Liar, Liar by A.R. Hall
Jasper
Jasper was fuming. He hadn’t been able to sleep in two days, and that only added to his fury. How dare they take what belonged to him? Grove assured him they would make sure she was safe. The club had left their vests behind and donned suits for this damn masquerade.
The only reason Ben didn’t come was because they knew people were watching them, and he refused to leave Diana’s side. Jasper didn’t blame him. When this was all over, he was never leaving Fiona’s again.
“Fuck, this thing itches.” Teeny took off the mask and ran his hand down his face. Teeny was a prospect and joined the group of them a few months before.
“Put it back on,” Grove spoke quietly. “We’re undercover here. We finish our mission, which now includes making sure Fiona is safe, and then get out.”
Jasper fidgeted as he recalled the news yesterday. It turned out their mission involved the same person who was currently escorting her to the event. He doubted she knew how dangerous Michael really was.
The man had several homes all over the world and never stayed in the same place for long. He was one of the leaders of an underground hate group targeting those with gifts. It was worse, because there were also rumors he was trafficking people with gifts and abilities, but nobody could catch him in an act. Jasper had a feeling there was more, but Grove wouldn’t talk about it.
“Everyone, stick to the plan. Get in and out quickly so we can go home. This is all about collecting information.” Grove nodded. “Jasper, stick to the plan. I know you want to go after him, but get her out first. We’ll get him later.”
Jasper was well aware of the plan. His only part was getting to Fi when she excused herself at the first opportunity. Get in and out. The others would get to Michael once she was safely away from this place. Even if he did want to go after him personally, her safety meant the most.
He reminded himself of this as he quietly made his way through the back of the building and hid in an empty room past the restrooms. He would be able to see anyone coming or going this way.
Jasper wanted to blame himself for her getting into this mess, but he knew it was more than that. Michael and others like him had been watching all of them and who knew who else for years. It was bigger than just them.
He wanted to get her out of there and then never let her out of his sight again. He should have been honest with her from the start. Going forward, he always would be. The truth was that his beast hadn’t been a threat to her in years. He just didn’t want to admit what really bothered him.
What if she didn’t look at him the same as before?
Before he was a shifter.
Before he died.
Before the Venmage attack.
What if she didn’t like the new him? What if she preferred the old him, who simply had gifts like her?
“Fuck,” he whispered to himself when he finally saw her enter the hallway. He’d recognize those curves anywhere.
Fiona was wearing a red dress that hugged her curves, then spread out near the knees, hard to run away in. It was low cut and held up with the tiniest chain that looked like it would snap if she made any sudden moves. Her mask was a soft pink, red, and black that covered the top half of her face.
He waited for her to leave the restroom and then pulled her into the room with him. She gasped as his hand covered her mouth, and he pressed her backside into him.
“Shhh, it’s me.” He slowly uncovered her mouth and loosened his hold on her so she could turn around.
“Jasper,” she whispered as she turned and threw her arms around him. “Thank the gods! He has these pictures of you, Ben, and Diana. There were pictures of these other guys with you. It’s bad.”
He pulled her close and breathed her in. Getting to her had been easier than he thought. Now, they just needed to get out without anyone noticing.
Ours. Claim her so nobody else can get to her.His bear came close to the surface.
He didn’t want their first time to be like this, but having her in his arms and seeing that claim mark on her shoulder was doing things to him.
Fiona looked up at him, and it was as if she could hear his thoughts. “I know the truth.”
He shut his eyes and rested his forehead on hers. “I have to get you out of here first.”
“Okay.”
He waited until the hall was clear and practically carried her as they made a run for it out the back.