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

retching into a bin at my bedside. “You said l’d feel

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

know, I’m sorry sweetheart.” He croons, stroking my spine and holding my

myself this is just delayed seasickness – like before. “I”ll be okay.” lt will take me a while to get my land legs,

awfully green, Janey” Ethan

somewhat manically. As much comfort as I take in Ethan caring for me, the idea of a doctor terrifies

agrees, taking my chin between his thumb and forefingers.”For now. If you don’t get better soon I won’t

things. If I want to keep

you like this, but I want to get out and look for the

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

in no condition for that.” Ethan cautions, encouraging me

well enough to look for the pups.”

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 the pups when

do nothing” I murmur,suddenly feeling as though I might

Ethan presses a dinger to my l!ps. “This is what I meant about letting go, Jane. You can’t do everything all on your own. Trust me to handle the search so you can focus on getting better. You’ll be able to

be back before you know it. Just call me if you

after him when the door to the adjoining bedroom opens a moment later, and Linda slips inside. “You okay?” She asks me, clearly having overheard my conversation with

just trying to take care of

you feel better if I went out and

me a minute to get my disguise on, but if

request, a devious thought sparking in my mind. I know Ethan was counting on Linda backing him up and keeping me in bed, but if

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 to

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 a short while, and they work differently together than when they’re on their own. I’ll have to be careful not

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