Page 11 of Claimed By the Panda
“I know, I know. My mind can overpower my heart if it is necessary or prudent.”
My father nodded. “If this boy does not want to commit himself to this life, you will need to let him go. You can only show love for someone who has made a choice to be yours. And you can only commit to someone you have chosen for yourself, no matter what your panda wants.”
I felt my panda’s energy as if he was pacing inside my chest, irritated. “Why are you saying this? Are you afraid you won’t like him?”
“Of course not. But you’re young. If this is not something you want, you will need to overpower your panda. It’s not easy, but it is possible. You are not bound to this boy, no matter how much your panda wants him.”
The snarl that slipped out in response to that definitely came from the panda.
Chapter 4
Cody
I sat at theWei family dining table in Jian’s baggy sweatpants and an oversized hoodie, trying not to stare too obviously at his dad, Guo’s, panda-shaped tea infuser. It was freaking adorable, though.
I wanted one for myself.
And every time I glanced at it, I remembered the impossible sight from this morning—Jian transforming from a panda into the sullen, gorgeous man who now sat beside me. His hand stroked my thigh in a rather firm, claiming way that I wasn’t sure he was aware of.
But I didn’t want it to stop. I liked the way he touched me, like I was important, cherished, and not just an irritating responsibility.
His mother beamed at us from across a spread of empty plates, clearly delighted by her son’s “boyfriend.” If only she knew we’d met less than twelve hours ago.
“More tea, Cody?” Marissa pushed a delicate ceramic pot toward me.
“Thank you.” I tried not to lean into how welcome and at home Jian’s family made me feel, reminding myself that this was a fake date. “Everything was amazing.”
“You’re such a polite young man.” She reached across to pat my hand. “So different from the dates Jian usually brings home.”
Jian tensed beside me. “I don’t bring anyone home.”
“That’s why Cody is different!” Marissa winked at me.
All eyes at the table were suddenly on me, and I had no idea what they expected me to say, but they all looked way too eager to hear from me. Heat crept up my neck as I shifted in my chair. Jian’s hand moved down to my knee, squeezing possessively.
“Do you need help with the dishes?” I started to stand, desperate for something to do that didn’t involve talking.
Marissa waved me off. “Absolutely not. You’re our guest. Jian, why don’t you show Cody around the retreat?”
Jian stood abruptly, tugging me up with him. “Fine. Come on.”
I followed him out, hyperaware of his fingers laced through mine as he pulled me through the main house and out onto a stone path that wound through a garden. The morning air was crisp against my face, scented with pine and rain.
“Your family is really nice.”
“I think you meant to say ‘overbearing.’”
I laughed, shaking my head. “No, I meant nice. They’re so warm and loving. I haven’t had much of that.” I cleared my throat. “So, they kept saying fated mate?”
“I wouldn’t be in a relationship with a human unless the human was my fated mate. Clearly, I didn’t think through the consequences of a human boyfriend.”
“What does it mean, though? Fated?”
He waved a hand. “It’s just a silly superstition. Many shifters believe that there is a person out there for each of us. Someone that our animal side, our heart calls for.”
“And they’re not bothered that your person is a guy?”
“No, because it’s a gender-blind connection. It’s based on core emotional needs and desires. For example, your kindness and warmth might soften my loneliness… Not that I’m lonely, I mean.” I cleared my throat. “But it doesn’t matter. It’s all made up.”
