Chapter 73 – Anniversary

3rd Person

“It didn’work.” Riley announced sullenly, exchanging worried looks with her siblings.

Though their efforts to convince Jane and Ethan not to separate the family had certainly made an impact on their parents, it hadn’t done anything to change their minds. Jane had run off crying, and Ethan had sent the pups to go have a lie down while he checked on Jane. A little while later Jane had emerged from her bedroom dry-eyed and grim-faced, and went about making dinner as if nothing had happened.

Afterwards Ethan talked with the pups and told them how sorry he was that they found out this way, and helped them

work through their feelings, but ultimately nothing changed.

“What do we do now?” Parker questioned, feeling at a loss. The problems facing the pups were piling up so high they were becoming insurmountable. How were they supposed to help clear Jane’s good name, while also convincing her to stay in the NightFang territory with Ethan?

“I dunno.” Ryder sighed, “but Mommy and Daddy must have loved each other once, we just have to make them fall ‘n love again.”

“How?” Paisley murmured, leaning against her sister for comfort.

“I think we need help.” Riley decided, putting her arm around Paisley.

“From who?” Parker inquired, “the other

grown ups agree with Mommy.”

2/13

“Uncle Eric might, but I dunno ’bout Auntie Linda.” Riley answered. “I think she has a crush on Eric.”

“But how’d we talk to her without Mommy knowing?” Paisley wondered aloud.

“We’ll find a way.” Ryder declared, “Next time they’re on the phone, we can try to catch Linda before she hangs up.”

Hours later they hovered near while their mother talked with Linda, listening to every word the women spoke as they hid just out of sight.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do, Linda.” Jane fretted, briefly opening her bedroom door to make sure the pups weren’t listening outside, then closing it again. Of course, what she didn’t realize was that the children were on the second extension of the landline, holding their

small paws over their mouths so the grown ups wouldn’t hear them breathing.

“Janey, I know things are tough right now. But it will get better.” Linda replied, “The talks of boycotts are already dying down.”

cynically, dragging her

jail.” Linda insisted.” And if you do, I’ll break you out. I know all the laws,

lasted a moment. “So I can be a fugitive?” Jane scoffed. “That’ll be great for the

best lawyer in the territory in your corner.” Linda answered warmly.

a perfect record. She’d never lost a case, and she couldn’t hope for a better lawyer.

replied, “thank you.”

spoke in a deceptively neutral

can’t believe he told Paisley

ever

they already knew.” Linda

really starting to think it was a mistake asking him

out the night Petra died, he told me

Linda uttered, her voice breaking.“ Wow…

confessed, not picking up on her

you say?” Linda asked, her voice a few octaves higher

is kind and good, I know he would take care of me and make a wonderful father

“But?” Linda prompted.

feels like Eric is someone who’s meant to be in my future when I’m stuck here

the page that had

considered to be her wedding, when she and Ethan eloped, but it was the date of the formal ceremony they held

told her simply.” Does Ethan?”

sure he does.” Jane griped. “That man never forgets anything.”

celebrate?”

“And if Ethan asks for a date that night, I am not agreeing. I’ve already slipped up one time too many.”

me, but at the end of the day he’s still an Alpha, and we have so much history. My body isn’t my own

way of telling you that you’re meant to be together?”

she would have fated us.” Jane argued back, “Ethan and I were only ever together because we were both young and defiant – I should have known better. No

back together?” Linda inquired, “why did she gift you

pups?»

she’s not as benevolent as we

theorized. “Maybe she’s just pulling the strings, toying with me

really believe that.” Linda

“Otherwise why would she make this

don’t know.” Her friend stated honestly. “But I do know that nothing

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