CHAPTER 488: TRUSTING JASPER

Evaline:

I had approximately three seconds to pull myself together before sheer panic would swallow me whole. Both River and Alpha Elion Grey were staring at me like I had walked in with fireworks strapped to my chest.

Right. Deep breath.

"I’m so sorry, Alpha Thorne... Alpha Grey." I blurted, standing straighter and trying very, very hard to look like someone who wasn’t losing her mind internally. "I shouldn’t have barged in without knocking."

River’s eyebrow twitched... he knew me well enough to sense something wasn’t right. Elion, on the other hand, looked pleasantly unfazed, the faintest curve of a smile on his lips.

I swallowed and forced professionalism onto my face. Maybe if I pretended hard enough, the ground would open and swallow me before things got worse.

Trying to keep my voice steady, I turned slightly toward River. "Alpha Thorne, if you could spare a moment later, may I speak with you about something? Once you are free."

I glanced briefly at Elion. Just a second, wondering whether to add that it was urgent. But held myself back, hoping River would pick on the my urgency through our bond.

And he did.

He straightened and looked about two seconds away from kicking Elion out through the nearest window so he could deal with whatever was wrong.

But before River could open his mouth, Elion spoke... smooth, calm, unhurried.

"Of course," he said politely, inclining his head toward River. "We can continue our discussion later."

Then he looked at me... looked... with that gentle, friendly smile that made absolutely no sense considering we were complete strangers.

River’s jaw flexed.

Elion nodded at me once more, soft and courteous, then walked toward the door, his posture relaxed and elegant in a way I didn’t think anyone else other than my mates could manage.

He left the office with quiet, almost soundless steps.

I didn’t breathe until those steps faded into the hallway.

And I didn’t turn until I heard the elevator doors close.

Only then did I finally face River.

He was already out of his chair.

Already in front of me.

Already looking at me with eyes sharp with worry.

"What happened?"

I didn’t even try to pretend. The moment he asked, everything spilled out.

"It’s Rowan," I blurted, my voice breaking with the panic I had been holding back. "He-he found something. Or someone. A group of students. Graduates. He thinks they are connected to Carson somehow. They were meeting in secret, and they mentioned Carson. And now Rowan’s following them alone-"

River’s eyes darkened instantly.

Before I could spiral further, he turned and grabbed his phone with a speed that made my stomach tighten with relief.

He dialed immediately.

"Jasper," he said the moment the call connected, "find Rowan. Now."

My hands shook as I motioned for River, and he passed me the phone so I could speak to Jasper directly.

"Jasper-please-" My voice cracked embarrassingly. "He shared his location with me. I’m sending it. Please get to him quickly. He’s alone and I don’t know where he’s following them to-"

"Send it," Jasper said, his voice firm and grounding. "I’m on my way."

That steadiness was exactly why I had learned to trust him over the past year. Jasper didn’t panic. Jasper didn’t make mistakes. Jasper didn’t fail River.

I sent Rowan’s location instantly and Jasper hummed in understanding. "I’ll update Alpha once I have him."

The call ended.

I released a breath so shaky it almost hurt.

River gently cupped my face with both hands, his thumbs brushing my cheeks. "He’ll be safe."

"I know," I whispered, even though every part of me felt like a taut wire ready to snap. "I know Jasper is capable. I just... couldn’t stand it if Rowan got hurt."

River’s eyes softened, even though worry still lingered there. "You did the right thing coming to me."

"Go back to work," he said gently. "I’ll handle the rest. Jasper will find him. And I’ll be waiting for you in the underground parking lot at four."

I nodded slowly, breathing in deeply to settle my shaking nerves.

He was right. I had done all I could.

Now I had to trust him.

And Jasper.

"Okay," I whispered. "I’ll go."

His thumb brushed my jaw one more time, lingering just long enough to steady me, then he stepped back so I could leave.

I forced myself to walk out of the office with steady steps and not look like someone fighting their panic.

Back in the elevator, I sagged against the wall, gripping my phone so tightly my fingers hurt.

The descent felt long. Too long.

I walked back into the archive room, bowed my head slightly to the senior like nothing was wrong, then immediately sat down and opened my laptop again.

And then I started checking my phone every five minutes.

Okay, maybe every three.

Each time I didn’t see a notification from Rowan or Jasper, my stomach twisted tighter.

Focus, Eva.

You are supposed to be working.

You are supposed to be normal.

But Rowan was out there. And if those students were really involved with Soul Death...

I clenched my jaw and tried to force myself to read the next set of documents.

I lasted two minutes.

Then three.

Then five.

Then almost eight.

My fingers trembled slightly as I refreshed my messages again.

Nothing.

I swallowed hard, rubbing my forehead.

I knew Jasper was good. I knew River wouldn’t lie to me. I knew Rowan wasn’t stupid.

Just when my nerves threatened to snap...

Ding.

I nearly dropped my phone as I snatched it up.

It was from Rowan.

Rowan:

I’m alive. Don’t freak out. I’m with Jasper and two other warriors. He found me pretty fast. They are keeping watch while pretending not to. I’m not allowed to follow the students anymore. Jasper said you would panic if I got hurt so he’s "preventing unnecessary chaos." Tell River thanks. Also please don’t murder me later.

A strangled laugh escaped me.

My lungs finally loosened.

My shoulders dropped.

And my heart... the poor thing... finally stopped trying to claw its way out of my chest.

I typed back quickly.

I’m so glad you are okay. Please don’t do that again. I can’t handle this level of stress.

Rowan:

No promises, but I’ll try.

I shook my head, smiling weakly.

Finally... finally... I could breathe again.

Rowan was safe.

And Jasper was now following those students.

For the first time in nearly an hour, I felt my pulse slow from frantic to merely anxious.

Only then did I return to the project files, my body relaxing into my chair as the worst of the morning’s panic began to fade.