Ethan

“Ethan, if you’re going to do a bunch of grand gestures for Jane and make us take credit for them, you could at least warn us!” Linda scolds over the phone. “I mean the photo album was one thing, but now you’ve really taken it too far.

Honestly, her mortgage?”

“I assumed you would just tell her Eric feels so guilty for deceiving her all those years that he’s going overboard.” I reply.

“I did, but you have to admit it seems like a bit much – even for him!” Linda replies.

“Besides I’m not expecting you to take credit for everything – Devon agreed to say the babysitting service and personal gifts are from him.” I supply, smiling at the she-wolf’s indignation.

“And her company’s stock portfolio?” Linda gripes, “how are you going to explain that one?”

“Angel investors.” I answer easily. “It’s not like that’s out of the realm of possibilities after all – La Louve is the most profitable fragrance company on the market, any number of hedge funds would be thrilled to invest.”

“You know that this is crazy, right?” Linda grouses.

“She would so much rather have you, Ethan. Not to mention Paisley.”

“Believe it or not, I’ve heard all this from Matthew and Devon already.” I inform her stubbornly. “But I’ve made up my mind. I want the best for my family, and that’s not me.”

Linda sighs, a heavy, beleaguered sound that makes it clear she thinks I’m being completely unreasonable. “Are there any updates on your condition?” She asks after a moment. “I mean is the prognosis still terrible?”

“My doctors just told me about a potential surgery.”

I relate, somewhat reluctantly. “It’s risky, and if it goes wrong I could end up worse off than before. “

“Risky how?” Linda clarifies.

apparently be very difficult because they can’t actually see my nerve pathways. If they

would have a death

the more the swelling

what I have to do anyway – I might be willing to risk the surgery if things were more stable with the pack, or if I was in worse condition. If I started to really lose it

Jane let her go.” Linda laments. “She must

be forever. If I don’t find a way to get better Paisley will be back with Jane and the other pups within the year.” I can practically

having her around when you’re in

a stubborn little thing.” I remark, unable to keep

Linda counters dryly, taking a moment to let her words sink in. “How’s she holding

a little easier every day, and they

Linda breathes. “You’ll let me know if

“Yes.” I promise.

castle and sign my name on the card?” She adds, her voice

my word.” I laugh. “Bye

Matthew waiting outside my office, looking very nervous indeed. Things have been tense between us lately. He understands my determination to do right by the pack and my family with whatever time I have left, but I know he disagrees with me about what “right” is. The closest we came to actually being on the same page

immediate thought is of Jane and the

sees me, and my suspicions increase. Oh Goddess, what is it. He slowly rises from his armchair. “I have to

paralysis, but I hate the trepidation on his face. “Why, what’s wrong?” I

did something.” Matthew confesses

you’re not going

I’m on a roller coaster of emotion. Worried then calm, now near panicked that Matthew might have betrayed my confidence. “What? What

lately, but you’re still trying to do everything on your own and it simply isn’t working. You were a different man when Jane was here, and I understand why you couldn’t let

snap, not liking

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