AN: Hello, lovely readers. I'm so very sorry for my long absence. I appreciate your support and patience. I'm currently working on the next chapter of Life's a Witch, which will be out soon, as well as a few new projects that will come out in the new year. But for today, I want to talk about this new adventure.

On this day, two years ago, I posted my first story, Ever After. I didn't expect much, but it did really well and I was thrilled. I went on to write more stories and then, recently, my father passed away and my life came to a standstill. After a while, I tried to get back into writing but couldn't get the words out. Writing has always given me an outlet. It's my safe space, where I can burrow into my mind and lose myself for a few hours. But when my dad died, it was like I couldn't get back into that place.

Somehow, I started rereading Ever After, and as much as I love the story—despite the horrible grammar—I felt dissatisfied with the ending. It's a good story but unfinished, which bothers me a lot. As I read, I also found myself wanting to change things, to add to the story, to make it better.

I've tried to continue Ever After. I've been trying for years. But I feel there's more that needs to be changed.

This isn't a rewrite. It's more like a complete overhaul of the entire story. Some things are the same, but a lot of the story is different. You don't need to read Ever After to understand this story. It isn't a continuation, it's a fresh beginning. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it.

Happy New Year, my lovely friends. Be safe. Be happy. And read! XOXO

– Wednesday 23 December 1992 –

– New York City. Central Park –

"Pete, where are we going?" Jasper Whitlock asked as he followed his brother through the streets of Manhattan.

Everywhere he looked, people were bustling from store to store, frantically trying to finish their last-minute Christmas shopping before the coming blizzard. The temperature was already dropping. The sky was a dark gunmetal gray, filled with thick snow clouds.

As vampires, the cold didn't bother the two men. But to keep up appearances, they threw on jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots before leaving the comfort of their New York penthouse.

For reasons unknown to Jasper, his progeny insisted on celebrating the holiday season in New York this year. He even invited the coven Jasper has been infiltrating for the past four decades. Though he wasn't sure why; Peter couldn't stand the Cullen's.

This was a treat for the Cullen's, who never celebrate the holiday season.

In the forty years Jasper has known them, there's never been a tree or decorations. There are no festive garlands hung. No lights decorating the house. Not even a spring of mistletoe! There's no holiday music or movies. They don't buy presents for one another. They have no family traditions. No parties or gatherings or celebrations of any kind. In the Cullen household, the holiday season was just like any other time of the year.

Carlisle works a double shift at the hospital, and the others do their own thing.

Esme volunteers at the local women's shelter or a soup kitchen. She enjoys baking and donates the treats to those needing a little Christmas cheer.

Emmett and Rosalie dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. They visit the children's hospital, giving out toys and spreading joy to the children who need it most.

Over the years, Jasper has joined Rosalie and Emmett a few times. After all the death and destruction he caused, spending Christmas volunteering was the least he could do. He could never make up for what he's done. But Christmas is a special, magical time. He figured if he could make just one person's Christmas a little brighter, then he owed it to the universe to try.

Admittedly, he doesn't do this nearly as often as Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett. Most years, he leaves the coven to join Peter and Charlotte. He prefers to be close to home during the holiday season.

He's always found it strange that a coven of vampires—who claim to want nothing more than to be human again—refuse to celebrate the holiday season. Considering how determined Carlisle is to keep up appearances, blend into human society, and integrate into the world they no longer belong to, he assumed they would embrace all human traditions and holidays. Apparently, not.

Even as a boy, he could remember celebrating Yule and the Winter Solstice. He remembered the feasts. There was always music and dancing. Laughter and happiness flowed from the entire town. He remembered hunting with his father and brothers. His mother and sisters cooked for days before the festivities. He can't remember what they ate, but he can distinctly remember the way the whole town smelled like warm spices of cinnamon, orange, and clove. Those scents always take him back to a time when his family was happy and at peace.

Even when he fought in the Southern Wars and he was knee-deep in limbs, blood, guts, and venom, a ceasefire was called during battle. The Southern Wars were vicious—more so than most vampires know or admit—but for the holiday season, the world stood still and they celebrated.

It was sacred.

Cherished.

When Pete called and invited the Cullens to New York for Christmas, most of the coven jumped at the opportunity. Even Carlisle was excited to celebrate. It made Jasper wonder; if they were so excited, why not celebrate every year?

Then he got his answer.

Edward.

Jasper shouldn't have been so surprised when Edward tried to make a case to decline Peter's invitation, insisting it was far too dangerous with all the tasty humans running around. With Pete, Char, and Jasper of the non-veggie persuasion, the young boy believed it was far too dangerous. This, of course, got the others overthinking. Rose and Esme were concerned and voiced their opinion. Though, in Esme's defense, she was more concerned about her control than Jasper and his family. Rosalie was being … well, Rosalie.

From what Jasper observed, Carlisle tried to stop Edward's constant whining, but the boy was as stubborn as a mule. That, too, didn't surprise Jasper. Carlisle lost control of his progeny decades ago … if he ever had control in the first place!

Edward didn't stop bitching until Alice assured everyone they'd be safe and have a fun, festive family holiday.

Not even that stopped Edward for long. When he couldn't persuade Carlisle that it was too risky to go to New York, he started in on Jasper and his diet. Saying he was worried Jasper would slip and massacre the entire city.

If Edward had any idea who he was attempting to order around … if he knew how many times Jasper had massacred entire cities … the boy would piss his pants. And that would be an astonishing feat, considering vampires don't piss.

There's a reason Jasper Whitlock is feared in the vampire world. He is, after all, known as the God of War … a moniker he earned during his time in the Southern Wars.

Edward, though, didn't believe the stories. He insisted the rumors of Jasper's past were embellished to make Jasper seem worse than he was. Because of his telepathy, Edward felt he could easily best Jasper in a fight. Over the decades that Jasper has been with the coven, he's allowed Edward to continue thinking that … he even allowed the boy to win their sparring matches.

In the name of his mission and to keep his cover, he would do whatever it took to ensure his enemy believed he was a weak, pathetic, washed-up war veteran. If he had to throw a few sparring matches, so be it. It didn't matter to Jasper what Edward thought of him. He knew his power. He knew his control was far superior to Edward's, or even Carlisle's.

New York held a special place in Jasper's heart. He may be a monster of the grisliest kind, but he still has morals and rules that he lives by. They just differ from the rules Carlisle sets for himself and his coven.

There was something about this time of the year that brought out a side of Jasper that wasn't usually there. He found he couldn't bring himself to hunt, feed, or play with his prey while they were celebrating.

The season didn't make a damn bit of difference to Peter or Charlotte. But they both respected their coven leader's choice and abstained with him.

Solidarity and all that shit…

As New York is one of Jasper's favourite cities, he knew there was no way he'd ever destroy it. Though he wasn't about to tell Edward that. Even if he tried, what was the point? Edward believed what he wanted to believe. And he believed Jasper to be the worst kind of monster imaginable. There was nothing Jasper could do or say to change Edward's mind.

Jasper wasn't sure why Edward was against coming to New York. With him, there's a possibility there isn't a reason, and he just wants to ruin everyone else's fun. The term 'stick in the mud' really doesn't do Edward Cullen justice.

Truth be told, it didn't matter what Edward thought or what the Cullen's decided. Jasper was going. And if Pete wanted to spend the holiday in New York, they would. There's nothing like Christmas in New York and Jasper wasn't about to miss seeing his brother and spending time with his family because of Edward Cullen.

There's something wonderful about this time of the year. It's finally cold. The Christmas lights are up and the atmosphere is brighter. There's magic in the air. Even the emotions change as soon as the Christmas lights go up. There's happiness and joy in the world again.

This year was important to Pete. He refused to tell Jasper why. He just insisted on patience.

Because I'm known fer my patience…

Peter should've known him better by now.

He'd gone all out this year. Decorating the penthouse. Nights spent by the fire with mulled cider. Ice skating. Shopping trips to all the stores. Strolling the Bronx Zoo's winter wonderland. Enjoying the holiday pop-up shops. Picking out Christmas ornaments in Little Italy. Attending the theater. And then going on a holiday pub crawl. Festive holiday music and movies every night.

It was all so perfect.

Too perfect.

Emmett joked a few nights ago that the way Pete went overboard to make this holiday season special, something horrible must be on the horizon. And when Peter didn't disagree, Jasper began to worry. Something was going on. But Peter refused to tell him what was coming.

Until this afternoon.

Peter came barreling into Jasper's bedroom—glared at Alice who was sprawled, naked across his chest, slowly making her way toward his cock—and tossed him his pants. Alice growled and snapped at Peter. He flipped her off and told Jasper to put his pants on and that it was time.

Time for what … well … with Peter … it could be anything.

"Start talking, Captain," Jasper demanded as he followed his brother through the busy streets. "You interrupted what was going to be a very pleasurable morning. I finally got Ali to stop talking about the future and focus on the present, and you interrupted! What the fuck is so important you had to drag me out of the house at the butt crack of fuckin' dawn during a goddamn blizzard!?"

"I had to get outta there. I've got no fuckin' clue how you live with a bunch of crackpots!" Peter grumbled. "Esme, I get. That woman is hot as hell and sweet as pie! Even my Char thinks so."

"You two like Esme?" Jasper asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Hell yeah! We'd have her stay with us all year if she'd dump the rest of the wackadoodles! That woman knows how to laugh! And she's always up for a good time. Plus, she's kind, caring, and she's a good friend to my Char."

Jasper didn't realize Peter and Char liked Esme. Although, it wasn't hard to like Esme. The woman had a heart of gold.

"The Doc," Peter shook his head, "him I could do without. How the hell is that pompous ass mated to a wonderful gal like Esme? It doesn't make any sense."

Jasper nodded in agreement. He should've known Peter would pick up on that.

From everything he has witnessed and what he's observed in their emotions—and what Esme has confided over the years—there is no bond connecting Carlisle and Esme. Certainly not a mating bond.

Carlisle's emotions are possessive. He's deeply attracted to her, but he is not in love with her.

"They aren't mated," Jasper confirmed. "When she woke to this life, Carlisle told her they were True Mates, but from what I can tell and their emotions, it's bullshit."

Pete nodded. "I'm not surprised. I can't put my finger on it, but there's somethin' off about that man. He wants constant control … over everything … and yet he's as submissive as they come! And a damn masochist. Now, don't get me wrong, there isn't anything wrong with a man who wants to submit or someone who enjoys a little pain with their pleasure, but he needs to get a fuckin' grip! Char bumped into him the other day and he about creamed his fuckin' trousers! And if he keeps trying to persuade me to try the bunny diet, I might just—" A low growl rumbled through him as he trailed off.

Jasper didn't need his colorful descriptions. He could imagine easily enough.

"And don't get me started on the psychotic harpy you've claimed as your companion, Major. I've got no idea how the hell you put up with her! Were they out of sane vamps when you were picking a companion?"

Jasper and Peter have had this conversation many times in the past. Jasper hated keeping his brother in the dark, but for now, it was necessary. His mission with the Cullen's was strictly need to know. The only people that knew why he was with them were those few above him. Right now, during Christmas, it wasn't time or safe to bring Peter and Char into the fold. Not while Edward and Alice are so close. He wouldn't risk his family's safety. It was his job to protect them. Always.

"I'll say it again; Alice Cullen isn't for you, Major. I know you like 'em crazy but that girl looks like a twelve-year-old boy and all the makeup and designer clothes in the world won't cover up that amount of 'off her fuckin' rocker!'"

Jasper chuckled.

Pete wasn't wrong. Jasper had a type. And, he figured, a little crazy wasn't always a bad thing, especially when it transferred into the bedroom.

Alice Cullen may not look like much—no tits, no ass, no curves to speak of—but the girl made up for what she lacked in enthusiasm. With a libido that rivaled his, she was always ready, willing, and eager. He couldn't say he hated that.

"There's something not right about that girl, Major." Peter shook his head. "I told you back in forty-seven, that girl is dangerous and she's hiding somethin' from you. I dunno what, but you know my shits always right and I'm telling you, that girl is all kinds of wrong. Can't say I care fer how pushy and judgmental she is either. Did you hear what she said about my Char's boots?"

"I did."

"I bought her those boots on our honeymoon! They're her favourite pair and God help that little bitch if she…" Again, he trailed off, growling under his breath.

Alice Cullen put on a good show. Her bubbly personality, artificial compassion, and the gift of subjective precognition have lured in everyone Jasper's met while staying with the Cullens. Very few people look past the image she likes to present to the world and see the girl for who she is. A malicious, cold-hearted, manipulative bitch.

Pete took a deep breath to calm himself down.

"Em is a different story altogether. You know I love the big lug. Unfortunately, the poor fuckers mated to a woman who makes Jack Frost look warm and cuddly in comparison."

"Rose has been through—"

"I know what she's been through, Major," Peter interrupted. "But trauma—even as bad as hers was—doesn't give you a free pass to be an insensitive, coldhearted bitch to everyone you meet. We may have the same parts, but that doesn't mean she gets to associate every male with the bastards who raped her. We aren't all cut from the same cloth. One more snide comment and I won't stop Char from decapitating The Snow Queen."

Jasper nodded.

Rosalie is … an acquired taste. Her story is fraught with pain and trauma. But no matter how bad it was for her, that doesn't give her a free pass to be rude and callous to everyone she meets.

The Cullens blame her attitude on her traumatic past and her start in this life. As if that gives her an excuse to treat those around her like they're a spec of dirt beneath her expensive designer boots. And that's only how she treats other vampires. Humans are an entirely different story. Her behavior is disgusting and, frankly, an embarrassment to herself and the coven.

'Cold-hearted bitch' seems to be Rosalie's default setting. As her sire, Carlisle could step in and help her. Unfortunately, he's got his head so far up Edward's ass he hasn't noticed Rosalie's struggling with her immortal life. Nor has he seen how her behavior is making the entire coven look.

Despite what they may think, the Cullen coven is not the crème de la crème of vampire society. From what Jasper's seen and heard, most deem the Cullen's weak and laughable.

There have been a few times over the years when Rosalie has shown another side of her personality. She was compassionate, playful, and fun. But it was rare to see that side of her. With each passing year, her depression only got worse. He'd never met someone so angry and full of resentment, jealousy, and self-loathing. The way she feels about herself is nothing compared to the pure hatred she feels toward Carlisle Cullen.

As Carlisle doesn't seem to notice or care that his progeny is struggling, Jasper has considered stepping in to help her. He believes a woman like Rosalie needs a deeper purpose to feel fulfilled, something more than going to high school on repeat every four years. That alone is draining the life out of her!

But helping her would risk four decades of work…

He'd consider it in the New Year.

"I already know all of this, Pete," Jasper growled. "Stop stalling and answer my question; where are we going?"

He smirked. "Have a little patience, Major. And trust me. It'll be worth it."

"What will be worth it?"

"You'll see," the tall Texan grinned, unwilling to give anything away. He wanted to see The Major's reaction. "And whatever plans you were just considering … something to do with the Ice Queen … The Fates say you should go for it… She and Emmett will be necessary in the future."

Jasper nodded.

Peter eyed him suspiciously. "But just so we're clear, brother. If you're planning to bring Winter Wonderland Barbie into whatever you're up to before me and Char, I'm gonna be pissed…"

Jasper nodded. "Duly noted."

Peter was silent for a moment, then huffed. "So, are you going to tell me what you're up to?"

Jasper chuckled. "After Christmas. When the Cullen's return to Portland, we'll talk."

Peter gave a satisfied nod as he led Jasper across a busy road and into Central Park. They passed a playground full of children and continued walking.

They walked a little further.

And a little further.

And a little further still.

Eventually, Peter stopped at the edge of an old children's playground at least two miles from the newer one they'd passed.

"Uh, Pete…"

"Shh." He looked left and right. "Not yet," he whispered, his head whipping back and forth, looking for something. When he didn't find what he was looking for, he cursed under his breath and marched off again. "Where is she? The little ones are always so difficult to predict."

That gave Jasper pause. "Little ones?" He questioned, cocking an eyebrow.

"Mm." He nodded and continued walking.

Peter knew Jasper's rules. Even when he was at his worst, there was one rule; no children.

He's crossed many lines in the years he's walked the earth and blurred most of them. But that was one line he was not willing to cross.

Women and children are precious. Sacred. They are to be cherished and loved, not abused, and harmed by man. Jasper has never raped a woman. He's never used his gift to get one into bed. He has never raised his hand to a woman, except in extreme circumstances, like battle. It's impossible to choose who you kill in battle. It's kill or be killed. Gender be damned. The only other exception is sparring and training. Some of the best fighters in the supernatural world are women. Achieving and maintaining that level requires training and skill practice. Those are the only exceptions.

There are no exceptions for a child. Ever.

A low growl rumbled through Jasper. "You know my rule about children, Peter."

He chuckled. "I don't want you to eat her, Major. Well, not yet, anyway. When she's older. Much, much older. And not in the way yer thinkin'."

Jasper didn't know what the hell Peter was going on about. But, he rarely knew with Peter.

Cryptic bastard.

Contrary to popular belief, Jasper Whitlock is not without compassion, no matter his diet.

Being an empath is truly an amazing gift. He can feel the entire spectrum of human, supernatural, and animal emotions. But it's also a curse.

Jasper feels everything.

And those emotions are never more heightened than when he sinks his teeth into his prey's jugular.

For a hundred and thirty years—ever since he became a vampire—every time he's fed, he's felt the constant flow of emotions from his prey. And over the years, it's taken its toll on his psyche.

When he met Alice in the fifties, she introduced him to a new way of life, something he'd never considered. Animal blood.

Animal blood helps lessen some of the pain. Though animals feel emotions and Jasper can interpret them as easily as a human's emotions, they're different. Animals are nothing like humans. Not lesser. Just different.

However, consuming a constant diet of only animal blood has serious side effects.

Despite Carlisle and Alice's help and the endless support of most of the Cullens, Peter was the one who helped Jasper. Long before the Cullen's noticed, Peter saw how much his brother was struggling and stepped in to help.

Together, they discovered the bigger the predator, the less he needs to hunt. Bigger prey also tasted closer to human blood … not nearly as satisfying or tasty … but tolerable.

However, there were still side effects to take into consideration.

When he began drinking animal blood, he felt the effects immediately.

Carlisle, of course, refused to believe Peter or what his gift told him. But that wasn't a surprise to Jasper. Carlisle has never tasted human blood. He's lived his whole life without giving in to that temptation.

Jasper hasn't.

For over a century, he's lived on a diet of only human blood.

He knew and felt the differences.

Carlisle doesn't know what it's like to indulge in his natural food source and live that way for a hundred years. He can't possibly understand the struggle or know how it feels to change his diet.

When it became clear Jasper couldn't survive on only animal blood and he couldn't stand the onslaught of emotions when he fed from a human, Peter began helping him hone his gift.

He'd always believed all he could do was feel and project emotions. As powerful as he was—as he is powerful, very powerful—he figured that was the extent of his gift.

He was wrong.

Vampire gifts can evolve. They can strengthen. They can grow. It takes work and discipline. A vampire must have a powerful mind and a physically capable body—that is fully fed and nourished—but it is possible.

On the flip side, if a vampire doesn't use their gift or hone their abilities, they'll become stagnant and deteriorate. Over time, the gift will fade until it's gone.

The old saying, use it or lose it…

Essentially, that applies to a vampire's gift.

Because of the Southern Wars, Jasper spent all day, every day, for over a century using his empathy and honing his abilities.

When Caius Volturi saved him from the Southern Wars, he thought his life was over. Little did he know, it was just the beginning.

The Volturi gave him purpose. He honed his abilities. He trained with like-minded soldiers and warriors. Caius and Demetri taught him more about battle than his sire ever had. Jane taught him control. Marcus taught him more about his empathy; teaching him to read bonds through emotions. Felix was the only vampire who had ever bested him in a fight. And Jasper vowed it would never happen again.

And it didn't.

Jasper learned.

He grew stronger.

He truly earned the moniker God of War.

Jasper's gift only became stagnant when he went undercover to join the Cullen coven. Carlisle asked him not to use his gift and meddle in other's emotions.

Yeah. That was a conversation…

Becoming a Cullen also meant changing his diet, which also affected his gift.

Thank fuck fer our Captain!

Peter was the only one who realized what was happening to Jasper and set about making it right.

Through meditation, Jasper found the control center for his gift. All gifts have them. That place, deep inside, where a vampire can master their gift. Once he'd locked onto that part of himself, it was just a matter of learning to control his gift.

Where before there was no off switch, now he could, in a sense, shield himself from the onslaught of emotions bombarding him every day. When he could hold the shield up, it was just a matter of learning to do it while feeding.

It wasn't easy.

It took decades of practice to hone and refine his gift.

His training sessions helped him strengthen his gift in a way he never had or could while fighting in the wars.

Now, he's reached a place where his control of his bloodlust surpasses that of Carlisle Cullen, and his empathic shield is strong enough to keep Edward and any other telepath out of his head. Lest they want to experience unimaginable pain.

On rare occasions, he'll still indulge in animal blood. He enjoys hunting and camping trips with Emmett. But human blood, even when it comes from a blood bag, is always preferable to the animal diet.

Sometimes, when they're willing, he'll even indulge in someone … supernatural. Seelie blood is divine. As is succubi and siren. But nothing is as good as the blood of a witch. Witch blood is exquisite. All that magic. All that power flows through their blood. The taste is exquisite.

Carlisle doesn't agree with Jasper's chosen diet. To him, animal blood is the key to a happy, healthy, humane life. He believes it gives back a vampire's humanity, while their natural food source rids them of any goodness. He sees humans as being the epitome of good. Every human life matters.

Jasper doesn't agree.

A human who takes the life of an innocent child, who rapes a young girl, who murders and takes an innocent life from the world, does not deserve to live.

Carlisle would save a murderer or a rapist.

Jasper would hunt the bastard down and drain every drop of blood from his body to ensure he never again harmed an innocent life.

Right or wrong, that is Jasper's choice to make and live with. Carlisle refuses to see that and continues badgering him to conform to the Cullen way of life.

Thanks to his years in the Wars and his bitch of a sire, Jasper's sense of normal was so twisted there was never any possibility that he would become a pacifist like Carlisle.

Carlisle and Alice couldn't understand.

They refused to know anything about him but the barebones of his life's story. If they'd taken the time to listen and learn his history, they'd know Maria conditioned him to associate blood with pleasure.

Human blood. Carnal pleasure.

He enjoys the hunt as much as he enjoys the kill. For him, it's sensual. It's arousing. The hunt … the kill … it makes his cock hard and lowers his inhibitions. Every time he hunts, it ends with a satisfying orgasm either with whomever he's with or by his own hand. And unless he has a willing partner who understands what happens to him during the hunt, it's something he always does alone.

Doesn't matter if it's human blood or animal.

Male or female.

Once the hunt begins, Jasper's deepest, darkest, most carnal pleasures consume him. And he doesn't resurface until he finds his release.

The Cullen's have never understood …

Those pansy-ass pacifists have never tried to understand us! Fuck, they never wanted to know!

Shaking those thoughts from his mind, Jasper focused on Peter, and where he was being led.

The two vampires silently walked through the park, going deeper and deeper, until a mass of trees surrounded them on either side.

Jasper was about to stop Peter, or at the least try to get an answer out of him when the wind shifted. The scent of sweet honeysuckle filled his senses.

The moment he smelled it, he knew that scent. With every fiber of his being, he knew that scent belonged to his mate.

A low, dangerous snarl came from his chest.

Mate.

She was close.

So very close.

There was an earthiness to her. Sandalwood, maybe. And spice. Cinnamon. Nutmeg. Clove. And … ginger? And something sweet. Honey, perhaps. But it wasn't overpowering. Just a hint to balance the heat and warmth.

She smelled like Christmas.

She smelled like home.

As the wind playfully swirled around them, the depth of her scent engulfed Jasper's senses. Juicy oranges. Notes of something woody, smoky, and warm; like an inviting fire after a long, wintry day.

There was something else, too. But he couldn't place it. There was warmth. It was wild. It was…

Magic.

"Is that… Do you smell…"

Peter grinned. "Magic."

The scent was delicate. She was young … unclaimed …. Untouched … innocent.

As Jasper inhaled, letting the tantalizing smell roll over his senses, a low growl vibrated through his chest. An audible claiming of this precious little witch.

"Pete…" Jasper breathed as the younger man came to an abrupt standstill. "She's a…"

He smirked. "A witch," he nodded. "Just a baby one. But, if my knower is correct … and it always is … she's somethin' special, Major."

Jasper frowned. "What does that mean?"

Peter shrugged. "No idea. All I know is yer girl is special. Don't know the details yet…"

Jasper shook his head.

Cryptic bastard.

"It's time," Peter grinned like the Cheshire cat. "Watch. Right there," he said, tilting his head toward the far-right corner of the park.

Jasper did as he asked, letting his eyes roam the wide expanse of trees, bushes, and the walking trail in his attempt to find his little mate.

He couldn't wait to see, meet, and finally know her…

"She's coming…" Peter whispered.