Ch. 11..15: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 11-15
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 11
Ethan
Following the direction of Paisley’s pointing finger, I scan the crowded courtyard for my daughter’s look alike. Despite my best efforts, I don’t see anyone fitting her description. I believe Paisley saw a child who resembled her, but it seems like she’s gone now. “I’m sorry sweetheart, I don’t see her.”
Paisley drags her expectant gaze from my face, looking back across the mall. Her little face scrunches up in disappointment when she too fails to find the child in question. “Daddy, I swear. She looked exactly like me! Maybe she’s my sister!”
Chuckling warmly, I tug my pup towards the theater entrance. “I know you want a sister, my love, but your mommy only gave birth to you.”
“No, daddy, that was my sister.” She insists stubbornly. “I decided!”
This is not the first time my daughter has invented an imaginary sibling or invisible friend to play with, after all, don’t all children at this age? I know it’s no use arguing, and I don’t want to stifle her creativity. Instead I shake my head in amusement and agree, “All right little one. Sister or not, it’s time for the movie.”
From her expression, Paisley suspects I’m merely humoring her, but she doesn’t argue. She’s too excited to see this film. For the next two hours, my sweet pup delights at the antics of the characters on the sprawling silver screen, and I sit back and enjoy the sound of her laughter. With her medical
troubles I have to relish every moment of joy we can find, especially the simple joys like this one.
Afterwards we take the elevator up to the top floor of the shopping center, entering our favorite restaurant, which offers a 360 degree view of my beautiful city. Stuffing our faces full of rich Italian food, we gaze out the floor to ceiling windows as night falls over Nightfang Valley. Just as thousands of electric lights spark to life below us, illuminating the darkened city, Paisley begins to dance in her seat. “Daddy T have to go potty.”
“Alright angel.” | stand and guide her to the restroom. I always hate navigating public facilities like this. If Jane was here she could take our pup inside the ladies’ room and help her through the process. Unfortunately, I can do no such thing. I know it’s not a big deal, but I don’t like taking my eyes off Paisley in public places, especially not when she’s so prone to exploring.
A number of attractive young women in line offer to help Paisley, but my little girl has a prideful streak. “Daddy I’m not a baby ‘anymore, I can use the potty myself.”
“Okay munchkin, I’ll wait right here.” I vow, raising my palms in defeat.
| While Paisley disappears inside, I try to avoid the interested
gazes of the she-wolves still waiting in line, but I can feel their eyes on me nonetheless. This is the downside of being Alpha; I can’t go anywhere without being recognized, and the tabloids keep my private life plastered across the front page. These women not only know who I am, but my average net worth, my complete romantic history and every sordid detail in between.
I’m nothing short of relieved when Paisley finally emerges, though she starts to walk off in the opposite direction. “Paisley, Daddy’s over here.” I call to her.
She doesn’t respond. Stepping forward, I catch her easily, scooping her up and belatedly wondering if she somehow managed to change clothes in the restroom. I’m almost certain she wasn’t wearing a pink dress earlier.
To my surprise Paisley begins to writhe and fight my hold. “Stranger danger!” She calls, “Let me go!”
“Paisley, what’s gotten into you?” I ask in exasperation, tightening my grip on the squirming bundle so that she does not topple out of my arms. I don’t know what game she’s playing, but I don’t care for it: she’s struggling so fiercely I’m genuinely worried I’ll drop her.
“I’m not Paisley!” She narrows her green eyes to slits, “I’m Riley and I don’t like you. Let me go!” She repeats, pummeling my muscular ch3st with her little fists.
“Daddy, what are you doing?” A small voice sounds in the vicinity of my h*p, and I look down to find Paisley staring up at me in confusion.
“I…” My gaze ping pongs between the identical children, the only dissimilarity between them being their clothes, “What? How is this possible?” Scenting the pup in my arms, I realize she truly isn’t Paisley. She smells similar, but Paisley’s fragrance is slightly sweeter and more delicate. More importantly, this pup smells like Paisley did when Linda brought her home the other day; like the Blonde woman I’ve been tracking.
The girl who called herself Riley is staring down at Paisley in shock, and my daughter begins bouncing up and down in excitement, “Daddy, you found her! You found my sister!”
Before any one of us can say another word, a beautiful she-wolf in oversized sunglasses sweeps through the crowd and plucks Riley out of my hands, stunning me so completely I freeze in place. She’s already moving away when Paisley calls after her, “Mommy?” She swings her attention to me, “Daddy, that’s her! That’s Mommy!”
Her words jolt me into action, and I push through the gathered shifters to follow the retreating mother and pup. The blonde slipped away so quickly that I waste valuable time trying to find her, relying on my vision rather than my other senses. By the time I knock enough sense into my head to track her scent, it’s too late. I catch one last glimpse of the woman as she stands calmly in the elevator waiting for the doors to close. I’ve barely stepped forward when the silver panels slide shut, obscuring her from view.
What the hell just happened?
Jane
Oh my Goddess. Oh my Goddess. Oh my Goddess. I’ve never hyperventilated in my entire life, but I certainly am now. I can’t breathe, I can’t believe that just happened. Seeing Ethan in the flesh was a shock for which I was not prepared. He looks exactly like he did the last time I saw him: powerful, dangerous, and so handsome I could swoon.
Over the years I’ve told myself that Ethan no longer holds any
power over me. I was sure I’d become immune to him, that I’ve gotten so strong and changed so much that I would never be at risk of falling victim to the Alpha again. But if this moment is any indication, I’m in as much danger as I ever was.
“Mommy are you okay?” Riley asks, “Why are we leaving? Who was that? What about Ryder and Parker and Auntie Linda?”
“They’ll meet’us at home.” | explain swiftly, “I thought you and I could have some girl time together – just us!”
Riley frowns, “But Mommy, who was that?”
“No one, my love.” Ilie, pulling out my phone to text Linda. It’s a blessing she came to dinner with us. If I’d been alone with the kids I would never have made it out in time to evade Ethan.
I’ll have my friend bring the boys home separately, and pray Ethan tries to follow my trail rather than sticking around to realize there are even more secrets to be found in the restaurant.
Though I’m relieved we got away, my heart aches knowing how poor Paisley must be feeling. Her little voice echoes in m head, crying out for me and her sister. I wish I could go back and sweep her away this instant, but I know it’s impossible. I have to be patient. I have to wait until the time is right.
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 12
“I’m sure it was our Daddy.” Riley insists, relating the strange events in the restaurant to her brothers. “The little girl who looked like me said I was her sister, and the man looked just like you – only growned up!”
“But how do we find him?” Parker questions, working the problem over in his mind.
“We could ask Auntie Linda?” Ryder suggests, “I bet she knows.”
“Mommy won’t like it.” Riley cautions, “She didn’t wanna tell me ’bout Daddy at all.”
“Mommy doesn’t have to know.” Ryder decides, “She’s just scared.”
“Ryder’s right.” Parker agrees. “She never wants to tell us ’bout Daddy. This stays between us.”
“But won’t Auntie Linda just refuse? Riley asks.
“Not if we trick her.” Parker reasons, a mischievous glint in his eye.
A few hours later the pups were safely ensconced in the back seat of Linda’s car while Jane was at work, and one by one, they put their plan into motion.
“Auntie Linda, did you know our Daddy?” Ryder asks slyly.
“I did.” She confirms, not sharing anything more.
“What was he like?” Parker presses.
“Well, he was an Alpha,” Linda shares. “He was very strong and smart, just like all of you.”
“But who is he?” Riley inquires, “why aren’t he and Mommy married?”
“I think these are questions you should ask your Mommy.” Linda sighs.
“But Mommy’s not here!” Ryder complains.
“Please tell us,” Parker requests, giving the she-wolf his best puppy-dog eyes.
“Well,” Linda hedges, “Your Mommy and Daddy aren’t married because sometimes grown-up relationships are complicated. You can love someone and not be good for each other… does that make sense?”
“No.” The children chime in unison.
“One day you’ll understand.” Linda promises. “I know it’s hard right now, but you’ll see. Your Mommy did what she thought was best for you.”
“And our Daddy?” Parker questions.
“Your Daddy is a good man, he wants what’s best for you, and being with your Mommy is what’s best.” Linda reasons.
The pups exchange looks, this sounds like the usual things grown-ups say, but they aren’t convinced. All of their friends have both Mommies and Daddies at home, and they’ve never understood why they’re different. They want to be a real family, and they won’t accept anything less.
“Do you know our Daddy’s name?” Riley asks.
“I do,” Linda admits hesitantly.
“Will you tell us?” Ryder begs.
“All right, but just his first name.” Linda agrees. After all, the pups are only four, how much could they possibly learn with so little information? “Your Daddy’s name is Ethan.”
Jane
“We have to leave, Linda.” I m0an, burying my face in my hands. We’re seated at my friend’s kitchen table, chatting at the end of the long day. “We’ve had too many close calls and the longer I’m here, the more precarious our situation becomes.”
Goddess, I’ve already met Paisley twice, and the second time! was forced to be unconscionably cruel to protect my identity. What kind of woman does that? What kind of mother harms her child to protect herself? I’m so ashamed of my actions! wish I could sink into the ground and disappear.
“If Ethan finds out about Riley, Parker and Ryder he’ll take them away from me. I know it.” | lament, despite the fact that Linda hasn’t argued. The mere thought of losing my babies makes my insides twist into knots.
“Are you sure?” Linda asks, “I can’t see Ethan doing something like that.” As much as I love Linda, I can’t stand it when she defends Ethan. I don’t understand why she does it, she knows how bad things were before I left.
“Before we were married I couldn’t see Ethan enslaving me either.” I argue, “and just look at how that turned out.”
“Okay.” Linda agrees, “You’re right. He had his chance in the past and he blew it.” She eyes me curiously. “But what about the deal with Eve?”
“I don’t have to be here in person to fulfill the deal.” | counter, “I can get her to carry my line without personally overseeing the launch.”
“Why are you even working with her?” Linda asks for the fifth time.
“Because she’s so desperate to get a win that she’s willing to pay double, and besides, this way I can keep an eye on her. I’ll get the contracts signed and then the kids and I will return home. I can’t stay here any longer, no matter how badly I want to.” Originally i’d planned on staying in the Nightfang territory for a few months. I wanted to be nearby through the final stages of Paisley’s treatment, and I never imagined things would get so complicated – especially not this quickly.
“That’s probably safest.” Linda agrees, looking disappointed. “The pups were asking about Ethan today.”
Fear paralyzes me, “What did you tell them?”
“Nothing they could use to find him.” She promises, “I simply explained that adult relationships are complicated, and the best place for them is with you.”
“That’s all?” I ask nervously. Linda doesn’t know my children as well as I do, she doesn’t realize how clever they can be with only tiny pieces of information. Most four year olds are still grappling with learning shapes, but my little ones are already reading full length books and learning to play instruments.
“That’s all.” Linda confirms. “They couldn’t find him even if they wanted to.”
“Google: Alpha Ethan.” Parker instructs, leaning over Ryder as he sits in front of Linda’s desktop computer.
“And Nightfang.” Riley adds sensibly, “I saw him here, so this is probably his pack.”
Ryder, who the other pups always consider the youngest because he was born ten minutes after Riley and thirty minutes after Parker, dutifully follows his sibling’s instructions, slowly pushing down keys and watching the corresponding letters appear on the glowing screen. When the phrase is complete, he excitedly hammers the ‘enter’ button and all three children wait for the results to populate with bated breath.
Within moments, images of the same man Riley met in the restaurant fill the page, and the boys murmur murmur in unison. “He looks just like us!
“That’s him, and look!” Riley exclaims, pointing at a photo a little further down in the results, “that must be our sister!”
Clicking on the link next to the image, their tiny faces light up
vith glee when they read the imposing Alpha’s biography. Ethan Blackwell, age 30: became the youngest Alpha in Nightfang history after challenging his corrupt and tyrannical uncle for control of the pack when he was just 19 years old. Known for his intelligence, extraordinary strength, and integrity, Blackwell’s life has not been without tragedy. Four years ago the Alpha’s chosen mate, Jane Blackwell, died in childbirth. Devastated by the loss, Ethan’s young daughter Paisley provided the only silver lining in this tragedy. He has described her on more than one occasion as “the greatest gift he’s ever been given,”
The pups reel back from the screen in surprise. “Why does it say Mommy died?” Ryder wonders aloud.
“They must only think she died.” Parker assesses, “After all – that is Mommy’s name.”
“How are we going to ask her about it?” Ryder replies.
“Leave that to me.” Riley instructs with a devious grin.
A little while later, as the young family is walking down the street, Jane stops at a coffee cart and Riley skips over to the newsstand. This is exactly what she hoped would happen. She’s always loved looking at all the glossy magazine covers while Mommy waits for her coffee, and she knows how often the Alpha in their own territory appears on the front page. Chirping in excitement, her small hand snatches a thick publication from the waiting stack, “Mommy look! It’s the mar from the restaurant!”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 13
Jane
This isn’t happening. Riley is grinning up at me and waving a magazine with Ethan’s handsome face plastered across the cover, and all I can do is stare down at her in horror.
“Ma’am,” The coffee vendor prods my elbow, trying to catch my attention, “Ma’am, your latte?”
Closing my gaping mouth, I blindly extend my hand towards the man, and he presses the warm cardboard cup into my palm. I can’t explain it, but tears are burning in my eyes. We should have never come here. This is all too much. My wolf is whining in my head, as if the mere sight of my former mate is too much to bear.
When I saw him in the restaurant i’d been so focused on retrieving Riley and getting out of there unseen that I didn’t let myself truly process seeing Ethan again after so long. It’s almost like my body went into survival mode. Now that I’m staring at his picture, held aloft in my daughter’s tiny hands, it’s all coming back to me. He’d looked every bit as handsome and dashing as I remember, and the worst part is that he was holding one of my babies, a sight I’ve secretly dreamed about more often than I’d like to admit.
“Mommy?” Riley asks again, tilting her head to the side.
It’s just a question. I think in frustration, stop being silly and answer her.
“It does look sort of like him” I agree, taking the magazine from my pup and replacing it on the rack. I hate lying to them, but in my heart I know it’s the right thing to do. I’m protecting them.
“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Parker pipes up on my other side, “You look sad.”
“How could I be sad?” | reply, “I’m with you.”
“But Mommy, you look really pale.” Ryder frowns, exchanging an uneasy glance with his siblings.
“I suppose I’m a little tired… and it’s awfully cold out.” || improvise, shivering in the chilly autumn air. “I’ll tell you what, instead of the park, why don’t we go back to Linda’s and curl up in front of a nice big fire with some hot chocolate?”The pups are still looking back and forth between each other as if they’re unsure how to read my strange behavior. I know they’ re not convinced by my weak cover story, but I can also see they don’t want to upset me. “Okay Mommy, but maybe you should take a nap.” Riley suggests, reaching up to hold my hand.
“That’s a good idea.” I answer warmly, squeezing her paw.
When we get home the children bend over backwards to make me feel better, dumping half a bag of marshmallows into my cocoa and telling jokes until I’m smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. Once we’re settled in front of a roaring fire, the kids pile on top of me and take turns reading aloud from their favorite books. I truly hadn’t planned on taking a nap, after all, my excuse about being tired was just a lie. Even so, my eyes grow heavy as my pups’ beloved voices weave stories of far-off places, and before I know it, I’m asleep.
After Jane dosed off, Parker, Riley and Ryder tip-toed away into their temporary room. “That was bad.” Parker sighed. “Mommy was really sad.”
“I think she must miss Daddy and our sister lots.” Riley suggested.
“But then why did she run from them at the restraunt?” Parker questioned.
“Someting must’ve happened to split them up.” Ryder reasoned, “After all the int-net said she died.”
“We have to help her find ’em again.” Riley insists. “I want Mommy to be happy.”
“We should all be together.” Parker added, thinking of the father and sister they never knew existed.
“We’ll think of someting.” Ryder announced, “We’ll make it better. We have to.”
Meanwhile, across town Paisley struggles with a dilemma of her own. While Ethan was at work, Eve arrived at the penthouse to help Paisley get ready to go out that evening. They were celebrating her Grandmother’s birthday, and as much as Paisley adored Ethan’s mother, she felt very
differently about Eve. The she-wolf clearly liked her Daddy a lot, but she never hid her hatred for his pup.
Even now, when she promised to care for the child as if she was her own, she simply tormented her. After dismissing the babysitter, Eve promptly locked Paisley in the bathroom so
that she “wouldn’t have to see her ugly little face.” Knowing she had at least an hour until Ethan would arrive home, the cruel woman strutted away into the luxury apartment and helped herself to a bottle of wine.
At first Paisley simply slumped down on the floor and waited, but the more time that passed, the angrier she grew. It wasn’t fair, and she hadn’t done anything to deserve a punishment. Why was Auntie Eve being so mean? After a while her thoughts turned from sulking to revenge. A lightbulb soon clicked on in her mind and Paisley jumped to her feet with a : grin.
Pounding on the door and begging to be let out didn’t work, so Paisley started to scream and cry instead. Not wanting anyone to hear the infuriating brat and certainly needing the pup to be calm by the time her father got home, Eve stormed to the bathroom just as Paisley hoped she would. Listening to the she-wolf’s footsteps approach, the clever pup scampered over to the bathtub and turned on the taps, snatching up the hand-held shower head.
Just as Eve stormed in, Paisley aimed the shower head at the door and giggled gleefully as water splashed all over the glamorous woman’s designer dress. Eve screamed bloody murder, soaked head to toe and turning as red as a tomato. A stream of obscenities flew from her mouth, “You’ve ruined my clothes!” She shrieked. “I’ll kill you, you hateful little brat!”
She tried to lunge forward, but was blinded by a fresh stream of water. Dropping the faucet, Paisley skirted around Eve while she wiped her eyes and ran out of the bathroom. She was still laughing when Ethan walked in a little while later, her mirth peaking when he asked Eve why she was all wet. The
she-wolf tried to get Paisley in trouble, saying the pup played a terrible trick on her, but the Alpha didn’t take the bait.
Unfortunately Paisley’s good-humor didn’t last long. At dinner her grandmother gushed on and on about how wonderful Eve was, retelling the story about how the brave she-wolf almost died saving her from rogues. Then, to the young pup’s horror, she asked when Ethan was finally going to marry Eve.
“All right you two.” The elegant woman grinned, “When’s the wedding?” Reaching over to pat Paisley’s cheek, she added, “I. want more grandpups while I’m still young enough to enjoy them.”
Paisley looked back and forth between Ethan and Eve, certain she must be hearing things Her Daddy couldn’t marry the horrible woman, especially not now that she knew her real Mommy was out there waiting for her. When Eve only offered her a conniving smirk and Ethan shot his mother an annoyed look for spoiling the news, Paisley burst into tears. Sobbing and climbing into Ethan’s lap, she begged him not to marry Eve, “Please don’t Daddy! I don’t want her to be my Mommy!”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 14
Eve
I swear, I really will kill that brat.
As soon as Paisley started wailing, Ethan gathered her up and walked out, giving in to the spoiled pup’s tantrum. It seems like no matter what the child does, it’s never enough to make him see what a terror she is. He caves every time she so much as pouts, and trying to make him see the truth only makes him angry.
“I’m sorry dear.” Ethan’s mother, Catherine, sighs. “I tried.”
“I know,” I say, plastering a fake smile on my face, “thank you, I do appreciate your help.”
“Just give him time.” Catherine advises. “Paisley will get used to the idea eventually. It’s hard with pups this age.”
“I understand.” I lie, “though I do think he could be more strict with her. He lets her walk all over him.”
I instantly know the words were a mistake. Catherine’s features harden, and she primly dabs at the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “Paisley isn’t just any child. She’s had to struggle to survive from the moment she was born, she’s growing up with only one parent, and she’s the only thing he has left of Jane.” I can’t believe what I’m hearing, Catherine hated Jane – I made sure of it.
As if she can read my thoughts, Catherine continues, “You
know as well as anyone that I didn’t care for my daughter-in law, but Ethan took it very hard when she died. I don’t know any parent that wouldn’t go easy on their pup under such circumstances.” Her eyes soften then, and a soft smile crosses her features, “You’ll understand one day, when you have pups of your own.”
I would rather cut off my own arm. I think snidely, unable to imagine anything more unpleasant.
Despite my annoyance, Catherine’s words do make one thing abundantly clear: I will never get what I want so long as the brat is alive. The only hope I have is to get rid of her – for good. A plan begins to form in my mind while Catherine and I continue to chat. I’ve clearly been too passive thus far. I should have killed Paisley a long time ago, but it’s no use dwelling on things I cannot change. I’ll make up for my past mistakes in no time flat, you can count on it.
Jane
As I walk into Eve’s atelier, I try to remember how to breathe. By this time tomorrow the kids and I will be on a plane home. I just have to get the contract signed, and then everything can go back to normal. No more close encounters with my ex husband, no more painful ordeals with Paisley. The next time I see her, it will be to bring her home for good, and Ethan won’t be able to do a damn thing to stop me.
Striding through the glass doors of the boutique, I finally manage to take in some precious gasps of oxygen. Shaking
off my nerves and adopting the confident persona of my alter-ego, I stride up to the receptionist, who falls all over herself to assist me. Apparently saving her life won me some favor with the woman, given how rudely she behaved the last time I visited.
She leads me straight up to the offices above the shop, asking me if I’d like any refreshments three times and only ceasing when I promise I’m fine. Pulling off my sunglasses, I gaze around the sleek offices with begrudging respect. As distasteful as I find Eve’s shop, she certainly did better with the upstairs decor.
I’m still taking in my surroundings when the young she-wolf leads me into the empty conference room, “Eve will be right with you Ms. Carrington.”
I’ve barely turned away from the door when an all-too-familiar scent reaches my nose – one that does not belong to Eve. I whip around to find Ethan walking into the small space, a lethal expression on his rugged face. “Elise Carrington, I presume?” His deep voice sends shivers down my spine, and all of my earlier bravado slips away.
Retreat. I think desperately. How could I have been so stupid? How could I let myself have anything to do with a business Ethan helped fund? How could I stay here after running into him? It’s like I was asking to get caught!
Marching forward, I make a B-line around the huge alpha, tensing up as I pass him – certain he’ll reach out and grab me at any moment. Yet he doesn’t, he watches me with a cocky smirk, letting me slip back out of the door but never taking his eyes off of me.
“Leaving so soon?” Ethan’s magnetic power tugs at my limbs, pulling me to a stop even though I want nothing more than to run as far away as possibly can.
I turn back only long enough to shoot the infuriating man a glare, “this meeting is over.”
“If that’s your attitude I’m amazed you’ve stayed in business so long.” He counters coolly, “this is no way to treat your partners.”
“The only partner I have here is Eve.” | reply stiffly. “My appointment, and my business, is with her.”
“No little wolf, your business is with me.” Ethan corrects me sternly, “I’m the primary shareholder in the boutique, not Eve.”
“Then I suppose you’re the one I should hold accountable for producing and selling toxic counterfeits of my perfumes.” || challenge, not sure where this sudden strength is coming from. In the past I would have collapsed under the Alpha’s scrutiny, but right now I feel nothing but outrage over being tricked this way. “That’s quite a serious offense in this jurisdiction.”
Ethan’s dark eyes flash, and he prowls forward until he’s towering over me. “Is that a threat?”
“Of course not.” I answer silkily, hating myself for submissively lowering my gaze, but proud I’m able to maintain my cool tone. “I would never dream of threatening an alpha. I’m merely stating an inconvenient truth. Someone has to be held responsible, and I need to know if that person isn’t Eve.”
“Funny,” He growls ominously, “you didn’t seem so concerned
about accountability when you brokered this contract with us.”
“This contract is in reparation for the offense.” I argue, “or it was. I don’t appreciate being deceived.”
“Oh no?” Ethan’s wolf is close to the surface now, glowing through his eyes, “You prefer to be the one telling the lies and playing the tricks, is that it?”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I lie smoothly, arching my brow.
“Don’t you?” He rumbles, raking his hungry gaze up and down my body.
My wolf is going crazy, unable to resist the call of his own. My alpha perfume might disguise my scent, but it doesn’t do a damn thing to protect me from my omega instincts. Get a hold of yourself! I order her fiercely, receiving a whine in reply.
When Ethan looks at me this way, it leaves no doubt in my mind he recognizes me, yet he hasn’t called me out. I wonder how long he’ll let me get away with pretending I don’t know him.
Either way, one thing is very clear: he’s in charge now. I just have to hope I can get away from him before my entire world comes crashing down around me.
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 15
Ethan
Whatever I was expecting, it wasn’t this.
After I saw Jane’s ghost holding a child identical to Paisley at the restaurant, I immediately demanded the manager print out a copy of her credit card receipt. There in black and white I found her new name: Elise Carrington, founder and CEO of La Louve fragrances.
I was almost positive the woman I saw was, in fact, my wife, but I couldn’t be sure until this moment. Now it’s painfully obvious my chosen mate did not die after all, but she certainly hasn’t stayed the same. This Jane is so unlike the woman! knew I can scarcely believe it. She’s every bit as beautiful, but infinitely more confident and powerful. She smells like an alpha, and she’s charming even as she argues with me. The stubborn thing even threatened me, which I have to admit | found nothing short of delightful.
My wolf is roaring in my head, demanding that I claim her here and now. I want to do nothing more than shut her saucy little mouth with my own, but I have a feeling she won’t submit as easily as she used to. Of course, making her submit would be half the fun.
K!ss her. My wolf urges.
Not yet, I answer, If I try now she’ll only fight.
Let her try. He insists, She’s your mate, she won’t last long.
She’s not going to admit she’s my mate if I force her. I counter, I have to be smart about this.
Coward. My wolf snorts.
We lost her once. I remind him sharply. Do you want to lose her again?
That shuts him up. Focusing my full attention back on Jane, I realize she’s glancing around in search of an exit, and a low rumble bubbles up in my ch3st. “Don’t even think about it.”
Her stunning green eyes jump to mine, sharp and unforgiving. “Do not presume to order me around.” Jane bites, her velvety voice like music to my ears. “As far as I’m concerned our contract is void.”
“That would be a mistake.” I inform her, “unless you want to pay the termination fee.”
I’ve never been more thankful for my lawyers than I am at this moment. When the business opened they advised including cancellation penalties in every agreement drafted, and I know Eve already submitted an advance payment for this order. If Jane backs out now, she’ll have to pay the price.
Her full l!ps purse, and I can see the wheels turning in her head. I’m sure she wants to throw caution to the wind and tell me to go to hell, but the loss would be significant. I’m sure she
can afford it, however that doesn’t change the fact that it’s simply bad business.
“If I sign, I want your word that I’ll only deal with Eve in the future.” Jane requests, tilting her chin up.
Offering her a wolfish grin, I chuckle. “No. When you sign, you’ Il deal only with me.”
Fury flits across my mate’s face, and I swear I hear the whisper of a growl in her throat. She’s so riled up her hackles are fully raised, and I can’t remember ever seeing anything cuter. It takes a few moments for Jane to reign in her temper, but she finally succeeds. “Fine.” She snaps, stomping back into the room and swiping her signature over the thick stack of pages.
Triumph soars in my ch3st, now she’s stuck with me, and she knows it. “Smart move.” I purr, swiftly counter signing the documents. “And I presume you saw the clause we added this morning?” | add, knowing this was impossible, given the fact that my lawyers only sent the amendment over half an hour ago. “Requiring you to remain in the city through the launch so that we can ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible?”
A livid flush consumes Jane’s cheeks, and I eagerly wait to see what she’ll say next. Unfortunately Eve chooses that moment to come sashaying through the door, and our verbal sparring match is cut short. Annoyance roils in my b***d. I was already displeased with Eve when I learned about her corrupt business practices but after I discovered Jane owns La Louve, I realized Eve saw and spoke with her the other day. She knew my mate was alive, and not only did she fail to tell me, she lied right to my face when Paisley and I came searching.
Eve’s smile falters when she sees my expression, so she turns to Jane instead, “Miss Carrington, it’s so lovely to see you again. Are you ready to sign the contract?”
“Actually we’ve already signed.” Jane grumbles ruefully.
“Oh,” Eve looks taken aback.
“Yes.” | add, “I’ve decided to manage the La Louve account myself. We can’t afford any more mistakes.”
Batting her eyelashes, Eve closes the distance between us and Presses both palms to my ch3st, leaning into my body with a simpering sigh, “Whatever you think is best, Ethan. Thank you so much for looking out for me.”
Pulling away from the odious she-wolf, I only feel slightly remorseful when she loses her balance and topples over. I’ve been trying to discourage Eve’s affections since before Jane and I divorced, but she never seems to take the hint.
At first my guilt over Jane’s responsibility for Eve’s disability prevented me from holding it against her, but as time has passed the situation has gotten out of hand. I don’t want to give Eve any encouragement, and I don’t want Jane to think there’s anything between us.
I look over to try and gauge my ex-wife’s expression, but I realize she’s already walking out. Leaving Eve whining on the ground, I follow Jane out the door, trying and failing to avoid staring at her lovely behind as she walks.
Jane
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
I can’t believe I let my temper get the better of me. I can’t believe I signed the contract under Ethan’s unreasonable conditions. I can’t believe I let him get under my skin that
way… I can’t believe how badly I wanted him to k*ss me.
The man is a monster. I remind myself. Never mind that he’s a wonderful father or that he just rejected Eve right in front of me, it’s probably all a trick to enslave me again. I don’t trust that man as far as I can throw him – which isn’t very far at all.
Grumpily pulling out my phone, I pull up my email and start the process of canceling my plane tickets to return home. I can’t leave now, not when I foolishly signed our contract without first checking to make sure nothing in the agreement had changed. I’m so angry at Ethan I could scream. The launch will take weeks, and now I’m going to be stuck here working with him.
I’ve barely made it two blocks when a luxury SUV pulls up beside me, and one of the tinted windows rolls down. Ethan grins out at me from the back seat, “Get in.” He orders, stepping out of the car with predatory grace. “I’ll drive you.”