Jane

When we arrive at the hospital, Ethan is already in the operating theater.

My heart sinks when the nurse at reception tells us we’re too late, but it stops beating completely when we walk into the waiting room and see Nina and Matthew seated on the uncomfortable couches. They’re both wearing guarded expressions, but neither can hide their surprise when Devon and I enter with the pups.

I’m sure in time we’ll have it out, but other than some narrowed eyes and posturing, neither one of them objects to our presence. In truth, they seem fairly resigned, and when I ask if there’s been any news, they simply frown and squeeze their linked hands. “Nothing yet,” Matthew shares. “The whole thing should take a few hours.. they told us that we’d get a chance to say goodbye if it doesn’t work.” It seems as if every word out of his mouth is accompanied by a wince. “He won’t wake up, but they’ll take us back before he goes.”

I can only nod, clutching Paisley tightly. All of the pups are upset, but she needs me more than the others right now. We pile onto one of the sofas together, all my babies gathered around me as we settle in for the wait. No one says a word, but in my head I pray and pray, begging the Goddess for a miracle. I’ve done nothing else over the last two days, and I can only hope she’s been listening.

I’m not sure how much times has passed, because every time I look at the clock my vision begins to blur and I have to clamp my eyes shut. The air is thick with tension, and every few minutes I catch Nina watching me. I can still hear her arguing with Devon in my memories and as badly as I want to lash out at her, I keep my mouth shut. She, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to share my restraint.

“I take it you didn’t actually go into labor the other day?” Nina observes after a while, nodding towards my belly.

“Actually I did.” I correct her, “but they stopped it – no thanks to you.” I add spitefully.

“Come on, Jane. You have to realize that none of this was personal.” Nina sighs in answer, rolling her doe-like eyes.

“Don’t give me that – if this is anything, it’s personal.” I counter. “It’s personal to you and me both. You might be fated, but I love Ethan. He’s everything to me.”

“I never said I didn’t love him.” Nina replies haughtily, but there’s a hidden well of emotion in her gaze, and I wonder if she isn’t making a confession. Unfortunately it disappears almost as quickly as it appeared, replaced with sharp accusation. “Not that it matters. I never even had a chance with him – he only ever wanted you.”

“I thought it wasn’t personal?” I mock, hating how childish I sound but not caring enough to change my tone.

stay away?” Nina exclaims, exasperated. “If he lives he’ll take you back in an instant and if he dies that

I hate to say it, but I’m actually feeling a little sorry for the

she has feelings for Ethan, and after years of living in someone else’s shadow, she finally got her chance – only

only here to increase her own power, but looking at her now it’s only too easy to recognize the face of a woman driven out of her head by Ethan Blackwell. And I know because I see it in the mirror every day. She cared about Ethan

exhale heavily. “If the worst happens, I promise not everyone will

that.” She grumbles, crossing

can.” I insist. “Because I’m not going to forget what you did for Ethan – what you sacrificed.” I promise, softening my tone. “But if he lives, I’m

been weak long

it hardens and she bares her

raising their hackles towards the she- wolf. A rush of pride washes over me, even though I have no intention” updated by jobnib.com” of letting my babies help me combat this

as fast as my pregnant body will allow me. Everyone around me does the same, and the scrub nurse looks back and forth between

Matthew asks

as if it’s crumbling beneath my feet. I know whatever is coming next isn’t good. “Well, the initial operation was

is holding her breath beside me, and I understand the impulse. This sounds like good news, but the nurse is

the anesthesia. The surgeon has been trying to wake him for half an hour, but he’s not coming out

mean?” Devon presses, Wrapping a supportive arm

The nurse explains, frowning at the pups before looking back up at me. “He might never

said we’d get to see him.” Matthew reminds her hoarsely. “To say goodbye,

go back now?” Nina

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