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.

date implies…” I struggle to find the right words. “I thought

mumble sulkily,

date will be a family picnic.” Ethan

away down the hall, I have to amend my earlier thinking. If

I get home, my pups are clamoring at

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. “I missed you so much,

fort!” They announce

in blankets and pillows. We crawl inside together and lie down beneath the arched cotton ceiling, the boys cuddling up against my right side, and Riley on my left. “Where have you been,

been with the Alpha.” I answer honestly. “His little girl just had

“Paisley?” Ryder asks.

question, struck nearly dumb by the

Parker is

when they all sigh with relief. It’s just like my pups, to care so much about a stranger’s wellbeing. They might have gotten Ethan’s knack for mischief, but I like to think they also

“you might I get to meet her very soon. Ethan wants to take

My pups exclaim, “Can we go? Can we

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 going wrong in

to!”

small, warm bodies close.

I’m finally free to share all my chaotic feelings. “I think I’m in over my head, Linda.” | admit. “He knows

reminds me, “He thinks he knows.

that’s why he’s suggested this deal.

change that now. Don’t move backwards. Show him that you

truly defeated, “the pups want to be with him.

compete?”

him, but they’d rather have you any day. I’m sure of it.” Linda states firmly. “Pups can survive without a father,

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 them

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