Page 12 of Gift Wrapped Protector

Jasper smiled tightly. If only he had that same conviction in himself that he saw in Dor’s expression, Conny’s nod, and Larimar’s cool stare.

He might not be entirely focused on this new assignment, but Jasper had no choice. He would have to ignore the fact that his heart was not in it and do his best to guard the woman. Whatever her troubles were, he was sure his Wyvern could handle it.

The file remained closed on the seat, unread and unchecked. Jennifer would be pissed. Speak of the devil,er,Owl, the woman was suddenly video conferencing him on his smart phone.

He waited for the Bluetooth option to connect and answered.

“This is Jasper.”

Her big round glasses appeared first, as she tried, unsuccessfully, to get the phone to stand up. Finally, she was looking at him, and her intelligent gaze seemed unwavering. Jasper waited a beat.

“I’m driving, Jennifer. You know, I really shouldn’t be taking calls,” he said and smirked.

“Yes, well, I thought you might need to talk.”

“It’s a routine assignment, Jen. I got it.”

“You know, I know that your father’s ill health is upsetting—”

“Don’t go there. Not now,” he warned softly.

“Jasper, I will talk to him about ignoring the doctor’s recommendations. It will be okay,” she told him, concern filling her deep brown eyes.

With a masterful ease he’d always envied, Jennifer changed the painful subject, going over the details of his new job.

Good.

ChapterFive

He had no intentions of getting teary-eyed with his hard-as-nails handler. She scrunched her nose to keep her glasses from falling off the tip, but he wasn’t fooled.

Sure, she might look cute and cuddly, but behind the façade was one dangerous as hell Shifter. She was a pit viper in sheep’s clothing. He nodded, getting ready to answer her inquiries.

“Let’s see. Got my weapons, surveillance equipment, microwaveable popcorn,” he told her. “And—oh yeah, a brand new mega pack of condoms!” He winked.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Jas, keep it in your pants! I told you, this one is a friend of mine,” she snarled, giving him her best scathing glare.

Jasper wasn’t expecting that. A real friend, huh? He better tread lightly then.

“Like someone you used to have sleepovers with?”

“Yes, actually, we go way back,” she answered with a sniff.

“Like pillow fights and skinny dipping? Got any pictures? It’s only fair you give me as much information as possible,” he teased, attempting to lighten the foul mood he was in.

“Don’t be gross! You haven’t even opened the file yet, have you?” she accused, but fuck, she was right.

“Uh,” Jas scratched the back of his head.

“Hands on the wheel, Romeo,” she snapped.

“Hey, Jenn, about my case?”Dor yelled from somewhere and he realized she was still at the Wessex house.

“Shut up, Heliodore, I’ll deal with you later,” Jennifer called back to his brother. “Listen up, I’ll fill you in,” she said, pulling out her notes and muttering something under her breath about cocky lizards.

Jasper frowned. Now, that was just mean. He was a magnificent mythical beast, a Wyvern, not some lowly lizard! Really, he should put her in her place, but he knew better than to give Jennifer any of his usual shit.

The Great Horned Owl Shifter was a straight up savage when it came to kicking ass. Shit, she handed out lessons to her charges with a ferocity that rivaled any of the four Wyvern’s.

---