Page 3 of Jasper

When I finally shift, her fingers tighten around my shirt for a moment, but I murmur softly, “I’m getting up, sweetheart. Go back to sleep.”

She doesn’t even open her eyes; just makes a noise somewhere between a grunt and a sigh before turning over and burrowing deeper into the blankets with Marshmallow clutched so tightly in her arm that I almost feel bad for the stuffie. Then I notice the stuffed toy has on the same nightgown that Rowie is wearing and smile. I swear to God, this Little girl is too fucking adorable for her own good. Of course she has matching clothes for her and her toys. And I could bet good money on which of my brothers indulges it.

The smell of coffee pulls me downstairs, and I follow it like a bloodhound, half-asleep and desperate for the caffeine fix.

As I round the corner into the kitchen, Ghost and Cassian are already there, leaning against the counter with steaming mugs in hand. Ghost raises an eyebrow when he sees me.

“Morning, sunshine,” he drawls, smirking. “How was your night?”

I grunt, rubbing a hand over my face. “You mean surviving another round of ‘Rowie’s Nightmares’ on Hard Mode? Same old. She finally crashed around four.”

Cassian pushes a cup toward me. “She okay?”

I nod, taking a grateful sip. It’s bitter and absolutely fucking perfect. “Yeah. Took a bit to calm her down enough to sleep, but she’s passed out now.”

Ghost gives a sympathetic nod, his expression softening. “You good?”

I shrug. “Yeah. Tired, but what else is new? I’ll survive. I hate that it happens to her. Feels like I’m watching her drown and I can’t do a damn thing to help.”

Cassian claps a hand on my shoulder, squeezing lightly. “We’re helping by being there. You know that. She’s come a long way.”

“Yeah.” I take another sip. “Just wish we could do more.”

Ghost runs his fingers through his messy hair. “You get any sleep at all?”

“No.” If I’m being honest, the last time I got any good sleep was the times the Littles forced me to watch some kind of animated princess movie with them. For whatever reason, I always sleep like the dead during those. Sometimes I think they only have movie time to get me to pass out. They might be naughty brats sometimes, but their hearts are so damn good. Honestly, having Ember here for the past few months has not only made Cage less of an asshole, but it’s also helped Rowie so much. She’s more outgoing and playful. We hadn’t realized how lonely she had been with just us around. Now the two girls are practically attached at the hip every chance they get, and the main house is rarely ever quiet anymore. It’s a blessing. Most of the time.

“Great, so we’re going to have to deal with a grumpy Rowieanda grumpy Jasper today,” Cassian quips.

Before I can fire back a response, the sure sound of the front door slamming shut happens right before Cage walks in, guiding a skipping Ember in ahead of him.

Ember’s face is flushed, her hair slightly messy, and she’s still laughing at something Cage must have said. He’s got his hand at the small of her back, guiding her in like he can’t bear not to touch her. Which, considering it’s Cage, is a good possibility. He can’t stand being away from Ember. Not that I blame him. If I had a Little girl of my own, she’d never leave my fucking sight.

Ghost snorts. “Looks like you two had an eventful morning.”

Cage just shrugs, his lips twitching up in a smug grin. “You know what they say, the best part of waking up is?—”

“Jesus,” Cassian cuts in. “We don’t need to hear about your sexcapades with our new sister.”

Ember rolls her eyes but can’t hide her smile, while Cage gives Ghost a fist bump and a wink. I’m thrilled that my brother found his girl, but it pisses me off that he’s getting laid on the regular and we’re all stuck fucking our hands. Asshole.

“Coffee’s on,” I offer, taking another long sip. “Help yourself.”

Cage nudges Ember over to the counter, his hand never leaving her, and she leans into him like it’s second nature. He pulls down a mug and a sippy cup, filling hers with diluted apple juice before pouring himself some coffee.

Cassian raises a brow at Cage. “You dropping her off, or sticking around?”

Cage glances down at Ember, brushing his fingers through her hair. “I’ve got a job. Leaving in about an hour. Who’s babysitting today?”

Ember makes a little sound of protest over Cage’s comment. “I don’t need a sitter. I’m a big girl.”

Cage smirks and winks at her. “You’re a Little girl, and Little girls need to be watched so they don’t get into trouble.”

She rolls her eyes, but a tiny smile appears. As much as she tries to insist she doesn’t need to be babysat by us, I’ve realized that she actually loves being able to feel Little at all times, knowing she’ll be taken care of, even if it’s by her man’s brothers.

Once Cage downs his coffee, he pulls Ember closer, one arm wrapped around her waist. “Be good while I’m gone, yeah?”

She tilts her head up, pouting just a little. “I’m always good.”

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