Page 42 of In the Monster's Wake
“I kind of wish we’d never taken this job,” Braith complained.
“Me too, but something tells me that Kester would’ve found us even if we hadn’t.”He was too dangerous to be allowed to live.Archibald wasn’t usually one to play vigilante—he liked being paid for the work he did—but he might have done it this time.
“Yeah, well.You had to go and fall for Jasper, so I suspect you’re right.”Braith clasped Archibald’s shoulder.“Have fun.”
Archibald wasn’t planning on having fun, but he did want to reconnect with Jasper.He wanted to check in on him and make sure he was all right.He was also intrigued by the fact that Kester had licked Jasper’s blood and apparently found it weird.He wasn’t about to ask Jasper if he could taste his blood, but part of him was tempted.
Jasper had been a mystery since they’d met.Archibald had thought that he would eventually unravel that mystery, but instead, Jasper got more mysterious with time.It made Archibald wonder if he’d ever uncover all of Jasper’s secrets.
Part of him hoped he wouldn’t.
* * * *
JASPER WINCED AS HEshifted on the couch, his back still tender from the altercation earlier.The dim glow of the overhead lamp cast long shadows across Archie’s living room, and the scent of garlic from their dinner lingered in the air.It was cozy and made Jasper feel at home, even though he wasn’t.
Braith and Cullen had left.Jasper should go to bed, but he found that he was unwilling to end the day just yet.He wanted to spend more time with Archie, even though they both needed to rest and be ready for whatever would happen tomorrow.
Archie had gotten up to get Jasper water from the kitchen, and Jasper had taken advantage of his short time alone to try to wiggle into a more comfortable position.He’d failed, and he was in pain now, which was how Archie caught him.He rushed to Jasper and put down his glass of water on the coffee table.
The concern in his expression softened his imposing frame.His eyes glowed faintly as they studied Jasper with an intensity that made Jasper’s stomach flip.He wasn’t sure what his body would be up to tonight, but he was willing to try.
“You’re in pain,” Archie murmured.He crouched in front of the couch, gently resting his hands on Jasper’s knees.“I can see it in the way you’re sitting.Don’t lie to me.”
Jasper sighed, leaning back against the cushions.“I’m fine, Archie.Really.I’m just a little sore.”Which was better than most people who’d fought with Kester could say.
“A little sore,” Archie repeated.He tilted his head.“You’re terrible at hiding pain, you know that?I can hear it in your voice and smell it on you.”
Jasper’s cheeks flushed.“Smell it on me?”
Archie’s lips curled into a slight smile, revealing the faintest hint of fangs.“Monster senses, remember?You’re practically broadcasting it.”He leaned in closer, his breath warm against Jasper’s skin.“Let me help you.”
Jasper hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest.He was pretty sure that pain wasn’t the only thing he broadcasted when he was in Archie’s presence.There was something about the way Archie looked at him—like he was something precious, something to be protected—that left him breathless.
“What did you have in mind?”Jasper asked in a whisper.
Archie’s smile widened, and he stood, extending a hand toward Jasper.“Trust me.”
Jasper did.He wasn’t sure why, but he did.
He took Archie’s hand, his fingers dwarfed by Archie’s larger ones.Archie guided him to his feet with gentleness, his touch steadying as Jasper swayed slightly.Maybe Jasper shouldn’t be surprised by how gentle Archie was, but he couldn’t help it.After being told most of his life that monsters were dangerous, it still felt odd to trust one so completely.
“Easy,” Archie murmured, his other hand coming to rest on Jasper’s waist.“I’ve got you.”
Jasper’s breath hitched at the contact, and he looked up into Archie’s eyes.There was something there—something soft and vulnerable that made Jasper’s chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with his bruises and aches.
Archie led him to the bedroom.The space was somewhat familiar to Jasper, but he didn’t feel like he belonged yet.The bed was made, and the room was neat.Archie gestured for Jasper to sit, and he did, sinking into the plush mattress with a relieved sigh.
“Take off your shirt,” Archie said, his voice gentle but firm.
Jasper hesitated only for a moment.His fingers trembled slightly as he reached for the hem of his t-shirt.He tugged it over his head, wincing as the movement pulled at the pain in his ribs.Kester had done a number on him, and he hadn’t even tried very hard.Hell, Jasper couldn’t even remember when he’d been hit in the ribs.Maybe when he’d slammed Jasper against the wall?
Archie’s gaze swept over Jasper’s body, his expression unreadable as he stepped closer.His fingers hovered over Jasper’s skin, close but not quite touching him, as if Archie was afraid to hurt him.
“You’re beautiful,” Archie said softly.
Jasper’s breath caught, and he looked up at Archie, his heart pounding.“Archie.”He wasn’t the first person to tell Jasper that he was beautiful, but Jasper liked it.
Archie rested his hands on Jasper’s thighs.“Let me take care of you,” he murmured.
