The split second the blast wave slammed into him from behind, only one thought seared through Jasper's mind.
'Shield Cindy. Don't let her get hurt again.'
He hunched sharply, tucking the trembling woman completely into his embrace.
The scorching air surged over him, lashing his back with debris that cut like a thousand knives, leaving his flesh a mangled mess.
He gritted his teeth, refusing to make a sound.
He murmured against her ear, "Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid..."
Then he tightened his arms even further, crushing her against his chest.
He had rarely shown such vulnerability or intensity, but in that moment, he wanted to hold her even tighter—as if letting go for a single second meant losing her for eternity.
*****
The ICU monitor pulsed through the night.
Jasper remained
