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.

that any surgery would apparently be very difficult because they can’t actually see my nerve pathways. If they knick the wrong thing then

truly would have a death

they tell you that the more you keep your body moving, the more the swelling would decrease? Is it possible to keep up the physical therapy so the swelling

condition. If I started to really lose it then I might attempt it anyway – because at that point I wouldn’t be doing the pack or Paisley any good by waiting. Luckily

let her go.” Linda laments. “She

back with Jane and the other pups within the year.” I can practically hear Linda wince. She hates

having her around when you’re in this state?”

stubborn little thing.” I remark, unable to

a moment to let her words sink

misses them.” I relate, “but it gets a little easier every day,

me know if you

“Yes.” I promise.

to -I don’t know, buy Jane a castle and sign my name on the card?” She

have my word.” I laugh.

between us lately. He understands my determination to do right by the pack and

My immediate thought is of

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

what’s wrong?” I demand. As strange as

something.”

going to like

eyes, feeling as though I’m on a roller coaster of emotion. Worried then calm, now near panicked

raising his palms in supplication. “You’ve been doing so much better 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

did you do?” I snap, not liking the

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