Chapter 215

Ethan As soon as I announced that feeling had returned to my lower limbs, the doctor promptly reappeared to run a few tests. He forced Jane to move away from me, which I both hated and appreciated – it’s impossible to think clearly when she’s so close – before poking and prodding my extremities with a pleased expression.

“As I said, everything looks great, Ethan.” He concludes, “it couldn’t have gone better, even if the anesthesia did give us some trouble. I’m thrilled with these results.”

“How soon will I be able to walk again?” I ask eagerly. “And shift, how soon can I shift?”

“Well you’re in much better shape than most patients because your braces have been regularly exercising your joints and ligaments.” He begins evenly, but you have lost some muscle tone because they haven’t actually been putting in the work of moving you around.”

“So he’ll need physical therapy?” Jane guesses, standing near my head.

“Yes, though since wolves heal so quickly, it shouldn’t take too long.” The doctor smiles. “As for shifting, as soon as your Body can manage the strain, you should transform. I know your wolf is dying to get out, and it’s important to give him the freedom he seeks as soon as you’re able – for the sake of your mental health.”

“Can you give me a ballpark?” I request, gnashing my teeth. “Are we talking days, weeks or months?”

“It could be days, or it could be a few weeks.” He answers with a shrug that makes me want to growl.

“Every body is different.”

“But he’s an Alpha.” Jane reminds the physician. I think I detect a note of humor in her voice, as if she’s teasing me for my earlier words. However when I look at her, I see only an expression of pure innocence. “Shouldn’t he heal faster, the more power he has?”

“Listen,” The doctor sighs, “In all likelihood, he will heal more quickly than other patients because he is so powerful, but I don’t like to give my patients false expectations. It’s critical to be realistic about your recovery so that you can manage your feelings and expectations as you progress.”

“So prepare for the worst but hope for the best.” I assess, repeating the mantra I’ve been using to guide all my plans thus far.

“Exactly.” He agrees, “Now, I’m going to go ahead and update your other visitors now you’re awake. I don’t want to overwhelm you, so I’m going to limit it to two at a time.” He’s glancing curiously at Jane, and I’m sure he’s wondering about our relationship. As far as my pack knows, Nina is my mate. I’m sure she’s one of the others in the waiting room, and though I don’t want Jane to leave, I know it’s for the best. I can’t let her think that her scheming is going to pay off. As hard as it is, I have to continue with my plans for her own good.

“Can’t the pups see him at once?” Jane requests, sounding hopeful. “I mean, if we stack them on top of each other it would be the equivalent of two adults.”

I’m chuckling before I can really process her words. It’s been so long since I heard Jane joke or make light of anything. I’m thrilled to see her so playful and confident, which is only further evidence of Devon’s good influence. When Jane was with me she was a basket case, but with him she’s returning to her old self. “Wait,”‘ I exclaim once I’ve finished admiring her joke. “The pups are here?”

As if they’d been waiting for their cue, suddenly four tiny bodies rush in, surprising us all. “Daddy, Daddy! We made you a card!” They cry crowding around my bed.

Pure joy explodes in my chest, making my heart swell so large I worry it might burst right out of my ribcage. Paisley, Riley, Ryder and Parker are all here, grinning up at me with unconditional love and happiness. “Pups, I can’t believe you’re here!”‘ I proclaim, pushing myself up into a sitting position. “I’m so glad to see you all.”

Jane promptly steps closer, wrapping her arm around my back to help support me. My wolf purrs to feel her so close, but my attention is still locked on my beautiful pups. I could honestly cry – I wasn’t sure I was ever going to see them again, and now they’re here with me, clamoring to hug me.

Four small voices all rise with the same eager question. “Mommy can I gets in the bed with him?”

Jane, in turn, looks to the doctor, who exhales with obvious resignation. Clearly he sees there’s not going to be any crowd control with this bunch.

Only if you stay beside him.” He answers. “No climbing on top of him, and no rough housing.”

The next thing I know, the bed wobbles as the pups climb up the legs, climbing onto the mattress with me. Four small bodies pile around me, and I pull them close, raining kisses over their sweet faces. “Oh, my angels, I love you so much. I’m so happy you’re here.”

Paisley is wedged between Jane and I, her little arms sliding around my neck, “Daddy, I’ve been so scared!” She tells me, burying her face in the curve of my neck. Wetness seeps into my skin, and I purr for her the way I’ve done since she was just a baby.

“Daddy how are you feeling?” Riley inquires, snuggling up to my other side.

“Relieved.” I confess, my eyes burning. All this time I’ve been telling myself that Jane and the pups would be fine if I died, but the truth is that I’ve been beyond worried to leave them alone in the world. I don’t want to frighten the pups with too many grave feelings, but I don’t want to lie to them either. I’ve done enough lying for a lifetime, and as distraught as I am to discover Jane knows the truth now, I’m so thrilled to finally be able to speak openly with my family. “I was so afraid I’d never see you again.”

“We’re ‘lieved too, Daddy.” Ryder shares, giving me a toothy smile. “We didn’t know what was gonna happen.”

“Pups there you are!” Devon’s voice sounds from the curtained doorway, and when I look up, I see him standing there with his hands on his hips.

What were you thinking, sneaking back here?”

“Did you find them?” Nina’s voice precedes her by a few moments, and then she’s there too, looking in on the scene with wide eyes. “Ethan, you’re awake!”

She rushes forward. “Thank goodness! I was so worried when you didn’t immediately wake up.”

“Ah yes, I was about to come tell you.” The doctor states simply, “It seems Ms…” He pauses, realizing that Jane still shares my name. “Blackwell was able to get through to him.”

“What?” I inquire, baffled.

“You were having some trouble finding your way back to us.” Jane shares, still tucked against my side.

She glances at Nina then, as if she’s unsure whether to continue. “We started coming back one by one to try and help.. and to say goodbye if we failed.”

One look at Nina’s face tells me that she had visited me before Jane. I curse internally, that’s definitely not going to help with rebuffing Jane.

She knows my wolf responded to her over my fated mate. Suddenly I realize that my dream was no mere fantasy. I’d heard Nina calling to me in my subconscious – but I hadn’t wanted her. I’d only wanted Jane.

“I’m just glad it worked.” Nina announces stiffly, patting my shoulder. “Now we can pick up where we left off.”

I’m thankful for her determined statement. That’s exactly what I need right now, a buffer between Jane and I to ensure my lovesick wolf doesn’t give in to her charms.

“Alright, now I really must insist that some of you return to the waiting room, we don’t want to overwhelm the Alpha.” My surgeon declares.

“Come on, Jane.” Devon extends his hand to her, you should get off your feet for a while.”

Jane rolls her eyes. “I’m fine Devon”

“I dunno Mommy, the doctor did say you should take it easy.” Parker asserts, watching Jane with a bemused expression. I can only smile, only five years old and my heir is already taking charge. I’m so busy admiring his strength that it takes a moment for his words to click. “The doctor?”

Ryder pipes up next, from my other side. “Yeah, we would have been here sooner – xcept Mommy was in the hospital.”

“What?” I demand fiercely, raking my eyes over Jane.

She’s frowning at Ryder. “Oh sweetheart, that might have been the best way to break the news.”

“What news!” I exclaim. “Are you alright? Is the baby?”

“We’re fine.” She assures me, “you’re the one who is recovering.”

“Explain.” I order, attempting to glare my beautiful mate into submission. “right now.”

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