Chapter 21: Interrupted

The warmth emanating from Eliana’s body and her honey scent, overwhelm every sense Jasper has. His mind is a swirling haze as his body aches for more of her. His arm slides farther around her back as he kneels, placing his other hand on the back of her head, imbedding his fingers into her silk locks. His entire nervous system vibrates, a low humming bouncing off his organs, causing miniature shivers to explode all over. He pulls Eliana closer, pressing their lips together as much as he can. His skin tingles, heat licking its way up his arms and into his face. The entire world disappears, his entire soul only aware of Eliana.
Jasper’s abdomen burns as it makes contact with Eliana’s. Her hands softly reach for his shoulders before slowly sliding onto his back causing a low groan to roll through his chest. The need for more becomes overwhelming and he nips at Eliana’s bottom lip, resulting in a gasp to echo form her, her eyes flashing open. Her pupils dilate, her own desire lighting up her features.
Taking a moment to revel in her beauty, Jasper allows his heart to ache with longing. He dips his head to her once more but is not allowed to make contact as the door of the shed is torn open.
Reflex and dread cause every muscle in his body to constrict, the transformation into his animalistic form beginning.
His head whips around, a growl reverberating through his entire body. He tries to clear his vision to see their intruder, his fingers forming into paws.
“What are you doing,” the gruff voice rings into his mind familiarly, but he is still not able to catch his bearings.
“Jasper,” the man barks once more.
As his world spins, Jasper continues his transformation, his limbs shifting.
A whimper grabs his attention as Eliana shifts in his grasp. “Jasper,” she whispers so that only he can hear.
His entire world becomes clear, as though a rope holding him back snaps. The rush of clarity causes him to sway.
The individual in front of him appears with a burst of color. His multi-hued eyes are harsh with confusion.
“Evyn?”
“What are you doing,” he repeats, his brow furrowed.
Jasper blinks, pausing as he tires to remember. He glances down at Eliana whose gaze refuses to leave her interlocked fingers. He gulps at the memories of what just happened, an itch forming at the nape of his neck.
He eases Eliana to the ground, slowly relinquishing his hold on her. The lack of her body against his causes and ache in his chest, tightening his lungs, he tries to clear his throat, to ease the pain, but it remains even more tight now.
“Evyn,” Jasper rasps out, “What are you doing here?” He makes eye contact with his best friend, suspicion building in his stomach.
The werebear shifts, rubbing his neck, “I was traveling with the Climont soldiers. I was helping them track you.”

>><<

Eliana is unable to contain her heartbeat that is pulsating through her entire body. Her stomach is swirling, moving up into her throat. She interlocks her fingers and tightens the grip until pain clears her mind enough so that she is able to hear what is being said.
“What,” Jasper’s entire form is tense, his jaw grinding, “You led them right to us?”
Eyes widening, Evyn takes a step back, glancing away at a few villagers. “No, I swear I did not. They were already on their way in this direction. I only agreed with them. I wanted to find you first, that is why I told them you headed west just now.”
Jasper’s hands are now in fists, “We almost were caught,” he seethes. He pushes himself up, moving toward his friend.
“Jasper,” Eliana whispers, standing unsteadying. Her eyes constantly move from the ground to the villagers before returning back to her hands. “Maybe we should speak elsewhere.”
He looks down at her, his gaze softening, “You’re correct.”
“Let’s go just outside the village, in case the soldiers come back,” Evyn explains, giving them room to exit the shack.
Jasper leaves first but turns to watch Eliana. She slowly follows after, favoring her left leg. She winces as she places pressure on her ankle but grits her teeth and picks up her pace.
“Are you alright,” Jasper whispers, his hand outstretched as Eliana begins to follow Evyn.
She only nods, lowering her head, avoiding eye contact. Breathing in a freezing breath, Eliana swallows all of her emotions.
“Why would you help them to begin with,” Jasper growls once they are a safe distance from the village.
Evyn’s shoulders are tense and Eliana only watches his back, as he halts.
“Because, Jasper, actions have consequences. I told you not to go through with this.” He turns, folding his arms.
Eliana grips the hem of her shirt, her body wracked with a shiver as Jasper stops near her, his warmth brushing her skin.
“Why did I do that,” she wonders in her mind, her eyes lingering on Jasper’s hands.
“What are the consequences,” Jasper grumbles, kicking Eliana back into reality.
“The Chief is enraged. He has to save face and in doing so has made a pact with the Climont soldiers. He will give them Eliana, as long as they give him you, dead or alive.”
Eliana is unable to hold back her gasp, dread draining her energy, forming stones in her stomach.
“Why would he do that?” Jasper’s brow is furrowed, a sneer beginning to form on his face.
“You took his bride from him and rejected a young Xefol. You have betrayed the clan.” Evyn scratches at his neck.
“Then why are you here?”
“You are still my friend, and I do not believe you deserve to die over this.”
Eliana breaths in, taking all of the information. As she does so, she slowly comes to terms with the reality that is her life now. She could very well become the reason for Jasper’s death.