Unrelenting Destiny

4. Stifling

Jasper Orion Deveraux

He had taken Orianna once more when they got back to their home - still rearing from his earlier adrenaline. A shower together was what he really needed to feel refreshed enough to drive all the way to the Southern California border to take the deserter home. His mate was collapsed on their bed, freshly dried hair fanned out about her face. That slight sweet tinge that had enticed him washed away with the shower, replaced with her usual scent of soft lavender and tea leaves.

Jasper remembered the first time he had laid eyes on her at The Claiming. He distinctly remembered thinking, "She's not bad." But he never told her such a thing. Orianna was a tall, fair-skinned woman with taut features, light brown hair, and light brown eyes. Behind her stubborn nature and sharp tongue, she was devoted and loyal. He had once mentioned how much he liked freckles and suddenly she had a faint smattering of the pigmentation thanks to some permanent henna - not that Jasper ever acknowledged or noticed it. It was apparent that Orianna had spent the last four years trying to please Jasper, though she would never admit it. She even suppressed her heat and took heavy doses of contraception to ensure they did not have pups that he insisted he did not want.

But such devotion flew past Jasper's awareness, enjoying Orianna for what she was able to provide for him. Burying himself in his role as Beta and his many scattered hobbies seemed to take priority over his mate. He felt her gaze on his bare back as he dressed, pulling a black t-shirt over his head and tugging on a pair of dark jeans.

Orianna practically purred with approval at the sight of him, propping her head up on the palm of her hand. Tapping her fingers on the bedspread, she asked, "You'll be back tonight right?"

He hesitated, "Seven-hour drive there, seven hours back... If Alpha Clark would be so kind to put me up for the night, I might take up that offer."

Orianna pouted, jealousy beginning to taint her tone, "So you're leaving me alone here? Aren't you worried someone will take advantage of poor, little me?"

"No," Jasper said without hesitation, clicking a text into his phone. His mate gave a huff and he looked to her, slightly confused, "It's barely a night. Do you plan on going out galavanting while I'm gone?"

Orianna gulped, shaking her head as she hid a blush. Her mate returned to his phone without another thought to her question, "Alright, I'm heading out. I'll let you know when I get there." She scrambled to get up to kiss him goodbye but he hadn't looked up from his phone and disappeared out the door before she could. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, walking over to their mini-fridge for a chilled bottle of wine. Hopefully, that would distract her enough from her unfounded jealousy. After all, Jasper had never given her reason to doubt his loyalty to her.

***

Ryzen was jumping around like a pup. He hadn't calmed since they had first seen Orianna earlier that morning. What's wrong with you? Jasper thought with annoyance.

It's her.

Her who?

Before Ryze could respond, he lept high, charging as close to their consciousness as Jasper allowed. Perhaps if he hadn't been so distracted by his wolf's odd behavior, he would have noticed her sooner. But he saw her in the distance as he approached the truck, partially hidden behind Alpha Ivan.

This woman was almost fairy-like. Her skin looked smooth and soft, the color of white peaches and seemingly lit from within. It looked like the sun stopped around her, allowing her to shine in its stead. Her hair, though a bit disheveled, fell about her slim waist like cornsilk. And those eyes - oh Goddess, those eyes - were the palest blue that they were practically silver. It reminded him the thin layer of fresh snow on stone. Those unwavering orbs stared into his soul, connecting with his wolf in a way that could only be described as supernatural. Jasper's heart stopped at the sight of her.