18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 130

To have a proper conversation, sometimes you needed to beat the other person first.

Jasper gave Cooper some advice. "You don't need to be so quick to deny me, and certainly not yourself. You hold a special place in her heart, even if I'm with her, it won't change how she feels about you.

"Besides, Stella and I have a deal. If I ever mistreat you, she won't talk to me anymore. If you can't even beat me, how can you hope to protect her? Why not give me a chance and we can protect her together?

"And don't worry. I'll treat you the same as I treat Rosie. You won't be left out in the cold once she has a boyfriend."

The dog, Cooper, gave him a silent stare.

"Don't believe me? We can pinky swear." With that, he lifted Cooper's paw and completed the pinky swear.

Cooper, the reluctant participant in the pinky swear, continued to stare at him silently.

"Be a good boy, finish your food and keep fit." Jasper patted Cooper's head, "If you starve, I'll be the only one left to look after her, and you won't get another chance."

Cooper's eyes widened in surprise and he took a few steps back.

Jasper left him alone to ponder over things in his cosy dog bed. He then joined Stella, "Cooper is smart, just a bit jealous. He's been hurt before and needs a sense of security. He'll come around in time."

"And if he doesn't?"

Jasper didn't want to pressure her, "We'll find a solution."

After a while, Stella opened the door to her room. Cooper came over, with a melancholic look in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" Stella asked, "The butcher's shops are closed, and I'm not that kind of person."

She poured some dog food into his bowl, and she also added a chicken drumstick.

Cooper ate hungrily, occasionally lifting his head to look at Stella as if worried she might disappear.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll always take you with me."

Later, Jasper called Stella over the intercom, "Stella, bring Cooper over for dinner."

Stella covered the intercom and asked Cooper, "There's food next door. Should we go?"

Cooper hesitated but eventually picked up his food bowl.

Stella laughed, "We'll be right over."

There was roast duck for dinner, with two drumsticks: one for Rosie and the other for Cooper, both served by Jasper.

As they chatted and ate, Jasper asked, "The community center is giving out potatoes for the winter tomorrow. They're running short so it's a lottery. Should we go?"

"No need."

By the time the next batch was ready, winter would be almost over.

After dinner, they settled on the couch to watch a show on the tablet. Cooper insisted on squeezing in between Stella and Jasper.

Every time Jasper so much as touched Stella, Cooper would put his paw over her. Stella couldn't help but laugh as she cuddled with her jealous dog while watching the show.

As they were about to leave, Jasper stopped her. He opened the door to his room, "Stella, you can take these."

Stella was puzzled.

"I hope this can give you peace of mind."

Stella was taken aback, "I can't take your things."

"I know." Jasper understood, "But I hope they can give you a sense of security."

"These are things you risked your life for. I can't take them."

"I'm not giving them to you, rather keeping them in your care."

He was being tactful, but Stella understood, "If I take them, they will be mine."

"Stella, I trust you." Jasper's gaze was deep, "Besides, it's not easy to store supplies during the harsh winter. Some things will spoil if frozen for too long."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."