Ethan Unlike most kids, I never hated going to the doctor. I never feared shots or had anxiety visiting the dentist. It wasn’t until Paisley was born that I began dreading the sympathetic smiles of nurses or grim faces of physicians with the unfortunate burden of bearing bad news. Over the years, watching my baby battle her heart condition taught me to absolutely despise hospitals and the sterile scents of testing facilities. I can’t walk into a doctor’s office without my heart sinking into my stomach, even if it’s just for a routine wellness check. Those feelings of dread only grew when it became my turn to battle for my life, though Paisley is still at the heart of it. I wouldn’t care so much about my fate if it weren’t for her. I know Jane and the other pups are safe with Devon, I know they’re healing and well on their way to bright futures. What’s more, over the last three months Matthew and Nina have helped me make plans to ensure the pack’s survival and prosperity if the wors

Jane I’m staring at Devon with utmost apprehension, my thoughts racing at a mile a minute. What in the Goddess’s name is he about to tell me? All of a sudden, I realize that whatever it is – I don’t want to hear it. My heart is racing every bit as fast as my thoughts, pounding violently against my ribcage. To imagine that yet another person in my life – one I taught myself to trust despite all my bad experiences, who I’ve come to trust above anyone else save Linda– might have betrayed me, is just too much to contemplate. Devon is watching me anxiously, trying to work up the courage to say whatever it is he intends. The hand I rejected a moment ago now clasps his other, shaking with the force he’s using to lock his fingers together. Already I know whatever is coming must be very bad indeed – or he wouldn’t be so nervous. “I’m sorry, Devon.” I choke suddenly, lurching to my feet. “I can’t do this. I can’t be here right now.” “Jane wait–” He stands as well, reaching towards me as if

Ethan “Daddy!” Paisley’s sweet voice whispers in my ear, as one of her sharp little fingers jabs my side. “Daddy, are you awakes?” My eyes are still closed, and it feels as though I just fell asleep a moment ago. I’m not sure what time it is, but I know something must be up if Paisley is trying to wake me. Normally she climbs right into bed with me and snuggles up without a word, perfectly content to snooze until I’m ready to get up – even if her tummy is growling with hunger, she’ll happily choose cuddles over food. “Daddy,” she whispers again, giving me another prod. “No.” I moan, throwing an arm over my eyes dramatically. “I’m asleep.” “Daddy!” Paisley giggles, the sweet sound lifting my sleepy spirits. “I’m serious.” “So am I.” I grumble, pulling the covers up over my head to hide from the adorable creature. A moment later the duvet is yanked back down, and Paisley is sitting on my chest, determined to interrupt my rest. “Daddy I needs to talk to you.” Begrudgingly I peek

Jane The day after Paisley, Ethan and Nina arrive in the Dark Moon pack, we spend the day at the park with Devon and the other pups. We packed a picnic, went on a hike, and stopped at the playground afterwards so the pups could expend any energy they had left over. For the most part I watched Ethan with the pups, searching for any signs of strange behavior – anything that might explain the conversation I overheard last night. I’m sticking close to Devon and seriously debating just coming out and asking one or both of the men what’s going on. However the fact that they’ve clearly been colluding to keep me in the dark all this time makes me think I’m better off investigating on my own. I keep replaying their secretive whispers in my head, trying to untangle the hidden meanings in their words. For whatever reason, Ethan clearly asked Devon to look out for me and the pups. He’d said he didn’t have a choice… whatever that means. As I watched Ethan gallop

Jane I call Linda first thing the next day, determined to figure out the truth. I’m still reeling from my conversations with Paisley and Nina, still trying to wrap my mind around the idea that Ethan is paralyzed. I hate to think that all this has been happening right under my nose, and I feel so stupid for not seeing it sooner. My wolf tried to tell me that something was wrong with Ethan, but I was so ready to believe he didn’t want me. I expected him to hurt me, so I didn’t question it when he did – even though we’d come so far together. My hands are shaking as I dial my best friend, wondering what Ethan could have possibly said to convince her to lie to me this way. She answers promptly, “Hello, my love.” Her voice is familiar and warm, and her betrayal cuts through me. Linda was my friend, not Ethans – she was supposed to be on my side no matter what. “Linda,” I breathe, barely able to contain my hurt. I’d planned on having an ope