Jasper the Bugbear: Part Four (special preview)

The reward money sits on the desk, untouched. Ever since it was handed to me by Greta (who hand delivered it from some elder in the Bog of Recoil), I’ve not been very interested in it. Jasper has been sleeping a lot, recuperating from what happened to him in the swamp.

I’ve kept to his side, holding his hand or brushing back the fur from his face. When he does wake up, I tend to his wounds and fix him his meals. I try to give him space, but when he’s asleep I almost want to curl inside him to know he’s alright.

“I just need a day or two of this,” Jasper raspy voice replied. I turned from the stove to see him sitting up in bed, shoulders hunched, fur disheveled.

I looked back at the stove, stirring the stew I’ve got going. “Nonsense, take as long as you need.” I said this with a stern tone. “Your health is important.” I filled a bowl full of the stew and carefully delivered it to his bedside.

Jasper sighed, taking the bowl into his large hand. “The warmth does feel good. Thank you Cara, for taking care of me.”

I nodded, glancing away as he began to eat. “Think nothing of it.” I whisked back to the stove to clean up, unaware his eyes were upon me the whole time. “I still have things to do around the city,” I murmured. “A few last things to clean up from the peacekeepers.”

Jasper was quiet for a moment. “You should be careful. There could still be some traitors hidden amongst the ranks. You shouldn’t go alone.”

“I’ll be fine.” I smiled back at him. “The witches were able to find ways to track them. Most should be locked up or somewhere in the Bog of Recoil.”

“I still don’t like it Cara-”

I put down the lid onto the stewpot a little harsh, making it clang loudly. “Well, it’s my job, so there isn’t much to say about that.”

Jasper’s weary brow furrowed. “Cara.”

“It’s fine!” I snapped. I then calmed myself and shook my head. “I’m doing this for you, Jasper.  After what they did, I cannot rest until I’m sure.”

His expression was a sour one. “Yes. I’m sure too.”

I sat back down by his bedside and put my hand upon his arm. I wanted to do more than that though. I wanted him to hold me, to cradle me tight. I wanted there to be no air between us. But right now, that would have to remain locked away in my thoughts.

“It’s been stressful. I know you’re worried but I promise I am fine.” I smiled for him, forcing it out despite the way it pulled at my skin. “And soon you’ll be fine.”

Jasper sighed. “I just want you to stop and breathe, Cara.”

My hand slipped around his bicep and squeezed. “What are you talking about? I am breathing!” I said with a forced laugh.

His brow pinched, taking on a look of ferocity I had only seen on him as a shadow before. “That’s not what I mean, Cara!”

I let go of his arm and stood up abruptly. “I have to go. I told Greta I would meet her in the square to finish things.”

Jasper’s exasperated sigh sent a ripple through my body that made ever hair I had stand on end. “Fine. Be careful out there.”

“Do you want more stew before I go?” The offer was weak, I knew I was on the defensive here.

“No. I have more than enough.” He looked at me for the briefest of moments. “Just-” he hesitated with what he wanted to say and I almost gave in and threw myself upon the bed. “Just be careful. Witches are-” he stalled again. “They’re extremely intelligent, don’t let your guard down with her.”

“I won’t. Greta isn’t the kind of person you take your eyes off of.” I put my hand on the doorknob, aching so much to just lay in his arms. “I’ll be back,” I mumbled as I opened the door and stepped outside.

Ever since the peacekeepers had been exposed, the public outcry was palpable. Peacekeepers were working their hardest to prove they weren’t amongst the betrayers, so they were out and about, doing public service when it wasn’t necessary. The streets looked cleaner, there were less shifty eyes upon the way.

I saw Greta in the square, wearing another disguise. She waved me down and pulled me aside. “Boy have I got something good for you!”

I yanked my arm from his grasp and smoothed my sleeve back down. “What is it?” I grumbled. I was irritated enough already.

She wagged her fingers, making me follow her down a path and through a door. Now, doors with Greta, I learned, didn’t always lead where they were supposed to. I had gotten used to that. Between working with her and the witches on punishing the peacekeepers that tried to fuck them over, and giving her the blood I promised, I had unfortunately gotten used to the shock this caused.

I stepped through one such door back into the bog and my stomach churned. There was so much water around me, and only a small island before us. There was a man tied to a chair. It looked like some of his hair had been ripped out.

“What do you think?” Greta asked as he disguise fell away.

I frowned at the man doubled over in the chair and back at her. “Who is it?”

Greta grandly splayed out her arms. “The guy who kidnapped and beat your boyfriend!” She announced with a song in her voice.