Ch. 211..215: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 211-215

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 211

Jane

The next few hours are a terrifying blur.

My labor came on fast after Devon revealed that Ethan is going to marry Nina if he survives his surgery. I suppose it was the shock, or perhaps all the stress of the last 24 hours building up and pouring over. Either way, my body quickly doubled over with contractions; and a fresh wave of fear assailed me. I’m only five months along, if I have my baby now it’s chances of surviving are next to nothing. Still, I know what labor feels like – even if I’d forgotten just how acute the pain is.

I read once that women have a special hormone which makes them forget just how traumatic childbirth is, so that they’ll be more willing to reproduce again. Right now I believe it – I remembered that the pain was extreme, but living it is another thing entirely. My body feels like it’s trying to tear me apart from the inside out, and suddenly I’m furious with Ethan for putting this child inside me – for causing me this pain.

At the mere thought of Ethan, my wolf begins to whine. I need him. I need him right now! Two days ago I wouldn’t have considered asking for him I still believed he hated me. But now I know the truth, and it’s impossible for me to hold back. “I want Ethan,” I m**n, belatedly realizing that Devon and I are no longer alone. The scent of a familiar and loathsome she-wolf is heavy in the air, and a moment later I hear her voice.

“Damn it. Get her to the hospital.” Nina orders sharply.

When the hell did she get here? I don’t want her here! She’s trying to steal my mate! I try to growl at the other she-wolf, but neither she or Devon seem to hear me. They continue talking as if I haven’t made a sound. I blink my eyes open, even though I don’t remember closing them. I look up at the ceiling, and confusion washes over me. I turn my head to the side, seeing Devon and Nina’s profiles towering over me.

When did I lie down? I wonder dazedly, groping for the ground beneath me. It’s soft and cushy, and I understand I’m on the couch. I want to speak, to tell these two to stop ignoring me and bring me my mate, but I can’t seem to summon the words.

“In the meantime I’ll call Matthew so he can tell Ethan some sort of emergency arose back home.”

Nina continues uninterrupted. “We can be gone within the hour.”

“What, why?” Devon inquires, clearly not understanding.

Because she’s a snake! I want to scream. She knows he won’t leave me like this.

“He can’t find out about this.” Nina explains, sounding exasperated. “If he thinks she’s in trouble he’ll drop everything. He’ll cancel the surgery.”

“Nina, that’s his decision.” Devon argues. “Im sure he can reschedule.”

“Of course he can reschedule, but if they make up then you and I will be screwed.” Nina insists, obviously annoyed that Devon isn’t happily going along with her plans.

“I think you underestimate Ethan, if you think he would change his mind that easily. You have no idea what they’ve already been through.” Devon defends. “And if he does change his mind, then we should let them be happy.”

“And what about our happiness?” Nina inquires fiercely. “They had their shot twice and look at how it’s turned out! Shouldn’t we get a turn, a shot?”

Stop standing there and talking! I want to cry, I need a doctor!

I know I didn’t actually say anything, but thank the Goddess Devon and I are on the same page. “I don’t have time for this.” He hisses. “I’m taking Jane to the hospital, but don’t expect me to lie for you Nina. If she asks me what happened, I’m going to tell her.”

“Im not concerned with Jane. She already did everything in her power to change his mind and it didn’t do any good. Ethan is the problem. Tell her what you like, and leave Ethan to me.” She sighs, sounding almost regretful then. “You’ll thank me for this one day. When you and Jane are happily married.”

“You underestimate Jane.” Devon informs her, sliding his arms beneath my body. I want to sit up and put my arms around his shoulders, but instead I feel my limbs hanging limply. “Mark my words, she’ll come after him when she’s better.”

“Well I won’t give him up easily.” Nina replies, “So if she does come, she’d better be ready for a fight.”

I don’t remember much after that. I only recall flashes – the inside of Devon’s car, being put on a gurney at the emergency room, nurses puncturing my skin with needles, and my doctor promising that everything will be all right.

From then on I only dream, my mind conjuring the different lives I might have.

I’m on a country road, traveling down a strange but lovely path. I’m surrounded by flowers on either side, in the middle of a sprawling valley. There are mountains in the distance, and moonlight casts shadows over the ground in front of me. I graze my fingers over the blooms burgeoning at my sides, moving forward even though part of me wants to stop and take in my surroundings. I cannot seem to slow down or make my feet still, and after a while I realize that I’m not traveling on a road at all, but in time. Time, which presses on whether we want it to or not, and regardless of whether we’re ready for the future awaiting us.

The time road suddenly splits in a prominent fork, and for the first time I have to decide which route to take. On the right I can see myself walking hand in hand with Devon, a baby strapped to my chest, with all four of my pups around us. The children are laughing and skipping along, and when I look up at Devon, there is a serene smile on my face.

Nina’s words ring in my head, warning me to be ready for a fight if I come after Ethan. At once I understand that this is the choice I must make. If I stay in the Dark Moon pack, I could have this idyllic future with Devon. Our love might not be the burning, passionate kind, but it would be strong and true. He would protect our family, and I wouldn’t ever have to worry that he would stray.

It’s sweet and secure, guaranteeing a loving father for my children, and safe harbor for my heart.

Almost compulsively, I look down the left fork, eager to see the alternative. At first I’m simply praying that Ethan will be there. After all, the Goddess has sent me visions before, and if this is no mere dream, then I might very well be seeing Ethan’s fate on the operating table.

I needn’t have worried – Ethan is alive and well on this road, though it takes my eyes a moment to adjust. Once they do, they fill with tears. I was expecting a picture similar to the one with Devon, an insight to what our lives will be like a few months or years down the road. Instead I see two young teenagers outside a bakery, bickering and flirting until the boy drops his head and claims a k**s which changes the girl’s life as she knows it. Ethan and I, the first day we ever acknowledged our feelings.

At first I wonder if that’s the moment I’ve been holding onto all these years – a childhood infatuation I’ve been clinging to even though those teenagers are long gone. Then I watch as the scene changes, showing me the day Ethan convinced me to elope with him. I watch our entire history unfold, for the first time seeing the events with Eve and Petra from his perspective. I keep watching, until we’re right up to Aimon’s defeat.

Over and over again, I see the same pattern unfolding: me being skittish and distrustful, and Ethan patiently and bossily guiding me back to my center- to him.

It’s almost too painful to watch the most recent chapter, but when it finishes Ethan and I shift into our wolves and take off into the night, together in our truest form. That’s the way it’s meant to be, I think wistfully. Not some unrealistic ideal of safe, pain-free love – but the riotous, all-consuming passion of our wolves. They’re the ones who chose each other, and they’re bond is too deep to ever break.It’s so clear now. For years Ethan has been putting in the work in our relationship. Chasing me down, proving himself to me, protecting our family over and over again. And now he’s made the greatest sacrifice of all. It’s my turn. I decide fiercely. He’s always been there to bring me home – even when I didn’t want to listen. He needs me to bring him home now, and I’m not going to let anything stand in our way -including his own stubbom will

An soon an I wake I’m going o tell Devon l’m sorry, and then I’m going to go back to the NighFang pack and make sue Ethan knows that I’ll be waiting for him when he comes out of surgery.

And it Nina tries to stop me? Well, let’s just say shall live to regret it

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 212

Jane

When I wake, my first thought is of my baby.

I jerk up in bed, clutching my belly. What happened? I think frantically. I try to take stock of my body. I certainly don’t feel like I’ve just given birth. As if my baby can sense my anxiety, a little kick taps the wall of my uterus. “Oh, thank the Goddess.”I breathe, patting the spot. “Hello angel.”

“Jane, you’re awake!” I hadn’t even realized Devon was in the room with me until he spoke.

“Devon!” I exclaim, “What happened?”

“The doctor said it was pre-term labor, but they were able to stop it.” Devon explains, and when he doesn’t say anymore, I suspect that’s all he knows.

It’s not surprising, given what I’ve learned about how strict doctors can be with patient confidentiality.

The words ‘pre-term labor’ send a stab of fear through my body. I’m only five months along, that’s too soon for this baby to be born. “Stop it for how long?” l inquire, even realizing my friend probably doesn’t know.

Thankfully a doctor swoops in at precisely that moment, a chart in hand. “Hello Jane, how are you feeling?”

“Okay,” I answer uncertainly. “Is my baby going to be okay?”

“Yes,” He smiles, “we think your cervix was injured when you delivered your quads, this happens sometimes with babies following multiples. But don’t worry, we’re going to put a stitch in your c3rvix to make sure it’s nice and strong, and we’ll give you a gel to apply daily, plus some progesterone shots. We’re going to do everything possible to keep this pup inside you until at least 37 weeks.”

“Will I have to be on bedrest until then?” I inquire nervously, immediately thinking of my plans to go after Ethan.

“No, once you’re released you can go back to your usual routine, but we are going to keep you here under observation for a while, just to be safe.” The physician explains.

“What, for how long?” I counter, trying to remember if Nina told me precisely how soon Ethan would be having his surgery.

The doctor laughs, “Don’t worry, Jane. It will only be a couple of days, and then you’ll be free to go.”

“That’s too long.” I insist. “Can’t you release me sooner?”

The physician sighs, coming to sit on the edge of my bed with a patient expression. “Jane, whatever else is going on in your life, it can wait. This baby isn’t ready to be born yet. If you were to deliver now, it would have less than a forty percent chance of survival, and even then it would probably have life-long problems. We need to get you to at least 24 weeks to be viable, but as long as you follow our instructions, there’s no reason to think you can’t carry to full term.”

I hug my round belly, knowing he’s right. I’ve been through this with the quads, who were born at 28 weeks, but even that had been a challenge, especially with Paisley’s heart condition. Three preemies was difficult, a fourth almost dying was heartbreaking. “Okay,” I nod, looking to Devon.

What day is Ethan’s surgery?”

He winces, sighing. “Three days Janey. First thing on Wednesday morning.”

“So if I’m released in two.” I muse aloud, quickly estimating that likelihood of it happening early enough in the day for us to make the drive and reach Ethan before he goes into the hospital.

Devon studies me closely. “If you want to go after him, I’ll take you as soon as you’re out.” He promises after a moment.

My l*p quirks as I recall his conversation with Nina. “You knew I would.”

“I did.” He grins, clearly thinking the same thing. “I wasn’t sure how much you were aware of, after you collapsed.”

“I heard everything. I confim. “And I’m not going to let that bitch get away with this.”

“Good.” He smiles, the expression bittersweet. He looks both proud and pained at the same time.

But Jane, we might not be able to get there in time – to see him before he goes under.”

“Then I’ll call him.” I decide, determined to do whatever it takes in order to reach him in time. I can’t let him face possible death without knowing that I love him, that I know the truth and I’m coming after him.

I see my phone sitting on my bedside table, and I eagerly reach for it, feeling a stab of guilt when I see the familiar photo of my pups on the lock screen. “Oh the pups.”I clamp my eyes shut, hating that it took me so long to think of them.

Are they okay, where are they?”

Devon smiles. “They’re in the children’s playroom, do you want to see themn?”

“Yes!” I exclaim eagerly.

The pups rush in a little while later, big smiles on their faces. Before the doctor can stop them, they climb up onto the bed and clamber around me. “

Hello my angels, how are you?” I cry, wrapping them in a fiveway hug.

“Jane they really shouldn’t-” The doctor tries to object, but I bare my teeth at him. No one keeps me from my pups.

Meanwhile the pups aren’t paying any attention to the man in the white coat. They’re smothering me in k****s and feeling my belly, all curiosity and relief. “Mommy this is getting ridiculus.” Parker tells me sternly, his small hands framing either side of my stomach. “If this new baby is gonna keep making you sick all the time, we’re gonna have some disgreements.”

“Do you want to tell the baby?” I inquire, stroking his dark locks. “You know it can hear in my tummy? It already has ears and everything.”

Parker’s eyes widen slightly. “Baby.” He says firmly. “You have to be nice to Mommy. She’s working very hard to grows you and is not very grateful to repay her like this”

“He’s right.” Riley chimes in, lowering her lips so close to my belly that they’re almost touching. “

You have to be gentles with Mommy. Daddy said So.

“When did your Daddy say that?” I ask curiously, petting her soft cheek.

“Right afore he left.” Ryder shares sagely, also patting my tummy. “I guess the baby didn’ hear cuz you were already here.”

My gaze immediately goes to Paisley, who is being very subdued. She’s curled under my arm, snuggled up to my side and simply watching the other pups lecture their unborn sibling. “It must have been really hard to say goodbye to your Daddy.” I observe, hating the serious expression she’s wearing.

Paisley glances up at me and nods. Her green eyes are shining, and I know she’s close to crying. “

Have you told your brothers and sister what’s really going on with him?”

She nods, sniffling, and the other pups raise wide eyes to me. “We wanted to tell you, Mommy.” Ryder confides, looking guilt-stricken.

I shake my head. “None of that is important now.

What is important is that we’re going after him.

Okay?”

“Really?” Paisley asks, no longer looking so upset.

“Yes my love, we’re going to face this as a family.

And before he goes into surgery, we’re all going to tell him just how loved he is, and how proud we are to be his family.” I insist. “The mean doctors are gonna keep me here for a while, but I want you to go home with Devon and pack your bags. As soon as I’m óut of here, we’re going to see him.”

I spend the next hour calling Ethan’s phone over and over again. It goes to voicemail every time, and eventually I get a message from Nina informing me that she’s changed my number in his phone to a photo-less contact titled, “spam likely”. I’m spitting with rage by the time that happens, and I try to call the pack headquarters, reaching out to Matthew and calling every number I can possibly think of.

It doesn’t do any good. Matthew tells me that Ethan made up his mind about this, and he wasn’t going to go against his wishes in his last days. The pack headquarters insist that Ethan is out of the office and also out of reach, but I know Nina must be behind this. I swear I could kill her, she doesn’t even know if Ethan is going to live, and she’s stealing my only opportunity to say goodbye to him.

In the end I have to wait until I’ve been released from the hospital. They don’t let me out until the end of the day on Tuesday, even though I begged and pleaded to be discharged. As soon as they do, Devon and I pile the pups into the car, and speed through the night, determined to reach Cite de la Nuit in time to see Ethan before his surgery. I wish I could say it had been enough. I knew almost soon as we set out that we didn’t have time to get there, but I was praying for the miracle.

But there was no miracle – we arrive at the hospital just after 8am, but surgery started at 6.

We’re too late.

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 213

Jane

When we arrive at the hospital, Ethan is already in the operating theater.

My heart sinks when the nurse at reception tells us we’re too late, but it stops beating completely when we walk into the waiting room and see Nina and Matthew seated on the uncomfortable couches. They’re both wearing guarded expressions, but neither can hide their surprise when Devon and I enter with the pups.

I’m sure in time we’ll have it out, but other than some narrowed eyes and posturing, neither one of them objects to our presence. In truth, they seem fairly resigned, and when I ask if there’s been any news, they simply frown and squeeze their linked hands. “Nothing yet,” Matthew shares. “The whole thing should take a few hours.. they told us that we’d get a chance to say goodbye if it doesn’t work.” It seems as if every word out of his mouth is accompanied by a wince. “He won’t wake up, but they’ll take us back before he goes.”

I can only nod, clutching Paisley tightly. All of the pups are upset, but she needs me more than the others right now. We pile onto one of the sofas together, all my babies gathered around me as we settle in for the wait. No one says a word, but in my head I pray and pray, begging the Goddess for a miracle. I’ve done nothing else over the last two days, and I can only hope she’s been listening.

I’m not sure how much times has passed, because every time I look at the clock my vision begins to blur and I have to clamp my eyes shut. The air is thick with tension, and every few minutes I catch Nina watching me. I can still hear her arguing with Devon in my memories and as badly as I want to lash out at her, I keep my mouth shut. She, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to share my restraint.

“I take it you didn’t actually go into labor the other day?” Nina observes after a while, nodding towards my belly.

“Actually I did.” I correct her, “but they stopped it – no thanks to you.” I add spitefully.

“Come on, Jane. You have to realize that none of this was personal.” Nina sighs in answer, rolling her doe-like eyes.

“Don’t give me that – if this is anything, it’s personal.” I counter. “It’s personal to you and me both. You might be fated, but I love Ethan. He’s everything to me.”

“I never said I didn’t love him.” Nina replies haughtily, but there’s a hidden well of emotion in her gaze, and I wonder if she isn’t making a confession. Unfortunately it disappears almost as quickly as it appeared, replaced with sharp accusation. “Not that it matters. I never even had a chance with him – he only ever wanted you.”

“I thought it wasn’t personal?” I mock, hating how childish I sound but not caring enough to change my tone.

“Why couldn’t you just stay away?” Nina exclaims, exasperated. “If he lives he’ll take you back in an instant and if he dies that no one will give a damn about me. Not when you were Luna for so long, and you have his pups.”

My wolf growls in my head. I hate to say it, but I’m actually feeling a little sorry for the other she-wolf.

She’s basically just admitted she has feelings for Ethan, and after years of living in someone else’s shadow, she finally got her chance – only to watch it slip away. I can certainly relate to that.

I’d thought she was only here to increase her own power, but looking at her now it’s only too easy to recognize the face of a woman driven out of her head by Ethan Blackwell. And I know because I see it in the mirror every day. She cared about Ethan enough to nurse him all these months, even knowing she might never gain anything in return.

“I’m sorry, Nina.” I exhale heavily. “If the worst happens, I promise not everyone will forget you.”

“You can’t know that.” She grumbles, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Yes I can.” I insist. “Because I’m not going to forget what you did for Ethan – what you sacrificed.” I promise, softening my tone. “But if he lives, I’m not just going to stand back and let you tảke him. I’m done letting people walk all over me.

I’ve been weak long enough.”

At first Nina’s expression was vulnerable, but now it hardens and she bares her fangs, “You can’t beat me in a fight, Omega.”

Fours small growls sound around me, and I see all my pups raising their hackles towards the she- wolf. A rush of pride washes over me, even though I have no intention” updated by jobnib.com” of letting my babies help me combat this woman. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” I tell her smugly, I have a whole pack on my side.”

Before Nina can answer, a white-faced nurse appears, and I immediately surge to my feet as fast as my pregnant body will allow me. Everyone around me does the same, and the scrub nurse looks back and forth between us in confusion.”

What’s happening?” Matthew asks anxiously.

The young practitioner takes a deep breath, and the ground suddenly feels as if it’s crumbling beneath my feet. I know whatever is coming next isn’t good. “Well, the initial operation was successful.” She explains. “The doctor was able to completely repair the Alpha’s spine.”

Nina is holding her breath beside me, and I understand the impulse. This sounds like good news, but the nurse is acting much too grim. When she continues, I know my instinct was right. “

Unfortunately however, there’s been a complication with the anesthesia. The surgeon has been trying to wake him for half an hour, but he’s not coming out of it.”

“What does that mean?” Devon presses, Wrapping a supportive arm around my shoulders.

“If he doesn’t wake up soon, he might go into a coma.” The nurse explains, frowning at the pups before looking back up at me. “He might never wake up.”

“They said we’d get to see him.” Matthew reminds her hoarsely. “To say goodbye, if it came to it.”

“Do you think we could go back now?” Nina asks excitedly.

“It would have to be one at a time.” The nurse hedges, wIinging her hands.

“I’ll go first.” Nina immediately announces, shooting me a glance as if the pups and I are just a second thought. “You can go with your litter afterwards.”

Ethan

My wolf races through the snowy mountains, bounding through thick white mounds of powder as evergreens whir past me at lightning speed. My heart soars – my inner animal hasn’t been free in so long that I almost forgot what this felt like. I can’t even remember when I was able to run this way last. I don’t even know where I am, but I don’t care.

Voices are calling to me from afar, at first too jumbled and cacophonous to distinguish, but slowly they come into focus. There’s one that’s only too familiar, one which calls to my wolf like nothing else. It feels as though they’re two halves of the same soul and yet, my wolf doesn’t want to follow it.

The faster he runs, the farther away that voice seems to float. and the strange thing is, I don’t miss it. It almost feels as though my wolf is searching for something – but what?

There’s a white light in the distance, and I feel like a pup again, without a care oI responsibility in the world. There is only the promise of peace, and I’m so exhausted that I’d do any thing to attain it. I can finally rest. I think dazedly, despite the fact that I can’t remember why I’m so tired.

The light is getting closer and closer now, and I pick up my pace, desperate to reach it. I feei like I’m flying, as if my feet might leave the ground permanently at any moment. Yes. I chant in my head. At last.

A single second before I thought I might actually sprout wings, another voice breaks through the serene mountain air. It’s melodic and silky, filling my senses like a ray of sunshine. “Ethan,” it resonates, making my heart pound and my feet slow. “Don’t go. Come back to me.”

I know that voice. My wolf pauses, looking back over our shoulder and gazing into the endless forest. Unlike the first voice, this one makes me stop dead in my tracks. It doesn’t feel like it belongs to some distant part of me, instead it’s like a torch that sets my soul alight. It’s not peaceful, or comforting. It’s a burning, all- consuming flame which illuminates the world around me. For the first time I realize that nothing had been in color before this moment, but now that I hear her, the monochrome landscape bursts into a riot of brilliant pigment, each one more vibrant than the next.

Jane. I realize, finally recognizing the source. I start to turn back towards the beautiful sound of my mate, but for some reason my body continues tò float towards the white light. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to go back. No! It can’t be too late.

But the more time that passes, I realize that it can.

I think I’ve gone too far.

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 214

Ethan

I blink my eyes open to bright white lights and the sterile scent of a hospital.

It takes a few moments for my senses to focus on the details around me. At first I see only my surgeon’s face hovering above me. Has the surgery not begun yet? I wonder dazedly. I could have sworn I’d already started counting backwards for the anesthesiologist.

But when my doctor speaks, there’s a smile in his voice. “Welcome back Ethan. Everything went perfectly. You’ve been asleep for a while, but your family is eager to see you.

My family, I muse, the wheels in my mind turning much too slowly. Does he mean Nina and Matthew? But even as I think these words, my wolf pipes up.

I smell Jane. I smell the pups! They’re here! He exclaims.

No, they can’t be. It’s not possible. I reply, groaning internally at the pain this simple fact causes me.

Jane’s scent washes over me, much too potent to be my wolf’s imagination. Gentle fingers stroke my cheek, and the next thing I know, her sweet voice is floating through my consciousness. “Open your eyes, Ethan.”

I hadn’t even realized that I closed them again. I’m hovering on the edge of sleep, barely able to tell dreams from reality. I shake my head stubbornly, determined to stay in the dream. “No.” The word is little more than a whisper, my lips slurring the hard consonant. “Wanna stay.. in dream.”

I feel soft, familiar lips graze my temple, and I want to cry for wanting Jane. “Okay, my love.

There’s no rush.”

She feels so real- sounds so real. My wolf is whining in my head, and I gradually lift my heavy eyelids, caving to his pressure. At once I see Jane’s stunning features hovering above me. Her face is blurred around the edges, like an out of focus photo, but I don’t care. She’s beaming down at me, her emerald eyes swimming with tears. “Hello mate

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so beautiful, and suddenly I’m afraid I imagined the doctor’s words. “Am I in heaven?” I murmur, trying to reach for her but realizing I can’t lift my hand. That fact alone tells me this isn’t entirely my imagination – if I had it my way she would already be in my arms.

“No, of course not.” Jane answers, caressing my jaw. “You’re just a little hazy from the drugs.”

“How… how is this possible?” I mutter, sounding completely drunk.

“It’s all okay now, Ethan.” She soothes, using the same loving tone I’ve often heard her use when the pups are upset. “The surgery was a success. You’re going to be able to walk again – your wolf won’t be trapped anymore.”

My mind is moving at a sluggish pace, but the mention of my surgery jolts me into the present quicker than anything else. “You mean you know?”

“Yes, you impossible man.” Jane replies, hiccupping a laugh. “I know.”

No, no, no! Now that my mind is working, waves of violent emotion are slamming into me one after the other. This isn’t right. She can’t know. “No,” I manage to shake my head, my voice sounding strangled. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Hush now.” Jane croons. She strokes my hair back from my crown, and something deep inside of me starts to crack. “We have a whole lifetime to fight about this, Ethan.”

I can’t even begin to decipher all the feelings warring inside of me, I only know I’m suddenly drowning beneath the onslaught. It’s a giant tangle of fury, anguish, guilt, fear, grief and the Goddess only knows what else. I jerk against the dead weight of my arms and legs, hating that I can’t move. I growl my frustration into the to0-bright room, and the machine beside me starts beeping faster and faster. Suddenly the doctor reappears, replacing Jane. “Easy Alpha, this happens sometimes with anesthesia. Just give it some time and the mood swings will pass.”

“I don’t think it’s the drugs.” Jane’s voice intimates, sounding pained. “It’s me.”

“I think maybe you should step out, maybe send his mate in.” The doctor suggests, sounding farther away now.

A ferocious snarl rips out of my chest at the suggestion. My mate is already here! My wolf thunderS. I want to shout at the man for suggesting Jane leave, but I can’t make the words come, as if some part of me is still enough in control to realize admitting this would be a disaster.

Despite my lack of speech, they seem to get the message. “Nevermind.” The doctor sighs, stepping back.

Jane returns to my side, and though she looks a bit subdued, there’s still a stubborn tilt to her mouth that tells me she hasn’t given up. “You shouldn’t be here.” I tell her again, knowing precisely how contrary I sound.

“Are you sure about that?” Her l*p quirks and I want to throttle her and k**s her at once. “You didn’t seem to like the idea of me leaving.

“That was my wolf.” I mumble drunkenly, “He’s not being reasonable.”

“I see.” Jane observes smoothly, a sharp edge entering her voice. “So you think it was reasonable to push me away for the sake of your own stubborn pride? To break my heart and the pups’?”

“I never wanted to hurt you.” I fight back a sob, wishing for the thousandth time that I could move.

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“Shhh,” Jane breathes, glancing at the racing heart monitor again. She lowers her cheek to my chest, as if she’s trying to hug me without actually jostling my body. Instead she lets me feel her warm curves pressing against my side, her slender limbs cradling whatever they can reach. It’s a terribly awkward position, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t effective. I can feel my wolf calming by the second, and I manage to lift my arm for the first time, circling it around her back to hold her close.

Something tiny bumps my h*p, and I realize it’s the pup in her belly, kicking out to say hello. A few stray tears escape the corners of my eyes, “Why are you doing this to me?” I inquire desperately.

Jane doesn’t move an inch, in fact if anything she simply cuddles closer. “Because mates give each other what they need, even when they don’t want…

“Don’t you see that’s what I’m trying to do!”I rumble in agony. “I’m no good for you. You deserve better.”

“I disagree, and so do the pups.” Jane informs me simply. “You’re always taking care of everyone else, Ethan – even when it kills you. Now it’s time you let us return the favor.”

“No.” I growl, trying to sound authoritative even though I’m still slurring like a man who’s ten drinks in. “Im the Alpha, I make the rules.”

The brazen she-wolf only laughs, and the sound wraps around me like a warm blanket. “Trust you to issue orders when you’re high as a kite and weak as a kitten.”

“This isn’t a joke, Janey.” I reply fiercely, knowing my body is betraying me even as I scold her. As my body slowly wakes it only pulls her closer and closer, and I’m sure she’s going to be in the bed with me before too long. There’s a sharp intake of breath, and Jane turns her face into my muscular pec as if to hide herself from view.

“What is it?” I demand, looking around the recovery room. We’re alone in a closed off bay, surrounded by curtains.

“Nothing, you just… you haven’t called me that in so long.” She answers, her voice thick with emotion.

I wince, realizing I’ve slipped up again. “It was just a force of habit. It doesn’t mean anything.” I answer, only half lying. If my wits were sharper I wouldn’t have slipped up, but it sure as hell means something.

“You’re lying.” Jane replies with a sniffle, sounding emotional but certain. “You can growl and snarl all you want, Ethan. Try to push us away until you’re blue in the face. We’re not going anywhere.”

“You’re supposed to be with Devon.” I remind her, “

And I’m marrying Nina as soon as I’m well enough.”

Now it’s Jane’s turn to growl. I’m glad she can’t see my face, because the sweet omega’s jealous snarl has me smiling like an idiot. “Over my dead body.”

I sigh, deciding there’s no use arguing about this now. “How did you find out about this anyway?”

“It was Paisley. She’s been so worried about you.” A note of disapproval enters her voice, and I know mama wolf is rearing her head. “What were you thinking – asking such a little one to lie for you?”

“I didn’t want to.” I confess. “She figured it out all on her own. I tried to explain that this was for the best. I told her that she needed to stay with you over and over again, but she vowed to keep running away until I let her stay.”

Before Jane can answer, I realize that my neck and arms aren’t the only limbs waking up. My legs feel weighed down and leaden- but I feel them.

There’s a muscle ticking in one of my thighs, and a strange tingling in my toes.

“Oh my Goddess.” I utter in amazement. “It really worked. Jane, I can feel my legs!”

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 215

Ethan

As soon as I announced that feeling had returned to my lower limbs, the doctor promptly reappeared to run a few tests. He forced Jane to move away from me, which I both hated and appreciated – it’s impossible to think clearly when she’s so close – before poking and prodding my extremities with a pleased expression.

“As I said, everything looks great, Ethan.” He concludes, “it couldn’t have gone better, even if the anesthesia did give us some trouble. I’m thrilled with these results.”

“How soon will I be able to walk again?” I ask eagerly. “And shift, how soon can I shift?”

“Well you’re in much better shape than most patients because your braces have been regularly exercising your joints and ligaments.” He begins evenly, but you have lost some muscle tone because they haven’t actually been putting in the work of moving you around.”

“So he’ll need physical therapy?” Jane guesses, standing near my head.

“Yes, though since wolves heal so quickly, it shouldn’t take too long.” The doctor smiles. “As for shifting, as soon as your Body can manage the strain, you should transform. I know your wolf is dying to get out, and it’s important to give him the freedom he seeks as soon as you’re able – for the sake of your mental health.”

“Can you give me a ballpark?” I request, gnashing my teeth. “Are we talking days, weeks or months?”

“It could be days, or it could be a few weeks.” He answers with a shrug that makes me want to growl. “Every body is different.”

“But he’s an Alpha.” Jane reminds the physician. I think I detect a note of humor in her voice, as if she’s teasing me for my earlier words. However when I look at her, I see only an expression of pure innocence. “Shouldn’t he heal faster, the more power he has?”

“Listen,” The doctor sighs, “In all likelihood, he will heal more quickly than other patients because he is so powerful, but I don’t like to give my patients false expectations. It’s critical to be realistic about your recovery so that you can manage your feelings and expectations as you progress.”

“So prepare for the worst but hope for the best.” I assess, repeating the mantra I’ve been using to guide all my plans thus far.

“Exactly.” He agrees, “Now, I’m going to go ahead and update your other visitors now you’re awake. I don’t want to overwhelm you, so I’m going to limit it to two at a time.” He’s glancing curiously at Jane, and I’m sure he’s wondering about our relationship. As far as my pack knows, Nina is my mate. I’m sure she’s one of the others in the waiting room, and though I don’t want Jane to leave, I know it’s for the best. I can’t let her think that her scheming is going to pay off. As hard as it is, I have to continue with my plans for her own good.

“Can’t the pups see him at once?” Jane requests, sounding hopeful. “I mean, if we stack them on top of each other it would be the equivalent of two adults.”

I’m chuckling before I can really process her words. It’s been so long since I heard Jane joke or make light of anything. I’m thrilled to see her so playful and confident, which is only further evidence of Devon’s good influence. When Jane was with me she was a basket case, but with him she’s returning to her old self. “Wait,”‘ I exclaim once I’ve finished admiring her joke. “The pups are here?”

As if they’d been waiting for their cue, suddenly four tiny bodies rush in, surprising us all. “Daddy, Daddy! We made you a card!” They cry crowding around my bed.

Pure joy explodes in my chest, making my heart swell so large I worry it might burst right out of my ribcage. Paisley, Riley, Ryder and Parker are all here, grinning up at me with unconditional love and happiness. “Pups, I can’t believe you’re here!”‘ I proclaim, pushing myself up into a sitting position. “I’m so glad to see you all.”

Jane promptly steps closer, wrapping her arm around my back to help support me. My wolf purrs to feel her so close, but my attention is still locked on my beautiful pups. I could honestly cry – I wasn’t sure I was ever going to see them again, and now they’re here with me, clamoring to hug me.

Four small voices all rise with the same eager question. “Mommy can I gets in the bed with him?”

Jane, in turn, looks to the doctor, who exhales with obvious resignation. Clearly he sees there’s not going to be any crowd control with this bunch.

Only if you stay beside him.” He answers. “No climbing on top of him, and no rough housing.”

The next thing I know, the bed wobbles as the pups climb up the legs, climbing onto the mattress with me. Four small bodies pile around me, and I pull them close, raining k****s over their sweet faces. “Oh, my angels, I love you so much. I’m so happy you’re here.”

Paisley is wedged between Jane and I, her little arms sliding around my neck, “Daddy, I’ve been so scared!” She tells me, burying her face in the curve of my neck. Wetness seeps into my skin, and I purr for her the way I’ve done since she was just a baby.

“Daddy how are you feeling?” Riley inquires, snuggling up to my other side.

“Relieved.” I confess, my eyes burning. All this time I’ve been telling myself that Jane and the pups would be fine if I died, but the truth is that I’ve been beyond worried to leave them alone in the world. I don’t want to frighten the pups with too many grave feelings, but I don’t want to lie to them either. I’ve done enough lying for a lifetime, and as distraught as I am to discover Jane knows the truth now, I’m so thrilled to finally be able to speak openly with my family. “I was so afraid I’d never see you again.”

“We’re ‘lieved too, Daddy.” Ryder shares, giving me a toothy smile. “We didn’t know what was gonna happen.”

“Pups there you are!” Devon’s voice sounds from the curtained doorway, and when I look up, I see him standing there with his hands on his h**s.

What were you thinking, sneaking back here?”

“Did you find them?” Nina’s voice precedes her by a few moments, and then she’s there too, looking in on the scene with wide eyes. “Ethan, you’re awake!”

She rushes forward. “Thank goodness! I was so worried when you didn’t immediately wake up.”

“Ah yes, I was about to come tell you.” The doctor states simply, “It seems Ms…” He pauses, realizing that Jane still shares my name. “Blackwell was able to get through to him.”

“What?” I inquire, baffled.

“You were having some trouble finding your way back to us.” Jane shares, still tucked against my side. She glances at Nina then, as if she’s unsure whether to continue. “We started coming back one by one to try and help.. and to say goodbye if we failed.”

One look at Nina’s face tells me that she had visited me before Jane. I curse internally, that’s definitely not going to help with rebuffing Jane.

She knows my wolf responded to her over my fated mate. Suddenly I realize that my dream was no mere fantasy. I’d heard Nina calling to me in my subconscious – but I hadn’t wanted her. I’d only wanted Jane.

“I’m just glad it worked.” Nina announces stiffly, patting my shoulder. “Now we can pick up where we left off.”

I’m thankful for her determined statement. That’s exactly what I need right now, a buffer between Jane and I to ensure my lovesick wolf doesn’t give in to her charms.

“Alright, now I really must insist that some of you return to the waiting room, we don’t want to overwhelm the Alpha.” My surgeon declares.

“Come on, Jane.” Devon extends his hand to her, you should get off your feet for a while.”

Jane rolls her eyes. “I’m fine Devon”

“I dunno Mommy, the doctor did say you should take it easy.” Parker asserts, watching Jane with a bemused expression. I can only smile, only five years old and my heir is already taking charge. I’m so busy admiring his strength that it takes a moment for his words to click. “The doctor?”

Ryder pipes up next, from my other side. “Yeah, we would have been here sooner – xcept Mommy was in the hospital.”

“What?” I demand fiercely, raking my eyes over Jane.

She’s frowning at Ryder. “Oh sweetheart, that might have been the best way to break the news.”

“What news!” I exclaim. “Are you alright? Is the baby?”

“We’re fine.” She assures me, “you’re the one who is recovering.”

“Explain.” I order, attempting to glare my beautiful mate into submission. “right now.”