In Another Time Read online

  Jasper reluctantly introduced the two women.

  Mary put her hand out. “It’s nice to meet you; I’m Jasper’s fiancée.”

  Jasper tried to contain his anger because he needed to get Mary away from Clarissa. “Okay Mary, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he said as he cut his eyes at her. “I’ll walk you back to the dining area.”

  Jasper guided Mary away from Clarissa. He needed to make sure he had the conversation with her before pursuing Clarissa because he knew Clarissa was going to be his. In the meantime, he didn’t want Mary to say anything disrespectful to her. Jasper turned and smiled at Clarissa, he didn’t want their time to end, but he first needed to take care of Mary. “Would you like to join us in the dining area, Miss Trudeau, I’m sure you are missing a great party?” he asked trying to encourage her to join the party.

  She gave him a faint smile. “I will be in in a few minutes; I want to enjoy the view a little while longer,” she said as she refused to give Mary eye contact.

  “If you need anything, just ask one of the servant’s walking around and they’ll be glad to help you.” He hesitated. “It was so nice to meet you, Miss Clarissa Trudeau.”

  Clarissa smiled as she stared into his eyes and conceded that he genuinely meant it. “Thank you, Mr. Jasper Davenne,” she said before turning her attention to Mary. “You both enjoy the rest of your evening,” she said as she gave Mary a faint smile.

  Mary turned in a huff as she tugged at Jasper’s arm.

  Jasper was finally able to get rid of Mary after ten minutes of arguing with her. He then went in search of Clarissa, but she was nowhere to be found. He saw his mother still in the Grand Ballroom. “Mother, have you seen our guest that I met on the terrace?”

  His mother turned to face him. “Who? Miss Clarissa Trudeau? I think she’s retired for the evening son. She seems to be a very shy girl,” she said before redirecting her attention back to her friends.

  He boldly interrupted their conversation again as he pulled his mother to the side. “Mother, do you know how long they intend to stay?” He didn’t want to sound overly anxious.

  “I’m not sure dear, but as I mentioned before, I think they will be here for at least two months.”

  “Thank you, mother.” He kissed her cheek and walked away with a smile on his face. “You can’t get rid of me that easily Miss Trudeau,” Jasper muttered under his breath.

  Chapter 3

  The next day, Jasper was up bright and early, not wanting to miss Clarissa’s entrance. He watched as she rounded the grand staircase, deep in conversation with her father and brother. “Good morning,” he greeted as they looked up and smiled.

  “I don’t think you have had the pleasure of meeting Clarissa’s father, Jack Trudeau and her younger brother, Darin Trudeau,” Jasper’s mother said as she made the introductions to Jasper.

  Jasper smiled as he shook both of their hands. After introductions, Jasper asked Clarissa to join him on the terrace for breakfast and she agreed.

  Her father and brother both smiled as they headed into the dining area to eat.

  The morning air was crisp but warm. The smell of gardenias filled the air like a warm, sweet-smelling blanket. Their breakfast was eaten mostly in silence.

  “It’s such a beautiful day, I would love if you could accompany me into town,” Jasper offered. “You can get to see the town and possibly do a little shopping.”

  Clarissa told him that she’d felt hesitant about going into the public since she’d arrived in Louisiana.

  Jasper could feel her apprehensiveness and tried to reassure her that she would be fine. He felt confident that he could protect her, even if he had to use his powers to accomplish it.

  The night before when Jasper had left with that Mary person, Clarissa had wondered why she couldn’t find someone like Jasper. She had allowed a few minutes to pass before sneaking up the back stairs. Clarissa checked on her brother who was asleep before retiring to her room. She stepped out of the heavy dress and flopped on the bed as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She felt saddened to find a gentleman who liked her for herself but was promised to someone else.

  Then after breakfast, Clarissa had agreed to join him in town after encouragement from her father who planned to make sure they had escorts. She had pleaded with her father not to send armed escorts for protection. They made her more uncomfortable than the stares. Sometimes they were necessary because they never knew what to expect when they traveled, but there was something about Jasper that she trusted; she felt safe around him.

  For the first time in her life, she was able to have a genuine conversation with someone who was not expecting something in return. As Clarissa prepared for her outing, she’d allowed herself to get excited about the trip into town.

  Jasper and Clarissa’s coach ride was short. Jasper had the coachman pull over so that they could walk around the town. While he didn’t care, Jasper was acutely aware of the stares they were receiving. When people began to point as they walked, he became very protective of her.

  Clarissa was used to being the center of unwanted attention when she traveled abroad and sometimes in her own home country. She understood very early in life that it was unusual for a person of her color to have so much wealth.

  It was apparent that the clothes she wore were more expensive than most of the women in that town. She walked with all the confidence on the outside but was very insecure on the inside. She felt grateful for her escort; she thought as she smiled at Jasper.

  They decided to have lunch at a local inn.

  Jasper seemed so taken with Clarissa and he no longer seemed to notice all of the stares they received when they first entered the town.

  As they sat at the table, one of Jasper’s friends walked over. “Good afternoon Jasper,” the man said with a smirk. “When did you get back in town?” he asked unable to take his eyes off of Clarissa.

  “I’ve been here a few days, Marcus. I returned for my parents’ celebration,” Jasper noticed the look he gave Clarissa and responded purposely not introducing Clarissa to him.

  Clarissa avoided eye contact with the gentleman standing over her. She always had a keen sense of people and she felt a very dark and dangerous aura from Jasper’s friend, Marcus.

  Marcus stood there for a few seconds, waiting for an introduction that did not come. “So who’s this beautiful young lady, Jasper?”

  Jasper glared at him as if daring him to say something inappropriate. “This is Miss Clarissa Trudeau, a friend of my family.” Jasper smiled warmly at her as if trying to remove the tense feeling at the table.

  Marcus extended his hand towards her and she reluctantly placed her hand in his. He raised her hand to his lips. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Trudeau.”

  Clarissa retracted her hand quickly, not wanting to have any further contact with him—something about him, did not feel right to her.

  After standing a few more seconds, Marcus realized the invitation to join them, was not going to come. “Since I’m eating by myself, I will join you so I can get better acquainted with Miss Trudeau.”

  Jasper seemed to note the fear Clarissa felt. “Sorry Marcus, we just decided to have lunch at the castle, but feel free to have the table and enjoy your lunch,” he said as he walked around Marcus blocking his view of Clarissa as she stood from the table. He grabbed her hand and began to walk out of the inn.

  “Jasper, can I have a word, please?” Marcus asked.

  His request caused Jasper to pause, but he motioned for Clarissa to continue to walk towards the door. Jasper stopped and waited for Marcus to approach him.

  “That darkie is beautiful,” he whispered in a sneaky tone. “When you’re done with her, you should pass her on to me.” The smirk that appeared on Marcus’ face matched his snide tone.

  Jasper’s jaw tightened and his fist clenched as he stared at Marcus.

  Marcus began to gasp for air. The air passages in his throat were closing as he stared at Jasper. Marcus kn
ew Jasper was using his abilities to choke him and there was nothing he could do to stop him.

  Clarissa overheard Marcus’ comment and realized what was happening. She used her powers of Illusion to project a different image to the patrons as they ate.

  Everyone around them was unaware of the interaction between the two men.

  Jasper leaned in and whispered in Marcus’ ear, “Go near her, and I will kill you! Do you understand?” he growled.

  Marcus nodded as he continued to gasp for air.

  “Release him,” Jasper heard in his head and heart. He knew it was Clarissa. He reluctantly released the mystical hold on Marcus and Clarissa did the same with the patrons. Jasper smoothed out Marcus’ lapel. “You are no longer welcomed in my house and we are no longer friends,” he said in a tone so low that only Marcus could hear. Jasper brushed off his lapels and walked over to meet Clarissa.

  They strolled in silence until Jasper was able to regain his composure. He allowed anger to rule him to the point of using his abilities in public. He and Marcus had been friends for only a few years, but he never saw that ugly side of him before. He peered over at Clarissa. He could not imagine someone wanting to take advantage of or hurting her. They only met a few days ago, but he felt such a connection with her and an overwhelming need to protect her. Their powers flowed fluently together at the inn, and he knew they were meant to be together. Jasper gently grasped her hand, and he held onto it as they continued to walk in silence.

  Clarissa gazed at him before turning her face towards the sun. “The weather here is absolutely beautiful; I could get use to this.” She smiled shyly at him, trying to get him to relax.

  The smile on her face caused all of his negative feelings to dissipate. “Your family chose the perfect time to visit. The weather is always lovely this time of year.” After the initial tension was broken, he continued their conversation as they walked, “Thank you for your help back there, I don’t normally use my powers in public, but he said something that angered me and…”

  She stopped in her tracks. “You don’t have to explain, I’m just happy I was able to help,” Clarissa said with a smile.

  Jasper placed his hand on her hip as he pulled her a little closer to him. He used one of his hands to cup her face. He leaned in a place a soft kiss on her lips. She lowered her head as she blushed. Using his index finger, he raised her face, so they were looking at each other. “I’m so glad you came into my life, Clarissa.”

  She blushed even more. “I am also elated to have met you, Jasper,” she replied softly

  They continued their walk and then got into the carriage to return to the castle.

  By the time they got back, Clarissa seemed overwhelmed by the events of the afternoon. “I need to freshen up, and I would like to have my supper in my room if that’s okay with you?” she asked Jasper.

  Disappointed that their time together was ending for the day, he just nodded in response.

  She smiled at him before rounding the grand staircase.

  Jasper joined his parents for supper and was almost done eating when one of the servants announced Mary. Then she walked into the dining area.

  Chapter 4

  While Jasper and Clarissa walked along the road, they were unaware that Mary was watching them. She had gone into town in hopes of running into Jasper, but instead, she ran into Marcus who told her about the entire incident that transpired in the inn. Mary was able to track them down and began to follow.

  The intense jealousy she felt began to make her eyes burn with tears when she saw them kiss. While the main purpose of marrying Jasper was to create the ultimate bloodline, Mary had always secretly loved him. She intended to take care of the dark witch permanently if she wanted to have the man she loved and who would eventually love her back.

  She then decided to make a visit to speak with Jasper.

  “Good evening everyone,” she said coldly to his parents. “Jasper, do you mind if I have a word with you privately.”

  He nodded and motioned her towards the library then closed the door behind them.

  Mary walked up to Jasper and tried to kiss him on the lips but he turned his head, and her lips landed on his cheek.

  “Jasper, what’s wrong with you? We will be married soon, and you act like you don’t love me anymore,” she said jokingly with pouty lips, inwardly hoping that he felt some inkling of love for her.

  Jasper stepped away from her as he tried to contain his anger. “I don’t love you, a truth you have known from the beginning. I told you that when our parents decided that we should marry that I needed time to decide if that was what I wanted,” he said as he walked over to the wooden cabinet and made himself a drink.

  “You don’t have a choice, my love, if we want our families’ bloodline to be more powerful than any other family, we will have to marry and bare children. Our families united will be the most powerful line of sorcerers in history,” she said as she walked over to stand next to him.

  “I always have a choice, and I choose not to marry you. My family’s bloodline will remain strong and continue to get stronger,” he said as he sipped his drink.

  Mary stared at him with a smile that belied her true feeling at the moment. She knew Jasper had not worked on his abilities to make them stronger, but she had and she knew at this moment, she was stronger than him. “Don’t be foolish; you know that your family line is not as strong as it should be. Your grandfather married a normal and that weakened your father’s abilities, and while he married one of us, you will still need to marry one of your kind to make sure that your legacy is preserved.”

  Mary took the drink out of his hand and sipped it seductively.

  Jasper stared at her with a contemptuous smirk as he made himself another drink. “Mary, please have a seat,” he said as he motioned her to sit on the sofa. “I know that our families wanted us to marry, but I need to do what is right for me and marrying you is not right for me.” He sipped his drink.

  “Is it the dark witch that has turned your head?” she asked angrily, then continued without allowing him to answer, “She will cause your death, and I know this to be true.” She slammed the glass she held onto the table. “I will be away for a few weeks, when I get back, I expect this infatuation you have with the dark witch to be over. You will realize that the only option you have is to marry me,” she declared as she walked to the door. She paused as she used her eyes to focus on his hand.

  Jasper tried, to no avail, to lift his glass to his mouth.

  “I am stronger than you, and if I have to, I will use my powers to get what is rightfully mine and that includes you.” Mary laughed loudly as she walked out the door.

  Jasper slowly regained control over his hand and threw the glass into the fireplace. He knew that Mary would kill not only Clarissa but use her powers to control him if she couldn’t get her way. He would die before allowing her to manipulate his life and more importantly, harm Clarissa.

  Over the next month, Jasper began to put a plan in place. He knew Clarissa was going to be his wife and he would not allow Mary to interfere. Jasper and Clarissa spent every waking moment with each other, talking about and honing their abilities. Each day, they spent together, their powers grew stronger, but Jasper knew they would have to work harder to defend against Mary.

  It had become undeniable to everyone around them that they were in love. Jasper’s parents knew that their relationship would be a dangerous road to travel, but they had never seen their son so happy. Clarissa’s father was confident that Jasper would be able to protect his daughter and had given them his blessings.

  Even her younger brother seemed very happy about this new development. Darin was a gifted artist and decided to paint a picture for his sister in honor of her newfound happiness.

  Jasper and Clarissa walked onto the terrace. This had become one of their favorite meeting places.

  “So what do you want to do today?” Clarissa asked.

  Jasper kissed her softly on the lips a
s he did every time he saw her. “I have something important to talk to you about,” he said as he motioned her to sit on the bench near them on the terrace. “Clarissa, if we are to be together, you must come with me now,” he urged as he spoke in a low deep tone.

  “Why? I don’t understand.” She stood up.

  Jasper ran his fingers through his hair while blowing out a breath as he tried to explain,“before your family arrived, my parents promised my hand in marriage to Mary. But now that they have seen how happy I’ve been over the last month, they broke the agreement with Mary’s parents. Mary knows about us and I will not let her hurt you.” He stared at her while grabbing her hand and kissing the back of it.

  “What are you talking about? How is she going to hurt me?” she asked.

  Jasper paused and tried to slow down to explain everything. “Mary has certain powers and they are strong. If she finds you, she will try to kill you so that she can be with me.” He’d already heard from a reliable source that Mary was furious over the broken agreement and was determined to kill Clarissa so that she could have him all to herself. He would never let that happen; he needed to take care of Mary before she harmed anyone.

  Jasper stood up and cupped her face with his hands then gazed into her beautiful brown eyes. “We have only one option; if we are married before she finds us, then by our laws, there is nothing she will be able to do.”

  Clarissa looked deeply into his eyes. “Are you asking for my hand in marriage Jasper?” she asked, still confused.

  “Yes my love, I am asking you to marry me.” He kissed her hand. “I knew the moment I saw you, I had been waiting my entire life for you.” He kissed her softly. “I need to make sure you stay safe. I have a coach waiting to take us to my family’s cabin in the woods. We will stay there until I’ve taken care of Mary.”