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.”

if I have a business to run.” Jane replied cynically, dragging her hand through her long hair. “Even that won’t matter

go to jail.” Linda insisted.” And if you do, I’ll break you out. I know all the laws, I can get away with

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

no matter what you’ve got the best lawyer in the territory

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

She replied,

then Linda spoke in a deceptively neutral voice, “How’s Eric handling all of

he told Paisley

I can’t remember ever being so angry with

he thought they already knew.”

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

we went out the night Petra died, he told me he had feelings for

voice breaking.“ Wow… that’s…

how to respond either.” Jane confessed, not picking up on her

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

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

“But?” Linda prompted.

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

planner, running her finger over the page

it wasn’t the anniversary of the day Jane truly considered to be her wedding, when she and Ethan eloped, but it was the date of the

her simply.” Does

does.” Jane griped. “That

going to celebrate?” Linda asked slyly.

for a date that night, I am not agreeing. I’ve already slipped

he’s still an Alpha, and we have so much history. My body isn’t my own when he’s near me.”

telling you that you’re meant to be together?” Linda

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 marries an omega. If we’d listened to his parents, we could have

back together?” Linda

pups?»

she’s not as benevolent as we like

just pulling the strings,

believe that.” Linda scolded.

sometimes I do wonder.” Jane whispered. “Otherwise why would she make

honestly. “But I do know that nothing worth

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