Page 52 of Awakening the Beast
I offer him an uneasy smile, glancing back at the mansion. “That’s right.” I respond.
I turn to look up at him again. “Thanks for doing this tonight.”
He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder before passing me. “It’s fine; Lumi is my niece too.”
As he begins to walk away, I stop him with a gentle hand on his arm. “Jasp…”
He pauses and turns to look at me, his face a blend of curiosity and concern.
“What’s wrong? I don’t want to act like the annoying big sister and Lil will probably kill me for this, but you were there for me a lot when Arlo was gone, and I consider us family…”
He stares at me, confusion drawn on his face and I close the gap between us, my eyes soft.
“She’s told me that you’re not quite yourself lately. Is it the job or something else?” I ask, concern clear in my voice.
He lets out a frustrated growl, rubbing his hands up and down his face before pinching the bridge of his nose. “No, it’s not just the job; I’ve got other stuff going on,” he admits.
My brows knit together. “And you haven’t told Lil anything?” I press, hoping for more clarity.
He shakes his head slightly, his expression resigned. “How can I talk to her when you haven’t even told her about you and Arlo?” he retorts.
I sigh and look away, feeling the weight of our situation. “I want you to be honest with her, no matter what,” I say before shifting my gaze back to him. “One thing I’ve learned from being with Arlo is that he needs me to be there for him, not just in conversation… but in other ways too.”
Jasper throws his head back with a throaty laugh, catching onto my meaning and I giggle softly before continuing, “Just keep it tame for now—no need for gory details, but you can and should open up to her, Jasp.”
He gives me a soft smile before placing his hands in his pants pockets. “It’s just been a long year, and I think what happenedto Arlo changed us a lot, you know? But it doesn’t help that my mom is getting out next week.”
I look at him, confused. “Your mom is getting out of where?”
He rubs his chin with his palm, struggling to find the words.
“She’s been locked up for in a mental institute for almost five years, Wren.”
My eyes relax as I reply lightly. “Sorry, Jasp, I didn’t know.”
He waves me off with his hand. “It’s fine, but maybe you can see why I’m a little tense right now.”
I give a small nod of understanding. “Of course. And I’m sure Lil would love to support you through this.”
He inhales deeply before giving a sharp nod. I can tell that, like his brother, opening up won’t come easily for him; their relationship will face tough times ahead, but it would be so much better if theirs honesty.
“Thanks, Wren,” Jasper says, his tone appreciative. “But I’ll let you go. It’s your first night back, and I don’t want Arlo to kill my ass because you’re late.”
My eyes widen as I glance down at my watch and realize I’m now running late. “Thanks again, Jasp!” I call over my shoulder as I dash past him. I hear him chuckle as I head for the car and slip inside.
I sit at the head of the long table, slouched back in my chair, my elbow resting on the arm as I tug on my bottom lip with my thumb and finger, staring into blank space. The Elites filter in, taking their seats one by one, but my focus remains fixed ahead, waiting for Wren to make her entrance.
As I glance around, noting that everyone is seated except her, I turn my gaze to the clock on the wall. It’s unusual for her to be late. Yet, her smart mouth will probably tell me she is fashionably late or some shit. The silence in the room grows thick as the Elites exchange occasional glances, aware that the meeting won't begin until I say so.
She’s already crossed a line.
No one is ever fucking late, except for me; she is not an exception just because I love her. Yeah, I plan to press her buttons tonight. Who would I be if I didn’t push her to her limits as my partner? She wants to be in the Elite world, but she didn’t join while I was here, so let’s see how she copes with me breathing down her fucking neck.
I let my tongue piercing slide across my bottom lip, my patience wearing thin as the minutes tick by.
Ten minutes late now.
I can feel the pressure building in my head, ready to boil over, making me want to call her, when suddenly the main door behind me creaks open.
