Page 117 of Ruthless Alpha Beast

“Honestly, I’ve been better.”

“Adventures really take it out of you sometimes, don’t they?” he smiles. “You know, like in that book.”

If I were less concerned with where Jasper was and when he’s coming back, maybe I’d find this interaction funnier than I do.

It is, though, still a little funny.

“Exactly,” I respond. “Exactly like that. But hey, do you know where Jasper is? I assume he told you to guard the hut.”

A little overkill, we’re literally in pack grounds, but I can’t say I don’t enjoy it when he’s overprotective like this.

It makes me feel strangely good—tingly.

“He said that he went to find the right flower; he took the dagger with him as well.”

My chest tightens. He’s an Alpha, one of the most powerful shifters, and yet I’m filled with dread. I don’t want him to be hurt or feel any inch of the pain that I just did.

“He went by himself?”

It’s night; the crickets chirp, the stars blink, and mostly everything is silent. I bet he did go by himself.

“Yes,” the guard responds. “I’m under strict orders to keep you here.”

Of course he is.

“I understand that,” I swallow. “But I think Jasper is forgetting that he might need my expertise. And honestly, I feel fine now.”

I do feel much better. I do want to go and help, at least if anything happens, anything awful or life-threatening, I’ll be by his side.

He’s so brave, so adamant at tackling things alone, and he doesn’t have to be.

I may not be a shifter, but I’m strong.

“He said that you might say that, and I’m supposed to tell you that he’s got it and that you should still be resting.”

I frown a little, rubbing my lips.

“But what if I could be the one to save him? I’m sure you have a wife, right? Or a mate? How would you feel if they went out on a life-threatening mission alone?”

He considers it, seeming as though he understands my point, and then his face returns to its usual neutral stance again.

“If my mate wanted to join me on a dangerous guard mission, she’d have to burn down this whole pack to get there first. There’s no way in hell.”

Hmm. Not as understanding as I thought.

“I’ll give you another killer book recommendation?” I smile.

His face stays neutral. It echoes what he just said—no way in hell.

Well, there’s no way in hell that I’m letting Jasper stay out there alone. If I lost him… I don’t even want to think about that.

I whip out my phone, relieved to feel that it’s in my pocket, and text my group chat with Danielle, Lacey, and Monroe.

I tell them to meet me at the healer’s hut.

I stay outside chatting with the guard, doing my best at casual conversation while the love of my life is out hunting an evil flower. After ten minutes, my friends finally showed up.

“Tara!”