"Protection at All Costs"

Jasper groaned in pain, his eyes fluttering open to find Cruella's worried face hovering above him. He tried to speak, but his voice came out as a hoarse whisper. Cruella's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at him, her expression softening. Cruella gently lifted Jasper's head off the cold floor, cradling it in her lap. She stroked his hair, her touch soothing. Jasper winced as she touched a particularly tender spot, but Cruella's gentle fingers eased the pain. "It's okay, darling," Cruella cooed, her voice a gentle melody. "They're gone now. I'm not gonna let anybody hurt you." She aligned her forehead against his, her warm breath a comforting presence. Jasper's eyes searched Cruella's face, and for a moment, he forgot about the pain and the fear. He saw the concern etched on her features, the love and adoration shining in her eyes. He felt a pang of guilt for underestimating her, for thinking she was just a selfish, cruel woman. Cruella's hold on him tightened, her grip possessive. "You're safe now, Jasper," she whispered. "I'll never let anyone harm you again. You're mine, and I'll protect you with my life." As she spoke, her voice dropped to a whisper, and Jasper felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew that Cruella was a woman who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted, and right now, what she wanted was to keep him safe. The sound of sirens echoed outside, growing fainter as the police cars drove away. Jasper's eyes drifted shut, his body relaxing into Cruella's touch. He felt a sense of security wash over him, a sense of being protected by the one person who seemed to care. Cruella's fingers continued to stroke his hair, her touch a gentle balm to his battered soul. She sat there, holding him, as the minutes ticked by, her presence a shield against the world. As Jasper's breathing evened out, Cruella's gaze never left his face. She watched over him, her eyes burning with a fierce devotion, a promise to protect him at all costs. And in that moment, Jasper knew that he was hers, body and soul.