Page 34 of Jasper

She didn’t want her parents to get hurt, and Ludo was dangerous.

Her dad was dangerous too, but he would never have done what Ludo did. The male was dangerous on a whole different level.

“Jasper’s pack is clearly unique and aligns with other shifter groups. That’s not the way of our people. But aside from that, I can’t in good conscience leave the pack the way it is. People will get hurt—more than already have been hurt—and the pack will be ruined. Ludo must be put down, and his followers too, before more people die. It’s my duty as the second-in-command to take over the pack and set the others free, and also put down the threat to the pack. The safety and wellbeing of my people is myutmost priority.” He glanced at her mom and smiled. “Next to my mate and daughter’s safety, of course.”

Melody grinned. “Nice save.”

“Thanks. We’ll leave and time it to arrive at dark. There are some pack members I can get to help me set the others free, and then we’ll take back the pack from Ludo.”

“If anyone can do it, it’s you,” she said.

Her dad was a fierce male. She was certain that if he hadn’t been caught off guard and her mom’s life hadn’t been on the line, Ludo wouldn’t have stood a chance in taking him to the cell.

“We can spend the day together,” she said. “Jasper and I have a date tonight.”

Her mom reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I’m happy for you both, even if I’m sad you won’t be in our pack anymore. But you’ll be able to come visit anytime.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

While Jasper and her dad talked strategy for infiltrating the pack again, now that Ludo was certainly paying closer attention to the borders of the territory and the prison itself, she and her mom talked about the mating ceremony.

When their meal was over and she and Jasper were supposed to meet with his alpha, she hugged her mom tightly.

“I’ll see you after our meeting,” she said.

“Don’t be nervous,” her mom said.

“I can’t help it. It’s always nerve-wracking to meet with an alpha.”

“Only because Alpha Grimes was a jackass and made everyone feel inferior,” her dad said. “From what Jasper has told me, Alpha Joss and his mate Jeanie are good people. You’ll fit right in because Joss’s mate can’t shift either.”

“Really? That’s great news I won’t be alone in my non-shifter status.”

“There are several human soulmates in the pack and among the other shifter groups,” Jasper said. “Plus a half-polar bear who can’t shift. I’ll make sure you meet everyone.”

“I’d love that.”

She and Jasper watched her parents as they left to go to the apartment complex. “Joss is letting them borrow one of the unmarked SUVs for tonight. When things are settled and safe, I’ll take you there and you can pack up your stuff and we’ll collect the vehicle.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

He put his arm around her shoulder and turned her toward the back of the cafeteria and the stairs that led underground. “How do you feel about living here? Because I know you said that you wouldn’t want to be in the Northbelle pack anymore, but if you really wanted to be there with your family, you have to know that I would go back for you.”

“I know you would,” she said, putting her arm around his waist. “It’s why I want to stay here.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’d always know that you really wanted to be here at the park with the pack. It’s not any kind of hardship for me to be here. It sounds like no one will care that I can’t shift, and I know you don’t care, so I’m happy to be where you are.”

He kissed the top of her head and then entered the code to unlock the door. “Nobody cares about that. We only care that our people are happy and safe, and you’ll be both of those things with me.”

Damn, she loved him.

Hell, she’d always loved him. Ever since she knew they were soulmates when they were young, and he’d been her best defender and sweetest friend.

She stepped into the alcove at the top of the stairs and looked at him as he pulled the door shut. “I don’t know why I thoughtyou abandoned me. I loved you so much and we were meant to be together. But it just made sense to the part of me that always felt so inadequate. Like you deserved better than a non-shifter like me.”

He let out a low snarl and his eyes flashed to amber. “Sweetheart, I only ever deserved you because you’re my soulmate. Hell, most of the time I felt likeIwas the one who didn’t deserve you, because you’re gorgeous and sweet and kind, and you made me want to be a better male.” He mused for a quiet moment, then said, “I don’t know why I didn’t come for you either. I wanted to, I was desperate, but I just kept waiting for you to reach out to me. Then my heart was broken, and then I was angry. I’ve been angry ever since. I loved you so much too, though. I never stopped.”

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