Ava's POV
Jasper’s hesitation lasted only a heartbeat before he moved. He crossed slowly, then stopped at the edge of my bed like he expected rejection.
His head was down, his shoulders tight, like a young wolf trying very hard not to look like prey.
I lifted my hand and tilted his face up gently.
“Does your face sting? Any other bumps or bruises?”
His eyes flickered away from mine, but I didn’t let him hide. I checked him carefully. There were only scrapes, swelling on his cheek, a bruise forming near his eye. Nothing life-threatening, but still enough to make my wolf growl low in irritation.
I rolled his sleeves up next, checking instinctively for hidden injuries.
When I was satisfied, I let go.
“Next time,” I said firmly, “don’t ditch your bodyguards and go running off. You’re t
