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.”

replied cynically, dragging her hand through her long hair. “Even that won’t matter

jail.” Linda insisted.” And if you do, I’ll break you

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

in the territory in your corner.” Linda answered warmly. On anyone else, her

record. She’d never lost a

replied,

in a deceptively neutral voice, “How’s Eric handling

he told Paisley about

but I can’t remember ever being so

thought they already knew.” Linda

it was a mistake asking him to come here.” She paused, debating whether or not she wanted

when we went out the night Petra died, he told me he

Linda uttered, her voice breaking.“

how to respond either.” Jane confessed, not

did you say?” Linda asked, her voice a few

Jane confessed. “I mean Eric is kind and good, I know he would take care of me and make a wonderful father figure for the pups.”

“But?” Linda prompted.

who’s meant to be in my future when I’m stuck here living in the past.” She

finger over the page that had been taunting

of the day Jane truly considered to be her wedding,

told her

said anything, but I’m sure he does.”

going to celebrate?” Linda asked slyly.

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

and we have so much history. My body isn’t my

considered that’s the Goddess’s way of telling you that you’re meant to

she would have fated us.” Jane argued back, “Ethan and I were only ever together because we were both young and defiant –

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

pups?»

benevolent

think.” Jane theorized. “Maybe she’s just pulling the strings,

believe that.” Linda scolded.

whispered. “Otherwise why would she make

honestly. “But I do know that nothing worth having comes

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