Ch. 201..205: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 201-205

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 201

Jane

Three Months Later

I keep waiting for life to return to normal. But I’m not sure it ever will. In the three months since I gave up Paisley for the second time, a lot has changed. The pup’s 5th birthday came and went, and though my youngest came to celebrate the event with us, Ethan stayed behind in the NightFang pack with his new mate.

The news about Nina had taken me by little surprise – I’d always known he would find a she-wolf to replace me, though I admit I hadn’t expected it to happen so fast. I also hadn’t expected it to be his fated mate. When the news broke, I pretended it didn’t hurt, but I think everyone knew I was simply putting on a brave front. The distance between us makes it easier to convince myself Ethan doesn’t still hold power over me, but the truth is not a day goes by that I don’t think of him – that I don’t mourn his loss.

Of course, I miss Paisley too, just not in the same way. Longing for my child is a very different matter than longing for my mate, and though she is not near me, we still talk every day. I never speak to Ethan, unless it is to arrange future visits or calls. I suppose the difference is that I haven’t lost my daughter completely, but I know I’m never getting Ethan back no matter what I do.

But time passes whether we want it to or not, and as winter slowly thawed into spring, I saw my life changing in incredible ways despite my grief. If I didn’t know any better I’d think I had a guardian angel watching over me. My friends have been obscenely generous since I returned to the Dark Moon pack, but my good luck goes far beyond Linda, Eric and Devon spoiling me.

It seems like every time I come up against a problem or stumbling block, it disappears before I can begin to truly worry: When my fragrance company was having difficulty winning a bid on new laboratory because our main competitor held political leverage over the seller, the other buyer suddenly walked away without any explanation, leaving the path clear for me to win the sale. When I came up against a permitting issue with the research and development wing of my production, the pack regulatory agency abruptly changed its policy, allowing me to secure my permits. When my car broke down, the dealer delivered a new, upgraded model to my door before I could even get an estimate on the repairs from my mechanic, stating a factory recall had entitled me to a brand new vehicle – but I never even called them.

Of course, it’s not only my problems solving themselves, it’s also oddities like winning that spa voucher. I’ve won raffles at the pups Academy and random sweepstakes without ever entering. And when I attended a silent charity auction, I ended up winning an all expenses paid, dream vacation for the pups and I, even though I didn’t bid on it.

I’ve even started receiving lavish nursery furniture and infant accessories which I was too shy to put on my baby shower registry, not wanting to impose on my friends. Sometimes I actually wonder if my mother’s ghost is going to reappear and explain that she’s been pulling the strings from the afterlife, because I can’t think of any other explanation. I know my friends are responsible for some things, but any goodwill they felt they owed me has been repaid a thousand times over at this point.

Despite the good luck, I’ve been going to therapy twice a week- once with the pups and once on my own – in order to try and move forward from everything that happened. It hasn’t been easy for any of us, but I can truthfully say that we’re all doing better every day. In fact, I’m feeling so steady and grounded that I’ve finally decided to go out with Devon on a real date – not a family activity or a forced outing to prove anything to myself or Ethan, but a true evening of romance.

I don’t know if I feel anything for Devon yet, but I figure I have to keep my heart open to the possibilities. After all, Ethan found his fated mate, my mate might be out there too. My wolf hates the idea, but listening to her instincts landed me in a terrible relationship more than once, so this time I’m listening to my head. Besides, Devon has been a devoted friend through these last months, going to Lamaze classes and doctors appointments with me, providing a male role model for my boys, and showering Riley and I with affection – I couldn’t ask for a better boyfriend, right?

I’ve been trying to find the right time to bring up the topic of dating with him, but every time I decide to attempt it I end up losing my nerve at the last moment. So tonight I didn’t give myself time to think. I stopped at his house on my way home from work, only pausing to ask my sitter to stay a bit later with the pups.

When I knock on the door, it takes a moment for Devon to answer. However, once he does, his entire face lights up. “Jane!” He smiles and hugs me warmly, ushering me inside. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“I know.” I hesitate for a moment. “Is that okay?”

“Okay? It’s the best surprise I’ve had all day!” He insists. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Just water.” I request, rubbing my growing belly.

I’m almost five months along now, and my baby is currently tapping dancing on my bladder. “Could I use your restroom though?”

“Of course.” He agrees, “You know the way.”

I give myself a pep talk over the mirror once I’ve relieved myself, telling my reflection I’ve come too far to chicken out now, When I finally emerge, Devon is waiting for me with a knowing expression. “Is there a reason you were telling yourself to woman up’ in there?”

“Oh,” I flush. “You heard that?”

“I did.” He answers gently, passing me a glass of water and pulling out a chair for me in the dining room.

“Well, I came to see you because I’ve made a decision.” I announce, summoning my strength.

“Yes?” He prompts easily.

“Well, you know I’ve been working through a lot of my insecurities in therapy and trying to get a handle on my trust issues.” I begin, realizing how telling this simple fact is. Before Devon I never would have shared such personal details with anyone. “And I don’t want to put pressure on you I mean, know how odd this situation is and I know I come with a lot of baggage.. I mean I already have four pups and another on the way, it’s not like with other she-wolves. Not that my children are baggage, just that there are lots of strings attached and they’re wonderful strings but-“

“Janey, you’re rambling.” Devon chuckles, reaching out to take my hand. He gives it an affectionate squeeze, and I gulp in a deep breath. “

Just tell me, whatever it is – it can’t be that bad.”

“I want to go out with you.. like, on a date.” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “If you’re still interested, I mean. I think I’m ready.”

Devon blinks, looking somewhat stunned. Still, he doesn’t release my hand, and I have to take that as a good sign, right? The seconds drag by, and when he doesn’t say anything, my heart sinks. “Oh,” I murmur, pulling my hand away.

His warm fingers tighten around my own, “No, it’s not what you think!”

“Then what is it?” I inquire, staring at the table where our hands lie clasped.

“Look” Devon sighs, “When we first reconnected, I was hoping you might finally see me in this light.. after all this time. And I thought if I could just make you see how good we could be together, then eventually I could work up to sharing the truth with you.” He drags his free hand through his hair,

“But that was before I really understood how badly Ethan hurt you, and I’ve seen all the progress you’ve made in the last few months. I couldn’t live with myself if I did anything to set you back after you’ve come so far… and I can’t in good conscience start something with you without telling you.”

“Without telling me what?” I press, my heart thumping nervously in my chest.

“You’re not the only one with baggage, Jane.” He remarks pointedly. “And I don’t want to scare you away, but I also don’t want to be another man who lies to you.”

Now I do pull my hand away, sensing betrayal ahead. Not Devon. I think. Please don’t let kind, caring Devon be like all the rest of them. Haven’t I been mistreated by enough men? Weren’t Eric and Ethan enough to last me a lifetime? “Have you been lying to me?” I squeak.

“Yes,” Devon answers gravely. “I’m afraid that I have.”

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 202

Ethan

Unlike most kids, I never hated going to the doctor. I never feared shots or had anxiety visiting the dentist. It wasn’t until Paisley was born that I began dreading the sympathetic smiles of nurses or grim faces of physicians with the unfortunate burden of bearing bad news. Over the years, watching my baby battle her heart condition taught me to absolutely despise hospitals and the sterile scents of testing facilities. I can’t walk into a doctor’s office without my heart sinking into my stomach, even if it’s just for a routine wellness check.

Those feelings of dread only grew when it became my turn to battle for my life, though Paisley is still at the heart of it. I wouldn’t care so much about my fate if it weren’t for her. I know Jane and the other pups are safe with Devon, I know they’re healing and well on their way to bright futures. What’s more, over the last three months Matthew and Nina have helped me make plans to ensure the pack’s survival and prosperity if the worst should happen, but I’m terrified of what my death will do to Paisley. The pack will recover. Jane, Parker, Ryder and Riley will recover.. Paisley might not.

So when I enter my doctor’s office this afternoon, my insides automatically tie themselves into knots. I’ve come to expect bad news from appointments like these, and even though I’ve been improving in recent months, I can’t unlearn all those years of fear and heartbreak. It’s something of a surprise then, when my doctor enters with a wide smile on his face.

I narrow my eyes at him, not trusting that he’s entered the right room. My suspicion only grows when he greets me with the same warm expression, “Hello Alpha.”

I c**k my head to the side, flaring my nostrils as if I imagine I might be able to sniff out whatever trick is about to be played on me. “Why are you smiling like that?” I demand, wondering if he’s trying to soften some imminent blow with his friendly demeanor. “Oh Goddess, how bad is it?

How long do I have?”

The physician rolls his eyes and gives me an exasperated look. “Honestly Ethan, it’s not bad news. Have you no hope at all?”

“No, I don’t.” I quip, still overwhelmed with suspicion. “If it’s not bad news, then what is it?” I press, “Are you trying to sell me something, or butter me up so I’ll give you a recommendation to the board?”

“I don’t know how your mate puts up with you.” He jokes, but his eyes linger on me, as if he’s trying to gauge my reaction. The pack had been taken by genuine surprise when I introduced Nina as my fated mate. After everything that happened with Jane, Eve and the kidnapping, no one ever expected our family to split up. In the end I gave the excuse that traumatic experiences like ours could bring couples closer together or tear them apart, and we unfortunately qualified as the latter.

That had provided the tabloids with plenty of material, but things really notched up when I announced my relationship with Nina. The gossip has been endless and unbearable.

Seeming to gather that I’m not going to give him any insights on my private life, my doctor eventually continues. “Your latest scans are excellent, Alpha.” He announces. “The fluid around your spinal cord has finally reduced enough that our chances of a successful surgery are now around 50 percent – which is a vast improvement from a few months ago.”

“50 percent chance of success?” I repeat. “And what is failure, exactly? It doesn’t work and we try again later, or it doesn’t work and I die?”

Now he does frown. “Ethan, you’ve been paralyzed for four months now. Your wolf is becoming more erratic by the day, even with your mate and your pup helping to calm him. By my estimate, you only have three or four months left before you cross a point of no return. Now, we can wait another month or two and hope that your chances will improve into the 60 percent range, but I can’t predict what mental state you’ll be in by then.”

“So that’s the best improvement I can hope for, ten percent?” I inquire, the gears turning in my mind.

“I’d say so, and while the physical damage might be reversible, the mental may not be. I’m advising you – as your physician and as a member of this pack who wants you to remain Alpha – do not wait on this surgery. Now is the best chance you have to come out of this in one piece, and if you wait we all might pay the price.” He declares firmly. “Your family most of all.”

I nod, clenching my eyes shut against the truth of his words. “I need to talk to them.” I answer. “I can’t make this decision without letting them know what’s at stake.”

The doctor offers me a sad smile, “Ethan, I understand what you’re going through better than you think, and I know it’s difficult with a little one at home. Just remember, it might feel important to stay with her as long as you possibly can, but if this works you can have a whole lifetime with her – in my books that’s worth risking a few months that will probably be incredibly painful and traumatizing for her.”

“I hear you.” I confirm, “I still have to talk to them first”

When I reach the penthouse about an hour later, it’s to the sound of Nina’s exasperated cry.”

Paisley, this isn’t funny! Come out this instant!”

Despite the frustration in her voice, I feel my l*p quirking up in amusement. Paisley has not exactly accepted Nina, and she gets up to no end of mischief when I’m away. If I had to guess, I’d say my clever pup has decided to play hide and seek with my fated mate – despite the fact that Nina never agreed to a game.

When I walk in, I find Nina standing in the middle of the hall way, holding one of Paisley’s dresses in her hand. She turns toward me with blazing eyes,

She did it again!” She exclaims. “I told her it was bathtime and she pretended to come along- then the moment I turned my back she disappeared!”

Nina waves the dress at me, as if in accusation.”

And of course this whole house smells like her so tracking her is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.”

“Hmm,” I muse, striding into the living room, “if I were a sneaky little sausage called Paisley, where would I be?” I ask loudly, ducking down to peek under the couch. I hear a small giggle from the kitchen, and though Nina whips around with her ears cocked to the noise, I hold up a hand to stop her. “She’s not here” I project, pulling back one of the curtains. “Did she disappear?”

“Honestly Ethan, I know you think it’s cute but she’s too old for this!” Nina hisses. Poor she-wolf, it’s not her fault that Paisley is so set against her. I don’t think she’s ever dreamed of having children of her own, but I don’t think she dislikes them either – and Paisley has made her experience of step-motherhood very difficult indeed.

I pause to drop a k**s on her forehead, taking the dress from her hand. “She’s just a pup, Nina.” I remind her in a whisper. “And she’s had a very hard life. She misses her Mommy, don’t take it personally.”

Nina softens slightly, glancing sympathetically towards the kitchen. She exhales heavily, and makes a gesture encouraging me to get on with the game, before stalking into the living room and slumping onto the couch.

I, on the other hand, continue the hunt, prowling into the kitchen and making ominous announcements every few feet, “Fee, Fie, Fo, Fum, I smell the b***d of a Paisley pup!” Occasionally I open a cabinet or drawer, making disappointed noises when I fail. “Hmm, she’s not in the freezer…

Not in the microwave – that’s a relief.”

Then, I whip open the cabinets nearest her, shouting “a-ha!” Of course they’re empty, but my perceived failure only sends my little girl into a riot of laughter. Chuckling deeply I finally pry open the door concealing my daughter, who’s curled up in a little ball, wearing only her underwear.

“Daddy, you found me!”‘ Paisley chirps happily, leaping into my arms.

“I did!” I exclaim, kissing her cheeks, forehead and nose. “You haven’t been making trouble for Nina, have you munchkin?”

“Maybe just a littles.” She flushes, peeking up at me from beneath her lashes.

“Tsk, tsk.” I scold, “Such a naughty pup. Don’t you know Nina only wants to take care of you?”

“But Daddy, she’s so funny when she gets all mad.”

Paisley objects, as if this justifies everything.

I set her down and pull her dress over her head. “

March your cute butt over there and tell her you’re sorry.”

Paisley pauses, narrowing her eyes. “Do I have to take a bath after?”

“Eventually, but first we need to talk.” I answer seriously.

“Bout what, Daddy?” She inquires.

I take a deep breath, wishing this was as easy as sniffing her out. “About our future – and how long I’m going to be in it.”

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 203

Ethan

Paisley looks confused by my announcement, but Nina sits up at attention. “What did the doctor say?”

“He said I’m finally a viable candidate for a spinal surgery that might restore my mobility.” I explain, not wanting to beat around the bush, “and save my life.”

“Ethan that’s wonderful!” Nina beams, looking as though she wants to hug me. Unfortunately for her I still have Paisley in my arms, so she doesn’t move from the couch.

I look to the sweet bundle in my arms. Her brow is furrowed in thought, and I can see the gears turning in her young mind. “Like one of my surgries, Daddy?” She asks eventually. “When they don’ know if it ‘ll actually work or not?”

Goddess how I hate that she knows to ask these questions, that her own experiences have made her more attune to the flipside of my words than a grown she-wolf. “Yes, angel.” I confirm. “There’s only a fifty percent chance it will work if I do it now. Do you know what that means?”

“Like half and half.” She nods, gnawing on her lower l*p in thought and looking so much like Jane I could cry. After a moment she looks back up at me, and I know what she’s going to ask before the words leave her mouth. “What’s the other half?”

F**k. I think miserably, did she have to inherit her mother’s brains? She’s too bloody smart for her own good. I sit down next to Nina, settling Paisley in my lap and looking at them both, though the majority of my attention stays on my daughter. My fated mate has been incredibly helpful and supportive these last few months, but she’s not the one I’m worried about.

“Basically, this is my only chance.” I confess, staring deep into her emerald eyes. “If I wait, it still might not work and I probably wouldn’t be myself anymore even if it did. And if it fails, well, I might not come home again.”

Actually, if it fails, I won’t come home again. The other option is permanent paralysis, but I’ve already decided that I would rather meet my end on the operating table, then spend the rest of my life trapped. It’s not that I want my life to be over sooner than it has to be, I just don’t want to put Paisley through the trauma of watching me go slowly mad, and I don’t want to risk harming her. If the surgery doesn’t work Il have two months left with her at best – before my sanity breaks for good. And though every day with my baby means the world to me, this is about her, not me. I want her to remember me bravely facing the end, not foaming at the mouth and snarling at her. So, if I go through with the surgery Ill include a provision to deliver euthanasia in the event of the procedure’s failure – the only question is whether I go under the knife now, or wait for better chances.

“But if you don’t have the surgery, you’ll die anyway.” Nina states softly, glancing apologetically at Paisley. I know she hates having these grown up conversations in front of a child, but I’ve put my foot down about this. I’m not going to hide the truth from Paisley, I’m not going to give her a complex about fearing death, and I’m not going to let her face the future unprepared.

“That’s right.” I confirm, squeezing my daughter a bit tighter.

“Why do you have to die at all, Daddy?” Paisley pouts, right on cue. I know she both understands these concepts without fully appreciating the complexity or permanence of it all, which means we often end up in conversations like this.

“Because everyone does sooner or later, Princess.”

I remind her, “but I don’t want to leave you any sooner than I possibly have to, which is why we have to make this decision together. If the surgery works then I can live a long time. I can get old and wrinkly, and growl at all your boyfriends when you start dating and walk you down the aisle at your wedding.. but if I don’t have it then I won’t even make it to your next birthday lovey, and nothing we can do can change that.”

“But if it doesn’t work you might go even sooner!”

She argues, tears welling in her eyes.

“I know” I grimace. “And I don’t want that, but the pack is secure now because of Nina and Matthew, and if anything happens to me you’ll always have your Mommy and your siblings.” I exhale, feeling the weight of the whole world on my shoulders as I try to make a five year old understand a lifetime she can’t even comprehend yet. To her two months feels like years, and I’m only too aware of it. “I want to be in your life for years, Paisley, not months – don’t you?”

She stares up at me for a few minutes, chewing over the idea in her mind. Tears are streaming down her cheeks now, but I don’t try to stop their flow. I know she needs to work through all these feelings on her Own. Eventually she crosses her arms over her chest and tilts her chin up defiantly.

“Fine, but you should know I already has a boyfriend”

This announcement is enough to distract me momentarily. “What, you do?”

“Yes.” She answers primly. “Billy, from school.”

“Oh,” I try to tell my growling wolf to calm down.

She’s five, five year olds hold hands on the playgrounds and call it dating, it isn’t real. “And how long has Billy been your boyfriend?”

“Since yesterday.” Paisley announces, “He carried my bookbag for me today and everything.”

“Did you know about this?” I ask Nina, still trying to calm my irrational protectiveness.

“I did not.” Nina smirks. “We were too busy playing surprise hide and seek.”

“Well,” I strangle a protective snarl and try to make my voice even. “How about I take you to school tomorrow and I can meet this Billy?” I suggest.

“Ethan, you cannot run around growling at kindergarteners.” Nina scolds. “Il take Paisley tomorrow like usual.”

“She’s right, Daddy.” Paisley agrees, facing me so she can’t see Nina’s astonished expression, as far as I know the two have never agreed about anything. “You’re not allowed to scare off my boyfriends, even if you are dying.”

There’s nothing like a child’s honesty to cut you down to size. I think wryly. “Alright, alright. You Win, now go get in the bath so I can talk to Nina.”

Paisley scampers off much too willingly, which makes me suspect that she has no intention of getting in the bath and every intention of eavesdropping on us. “I better hear splashing, young lady!” I call after her. There’s a tiny huff and then the bathroom door pulls shut, shortly followed by the sounds of the tap running.

“Well?” I ask, turning back to Nina. “What do you think?”

She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Frankly, I don’t think my opinion matters here – you just got the only one that does.” There isn’t any bitterness in her voice, only honesty.

“I’d still like to know what you think. I know when we agreed to this arrangement I warned you it might only be a few months, but I doubt you expected it might only be three.” I reason, searching her pretty features. It’s the strangest sensation, to be with someone who feels so familiar, to whom I am undeniably connected and who is undeniably attractive, yet feel absolutely nothing. Every time I consider a she-wolf in a romantic light, I can only think of Jane. It starts as a comparison, then explodes into unrequited longing.

Goddess how I miss her.

“I won’t lie to you, I’m not thrilled that my reign as Luna might be so short, but the way I see it, I’m in the same boat as Paisley. If you don’t do this, the best I can hope for is what, three more months?

Four?” She guesses.

“More like two.” I correct gently. “That’s when Matthew and I decided.. well, we’ve made arrangements.” I explain.

Nina nods. “In my books, five months isn’t much better than three.” She shares, clasping her fingers together. “I want you to live for your sake and your daughters – but also for my own.”

Now I hesitate. “Are you saying that you would want to stay with me afterwards, if it goes well?

“That was the agreement wasn’t it?” Nina inquires.

I help you, and you give me the spot I deserve by your side.”

“I know, but I mean, would you want to make it official – to actually be mates?”

“Yes Ethan.” Nina assures me. “I think you should go through with this surgery, and if it doesn’t work then I’ll help ensure all your plans for the pack and Paisley are carried out per your wishes. But when it succeeds, I want us to get married, and start a family of our own.”

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 204

Jane

I’m staring at Devon with utmost apprehension, my thoughts racing at a mile a minute. What in the Goddess’s name is he about to tell me? All of a sudden, I realize that whatever it is – I don’t want to hear it. My heart is racing every bit as fast as my thoughts, pounding violently against my ribcage.

To imagine that yet another person in my life – one I taught myself to trust despite all my bad experiences, who I’ve come to trust above anyone else save Linda- might have betrayed me, is just too much to contemplate.

Devon is watching me anxiously, trying to work up the courage to say whatever it is he intends. The hand I rejected a moment ago now clasps his other, shaking with the force he’s using to lock his fingers together. Already I know whatever is coming must be very bad indeed- or he wouldn’t be so nervous.

“I’m sorry, Devon.” I choke suddenly, lurching to my feet. “I can’t do this. I can’t be here right now.”

“Jane wait-” He stands as well, reaching towards me as if he worries I won’t be steady on my feet. “

It’s not what you think!”

“No,” I shake my head, cradling my hand over the curve of my belly. “I have to go.”I stalk out the door before he can stop me, and though the heavy wood slams behind me, I can hear him swearing up a storm.

I rush to my new car, it’s silver paint still gleaming with a factory wax finish. I slide into the drivers seat and start the engine, locking the door when I see Devon rush out of the house behind me. I shift it into gear and take off towards my apartment, tears streaming down my cheeks. I thought I’d cried a lot during my first pregnancy, but this one is quickly proving me wrong.

“Goddess Damn It, Ethan!” I cry into the empty car.

Wasn’t it hard enough with the quadruplets?

Couldn’t you give me even one baby that won’t rip my heart out just getting here?”

I know the only thing that’s going to make me feel better right now is seeing my pups, but I also know I can’t go home to them in this state. It’s not only that I don’t want them to see me cry, Dr Nora has been warning me about not imposing my personal traumas on them. I don’t want to teach them that people are bad and not to be trusted, even if my experiences have made me feel that way.

Sobbing, I pull over and lower my head to the steering wheel, letting the tears wrack my body until I can breathe again until the deluge finally ebbs and slows and I can think clearly. I do a few breathing exercises, and dry my face, checking the rearview mirror to make sure my skin isn’t too splotchy.

When I’m finally ready I get back on the road, but when I arrive at the apartment I realize Devon has beaten me there. Apparently my stopover to cry gave him the headstart he needed, because his car is parked outside. He must not have realized I wasn’t home yet, because his car is empty and unattended.

I go upstairs, keeping up my breathing exercises in the elevator. When I arrive, the babysitter has already left and Devon is alone with the pups. I can hear their laughter before I even walk through the door. I push inside, finding Devon on the floor beneath a wriggling puppy pile.

Three dark heads pop up when I enter, and suddenly the excited pups are charging me, Mommy” Three beloved voices cry in unison.

“Hello my babies!” I exclaim, pulling them into my arms and kissing their sweet faces. As soon as I see them my spirits lift, even though the traitor lurks in the background. It’s amazing how they can make my heart swell with a single word, a single touch. I feel so much lighter, even when Parker looks up at me with an impish grin and declares, “Mommy, your tummy gets rounder every day!”

“I know.” I chuckle, “And just you wait, by the time I’m ready to bring this baby into the world ‘Il be so big and fat I’ll have to waddle like a penguin. I won’t even be able to stand up by myself, you three will have to buy a crane just to lift me.”

The pups giggle. “Mommy we don’t have money for a crane.” Ryder objects.

“Don’t worry.” Riley interjects, “we’ll take cares of you and then you’ll never have to get up ‘gain.”

“Really?” I inquire. “You’ll wait on me hand and foot?” I lower my voice to a scandalized whisper.

But what if I have to pee?”

“That’s true.” Parker muses, “She pees all the time now.”

“Maybe you can learn to sleep standing ups?”

Ryder proposes, “then you won’t have to worry bout getting up again.”

“I’ll tell you what,” Devon cuts in, coming to stand behind them. “if you pups can wait on your

Mommy while she’s resting, I’ll handle getting her up and đown.”

“How chivalrous.” I remark, the humor gone from my voice. “Pups, can you give me and Devon a moment alone please?”

“Why?” Riley narrows her eyes, her young voice rising in a familiar lilt. “Are you gonna tell secrets?”

“No sweetheart, we just need to talk.” I lie, hating that this man is making me mislead my children.

The children scamper off to their bedroom, and I wait until the door closes behind them to turn on Devon. “I say I can’t do this’ and run out, and your response is to chase me down?” I demand.

“Jane, please, just hear me out?” Devon pleads, keeping his voice low and glancing to the pups door. “I haven’t been actively lying to you, I’ve just been withholding something- something personal about myself that I was too afraid to share – surely you can understand what that’s like – of all people.”

Despite myself, my heart softens towards the man.

At the same time, I know better than to let my guard down just yet. “If I can understand it so well, why didn’t you tell me before now?”

“Because I didn’t want to scare you.” To my amazement, Devon’s voice is thick with emotions.”

I didn’t want you to hate me… before I even got a chance to prove to you that I’m not… that I’m not a monster”

“I. why would I think you’re a monster?” I ask, uncertain that I heard him correctly. Devon is many things, but I have a hard time imagining anything that could make him think so poorly of himself.

“Just promise you’ll listen,” He begs. “If you listen, I’ll tell you everything.”

“Okay” I agree, “Come sit down.”

We go into the living room, and I settle on the couch. Devon takes a seat beside me, and takes a deep breath. “When I left the Nightfang pack, I didn’t really have a plan.” He begins, looking at me with wide, sad eyes. “I just knew that I had to go, I needed to find a new pack and try to start over. So I went searching, I traveled around looking for any place that felt like home. I approached different Alphas inquiring if they might have a place in their leadership structures – not even as a Beta, just in any position where I might be able to make something of myself”

“About six months in, I was up north, visiting this pack called the Night Walkers. I was young and naive, I didn’t know anything about most of the territories I was visiting -I walked in blindly, and in most cases it turned out okay. But the Night Walkers… it wasn’t until after I arrived that I realized they weren’t called that because of their wolves’ qualities or habits, it was because they were cross-bred with another species.”

“Another species?” I repeat, not believing my ears.

What do you mean, like another kind of shifter?”

“No,” Devon gulps. “Like.. vampires.”

“Vampires?” I parrot dumbly. “But they were outlawed centuries ago. No one has even heard of a vampire being in shifter territories in living memory.”

“That’s what I thought too.” Devon nods, “but I was wrong. They’re kept it a secret by necessity, because if other wolves knew about them, the entire pack would be at risk.”

“So what happened?” I press, fascinated now.

“I walked in like a fool, and I survived two weeks before.. before they turned me” Devon confesses, not able to look me in the eyes now. “It took me two years to get the bloodlust under enough control to finally get out, and ever since I’ve been doing everything in my power to keep the secret under wraps. I made a career for myself despite everythíng, I’ve put it behind me, but it’s still a part of who I am.. it always will be.”

“Are you saying… Devon are you trying to tell me that you’re a vampire?” I gape.

When he looks at me, his eyes are no longer the dark pools I’ve come to know. Instead they’re glowing crimson – unlike any wolf I’ve ever seen.

Yes “

 

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 205

Jane

“So, what does that mean exactly? If I prick my finger in front of you, are you going to go all Dracula on me?” I squeak, my mìnd absolutely reeling with this revelation.

“Of course not.” Devon laughs, “I wouldn’t have ever rejoined shifter society if I couldn’t control myself, Jane.”

“It must be difficult though, if you see or smell b***d?” I guess.

“No harder than it is for you to see a nice meal laid out in front of you. As long as I’m not starved to the point of insanity, I can easily keep that part of me in check.” He explains

“Well what about food? I mean I’ve seen you eat regular meals.” I’m leaning towards him now, so intrigued by this news that I can’t bring myself to be frightened or upset – not yet anyway.

“I can eat regular food.” He shares, the corners of his mouth tugging into a frown as he watches my avid expression. “I just also have to drink b***d a few times a week.”

Now a healthy dose of fear does trickle through my senses. I’m trying to resist the urge to flinch away from him. I’m trying to be kind and understanding, I don’t want to make him feel like a monster just because he experienced something bad. It’s not his fault, it’s not his fault, it’s not his fault. I chant in my mind. He’s still Devon. “Does that mean.. do you have to hunt people?” I whisper.

Devon shakes his head, never breaking eye contact – it’s almost as if he thinks I might run if he drops his gaze from my own. “No, I get it from a b***d bank. And if things get really bad I can always hunt animals, but I don’t have to kill them in order to sustain myself – I only have to take a little.”

“Oh.”I state, struggling to process this, “what about other powers? How are you able to be out during daylight?”

“Janey, not everything you read in the horror novels is true. Devon teases. “I’m still alive – not undead. The sun doesn’t hurt me, neither does garlic or holy water. Just like silver bullets don’t hurt wolves at least, not any more than regular bullets.”

“So no fun vampire abilities?” I press, smiling now, “you can’t turn invisible or hypnotize unsuspecting v!rgins?”

“I didn’tsay there were no advantages, just that they aren’t the ones you might assume.” Devon explains, “I can run even faster in human form than my wolf can when I shift, I don’t need to sleep anymore, and I’m extremely hard to kill.”

“Will you live forever?” I murmur, my mind already leaping to thoughts of how sad this would be for him – to outlive everyone he loves and cares about.

“No.” Devon replies gravely, his face taking on some of the grief I already suspected. “But I will live longer than any of you.” He gestures to the pups bedroom, and I feel my heart swell with sympathy. That also means that if he were ever to have children of his own, he’d have to watch them die. No parent should have to experience such a loss, but then again I’m not sure if he can even father pups.

“I’m so sorry Devon.” I breathe, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He remains very stiff for a moment, apparently shocked by the affectionate gesture. However after a moment he relaxes, and returns the hug, holding me more tightly than I suspect he intended. “How did you get away in the first place?”

“It wasn’t easy.” He confesses, his nose buried in my long hair. “I had to fight. I had to do a lot of things I’m not proud of. And then it took many years to re-establish myself among regular wolves.

It wasn’t easy to keep the secret, but I managed to keep the truth from my last pack, and I have no intention of coming out here.”

“Do vampires have specific traditions around coming out?” I tease, peeking up at him and desperately wanting to take the horrible grimace off his handsome face. “Any parades or flags you wave?”

“No.” Devon laughs, finally releasing me from the hug. He looks down at me with a warm smile and wide eyes. “You’re really not scared of me?”

“No.”I answer honestly. “I’ve met plenty of monsters in my life Devon, and none of them slept in coffins. I don’t think being a shifter or a vampire or.. or a troll decides a person’s character. That has to come from within. I know you’re a good person, and if you want to lurk around cemeteries in the dead of night or hang upside down from the ceiling like bat, that’s your own business. I won’t judge.”

Devon chuckles again, “How is it you can be so sweet, and such a brat at the same time?”

“It’s a talent.” I grin, “and if my mother were alive, she’d be beyond thrilled to see I’m getting my just desserts by having such adorably mischievous pups.” As I speak, I look towards their bedroom door, praying they haven’t been eavesdropping on this conversation. As loving and open minded as my babies are, I don’t trust them to be so accepting of a vampire in the house – even if it is Devon.

Of course, I should have known better.

Eavesdropping comes as naturally as breathing to my pups, so if the opportunity arises, they’re bound to jump right on it.

3rd PerSon

Riley, Ryder and Paisley were huddled behind their bedroom door, their ears glued to the wood as they eagerly listened in on their mother’s conversation with Devon. Of course, their excitement faded more and more with every word the grown ups spoke, quickly transforming into disbelief and fear.

When the conversation finally concluded and Jane set a date to go out with the Beta, the pups finally backed away from the doorway. They looked around at one another with stunned expressions, their small mouths hanging open and their eyes wide with shock. “A vampire?” Parker whispered in horror. “What is Mommy thinking?”

“She’s not thinking.” Riley answered, wringing her little hands. “She just sees her friend.”

“But vampires are dangerous! Everyone knows that.” Ryder added, shaking his head.

“Ryder’s right.” Parker agreed. “I don’t cares what he says, or how nice he is, sooner or later he’ll turn on her – just like Daddy did.”

“We has to do something.” Riley frowned, “If he does turn on her, she might not survive. What if he sucks out all her bloods? Or makes her move into his coffin with him?”

“I don’t wanna live in a coffin!” Ryder exclaimed in outrage, “if she tries to make us move with her, I’m not going.”

“Hey, if Mommy goes to live in a coffin, we all goes, for protection.” Parker scolded, ever the voice of reason and responsibility among his siblings.

Just then the phone rang, and they listened as Jane answered the landline in the other room. The moment she picked up they knew it must be Paisley on the phone, because their mother’s voice sounded the way sunshine felt. Then her footsteps were approaching, and Parker, Ryder and Riley backed away from the door so she wouldn’t know they’d been listening. The door swung inward a moment later, and Jane’s beautiful face was smiling down at them, “pups, your sister is on the phone, do you want to talk to her?”

The pups gratefully accepted the phone, and then Paisley’s familiar voice was floating out of the receiver. “You guys, thank goodness, we has an emergency.”

“Talk about a ‘mergency?” Ryder sighed. “Mommy’s dating a vampire!”

“What!” Paisley squeaked, “since when?”

“Is Devon.” Parker revealed, “he’s been lying to her this whole time.”

“I can’t believes this.” Paisley m****d. “Mommy’s dating a vampire, and Daddy’s getting married!”

“Married?” Ryder, Riley and Parker repeated aghast. It was true that they were all furious with Ethan for hurting Jane, and they didn’t trust him as far as they could throw him. Still, they knew there was something profoundly wrong with the Alpha choosing another woman over their mother.

“To who, that Nina lady?” Riley questioned.

“Yes!” Paisley shared, sounding deeply forlorn.

“Sorry Paisley, but I don’t think that really compares to a monster drinking Mommy like a juice box!” Parker scoffed. “Daddy had his chance with Mommy and he ruined it.”

“You don’ understand!” Paisley insisted. “Daddy didn’t reject Mommy cuz he wanted to. He was paralyzed when he killed King Aimon, and now his wolf is trapped and he might die. He made Mommy take us away cuz he couldn’t protect us anymore.”

The three pups sat by in total silence as their sister’s Words washed over them, unable to process the gravity of what they were hearing.

Are you serious?” Riley inquired after a moment, her voice barely louder than a whisper. “Why didn’ you tell us?”

“I wasn’t even s’possed to know.” Paisley explained. “I figured it out and then Daddy swore me to secrecy.”

“But that means..” Ryder mused aloud, slowly piecing together the puzzle.

“It means Daddy isn’ bad after alls.” Parker declared gravely. “We have to stop his wedding, and we have to find a way to get them backs together and keep Mommy away from Devon.”

I know.” Paisley confirms, “and I has a plan.”

Ryder, Riley and Parker exchanged a meaningful glance. “We’re listening.”