Ethan

Jane and I are both on our feet the moment we see our pup injured. My instincts send me flying onto the ice, but my braces keep me from moving the way I normally would. I barely beat Jane to Parker’s side, biting back a growl of pain when the braces wrench my legs into painful contortions. I can’t feel anything below the waist, but the sharp metal still digs into my abdomen, and the powerful pinch as they try to adjust to the precarious surface beneath my feet is nearly excruciating.

I drop to my knees beside Parker, scanning his precious form for the source of the injury. Almost at once I see a bleeding gash on his forearm, and though I’m relieved to see the wound isn’t grave, I still feel a pang of sympathy for the child. “Are you okay, buddy?”

Parker looks up at me, his dark eyes welling with tears as his face grimaces in pain. He’s clutching his arm, clearly trying to put up a strong front but obviously struggling. Daddy, it hurts.”

Jane is already on the ground beside him, stroking back his hair. “Let Mommy see, sweetheart.” She encourages gently, reaching for his arm.

I watch her examine him, praising him for being so brave as she deftly studies the injury. The sight of his crimson blood staining the ice makes me feel sick to my stomach, despite the fact that I’m no stranger to blood and gore. It’s always been the same with Paisley, seeing her injured can cut me to the core while I barely blink at dead enemies on a battlefield.

What happened?” I press, my wolf anxious to confirm it was simply a skating accident and that there’s no greater threat.

He lost his balance.” Riley answers for her brother, “but when he felled his arm hit Ryder’s skate.”

Tsk, poor darling.” Jane croons, “Let’s get you off the ice, I bet there’s a first aid kit here somewhere.”

I scoop up Parker before she can object, needing to feel him safe in my arms. The others follow us off the ice, and Jane disappears to find medical supplies.

My wolf wants to follow her, not wanting to let her out of his sight. Unfortunately there’s no way around this, so instead I find a bench and settle with Parker in my lap while his brothers and sisters gather around us.

Where’d Mommy go?” He sniffles, looking around anxiously.

“She’ll be right back.” I assure him. She just went to find some bandaids.”

He’s sniffling louder now, and I realize we’re about to have a full on breakdown. I want Mommy.”

Parker m0ans, letting his tears fall freely now.

over the edge on its own, but Jane’s absence on top of the discomfort was

okay, Parker.” Paisley consoles her

Mommy

when she returns, but she

hair as he presses his tear

Mommy’s got you.”

as they can when we’re little, and the only medicine that will do is a hug from Mom. It’s an important reminder of why I have to

Parker as I kneel down, unsteady and graceless in the braces.

intrigued than grossed out.

bad, Parker.” Ryder adds

hurt lots and lots?” Paisley asks

and shakes his head, downplaying the ache. “Not

my brave boy.” Jane praises him as I unpack more

move a single inch from her

most independent and proud of our pups. His sister has a truly wild spirit, but he wears the weight of being the oldest and strongest. I know that he, and not Ryder, is my natural heir. And though he’s still very young, he’s clearly already feeling the pressure to hide his vulnerable side. That’s another thing I’ll have to do. I think, beginning a list in my head of all the tasks I need to accomplish before I say goodbye to my family for good. Help Jane find her strength again, heal her

nothing embarrassing about loving and being loved.” I tell Parker, seeing Jane’s eyes widen in surprise over his head. Your Mommy just wants you to know how proud she

Parker begins, only to

you loved them and they told you to stop because they didn’t want anyone to hear?”

“I’d feel bad, like there’s

to feel embarrassed sometimes, but you should never

loves you

for confirmation, and I feel a bitter twinge. A few weeks ago they never would have doubted her, now they need to hear it from me to believe it – and

now, and Parker’s lower !ip

She promises, smiling

to embarrass you more and more as you get

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