Ch. 206..210: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 206-210

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 206

Ethan

“Daddy!” Paisley’s sweet voice whispers in my ear, as one of her sharp little fingers jabs my side. “Daddy, are you awakes?”

My eyes are still closed, and it feels as though I just fell asleep a moment ago. I’m not sure what time it is, but I know something must be up if Paisley is trying to wake me. Normally she climbs right into bed with me and snuggles up without a word, perfectly content to snooze until I’m ready to get up – even if her tummy is growling with hunger, she’ll happily choose cuddles over food.

“Daddy,” she whispers again, giving me another prod.

“No.” I m**n, throwing an arm over my eyes dramatically. “I’m asleep.”

“Daddy!” Paisley giggles, the sweet sound lifting my sleepy spirits. “I’m serious.”

“So am I” I grumble, pulling the covers up over my head to hide from the adorable creature.

A moment later the duvet is yanked back down, and Paisley is sitting on my chest, determined to interrupt my rest. “Daddy I needs to talk to you.”

Begrudgingly I peek one eye open, assessing the serious pup and the low light filtering in through the windows. The sun must barely be rising, but my daughter’s beautiful green eyes are completely alert.

What’s wrong princess?” I ask, encouraging her to lie down agáin. She happily agrees, sprawling on my broad chest and resting her cheek against my shoulder.

“I’ve been thinking.” She says.

“Mhmm, about what?” I encourage, petting her tiny limbs.

“Well, your surgry’s in two weeks.” She reminds me, as if I could forget. “And I know everything’s gonna be okay,” Paisley pauses, betraying her fear that this isn’t actually true. “But just in case it isn’ I was thinking that you should go see Mommy and Ryder, Riley and Parker one last time… in case it’s goodbye forever.”

To be honest I’d been thinking about this idea myself, but every time the notion rose in my mind I forced it back down, telling myself I was being selfish, putting my needs above theirs. When I don’t respond, Paisley presses on. “You could take me for a visits, see everyone again, and then leave me ’til after the surgry’s done with. That way…”

She trails off, unable to finish the grim sentence. Still, I know where she was headed. That way if I don’t survive, she’ll already be with Jane and her siblings when they get the news. Nina won’t have to bear the burden of taking my daughter back to her mother, and Paisley will be with the best support system possible.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I know.” I confirm, stroking her dark hair. With her perspective in mind, I can’t think of any reason to say no. Paisley is giving me the perfect excuse to see my beloved family before I go under the knife, and this truly will be the best thing for her if the worst happens.

“I agree.” I breathe, hugging her a bit more tightly. “We should go for a visit – as soon as possible.”

When I tell Matthew my decision, he heartily agrees, but Nina is another matter entirely. I tell her my decision over breakfast, waiting until Paisley left for school before sharing the idea with my fated mate.

Nina puts down the piece of toast balanced between her perfectly manicured fingers, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Listen,” I begin, exhaling heavily. “Paisley might be young, but she was absolutely right. If I’m.. If I die on the operating table, I don’t want my family’s last memory of me to be that day at the rest stop – when I took Paisley away. I want to make sure they know how much I love them, and I want to see them one last time for myself.”

“Ethan, you can’t tell Jane how much you love her. It will undo everything you’ve been working for these last few months.” Nina objects, shifting restlessly in her chair.

“I know. I’m going to right a letter for Paisley to give her if I don’t make it, but I still need to see her one last time, even if I can’t tell her how I feel. And I can tell the other pups.” I insist. “Besides, this way Paisley will be with Jane and her brothers and sister already. You won’t have to worry about taking her to the dark moon pack if I die.”

“Forgive me, Ethan, but it almost sounds like you’re expecting the worst to happen.” Nina frowns. “Are you planning on dying?”

“Of course not.” I rumble, annoyed by the question even though I know it’s well-intentioned. “I”m just trying to be realistic, Nina. I have a fifty-fifty chance. I don’t want to leave this earth with things unfinished. I need my children to know I love them. I need Paisley to be with her mother if she loses me.’

“Okay, I’m sorry.” Nina concedes. “You’re right. But if you’re going to do this, then I’m coming with you.”

“Now I’m not sure if that’sa good idea.” I sigh. “I’m not Sure how Jane or the pups would handle that, and I don’t want to hurt them worse than they already are.”

“The way I see it, you need someone to watch your back.” Nina argues, “and besides, how would it look if you went off to see your ex and left me behind. If you do survive the surgery, we have to look like we’re completely united, otherwise the pack will never support our marriage.”

Of course, I think. Our marriage. The one you’re determined to make happen and that I’m going along with because I owe you for screwing up your life plan.

The one neither of us will be happy in, but we’re agreeing to for convenience and status.

“Alright.” I agree. “But there may be times I want to be alone with them, and I’m going to need you to respect that.”

“Of course.” Nina smiles gently. “We’re a team, Ethan.

And I’m determined for us to be a strong team. This trip can be a good thing for us, as long as we play it right.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” I allow, unable to push away the intrusive thoughts banging on the door to my consciousness. Thoughts about how calculating Nina is, how determined she seems to become Luna, and how little she seems to care for anything else. I know that isn’t entirely fair of me – there’s nothing inherently wrong with ambition and Nina explained why it was so important to her when we struck this deal. I just worry about how far she’s willing to go to protect this dream.

Either way, by the next morning Nina, Paisley and I are piling into the car to travel to the Dark Moon pack, for better or worse. We drive all day long and into the evening, Nina and I taking turns at the wheel. Paisley slept most of the way, but she perked up the nearer we drew to the capital city.

We pull up outside Jane’s apartment around eight o’clock at night, and though I debated the idea of going straight to our hotel and approaching the family the next morning, Paisley convinced me that we should go see them first. We take the elevator up to the top floor, and Paisley skips down the hallway towards the apartment, obviously overjoyed to see her Mother and siblings. I’m beaming as I watch her, thrilled to see her so happy for once.

I don’t regret agreeing to let her stay with me, since I know she would have kept endangering herself in order to come back to me, but I do feel guilty. I hate knowing that she feels responsibility for my wellbeing, that she thinks she has to take care of me. No five year old should bear that burden, even if they want to.

The apartment door opens before Paisley can reach it, pulling me out of my thoughts and into the present.

Riley, Ryder and Parker pour out of the house, tackling their sister and immediately clambering onto her in a puppy pile. They’re squealing and laughing with joy, and I find myself laughing along with them.

As soon as they hear my voice, the pups’ dark heads pop up, and then they’re racing towards me. “Daddy!”

They cry, astonishing me as they pile into my arms. I can’t believe they’re so happy to see me after everything I did, but ‘Il be damned if I’m going to question it. I hug them tightly, tears burning in my eyes as their excited sounds and sweet k****s rain over me.

I swear to the Goddess, if it weren’t for the fact that I haven’t seen Jane yet, this moment would be enough to let me die a happy man.

“I’ve missed you all so much!” I tell them honestly, unable to hold back my feelings.

“We missed you too, Daddy.” Riley shares, nuzzling my chest and breathing in my scent. “You’ve been gone too long.”

“Yeah, we’re sorry we were so grumpy before.” Parker adds, Ryder nodding in agreement.

I clench my eyes shut, fighting back a fresh wave of tears and dropping k****s to their heads. There’s only a split second between when I hear the elevator ding behind us, then smell Jane’s perfect scent, and hear her voice. “Ethan?”

I turn around with the pups still in my arms, and there she is – as beautiful as the day I met her. And by her side is Devon, with a possessive arm wrapped around her waist.

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 207

Jane

Of all the things I expected to find when I came home today, Paisley, Ethan and his fated mate were just about the last things on my list. I’m so stunned when I see my ex-husband that it takes me a moment to realize that Paisley is buried beneath her siblings on the floor. It’s not until I hear her muffled voice crying, “Mommy!” that I’m able to pull my attention away from her father.

“Paisley?” I respond hopefully, feeling my heart immediately leap into my throat. After a moment her little head appears, and her eyes widen when she sees my round belly.

“Mommy you’re tummy’s ginormous!” She exclaims. She’s not the only one who seems preoccupied with it. Ethan is staring at my belly too – as if he’s never seen a pregnant she-wolf before. I try my best to ignore him, instead lowering myself to the ground to take Paisley into my arms.

“I know, angel.” I laugh, pulling my daughter close as soon as she’s within reach. “You should have seen me when I had all four of you inside me. I was like a giant, inflatable beach ball!”

Paisley giggles, and I can’t help but notice that Parker, Ryder and Riley are climbing all over Ethan. I’m amazed, because the last time we were all together they didn’t want anything to do with him. I’m not sure how I feel about this I want my children to be happy, I want them to have a loving father figure. The problem is that I don’t trust Ethan not to turn on them when the chips are down..

The baby kicks as if it can sense its long lost sister is in my arms, and Paisley gasps in shock.

Mommy, your tummy kicked me!”

“That’s the baby saying hello.” I share, so happy to have her with me again that I could cry.

Ethan still hasn’t stopped watching us, and now his eyes are so wide I wonder if he’s in shock too.

Though I don’t know why he’d be in shock, I’m the one who’s been blindsided here. “I’m so happy to see you.” I tell Paisley, kissing her beloved little face, “but what are you doing here?”

“We just thought we were overdue for a visit”

Ethan answers, rising to his feet and reaching for the woman I’ve been trying very hard to avoid noticing so far, “Jane this is Nina. Nina, meet Jane.”

“Hi.” I greet her stiffly, not moving from my spot on the floor. What.are you supposed to say to the woman for whom your mate leaves you? I mean, I know it didn’t happen until months afterward, but it hurts all the same. Just seeing Ethan with another Woman makes me feel sick.

“Hello Jane, I’ve heard so much about you.” She smiles. Oh I’m sure you have. I think bitterly. I can only imagine what Ethan has told her about me.

My thoughts immediately spiral into tails of betrayal and incompetent mothering, and I have to forcibly drag myself out of my mind. Just focus on the present Jane, focus on the fact that all your babies are here together – the way they should be.

Ethan continues introducing Nina around, to the other pups and Devon, even to the babysitter.

Meanwhile I continue cuddling Paisley, then dragging her brothers and sister into my lap even though there’s simply no room for them. I know it’s past their bedtime, and I really don’t care. I just want to hold them like this forever.

Of course, eventually we have to get off the floor, if for no other reason that I have to pee for the thousandth time today. I put the pups to bed, reading them a silly story and smothering them with k****s before watching them form their usual puppy pile. When I emerge from their bedroom, Nina is dozing on the couch, and Ethan and Devon have gone into my home office and closed the door.

Curious, I approach the door, reflecting on how much easier it was to sneak around when I wasn’t carrying ten extra pounds of puppy in my mid- section.

I hear Devon first, his usually gentle voice uncommonly serious. “I have to tell you the truth, Ethan.”

At once I realize he must be preparing to confess his vampirism to Ethan, and at first I lose interest.

After all, I already know this information. However before I can walk away Ethan’s deep voice reaches my ears, and I stop short.

“What do you mean?” Ethan responds, his tone so sharp it takes me aback. “Don’t tell me you’re going back on our deal.”

“I should have told you when this whole thing began, but I wanted to help you and I wasn’t sure you’d understand.” Devon continues, only serving to confuse me more. What whole thing? Help him with what? What deal?!

“Why wouldn’t I understand?” Ethan answers, sounding confused. “I’ve always been on your side, Devon. I didn’t hold it against you when you fell in love with my mate or left the pack. I didn’t question it when you came back, and besides, I owe you. I had no business asking you to take on such a huge burden after all this time, but you did it without hesitation. We’re family, Devon, you have to know that you can tell me anything.”

Who is this Ethan and what happened to the horrible tyrant who’s been making me miserable these last few months ?I think bitterly, wishing my ex would show me even a fraction of the kindness he’s showing Devon. And wait a minute – he didn’t hold it against him? I thought Ethan made Devon leave when he found out about his feelings for me.

And what burden? None of this makes any sense.

“I know.” Devon sighs, “But I’m supposed to be protecting your actual family, and I’m not the wolf you think I am.”

“Devon, we’ve all done things we regret – me more than anyone. I don’t believe that makes you a bad person, or an unfit guardian. I know who you are deep down, that’s all that matters.” I can practically feel Devon’s frustration floating through the door.

Ethan is being a typical Alpha, stubbornly defending his friend even though he doesn’t know the full story and trying to comfort Devon instead of just listening to what he has to say. It hasn’t escaped my notice that Devon said he’s supposed to be protecting us, but I don’t have time to process that now, because he’s clearly reaching a breaking point.

“It’s not what I’ve done – it’s what I am!” Devon exclaims, his voice somewhere between a whisper and a shout. “Look, some shit went down in the years I was away. I worked really hard to put my life back together afterwards and I’m proud of how well I’ve done, but most people wouldn’t want me anywhere near them if they knew the truth.”

Ethan pauses, apparently having finally decided to listen to our friend. “And what is the truth?”

“I’m not just a shifter anymore,” Devon begins, taking a deep breath. “I’m also a vampire. A Hybrid.”

Ethan laughs, then stops when Devon doesn’t join in. “You aren’t serious. You can’t be.”

“I assure you, I am.” Devon confirms. There’s a beat of silence, during which I can only imagine Devon is baring his fangs or making his eyes glow red, and then Ethan is cursing violently. “What the f**k, Devon! You’re telling me this now! How could you keep this from me?! How many conversations did we have putting all our plans in place? How many opportunities did you have to come clean? I trusted you with my mate, with my pups!”

“I didn’t ask for this, Ethan! Not being a vampire, and not stepping into your shoes – even though we both know that I’ll never be enough to fill them!” Devon counters hotly. “We wouldn’t even be in this position if you hadn’t abandoned them!”

“That isn’t fair, you know I didn’t have a choice!”

Ethan fights back, sending me reeling. “I did what I had to in order to keep them safe. You – more than anyone – knew how much it hurt me to let them go, how desperate I was to protect them!”

“And I agreed because I knew that no matter what I am, I would die before I hurt them. I just didn’t trust that you’d see it the same way if you knew.”

Devon shares.

“Or maybe you thought you’d finally have a chance to be with Jane now that I’m out of the way.” Ethan accuses.

Devon scoffs, “Of course I did, that was part of the hope for both of us, wasn’t it?” I can imagine him shaking his head in disbelief. “It’s too late to let your jealousy win now, brother.”

Ethan’s deep voice sounds softer then, weaker – almost as if he’s deflated. “I know.” He agrees. “I know, I just. it’s harder than I expected, actually seeing you two together.”

I back away from the door then, suddenly not wanting to hear any more of this. I’m not sure what’s going on, but a few things are painfully clear. First, that Devon has been working with Ethan all along. He lied to me about more than just being a vampire, but from the sounds of it he did so to try and help my ex. Second, that for whatever reason Ethan felt like he had to send the pups and I away. And third, that he’s struggling to let someone else protect us.

His words ring in my mind. I trusted you with my mate. My mate. My wolf repeats wistfully, He still thinks of us as his mate.

There are tears in my eyes, and though I’ve learned never to trust the impulse to hope, I can’t stop a kernel of hope from blooming in my chest now.

Whatever is happening, our story isn’t over yet, and I’m going to get to the bottom of this if it’s the last thing I do.

 

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 208

Jane

The day after Paisley, Ethan and Nina arrive in the Dark Moon pack, we spend the day at the park with Devon and the other pups. We packed a picnic, went on a hike, and stopped at the playground afterwards so the pups could expend any energy they had left over. For the most part I watched Ethan with the pups, searching for any signs of strange behavior – anything that might explain the conversation I overheard last night.

I’m sticking close to Devon and seriously debating just coming out and asking one or both of the men what’s going on. However the fact that they’ve clearly been colluding to keep me in the dark all this time makes me think I’m better off investigating on my own.

I keep replaying their secretive whispers in my head, trying to untangle the hidden meanings in their words. For whatever reason, Ethan clearly asked Devon to look out for me and the pups. He’d said he didn’t have a choice… whatever that means. As I watched Ethan gallop around the playground with our pups today, I had to note that he certainly looked happy to be with them again.

He kept stopping to watch them play, an expression of joy and longing dominating his handsome features.

There was also a deep sadness I couldn’t place, one which kept creeping into his eyes every time he stopped for too long. Eventually one of the pups would notice and drag him back into the game, but something about it set off alarm bells in my mind.

My wolf would begin to whine and pace every time he started looking that way, insisting that something was very, very wrong. The more time that passed, the more certain I became that she was right, but I’m sure if I try to confront him about it he’ll jump down my throat. I have to bide my time, I have to figure this out without letting Ethan know I’m onto him.

After returning home, we made plans for the eight of us to go to dinner at our favorite restaurant, but when it was time to go the pups started insisting they should ride with Devon and Nina. This surprised us all, and we collectively froze, staring down at my mischievous quadruplets. Devon’s sedan was just barely big enough to hold the six of them, which meant Ethan and I would be forced to drive to the restaurant separately. “Pups, what are you up to?” I inquire. “Why are you so determined to ride with your Aunt and Uncle?”

“Cuz Devon has a really cool car, and we want to get to know Nina better!” Parker explains with an innocent smile.

“Now why don’t I believe you?” I respond, bracing my hands on my h**s and looking from one precious face to the next. My best guess is that they simply want to get me and Ethan alone together, but I’m not sure why they might think this would do any good. Alone time was never our problem.

“It’s okay, Jane.” Devon shrugs, “It’s only a short ride.”

“He’s right.” Ethan agrees, “Besides, I need to talk to you about a few things in private, this is as good a time as any.”

I’m sure the color drains from my face, I’m not sure I want to be alone with Ethan if this is the case.

Besides, I don’t trust that this isn’t some sort of clever scheme engineered by my babies. I keep watching the pups suspiciously, narrowing my eyes. “You four better not be up to anything.”I warn. “You’ll be in trouble if you are.”

“We promise, Mommy.” They chime in unison.

So Ethan and I leave for the restaurant, and I find myself squirming in my seat, my hands cradling my belly protectively when the baby begins to kick. I hiss in a gasp as a particularly sharp thump hits my uterine wall, and Ethan glances over in concern. “Are you alright?”

“This kid of yours is tap dancing on my bladder.” I inform him dryly, watching him closely for a reaction. A month ago I wouldn’t have dared to remind him that the pup growing inside me is his, but after last night all bets are off.

Ethan looks as though he’s fighting the impulse to speak, his lips twitching before he eventually breaks, “Can I?” He asks, lifting his hand towards my stomach.

“Go ahead.” I invite, bracing myself for his touch.

A moment later his huge hand is splayed over my belly button, and I hesitantly slide it to the left – to the spot where the baby was just kicking. It only takes a second before another thump crashes into Ethan’s palm, and now it’s his turn to gasp. For the briefest of seconds, I think I might glimpse wetness on his lashes, but then we stop at a red light and he promptly clamps his eyes shut.

Something’s wrong. My wolf insists for the dozenth time. His wolf doesn’t feel right. He hasn’t felt right since he rejected us, but now he feels really strange – like he’s only half there.

The baby seems to sense its father’s presence, because it really begins to wallop it’s tiny feet against Ethan’s hand now. “Oof, I guess it likes you.”I observe, feeling a bit short of breath from all the internal activity.

“You don’t know what it is yet?”Ethan inquires, removing his hand at last, and accelerating as the light changes.

“No, I wanted it to be a surprise.” I murmur, eyeing him curiously. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Oh.” Ethan blinks, almost as if he forgot. “I thought I might leave Paisley with you for a few weeks.”

“Really?” This wasn’t what I was expecting, but I’m beyond excited by this idea. “What about her school?”

He shrugs, “Its kindergarten. She can practice her shapes and letters just as easily here as she can at home.’

I suppose this makes sense, but I also don’t know why he’s suggesting this now – especially after turning up here without any warning. It’s not like him. “Ethan, is everything okay?”

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” Ethan assures me, not sounding entirely believable. “I just think she’s been missing you and the other pups.”

“Well we’d love to have her, as long as you don’t mind.” I offer, trying to drown out my wolf’s pitiful whines.

“Of course not. She should be with you all” Ethan responds easily, with complete conviction.

“Does that mean.. are you regretting taking her back?” I question, suddenly wondering if I misunderstood his conversation with Devon. Has my imagination been steering me in the wrong direction all along?

Ethan shoots me a look of genuine horror. “Never.”

He softens as we pull into a parking place in front of the restaurant. “I just know that it’s not the same. I feel guilty that I can’t give her everything she deserves.”

“Welcome to parenthood” I scoff, though not unkindly. I’ve struggled with the same thing from the day my babies were born, and I don’t know any parent who hasn’t.

“I know, but it was different before I knew you were alive. I didn’t know there was an option then.”

He admits, frowning as he exits the car.

I follow suit, wanting to ask a thousand questions and more, but before I can say another word, my phone chirps. I look down, seeing a message from Devon. You need to come home, the pups locked us in a closet.

When we arrive home a little while later, we find the pups huddled outside the coat closet, giggling up a storm. Their mouths drop open when they see us, “What are you doing here? Riley questions indignantly, “You were s’posed to go to dinner.”

I roll my eyes, nudging them out of the way so I can reach the door. “Lesson number one for kidnapping, my loves – confiscate your victims’ phones.”

The pups g***n, and I hear Ryder mutter, “We forgot the phones!”

I unlock the closet door, pulling it open to reveal a very disgruntled looking Devon and Nina. I usher them out into the open, “What happened!”

“Ask your pups.” Nina instructs, her eyes narrowed with rage.

Devon isn’t quite so annoyed. After all, they can’t have been locked up for more than fifteen minutes. “When we got to the car there was a nail in the tire. We came back up here to try and find your car keys and the pups told us they were in the closet. When I couldn’t find them Nina came in to help.. and the rest is history.”

I turn on my pups, crossing my arms over my chest. I’m about to scold them silly, but before I can say a word, Ethan’s laughter fills the air.”

Aren’t you clever, you sneaky sneaks!” He praises, ruffling their hair.

“Ethan.” I hiss pointedly, calling his attention to my stern expression.

“What?” he says, looking nonplussed.

“Is that really all you have to say to them?” I growl. “

They basically kidnapped our dates.”

“No, that’s not all I have to say.” Ethan answers, turning back to our children. I expect him to adopt his Alpha voice, to give them the lecture they deserve. Instead he kneels down to their level and pulls them into his arms. “I love you.”

I couldn’t be more shocked. I want to throw my hands up and demand answers, but before I can Nina stomps over to Ethan. “A word, Alpha?” She grits out, positively fuming.

He disappears with her into the quest bedroom, and I tum to Devon, more confused than I can remember being in quite some time, “What on earth is going on?”

And wouldn’t you l know it, but the beta lies right to my face. “Jane, I have no idea”

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 209

Jane

Before I became a mother I used to sleep like the dead. Truly, a tree could fall right by my bed and I wouldn’t wake. I always slept through the night, and I never struggled to rest in cars, trains or planes. Now a cricket can chirp a mile away and I’ll jolt up like someone has screamed in my ear. Of course it’s not only sounds and disturbances that wake me now. My wolf always knows when one of my children needs me – even if they don’t make a peep.

So when I wake in the middle of the night with my wolf urging me to check on the pups, I don’t question it. I slide out of bed and pull on my robe, striding out into the darkened apartment. I find Paisley standing in the middle of the hallway, staring at her father’s closed door.

“Paisley, why are you still up?” I whisper, coming forward and brushing her hair back from her eyes as she looks up at me.

“Cuz I can’t get in bed with Daddy when he’s with Nina.” She replies sadly. My stomach sinks, I hate the idea of Ethan sleeping with Nina too, and I wonder how many nights my little girl has stayed up this way, wishing she could be with him but feeling like she’s not allowed.

“Well why don’t you come get in bed with me?” I suggest warmly. “You know I miss my snuggle- bug.”

To my surprise, Paisley’s lower l*p quivers as is she’s on the verge of tears. She frowns up at me with wide eyes. “I can’t.”

“What? of course you can.” I encourage, leaning down to her level.

“No. Because Mommies always know when something’s wrong.” She whimpers, shaking her head.

My heart aches, and all my instincts tell me this is related to Ethan’s strange behavior. “That’s true.” I concede. “But you know, Mommies also know how to make things better.” I remind her gently.

Tears spill over Paisley’s lashes, and she sniffles hopelessly. “Not this time.” She murmurs miserably. “There’s nothing that can make this better.”

Something cracks open inside me, and it takes all my strength not to burst into tearS myself. Theres no worse feeling than seeing your child in pain and not being able to fix it for them. “Hmm, well how about this: Why don’t you come give me a cuddle, and we can talk about it and see if it’s really as bad as all that”

“No.” Paisley refuses, even as she climbs into my arms and wraps her little limbs around me. “I can’t tell you.”,

Kissing her wet cheeks and carrying her into the living room, I admit, “Paisley, I know something is going on with your Daddy.”

“You do?” She hiccups, not letting go of me even as I lower us to the couch. I carefully untangle her legs from my middle so that they rest on the cushions and I’m able to lean back completely.

“You said it, remember?” I ask when we’re finally settled. “Mommies always know.”

That was all it took. As soon as the words are out of my mouth, Paisley breaks down into sobs. I don’t want Daddy to die!”

My heart stops beating, and I temporarily forget how to breathe. She’s just a pup. I think frantically, she probably misunderstood something. “Oh my angel, why would Daddy die?” I ask, my voice suddenly very hoarse.

“Because his legs don’t work, and his wolf can’t get out!” Paisley wails.

“What do you mean his legs don’t work?” I inquire, feeling a flash of relief. She must have misunderstood. “He’s walking around like usual.”

She shakes her head. “He has these weird, fancy race things.”

“Race things?” I repeat. “Braces?”

Paisley nods, rubbing her red-rimmed eyes. “He has metal all over his legs, it walks for him.”

I don’t want to believe her, but suddenly all the tiny clues that have been piling up around me in recent months come together. This all started at the hospital in the Southern Isles, after Ethan had back surgery. His doctors wouldn’t tell me how things went because he wasn’t awake yet, even though they knew we were mates. When I finally saw him again his walking gate had completely changed, and he was always holding his body away from me, even on the few occasions we’d been close enough to touch.

“He’s paralyzed.”I realize, understanding at last that he must have been more severely hurt in his fight with Aimon than any of us knew. Suddenly I remember the King biting down on Ethan’s spine, and little by little the rest of the puzzle pieces lock into place. “He can’t shift. His wolf is trapped.”

“Mhmm,” Paisley confirms, still weeping, “and now he’s gonna have a surgry, but it’s probably gonna kill him!”

No! My wolf howls in misery. No, no, no. He can’t die!

“How long have you known about this?” I ask, trying to get ahold of myself.

“Since afore Christmas.” Paisley admits. “Is why I had to stay with him. He needed me to take care of him.”

“Oh Paisley,” I cry, hugging her close. “I’m so sorry, my poor sweet pup, I can’t believe you’ve been dealing with this all on your own.”

“She’s not on her own.” Nina’s voice interrupts us, and I turn my welling eyes to the other she-wolf. I was so preoccupied with my daughter I didn’t even notice her approaching us. “Paisley, you should go back to bed.”

“Don’t tell my daughter what to do.” I growl defensively, still hugging the precious bundle close.

“I’d like to speak to you in private.” Nina answers, unapologetic.

Sighing I k**s Paisley’s hair, “why don’t you go get in my bed, baby. Il be there soon.”

Paisley sniffles but obediently hops off the couch and disappears down the hall. Swiping at the tears on my cheeks, I stand and turn to face Nina.

“So she told you.” The other woman observes coolly.

“And thank the Goddess she did.” I bite. “Some one should have told me a long time ago.

“No one was going to go against the wishes of a dying man.” Nina hisses. “And you shouldn’t either. He’s trying to do the best thing for everyone involved here. You shouldn’t interfere.”

“But if none of it was real-“I object.

“But it was real, Jane.” Nine cuts me off. “He might have been motivated by things you didn’t understand, but he thought long and hard about this. You have no idea how much he struggled with this, how difficult it’s been for him to ensure your family and the pack will be okay after he’s gone. This is what he wants – you should respect that.”

“Oh my Goddess.” I realize suddenly, her words triggering thoughts of all the good luck I’ve had in recent months. All the things which have occurred that have helped secure my pup’s future and my own stability. “All the gifts.. the surprises. My mortgage, the lotteries – it was all him, wasn’t it?”

“Yes.” Nina scowls. “But that was for the pups, not you.”

“But Linda and Eric and Devon..” I trail off, thinking of my friends, everyone who has taken credit for Ethan’s kindness. “They were all in on it?

Everyone knew but me?”

“Ethan didn’t think you’d accept his decision if you knew the truth – but this is the way he wants it.

You need to allow him the dignity of dying on his own terms Jane.” Nina intimates, never softening her tone or wavering her expression.

“But this surgery, it might work – right? There’s no guarantee he’ll die.” I suggest, trying to understand.

“He has a 50% chance of survival, Jane.” Nina informs me simply. “He’s preparing for the worst because he’d be a fool not to. He has to prepare for the worst even as he hopes for the best. And if the best happens we’ll all be grateful, but it won’t change any of this. If Ethan had wanted your help he would have asked for it – instead he came to me.”

“And you’re happy are you? You’re pleased to nurse a dying man even though you know he can never give you a future or a family, knowing he already has his heirs?”

“He’s my fated mate.” Nina growls. “I don’t care what state he’s in, or what he can give me, my wolf needs his – and his needs mine.”

“And my daughter?” I hiss. “What are you planning on doing with her if the surgery fails?”

“That’s why he’s leaving her with you for the next few weeks – that way if the worst happens she’ll already be with you, and that’s where she’ll stay.”

Nina scoffs. “Haven’t you figured it out yet? That’s why we’re here. So he can say goodbye.”

“You mean it’s happening that soon?” I squeak.

“Of course.” Nina shakes her head. “Either he does this now, or his wolf is driven mad and his Beta puts him down.”

“I can’t believe this.” I murmur, so overwhelmed that all my feelings wink out, replaced with a yawning void.

“Believe it, Princess.” Nina derides. “This is the new reality, and we all have to live in it – for better or worse,

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 210

Jane

I call Linda first thing the next day, determined to figure out the truth. I’m still reeling from my conversations with Paisley and Nina, still trying to wrap my mind around the idea that Ethan is paralyzed.

I hate to think that all this has been happening right under my nose, and I feel so stupid for not seeing it sooner. My wolf tried to tell me that something was wrong with Ethan, but I was so ready to believe he didn’t want me. I expected him to hurt me, so I didn’t question it when he did – even though we’d come so far together.

My hands are shaking as I dial my best friend, wondering what Ethan could have possibly said to convince her to lie to me this way. She answers promptly, “Hello, my love.” Her voice is familiar and warm, and her betrayal cuts through me. Linda was my friend, not Ethans – she was supposed to be on my side no matter what.

“Linda,” I breathe, barely able to contain my hurt.

I’d planned on having an open and logical conversation with her, but now that she’s actually on the line, I don’t think I can. “Were you ever going to tell me?”

There’s a pregnant pause on the other end of the call, and when Linda finally answers her voice is stiff and stilted. “What do you mean?”

“I know about Ethan.” I declare hoarsely. “I know about all of it, and I’m just trying to figure out why you – my supposed best friend- didn’t think I deserved to know what was happening in my own life, to my own family?”

Linda curses under her breath. “Oh Jane,” She murmurs, sounding miserable now. “I tried to convince him to tell you. I tried to convince him not to go through with this ridiculous plan – but he had leverage-“

“What leverage could possibly be worth breaking my heart and depriving my children of their father?” I demand fiercely, interrupting her even though I know she’s trying to explain.

“We owed him everything, Jane. If it weren’t for him the Southern Isles would be in ruins, Eric would be dead and we never would have gotten to be together. Besides I hid you and the pups from him for years… I betrayed my Alpha, and he wasn’t going to let me forget it. He used his power and authority to make me promise… but more than that, it was his dying wish.” Linda shares, her voice growing thick with emotion. “I know how hard it’s been for you and I’m so sorry Jane, but it wasn’t easy for him either.”

I scoff, “well he certainly made it look easy. You should have heard the things he said to me… he knew all my weak spots and he struck every last one of them – knowing exactly what it would do to me, and then blaming me when I fell apart.”

“He was trying to protect you, Jane.” Linda growls.

I know he was cruel, but you didn’t see what I did.

You didn’t have his beta calling you in a panic because he was suicidal over losing you and the pups.”

“How in the hell would pushing me away protect me?” I exclaim, furious tears pouring down my cheeks. I can only handle one thought at a time, but her second point hasn’t escaped me. I can’t even imagine a suicidal Ethan. That’s not something I would think is even in his DNA. He’s always been so determined, so resilient, it seems impossible that he might consider ending it all.

“Don’t you get it!?” Linda counters, sounding equally angry now. “He couldn’t protect you. He found a way to fool the pack, but if anyone came after you or the pups, he’d be helpless to stop them. Besides, the longer his wolf is trapped, the more dangerous he becomes. He wasn’t going to risk going moon mad and hurting you or the pups.

Pain slices through me, “I thought… I assumed he was just being prideful, that he couldn’t stand the idea of being paralyzed, having to rely on others to take care of him,”

“Well you assumed wrong.” Linda snaps. “He did it all for you and the pups. And yes, he was a monumnental jerk when he ended things with you, but he’d only just gotten the news. When you came back and he saw how badly he’d hurt you, he decided to fight- but even then it was only in order for you and the pups to have a bright future.

He didn’t give a damn about himself.”

“That’s why he arranged all the gifts,” I guess, “that was his way of looking out for us even after he’s gone.”

“Yes.” Linda confirms, sounding very tired now.

You’re not the only one who’s been hurting Jane, and you at least had the pups. Before Matthew called Nina and Paisley came back, he was coping with all this on his own.”

“Wait a minute, Matthew called Nina?” I inquire, distracted again. “Nina told me Ethan reached out.”

“Then she was lying.” Linda explains. “Nina was there waiting when Ethan got home with Paisley.

She convinced him to let her stay and help.”

“She also told me that Ethan only sent all those gifts for the pups. She insisted that everything he said to me was real.” I relate, my heart suddenly pounding in my chest. Was she lying, is it possible that Ethan still cares? It feels dangerous to think that way, but my wolf is already getting carried away.

Linda rumbles a soft growl. “Then she’s up to something. The gifts were as much for you as they were the pups, and though he fully intended to push you away, he never wanted to. He loves you, Jane. He loves you enough to put your well-being above his own happiness – and he always has.”

“Really?” I squeak, not trusting the hope bubbling up inside me. Over the years I’ve learned just how dangerous hope can be, the mere hint makes my heart want to shut down, certain this is some sort of trick.

“Of course.” Linda doesn’t sound angry or frustrated anymore, only sad. “You have no idea how much it killed him to lie to you, to let Devon try to take his place. If you realized how deeply it pained him, you’d never even question it.”

“Where exactly does Devon fit in all this?” I suddenly inquire, realizing that my would-be boyfriend must have been in on this from the beginning. This explains their conversation the other night, and Ethan’s anger that Devon withheld the truth about his vampirism. If he wanted us to be safe, a vampire was probably the last thing he wanted.

“Where does Devon fit in all what?” A familiar voice sounds behind me. I turn, startled to find Devon standing behind me, a deep frown on his face.

“Speak of the devil.” I sigh, for Linda’s benefit. “

Linda, I’ve got to go. I’m sorry I came at you the way I did. Can we talk more later?”

“Of course.” She agrees. “I love you.”

“I love you too, talk soon.” I end the call and turn to face Devon completely, feeling at a loss.

“What’s going on?” He inquires, coming forward.

“Maybe you can tell me.”I answer Coolly. “It seems when you came clean about being a vampire you left out a few details. Like the fact that you’re only here because my mate is dying and somehow convinced you to replace him.”

Devon winces. “It wasn’t like that. I never lied about my feelings Jane. I’ve always loved you, and I truly want to be with you. That’s why I came clean in the first place.”

“But you knew about Ethan, didn’t you?” I interrogate. “You knew he still loved us and he only pushed us away to protect us. You knew that I didn’t have to be suffering that way.”

“Yes, I knew.” Devon confesses, staring me straight in the eye. “But you would have suffered either way. Ethan made up his mind and there was no arguing with him. You know what it’s like when an Alpha gives orders – you might be able to defy them as his mate, but the rest of us don’t have that luxury.” He reminds me. “I wish I could tell you there was another way, but if Ethan dies.. well, we thought it would be easier for you to move on if you hated him.”

Shows what they know. Ethan’s death was never going to be easy, because all my anger and hatred was just a mask for the loss of my mate – for a pain too unbearable to confront.

“And if he lives?” I demand, feeling more and more furious with myself for believing their lies so easily. I’m directing my anger outward now, but my wolf is howling in my head, horrified to think we had so little fate in our mate. “Did none of you think to tell me we might have a future together after all – or did you think I was too fragile to cope with any of this?” Devon sends me a truly pitying look, and I understand that I’ve missed something.

“What?” I prompt him fiercely. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Jane, if Ethan lives he’s going to marry Nina. That was their deal.” His words slam into me with crushing force, and suddenly it feels nearly impossible to breathe.

Pain tears through my midsection, and I bend double, clutching my belly as my uterine walls clamp and clench with excruciating force. Devon is immediately by my side, asking me what’s wrong. I can only whimper, “No, no! It’s too soon!”

“What is Jane? Talk to me, what’s happening?”

Devon begs.

I glance up at him with wide eyes. “I think the baby is coming.”