JaneI flinch as Ethan’s harsh words slam into me. For half a second there, I actually hoped things might not be as bad as I was expecting. He seemed so thrilled to see the pups I even wondered if I hadn’t somehow concocted this narrative about our separation in my head. But no, the moment the pups went down for a nap the warm, loving father disappeared. He’s been replaced by the same heartless bastard who rejected me so brutally, who betrayed every promise he made me on our journey.“You know what I’m doing here.” I rasp a moment later, hating how badly it hurts to be in the same room with him. The Ethan I fe
EthanI couldn’t be more shocked if Jane had pulled out a knife and stabbed me. I can’t believe what I’m hearing – I can’t believe what I’m saying. My beautiful, intelligent, passionate mate is begging on her knees, offering to become my slave again if I’ll only reconsider rejecting the pups. The irony is unbearable. I rejected her in part to avoid shackling her to a mad man, and now she’s suggesting that very same thing – only worse.As I look down at her, struggling to comprehend that this is really happening, my wolf tries to burst free, only to find himself hobbled and motionless – stuck within the steely confines of my skin. He doesn’t stop, thrashing violently inside me, rattling my bones as he tries to escape. The pain is unbearable, both physical and mental.Eventually my wolf gives up, receding deep inside me with a tortured howl. He knows we’re paralyzed, but he keeps trying all th
EthanChristmas carols fill the air as I watch Riley, Ryder, Paisley and Parker zoom around the skating rink, giggling and laughing as they play tag and stage races. Fairy lights and boughs of holly have been strewn around the edges of the rink, and the scent of apples and cinnamon waft through the falling snow from a nearby hot cider booth.My first afternoon back with the pups is the best day I’ve had since they were kidnapped – and certainly since I was paralyzed. It’s true that I’m heartbroken over Jane, but being with my children again at long last is pure joy. Ice skating has always been Paisley’s favorite Christmas pastime, but I’ve never seen her share the experience with anyone but me. It’s magical to see her playing with the others, so carefree. In the old days I had to hold her hand the whole time, she was never healthy enough to get rambunctious on the ice. Now she has no problem keeping up, and I couldn&rsquo
EthanJane and I are both on our feet the moment we see our pup injured. My instincts send me flying onto the ice, but my braces keep me from moving the way I normally would. I barely beat Jane to Parker’s side, biting back a growl of pain when the braces wrench my legs into painful contortions. I can’t feel anything below the waist, but the sharp metal still digs into my abdomen, and the powerful pinch as they try to adjust to the precarious surface beneath my feet is nearly excruciating.I drop to my knees beside Parker, scanning his precious form for the source of the injury. Almost at once I see a bleeding gash on his forearm, and though I’m relieved to see the wound isn’t grave, I still feel a pang of sympathy for the child. “Are you okay, buddy?”Parker looks up at me, his dark eyes welling with tears as his face grimaces in pain. He’s clutching his arm, clearly trying to put up a strong front but obviously struggling. “Daddy, it hurts.”Jane is already on the ground beside him,
JaneI can’t believe what I’m hearing. Ethan must not mean what I think – he must be suggesting some other solution and I simply don’t understand. There’s no way he’d offer to let me sleep with him, and while I’d like to say that I would never contemplate cuddling up to someone who’s been so cruel to me, the truth is that my wolf has no such pride. She wants me to climb right into Ethans strong arms and never leave again.“I’m saying that I’ll stay with you if you need me to – at a distance, of course.” He supplies simply.At a distance. I repeat in my head. Of course. It would be crazy to think he’d ever want to sleep beside me again, that he would willingly touch me. I should have learned my lesson earlier when I offered to become his slave again. What a proud moment that was. “That won’t do any good.” I finally reply, my tone rough and distant.“Why not?” Ethan inquires, clearly displeased with being refused. I clench my eyes shut, wishing I was big or strong enough to shake my for
Ethan“Yes.” Jane confirms, looking me in the eye for the first time. “I’m pregnant, Ethan.”The room is spinning. Everything has turned upside down and inside out, and I can’t make sense of any of it. This isn’t real. It can’t be real. Jane can’t be pregnant.History is repeating itself right before my eyes, only this time my mate hasn’t hidden her condition from me out of fear, she’s done it because I didn’t give her any other choice. The first time was a misunderstanding, but that’s not the case now. It isn’t possible. I think again. I would have known – there would be signs, symptoms. Even as I ponder this possibility, I realize there have been signs and symptoms. She never went back into heat again after the first time, she was so sick in the Southern Isles even after we disembarked from the ship, and her emotions have been so raw since she returned.“What?” I say inanely, not able to wrap my mind around this. “What are you talking about?”“I’m pregnant.” Jane repeats, tears shi
EthanThat night I lay awake in bed, replaying my conversation with Jane over and over in my head.For the first time since I got my diagnosis, I feel like I have a purpose again. It’s taken me a while to reach this place, but Jane’s return made it only too clear that giving up and pushing my family away wasn’t working for anyone. What’s more, being paralyzed has finally given me the perspective to understand that there’s more than one kind of strength, and just because I can’t protect them with my wolf, it doesn’t mean I can’t care for them in other ways. Above all else, I’m realizing that my possessiveness and determination to make Jane mine again was never about her welfare, but satisfying my own ego and selfishness.The wheels in my mind are turning swiftly now, overflowing with ideas for how to put my plan in motion. When I started making my list of goals, I intended to help Jane and impart lessons on my
Ethan“Well Doctor, what are my chances?” I ask, bracing myself for more bad news.It’s Christmas Eve, and I barely managed to slip away from the penthouse for this appointment. Still, after Paisley discovered the truth of my condition, I knew it couldn’t wait. I’m determined to fight for my family, but I have to stay grounded. I have to prepare for the most likely outcome, and that means remaining cautious with my plans. I can’t be confident I’ll survive, but I can certainly put my plans into motion whether I succeed or not.I’ve already created a trust for our children, complete with college funds and living expenses to ensure that the burden of caring for the pups financially won’t be on Jane’s shoulders. I’ve also created a considerable allowance for Jane herself. I know she’s passionate about her work, but I want to make sure she has the freedom to enjoy her career, rather than feeling obligated to retain her business for the sake of economic security.My other efforts are less s