The pieces click into place.
"Alex's pack is taking good care of her," the voice continues. I recognize it now. Chase. The investigator who showed us the zoo footage. "Malcolm's protective instincts are strong. Finn keeps things stable. Alex is giving her space to process. Their fourth is there now, too. Arden says he's good for Vee, and she's good for him."
"She needs all of them," Jasper says.
"She has them. That's what matters. They've been in her corner from the beginning."
"When do you think the registry will rule?"
"Hard to say. Could be weeks. Could be months. I'm just waiting on them to call the hearing. But with everything we have, I'm confident they'll rule in our favor."
Our favor.
Not Ragon's.
Ours.
"Keep me posted," Chase says. "And Jasper? You're doing the right thing."
"I know," Jasper says. But his voice sounds hollow.
The call ends.
Jasper sets his phone down on the counter.
Then he turns around.
His eyes meet mine.
The blood drains from his face.
"Eli,” he says. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough." I step into the kitchen. "You were a plant this whole time?"
Jasper's jaw works. Then he nods. "Yes."
"Alex's pack has been trying to get to Vee from the beginning?"
"Yes."
"Chase is working with them? Arden too?"
"Yes."
I lean against the counter. Process this. "You know that Vee is safe with them? She's being cared for?"
"Yes,” he says. "She's safe, Eli. She's doing better."
"And you're all trying to keep her away from Ragon. From me and Drake too."
It's not a question but Jasper nods anyway.
Silence falls between us.
I should be angry. I should feel betrayed. Jasper has been in our pack for months, living in our house, pretending to be one of us while secretly working against us.
But all I feel is relief.
