Page 163 of Unravelling The Beast

A call unexpectedly comes through on his phone, and he touches the dashboard screen, causing a voice to boom over his car speakers.

"Jasp!?"

When I hear my sister's panicked murmur, I immediately sit up as Jasper reacts.

"What is it, Lil!?"

"Someone tried to get me, Jasp."

Jasper yells into his phone.

"I'm coming to you right now!"

"There isn't any need. My dad... My dad took care of it."

In shock, I gasp.

"Dad? Our Dad?"

She pauses for a beat before speaking, puzzled.

"Wait... Wren?What on earth are you doing there?"

I sigh and recline in my seat, and Jasper answers for me.

"They kidnapped her for a while, but Arlo and I got her back.I'm returning her to his place right now. Are you positive you don't need me to come get you?"

"What? Oh my god, Wren, are you okay?"

I take a long breath before responding.

"I'm fine, Lil. I'm just exhausted. What did you mean by "dad has taken care of it?"

She whispers into the phone once again.

"He tore them apart with a shotgun, Wren, and then locked me and mom in a safe room before transporting us to some luxurious hotel."

I shake my head in disbelief, not believing what she's saying.

"A safe room?"

"Look, I have to go because Mom is calling and I'm hiding in the bathroom, but I'll call you tomorrow. Please keep her safe, Jasp, and I love you both."

Jasper speaks up before I do.

"Get some sleep, sweetheart."

I respond just as she is about to hang up.

"Love you, Lil."

When she's gone, I speak while looking at Jasper's side profile.

"Did she just say the word 'L' to you?"

His eyes are drawn to mine in the rear-view mirror before he shrugs his shoulders.

"She can say whatever the hell she wants; I don't care as long as she's happy."