Ch. 151..155: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 151-155

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 151

Ethan

I only stop long enough to tie up the guards I fought, swipe their uniforms and pick up Linda. I can’t stop picturing Jane being loaded into the back of that van, the ruthless way Anita fought her, the frightened cries of my pups. The images play over and over again in my mind, driving me half mad with fear, fury and self-loathing.

I’m so angry with myself for letting Jane come along on this trip. This is precisely why I shouldn’t have given in to my wolf. I never should have split us up either, but I didn’t know what else to do given the gate situation. Goddess, I hope she’s alright. I’ll do anything, give anything, for her and the pups to be home safe again.

As usual my prayers are met only with silence, but I can only hope the Goddess is too busy looking after my family to respond at the moment. I don’t know how l’m going to get them back: I have no idea where they’re being kept in the palace, but for once I might actually be able to track them in this rain-soaked kingdom.

“I can’t believe this.” Linda is muttering next to me.

“What are we going to do?”

“We’re going to keep our wits about us.” l answer tersely, passing her one of the uniforms. “It’s a good thing we had these disguises, Simon doesn’t allow she-wolves to work as guards.”

“Bigot.” Linda grumbles, pulling on the livery. “How Eric turned out so well when that monster raised him,

I’ll never know.”

I have plenty of thoughts about this, but I wisely keep them to myself. However her words do remind me of our second objective, and l try to make my tone gentle as I say, “We’ll try to find him while we’re inside, but l hope you’ll forgive me for insisting Jane and the pups have to come first.”

Linda stiffens slightly. “Of course they do, but I hope you’ll forgive me if l don’t jump for joy over the idea of leaving my mate behind.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I profess, “l just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page.”

“It’s okay.” She sighs, looking truly forlorn. “For all I know he’s not even alive.”

“You would feel it if he wasn’t.” I assure her, “It’ll be alright. You’ll see”

“How can you be so sure of that?” Linda blinks up at me, seeming very vulnerable indeed. “How do you hold onto hope so tightly? Doesn’t it ever seem like it’s all too much?”

“I have to.” I shrug honestly. “l have to hold onto hope… the alternative means losing everyone I love, and I won’t accept that.”

“Okay.” Linda nods, straightening her shoulders.

So what’s the plan?”

Sneaking into the palace is the easy part. We spent all day watching the guards posted at the gates, so we know their schedules and routines, we know how they screen visitors and interact with one another. When their shift changes for the evening, we slip into the employee entrance, walking in as if we belong. The chaos of this afternoon has died down now, and even though the palace is still on high alert, the guards l fought are still safely tied up in a decommissioned public restroom, so no one knows that their uniforms have been stolen.

One downside of Aimon having such a massive home is that securing it requires too many soldiers to possibly count. Unlike my modest penthouse, where l know every single sentry employed by name, the guards here don’t seem to notice strangers are in their midst. This fact inspires a rush of optimism, if there are too many watchdogs to even know each other, I guarantee Aimon won’t know the men in his employ either. Of course this is also a big problem. It made getting inside easy, but it’s going to make getting back out with Jane, Eric and the pups almost impossible.

I pick up Anita’s scent first, and my wolf immediately demands to be let out so he can find and destroy her. I’m sorely tempted to let him, but I know attacking the trafficker will risk exposing us. I wave Linda on behind me, following her trail and trying to figure out how to sneak without looking suspicious. Her scent leads us to the East Wing, and soon Linda and I are huddled outside a door, pretending to stand watch while really eavesdropping on the phone call happening inside.

“The King is thrilled. Anita is saying, “He actually tripled my reward when brought him the mother with the pups, and promised a bonus if the scheme successfully puts an end to Blackwell:”

It takes all my willpower to remain silent, and all my attention to ensure I don’t accidentally growl and give myself away. Linda is looking at me with genuine worry, but Anita is still talking. “I’m tempted to ask him to let me take the pups when he’s done with them. He only needs them to lure Ethan, and after he’s dead there won’t be any danger selling them elsewhere.

Those kids could fetch a high price at market.”

There’s a pause as the person on the other end of the phone says something, then Anita scoffs, “No, the omega b***h couldn’t even beat me with the element of surprise, and the King is going to be too busy breeding her to let her out of his sight. I guess he’d rather start all over again than rely on his failure of a son. He hasn’t let him out of the dungeon since l turned up.”

I feel all the b***d rush from my face as Anita reveals Aimon’s plans for my mate. I’m relieved to know she’s alive, but horrified to imagine what Aimon will do to her. I glance at Linda, and see her looking equally shocked. I don’t know if it’s for the same reason, or because we now know what has become of Eric. Either way, I’ve heard enough – we know that Anita is alone now, and if anyone knows where Jane is, it’s her.

I gesture for Linda to stay close, and push my way inside the room. Anita is facing away from the door, and she doesn’t sense my presence until it’s too late. I pounce on her from behind, not feeling a single shred of guilt for the unfair tactic. Linda snatches up Anita’s cell phone when it clatters to the floor, hitting the red ‘end” button on the call as I slam my hand over Anita’s mouth before she can make a sound. I circle my other hand around her throat, squeezing her airway closed and relishing her panicked response.

“Where are they?” I snarl in her ear, stilling her struggles without any effort whatsoever. Apparently she’s only strong compared to sweet little omegas, next to me she might as well be a helpless pup. I feel a surge of righteous pleasure at this fact, and give her a vicious shake when she doesn’t immediately answer. “Tell me now and maybe l’ll let you live.”

This is an outright lie -I have no intention of letting this woman live and I don’t feel a damn bit of remorse about taking her life. She stole my children, she’s responsible for the enslavement and abuse of Goddess knows how many others… and she laid her hands on my mate. As far as I’m concerned every subsequent breath she takes is a gift she doesn’t deserve. I loosen my grip on her throat only enough to let her.

“Fourth floor, north wing.” Anita chokes out, her feet kicking in the air.

“Are you telling the truth?” I demand, putting all my Alpha authority into the command. “Don’t even think about lying to me!”

“It’s true.” She wheezes, her pupils dilated in panic.

“The second door on the left from the main stairs”I listen to the tenor of her tremulous words. They ring with honesty, and now there’s only one question left to answer. “And Eric – you said he was in the dungeons, do you know where?”

She shakes her head frantically, and all at once her usefulness to us ceases. “lf you were smarter you would have held out.” l inform her ruthlessly. “Now l have no reason to keep you alive.”

Anita’s eyes snap to their widest point yet, and she begins sputtering, begging despite the fact that she’s almost out of air. I growl and squeeze her throat with my full strength, crushing her larynx and crumpling the bones in her spine. The fragile column becomes like jelly in my hand as her head lolls over my fingers. Her life winks out very quickly then, and I wish l’d had the time to truly make her suffer.

I drop Anita’s body like a sack of bricks, and Linda and I leave as swiftly as we came. About halfway to the north wing I pick up Jane and the pups’ scents, and from then on I don’t need to abide Anita’s directions. I follow their trail to the exact door she described, but it sets off alarm bells in my mind that no guards are posted out front. Is Aimon really so over-confident?

Surely he knows Jane will be determined to escape. I pause to listen through the wood and ensure we aren’t about to head into a trap, my heart leaping in my ch3st when I hear the lyrical notes of Jane’s voice, and five beautifully beating hearts.

They’re right on the other side of that door!

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 152

Jane

After our meeting with Aimon, I came back to the room with the pups and immediately began trying to figure out a way to escape. I think they were a little disappointed and if l’m honest, I am too. I wish I were able to simply hold them tight and give them all the love and nurturing they’ve been missing these last few weeks. But that will have to wait until we’re safe. Then I can lavish my affection on them, and pry the more difficult details about their ordeal from their l!ps. I’m afraid of what they might tell me, but I know we have to have that talk in order to heal.

After scouring the room from top to bottom, I’m beginning to feel very nervous. I can’t find anything that might help us break free. There are sheets I could tie into ropes once night falls, but we’re too high up and it feels terribly risky with such young pups. The best weapon l came across were some particularly spikey stilettos in the wardrobe – there aren’t even razors in the bathroom.

I even searched the walls, bookcases and floorboards in case there might be some sort of secret passageways leading out of the room, despite how much of a long shot that idea was. I’m at a loss, and it’s becoming harder and harder to keep my fear at bay. I was sick as soon as we got back to the room, and l’m not sure if it was because of Aimon’s plans for us… or the baby I might be carrying.

I know Ethan is out there somewhere and probably knows that I’ve been taken by now, but the idea of him coming here after us frightens me more than trying to escape on our own. If he does he’ll be playing right into Aimon’s hands, but what other choice does he have? I have to find a way to free us before… my thoughts come to a screeching halt when the door handle jiggles, and the next thing I know, Ethan’s scent is wafting towards me through the wood. He’s here!

Time seems to slow down as I watch the scene unfold. It takes Ethan less than a minute to pick the locks, but it seems like everything is moving in slow-motion. The door swings inward, and Ethan appears dressed in a guard’s uniform. He looks so powerful framed in the doorway, and then the pups are whirling around, following my stunned gaze. Thankfully Ethan puts a finger to his lips before they can cry out, but l’ll never forget the joy on their young faces. A moment ago they were drawn and pale, but now they light up like the sun itself. “Daddy!” Ryder, Riley, Parker and Paisley whisper-shout, taking off across the room as Ethan and Linda slip inside.

Ethan pulls all four of the children into his strong arms, hugging them so tightly I can see they’re struggling to breathe. Still, no one complains. They’re all crying, including Ethan, and though l know the situation is urgent, I can’t bear to steal this moment from them.

“I’m so happy to see you, I’m so sorry it took so long!” He’s murmuring, smothering them in k!sses. “Are you alright? let me look at you.” Ethan seems to be having the same problem I did -wanting to make sure they’re all unharmed, but unwilling to release them from his arms. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry He says over and over again. “We’ve been trying so hard to find you.’ I realize now how much Ethan was shielding me from his feelings, swallowing his own fear and guilt to take care of me.

I feel a rush of love so powerful that the room begins to spin, and as if he can sense my thoughts, Ethan looks up at me. Eyes shining, he offers me a brilliant smile.”What are you doing all the way over there?”

“Mommy has lots a owies” Paisley tells him, “We haves to be gentle with her.”

Ethan’s brow furrows, and he immediately lifts the pups into his arms, expertly juggling them as he crosses over to me. He sets them on the bed, close enough for either of us to reach at the first opportunity, but turns his attention to me. “How bad is it?” He murmurs, taking my face in his hands.

I grasp his wrists, offering up a watery smile. “I”‘m okay.” l insist, “But Aimon…”

“1 know.” Ethan sighs, gingerly wrapping his arms around me and kissing my hair, “I’ve already taken care of Anita, she let slip what he’s planning.”

“We have to get out of here.” I whisper, reaching for the pups so they can join our hug. Four warm little bodies press into our sides, and for one blissful moment, our family is whole again. My heart is soaring.

I wasn’t sure we would ever get to be together this way again, and if things weren’t so precarious I would probably be sobbing. My body is aching but I don’t care, l just want to stay wrapped up around Ethan and my babies forever.

“How are we going to get them out without being seen?” Linda frets, scanning the room. “If we had some sort of laundry cart or something maybe we could hide them underneath some blankets.”

“That’s a good idea.” Ethan praises, not releasing us. “If we go down to the service corridors we can switch out the guard uniforms for some servants clothes and pretend to be cleaning – even a garbage bin or something would work, as long as we can conceal Jane and the pups.

“Do you think we can try to get Eric at the same time?” Linda questions eagerly.

Ethan frowns. “I think we might have to come back for him. We don’t even know where the dungeons are, or where he is within them.”

“Okay:” Linda nods, sounding disappointed.

“We’l be right back, okay?” Ethan says, pulling away from me.

“Daddy, you’re leaving?” Ryder and Parker whisper in unison.

I’m also shaking my head, not wanting to let him out of my sight, “there must be another way!”

“I’Il be back so fast you’ll never know l left. I promise.” He murmurs, kissing me, then all four of the pups in turn. “I love you all”.

It worries me that he chose those last words, as if he’s preparing for the worst and wants to make sure he tells us while he can. “We love you too. I reply, my voice catching in my throat. A small chorus of, “1 love you. and “l love you Daddy” follows my own proclamation. Ethan and Linda slip back out the door, and I can only pray that this isn’t the last time I see them.

The waiting is horrible. I spend the entire time pacing back and forth, with the pups huddled on the bed watching me anxiously. “ls gonna be okay, Mommy.

” Paisley chirps after a few minutes. “Daddy will fix its, you’ll see”

“I know angel.” I try to smile, pausing my pacing only long enough, to give them another squeeze. “I’m sorry, Mommy’s just being impatient.”

“Patience is a virtue.” Riley announces saucily, repeating the same words she often hears from me.

I can’t help but chuckle, and appreciate the moment of levity, but after a few moments l’m back to pacing, unable to sit still while Ethan and Linda try to stage our rescue. Despite my nerves, They return within half an hour, wearing the colorful livery of the maids and footmen and carting a laundry trolley.

I feel like crying when they come back through the door, and my wolf keens with pure relief. “Come on.”

Ethan encourages. “We have to hurry.” The pups and I gather around the cart, and Ethan sweeps me up into his arms before | can attempt to climb inside. He carefully places me in the empty trolley, tsking apologetically when I wince. “Sorry sweetheart, puppies incoming.”

One by one the quadruplets are deposited around me. “Cuddle close to Mommy, little ones.” Ethan advises. “You’re going to have to be very, quiet.”

That’s right. We can’t make a peep, no matter what” I confirm, nodding to Linda as she stands poised to cover us up with a fluffy white duvet.

“I’ll see you on the other side.” Ethan promises, stroking my cheek one last time before helping Linda arrange the blanket.

The cart is rolling down the hall within minutes, and I can only hold my breath and pray that this works.

We’re going to have to run as soon as we’re out. It will be a race to get out of the Southern lsles before Aimon can catch up to us, and I don’t have the faintest idea what that will mean for Eric. I know Ethan promised to go back for him with Linda, but go back when?

Immediately, or after the pups and I are safely home?

I hear the ding of an elevator, and we pause for a minute before setting off again, the squeaky wheels rolling beneath us, jangling along as we move through the palace. I wish l could see outside, I wish I could ease the feeling of dread deep in my gut.

A whisper reaches my ears after what feels like an hour,”We’re going to load you into a service van, just sit tight.”

The trolley tips sideways as we’re propelled up a ramp, and another whisper floats through the blankets when we still. “We’re in the endgame now. Just a little longer.”

Just then a new but familiar sound reaches my ears, only it can’t be. It almost sounds like someone is clapping? I know something is wrong when I hear Ethan curse, and then Aimon’s voice raises behind us.

Very nice, Ethan. Truly an impressive effort. You almost got away with it.”

My heart sinks, and that sense of dread blooms as understand what’s happening. We’re caught.

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 153

Ethan

No, no, no. It isn’t real, this isn’t happening.

I was afraid our escape had been too easy, but l’m not sure what other choice we had. We were only two people, and doing this job right would have required an army. Maybe we should have taken more time to plan, rather than rushing in, but in the end it was always going to be the same odds. Besides, we had a very small window after I knocked the guards out and stole their uniforms, we wouldn’t have been able to use them as disguises tomorrow or the next day – after Aimon realized we had them.

It was a blessing we’d been able to find Jane and the pups so quickly, and Linda’s quick thinking truly had been inspired. I don’t regret the way we went about the rescue, I only regret that we didn’t succeed. This isn’t the way I wanted it to end. In a one-on-one fight I’m confident I could easily defeat Aimon – he’s twenty years my senior after all. However I don’t trust the King to give me a fair fight.

Right now he’s standing at the Palace door, flanked by half a dozen guards on either side. He’s wearing a smugleer, and my wolf howls in fury to think we came so close. “How did you know?”

“Didn’t you wonder why there weren’t guards at their door?” He arches a brow. “1 have every inch of that suite under video surveillance. I knew the moment you stepped inside.”

Disappointment wells up inside me, the cameras must have been hidden incredibly well, but it does make sense now. He was probably planning this from the very beginning. The blankets in the trolley shift from beneath, and Jane pushes them to the ground, revealing herself and the pups. I glance at her terrified expression, and she shakes her head, silently begging me not to do what I must.

I turn my back on her, fearing that I won’t be able to go through with this if I keep looking at her heartbroken expression. “Just let them go, Aimon. It’s me you want.” I demand.

“Ethan, no!” Jane is no longer begging in silence, she’s trying to scramble out of the laundry cart, wincing and whimpering in the process.

“Janey.” I speak her name as a stern rebuke, plucking her from the cart and setting her feet on the ground before she can hurt herself worse than she already is. “You knew this might happen. You promised me.”I tower over her, letting her feel the full force of my power as I push the service vans’ keys into her hands. “

Take Linda and the pups and go.”

“Ethan, l can’t!” She protests again, tears pooling on her dark lashes.

“You can!” l insist, taking her shoulders, “You have to!”

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” Aimon interjects, gesturing to his guards. They swiftly circle us, and the King continues. “You see I have need of an omega, and your daughters are integral to ensuring sweet Janebehaves herself long enough to give me an heir. You and your boys on the other hand…” He trails off ominously. He’s so cavalier about threatening my family, and rage sets my b***d to boil. Have l ever hated anyone this much? Even Eve? My wolf claws at the surface of my skin, and for once l don’t try to hold him back.

“If that’s the way you want to play it,”l counter, stepping forward with a ferocious growl, “Then I might as well challenge you formally.”

“You’re outnumbered, Ethan” Aimon drawls, though I sense a note of fear in his low voice. “Fighting me would be suicide.

“So what?” I bark, stripping off my shirt. “You’re going to kill me anyway. You didn’t really think l’d go down without a fight, did you?”

Aimon scoffs, signaling his men a second time, and I realize his plan. He’s been counting on his guards being strong enough to overpower me, and only now that l’m in front of him is he beginning to doubt they can succeed. He also wasn’t counting on Jane and Linda. Neither woman is particularly powerful naturaly, but Jane is a mother whose pups are in grave danger, and Linda is a she-wolf whose mate is behind bars. Righteous anger and adrenaline can go a long way in such circumstances.

I exchange a meaningful look with both of them, and while I wish there was time for me to tell Jane and the pups that I love them again, the element of surprise is the only advantage we have – and it’s not even much of a surprise. I lunge for Aimon, shifting mid-pounce, and Jane and Linda dive for the guards nearest me, giving me enough of a head start to tackle the king.

Aimon shifts just before I collide with him, and I sense more attackers closing in around us. His guards are coming to his defense, but they aren’t fast enough.

We tumble to the ground together, rolling in a blur of fur, teeth and claws. I snarl and snap, slicing at the sensitive flesh of his underbelly with my sharp claws.

Two wolves land on my back just as I get Aimon pinned, and I have to buck them off to focus on the vile man in front of me. If I finish him off quickly enough then their allegiance will have to transfer to me, but as long as Aimon lives, his men will do whatever it takes to help him.

I can see Linda and Jane fighting out of the corner of my eye, and I have to internally berate myself not to get distracted worrying about my mate. Aimon wants her alive, so his men will try not to hurt her. I also feel responsible for landing Linda in this mess, but I tell myself that the best thing I can do for them both is take Aimon down.

He’s more spry than l initially credited him, but the old King is still no match for me. The hardest part is constantly throwing off his men so I can actually focus on him. Every time l get him in the right position to go in for the kill, another massive body crashes into me, and I’m forced to start all over again. I whip my head around when I hear Jane yelp, and Aimon takes the opportunity to sink his fangs into my arm.

I snarl, slashing my claws over his face as I try to make sure Jane is alright. She’s crumpled on the ground a little ways away, a hulking wolf standing over her. The pups are crying out for her, but they can’t escape the laundry trolley. Cursing myself, I push off of Aimon and tackle the wolf threatening Jane, r!pping into his throat before he even knows what’s happened.

As soon as he’s down, I pause to check on Jane, nudging her with my cold nose and sighing with relief when she whines and blinks up at me.

I try to send her a mental message promising to help her as soon as I’m able, swiping a k!ss over her muzzle and diving back into the fray. Aimon is trying to slink out amidst the distraction, leaning on his guards for support as he tries to get to his feet. I roar and knock him back onto the hard cement, crashing my body into the guards around him to clear the way, and set upon him once more.

Finally I got the window I needed. I close my fangs around his throat, feeling his pulse racing between my jaws. Just as I bite down, pain slices through my spine as one of the guards sinks their teeth into the precious column of nerves. Howling with agony, I don’t let the other wolf’s attack distract me. I slice my fangs into Aimon’s neck, hot b***d pouring out around my mouth as I r!p his windpipe clean out. It’s over very fast in the end -it usually is. One moment the tyrant king was whining and wriggling beneath me – the next he’s completely still as the light drains from his eyes.

I don’t feel any regret.

At once the movement around us ceases, and I find myself falling to the ground with Aimon, even as the wolf on top of me finally relents now that his master is dead. Why do I feel so dazed? It’s almost as if l’m being slowly submerged in warm water, the entire world has gone fuzzy around me, and though l keep telling myself to get up, my body doesn’t obey.

The next thing I know Jane is leaning over me, bruised, alive, and naked as the day she was born. “It’s okay, Ethan.” She’s repeating, tears dripping down her cheeks.”Just stay down. It’s over, we’re safe.” She presses tender k!sses to my furry head, repeating the same words over and over. “We’re safe. An ambulance is on the way, just hang in there.”

They’re safe. I repeat to myself, if this is the end, at least l know my family is safe. As I waver in and out of consciousness, one final thought follows me into the darkness.. can’t feel my legs.

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 154

3rd Person

“Shhh, you’re gonna wakes him!” Paisley, whispered, scolding her brothers when they started to get a little too rowdy at Ethan’s bedside.

“When is he gonna gets up, anyway?” Parker frowned. “He’s been sleeping forevers!”

“Mommy says we haves to give him time.” Riley reminded him, peeking up over the edge of the bed. “He looks really sleepy.”

“Well a course he does.” Ryder responded wryly, everyone looks sleepy when they’re sleeping.”

“You know what I mean.” Riley countered archly. “

Like he needs rest.”

“Are you pups being good?” Linda’s voice sounded at the doorway. She’d been checking in at the nurses station when the pups disappeared from her side. Of course, it didn’t take her long to find them at all. They’d been trying to sneak into Ethan’s room all night, not understanding the hospital’s rules about visiting hours.

“Yes Auntie Linda.” They chimed in unison.

“Are you sure about that?” Ethan’s groggy voice surprised them all, and five sets of feet left the ground as they positively leapt into the air.

“Daddy!” Ryder, Riley, Parker and Paisley were instantly at his side, clambering around him in excitement.

“Hello pups.” He grinned, still not awake enough to open his eyes. “I’m sorry if I scared you.'”

“We weren’t scared Daddy!” Parker insisted. Riley nudged him with her elbow, and he flushed. “At least not very scared.”

“You were so brave” Paisley praised. “We couldn’ really see the fights, but we could hear you!”

“You were really mads.” Ryder adds, his eyes going wide at the memory.

“Are you all okay?” Ethan asked, reaching for them blindly. The pups went to him promptly, snugling up against the bed and eyeing the narrow mattress as if trying to figure out if there was room for them too.

Where’s your Mommy?”

“We’re fine. Mommy too – but she’s in another room” Parker explained.

“Can we gets in bed with him?” Riley asked, turning to Linda.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Their aunt cautioned. “The doctor still has to come give his post-op report.”

“Post-op?” Ethan repeated dazedly. “I had surgery?

“Yeah, I’m afraid they won’t tell me any more details about what happened since l’m not family. And Jane’s in a completely different ward!”‘ Linda shared.

She’s okay,” She added, sensing Ethan’s sudden worry.

“But she was pretty bruised up between Anita and the guards – they wanted to do some extra tests just to make sure she wasn’t injured internally.”

Ethan grunted, his brow furrowing with concern.

They couldn’t put us in the same room?”

She’ll be here as soon as they release her.” Linda promised. “You’re just in different departments.”

Ethan grunted again, not seeming to care for this idea. “ls there any news about Eric?”

“He’s here too – under observation” Linda explained. “He’s been in the dungeons for weeks being interrogated. He’s very thin and worn down, but he said thank you for killing his father”

Ethan chuckled, “d do it again if I could.”

“Knock knock” A bright, unfamiliar voice prompted Ethan to peek one eye open. A doctor in a white coat was leaning against the door frame, looking in on the scene with a somber smile. “Are you awake Mr. Blackwell?”

“Mostly.” Ethan murmured, absentmindedly petting the pups. He was coming back to himself a little bit more with every moment that passed. “Will I be released soon?”

“If l could have a moment alone with the Alpha?”

The doctor requested, looking to Linda.

“Of course” She agreed. “Come on kids, let’s go see if we can find some breakfast.”

“But we wanna stay with Daddy!” The pups protested.

“Oh yeah, more than you want… waffles?” Linda dangled the idea, knowing the children must be starving. They’d been up most of the night, and waffles were a sweet treat they didn’t get very often.

Four little heads turned in her direction, and four pairs of eyes widened with intrigue. “Waffles?”

“Uh-huh” Linda confirmed knowingly, “with butter and syrup, or ooh, strawberries and whipped cream?”

“It’s okay little ones.” Ethan laughed. “I won’t be offended if you pick waffles over me.”

“Are you sure?” Paisley inquired, reaching out to stroke his cheek.

Ethan caught her tiny hand and brought it to his l!ps. “I promise, go on now.”

As the pups skipped out with Linda, the doctor came forward. Ethan studied her expression, feeling a fresh wave of unease. The truth was that he’d been trying to piece together the events at the palace ever since waking. He felt very foggy, and his body was still heavily under the influence of anesthesia. Still, he remembered his last thoughts before passing out, and he’d been trying to move his legs all through the conversation with the pups – to no avail.

Tell me,” He prompted the doctor. “The surgery was on my spine?”

She nodded. “l’m very sorry, Mr. Blackwell.” His heart sank, and Ethan suddenly felt like his entire world was slipping away. “You came in with a very acute spinal cord injury. You were bitten near your lumbar and while the laceration itself didn’t sever the cord, it did result in significant swelling and bleeding, enough to cut off the nerves your brain uses to communicate to your lower body. We went into the OR hoping to drain enough b***d to reduce the swelling and repair the injury, but unfortunately we were unsuccessful.”

“And what does that mean exactly?” Ethan questioned, fearing he already knew the answer.

“l’m afraid you’re looking at a total loss of function from the waist down. There’s a possibility that one day the condition can be reversed with physical therapy and additional surgeries, but in all likelihood, the condition is permanent.” The doctor replied gently.

“You’re saying I’m paralyzed?” Ethan clarified, the words feeling very strange and foreign on his tongue.

I’ll never walk again?”

“I’m sorry, but yes.” The doctor confirmed.

Will l be able to shift?” Ethan couldn’t process any of this information, but the questions continued pouring out of him. He had to know how bad things were before he could begin to wrap his brain around this. “What about s*x?”

“I’m very sorry, Ethan.” The doctor’s apology was all the answer he needed, and he almost wanted to cut her off before she could finish, but he held himself back.

“Neither will be possible.”

“Does my mate know?” He choked.

“No” The doctor sighed.”You’re not legally married at the moment, so we didn’t have the option without speaking to you first.”

“Goo” Ethan nodded. “Not a word about this to anyone.”

On the other side of the hospital, Jane was getting some very different news. “It’s confirmed Mrs. Blackwell, you’re pregnant.”

Jane beamed so brightly the doctor couldn’t help but laugh. “Good news, I take it?”

“The best news.” Jane hiccuped, wiping tears of joy from her eyes. You have no idea what this means to me.”

“I have some idea.” The doctor smiled. “But you have to start being more careful! No more racing into danger and fighting wolves twice your size.”

‘Trust me, that was a fluke -I don’t normally do that sort of thing.” Jane promised.

“We’ll get you on some prenatal vitamins immediately. You’re a little underweight and l’d feel much better if you put on a few pounds before we release you.” The doctor advised, eyeing Jane’s chart.

“Oh please don’t make me stay until then” Jane begged. “l promise I’ll get really fat when I go home, I’ve been under a lot of stress and it will be easier to take care of myself if my life can get back to normal sooner rather than later.”

“Okay, but I want you to make yourself an appointment with your OBGYN as soon as you get home.” The doctor cautioned. “And you need to rest in the meantime”

“l don’t know if that’s entirely possible. I have four pups already and my mate just had surgery.” Jane shared.

This baby needs you to take it easy, Jane.” The doctor replied sternly. “Every time you feel yourself getting stressed again, just remind yourself of that.

“Okay” Jane nodded, taking a deep breath. It was daunting to think about the mess waiting for them back home, but the idea that she and Ethan were going to have another baby… that they could go through it all together this time… made her happier than she’d been in a very long time. She was still grinning like a fool as she departed the office, already dreaming of the tiny life growing inside her.

How would the pups react to learning they were going to have more siblings? Would Ethan want to get remarried? Oh Goddess, what if she was carrying multiples again? Could she really handle growing their pack? Remembering the doctor’s words as her thoughts began to spiral, she focused only on the joy. Whatever else happened, she was going to have another precious pup, another love of her life. And speaking of the first love of her life… l can’t wait to tell Ethan.

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 155

Jane

I’m practically skipping as I move through the hospital’s crowded hallways, eager to get to Ethan and tell him our news. I haven’t seen him since he came out of surgery, and l’m also anxious to hear how everything went. They wouldn’t tell me anything beforehand, but legally married or not, l’m his mate. I’m sure they would have told me if his condition was serious.

The TV’s at the nurses stations are all playing the news on an endless loop. Headlines about King Aimon’s death were quickly followed by reports of Southern Islanders celebrating in the streets. It seems his own people hated him almost as much as we did. Details about his death indicate that Ethan and I were involved, but so far everyone is reporting that Eric is expected to take the throne. Part of me wonders if that will mean I have to say goodbye to Linda, but I’m so happy for them both.

I’m just so elated this ordeal is finally over. We’re all free to be with the ones we love at long last, to start fresh and forge new adventurers with our families – hopefully without any of the danger and terror this time. The future is wide open and so bright it’s actually blinding-I can’t see anything past this joy and hope.

I’m still grinning when I reach Ethan’s room, relieved when I find him sitting up in bed. “You’re awake!”l exclaim, crossing the room and stealing a quick k!ss before settling on the edge of the bed. “How are you feeling?”

Ethan’s eyes rake over my body, taking in every bruise and bandage with the avid attention of a worried mate. He doesn’t respond to me until he’s finished his perusal, but l’m surprised when he meets my smile with an expressionless mask. “I’m fine, but Jane we need to talk.

“I know, I have news.” l announce, feeling positively giddy. “Are the pups with Linda?” As eager as l am to see them, I don’t want to tell them about the baby just yet.

“They are” He confirms stonily.

His curt manner and cold features send a river of ice through my veins. “ls something wrong?”

“I’m going to book flights for you and the pups to return home in the morning” Ethan replies.

This doesn’t make any sense. I can’t believe that Ethan would let us travel without him after everything that just happened. “What about you? Do you need to stay behind to help Eric or something? We can stay with you.

“No, you don’t understand” Ethan states simply.

After you ve gathered your things from the penthouse, I’ll arrange transportation to take you back to the Dark Moon pack.”

“Gather my things?” I repeat, feeling certain he’s confused. “You mean from the Dark Moon pack, so that we can move in with you at the penthouse?”

“No” Ethan corrects, “I meant what l said the first time.

Frowning, I reach out to feel his forehead. “Are you still drugged from the surgery?”

Ethan intercepts my hand before I can lay a finger on him. No, Jane. I’m perfectly lucid.”

Then… what are you talking about?” l inquire, feeling the room begin to spin.

“This thing between us – it isn’t working, Jane.”

Ethan declares, positively glaring at me.

“What?” I squeak, “Ethan, I don’t understand.”

“You disobeyed me” Ethan growls, his eyes glowing with his wolf. “I told you to run with the pups, and instead you fought. You promised me you’d leave me behind, and you didn’t. It made it abundantly clear that I can’t rely on you when it matters most.”

“Ethan we were surrounded, what was I supposed to do?” I exclaim jumping up from the bed. “Why are you being like this?”

“You were never fit to be Luna.” Ethan snaps, looking truly furious now. “I knew it before but I let myself be fooled by my wolf. But I see now it was always a lost cause. We don’t belong together, Jane.”

I feel sick. This can’t be happening. I’m still half convinced that he’s hit his head and lost his memory, but he’s not acting concussed. He seems perfectly in control. “You can’t be serious! I protest, “you’ve been after me from the moment I came back into town, you kept saying how much you wanted us to be together, how much you loved me. Why are you saying these things?”

“Yes I was interested in you when you came back to town,” Ethan confirms, “but everything since then has been a test to see if you can make up for the crimes you committed when you faked your death – and you failed.

My knees feel wobbly all of a sudden, and I sink into the chair in the corner. “What about the pups? You can’t honestly want to live so far from them?”

“You can have the pups.” Ethan snarls, “At this stage it would be better if I started over with someone new, the pups already have so much of your defiance, I doubt they’ll ever grow out of it.”

That was the last straw. I might believe Ethan doesn’t truly want me, but there’s no way he’d ever give up the pups. He loves them more than anything. “Stop it now. What’s going on, Ethan?”

“I’ve told you, I tested you and you failed” He rumbles. “l won’t take the pups from you, but I can’t have you in my life any longer. If that means losing them to- do be it.”

“No, I’m not stupid, you’re not telling me something.” I insist, tears burning in my eyes. “Why are you just sitting there like that? Why are you being so cruel?”

“Don’t speak to me that way.” Ethan thunders, lashing his power out at me until I feel the urge to bow down before him.”Be thankful for the pups. They’re the only reason l’m letting you go, rather than making you my plaything again.”

“What?”I hiccup, “You can’t mean – “If l had my way you would be chained to my headboard and never released.” He cuts fiercely, “lf you don’t do as you’re told and leave now, I might be tempted to change my mind and do just that.”

“You promised!” I whimper, hating how pathetic I am. “You promised you wouldn’t hurt me again, that you’d take care of me and we’d be a united front.”

“I lied” Ethan hisses. “I wanted to give you a taste of your own medicine. Now you know how it feels. You stole years of my life with your lies, saddling me with a sick pup and leaving me to raise her alone while you galavanted around the Dark Moon pack. Did you really think l’d let you get away with that? That I would ever allow a worthless omega to show me up that way?

I’m shaking my head, holding my hand over my mouth to hold in my sobs. “Ethan, please stop this.

Please, tell me “

“I’ve said all l’m going to say.” Ethan commands. “

Now get out!”

I don’t need to be told twice. I run from the room with tears streaming down my face, not understanding I’ve been how everything went so wrong so quickly.

Such an ij***t! All this time I believed Ethan’s act, and all this time he was just testing me, trying to exact his revenge by making me fall for him just so he could smash my heart to pieces as punishment.

I suppose he went through with rescuing the pups out of some delayed sense of duty, but the Ethan I know would never abandon his children for anything in the world. But it was all an act. He was pretending to be the man of my dreams to make a bigger fool of me, and he didn’t give a damn if the pups were harmed in the process.

A worthless omega.

That’s all l’ve ever been to him, how could I ever have believed otherwise? I should have trusted my instincts and protected myself better. I knew it was a mistake to let him back in my life, why didn’t I listen to my better judgment. Am I really that desperate for affection?

I find Linda and the pups in the cafeteria, and I barely manage to dry my tears before I walk in. I have in a few deep breaths, wondering what on earth l’m going to tell them. I can’t admit to them that Ethan is abandoning them, I can’t let them know he doesn’t want them.

For their sake l have to take the blame for this. I’ll tell them we’re going back to the Dark Moon pack just like l always planned. That was still the arrangement before they were kidnapped – they don’t know about everything that happened since. They don’t know everything changed while we were separated. And I’m not going to let them find out. I ll take them back to the home I made after I left Ethan, and we’ll start over again.

I survived Ethan one, and ‘m determined to survive him again. He’ll never know about the new baby and I’ll never trust any man ever again.