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.”

have a business to run.” Jane replied cynically, dragging her hand through

break you out. I know all the laws, I

can be a fugitive?” Jane scoffed.

know no matter what you’ve got the best lawyer in the territory in your corner.” Linda answered

friend had a perfect record. She’d never lost a case,

She replied, “thank

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

believe he told Paisley about the move.” Jane complained.

repeatedly, but I can’t remember ever being

he thought they already knew.” Linda defended.

sure.” Jane exhaled, “He’s been so opposed to us staying here and so aggressive towards Ethan. I’m really starting to think it was a mistake asking him to come here.” She

Petra died, he told me

uttered, her voice breaking.“ Wow…

either.” Jane confessed,

Linda asked, her

I know he would take care of me and make a wonderful

“But?” Linda prompted.

to be in my future when I’m stuck here living

over the page that

considered to be her wedding, when she and Ethan eloped,

her simply.” Does Ethan?”

said anything, but I’m sure he does.” Jane griped. “That man never

you going to celebrate?” Linda asked

date that night, I am not agreeing. I’ve

Alpha, and we have so much history. My body isn’t my own when he’s

considered that’s the Goddess’s way of telling you that you’re meant to be together?” Linda

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 Alpha

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

pups?»

she’s not as benevolent as we like

she’s just pulling the strings, toying with me for fun.”

don’t really believe that.” Linda scolded.

wonder.” Jane whispered. “Otherwise why would she make this

stated honestly. “But I do know that

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