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

pitifully, retching into a bin at my bedside. “You

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

know, I’m sorry sweetheart.” He croons, stroking my spine and holding my hair back. “Do you want me

before. “I”ll be okay.” lt will take me a while to get my land legs, that’s all. I keep repeating the same thought over

sure? You’re awfully

of a doctor terrifies me right now. I’m all too aware that

forefingers.”For now. If you don’t get better soon I won’t

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

you like this, but I want

instantly, trying to

You’re in no condition for that.” Ethan cautions, encouraging me to lie

to look for the pups.”

gladly welcome your help looking, but only once you’re recovered. You need to rest so that you can be there

and do nothing” I murmur,suddenly

everything all on your

stands before l can think of a response, “l be back before you know it. Just call me

moment later, and Linda slips inside. “You okay?” She asks me,

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

feel better if I went out

get my disguise on,

a devious thought sparking in my mind. I know Ethan was counting on Linda backing him up and keeping me in bed, but if they’re both out searching, there won’t

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

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 a short while, and they

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