Jane

Of all the things I expected to find when I came home today, Paisley, Ethan and his fated mate were just about the last things on my list. I’m so stunned when I see my ex-husband that it takes me a moment to realize that Paisley is buried beneath her siblings on the floor. It’s not until I hear her muffled voice crying, “Mommy!” that I’m able to pull my attention away from her father.

“Paisley?” I respond hopefully, feeling my heart immediately leap into my throat. After a moment her little head appears, and her eyes widen when she sees my round belly.

“Mommy you’re tummy’s ginormous!” She exclaims. She’s not the only one who seems preoccupied with it. Ethan is staring at my belly too – as if he’s never seen a pregnant she-wolf before. I try my best to ignore him, instead lowering myself to the ground to take Paisley into my arms.

“I know, angel.” I laugh, pulling my daughter close as soon as she’s within reach. “You should have seen me when I had all four of you inside me. I was like a giant, inflatable beach ball!”

Paisley giggles, and I can’t help but notice that Parker, Ryder and Riley are climbing all over Ethan. I’m amazed, because the last time we were all together they didn’t want anything to do with him. I’m not sure how I feel about this I want my children to be happy, I want them to have a loving father figure. The problem is that I don’t trust Ethan not to turn on them when the chips are down..

The baby kicks as if it can sense its long lost sister is in my arms, and Paisley gasps in shock.

Mommy, your tummy kicked me!”

“That’s the baby saying hello.” I share, so happy to have her with me again that I could cry.

Ethan still hasn’t stopped watching us, and now his eyes are so wide I wonder if he’s in shock too.

Though I don’t know why he’d be in shock, I’m the one who’s been blindsided here. “I’m so happy to see you.” I tell Paisley, kissing her beloved little face, “but what are you doing here?”

“We just thought we were overdue for a visit”

Ethan answers, rising to his feet and reaching for the woman I’ve been trying very hard to avoid noticing so far, “Jane this is Nina. Nina, meet Jane.”

for whom your mate leaves you? I mean, I know it didn’t happen until months afterward, but it hurts all the

much about you.” She smiles. Oh I’m sure you have. I

spiral into tails of betrayal and incompetent mothering, and I have to forcibly drag myself out of my mind. Just

continues introducing Nina around, to the other pups and Devon, even to

then dragging her brothers and sister into my lap even though there’s simply no room for them. I know it’s past their bedtime, and I really don’t care. I just want to hold them

the thousandth time today. I put the pups to bed, reading them a silly story and smothering them with kisses before watching them form their usual puppy pile. When I emerge from their bedroom, Nina is dozing on the couch, and Ethan and Devon have gone into my

door, reflecting on how much easier it was to sneak around when I wasn’t

gentle voice uncommonly serious. “I

I realize he must be preparing to confess

However before I can walk away Ethan’s deep voice reaches my

do you mean?” Ethan responds, his tone so sharp it takes me

when this whole thing began, but I wanted to help you and I wasn’t sure you’d understand.” Devon continues, only serving to confuse me more. What whole thing? Help him

Devon. I didn’t hold it against you when you fell in love with my mate or left the pack. I didn’t question it when you came back, and besides, I owe you. I had no business asking you to take on such a

Ethan and what happened to the horrible tyrant who’s been making me miserable these last few months ?I think bitterly, wishing my ex would show me even a fraction of the kindness he’s showing Devon. And wait a minute – he didn’t hold it against him? I thought Ethan

of

I’m supposed to be protecting your actual family,

that makes you a bad person, or an unfit guardian. I

the full story and trying to comfort Devon instead of just listening to what he has to

– it’s what I am!” Devon exclaims, his voice somewhere between a whisper and a shout. “Look, some shit went down in the years I was away. I worked really hard to

decided to listen to our friend. “And what

anymore,” Devon begins, taking a deep breath. “I’m

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255