Chapter 37: Jane Calls a Lifeline

Jane

I can’t recall ever wanting to strangle anyone as much as I want to strangle Ethan right now.

The truth is that I’m not sure I can make it three months working alongside him every day, but I’m equally afraid of the romantic schemes he might try to pull if I agree to date him. Three dates a week is simply too many, and the word date is a minefield all on its own.

Yet when he calls me that damned fake name and basically accuses me of being a chicken, I can’t help but rise to the challenge. “Define date?” | huff.

“You and I, spending quality time together in the evening or on weekends.” He shrugs, eyes twinkling with mirth. “Surely you’ve been on a date before?”

Rolling my eyes heavenward, I waver back and forth. Five boring days a week for three months, or a few heated hours? In the end I feel much more confident in my ability to rebuff him for a short period than day in and day out, and I know the sly wolf will take every advantage he can, working or not. Finally I suggest, “Two dates a week, no more than two hours long – and no funny business.”

His white teeth flash against his bronze skin, “Don’t worry little wolf, I won’t lay a hand on you until you ask me to.”

“That is never going to happen.” i grind out, giving him my best scowl.

“Then you have nothing to worry about.” He informs me huskily, his lips mere centimeters from my own, “do you?”

“No.” | insist, stubbornly tilting my chin up. “I don’t.”

“Then we have a deal.” Ethan offers me a predatory grin, and the triumph in his eyes makes me wonder if I haven’t made a terrible mistake. “Seal it with a kiss?” He suggests.

“You’re unbelievable.” I remark dryly, slipping out of his hold.

“Tomorrow then?” He says to my back, “Around noon? I’ll pick you and the pups up from Linda’s.”

“The pups?” I repeat in surprise. “Why should they come?”

“I thought we could take them on a picnic.” Ethan explains, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

struggle to find the

anyone who looks less sorry than my ex-husband in this moment. “Would you prefer a more

mumble sulkily,

will be a family picnic.” Ethan proclaims. “That way Paisley and your pups can

thinking. If I

are clamoring at the door to

kisses to their upturned faces and cuddling them each in turn. It always amazes me how much I miss the little darlings after only a few hours apart, it makes being separated from Paisley for so long seem nearly unfathomable.

a fort!” They announce

crawl inside together and lie down beneath the arched cotton ceiling, the boys

with the Alpha.” I answer

“Paisley?” Ryder asks.

I question, struck nearly dumb by the sound of

though it doesn’t escape me that Parker is currently elbowing his brother’s side, as if in

to care so much about a stranger’s wellbeing. They might have gotten

continue, taking a deep breath, “you might I get to meet her very soon. Ethan wants to

“Can

to.” | agree hesitantly. As much as I want to see all four of my pups together, the last thing I need is for Ethan to be there witnessing it. I’m

by everything

to!”

cuddling their small, warm bodies close.

while later, when the pups are in bed and Linda and I are sharing a bottle of wine, I’m finally free to share all my chaotic feelings. “I think

“He thinks he knows.

know that’s why he’s suggested this deal. He’s going to try to

letting Ethan control you. Don’t change that now. Don’t move backwards. Show him that you aren’t the same weak omega he took for granted. Show him he can’t

her, feeling truly defeated, “the pups want to be

compete?”

I’m sure of it.” Linda states firmly.

with them these last few days… they all need a male role model. I don’t think I’m ever going to be enough for

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