Annie's POV:
"I'll go with you," I said softly.
Jasper's shoulders dropped with relief.
"But Jasper." I met his eyes, wanting him to understand. "I'm only doing this for Jack. For the baby. Not because—"
"I know." He held up a hand, stopping me. "You don't need to explain. I told you before. I'm not asking you to love me. I'm asking you to let me keep you safe. That's enough for now."
He turned toward the door, then paused.
"I'll come by tomorrow to help you pack. We leave at dawn, three days from now."
Then Jasper left me alone on the bed. Alexander's faint cedar-and-rain scent still lingered in the cabin, stirring a longing I refused to follow.
I had chosen Jasper's protection. Survival came first.
*****
Three days passed faster than I expected.
Maybe it was the packing that c
