Jane

When the Southern Isles finally come into view, they take my breath away. Not because they’re beautiful or how eager I am to be back on solid land, but because I know my pups are waiting somewhere on their shores.

“Finally”‘ I breathe, standing at the ship’s railing as the distant lands draw closer and closer on the horizon.

I’m already in my disguise, feeling absurd and sick to my stomach beneath the prosthetics, yet knowing it’s for the best. Ethan is by my side, looking equally comical in his old man get up, but entirely believable to those not in the know. I keep seeing him reach towards me out of the corner of my eye, only to stop himself at the last moment when he remembers we’re supposed to be travel companions and not lovers.

I might think these efforts are completely overboard, if I didn’t know just how far King Aimon goes when it comes to spying. Honestly, part of me wonders if we took these precautions too late. After all, there might have been spies back in the NightFang territory who watched us board the ship. Granted, they would have seen Ethan and Eric alighting the gangway while two strange women inch-wormed up the rigging, but the outcome remains the same.

Ethan insists that making the voyage by sea was the best bet for staying under the radar, but we haven’t exactly been low profile on board. My illness has meant that everyone from the captain to the chef knows what’s going on in the owner’s suite, and even now l’m struggling to keep my breakfast down.

“How are you doing, little wolf?” Ethan asks, taking in my pallid complexion.

“l can’t stand the waiting” l admit. “I want to be there already. I want to feel better so I can find my babies. I want this all to be over:” My voice cracks on the last word, and despite our cover, Ethan shifts closer.

“1 know, baby:” He assures me, his deep voice low and soothing. “It’s just a little while longer.” He promises, “by this time tomorrow you’ll be good as new, and then we can do whatever it takes to get them back.”

“I hope you’re right.” I moan, resisting the urge to lean into him for support.”I don’t think l can take another day of feeling this way.”

Ethan chuckles, leaning his head against mine.

l’m always right.” He teases, his sultry tones filling me with warmth. “And you’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for. It ‘ll all work out – you’ll see!”

48 Hours Later

at my bedside. “You said l’d feel

though l’ve been trying to regain my land legs ever since departing the ship, I’m not feeling any better. Ethan checked us into a seaside bed and breakfast, but I haven’t been able to leave the room even once. I know it’s not something Ethan could have predicted, but l’ve never been much of a trooper when it comes to being

spine and holding my hair back.

seasickness – like before. “I”ll be okay.” lt will take me a while to get my land legs, that’s all. I

you sure? You’re awfully green, Janey”

as I take in Ethan caring for me, the idea of a doctor terrifies me right now. I’m all too aware that

Ethan agrees, taking my chin between his thumb and forefingers.”For

head l’m not nearly so calm. This complicates things.

this, but I want to get

attention. I’m sitting up instantly, trying to find my clothes. “|’Il come with

for that.” Ethan cautions, encouraging me to lie back

well enough to look for the pups.”

look at me” Ethan encourages, kneeling down beside the bed, “I”ll gladly welcome your help looking, but only once you’re recovered. You need to rest so that you can be there for

murmur,suddenly feeling as though I might cry. “I

can’t do everything all on your own. Trust me to handle the search so you

be back before you

sulking and staring after him when the door to the adjoining bedroom opens a moment later, and Linda slips inside. “You

admit, “I know he’s just trying to take care of

better if I went

ll take me a minute to get my disguise on, but if you can manage on your own, I’m happy

was counting on Linda backing him up and keeping me in

her off when she stops by one last time to make sure l don’t need anything before she leaves. The moment she’s gone however, I’m out of my bed and stumbling towards the wardrobe, praying the room will stop spinning long enough for me

Linda realizes I left. The port city isn’t huge, but the more noses out tracking the pups the better. Besides, I know how my kids think better than the others. Ethan might love them to pieces, but he’s only been around them as a pack for

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255