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

I whine pitifully, retching into a bin at my bedside. “You said l’d feel better

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

sweetheart.” He croons, stroking my spine and holding my hair back.

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

sure? You’re awfully green,

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

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

things. If I want

sweaty brow, “I hate to leave you like this, but

up instantly, trying to find my clothes. “|’Il come with

for that.” Ethan

well enough to look for the pups.” l insist, fighting his

down beside the bed, “I”ll gladly welcome your help looking, but only once you’re

and do nothing” I murmur,suddenly feeling as though I might cry. “I have to

argue more, but 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

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

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

know he’s just trying to take care of me,

feel better if I went out

a minute to get my disguise

up and keeping me in bed, but if they’re both out

carefully as Linda gets ready, and wave 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

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

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