Jasper Read online

  “Yep. I’ll be there. And Jasper? I want the truth. About everything.”

  Jasper nodded and left the room. Trevor walked to the sink and scrubbed his hands again before leaving for home. He knew it was psychological, but he felt dirty. Maybe Jasper was right; maybe he did need to talk to a shrink before he had no skin left.

  Since he had a few hours before he was to be at Jasper’s, Trevor tried to get some sleep. He didn’t like to take pills. They tended to knock him out for quite a while, and he was afraid he wouldn’t wake up in time to go to Jasper’s. Instead, he decided for a little herbal remedy. Marijuana became legal after the apocalypse, but his mother had insisted it was still wrong to smoke it. He hadn’t partaken often since college, but now he felt if he used it for medicinal purposes, it was okay. Ever since the shooting, he kept some on hand just in case.

  Trevor set the clock for eight and lay down in his cold, dark room. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on the good in his life. He brought Travis and Molly into view, wishing he could have a dog of his own. He spent most of his time at the morgue, so that wouldn’t be fair to a canine. Maybe he could get a hamster, or a snake. Something independent he could leave at home for hours on end.

  When his clock went off, Trevor sent up a small prayer of thanks that he’d managed to sleep without visions of Theron in the woods or Jasper laughing at him while having sex with Craig. Most nights his sleep was riddled with images he’d rather never see again.

  After he showered and dressed, he made his way to Jasper’s. When he got to the gate, he sent a text. I’m here.

  Password hasn’t changed.

  That little bit of information did something to Trevor’s heart. Jasper trusted him to have access to his home. He punched in his birthday and drove down the driveway. Much like the first time, Trevor wiped his hands on his jeans even though they weren’t sweaty. He must have sat in his car longer than he realized, because Jasper opened the front door and stuck his head out. Damn, the man was beyond gorgeous. You can do this. You wanted answers, and he’s going to give them to you.

  Trevor climbed out of his car and walked to the door. Jasper stepped back so Trevor could enter the house. “Hey,” Jasper said. “Come on in.” Trevor followed Jasper to the kitchen where bacon was waiting on a plate and a bowl of what looked like pancake batter was on the counter. Jasper handed Trevor a cup of coffee. He took a sip, finding it fixed exactly the way he drank it. “It won’t take long for the waffles to cook if you want to have a seat,” Jasper instructed.

  Trevor sat at the island, sipping coffee as Jasper moved gracefully around the kitchen. While the waffles were browning, Jasper retrieved syrup from the pantry. Trevor had to look away when Jasper bent over getting fruit out of the refrigerator. The man had a really nice ass. When the waffles were done, Jasper flipped two onto each plate and placed them on the table. “Do you want some juice or milk?”

  “No, coffee’s fine, thanks.” Trevor added blueberries to his waffles before drowning them in syrup. His mother had always fussed about the amount of syrup he used. Jasper didn’t say a word. In fact, he added more syrup to his plate than Trevor had. He tried not to stare as Jasper closed his mouth around the fork or when he licked syrup off his lips. It was an impossible feat, though. Jasper’s mouth was a work of art. Both lips were plump, and Trevor remembered how they felt against his, even though their two kisses had been brief.

  “Trev…” Jasper was pointing his fork at Trevor.

  “Hmm?” he asked as he stuck a bite of bacon in his mouth.

  “More coffee?” Jasper asked as he slid his stool back from the island. Trevor was pretty sure that’s not what Jasper was going to say.

  “Yes, please.” He slid his cup across the tile surface. Jasper refilled the cup, adding just the right amount of milk and a dash of cinnamon. How he knew the way Trevor preferred his java was a mystery. They’d never discussed it. “How did you know I like cinnamon?”

  “I might have seen you at the diner once or twice before you went to work.”

  “You’ve been stalking me?” Trevor hadn’t noticed him if he had.

  “I like to think of it as keeping an eye on you. Even though Dante has some of the others watching your back, I take my turn as often as I can. If I didn’t have to work, I’d take all the turns.”

  “You can’t watch me twenty-four seven.”

  “No, but I’d like to. I know you don’t want to hear this, but you’re my mate. Do you think Dante would want someone else looking out for Isabelle? Or Gregor would allow someone else to guard Tessa? I can assure you they absolutely would not unless they had no choice. I feel the same way.”

  He was right; Trevor didn’t want to think about the mate bond. “Is there always someone following me? There was a badass on a motorcycle behind me when I was driving over here.”

  “Yes. Until the situation with Theron is abated, there will be someone guarding you at all times. Lorenzo was on duty until you arrived here. I will take over for the duration of the weekend unless I get called in to patrol. If that were to happen, I’d follow you home where someone else would take over. Your safety is top priority.”

  “How dangerous is Theron? I mean, isn’t he just another Gargoyle? Are some of you more powerful than others?”

  “As with humans, there are some Gargoyles who are stronger and faster than others. The older the Gargoyle, the more experience they have. Take Mason for example. He’s a newbie. What that means is he is young and transitioned a short while ago. He looks to be in his twenties, but he’s still a teenager. When he reaches maturity in the next few years, he will appear to be in his thirties. He is stronger than humans, of course, but he is no match for an older Goyle. Some of us have seen multiple wars. When you live as long as we do, you adjust to the time period.

  “When I was born, it was the late fifteen hundreds, and Ireland was at war with England. I was raised with a sword in my hand. Urijah looks like a Viking even though I’ve not asked his heritage. He is a swordsmith, and can stand toe to toe with me with that particular weapon. Theron is also older therefore more experienced. He is only more dangerous than most Gargoyles his age because he is evil, as is his father. He believes the humans were put here for his pleasure, not that we are here as protectors. As with humans, there are those who think they are on a level above everyone else.”

  “Are you immortal?” Trevor didn’t understand why someone who could live thousands of years would want a human for a mate when that mate would only die off after a short period of time.

  “Not exactly. I can only be killed two ways: beheading and certain rare poisons. Old Gargoyles can die off when the will to live is gone.” Trevor couldn’t imagine living hundreds, maybe even thousands of years.

  Jasper changed the subject. “Did Dante tell you of Connor’s special abilities?”

  Trevor nodded. “Yes. He explained how Connor drew pictures and showed them to Dante with his mind. I’ve spent quite a while around him.”

  “Has Dante told you of Connor’s latest drawing?” Jasper asked, his forehead crinkling in unease. It wasn’t a look Trevor was used to on the detective. It must be one doozie of a drawing.

  “No, why? What was it?” Trevor was curious as to how the boy’s visions worked. More than that, he was amazed when Dante told him Isabelle’s son could reach out to Dante with his mind even before they’d ever met.

  Jasper’s phone rang. “Godsdamnit. I’m sorry, but I have to take this.”

  Trevor knew by Jasper’s body language it had to do with work. Even though they’d only been around each other a few times, Trevor was already learning Jasper’s facial expressions. If he had a case, Trevor was probably needed as well.

  Jasper thumbed off his phone. “We have a body. Do you want to ride with me?”

  “Won’t people wonder why we’re together?” Trevor didn’t care what people thought of him. He wanted to protect Jasper’s image.

  “We’re friends, Trev. The sooner people get used to
that, the better.”

  “You’re not taking your bike, are you?” Trevor wanted to ride on Jasper’s Harley, but he wouldn’t tell him that. He wanted to know what it felt like to be snuggled close behind Jasper with his arms wrapped around him while the bike rumbled under them both.

  “I don’t think your M.E. kit will fit. Besides, I only have one helmet.”

  “My kit is at the hospital, and I’ll need to get the bus to transport the body. You can drive me there, if you want.” Trevor wasn’t sure about being in such a confined space with Jasper. Hopefully his body would behave for the short ride.

  Chapter Five

  Since they were going to a crime scene, Jasper drove his work vehicle. Luckily, the hospital was in the direction of where they needed to be. He probably should have let Trevor drive separately, but he would grab onto any excuse to be alone with his mate.

  Trevor tapped his fingers on his legs, drumming to the beat of the song currently playing on the radio. Jasper was almost glad their conversation regarding Theron had been interrupted. Then again, he was ready to get it over with, too. Once he told Trevor all about his past, only then would he have a chance at making him his mate. It was going to be hard enough to convince him that Jasper really was interested in him, mate bond or not.

  Jasper turned the volume up and sang along. He gripped the steering wheel a little harder than necessary, but he was itching to touch Trevor. Maybe riding together wasn’t such a good idea. The enclosed space was too much of a temptation. Trevor’s soap mixed with his body’s natural scent was a heady concoction. He had heard the other Goyles talk about their need to constantly touch their mate, and now he understood completely. He struggled to keep his eyes on the road instead of on Trevor’s long, slender hands. He wanted to know what those hands felt like running over his body or circling his hard cock. Jasper groaned at the thought of getting Trevor naked and underneath him. He hoped his mate liked to be on the receiving end of sex, but if not, he would take what his partner offered.

  Past experience had turned Jasper off to wanting to bottom. He glanced over at Trevor who was singing along to the music. He had a feeling the man wasn’t very experienced. That could be a good thing. Jasper would love to teach Trevor all about making love. Not that Jasper had ever made love. He’d only ever fucked. He didn’t know what it was like to be connected spiritually with the person he was with. Even with Craig, it had only been a release. Not once had they ever had sex looking in each other’s eyes. That should have been a clue it wasn’t meant to be.

  When they arrived at the hospital, Jasper parked in Dante’s spot and cut the motor. “I’ll see you there,” Trevor said.

  “I’m not letting you out of my sight, Trev. I know this is your territory, but Theron could be anywhere. I’m going in with you.”

  “You left me alone this morning,” Trevor countered.

  “No, Lorenzo was here.” Jasper got out of the car and opened his senses. He took a quick look around the parking lot as he opened the door for Trevor.

  “What a gentleman,” Trevor joked.

  Jasper couldn’t help but smile. This was the Trevor he was used to. The one who was constantly making jokes. He missed this Trevor. If Jasper had his way, he would see to it Trevor never had a reason to be overly serious again. As they walked toward the building, Jasper placed his hand on the small of Trevor’s back. It was as natural as breathing. Trevor didn’t flinch, so Jasper kept his hand there until they entered the hospital. Trevor grabbed his kit and keys, and Jasper escorted him to the “bus” as Trevor called the transport van. Once Trevor was safely inside, Jasper said, “I’ll follow you.”

  Jasper rode closely behind Trevor, watching his rearview mirror as much as he did the vehicle in front of him. He was hyper-aware of their surroundings as they traveled through the busy streets. As soon as they arrived, Jasper held back from crowding Trevor. He was there to do a job. They both were. He made his way inside the house, looking for the attending officer. Jasper took a look around the inside of the home. Pictures of a family dotted the walls. The officer, Broderick Hays, made his way to Jasper, and filled him in on what they’d found.

  “Jenkins,” he said as he held out his hand for Jasper to shake. “A call came in to the precinct earlier from a cleaning service. They found the body of the male homeowner sitting in a recliner with his neck slit. A note had been nailed to his chest that contained one word… Can. Why would the killer leave a one word note?”

  “Because he isn’t done. Let’s hope whatever message he has is a short one, or we’re going to end up with a slew of bodies at the morgue. Where’s the wife?”

  “In New Orlando visiting her mother. I’ve already called and told her she needs to come home.”

  Jasper was glad that he didn’t have to make that call. Even though Hays had spoken to the cleaning ladies, Jasper also questioned them. Once he was satisfied, he turned them loose. He waited for the crime scene techs to do their thing and then he waited longer until Trevor did his. When the body was bagged and loaded in the back of the bus, Trevor pulled his gloves off and walked to where Jasper was waiting.

  “This one’s pretty bad. The width of the cut appears to have been done with an object thicker than your average knife. I need to get back to the hospital and get started.”

  “I’m right behind you,” Jasper said. He wished he was behind his mate, on his knees on the bed behind him. His cock twitched, so he turned toward his car before Trevor could see his pants getting tighter.

  When they got to the hospital, Trevor backed the bus in at the entrance like a professional driver. He wondered how many times his mate had brought in a victim. Jasper parked and got out to help Trevor unload the body. “Do you normally unload bodies by yourself?” he asked, grabbing one end of the stretcher.

  “No. If one of the techs isn’t available, I call an orderly to come help. Since you’re here, I figured I’d get some use out of you.” Trevor wheeled the body through the tunnel and down the hallway that led to the morgue. Jasper had never been in this part of the hospital. It was eerily empty and quiet except for the squeak of the wheels as they rolled over the parquet floor. Trevor pushed through a set of double doors that led to a back room.

  “So that’s how you get the bodies in here. I was wondering how the stretcher was going to fit,” Jasper said, looking around the cold room. Trevor stopped pushing and opened another set of doors. He grabbed the front of the gurney and pulled it into his usual work space. He slid on a set of latex gloves before unzipping the body bag.

  “Is it okay if I stay and watch?” Jasper had never seen an autopsy performed. More than that, he wanted to watch his mate in action.

  Trevor frowned and said, “I guess so. Don’t you need to call Dane?”

  Jasper had called his boss on the way over, filling him in on the details as well as informing him this body was likely the first in a string of many considering the note. “I already did. Don’t you need to call Dante?” he countered.

  “I already did,” Trevor replied, the side of his mouth twitching. If they could continue this type of interaction, Jasper would be thrilled. He needed to get Trevor to think of him as a friend, as someone he could trust. The longer he put off telling his mate about his past, the better. He needed Trevor to view him as the kind of male he had grown to be, not the one he was many years ago.

  Trevor unzipped the bag, exposing the dead male. The note and nail used to affix it to the man were already down at the forensics lab. Jasper was aware of the process; he’d just never seen it done. Trevor removed the man’s clothes, placing them in evidence bags. He labeled the bags and set them aside. When he rolled the body next to the examination table, he began transferring it over.

  “Would you like some help?” Jasper asked.

  “Nah. I got it,” Trevor said, pulling the large victim onto the stainless table in the middle of the room. Jasper had seen Trevor’s muscles the couple of times they had been at the gym together. Now he knew where he g
ot them. Tugging on that much dead weight was a workout. Trevor pushed the stretcher back into the other room and began his examination.

  The table had a built in scale. Trevor noted the man’s weight as well as height. When he pointed to the man’s neck, he said, “See what I mean about the laceration? It’s too wide to be any type of knife I’ve heard of. We’re looking for a weapon that’s approximately one and a half to two centimeters wide. You can tell the laceration started on the left side of the neck since the skin is jagged here,” he said, pointing to the area just above the right collarbone. “It appears he was standing behind the victim when he struck. Your killer is right-handed.”

  Even though CSU had already taken photographs, Trevor made his own pictures of the wound. He talked aloud, more to himself than to Jasper. It was his way of doing the examination, and Jasper found it fascinating. Trevor went over every inch of the man’s body, noting the lack of defensive wounds. There was no skin under his fingernails, and no other bruises, cuts, or abrasions other than the one slit of his throat. Trevor did draw blood as was protocol in all post-mortem exams they performed, but the cause of death was clear. There was no need to cut the man open.

  While Trevor cleaned the blood from the victim’s neck, Jasper thought about the laceration. He had seen too many cuts just like this to keep quiet. “Trev, I might know what killed him.”

  Trevor’s hands stilled as he looked up at Jasper. Jasper wiggled his fingers without releasing his claws. Trevor’s eyes got wide, and he dropped the cloth he’d been using. He grabbed Jasper by the arm and pulled him toward the table. “Let me see,” he said. Jasper stepped next to the table without touching it and called forth his index claw. He placed it next to the man’s neck so that Trevor could compare it to the width of the cut. Perfect. He wouldn’t allow himself to entertain the idea that one of the Stone Society had murdered an innocent human. At least he assumed the man was innocent. He had a sinking feeling Theron was responsible.