“If I wasn’t so happy that you’re doing better, I would be offended,” Maggie says as she playfully scowls at me. I rub the back of my neck sheepishly. “Sorry, I’ve been such a pain. I’ve been healing better than I expected, and it’s caught me by surprise. It’s been on heck of a ride and honestly, even though physically I felt like I was getting better, mentally was a different story.” “I get it and I’m glad that you felt comfortable sharing now. What brought about the change?” “Dr. Ethan. He made me realize that my healing didn’t mean that people expected me to be completely alright. I still have a long way to go and those around who care about me will understand…including you.” “I have been told that he’s a smart man,” she replied, smirking. “What’s with the face?” “Oh nothing. I’m just thinking that one would have to be blind not to notice how handsome the good doctor is.” “Don’t start.” Maggie raised her hands defensively. “I w
KARIN POV “Up and out with the doctor again, huh?” Maggie asked as she dusted the lamp fixtures in my room. “You two have been spending a lot of time together.” “Mags, spending time with the doctor who is aiding in my healing comes with the territory of getting better. I bet you wouldn’t be giving me such a hard time if it was Doc.” “Because if it was Doc, we would also have updated information on your ability to remain a surrogate.” She placed her hands on her hips. “It seems that Dr. Woods has forgotten that’s part of his job too. Doc took detailed notes so that the new doctor could follow and continue to monitor you before and during pregnancy.” I know Maggie has a point, but it doesn’t mean that I want her to. Spending time with Ethan had helped me in ways I hadn’t thought it would. Ansel was nowhere in sight and though Maggie confirmed he was still working day and night dealing with the casinos, deep down, I knew that our conversation was the true rea
Crashing back onto the bed, I remain silent. I couldn’t understand it. This entire time he knew who I was, and he never said anything, but why? “Explain yourself,” I say. Ethan nods. “I wasn’t lying when I said that my parents weren’t the cuddly or affectionate type or that I grew up with nannies most of my life. There was one particular one who was my favorite. Greta. She was the mother I never had, but always wanted. Even though my family had money, it didn’t stop her from bringing me trinkets and things that she said were important because they came from her heart, and not just her wallet.” “She sounds wonderful.” He smiled warmly. “She was. I think that’s why my mother eventually grew jealous of our relationship. My mother may not have wanted to do all the things that mothers do, but that didn’t mean that anyone else was going to come along and outshine her. Anyway, one day my parents received some tickets for a dance performance from a client. They knew not a
“I can’t believe you,” Ada says to me. “After everything, you still betray our mate.” “I would never do that. Ethan and I are friends.”“Then I suggest you make that very clear to him.” “Uh oh, what did I walk into?” Joy asked as she entered the villa. “You can cut the tension in here with a butter knife.” “Nothing,” I say, adjusting my clothes. “Doctor Ethan was finishing up my appointment.” “Looks like you two were doing more than what is needed to make sure that you’re alright,” Maggie said. I glare at her, but it slowly fades. “You said it yourself, Mags. It’s not like I can pretend that he isn’t handsome and with everything that he told me today, I guess I just got swept up in the moment.” Joy lays across my bed and probs her head up with her elbows. “Oh…what happened? Spill.” “Apparently, Ethan knew me before his first visit. He said that he used to attend my performances from age twelve until five years ago, right before I left Blue Moon.”
The Next Day-Evening “He has my size down to a science,” I say to myself as I strap on the new pointers Ethan purchased for me. Adjusting my tutu, I prepared myself for what I hoped would prove to be a great experience. It was weird being in the manor after all this time, and without Ansel it somehow felt cold. But here I was, and I had to say that Maggie and Joy were right. This was the perfect place to hopefully get my confidence back. I glance over at the piano and then shake my head. “Don’t think about that today, Karin,” I will myself. “You need to focus.” It was easier said than done with that piano reminding me of the time that Ansel and I rehashed old memories. Flexing my feet, I’m relieved that there is no pain, especially since the shoes are brand new. “Karin, are you in here?” Ethan says in the doorway. “Yes. Come on in.” He enters and his mouth immediately drops to the floor. “I take it this wasn’t what you were expecting.” “Not at all, b
KARIN POV “No, no, no!” Ada shouted inside of me. Her fear matched mine. “What have you done?!” “I—” I couldn’t give her an answer that would explain how royally I’d messed up. It may not have been intentional, but the unhinged look in Ansel’s eyes told me it didn’t matter. Warmth flowed through my ankle, and slowly the pain subsided. “Huh?” Looking down, the soft glow of Ethan’s hand made my eyes widen. He glanced up at me. “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell you,” he whispers. “You have healing powers.” He nodded. “Yes. It’s one of the many reasons that I became a doctor. I know other wolves that have them as well, but for some reason, mine are the strongest I’ve encountered so far.” I can’t help but stare at him, and he softly smiles. “Please stop staring at me like I’m some kind of circus attraction.” “I’m sorry. You’re right, I’m being rude. I’m a little surprised, that’s all.” “I know. I was only teasing. I get th
ANSEL POV “I think I should get going,” Maggie said from behind Karin, but Ansel hardly heard her. He continued to look from the ring to Karin. Quickly moving past them, Maggie all but sprinted to get out of the line of fire. Karin backed into the villa and Ansel followed her, shutting the door behind him. “I see the good doctor has proposed,” he said.The unhinged look on his face had returned. “Yes, he did,” she said cautiously.“So he proposed knowing that you’re my surrogate?”“Yes.”“Just making sure that I have the story correct before I kill him.”“Ansel, you can’t kill him.”“Yes I can,” he said lethally. “I suggest you learn that rather quickly. I may have remained calm earlier today, but make no mistake, I will slaughter anyone who touches you.”Karin’s bottom lip quivered. “Please, I’m begging you not to kill him. If you just let me fin—”Ansel grabbed her in his arms. “Stop talking,” he demanded. Wrapping his hands in her hair, he craned her head back, making her l
KARIN POV “You look pretty, mommy,” Jemma says as she beams up at me. She tugs at my tutu. “Can I dance, too?” “Of course you can,” I say, returning her smile. She jumps up and down, making the large yellow bow in her hair wiggle. “Yay! I’m going to be a famous ballerina like you!” I find myself elated at the idea of her considering me someone she could look up to. I’m dreaming. I realize, but it doesn’t matter. If anything, I’d been secretly hoping that I would dream of her again. I watch as she runs across the massive ballroom to turn on the music. The sweet melody emitted from the speaker fills the air with music that somehow brings a familiar routine to my mind. Jemma does a twirl and falls on her bottom, causing a fit of giggles. “Oops,” she says, still laughing. “I got dizzy.” I walked over and helped her stand. “That’s alright. Just remember to find a focal point that way when you spin, you won’t get dizzy.” I do a spin that ends