Liar, Liar by A.R. Hall

Jasper

He had been pacing for a solid ten minutes. He wouldn’t be surprised if he left permanent marks on the floor of Ben and Diana’s living room. Jasper knew he was acting like a coward for not being able to face Fiona. He’d hurt her though. Even now, her emotions were all over the place. He could feel all of them because of the bond.

You need to finish claiming her. She’s ours.His bear was annoyed with him. Not that it was different from any other time. It was all his fault. Everything.

“Will you stop pacing? You’re stressing me out.” Ben put his hand on his shoulder. “You need to stop trying to run away. It’s clearly not working.”

“She’s your sister,” Jasper forced out. “I couldn’t even tell you.” He shook his head. How could he tell her? Ben had been his best friend growing up, someone he thought of as a brother. How do you tell someone like that you have feelings for their sister? Strong feelings. He never thought of Fiona as family like he did Ben; there was always something else about her though. There had always been more to it. Even when he ignored his thoughts.

“I know she’s my sister. We’re kind of twins.” Ben laughed.

“No! I mean—” He groaned. “—I never told you how I felt, and now I’m going to ruin everything.” He sighed. “She deserves better.” He would never be enough for her.

“She loves you.” Diana rolled her eyes from the couch. Her feet were propped up, and her hands rested protectively over her belly. “She always has. Just go to her and be honest for once.”

“Why are you so conflicted?” Ben crossed his arms. “You have my blessing, if for some odd reason you feel like you need it. You care for each other; that’s the truth. You claimed her and left her though. She doesn’t deserve that.”

“I know. I should’ve stayed away.” Jasper nodded.

No! Ours. Go to our mate,his bear growled.

“No, dumbass. You shouldn’t have left her after you bit her. You claimed her—at least partially. She deserves better than to have you run out on her.” Ben shook his head. “This is why you’ve been all dark and brooding since we got back, isn't it? Your bear has always known.” Ben laughed. “You really are an idiot.”

Smart friend. He claimed his mate at first chance. You’re stupid.His bear shook his head at him.

Jasper wanted to be with her. The club had enemies though. He couldn’t let any of them be a threat to Fiona. They had another assignment in the area, and he couldn’t risk her safety.

She’s strong, but we will protect her. Keep her close, and stop pushing her away.His bear was getting more talkative since Jasper bit her that morning.

Suddenly, panic hit his chest. He should’ve felt relief though. He was coming up with a plan to help her.

Scared.

Then... nothing.

It was like part of his heart disappeared.

She’s in trouble because you left her!his bear growled and threatened to rush to the surface.

Jasper clutched at his chest. “Something’s wrong.”

“Fiona?” Ben’s eyes grew.

Jasper took off in a run, leaving the front door open behind him. He didn’t bother with his bike, since she lived a few streets over from her brother’s house. He heard Ben come up behind him as he slowed to look around her yard. Jasper glanced up at the front porch to see the front door open. He took in a deep breath. Her scent was fresh in the air, but there was something else, something sweet yet bitter.

“Fi!” Ben shouted as he entered the house.

Jasper noticed her car was still in the driveway. There were tire marks behind it in the road that weren’t there this morning. Someone left in a hurry. He ran his hand through his hair. “Fuck!”

Your fault. Should’ve stayed this morning to protect her.His bear clawed to get to the surface, and Jasper couldn’t help the roar that escaped his lips.

He knew it was all his fault. If he wouldn’t have left her this morning, she would still be here. Someone took her.

“I found something!” Ben shouted from inside.

Jasper ran up the stairs and into the kitchen to find Ben looking down at the table. He passed a note to him.

I know what you all are.

Jasper looked down at the table to see a dozen pictures printed out, some fuzzier than others. There were pictures of Ben and Jasper, Ben with Diana, the club….

“Someone’s been watching us,” Ben growled.

Jasper looked through the pictures and found another note attached to a card at the bottom. It was an invitation to a private masquerade party.