Ch. 126..130: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 126-130
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 126
3rd Person
“How are we going to get away?” Paisley asked her siblings, watching Thomas and Mary out of the corner of her eye. The shepherd and his wife were loading their truck for a trip into the nearest town, a visit they planned on using to try and track down the pups’ parents.
Of course, the pups were more than a little afraid that the well-intentioned couple would end up landing them in even more trouble than before. They didn’t understand everything they overheard during their time with Anita and her goons, or even everything Thomas and Mary discussed about their plight, but they knew enough to realize that calling attention to themsełves was a bad idea. Yet at the same time, they wanted to go home more than anything.
‘Are you sure we should?” Ryder asked, having second thoughts about their plan. “It’s really scary being on our own, and they might be able to finds Mommy and Daddy.”
Riley was already shaking her head, understanding her brother’s hesitance, but knowing they couldn’t give in to their fear. The first place they’re gonna go is to the p’lice.” She reminded him.
“But why’s that so bad?” Ryder wondered, they might not be likes the NightFang police.. they might be nice.”
“But the police answer to the king.” Parker declared. “And if we tells them who Mommy and Daddy are, they’l tell him.”
They’re right.” Paisley sighed, ‘Anita was gonna sell us to the King, that has to mean he’s bad.”
I just don’t see how running away again helps us.”
Ryder grumbled. “We don’t know where we are or how to gets home.”
Listen, every tiny bits of progress we make, is one step closer to home.” Riley encouraged. “We don’t haves to know the whole plan, just the next piece.”
“It’s like Daddy says,” Paisley nodded, when a problem seems too big, just takes it one step at a time .”
“I think this problem is too bigs even for baby steps.” Ryder frowned, watching Thomas and Mary finish loading the cart. “And it feels bad, they’ve been so nice to us.
They have.” Parker agreed. “But you know grown ups – they thinks they know everything. They’ll never let us search our way.
“I guess tha’s true.” Ryder conceded, he’d seen the way adults always seemed to trust other grown ups over children. His Mommy and Daddy were rare exceptions, but friends, teachers and strangers never seemed to trust that such little pups might know things they didn’t. “So how are we gonna do it?
I say we wait until their backs are turned and make a run fors it.” Paisley declared, as if that decided matters.
“Ooh, or how about a looky-loo.” Riley suggested.
“Wha’s a looky-loo?” Paisley asked, not yet familiar with all her siblings’ schemes. She was learning them as fast as she could, but it was very different being part of a team than doing everything solo. She loved having other pups to share the fun with, but it was still an adjustment. Paisley wasn’t used to consulting and sharing ideas, usually she just made up her own mind and ran with whatever plan she liked.
A looky-loo is when you create a ‘straction to make someone look in one direction, while you set up a prank or run away.” Riley explained.
“And if is a really good ‘straction, they won’t notice what you’ve done until way later.” Parker added.
That seems safer,” Ryder agreed, “we need as much time as possible to rurn ‘afore they start looking for us.”
“Okay, so how do we ‘stract them?” Paisley questioned.
All four pups studied the truck, searching for inspiration. The vehicle’s cargo bed was piled high with raw goods, while the towing hitch was linked up to a llama-filled trailer. “We could dump out all the stuffs from the back. Parker mused.
“No, that’s mean.” Ryder frowned, we shouldn’ make a mess.”
What if we lease the liamas.” Riley countered with a devious grin. “They would have to chase them, but it wouldn’t make a mess and we could make it seem like an accident.”
I dunno.” Paisley fretted, what if they can’t gets them all back?”
“They will.” Parker promised. They’re too big to lose, sides the llamas know the shepherd feeds them, they won’t go far.”
“I like it.”” Ryder praised, sporting an identical grin to his sister.
“So it’s a plan?” Riley checked, “when we get to town, we lease the llamas and while they’re wrangling them, we makes a break for it.”
“Agreed.” Ryder and Parker nodded, looking to their youngest sibling for confirmation, “Paisley?”
Her little face scrunched up in thought, and she sent one last remorseful glance towards their rescuers before nodding as well. “Let’s do it.”
A few hours later, the small trading village of Alta Montaña was awash with rogue llamas who, upon release, proved much more rambunctious – and far less loyal – than the pups predicted.
It hadn’t been difficult to free them. After AMary gave the children stern instructions to stay put while she went to the police station and Thomas unloaded the truck bed, Riley hopped down and snuck around to the back of the trailer, quietly unbolting the doors and pulling them open. She scampered back to the truck just in time for the llamas to break free, pouring out of the back of the cart in a wooly tidal wave.
“Oh my Goddess!” Thomas exclaimed, shooting a worried glance towards the pups. “Stay right there!
I’ll be right back!”
As he scrambled to chase down his flock, the mischievous pups slipped out of the truck and darted away, taking refuge in a nearby alleyway. “I feel bád.” Paisley murmured as they paused to watch the kindly shepherd flit around the town square in a panic.
It had to be done.” Riley reminded her, Look.”
The others followed the direction of her pointed finger, seeing Mary trotting back to the truck with a few police officers in tow. Immediately the detectives set about helping Thomas, not seeming to notice that they were straying from their original task.
Only Mary seemed to realize what was happening, taking in the empty vehicle and chaotic scene, then spinning around and scanning the square for signs of the children. We have to move before she catches our scent.” Parker advised.
We need to find something smelly – to cover it up. Ryder added.
“There’s lots of trash in that bin.” Riley noted, wrinkling her nose with distaste as she inhaled the fetid stench of days-old garbage.
However before any of the other pups could ponder hiding places or indeed – contemplate Riley’s unpleasant suggestion, a voice sounded behind them.
Who are you hiding from?” The voice clearly belonged to a child. It was high and feminine, but while the young pups always muddled a few of their words, this being was clearly a bit older, for her articulation was clear as a bell.
All four pups swung around, taking in the sight of a little girl further down the alley. She was a pretty little thing, if a bit worse for wear. Her clothes were ratted and dirty, and her face was smudged with soot. She looked like she might be seven or eight years old, and stood at least a full head taller than Parker and Ryder.
What?” The pups squeaked in unison, not sure what to make of the strange girl. No one.”
“You’re obviously hiding from someone.” The girl replied skeptically, scanning the huddled quartet.
Nuh-uh.” Riley argued stubbornly, crossing her arms over her ch3st.
It’s okay, you can tell us.” For the first time, the pups realized the girl was not alone. A young boy stood behind her, using her tall form as a shield.
However as soon as the girl acknowledged his presence, his little blond head peeked out by her elbow. We don’t know any grown-ups.”
The pups exchanged curious glances. “Why do you say that?
The older girl rolled her eyes, as if the answer was perfectly obvious. “We’ve all had to run from adults at one point or another.” She sighed. “They only ever want to hurt or trick you.”
Not all grown ups – not our parents.” Paisley argued, though she wasn’t entirely sure why. Hadn’t she and the others just been discussing how bad strangers were, how fruitless it was to trust them?
The girl’s eyes widened, You still have parents?”
“Yes, and we’re trying to get back to them.” Parker announced. “Do you know how fars we are from the port?”
The girl’s brow furrowed. “Which port?”
The pups looked back and forth between one another hopelessly, they hadn’t even considered that there might be more than one – but of course there was, there must be hundreds spread out over the islands. “We dunno.”
The girl was frowning deeply, looking past them to the scene in the main square. Well, if you want to get there, you need to come with us now- the police are coming this way.”
The pups glanced over their shoulders, quickly realizing she spoke the truth. “Why should we trusts you?” Ryder asked, even though they all realized they didn’t have a choice.
Because I’ve been escaping grown-ups since I was your age and I know these streets l like the back of my hand.” She shrugged. “But suit yourself, it’s your funeral.” And just like that she disappeared through a hole in the wall of the building next to the dúmpster.
Riley, Ryder, Paisley and Parker watched as Mary and the police officers drew closer to the mouth of the alley, and without saying a word they set their mouths into hard lines, and followed the mysterious girl into the darkness.
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 127
Jane
l can’t be pregnant… I can’t.
It’s too soon – too complicated. I don’t have the brain space to focus on such a momentous possibility, let alone figure out what it would mean for Ethan and I.
We’re already stuck in a holding pattern, trying not to get ahead of ourselves with feelings while our lives are in shambles… at least I am. Ethan seems as determined as ever that we be mated for the rest of time.
I’ve been terribly anxious ever since the possibility entered my mind, and as much as I want to find out whether my fears are real or just paranoia, I’m afraid to find out the truth. Under different circumstances l’d go to the doctor at the first opportunity, but I’m not sure I can cope with one more worry on my plate. Maybe it’s a completely escapist mindset – like an ostrich sticking its head in the sand- but as long as there’s a chance l’m not pregnant, I can go on pretending like everything is normal. The moment I find out otherwise, however, they’ll be no ignoring it.
It’s not as if it’s outside the realm of possibilities.
After all, I’ve always struggled with motion sickness. It’s more the fact that I haven’t gone back into heat yet, but that can easily happen with stress. Another time l might be ashamed of the impulse to hide and ignore my problems, but I’m protecting myself now. If I put any more weight on my overburdened shoulders, I know l’ll crumple under the pressure.
When I left Paisley with Ethan, I got very good at compartmentalizing my emotions, and those skills have come in very handy over the last few days. I put the possibility of pregnancy into a lock box in the back of my mind and focused solely on getting my pups back, but every now and then the idea escapes, slipping out of its secluded corner to torment me at the most inconvenient of times – like now.
“You okay?” Ethan asks, searching my features as I try on potential disguises. “Are the clothes too hot?
“No, it’s fine” I lie, giving myself a little shake as I study my reflection in the mirror, “what do you think?”
He turns me to face him, even though he could see me perfectly well before -I think he just wanted an excuse to touch me, After a moment’s consideration, he shakes his head, still not releasing me. “You’re too pretty.”
I snort, turning back to the mirror. Those are the last words l’d use to describe myself right now. I’m wearing boys’ clothing, with my bre*asts bound and my hair piled up under a wig and cap. My slender figure has lost any semblance of femininity in the baggy garments, and while some women might look stunning in pixie haircuts, l am not one of them. “You don’t have to flatter me Ethan.” l tell my mate, “it’s okay that I don’t look my best.”
“I’m not trying to flatter you, Jane.” Ethan replies seriously. “You’re too pretty to pass for a boy. This isn’t enough.”
“1 think you’re biased.” I tell him-wryly, turning my head from left to right and studying the lines of my face.
“I’m not.” He insists. “Linda, can you come in here?
My friend promptly emerges from the bathroom, dressed up in a very similar getup. “This is ridiculous.”
She grumbles when she appears. “I feel like an idiot”
Despite her words, she doesn’t make a half-bad page boy. She’s considerably taller than I am, and while striking, her features are more masculine than my own.
If l didn’t know any better, I might think she particularly pretty boy. “Linda, you look great.” Ethan tells her, if we give you a beard it will be perfect, now what do you think about Jane?” He asks, turning my body towards her. This time he doesn’t remove his hands after positioning me, keeping them firmly on my wa!st and scalding me straight through my top.
“Well l’d believe it more if you weren’t subtly groping her:” Linda chortles. “But it’s not quite believable anyway – her features are too delicate.”
“See?” Ethan says, his lips grazing my ear. “I think we need to put you both in some facial hair.”
“And what is your disguise going to be?” l ask saucily, “a ball gown?”
“No” He replies with a small smile, “”‘m going to age myself up a bit. Gray hair, a cane, full-on whiskers.
Instead of an Alpha and two she-wolves, we’ll be an old man and two boys. No one will recognize us”
“Maybe not by sight” Linda remarks, “but what about our scents? We’re both marked now” she reminds him with a charming blush.
“I have some cologne to disguise that.” I share, slipping out of Ethan’s hold long enough to do some digging in my bag. lt hadn’t been easy to create a new scent on this journey – surprisingly the ship’s supplies provided half the ingredients I needed, and Ethan found the rest in town, but supplies weren’t the hard part.
Doing chemistry when I felt like death warmed over was absolutely miserable. Still, I managed for my pups.
I toss the perfume bottle to Linda, who sprays a bit on her wrist and inhales, coughing when it hits her senses. “My Goddess, that’s like bottled test0sterone.”
“Yup” I confirm, moving back to Ethan’s side and letting him slip his arm around me again. That’s the idea.”
“Okay, so we have our disguises.” Linda grimaces, assuming you two can keep your hands off one another that is.”
Ethan arches his brow. “Why? We could pretend to be gay.”
Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. “She’s right, we’ll draw more attention as a couple.”
“Are you saying we’re a couple?” Ethan asks, waggling his eyebrows at me.
“No, l’m saying that’s not an option.” l correct, giggling despite myself.
“Spoil sport.” Ethan teases, dropping a k!ss on my neck. I thought it was only going to be one, but I suspect after so many days in close quarters, with me begging him to give me a bit of attention and he steadfastly resisting my wiles, Ethan is beginning to cave to temptation. Because instead of a single k**s, he ends up nuzzling my skin and nibbling my throat, dropping k!ss after k!ss and seeming to forget we aren’t alone.
“Ahem! Linda clears her throat pointedly.
Ethan pulls away from me at last, looking completely unrepentant. “Sorry Linda.”
“Yeah, sure.” She mutters, though I think l see a hint of a smile on her face. “Jane, can you help me with the beard?”
“Of course.” l agree, pulling free of Ethan and following her into the bathroom.
“Alright spill.” She says once we’re alone.
“What do you mean?” l ask, blushing.
“What’s the deal with you and lover boy out there?
” She asks, “I thought you hadn’t made a decision about your relationship yet.”
“I haven’t” l hedge, studying the packaging of the fake facial hair Ethan purchased. “It’s just been difficult with all the medications I’m on. They’re making me really loopy and he’s been so strict about not taking advantage… I think we’re both just a little.”
“Sublimating all your anxiety about the pups with s*x?” Linda suggests shrewdly.
“Well, not actively.” I mutter, feeling her words slice into me. Is that really all this is, Ethan and I trying to distract ourselves from our fear and grief by focusing on each other? “Do you think it’s terrible if we are?” I ask her, feeling my stomach begin to churn anew. “I mean, is it completely twisted to be preoccupied with each other when our lives are falling apart around us?”
“Maybe.” Linda replies honestly, “but then again, what’s the alternative? Falling to pieces, ignoring the problem?” She shakes her head, “you can’t do anything until we make port. I don’t think it’s wrong for you to try to distract yourself. I think the question is – what happens when this is all over? You don’t want to lead him on now if you’re going to leave him in the end.”
“1 don’t think I am.” l share softly, painfully aware that Ethan is still on the other side of the door. “I mean, I haven’t decided anything yet, but I don’t think this is just stress or misdirected emotions.”
“1 don’t understand” Linda frowns, changed?”
“what’s
“I have.” I realize, “Strange as it seems, l’m not the same woman I was when I came back to town, Linda.”| continue, staring at my own unfamiliar reflection, yet feeling as if l’m seeing myself for the first time in ages. For the first time in a long time, I feel like my old self.”
“Like when you were Ethan’s prisoner?” Linda questions skeptically.
“No, like before.” l correct her. “Before Eve ruined everything, before l became afraid of my own shadow….and there’s a reason Ethan and I were together then.” I reflect, wondering if he can hear me, and not giving a d*mn whether or not he can. “Whatever else happens, we have an undeniable connection. We may not be divined, but we chose each other over everyone else… and sometimes that means even more than fate.”
“Well in that case” Linda replies, offering me awide smile.”Welcome back.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 128
Jane
When the Southern Isles finally come into view, they take my breath away. Not because they’re beautiful or how eager I am to be back on solid land, but because I know my pups are waiting somewhere on their shores.
“Finally”‘ I breathe, standing at the ship’s railing as the distant lands draw closer and closer on the horizon.
I’m already in my disguise, feeling absurd and sick to my stomach beneath the prosthetics, yet knowing it’s for the best. Ethan is by my side, looking equally comical in his old man get up, but entirely believable to those not in the know. I keep seeing him reach towards me out of the corner of my eye, only to stop himself at the last moment when he remembers we’re supposed to be travel companions and not lovers.
I might think these efforts are completely overboard, if I didn’t know just how far King Aimon goes when it comes to spying. Honestly, part of me wonders if we took these precautions too late. After all, there might have been spies back in the NightFang territory who watched us board the ship. Granted, they would have seen Ethan and Eric alighting the gangway while two strange women inch-wormed up the rigging, but the outcome remains the same.
Ethan insists that making the voyage by sea was the best bet for staying under the radar, but we haven’t exactly been low profile on board. My illness has meant that everyone from the captain to the chef knows what’s going on in the owner’s suite, and even now l’m struggling to keep my breakfast down.
“How are you doing, little wolf?” Ethan asks, taking in my pallid complexion.
“l can’t stand the waiting” l admit. “I want to be there already. I want to feel better so I can find my babies. I want this all to be over:” My voice cracks on the last word, and despite our cover, Ethan shifts closer.
“1 know, baby:” He assures me, his deep voice low and soothing. “It’s just a little while longer.” He promises, “by this time tomorrow you’ll be good as new, and then we can do whatever it takes to get them back.”
“I hope you’re right.” I m**n, resisting the urge to lean into him for support.”I don’t think l can take another day of feeling this way.”
Ethan chuckles, leaning his head against mine.
l’m always right.” He teases, his sultry tones filling me with warmth. “And you’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for. It ‘ll all work out – you’ll see!”
48 Hours Later
“You lied!” I whine pitifully, retching into a bin at my bedside. “You said l’d feel better by now.”
We made landfall yesterday, and though l’ve been trying to regain my land legs ever since departing the ship, I’m not feeling any better. Ethan checked us into a seaside bed and breakfast, but I haven’t been able to leave the room even once. I know it’s not something Ethan could have predicted, but l’ve never been much of a trooper when it comes to being sick.
“I know, I’m sorry sweetheart.” He croons, stroking my spine and holding my hair back. “Do you want me to fetch the doctor?”
“No. l gr0an, telling myself this is just delayed seasickness – like before. “I”ll be okay.” lt will take me a while to get my land legs, that’s all. I keep repeating the same thought over and over again, praying l’m right.
“Are you sure? You’re awfully green, Janey” Ethan frowns.
“No doctors!” | insist, somewhat manically. As much comfort as I take in Ethan caring for me, the idea of a doctor terrifies me right now. I’m all too aware that they might tell me this isn’t seasickness after all.
“Okay, no doctors.” Ethan agrees, taking my chin between his thumb and forefingers.”For now. If you don’t get better soon I won’t make any promises.”
“Fine.” I grumble sulkily, collapsing back on the bed. Of course, in my head l’m not nearly so calm. This complicates things. If I want to keep the physicians away I’m going to have to rally whether I feel up to it or not.
“Poor baby” He commiserates, leaning down to k!ss my sweaty brow, “I hate to leave you like this, but I want to get out and look for the pups before dark, will you be okay on your own?”
That gets my attention. I’m sitting up instantly, trying to find my clothes. “|’Il come with you.”
“No, no. You’re in no condition for that.” Ethan cautions, encouraging me to lie back down.
“I’m well enough to look for the pups.” l insist, fighting his strong hands.
“Jane, look at me” Ethan encourages, kneeling down beside the bed, “I”ll gladly welcome your help looking, but only once you’re recovered. You need to rest so that you can be there for the pups when we find them.”
“l can’t just stay here and do nothing” I murmur,suddenly feeling as though I might cry. “I have to help.”
I open my mouth to argue more, but Ethan presses a dinger to my l!ps. “This is what I meant about letting go, Jane. You can’t do everything all on your own. Trust me to handle the search so you can focus on getting better. You’ll be able to help a lot more once you’re well.
He stands before l can think of a response, “l be back before you know it. Just call me if you need anything.”
I’m still sulking and staring after him when the door to the adjoining bedroom opens a moment later, and Linda slips inside. “You okay?” She asks me, clearly having overheard my conversation with Ethan.
“No.” l admit, “I know he’s just trying to take care of me, but l can’t stand the idea of staying behind.”
“Would you feel better if I went out and looked too?
” Linda offers. “It ll take me a minute to get my disguise on, but if you can manage on your own, I’m happy to go.
“Yes, please.” I request, a devious thought sparking in my mind. I know Ethan was counting on Linda backing him up and keeping me in bed, but if they’re both out searching, there won’t be any bossy babysitters left to stop me from breaking out. “That would be wonderful.”
I listen carefully as Linda gets ready, and wave her off when she stops by one last time to make sure l don’t need anything before she leaves. The moment she’s gone however, I’m out of my bed and stumbling towards the wardrobe, praying the room will stop spinning long enough for me to don my own disguise.
If l play this right, I can get out and back before either Ethan or Linda realizes I left. The port city isn’t huge, but the more noses out tracking the pups the better. Besides, I know how my kids think better than the others. Ethan might love them to pieces, but he’s only been around them as a pack for a short while, and they work differently together than when they’re on their own. I’ll have to be careful not to cross paths with my mate, but it’s worth the risk.
Checking to make sure the coast is clear, I sneak out of the bed and breakfast and scent the air, heading in the opposite direction Ethan and Linda traveled.
We’re staying very close to the marina, and I try to think like the kidnappers and my pups at once. If the traffickers truly intended on taking the pups to Eric’s father, they would have needed to transport them somehow and if l know my babies, they’ll have attempted to escape at the first opportunity. But would that opportunity arise here, or after they were already on the road?
As I consider the options, I realize that none of the ships in the marina ferry cars or other vehicles, so unless the kidnappers were originally from the Southern Isles, they would have needed to rent one after they arrived. I pause to ask a local for directions, lowering my voice as deep as possible and earning myself an odd look which tells me l need to practice sounding like a boy. However, despite the stranger’s clear confusion, they direct me towards a car rental company down the block.
It’s only a few hundred meters away, yet by the time i arrive at the rental business, I feel as if l’ve run a mile. Swaying on my feet, I head inside and show the woman at the counter Anita’s photo, asking if she’s seen her recently.
“Yes,” she answers promptly, making my heart race. “I remember because she’s the only person I’ve ever seen wear leather in the tropics.”
“You did?” l exclaim, “how long ago? Was she alone?”
“About this time last week.” The woman replies, ” she was alone, but she rented a cargo van that seated five, so I doubt she was traveling solo.”
“Can you give me the vehicle information?” I request eagerly.
The woman narrows her eyes, and for the first time I realize that dressing as a male – even an adolescent- to ask for these kinds of details was a mistake. This woman probably thinks I’m some sort of stalker. “I’m afraid that’s against company policy.” She answers stiffly.
“Please.”I beg, throwing caution to the wind. “It’s incredibly important.”
“Sir, I can’t give out that information.” She repeats coolly, “now if you don’t have any rental car needs, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“l can’t do that.” I press, brandishing the photo. “
Please make an exception, just this once. I’ll pay you any price, I promise l have no bad intentions, but I desperately need to find this woman.”
The clerk gestures to someone behind my back, and when I turn I see a security guard approaching
“Don’t move. I’m calling the police.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 129
Ethan
I’m by the marina when I catch a familiar scent, and my mind instantly transports me back to the alley where we lost track of the pups’ scent in Cité de la Nuit.
My wolf howls in my head, and l immediately begin following the trail. It’s a struggle to continue hobbling along in the guise of an old man, rather than breaking into a run and chasing down my prey. Somehow I find the patience to go slowly, following the scent to a dive bar just off the pier.
Peering inside, I see a few rough looking men gathered at the bar, smoking and drinking huge pints of ale. I c0ck my ears towards the sounds of their voices, trying to match the scent to its owner.
“It’s your turn to get the tab, Griff” One of the shifters grumbles.
“I can’t. You know our job went bust” The man in question answers bitterly. “I’Il be lucky if l get paid before we get back to the continent.”
“Yeah, yeah” the first man scoffs, “it’s always the same story with you, you roll into town every few months and mooch off of us, always leaving someone else to pay off your debts. I don’t know why we put up with you.”
“Because without me you’d run out of merchandise ” Griff replies, putting enough emphasis on the word to make me think whatever he provides them isn’t legal.”This s**t hole wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without our girls.”
“That’s true enough.” Another bar fly agrees, “but you didn’t bring any this time.”
“It was a special job – l already told you.” Griff explains, “Anita said we’d make our usual shipment on
schedule, this is just a one-off.”
“A failed one- off” The first man frowns, “where is Anita anyway.”
“She went ahead to the capital – and thank the Goddess, I hate being around her when she’s in a foul mood. Talk about no fun” Griff chuckled.
I’ve heard enough. There’s not a doubt in my mind that this Griff person was responsible for taking my pups, and my wolf is going berserk in my head, begging to be let out so he can destroy the slimeball. Truthfully l wouldn’t mind destroying all these ruffians – it’s clear they all take part in abusing trafficked women, talking about them as if they’re nothing more than items for sale. Still, I can’t afford to blow my cover, and leaving a trail of dead bodies in my wake would certainly do that.
I don’t know if the Goddess was looking out for me, or if it was pure dumb luck that I happened upon them in the middle of such an incriminating conversation, but I’m not going to waste the opportunity. Pondering how I can extract the trafficker from the scene without drawing attention to myself, I study the small bar, noting the exits and dark corners. After a moment my eyes land on the grimey restrooms, and I realize all | have to do is wait. Eventually Griff will have to relieve himself, and then the only challenge will be keeping him quiet while I beat him bloody.
It takes the better part of twenty minutes for the man to step away, and the more time that passes, the more I struggle to keep hold of my wolf. I’m feeling more bloodthirsty by the minute, especially as I continue to listen to the despicable men carouse. As the minutes tick by I also try to untangle the meaning behind his statement about the job going bust.”
We already knew King Aimon hadn’t bought the pups, did the job end because something went wrong, or were our suspicions about the pups escaping correct? When Griff finally stands and begins weaving his way through the chairs and tables towards the restroom, I follow closely, trying to keep my cane quiet as I tail him.
When I step into the bathroom I’m pleased to see that he’s the only man present, and that there’s a lock on the door. I quickly slide the bolt home, and approach behind him at the urinal. Extending my claws, I swiftly bring them to his throat, taking cruel pleasure in his shock. He freezes in place, even ceasing to urinate mid-stream.
“Hello Griff” I greet him, my voice little more than a guttural growl.
“|- who are you?” He demands hoarsely. “What do you want?”
Ducking my head to his shoulder, I inhale deeply, catching the unmistakable scent of the kids, even if it is a few days old. “Tell me scum,” I begin ominously. “Why do you smell like my pups?”
If I thought he’d frozen before, it’s nothing Alpha.” It compared to the way he shrivels up now. takes me a moment to realize that he’s wet himself, the stench of urine was already so strong in the air.
“That’s right” I confirm darkly. “And if you want to live, you’ll tell me where they are.”
“| don’t have them!” He assures me nervously.
“Who does?” I demand, thinking this is even easier than I expected. It’s amazing how spineless even the worst criminals can be. Then again, l could r!p his throat out at a moment’s notice, l’d even enjoy it.
“No one-they escaped!” He tells me, his voice shaking. “We were taking them to the capital, and they convinced us to stop so one of the boys could be sick, then they ran away into the jungle.”
All of a sudden I remember Jane’s nightmares about the pups being alone in the rainforest, and my stomach sinks. Were those only bad dreams after all?
Or was she having some sort of premonition? “Where exactly?”
“On the King’s highway.” He chokes, “just past the turn off for Alta Montaña.”
“You didn’t go after them?” I snap, trying to imagine the scene.
“We would have, but they threw nails all over the road, I still have wounds in my feet.” He whines, as if he thinks I might be a sympathetic audience.
“Good.” I scoff, picturing him howling in pain while my clever pups escape. I’m both proud and terrified for them. It’s a relief that they aren’t with the King, but Jane was right, they’re too little to survive on their own – especially in a hostile environment that challenges even the most capable adults.
“Why has Anita gone to the capital?” l inquire, remembering this detail from his conversation.
“She doesn’t tell us her plans.” Griff mutters, sounding a bit sullen. “But if l had to guess, she’s gone to tell the King the pups are here, so that we can still get paid for our efforts”
My insides – which have been in knots for days- wind themselves even tighter.”Do you have a way to get in contact with her?”
“Alll have is a phone number” He shares, quickly rattling off the number.
“Good.’ I state grimly, “now this is how it’s going to work, Griff.” l announce, scraping my razer sharp claws over his carotid artery and listening to his pulse race.”
l’d like nothing more than to rip your head off your worthless body, in fact, I’ve been imagining doing just that ever since l caught your scent.”
“Please don’t” He begs, “Please, I’ll do anything, I can be of use to you.”
“And that’s the only reason l’m going to let you live.
I inform him coldly. “When I walk out of this room, you’re going to put your tiny d**k back in your p*nts, and go back out to your buddies like- nothing happened.
You will not tell them, or anyone else that we met. If you do, l will find out, and you will lose the right to continue breathing.” I threaten. “So you’re not going to say a f*****g word – but you will not forget. Because one day l’m going to come back to you and call in this favor.
“|- what favor?” He stammers.
“Letting you live” | hiss, digging in my claws just enough to break the skin of his throat.
“Oh, of course! Of course!” He panders weakly.
“Good.” I snarl, “and if anyone asks, if we ever cross paths again before l’m ready to cash out, you’ll pretend we’ve never met. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Alpha.” He promises. “You have my word.
“Good.” I answer, seriously debating taking a pound of his flesh now – out of pure spite. In the end I regain my control enough to release him, striding out of the bathroom while he continues to tremble in front of the urinal. Despite our interaction, he never got a good look at me, so while he may recognize my scent, I hang around the bar long enough to watch him emerge. He’s flushed crimson, the front of his trousers are soaked through, and his eyes are darting around in fright.
As soon as I hear him lie to his companions about being so drunk he couldn’t reach the urinal in time, I slip away, confident he won’t spill the truth. Just as before, it’s a challenge to move slowly when every fiber of my being is overflowing with urgency, but I manage.
l can’t wait to tell Jane what I learned, however when I arrive at the bed and breakfast I find both bedrooms empty. She’s gone.
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 130
3rd Person
The pups huddled closely together as they followed the strange girl they met in the alley, not feeling at all comfortable – especially given their past experiences meeting people in alleyways. Still, the girl was also a pup, and she seemed to understand their position better than any of the adults they’d met. She and the little boy led them into what could only be described as an underground maze catacomb of tunnels running beneath the town.
What is this place?” Riley whispered anxiously.
It’s the old sewers. The girl replied, as if this was perfectly normal. The city put in a new system a few years ago, and this was left behind.”
The sewers?” Paisley repeated. “Eewww!”
“It’s not so bad.” The girl answered with a shrug, they haven’t been used in ages. It doesn’t smell great, but no one ever comes down here either.”
What’s your name?” Parker asked, looking around at the dark, dank walls surrounding them.
I’m Sophie.” The girl tossèd a smile over her shoulder, then gestured to the boy at her side. “And this is Bailey. We’ve been on our own for a long time now.”
You don’t have parents?” Parker questioned.
No one down here has parents.” Sophie scoffed.
There are other peoples down here? Ryder asked in wonderment.
Sure!” Sophie exclaimed, “there’s lots of orphans here, and eventually everyone needs a safe place to |go when the orphanage or foster homes get too bad.”
This, is safe?” Riley muttered under her breath.
“Safer than with grown ups.” Sophie quipped, “We have a warm place to sleep, and there’s almost always some kinda food around.”
“But aren’t there like, rats and things?” Ryder inquires, gazing around with wide eyes as if he expects to see some coming around the corner ahead of them.
“Sometimes.” Sophie confirmed, sounding entirely unbothered by the face.
“But what about school and ‘tivities?” Riley asked, “don’t you miss having a bed to sleeps in? An’ someone to take care of you?
I never had any of those things.” Sophie frowns, most of us didn’t. Besides, Fabian takes care of us.”
Who’s Fabian?” Parker wondered aloud.
He’s the oldest one here.” Sophie explained.
Fabian’s been living on the streets longer than any of us. He knows all the ins and outs of the city, and all the tricks of the trade. So we kinda made him our leader.
What trade?” Ryder questioned.
“Grifting, pick pocketing, cons of all kinds.” Sophie answered simply.
“Are you talking bout stealing?” Paisley asked, recognizing some of these words from films and TVs.
‘Say what you like, but it’s a living!” Sophie chirped.
“But stealing’s wrong.” Paisley objected.
Sophie snorted, “right and wrong are for rich people. If we don’t steal, we don’t eat.” She explained. “You’ll see soon enough, nothing here is as simple as you might think.”
What happened to your parents?” Riley asked.
Mine abandoned me when things got too hard.”
Sophie announced, speaking as unemotionally as if she was talking about someone else’s life. “Bailey’s died.. but we all have a story.”
How many is all” exactly?” Ryder prompted, amazed that even one person could live this way, let alone multiple.
Oh there are dozens of us working for Fabian.”
Sophie explained. “It’s not easy out there for a pup, so he protects us, cares for us and shows us how to make money.”
The pups exchanged glances. A moment ago Sophie had made the mysterious Fabian sound like just another orphan, but now it seemed like he was their boss. That idea didn’t sit well with the clever pups, who had never thought about friendship or protection being something one bought or exchanged.
We just wanna get home.” Parker told the older girl.
“I get that.” Sophie stated. “But you’ve gotta find a way to make ends meet in the meantime, right?”
“Make ends meet?” Paisley questioned.
“Eat, drink, find a safe place to sleep.” Sophie elaborated. If you want to survive you have to learn to priortize, take care of the most important things first, then figure out the rest.”
“Our parents are the most ‘portant things.” Paisley argued.
Sophie paused, looking into their young faces with more understanding than the pups could appreciate.
I know, but if you wanna see them again, you have to learn to survive first.”
They had to admit her words made sense, but all four of the children had an uneasy feeling churning in their bellies. They didn’t like the sound of this arrangement, though none of them could really place their finger on the reason they felt this way.
Okay, so what’s first?” Riley asked.
“First you meet Fabian.” Sophie explained. Then, you get to work.
On the other side of the kingdom, far from the northern port or mountain villages, Eric was struggling to keep his face free of emotion when Anita walked into his father’s throne room. It hadn’t been easy to get close to the King again, especially not when he was considered a traitor.
After jumping over dozens of obstacles on his journey, Eric finally arrived in the capital and fought his way past the guards and gatekeepers who surrounded his father at all times. It was only this show of strength which convinced King Aimon to hear his son out, and even then he hadn’t made the task easy. Eric had been forced to kneel before the King and denounce Ethan and Jane, stating that everything that had happened over the last four years had been a terrible lapse in judgment, and that he’d finally seen the error of his ways.
King Aimon wasn’t convinced, believing his weak offspring had only returned because Jane threw him over for Ethan. Still, in the years they’d been apart, Aimon’s oldest son had been killed in battle, leaving him without an heir. Other than Eric, he had only daughters, and they’d all been married off years ago.
He agreed to give Eric a trial period to prove his loyalty once more, but decided to reserve judgment until a later time,
Now, Eric could pràctically see the slowly budding trust he’d been working to cultivate between them slip away before his very eyes. He knew he was in trouble the moment Anita opened her mouth. When she entered, she immediately protracted herself on the marble flooring, speaking in a fawning tone he knew his father would eat right up.
King Aimon, it is an honor to be in your esteemed presence.” She declared, “thank you so much for taking the tỉme to see me.
The king nodded with a gracious air that made Eric want to gag. His father was many things, but gracious was not one of them. “And what can I do for you today, my dear? Aimon asked Anita, gesturing for her to continue.
“I have information for you sir, and an opportunity.” Anita replied, clearly struggling to speak in such a submissive tone. There was a hardness in her eyes which Eric could see fighting to get out, and he doubted the king was fooled either.
His mind raced as he tried to come up with something to delay this conversation. As soon as Anita told the king about the pups, Aimon would have reason to suspect Eric wasn’t being honest about his return. At the same time, if he tried to stop her from speaking and the information still ended up being shared, it would appear even more suspicious.
Well by all means then,” Aimon answered sharply, share your news.
Sire, you’re so well connected that I’m sure yóu already know Ethan Blackwell’s children are missing,” Anita began slyly, waiting for Aimon to confirm this before continuing. He did, but not before shooting a surprised glance at Eric before waving her on. “And though I can’t tell you how I came by this news,” Anita demurred, “I have it on extremely good authority that those same pups are in the Southern Isles, and were last seen around the village of Alta Monaña.”
Is that so?” Aimon rumbled, turning his full attention to Eric. He didn’t take his eyes off his son, even as he spoke to Anita. And why should this concern me?”
Well, I would never presume to know your mind my King,'” Anita proclaimed, “but I thought you would want to know that another Alpha’s children were lost in your territory. After all, if we find them, you can use their rescue as a bridge to build goodwill with the NightFang pack… or their ransom to break it.” She added, her voice dripping with cunning.
“We?” Aimon repeated curiously.
I’d like nothing more than to help you, sire.”
Anita lied, “I live to serve.”
And how is it that you came by this information, when even my best spies did not learn of these particular developments?” Aimon asked.
“Let’s just say I work in the shipping and transport industry.” Anita replied simply, “I have certain connections who prove very useful in matters such as these .
And if I were to ask you to retrieve the children at all costs, and bring them to me instead of their parents, what would you say? The king prompted.
Anita’s cheeks split in a horrible grin. I’d say your wish is my command.”
And you, Eric?” The king demanded, glaring at his son, “what would you say?”
“I would do anything to help the Southern Isles, father.” Eric insisted.
“Now why do I find that hard to believe?” King Aimon hissed. “Perhaps it’s because you showed up here mere days before this little bounty landed in my la*p. And you expect me to believe these things aren’t related?
I swear I didn’t know.” Eric claimed, staring the king straight in the eye.
King Aimon laughed, a low humorless thing. “We’ll see about that.” He declared. You, my boy, have just earned yourself some time with my interrogators.” Eric paled, in his father’s book interrogation translated to torture. However before he c