A/N: 1st: Hey guys! I know it's been a while. There's a reason for that, but first, THANK YOU is in order for the reviews and favorites and follows. Seriously, while being in a writing stupor it really does give that added boost of confidence. Even if it is short lived (:
2nd: I apologize for this chapter lagging. It's long. So that's always nice (I HOPE). I just had a difficult time with this chapter. I felt like everything I wrote was shit and not conveying what I was trying to portray here.
3rd. Jensen Ackles is the face of one of a new character I'm trying out in this chapter. When he pops up, YOU'LL KNOW.
4th: Someone hold me I have feels and in need of a nap.
5th: Also, before you dive in, I've been thinking about doing a Christmas party chapter for the hell of it because I think it would be hilarious. Thoughts?
The ground trembled beneath her feet. Every stride she took forward didn't feel like it was much progress; as if she was running in quicksand. The roar behind her sent her body in a scrambling mess as her legs hoped over fallen branches on the jungle floor.
It started to seem like the faster she ran, the less she actually moved. She was in hysterics now as her legs bounded from the clearing. The sudden change from earth to asphalt jarring her bones as she tore down towards Main Street.
But suddenly she stops. There are families here; children. How could she have been so blinded by fear that she hadn't realized until it was too late the fatal error that'd she'd made. She'd been stopped too long and it was almost on her. Barely making it in time to miss snapping jaws that sent a large gust of wind to nip at her back.
She was blinded by fresh tears as they rolled down her cheeks. A sob being thrust from her as she stumbled into a man bending over to tie his daughter's shoe. An unbelievable wave of panic and fear came through the crowd as the I-Rex came into view; smashing through P.F. Chang's restaurant like it was nothing.
She refused to turn around to see what became of the screaming people behind her; she already knew. She couldn't watch it again. But their cries for help, the sudden quiet the followed someone's pleas, and the sound of people dying made her legs stumble.
All my fault. All my fault…
The large crowd scattered in every direction. Thinking it was safe Jasmine finally looked behind her to see where the dinosaur was. The I-Rex was in the dead middle of Main Street; ripping apart a large man who still had a small child gripped in his dead grasp.
Jasmine could feel a scream clawing its way up her throat as she tried to push through the crowd to get to them. The child was there one second and suddenly, gone. The scream that had threatened to work its way out of her throat finally did. Her hands shooting up to her face as the sound tore from her throat and came stumbling out of her lips. Jasmine felt her legs start to wobble; threatening to give out.
She was being shoved back by people; one person even knocking her to the ground. She didn't care. She couldn't feel anything except the unmistakable ache of pain in her chest.
The scream Jasmine had let out was enough to divert the I-Rex's attention back to her. She watched as its eyes locked onto her location. The sound that left it reverberated around her like thunder; its movements sent her body trembling as it started towards her.
Jasmine felt her feet skittering as they tried to find solid ground. Her mind was swimming in fear and screams.
All these people…
Her voice a raspy mess as she screamed for Owen. She hadn't seen him anywhere near the crowd or helping park security. She needed to find him.
Suddenly she was back where she didn't want to be.
Jasmine had found Owen.
He was in front of her, dangling down over a torn building they'd been trying to climb.
"Owen," she whimpered.
Jasmine was now holding on to his arm with both of her hands and she could feel her body begin to slowly slide towards the edge. She tried again in vain to pull him up or at least try and get his other hand to the ledge. A familiar shaking startled Jasmine causing her to look up in horror as the I-Rex appeared before her eyes.
Jasmine began to struggle frantically to pull Owen up; her tears blurring her vision as she saw them fall down and caress his face.
"Jasmine…it's okay."
"No it's not!" she yelled back frantic. "Don't-don't say that. Come on, swing up."
Jasmine's words weren't even audible anymore. She was pretty sure Owen understood none of them. He shot her a weak smile; one that told her they both knew what was coming. He wasn't sad or panicked; he was calm. Jasmine didn't want calm or acceptance. She wanted to see the fight in his eyes that she loved.
"Owen please," she begged sobs shaking her body erratically now as a rumble of a snarl surrounded them.
Owen closed his eyes as the beast blew hot air on him. In slow motion Jasmine watched as its mouth opened wide. Wider than was necessary.
Jasmine knew what was coming and she struggled in vain to lift Owen up. Her feet fluttering behind her as she tried to get a hold of solid ground for leverage. That's when she felt his body jerk. Jasmine screamed wordlessly down at him. Her body beginning to lose all function.
Owen's green eyes had worked over with tears but still he tried to put on a brave front. His lips she had kissed a thousand times now were speckled with blood.. A cough escaped him causing more blood to foam out around the corners.
"Jazz-"he choked out. "Run."
Jasmine couldn't do much except shake her head furiously.
"I'm not letting go."
She sobbed between every word. But in a matter of seconds he was ripped from her hands, her eyes locked on his until he was too far out of her sight and watched as his body was ripped in half by the monster in front of her.
The scream tore freely from her lips as she felt her lungs collapse in around her. Jasmine couldn't breathe; her lungs sheering in pain from the lack of oxygen. Her body convulsed as it struggled to regain air and her composer. Her heart was racing so fast she was sure it was going to explode.
Her eyes bolted open as she felt herself being pulled to a bare chest; not really remembering much. All Jasmine could remember was the last thing she had seen: Owen dying in front of her.
Jasmine continued to thrash as her eyes bolted open; her arms and legs kicking out furiously in her panic as her mind tried to register where she was and whose arms she was wrapped in.
"Jasmine! You're okay!"
Owen struggled to keep a hold of her. For the past week every night had ended up somehow like this. He'd seen soldiers experience PTSD before. Sometimes it was sudden and sometimes the onset didn't happen until later. Jasmine had told him previously she'd been out of the military for five years. He was sure that it wouldn't take five years for it to manifest; unless something triggered a previous condition.
Jasmine's eyes were looking around wildly as her body struggled against him. There was no recognition yet in her panicked eyes. She wasn't there with him. Jasmine was still locked in the same nightmare that had been plaguing her for the last month. Now it had just gotten worse.
"Owen!"
Jasmine screamed his name and the sound of loss and desperation in her voice caused his heart to sink. Owen pulled her closer to his chest; securing her with his arms and legs.
Her struggling was becoming less and he continued giving her soothing sounds. Whispering lightly as he stroked her hair: "I'm right here Jazz. Just open your eyes. You're safe."
Jasmine's heart was still thundering violently. Owen could feel it against his chest as her ragged and erratic breathing started to even. Owen waited a few more minutes before he spoke. His lips pressed to her forehead as his hand rubbed her back.
"Jazz?"
It had been so quiet that when his voice cut through the silence it sounded like he had yelled. Owen felt her jump against him, the sound of her swallowing before she replied: "Yeah?"
"You with me?"
Jasmine nodded against his chest. The movement so small he wasn't even sure he'd felt it.
"Yeah," her voice rasped.
Jasmine could feel the tears cooling on her face. She had a hand, balled up in a fist, pressed against her lips as she stared at the veins that protruded from his arms. Owen had them wrapped around her tightly; tight enough it felt like her ribs were being crushed. But she didn't care.
She could feel him. Smell the scent of yesterday's cologne mixed in with the light smell of his skin that reminded her of the woods and pine needles. His skin always seemed to carry the heavy musk of the girls'. It was the strangest assortment of smells Jasmine had ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Maybe on anyone else it would have been awkward, but for Owen it worked.
When she'd come raging out of her nightmare, the panic attack hitting her immediately, the scent of him was enough to register where she was. His words at first had been a jumbled mess. As if she'd been underwater; her mind registering the familiar feel of his body.
The nightmares were becoming worse. Now they were bringing up past things she'd rather had stayed buried. The feeling of sand under booted heels and gun fire and screams…all because of an unforgettably terrifying experience. But what was really eating her up was the fact that she'd been forced not to tell Owen.
Whatever this dinosaur really was, it felt dangerous. It made Jasmine feel like she was keeping a deadly secret that would end up killing lives instead of saving them. One of them being Owen. She wasn't sure she could do it anymore. Her job be damned.
They laid in the silence for a while. All movement between them had ceased except for the rhythmic sounds of their breathing. For a moment, Jasmine thought Owen had fallen back to sleep. He'd had a long day with the girls and getting them ready for a visit with IN GEN. Her having an episode probably wasn't helping him catch up on much needed sleep.
Jasmine moved to slip out of his grasp when his arms flexed around her making her pause.
"Where are you going?" he inquired.
"I'm gonna make some coffee."
"Jazz, it's four in the morning," Owen grumbled.
The sensation vibrating against her cheek. All Jasmine really wanted to do was to lay back down with him and let him keep his arms around her. But she knew there was no way she was going back to sleep. Maybe he could.
Without another word she moved out of his arms and this time Owen let her. She moved to the end of the bed and slide off. Owen let out a groan as his body fell back in the mass of pillows. The bedspread was at his feet as he was clad in only his boxers. It showcased a damn fine physique that made her rethink leaving him alone in bed.
"Try and get some sleep," she murmured as she moved towards the front of the trailer.
Jasmine had a feeling it was easier said than done and instantly felt guilty for doing this to him again. She knew it wasn't so easy for him to sleep once she'd woken him like this. Owen worried about her too much.
It had only taken the wonderful Kreug coffee machine under a minute to make her a delicious mocha flavored cup of coffee (Jasmine had picked this up to replace Owen's old tin coffee maker. He'd kept it anyways).
Once the cup was made she took it and moved to go outside. For it being Central America, the early morning was surprisingly chilly. She walked out, barefooted in a pair of Owen's boxers and t-shirt, and headed for the picnic table. Jasmine stepped up on the wooden seat and moved to sit on the top of the table. Crossing her legs to sit Indian style as her body tried to warm itself with the hot mug in her hand.
Off in the horizon Jasmine could see the beginning of the sun peeking out. As if it was a universal game of hide in seek. She heard the door to the bungalow creek open and a second later watched as Owen made his way down the steps. He was still only in his boxer briefs as he made his way towards her but was quickly putting on a white t-shirt she knew he had worn the other day.
Jasmine wasn't sure why she felt surprised he was out here. She knew in the back of her mind Owen wasn't just going to leave it alone; leave her alone.
When he was in front of her she spoke.
"You should go back inside. Get some sleep."
He nodded his head.
"I should," he agreed.
Still, he moved to sit down on the bench next to her. His arms fanning out to rest on the top of the picnic table. His right hand resting on her knee.
"But not until you talk to me."
Jasmine looked down at her coffee. She took a sip of the warm liquid as she focused on her breathing.
"Owen-"
"Don't 'Owen' me. Damn it Jasmine, a month of this shit is enough."
She could feel him staring at her but Jasmine just continued to look out towards the hidden sunrise. Jasmine wanted to tell him. She needed to tell him if by some crazy coincidence her dreams ever came true (yeah right) but when Jasmine opened her mouth that wasn't what came out.
"I'm just not ready, Owen."
He retracted his hand from her knee as if she had burned him. He stood up from the table just as fast as he moved to stand in front of her. Not letting her look away from him this time. The anger was purely evident in his eyes.
"You say that to me every goddamn time. There is no more waiting."
"I just need some time. Please, I can tell you later today-"
"Again, I've heard it before but you never actually do it. I thought we got past all this hiding and not trusting each other bullshit."
"It's not that I don't trust you!"
"Then what?!"
"It's hard for me to say. Just please Owen I want to tell you."
"So tell me."
"It isn't that simple!"
Owen ran an aggravated hand through his already crazy bed head causing little hairs to stick up in different directions. It would have been cute if the mountain of a man in front of her wasn't radiating agitation
"It is that simple, Jasmine. You are just choosing to make it difficult."
With that Owen turned on his heels and headed back towards the stairs. Jasmine watched his stealthy retreat, the man still having grace half asleep, as he opened the bungalow's bedroom door and slammed it closed behind him.
Jasmine involuntarily jumped at the sound. Her eyes closing as she inwardly chastised herself for doing exactly the opposite of what she wanted to do; to say.
Go after him.
She set her mug down and got down off of the table. Jasmine jogged her way towards the stairs and took them two by two until she reached the very top. When she walked through the door she found Owen sitting on his side of the bed, his shirt discarded, and bare back facing her.
His back and gone rigid as soon as Jasmine had walked in. His hands on his head, Owen didn't even turn to look at her. Jasmine quietly shut the door and moved onto the bed. She crawled her way over to his side; her hands caressing up his back to his shoulders. She planted small kisses there as she moved to envelope her body to him.
"Don't be mad at me," Jasmine whispered landing another kiss on the back of his neck. "I mean it this time, Owen. I'll talk to you about it right now if you want."
"Do you promise to tell me later?"
"I promise," she replied landing another kiss on his shoulder.
Owen's hands dropped from his head, his taut back easing, as he turned to face her. Jasmine went to edge back when his strong arms reached out and encircled his hands around her waist. Owen brought her to him and his lips quickly found hers. A hand sliding down the back of her boxers deliberately taking them off.
"I think I'll take my boxers back now," he spoke against her lips.
"What am I supposed to wear then?"
"Nothing."
When he kissed her again it sent a jolt down her spine; her body shivering as she moaned against him. A smile curved his lips as he continued to kiss her. Loving what he was able to do to her body with just the briefest of touches.
"Are you really trying to have sex right now?"
The words came out more breathless than she had intended. Her tone a mixture of disbelief and airy pleasure.
Owen moved to lay her back against the mattress; settling comfortably between her legs. Spreading her thighs wider to accommodate him.
"It's make up sex, and yes. Objections?"
Owen's gaze was so intense that Jasmine couldn't breathe let alone vocalize any words. He had completely taken up all space around her and the idea of Owen not touching her made a whimper begin to crawl its way up her throat. She vigorously shook her head no earning a sexy smirk that made her knees turn to jelly.
"Didn't think so," Owen growled claiming her lips once more.
Amber couldn't believe she was sitting across from Claire. In a Starbucks. In front of actual people. But then again when Claire had called her she had made it sound like it was going to be all business. Turns out Amber had been completely wrong.
She saw Claire make her way through the crowd. Claire was so involved in whatever was on her phone that she repeatedly bumped into people. It wasn't until she saw Amber sitting in the back did she put down her phone, even though Amber knew how much it pained her to ignore the device.
Claire gave her a tense smile as she looked down at the empty seat meant for her and took it. Tucking in her skirt underneath her; continuing to act shy. Her eyes darting from the table up to Amber.
She was dressed to wow, as was her per usual.
Cream pencil skirt with a charcoal colored top that showed off the delicate curves of her shoulders. Amber could vividly remember laying soft kisses on those shoulders on a lazy Sunday. The last day they'd been together before Amber had found out about, The Date.
Amber would be lying if she said she didn't pick her outfit (tan pants with a conservative lacy indigo top) to impress Claire. Or to make the woman across from her miss what she'd had. By the looks Amber was catching from her, it was a mission accomplished.
Amber leaned forward and pushed one of the Frappuccino's towards her. Claire sent her a small smile of gratitude as she moved to take it.
"I remembered around this time you normally get one of these," Amber offered in reasoning.
"It's really sweet of you, Amber."
"Not really. I just didn't want to be rude and get myself something without getting you anything."
Claire shook her head as she took a baby sip from the straw. It was the caramel cookies in cream she loved so much. The only other person who knew that was Zara.
Amber didn't know where to take the conversation. She didn't know exactly why Claire had wanted to talk to her about. Or why she would ask to come to Starbucks of all places to talk. Amber had been so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear Claire speak to her.
"I'm sorry?"
That amused smile was back again Amber noted.
"I said, you look good."
"Oh. Thank you."
"You always did look good in blue tones-"
"Why are we here Claire? I'm pretty sure it's not to discuss my wardrobe choices."
Claire passed and even faltered some as she went to speak again. She had been hoping to drag out their exchange for a while. Truth be told, she really missed Amber.
"Right," a tight smile that looked more like a frown crossed her face. Claire leaned back in her seat crossing her legs at her knees. "My, uh, nephews are coming down next week to visit."
This time Amber was the one who smiled. It was genuine and light as she fought not to laugh.
"Ah, now I see why you seem so freaked out."
"I'm not freaked out."
"You're not? Hmmm then you need to work on your poker face."
Claire rolled her eyes.
"Seriously! I need help! I haven't seen them in four years? Or is it five? I feel like that might be too short? What do you even do with kids? Maybe Zara can watch them…"
Claire had started mumbling to herself instead of actually talking to Amber. Claire usually did it when she thought no one was looking. Talking to herself was how Claire tried to go over information she needed to remember.
"You're asking the wrong person. Last time I checked, Jasmine doesn't have any kids and I'm not sure that's changed."
Claire felt the bouncing thoughts cease for a moment. Her eyebrows perked up as she asked, "Things are going well between those two I take it?"
Amber shut down; her face dropping the small smile she'd kept so Claire didn't see how being alone with her was affecting her. But then she had to be stupid and bring up Jasmine. From Jasmine, Claire took it Owen and just the sound of syllables of his name leaving her mouth made Amber sick. Claire took notice of her swift change in mood.
"I'm not talking about Owen and Jasmine's private relationship with you, Claire."
"That's funny. Your sister didn't seem to share the same kind of sentiment when she-"
Amber shook her hand and cut her off with a wave of her hand.
"I'm not here to discuss that with you."
"Why not?" Claire asked exasperated.
"Because it doesn't matter anymore," Amber snapped back. She hoped that Claire hadn't been able to hear her voice crack. She cleared her throat and looked out the window; anywhere but at Claire. "What are we doing here?" Amber asked, voice light and desperate to be anywhere but here.
Claire was silent a moment as she tried to get her bearings. Hoping she could will Amber to look at her if she just kept staring long enough.
"Well. After what happened at the paddock it got me thinking. I was so terrified at the thought of something happening to you."
Amber finally looked back at Claire and all she felt was the tears of frustration threatening to come through.
"No longer feeling 'confused' are we?"
The words came out bitter and shocked both her and Claire with the amount of venom behind each word.
"I'm being serious Amber."
Amber wanted to see just how serious she was being. So she reached her hand out across the table, her fingers dancing just over the top of Claire's before she was about to take a hold of it. Amber watched as Claire's eyes went wide in disbelief and her hand shot back defensively to her lap.
She didn't know why she was surprised or why it even hurt as bad as it did. Maybe because for once, Amber was hoping she could've believed Claire: she wanted to believe her. A sad smile barely lifted the corner of her lips as she shook her head.
"I'm not confused Claire. I love you and I miss you like crazy. But I know I deserve better than to be placed second or third in someone's life or to hide how I feel. Until you can love me how I deserve to be loved, we can maintain a professional and courteous relationship-"
"No friendship?" Claire asked hopefully.
Amber moved to get out of her seat, grabbing her purse she looked at Claire seriously: "When you love someone the way I love you Claire, you'll realize you can never just be friends with them."
With that Amber turned and walked away. For once glad that she had stood up for herself. No matter how much it had hurt.
Jasmine had ended up at the research facility against her will. Okay, maybe not against her will but Amber wasn't answering her phone and she couldn't think of anywhere else to go. Not that she didn't really want to be here but she still owed Owen that "talk". Even though Jasmine had decided he needed to know, Claire and her career be damned, there was still the issue of the repercussions that could blow back on Amber.
Letting out a sigh Jasmine continued to swing her legs as she watched Owen from the bed of the company truck. He was still up on the catwalk. Examining loosely over some papers a research assistant had handed him. Owen would briefly look at them then back down inside the cage.
She squinted her right eye closed as she lifted her arm up and began to use her index and thumb to pretend to squish Owen's head. Even going as far to make sound effects.
"Trouble in paradise," Brady called as he came into view.
Jasmine dropped her arm as she moved off of the truck bed. Her face turning a bright red as she brushed her loose waves behind her ear.
"No. What would make you think that?"
"Don't know too many girlfriends who pretend to squish their boyfriends' heads for fun."
Brady came to a stop a few feet in front of her. Barry right on his heels chuckling silently except for the slight raise in his shoulders.
"I'm just bored. No one will give me anything to do around here and sitting is getting old," Jasmine replied shrugging her shoulders.
"I hear that!"
Brady moved in, hand extended, and Jasmine took it happily. They did their quick handshake they created a few weeks back. He'd become her new best friend when Owen had been working late. Brady had heard her stomach growl and showed her where Owen hid all his snacks. How Brady had found it Jasmine had no clue.
Barry looked on in perplexed amusement.
"What was that?" he inquired.
"You've never seen a handshake before?" Brady teased as he and Jasmine released hands.
"I know what a handshake is. That did not look like no handshake," Barry replied.
His arms swung up to cross comfortably in front of his chest.
"It's a secret one," Jasmine added as she moved in to give Barry a hug.
"It is good to see you."
"Good to see you too."
They embraced quickly and Barry's eyes went directly to the young intern.
"So you're bored, huh? Should I give you more work to do?"
A look of horror crossed over Brady's face that instantly had Jasmine cracking up with laughter. Barry was just as entertained. All except Brady.
"No way, man. I'm cool with having no more work. I haven't even finished shifting through the stack of paperwork Owen gave me this morning."
"Then I suggest not complaining about being bored," Barry suggested. "Now go. Owen needs the data from those sheets calculated ASAP."
Brady gave him a quick nod as he and Jasmine did their handshake one last time. Brady turned on his heels and took off. The kid wasn't too far away when Barry turned to her and asked, "How did you two become such good friends."
"He brought me food," Jasmine stated simply.
As if that was all that was needed and, Barry knowing her, he knew it was. He nodded his head and waved his hand; inclining for her to follow him.
"In that case, I have a lunch with your name on it."
"Sweet!"
Jasmine fell into step beside Owen's right hand man and best friend. She couldn't help but look back up at the catwalk but Owen had already started walking towards the back. Talking to some guys who looked like they were a couple deer's caught in the headlights.
"Owen not eating?"
"He has a few more things to finish before he can join us."
Jasmine nodded her head solemnly. Owen had told her once he'd been hired only to watch and train with the girls. Instead, he ended up running the entire facility. Every bit of information that came through, every drop of data that was collected, all passed through him first. If Claire tried to hire someone Owen didn't approve of he sent them packing (sometimes a little more traumatized than when they came). This was more than just a research facility to him and it showed in the long hours he put in.
They arrived at a small plastic side table. A majority of the table littered with clipboards with papers that had graphs Jasmine couldn't understand and Tasers with automatic pulse rifles. A very small corner held Styrofoam containers and the smell that wafted off them made her believe in heaven. Barry must have sensed my excitement because he laughed grabbing a container and handing it to me.
"The steakhouse down on Main Street prepared these for us."
Jasmine raised her eyebrow coyly as she snatched the container from him.
"Special occasion?"
"It's one of the guard's birthdays."
"Ah that's sweet of you guys to get a nice lunch for him."
"It wasn't up to me. It was Owen's idea."
Jasmine smiled at this. Genuinely happy at the randomly unexpected sweet moments Owen popped up with. Barry must have been able to read where her mind went with it.
"Don't read into it. Owen finds Bill the least annoying and the most helpful."
Jasmine snorted at this as she grabbed a fork and knife combo and started walking towards the catwalks stairs.
"Where are you going?"
"No offense Barry. I just want to eat alone."
Jasmine didn't turn around to see if Barry gave her a nod of understanding or concern. She just continued quickly up towards the walk way needing to suddenly put space between her and everyone else.
When her feet reached the top of the stairs she noticed that besides three guards posted at every far corner, no one else was up there with her. Owen had disappeared. Jasmine felt a sudden pang of sadness at his absence but felt silly for it and quickly brushed it off.
She walked a few feet towards the middle of the catwalk and sat down Indian style. Opening up the container as she began to cut the thick steak into four large sections. Jasmine gave out a low whistle as she glanced over the railing.
Blue broke into the clearing first, leading with her snout as the wind lifted the scent of the juicy steak into the air. Jasmine whistled again; this time a short burst that easily caught the raptors attention. The other three soon barreled into the clearing. The one Jasmine figured as Echo colliding into Blue's hind leg making her snap back at the younger sibling.
"I have a special treat for you ladies. It's gotta taste better than those gross dead rats."
The last part she mumbled to herself as she finished cutting the steak into strips.
It didn't take much for Owen to catch on to the whistle. His head instantly moving to locate the origins of the sound. He was surprised when he found its owner was none other than his girlfriend. While he wasn't too thrilled to see her sitting so close to the edge, Owen was happy she'd listened to him when he told her to never lean over the railing.
Last time she'd almost gotten knocked in and he was sure for a moment he had a mini heart attack. That was how she'd ended up with a long lecture from him about the rules and safety that he had in place around his facility.
Owen continued to walk towards Barry, who was also watching her from the bed of a truck.
"How long has she been up there?" Owen inquired as he set down his equipment in the back.
"Not long. I gave her one of the lunch's you picked up earlier. Although now I am thinking it was a mistake."
Barry shook his head as he watched Jasmine look around missing their direction entirely. She rose to her feet with the steak noticeably in her hands.
"Is everything alright with her, Owen?"
Owen looked away from her position, his brow furrowing, as he glanced at Barry.
"Yeah. Why do you ask?"
Owen lied and both of the, knew it.
"Something seems wrong with her. She's been looking…tired more than usual lately. The dark circles under her eyes have gotten worse."
Owen nodded his head at the observation but couldn't bring himself to mention anything about the nightmares and late night panic attacks they'd been dealing with. It was too private. He was sure that it wasn't something Jasmine would want anyone to know about.
Barry had noticed the past couple of weeks Jasmine's entire demeanor begin to change. She was normally aloof and allergic to social situations. Still, she was able to be charismatic; sarcasm rolling off of her in waves. But lately, however, she had been more closed off and distant than usual. Barry was just concerned as he could see that it was also beginning to take an effect on Owen.
If there was one thing Owen needed it was to be at the top of his game today. Hoskins was finally paying them a visit before the rest of the IN GEN board came in a week for the demonstration.
Owen watched as she leaned over the railing. Using a whistle she'd heard him use to gain the girls attention and threw out the pieces of meat. Owen realized too late that she'd cut it into four perfect pieces.
"Jasmine!" he shouted causing her to jump. "Don't feed them that!"
"It's just a little steak!"
Even though the wind had muffled her words Owen could still hear the pout all those feet away. He waved for her to come down to him and watched the deep set of her shoulders as she sighed heavily. Scooping up the Styrofoam container and making her way back across the catwalk to the stairs. Owen moved to meet her at the steps, his hands on his hips and a sour expression greeted her at the bottom.
"You should not be feeding them that stuff. I don't know what kind of effect that is going to have on their digestive system," he scolded.
Jasmine's free hand locked on to her elbow; her knees bouncing as she stared down at her feet.
"I'm sorry, Owen. I thought the girls would like some."
"I know you mean well but they don't ever eat anything besides what they hunt and the rats I feed them."
A guilty expression crossed her face and she tried to look down again but Owen quickly caught her by her chin. Lifting her eyes up to meet his own. Owen knew that look. He knew it very well.
"Jasmine-"she grunted her response. "Is this the first time you've feed them people food?"
Owen had a firm grip on her chin but it didn't stop her eyes from trying to dart in every direction but his face. That alone was enough to give him his answer. It was his turn to let out a groan as he dropped his hand from her chin, placing both hands on his waist.
"Owen I swear before today it was just chicken!"
"Like that makes it any better?!"
"It's lean meat," she offered cautiously.
Jasmine's shoulders lifted slowly as her face scrunched up in a pained expression. She knew what she said hadn't help her case as a frustrated hand ran through his hair.
"Just no more please."
It was all he could get out. What Owen really wanted to do was yell about how this was not a petting zoo of any kind. That feeding the girls that food could have adverse reactions to their system. But he left it alone. His words laced with enough disapproval that she tucked her hands in the pockets of her tan cargo pants; kicking loss leaves in her path.
"I understand. I'm really sorry, Owen. I won't let it happen again."
He wanted to still be mad at her but he closed the few inches between them and brought her into a hug. It didn't take long for him to feel her body melt against him. Her arms falling loosely on his shoulders as she rested her face in the crook of his neck.
"I just want them to like me," she mumbled.
The vibration of her words tickled along his neck.
"Are you trying to tell me you're trying to bribe them?"
Owen tried not to laugh in any shape or form. But the comical idea of what he'd just found out was too much and a chuckle rumbled deep in his chest.
"No—yes," Jasmine groaned her words muffled by the fabric of his shirt.
He ran a hand over her hair before he moved to have her face him. She was still standing on the last step and it almost made them eye level.
"You give them a reason to trust you, and they'll like you. Why is this so important to you anyways?"
"Because they're important to you and what is important to you is important to me."
Owen's face was stoic as his searching blue-green eyes roamed over her face. Jasmine could feel her breath catch as she waited for him to say something but Owen had no words. The gesture behind the comment was so sweet, honest, that all he could think of doing was bringing his lips down on hers.
The kiss wasn't anything too crazy. A chaste brush of lips that let her inhale his musky scent. The scent and faint taste of the orange he'd had earlier still on his lips. The sound of approaching vehicles made them reluctantly pull away; both of them watching as two Mercedes SUV's came to a stop in front of them.
"Just great," Owen grumbled.
He reached his arm out, his hand landing on the railing behind her as he watched everyone exit the first vehicle. When Hoskins emerged from the passenger's side Owen let the feeling of dread roll right off his shoulders. Owen didn't like having him here but what could he do? If he didn't play his cards right these assholes could come in and try to replace him and his girls with someone more…agreeable.
"Owen!"
The big man shouted. A big shit eating grin spread from ear to ear. Jasmine had never met the man before but she had heard about him. Nothing she'd heard, however, could prepare her for the sight before her.
Hoskins was tall, about Owen's height. He had a large belly that looked hard just from observation alone with jeans that appeared to be tight. So tight Hoskins looked like it forced him to walk uncomfortably. Unless that was just how he walked. The closer he got to them the more Jasmine hated having his beady little eyes on her. They were both sizing each other up; neither trusting the other.
"Hoskins. Always a pleasure."
Liar, Jasmine thought as she moved to stand a little behind Owen. Putting some much needed space between her and the other man.
The two men shook hands roughly. Hoskins taking it a step further to pat Owen on the back. Jasmine could see plainly he was not a fan of being touched by the guy.
"You're here a little early."
"Yeah. I wanted to stop by and get a glimpse of what the test subjects can do for myself before the suits get here."
"They aren't test subjects: they're living, breathing animals."
Jasmine felt her anger flare up at the words this man had used to describe Blue and the girls. A part of her wished she'd stayed quiet when Hoskins turned his squinty little eyes on her but she squared her shoulders and stood her ground.
"That's cute honey. Who are you supposed to be?"
Jasmine felt Owen grow rigid beside her at Hoskins comment as she answered, "Jasmine Everrwood."
"Well Jasmine Everrwood I don't think we've ever been introduced before today. I think I would remember a pretty little thing like you."
"Ew," she shivered a look of disgust on her face.
Hoskins seemed unfazed by her retort. A smug smile still on his face as he looked down at her and back at Owen.
"Let's leave the pretty comments down to a low minimum of none," Owen suggested.
By the strained look on his face Owen was as angry as Jasmine often showed it. He was just the better of the two of remaining calm…until you pushed him too far.
Hoskins put up his hands in amused surrender as he turned the topic back to the issue at hand.
"Animals are just animals. These animals in particular are here to serve one purpose."
"You do realize that these are highly intelligent animals, correct? You do know they can change the frequency of their distress calls depending on the emergency? That they have the ability to track down a scent that's more than a week old?"
Jasmine was scowling now as the words left her mouth. Unhappy to the max out how carelessly this man felt about Blue, Charlie, Echo, and her favorite, Delta. Like they were just property. Not animals with emotions.
"It's like a female version of you, Owen," Hoskins gave out a throaty laugh as he crossed her arms over his chest. His feet going out in a wide stance as he leaned towards her. "I just can't decide which one of you has the most testosterone."
"I don't know if he's calling you narcissistic or saying I look like a dude but, thank you," Jasmine replied sarcastically.
"Can we just get on with the demonstration please? I don't have all day and I need a run through before the board arrives."
It was amazing how quickly Hoskins became disinterested with a subject. But that wasn't what grabbed a hold of her attention.
"No freaking way," Jasmine whispered fiercely.
A man she knew all too well was making his way towards them. A man that Jasmine had prayed she would never have to see again and here he was, now standing in front of her as he leaned in to whisper something in Hoskins ear. His eyes were deadlocked onto hers; a dangerous smirk on his lips as Jasmine fought not to toss the lunch she didn't have earlier.
"Owen I wanted to introduce you to my new Second in Command: James Reynolds."
Both Hoskins and Owen took notice that the two of them had not stopped staring at each other. Jasmine finally looked away and tried to look everywhere but back in his general direction, while James continued to look directly at her.
Owen glared at the new guy who was unapologetically looking at his Jasmine. Hoskins seemed amused as his words cut through the silence: "Do you two know each other?"
"No."
"Yes."
Jasmine closed her eyes frustrated as she knew her reply had been too quick. Leave it to James to be the asshole that he was.
"So which one is it?" Owen asked.
Owen was reserved; his muscles tensing into knots as he looked on at the open affect this guy was having on his girlfriend. She'd paled noticeably but that could've been for a lot of reasons. Her eyes looking wildly up at him with a soft sweat starting on her upper lip.
James was smiling like the smug bastard that he was as he replied, "We're old…acquaintances. Does that sound about right, Jasmine."
Rapid gun fire.
A screaming woman.
"Shut up! Shut that fucking hole in your face!"
More screams.
The sound of gun fire again and the blunt end of an M4 landing on flesh.
Silence besides the sobbing of small children.
Wild tiny eyes frightened and alert.
A mixture of air and fluid gurgling together.
Frantic eyes pleading and beginning to glass over with death.
War was all around.
For a second Jasmine felt like her hands were opening blood soaked Kevlar. She looked down just to make sure that she was here, now, in the present. That she was standing next to Owen and not in a Pakistani woman's house with her children. That there was no dying soldier in front of her.
But she did notice her hands were shaking and her breathing was picking up speed becoming uncomfortably fast. Owen took her hands in his own and started to lead her towards the side of the enclosure. There were words being exchanged but Jasmine heard none of them. Her vision was zooming in and out; she couldn't focus. Suddenly her breathing was too loud and she felt herself stumbling.
Once they made it around the clearing Owen turned her to face him. His hands on her soldiers as his lips began to move. Jasmine still couldn't hear and her vision was spotting; her heart pounding.
"Jasmine I need you to focus on me. Focus on my voice." His words were still muffled as if she was under water but she was hearing him. "Shake your head if you understand me." She did as he asked and he visibly seemed to relax a little. "You are okay. I just need you to focus on breathing. I'm here with you and you're safe."
My calming center.
Jasmine did as she was ordered following Owen as he took a deep inhale of breath and exhaled a few moments later. A few more minutes of this and Jasmine's chest began to ease. The tightness fading.
"What the hell was that?"
Owen wasn't mad; not yet. He just needed to understand. Jasmine had been fine a few moments before that James character showed up. One look at him had sent her over the deep end. A sick feeling crept into his chest at the idea that maybe she still loved this guy. The idea was too hard to handle but if it was the truth he would deal with it. Just like he always does.
"It was nothing."
"Don't dismiss me, Jasmine. Talk to me."
"This is just something I can't talk about, Owen."
"Why not?"
"Because nobody knows!" Jasmine almost shouted. The hysteria growing back in her chest. "It's complicated."
"Well un-complicate it. We just had this talk this morning, Jazz. You need to trust me. How are we ever supposed to have a relationship if you can't talk to me about what is going on with you?!"
The tears were falling before she could stop them and she quickly turned away from him as she wiped them away angrily.
"You don't understand. This isn't easy to talk about."
"A lot of things weren't easy for me to talk about, but I opened up to you. I thought we had a mutual relationship of trust. Maybe I was wrong."
The ache in his chest resonated with the sadness in his words. Jasmine turned to watch as he started to walk away from her when she called him back.
"Owen please. I've-I've never told anyone about this before."
He didn't want to turn around but he did, making sure he stayed a couple inches away from her. In case another excuse why she couldn't say anything came from her lips.
Jasmine ran a shaky hand threw her hair. She started pacing back and forth as she tried to find the right place to start.
"I was eighteen when I enlisted in the Army. I wanted to be a combat medic. I wanted to take care of soldiers; people. When I was stationed in Texas, before my first tour to Iraq, I met James. He was six years older than me. He was charming." Jasmine couldn't stand to look at Owen as she talked about this. Her hands beginning to shake anew at the fact that for the first time, she was telling another living soul about what had happened. "Obviously, I fell for him and we started dating. During our last tour together James and I had been partnered with a kid named Adam. It was his first tour."
Jasmine smiled to herself remembering the horrible jokes Adam would tell and the awful card tricks he always seemed to fumble.
"We were patrolling the streets of a downtown area when insurgents fell upon our location. Adam unfortunately was shot. The bullet nicking the large vein in his throat. James had us enter the premises of a home. It was a woman with her three children age's four to seven, maybe eight. I started trying to begin medical treatment to stop the bleeding and keep him mobile long enough to reach our Humvee. James had…different plans."
Owen had been listening intently as she told her tale and for the first time ever his stomach had a queasy feeling about how this was going to end.
"He kept telling me we didn't have time. We needed to drop him and save ourselves. Naturally, I refused. That's-tha-"Jasmine couldn't get it out. The tears falling as she wiped them away as they fell. "That's when he put a bullet in Adam's head and told me a dead body was nothing but dead weight. The woman started screaming; her children crying. I was in so much shock at the fact he'd killed Adam that I didn't stop him before he opened fire on the family."
Owen took a step towards her and Jasmine quickly held up her hands to ward him away. Talking about something she wanted to stay buried didn't make her feel like she deserved comfort.
"Please…don't," Jasmine begged before she continued. "I left the army shortly after that because of him. I didn't tell anyone. Not even Adam's parents. I could've told them the truth but still I filled their heads with the lie that it was a terrible tragedy. I have spent the entire part of my time since fighting the cowardice of never righting wrongs I've made. When you, Owen, are all about doing the right thing when I can't even remember the last time I even thought about doing that. I struggle being with you because you're so good and your moral compass is never swayed. All I do is hide and I don't want to hide from you; from us."
"So don't."
Owen took those last steps forward invading her space as he moved to touch her face. The scoff that left her making him pause just before he made contact.
"If only it was that simple."
"It is simple. You just chose to make it harder than it has to be."
"All that man just reminded me of right now Owen is the shame I've lived with. Trying to keep it buried."
Her lip quivered as she looked up at him. And this time, when a stray tear moved to slide down her cheek, Owen's hand gently wiped it away.
"You don't need to feel ashamed, Jazz. You didn't know what he would do. That doesn't make it in anyway your fault."
Jasmine took a step back from him shaking her head.
"When I look at you, I'm reminded of what I thought I saw in him. Goodness. Honor. But you're so different. You really are everything I thought of when I was a little girl; and I'm scared shitless because of it. I like to think I'm tough but I'm not. Toughness and anger are all secondary emotions to fear. And I'm scared all the goddamn time. I'm terrified that one day Adam's family is going to realized that I covered up the truth about how their son died. I'm beyond petrified that telling you this means I'm going to lose you. I'm such a coward-"
"Hey, you are not a coward," Owen cut in sternly.
He filled the space between them again and this time placed a gentle had on her waist. Bringing her towards him.
"How am I not? I could have saved him and those people."
"Or you would have ended up just as dead."
"How do you know that?"
"How do you know you would've save them instead of died with them?"
"That's a whole hell of a lot better than being a coward and just letting someone murder innocent people in front of you." Jasmine pushed him away as her hand dragged through her hair. "I couldn't even stay in the service because someone like me; we don't belong there. How could I ever serve my country or have the backs of my fellow brothers in arms after what I'd done?"
"Jasmine you were in shock. You made a choice. A poor one, but that doesn't make you a bad person. It doesn't make you James."
Jasmine snorted as she shook her head.
"There isn't enough repentance in the world to make up for how I feel." She looked down at her feet, biting her lip as she looked back up at him. "Just be careful around James. You play fair. He doesn't."
Jasmine couldn't stand to continue on with the talk so she moved past him, just out of Owen's reach and made her way back to the bed of the truck. Oddly enough, it felt damn good to finally tell someone about what had happened. What had made her leave but that moment of clarity and relief was soon washed away when James cut back into her view.
Jasmine looked down at her feet and quickly finished her walk to the truck.
After what he had just found out, Owen had no idea how he was supposed to even be doing a drill with the girls. He couldn't focus and, damn it, if he seriously couldn't focus. It didn't matter how many times he held the clicker at eye level and squeezed it four times to gain the girls attention. Owen kept losing it because he wouldn't give a command right away.
His brain would wonder off to the asshole that was beneath him somewhere. An honor less piece of shit who didn't deserve to ever wear the uniform. James was a man who betrayed the trust of those around him. He traumatized a young girl who viewed the situation that had transpired as her fault. He murdered innocent people and prospered while good men and women who Owen had fought beside had lost their lives.
No, every time he pressed that clicker his mind wasn't on the task at hand but on the rage he was trying to conceal. The girls could feel it too. They were snapping at one another and on edge. Owen pressed the clicker again and instructed them to move with him.
Owen was beyond surprised when they followed the command. Even if Delta tried to take a chunk out of Charlie.
"Delta; focus!" he commanded his fingers clicking furiously on the clicker.
From the new angle they'd entered he got a clear view of Jasmine and her guarded body against the truck. For a moment the rage subsided as he imagined holding her in his arms and let her know he'd always be there for her, when the figure of James walking towards her sent his vision into a blinding rage.
Jasmine could spot that bow-legged walk from a mile away and when she realized it was headed in her direction she automatically felt sick. As he neared her that smile that used to send her stomach fluttering with butterflies came across his face. James took up residence to the right of her and looked in the direction of Owen.
"So who's that? Your new boy toy?"
Anger seared in her bones as she quickly looked in his direction. Her nostrils flaring as she spoke.
"His name is Owen and not that it is any of your business, yes he's my boyfriend. So if you could ever so kindly stay away from him that'd be great."
James turned to look in Owen's direction again. Noticing the guy was staring him down just as well. He wasn't impressed.
"He looks ex-military," he chuckled. "What is it with you and military guys? Got a thing for someone taking charge-"
"What are you even doing over here, James? I think I made it pretty clear that after zero contact for years that meant I don't want to talk to you. Like ever." Jasmine retorted cutting him off.
"Now that hurts. Because I obviously want to talk to you. Find out how my old flame is doing."
"Please don't call me that," she cringed.
"Why not? If I remember correctly, for five years we were very…very close."
That's when Jasmine felt it; his fingers grazing delicately along her exposed shoulder and instantly she moved away from him like she'd been burned.
"Don't touch me," she hissed.
"You're such a saucy flirt," James chuckled taking a step towards her.
Owen felt his nostrils flare as his expression soured. He lifted up his fist hard, gaining the girls attention, before dropping it down just as rough. Sending the message that they were dismissed. They dispersed quickly, running back into the camouflage of the jungle around them.
Owen moved across the catwalk in record time. The faint sound of Hoskins stampeding behind him to try and catch up making the metal vibrate beneath his feet as he took the steps by threes.
"Owen? What's going on?" Hoskins hollered behind him.
As soon as his feet touched the jungle floor Owen moved to take off towards Jasmine when a strong hand grabbed a hold of his shoulder. Owen swung it lose as he turned to face an amused Hoskins.
"What's got you all worked up man, come on. Is it that little jungle minx you've been hooking up with," Hoskins laughed until Owen turned on him.
"Don't call her that. Better yet, don't talk about her at all."
"What's eating you? Is it because James is over there talking to her? I know they have a history from what James has told me. Don't worry buddy, I'm sure you're all her little heart desi-RES!"
Hoskins voiced raised up as Owen took a threatening step in his direction. Barely a few inches of space between them as Owen's eyes hardened with hatred.
"This is not a joke. Don't you ever bring him the hell around my facility, my raptors, or around Jasmine again. You understand me?"
Owen didn't wait for a reply as he pushed away from him and started towards Jasmine. He was only a few steps away from them now but close enough to see Jasmine trying to get James hand off of her wrist.
"I think it would be in your best interest if you took your damn hands off of my girlfriend."
His sudden appearance was enough to jar both of them. Jasmine took that opportunity to fling her wrist loss from James. She backpedaled furiously until she was next to Owen who was still making his way towards a very bemused James.
"What you gonna do about it Boy Scout?" he challenged.
Owen took a step forward until both men were inches apart and eyes locked together in a heated confrontation.
"You ever bring your sorry ass back around my facility or even come an inch near Jasmine again, and I'll show you what this Boy Scout can do."
Owen waited until he watched the sides of James smug smirk begin to wilt; the truth of his words sinking in. Even though the smile wilted, Owen could see the look of challenge in James eyes and a dangerous glint of something unstable.
Taking a step back Owen reached out his hand for Jasmine to take. She took it eagerly as he gave one last glance back in James direction before leading her over to his motorcycle. Leaving Barry and Brady to finish up as he decided it was best that they both leave, before Owen did something he was sure he wouldn't regret.
Soooo seriously I need to know what you guys thought! It's a heavy chapter. A lot of feels. As an aside, I don't picture Owen necessarily angry just out of jealousy, but because he seems like an honorable man. A man of military service who respects that sacrifice for our country. And James is a massive A-hole. Like you guys have no idea yet. But I won't keep him if you guys didn't like him! I also felt it necessary for Jasmine to open up about why she's reserved at times, but Owen is supportive and patient. (bless his soul). Anyways, please review! Let me know what you think, f there's anything you'd guys would like more of, and if you'd like a small Christmas Party before I actually head into the movie.
MUCH MUCH MUCHO LOVE!
Jeneane