Jane

I call Linda first thing the next day, determined to figure out the truth. I’m still reeling from my conversations with Paisley and Nina, still trying to wrap my mind around the idea that Ethan is paralyzed.

I hate to think that all this has been happening right under my nose, and I feel so stupid for not seeing it sooner. My wolf tried to tell me that something was wrong with Ethan, but I was so ready to believe he didn’t want me. I expected him to hurt me, so I didn’t question it when he did – even though we’d come so far together.

My hands are shaking as I dial my best friend, wondering what Ethan could have possibly said to convince her to lie to me this way. She answers promptly, “Hello, my love.” Her voice is familiar and warm, and her betrayal cuts through me. Linda was my friend, not Ethans – she was supposed to be on my side no matter what.

“Linda,” I breathe, barely able to contain my hurt.

I’d planned on having an open and logical conversation with her, but now that she’s actually on the line, I don’t think I can. “Were you ever going to tell me?”

There’s a pregnant pause on the other end of the call, and when Linda finally answers her voice is stiff and stilted. “What do you mean?”

“I know about Ethan.” I declare hoarsely. “I know about all of it, and I’m just trying to figure out why you – my supposed best friend- didn’t think I deserved to know what was happening in my own life, to my own family?”

Linda curses under her breath. “Oh Jane,” She murmurs, sounding miserable now. “I tried to convince him to tell you. I tried to convince him not to go through with this ridiculous plan – but he had leverage-“

“What leverage could possibly be worth breaking my heart and depriving my children of their father?” I demand fiercely, interrupting her even though I know she’s trying to explain.

“We owed him everything, Jane. If it weren’t for him the Southern Isles would be in ruins, Eric would be dead and we never would have gotten to be together. Besides I hid you and the pups from him for years… I betrayed my Alpha, and he wasn’t going to let me forget it. He used his power and authority to make me promise… but more than that, it was his dying wish.” Linda shares, her voice growing thick with emotion. “I know how hard it’s been for you and I’m so sorry Jane, but it wasn’t easy for him either.”

I scoff, “well he certainly made it look easy. You should have heard the things he said to me… he knew all my weak spots and he struck every last one of them – knowing exactly what it would do to me, and then blaming me when I fell apart.”

“He was trying to protect you, Jane.” Linda growls.

but you didn’t see what I

his beta calling you in a panic because

handle one thought at a time, but her second point hasn’t escaped me. I can’t even imagine a suicidal Ethan. That’s not something

the pack, but if anyone came after you or the pups, he’d be helpless to stop them. Besides, the longer his wolf is trapped, the more

that he couldn’t stand the idea of being paralyzed, having to rely on others to take

the news. When you came back and he saw how badly he’d hurt you, he decided to fight- but even then it was only in order for you and the

didn’t give a damn

all the gifts,” I guess, “that was his way of looking out

confirms, sounding very

least had the pups. Before Matthew called Nina and

a minute, Matthew called Nina?” I inquire, distracted again.

Linda explains. “Nina was there waiting when

to let her stay

Ethan only sent all those gifts for the pups. She insisted that everything he said to me was real.” I relate, my heart suddenly

intended to push you away, he never wanted

hope bubbling up inside me. Over the years I’ve learned just how dangerous hope can be, the mere hint makes my heart want to shut down,

much it killed him to lie to you, to

inquire, realizing that my would-be boyfriend must have been in on this from the beginning. This explains their conversation the other night, and Ethan’s anger that Devon withheld

familiar voice sounds behind me. I turn, startled

I

to go. I’m sorry I came at you the way I did. Can we talk more

course.” She agrees.

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