazed at her softly. He felt his insides burning with pain for her.
How could she still be so kind and sweet after being abused for so long?
He wanted to hold her. He wanted to feel her against him.
He felt confused by his feelings. Why were they growing so strong?
How was this feeling developing so quickly?
It was starting to become difficult to control.
And deep within, his beast was growling for her with intensity.
As his eyes met with hers, he could hear a voice that was his own … a voice that said MINE.
Chasen shook it off. Werebears didn’t have mates like wolves did. They had chosen mates but never fated mates. They didn’t have an inner voice that told them someone was their mate. So what the hell was he hearing? What the hell was he feeling?
He looked away from her and walked toward the door. He had to get out of there. Before he did something, he had to collect his thoughts.
Jin watched Chasen walk away. The moment he disappeared from sight, pain lanced through her chest. Every instinct screamed to race after him, to leap into his arms. The intensity of it terrified her.
Vulnerable. Excited. Confused. Why had he left without a word?
Had she done something wrong? Maybe he didn't like her after all.
The thought carved a hollow ache inside her.
She looked over at Hunter. “What happened? Is he upset with me?” Jin asked quietly.
Hunter smiled. “He’s just like that sometimes, Jin. You’ll get used to it. It isn’t personal. It’s how he processes things. I think he feels really bad about what happened to you and is just taking this time to himself to sort out his thoughts.”
“He doesn’t have to feel bad about it. It wasn’t his fault. It was just something horrible that happened. It’s the past, though. This is my present, and here, with all of you, is my future,” Jin said happily.
Hunter grinned. “That’s right, Jin. That’s the best attitude to have.
You’re an amazing person, you know that?
Not too many people could come out of a situation like you have and still be as happy as you are.
You have a bright outlook on life. It’s very refreshing.
” Hunter stood up and reached his hand out to help her up.
“You want a shower? Need me to show you how to work it again?”
Jin giggled and shook her head. “Yes, I’ll take a shower, but I think I know how to do it now. Thank you.”
Hunter watched Jin as she hopped into the bathroom and shut the door.
His gaze then turned to the bedroom door where Chasen had walked out.
He didn’t say a word. He just got up and left.
Despite what he had told Jin, it was unlike Chasen not to say anything.
He almost looked like he was in a daze, his hands balling into fists like he was fighting for control.
Something was bothering his brother, and he wanted to know what it was.
He slowly walked out of the room and down the hall to Chasen’s room, opening the door. He found Chasen lying on his bed, looking up at the ceiling.
“Chase? What’s going on?” Hunter walked up and sat on the edge of the bed.
Chasen tossed a ball up in the air and caught it as it came down. “Nothing. Why?”
“Chasen, seriously, tell me. Why did you just leave like that?” Hunter watched him squeeze the ball in his hands before he tossed it up again.
“Nothing,” he replied tersely.
Hunter sighed and glared at him. “Really? You aren’t even going to tell me?”
“It’s because I DON’T KNOW, Hunter!” Chasen roared as he launched himself out of bed. He began to menacingly pace about the room, a deep scowl on his face.
“You know something, though. Maybe I can help? Talk to me.” Hunter’s voice was calm, despite just getting yelled at. His brother was frustrated. Something was bothering him and he wanted to help.
“I don’t know, Hunter. Everything is so strange and foreign. I just don’t know. But this isn’t making sense at all.” Chasen groaned in his hands as he leaned back against the wall.
Hunter walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Chase. I’m here. Talk to me.”
“I don’t understand, Hunter. We don’t have mates like werewolves do.
We have chosen mates, not fated ones. But …
” Chasen sighed and flung his hands down to his sides as he looked up at the ceiling.
“These feelings are getting confusing, and stronger. How are these feelings getting this strong? It shouldn’t be possible.
I’m having a hard time fighting myself off.
I’m losing my self-control, Hunter. And I’ve heard my beast inside me.
My feral instincts have called out to me.
I can hear its voice, and it’s calling Jin mine.
” He looked down at Hunter. “That can’t be right, though. That is a werewolf thing.”
Hunter studied Chasen’s face for a moment. “That sounds like a mate pull for sure. That would explain why the feelings are hard to fight off.” Hunter paused, studying Chasen more. “I don’t know why you’re feeling it, but I don’t think you can deny what it is.”
Chasen groaned and looked down. “Now what, Hunter?”
“What do you mean ‘now what?’ You like her, don’t you? Go talk to her. Just maybe wait until she’s finished showering.” Hunter smirked.
“Ugh, Hunter. She’s been abused and is just now settling in here.
I don’t want to scare her off. She might not be feeling this.
In fact, I’m sure she’s not. There’s nothing about her that shows she’s drawn to me.
I’m afraid if I say something, I’ll scare her off.
” Chasen frowned and leaned back against the wall again.
“Well, this is a step forward,” Hunter said with a smile.
“Say what?” Chasen arched his eyebrows as he stared at his crazy brother.
“Well, earlier today you refused to admit you liked her, and now you’re claiming her as your mate. Boy, you sure move fast.” Hunter winked and chuckled as he dodged his brother’s swat.
“I have to try to hold back for her sake, Hunter. I want to give her some time to adjust here. I don’t know everything she’s been through.
I hope … I hope she’ll accept me.” Chasen looked at Hunter, knowing he would understand him on a deeper level, because he knew what it was like to find someone and have it blow up in your face.
“I don’t see why she wouldn’t. You’re a great guy. And if not, I’m still here for you,” Hunter said softly.
“Sorry to talk about this with you after what you’ve just been through.”
“Nonsense. I’m the one person you should always be able to talk to.
No matter what it is. Don’t worry about me.
I’m sure this Alpha King has an amazing queen out there somewhere.
And I will find her.” Hunter grinned and patted Chasen on the back.
“For now, though, you may want to make sure Jin knows you aren’t upset with her.
I think she felt a bit insecure with how you left. ”
“Really?” Chasen frowned. “Yeah, I’ll go talk to her.”
“Chasen.” Hunter watched as Chasen turned to look at him.
“You don’t have to fight off all of your urges.
It’s okay to be close to her, and as long as she’s okay with your advances, then it’s okay.
If you need to be close to her, then be close to her.
Take baby steps until you find a line. Who knows?
Maybe there isn’t a line. She could be feeling it, too. ”
“Thanks, Hunter.” Chasen smiled and roughed his brother’s hair. He laughed and shook his head. “Gosh, I have no clue what I’m doing.”
“You need a crash course in sex ed?” Hunter teased and Chasen shoved him playfully.
“You know what I’m talking about, mutt. I’ve never been in a relationship before. And I really am suddenly terrified of screwing it up.” Chasen looked down and ran his hand through his brown hair. “Man, do I sound pathetic.”
“Not at all.” Hunter smiled at his brother. “You sound very normal for once. I couldn’t be prouder of you right now. You aren’t running away from the mate pull. You’re willing to embrace it. Chasen, this is everything I’ve always wanted for you. I hope it all works out. You deserve this.”
It was funny. It was like a seed had been planted and had sprouted all at once.
What was once not even a thought was now the reality he was willing to chase.
He knew it right at that moment. The feeling he had been fighting and trying so desperately to bury was something he wanted.
He wanted Jin. As soon as he allowed himself to think that, something cracked inside him and the floodgate opened.
A strong, sweet scent hit his nose. It was the smell of brown sugar, and it made his heart beat in excitement.
That voice sounded again in his mind, only this time, it said something different. Mate.