Ch. 215..220: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 215-220
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 216
Ethan
Jane notches her chin up defiantly, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s nothing, we had a little scare but I’m fine.”
“Now why don’t I believe you?” I rumble ominously. I rake my eyes over her body, searching for signs of illness. Her skin is glowing and dewy, and after so many months of horrible morning sickness, her figure has rounded out to be full and lush. The only hint of distress I can decipher are the dark circles under her eyes, but those could easily be the result of traveling with a litter of five year olds and waiting for news of my surgery.
“Devon?”I turn to my old friend, praying that he can be trusted to tell me the truth when my wayward mate will not.
“It was just a bit of pre-term labor Devon explains, shooting a reluctant look at Jane. “The doctor was able to stop it before she got too far along.”
“Traitor!” Jane accuses, narrowing her eyes at Devon.
“Don’t get mad at him, you should have told me.
“Don’t get mad at him, you should have told me yourself.”I scold, untangling my arm from Paisley and Riley in order to reach out and feel Jane’s round tummy. My hand splays over her belly button, “Why did it happen, how are they going to stop it from happening again?
“My c3rvix was struggling to handle the weight of the pup, that’s all.” Jane sighs, guiding my hand around the way she had in the car, moving it so I can feel the movement of the babe in her womb.
It’s not kicking like before, but simply fluttering like a butterfly’s wings against my palm. I imagine the pup doing somersaults in its protective bubble, and love surges in my veins, making me feel as if I’m back in my dream and flying through the mountains as my wolf It’s the most incredible indescribable feeling. “It really does like you, you know.” Jane observes with a tender smile. “It doesn’t move this way for anyone else.”
Jane’s eyes are bright and shining, but I know her Wiley ways too well. The clever creature is trying to distract me, to make me rethink my plans for the future, “Stop trying to butter me up and tell me what the doctor’s advised. Why aren’t you resting?”
“I don’t have to rest, I just have to do some daily injections and use this progesterone gel. It’s really fine, Ethan.” Jane answers, rolling her eyes.
I arch my brow in challenge, pinning my mate with a disapproving scowl. She softens slightly, lowering her eyes to the ground and making my wolf purr with pleasure. Instead I look to Devon,”
Why didn’t you tell me?
Before he can answer I catch Matthew and Nina exchanging a worried glance, with the latter shifting nervously on her feet. Before anyone says a word, I realize that something isn’t adding up.”
Wait a minute,” I say, turning back to Jane. “When did you find out?” Ryder had said they would have been here sooner if it wasn’t for Jane’s hospitalization, which means they must have had at least 24 hours notice before my surgery. So why hadn’t I heard from them? If Jane was determined enough to drive through the night to reach me, surely she would have tried contacting me in other ways.
“Paisley told me on your last night in the Dark Moon pack, Jane remarks smoothly.
Unfortunately, I went into labor before I could confront you. As for why no one told you about my condition?” She turns her fiery eyes on Nina. “I think that’s a question for your fiancee. Didn’t you wonder why she rushed you out of the city so quickly?”
My wolf surges to the surface, but I instinctively sense that it’s too soon for him to emerge. I’m not strong enough yet, even if this conversation is pushing my temper right to the edge. “Jane, please take the pups back to the waiting room. I need a word with Nina, Matthew and Devon”
I want to stay.” Jane counters immediately. The pups can go to the supervised children’s play area of course, this prompts the pups to immediately object as well, insisting they should stay too.
I wasn’t asking I reply stonily, letting some of Alpha influence enter my tone The pups obediently climb down off the bed, but my stubborn mate is another matter entirely. Jane squims in response to the power washing over her, but she doesn’t budge, instead digging in her little heels and shooting me mutinous glances from beneath her lashes. Oh Goddess, don’t look at me like that, baby. I think, wishing I could k**s her pouting lips without ruining everything I lower my lips to her ear, unable to keep the gravel out of my voice. “Be a good girl and go have a snack or put your feet up for a bit.” I command. “
Trust me, I’m nowhere near being finished with you, but right now I need to sort a few things out with this lot.”
Jane peeks up at me uncertainly, but my words seem to mollify her. She leads the pups out of the room, cradling her pregnant belly in one hand. As soon as their footsteps disappear into the distance,
I turn on the three remaining wolves. “What the f**k happened?”
Slowly the story comes out. First about Jane’s collapse in the apartment, and Nina’s insistence that Devon remove her before I could learn the truth. Then the hidden-phone calls and subterfuge to keep Jane from getting in contact before my surgery.
“We were just trying to follow your wishes.” Nina concludes mildly, reaching for my hand.
I jerk it away. “Don’t you dare.” I growl. “You knew I would want to know about Jane. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have conspired to get me out of the city before I could find out. You knew I would delay the surgery.”
“And if you had then it might have been too late!
Nina exclaims defensively. “Jane and the pups are fine, we had to do what was necessary to ensure you would be too.”
“But you didn’t know she was fine!”I thunder, rattling the curtain rods surrounding the bed. “She might have needed me, but you intentionally kept me in the dark and we both know it wasn’t for my sake! It was for yours!”
“Don’t take this the wrong way Ethan, but you’ve been doing exactly the same thing to Jane for months” Devon interjects, frowning deeply. “What you’re feeling now is a fraction of what you put her through.”
I know that!” I hiss. “But Jane has never been a danger to me! I kept her in the dark to protect her, you kept me in the dark when she might have really needed me!”
“We were just trying to fulfill your wishes…
Matthew insists, speaking up for the first time.
We thought that you wanted to keep her as far away as possible.”
I turn to glare at Matthew, “I wanted to keep her away from me, not neglect her when she was in trouble”
“You can’t have it both ways, Ethan” Devon counters gruffly, “You can’t keep Jane out of your life and still ask for the right to interfere in hers
“Why not?” I demand. “What is so wrong with wanting to care for her from a distance? I disqualified myself as her mate a long time ago.
I’m just trying to make amends.”
“It sounds more like you’re trying to punish yourself” Devon grumbles, “you’ve decided you aren’t good enough and you don’t even care whether she and the pups agree” He scrubs his hand over his face, looking exhausted “Look brother, I know I’m not exactly your favorite person right now, and I probably don’t have any business advising you about anything after my own deception but Jane is a big girl and she knows what she wants. At a certain point you have to stop patronizing her and respect her own right to decide what’s best for her.
I destroyed her I remind him, my frustration growing more profound with every word of this conversation. “I did unforgivable things which can never take back Jane might be willing to forgive me, but that’s not because I deserve forgiveness it’s because she’s too kind for her own good.”
The others stare at the ground, unable to argue with my logic “I want better for Jane than she would want for herself, and if that’s a crime then you can just add it to my list of offenses. It will certainly have plenty of company.”I continue, replete with renewed certainty. “Punishing myself isn’t a bad thing when it’s warranted. I probably deserved to die, but the Goddess saw fit to give me a second chance and I’m not going to waste it.”
Matthew shakes his head, “Ethan, has it occurred to you that giving Jane what she wants might be better for her, even if the thing she wants is you?
“Matthew, every time I try to do the right thing in this relationship, it ends up backfiring horribly “I grit out, lifting my fingers to list off the evidence I tried to protect her by putting her on house arrest, and she was demeaned and demoralized. I tried to convince her to stay with me, and our pups were kidnapped and they all almost died. I tried to break things off to keep her out of harm’s way, and in doing so I crushed her spirit and pushed her into the arms of a vampire! I exclaim, glancing apologetically at Devon and adding, “no offense.
“None taken He remarks dryly.
The point is that I can’t be trusted to be anywhere near Jane or my pups, because one way or another, I’ll find a way to ruin it! I’m a broken person.”I look to Nina then, “Besides, I’m a man of my word, and I made a promise.”
Nina blinks, “You mean.. are you saying that we can still get married?
I nod. “Im not happy with you right now, but yes.
When I’m well enough and things with Jane and the pups are settled, we’ll get married just like we planned.
“And how are you going to settle things with Jane?” Devon inquires.
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you all.” I answer.
I need your help – just one last time.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 217
Jane
By the time Ethan finally calls me back in to see him, he’s been moved into a private room in the hospital’s VIP wing. I leave the pups with Devon, eager to have some more alone time with my stubborn mate. I know he’s still reeling from everything which has happened in the last few days, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let him push me away again. Now that I know what he’s thinking, I feel ready for anything..
When I arrive upstairs, a pair of male nurses are helping Ethan try to stand. His back is to me, so I pause in the doorway to watch, my heart thumping loudly in my ears. “Okay Alpha, we re just going to try and put some weight on your legs. Take it slowly, and don’t be surprised if it doesn’t happen right away. These things take time.”
Ethan grunts and nods, using his hands to push off the bed while the nurses spot him. Through the open back of his hospital gown I can see a thick white bandage plastered to his spine, and as he gets his feet underneath him, I’m also treated to a flash of his sculpted behind. I barely fight the impulse to wolf whistle, afraid of startling him when he’s so unsteady.
I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until I see Ethan straightening up, standing on his own for the first time in months. Pride and happiness wells up inside of me, and my wolf dances for joy in my head. He’s really going to be okay.
Ethan manages to take a few steps, the nurses praising him with every inch of progress he makes. I can’t see my mate’s face, but I can only imagine the maelstrom of emotions he’s feeling joy, relief, impatience, restraint, frustration with his wolf. Almost as if he heard my thoughts, he shakes his head, “Damn, my wolf is really pushing to get out”
“I’m sure he is, but you need to wait until you’re able to get around better.” One of the nurses advises. Ethan is walking without their assistance, heading for the restroom, but it’s very slow going.
The three men disappear inside for a moment, and I hear the unmistakable sounds of a flushing toilet and running sink. When they reappear in the doorway, Ethan doesn’t look the least bit surprised to see me. I realize he probably smelled me the moment I arrived, and part of me wonders if he hadn’t been showing off for me – just a little.
“Spying little wolf?” He inquires, watching me with more warmth than I’ve experienced in a very long time.
“Peeping actually.” I correct him cheekily. “Those with more warmth than I’ve experienced in a very long time.
“Peeping actually.”I correct him cheekily. “Those gowns give quite a view”
Ethan chuckles as he climbs back into bed, thanking the nurses and dismissing them. Once they leave, he pats the mattress beside him in invitation, and I slowly move forward, feeling both hopeful and uncertain. “How are you feeling?”I inquire, gingerly sliding onto the raised bed.
Ethan shifts onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow so he can hover over me while I rest on my back. His free hand automatically goes to my belly, and I feel the sudden urge to cry. I’ve been craving this closeness from him for so long, it’s difficult to believe this is real. “I feel better than I have in a long time.” He finally answers, his deep voice low and even.
I want to ask him a thousand questions and more, but as determined as I am to restore our relationship, I can’t help but feel a bit skittish with him. I know he pushed me away to protect me and that he still loves me, but I’m also afraid he’s going to continue rejecting me. I want to steal as much time with him as I can before that happens, before I have to go on the offensive. So instead of saying what I really wish, I ask, “Aren’t you worried about the pack finding out about all this Ethan shrugs, “All the hospital staff are under NDAs. And it would be different if the surgery hadn’t worked. Now that I’m on the mend l’ll be able to defend my title again”
I nod, recognizing the truth of his words. The people might be furious he lied, but unless someone is able to steal his position as Alpha, the scandal won’t truly hurt him beyond his approval ratings. I’m still processing his words when his knuckles graze my cheek, and I realize he’s been intently watching me. “Did you get some rest?
“With four little ones?” I snort, “hardly.” Instead the pups and I had gone to the cafeteria and filled up on jello. I normally wouldn’t have permitted such a treat so early in the day, but my pregnancy cravings had been demanding I indulge in the dessert myself, which would have made denying it to the pups very difficult indeed. Right on cue, a huge yawn overtakes me, and I find myself blushing. “Sorry, it was a long night.”
“Don’t apologize, sweetheart.” Ethan murmurs,stroking my hair. “I want to let you sleep, but we need to talk about something first.”
I grimace. “I don’t think I like the sound of that.
Ethan offers me a sad smile, “I want you to listen to me very carefully, Jane.” His hands are still petting me in familiar, soothing patterns, and I immediately understand that my instincts were correct. I’m not going to like whatever comes next…
“I already know what you’re going to say, Ethan.”I interrupt, hating how vulnerable I feel lying under him this way. It’s very difficult to be intimidating when prone beneath a lethal predator, with all the grace and agility of a beached whale. “And I’m telling you right now that I’m not going to go along with this. I’m not going to let you push me away anymore. I know you did all this because your wolf was trapped and we weren’t safe with you. I know you made promises to Nina. But I’m not going to let her take you from me because of a few months of strife. You’re my mate, not hers.”
“Jane, this is about so much more than my wolf.”
Ethan corrects me grimly, “I love you more than anything, but disqualified myself as your mate long before any of this began.” Pain blooms in his dark eyes, and I immediately open my mouth to argue. I can’t stand to see him in any more pain, not after everything he’s been through. However, Ethan’s finger presses to my lips before I can conjure the words.
With a rush of defiance, I catch the offending finger between my teeth, nibbling Ethan’s thick digit and flicking my tongue against the tip. Ethan g****s and his eyes flash. The next thing I know, he’s withdrawing his finger from my clenching fangs and slamming his mouth into my own.
The moment our lips connect, I whimper with relief and slide my arms around his neck. How long have I been dreaming of being back in this man’s arms? Of hearing him say that he loves me?
Cupping my cheek in one large hand, he sears me with his k**s, lighting a fire deep in my bones and turning my entire body to liquid. I melt against him, letting him take charge, letting him delve his tongue into my mouth to taste me fully.
My b***d is rushing in my ears, utter elation making me feel as light as a feather. My wolf is whining in my mind, and heat is pooling low in my belly. The k****s blur and blend until they no longer feel like individual meetings of our lips teeth and tongues. Instead they disappear into one blissful joining, a perfect dance as our bodies reacquaint themselves at long last. It feels achingly right, and I don’t want it to ever end.
The only thing missing is Ethan’s hands on my body. It isn’t fair that he should make my every nerve-ending explode with sensation and need, only to neglect them. It’s been too long, I don’t understand how he can have so much restraint. 1 arch my back up towards his chest, rubbing my taut nipples against his muscular pecs in a desperate bid for relief, and Ethan growls into my mouth. I try to guide his hand to my breast, so much larger and more sensitive in my pregnancy.
I know if he would only let himself, he would have a field day exploring and teasing the tender flesh.
Unfortunately it seems this was the wrong move, because Ethan drags his mouth from mine. He rests his forehead against my own as we both gasp for air, trying to catch our breath. When he’s calm again, Ethan picks up the conversation where we left off.
“I proved I’m not worthy of you years ago, Janey.
The moment I took Eve’s word over yours,I betrayed you.” He sighs. “I failed you over and over again by not realizing how unhappy you were in Our marriage, how degraded you felt as my wife.
“We’ve been over this.” I insist, still squirming with desire. “Whatever mistakes you made, I balanced them out when I faked my death and hid the pups from you. We’re even Ethan.
“No, we aren’t, baby.” He croons, making my heart stop and start with the term of endearment”
Because I didn’t learn my lesson. I was so consumed with winning you back that I let Eve and the rogues march into our lives unencumbered. You and the pups almost died, and then I let my pain consume me so completely that I broke your spirit. No one who can do that to their mate should be allowed anywhere near them ever again.”
“But I love you. The pups love you. We want youin our lives.” I counter-determinedly.
“I’Il be in your lives. But Im not going to make the mistake of thinking that I’m better than I am anymore.” Ethan replies decisively. “Im not going to hurt you again.”
“But you’re already hurting me.” I exclaim. “You’re hurting me by not being with me!”
Ethan gazes down at me with a furrowed brow, and hope wells in my chest. Is he finally going to see reason?
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 218
Jane
Ethan winces, then k****s me again, long and deep. When he pulls away, I feel tears in my eyes. I already know he hasn’t been swayed by my pleading. “I know it hurts right now, Jane.” He acknowledges, looking truly aggrieved. “It hurts me too. But one day you’ll see that I’m right.” His thumb brushes a stray tear from my cheek. “You were so much better off without me. You built a fragrance empire and raised three amazing pups all by yourself. But a few months with me and you were on my floor, begging to be a slave again.”
“That wasn’t because I was with you, it was because I wasn’t!”I argue fiercely.
“It was because of what I did to you!” Ethan explodes, his wolf glowing in his eyes. “I took a strong, independent woman with the world at her feet, and turned her into a hopeless, broken shell of a person without dignity or a single shred of self worth.
“You took a woman who had been going through the motions for years, how to actually live again.” I correct him. “Which is why I was so devastated when I lost you. You taught me how to trust again
“And then I smashed it into pieces!” Ethan reminds me, clamping his eyes shut and pursing his lips. “Listen Jane, I know this isn’t what you want and believe me when I say that I wish things could be different,” He sighs. “But they can’t. I promised myself I would never put you at risk again, and being with me has done nothing but break your heart and crush your soul time and again I have to take responsibility for that, and that means protecting you from myself even and especially when you dont want me to.”
My tears are falling freely now, and I’m clinging to Ethan as he rubs my back. “You’re wrong. I’m not going to give up, I’m not going to let you get away with this I hiccup, “And you can’t marry Nina.” I assert inanely. “You’re my mate. She can’t have you.
Ethan purrs, and I want to lash out at him for comforting me. “I don’t want to fight, Janey. The Writing is on the wall.” He nuzzles my neck. “Let’s just be together this one last time. Let me hold you, let me k**s you and watch over you while you rest” He suggests, stealing another deep k**s from my tear-stained lips. “And when you wake up we’ll start fresh. This is a new beginning for both of us it doesn’t have to be sad”
“But it is sad.”I insist sullenly. “And there’s nothing you can say that will convince me otherwise. This isn’t right”
“shhh,” Ethan croons, stroking my hair. “it will all seem better in the morning.”
“That’s stupid” I sniffle. “It’s already morning.
He chuckles, pressing his lips to my temple in quick succession. “You know what I mean.”
I snuggle closer, deciding that even if Ethan can’t be reasoned with right now, I might as well get a few cuddles out of this while the opportunity lasts.
I’m not giving up, but he has a point a limited amount of time that he’ll allow me to be affectionate with him this way, so I might as well take advantage of it and save the fighting for later.”
You know the problem with this plan, don’t you?” I inquire, turning my face up to his.
“Tell me?” Ethan encourages, gazing down at me with utmnost affection.
I run my hands over his powerful shoulders, belatedly wondering how he managed to stay in Such amazing shape while he was paralyzed. “Now I never want to fall asleep.”
“Hmm, Ethan rumbles thoughtfully. “That is a dilemma. I suppose I’ll just have to k**s you until you’re too exhausted to continue.”
I can’t help the smile that stretches across my features. “Deal.”
When I wake up, I feel as though I’ve been emotionally wrung out and there are no more tears or feelings left in my overwrought body. I slip from Ethan’s bed, not wanting to be there when he wakes. He’s only going to send me away, and I need some time to regroup.
I know that Ethan has the upper hand here. He’s been planning for months while I’ve been in the dark. Now I have to find a way to beat him at his own game, and I don’t have much time at all. My only advantage is that Ethan wasn’t prepared for me to learn the truth that and he clearly has a weak spot where I’m concerned. He still loves me, still wants me, and I can use that against him. Not to mention, I have four not-so-secret weapons up my sleeve, and a fifth on the way.
When I find the pups in the on-site childcare center, they’re just waking from their own naps. I eagerly pull them into a hug, feeling a familiar spark of emotion reignite in my chest. “Hello my babies.”
“Mommy, mommy, we missed you!” Riley exclaims.
“How’s Daddy?” Paisley adds anxiously.
“Your Daddy is being really hard headed”I confess, trading out my girls for Parker and Ryder.
They’re quickly getting too big for me to hug them all at once, and I miss the days when I could fit all my pups in my arms at once. But we’ re not going to let him get away with it, okay? I search their young faces for understanding I’m going to need your help, my loves. We have to beat Daddy at his own game and it wont be easy.
“Mommy. Parker eyes me curiously, a mischievous light in his eyes. “Are you saying we gets to plot?
“And scheme? Ryder adds in an excited whisper.
“That’s right.” I confirm, grinning at the excited pups. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.
“But you never lets us play tricks or hatch dibolical plans!” Riley exclaims in disbelief.
“Well I think diabolical is a strong word, angel I reply, knowing that my daughter’s definition of diabolical is more akin to general shenanigans than any kind of menace. Still, Riley is easily the most devious of my pups, and I want to both encourage her cunning and ensure that she only uses her powers for good. “We’re just going to be convincing Daddy to see the error of his ways.
“Was the error of his ways?” Paisley asks, furrowing her brow
That’s just an expression that means, where he went wrong or the mistake that took him down the wrong path 1explai “And in Daddy’s case that’s thinking that we’re better off without him.
“Mommy, that’s not an error, I think the word you’re looking for is just stupid Parker points out, quite astutely “I love Daddy, but he’s being a big dumb-dumb.
I purse my lips to hold back my laughter. My pups know better than to call other people stupid and in fairness, l’ve never heard them lob the word at other children. Still, I can’t argue with Parker’s assessment, Ethan is definitely being a dumb- dumb.
“Well whatever we call it, we have to find a way to make him see how wrong he is.I answer. Now I have an idea for how we can start, but Im going to need your help for the rest.”
The pups all crowd in a little closer, their expressions full of mischief. “How do we starts?”
“Well, your Daddy is going to be in the hospital for a few days recovering, and since we’ll be staying in the Penthouse while we’re here, I was thinking we could move our things from the Dark Moon pack back in.”I share, already forming the plans in my head. “By the time he gets home, all our stuff could be here and unpacked.”
“You mean we can sneak moves in? Ryder clarifies eagerly.
“That’s exactly right.” I praise him. “Your Daddy’s going to have a much harder time avoiding us if we live with him, and luckily for us my name is still on the deed from when we were married. So he can’t kick us out.”
“Mommy that’s brilliant!” Parker giggles.
“Well thank you,” I beam. “I’m going to move my business here too, which will take more time, but listen: we’re a family, and I want us all to be on the same page” There’s a small tremor in my voice. I think I know my pups’ hearts, but I don’t want to make this decision without giving them all a voice in the matter. “So do we all agree that this is the Tight things to do? Do any of you want to stay in the Dark Moon pack, or think we should let Daddy marry Nina?”
The pups exchanged a surprised look, and then Riley sighs dramatically, shaking her head. “Oh no, you guys.” She laments gravely, “I think Daddy’s dumbness is rubbing off on Mommy.” She gestures to me as if I’m a very pathetic figure indeed. “She’s ready losing her mind”
I burst out laughing, “how dare you!”I joke catching Riley and tickling her until she’s squealing and writhing on the floor. “I was only asking! I just wanted to make sure we all agreed The other pups are giggling too, “Of course we agree! Ryder laughs
“Yeah Mommy, that was a silly question.” Paisley confirms
“All right, fair enough” I chuckle. “Point taken.
Now come on you little rascals, it’s time to pull one over on the Alpha.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 219
Jane
My plan to sneak-move into the penthouse is working better than I imagined. Granted, I keep catching my pups practicing their maniacal laughs in the mirror, but in the grand scheme of thìngs, encouraging their talents for mastermining dastardly plots isn’t the worst idea. After all, I want to encourage their ambition in whatever they do even if it is taking over the world.
Regardless of the burgeoning tricksters under my roof, everything else has gone fairly smoothly. I was able to hire last minute movers to pack up and bring everything from our apartment in the Dark Moon territory and transport it here. The only real challenge was making sure they didn’t deliver it until after Nina had left the house for the day.
Once they did, we hid everything away in our rooms, waiting for the opportune moment to bring it out.
It hasn’t been easy to share a space with Nina, but she spends so much time at the hospital that we hardly see her. Devon, who promptly told me about Ethan’s plans to continue pushing me away and agreed to help my own schemes, has informed me that Ethan is suspicious about the pups and my absence from his bedside. At the same time, that Ethan is suspicious about the pups and my absence from his bedside. At the same time, there’s not anything he can do about it while he’s still convalescing.
The surgeons released Ethan after a week, after he progressed enough in his physical therapy to be able to walk and run without assistance, and stay on his feet for an extended period of time.
When the pups and I got the news that Ethan would finally be released, we waited for Nina to depart before unpacking all the boxes which had been delivered over the last few days. So when Ethan came walking through the door on Thursday evening, looking tired but pleased to be home, he was met with the surprise that he and Nina no longer live alone.
The moment the door opens the pups shout, ” Welcome home Daddy!” Jumping up and cheering beneath a sign bearing the same words. At first Ethan only grins, kneeling down and opening his arms to them.
“Oh thank you.” He professes warmly, hugging them close. “I’ve missed you four, where have you been?”
“We’ve been plotting!” Riley announces proudly, making me facepalm.
“Plotting?” Ethan repeats with a chuckle. “Uh-oh, I’m not sure I like the sounds of that.” He looks around the apartment for the first time, noticing all the pups’ toys, as well as my furniture and decorations. Understanding immediately clicks on his handsome face, and he stands, cupping Paisley’s head in his oversized hand, “I see, you really have been plotting”
Nina steps up behind him, her mouth hanging open in shock. “Where did all this stuff come from?
How did you even get it up here?” Luckily – for her her harsh words are directed at me rather than the pups. I’m still seated in the living room, waiting for the inevitable fall out of our silent coup.
Nina’s words seem to jolt something in Ethan’s thoughts. He swings his head around until his narrowed eyes land on me, “have you been lifting boxes?” He demands, gesturing to my round belly.
“Oh honestly Ethan, they move into your house behind your back and all you care about is whether Jane’s been lifting things!” Nina exclaims, obviously outraged.
“No.” Ethan answers, a note of warning in his voice, “that’s simply the first on my list of Concerns.”
Don’t worry Daddy, we helped her. And the movers brought everything upstairs.” Parker assures his father.
Movers? Ethan repeats, nodding. If I didn’t know any better I’d think he looks impressed by our efforts, but I know my mate too well to think that will last. “Well Janey, I have to hand it to you, I figured you were doing something naughty, but you really exceeded my expectations with this one.
Nina grumbles something unintelligible under her breath, and I catch Ethan sending her a disapproving look. “Nina could you take the pups to the park for a bit? I need to speak with Jane alone.”
“What!?” Nina bursts indignantly. “Oh no, I don’t thìnk so!I live here too Ethan. I have every right to be part of this conversation.”
“Nina, I’m not in the mood to argue.” Ethan bites back, sending a stern rumble in her direction.
She balks and levels me with a vicious glare.
Fine, but if they try any ticks then I won’t be responsible for my actions.” She threatens, stalkìng towards the door.
“Oh yes you will”I hiss, rising gracelessly to my feet, “Those are my babies you’re talking about. If you bring them back with a single scratch I will make you wish you’d never been born.”
The pups snigger behind their hands, and Nina throws her arms up in defeat. “Honestly, what have I done to deserve this” She mutters, stomping out the door and leaving a litany or complaints in her wake, “AIl I do is give and give, and this is the thanks I get! I swear… mother frmni huffnrg grffmkr.” The pups trail after the grumbling woman, waving at me happily and blowing k****s.
I wave in return, so distracted by their adorable gestures that I barely notice the angry Alpha closing in on me. Ethan moves to tower Over me, and I’m amazed by how smooth his movements are. He’s wearing his most foreboding expression, but I can only smile in return. “I can’t believe how well you’re moving, you look so wonderful.” I praise. “How does it feel?”
Ethan shakes his head in warning, and points to the couch. “Sit”
I peer up at him from beneath my long, dark lashes and reach for his hand, “won’t you come sit with me? I’ve heard that couches can be very dangerous for pregnant she-wolves.”
I can tell Ethan is trying to keep a straight face, but the corner of his mouth is twitching. “Is that so?” He inquires menacingly.
“Oh yes, apparently they’ve been known to swallow women whole!” I confirm, “I definitely think I need protection.”
Ethan’s mouth flattens to a hard line. “And yet you were sitting there just moments ago.” He observes.
I make my eyes go wide and press my lips into a pout as I slide my hands up his muscular arms to his broad shoulders, “well, you can never be too cautious.”
“You can’t get out of trouble by flirting with me, Janey.” Ethan admonishes, leading me to the sofa.
Despite his stern words, he does sit down next to me. Of course, he’s careful to keep space between us, but I know I’m getting to him already. “Did you really think this scheme would work?”
I nod, tilting my head to the side as I study my mate. “Do you really expect me to believe you’re going to throw the pups and I out onto the street?”
I counter shrewdly.
“The options for housing are not: this penthouse or the street, Jane.” He replies evenly. “If you want to stay in town for a while I won’t stop you, but I think it would be best for everyone concerned if you found a hotel or a rental space.”
“Hmm,” I hum thoughtfully, tapping my chin with my finger. “No.”I decide after a moment. “I think the kids and I will stay right here.”
“Jane.” Ethan growls my name in warning.
“Yes, my love?” I inquire innocently, scooting a bit closer to him.
He takes a steadying breath, rising to his feet before I can sneak my way into his lap. “The answer is no.” He declares firmly, towering over me.
“And yet, I wasn’t asking.”I reply easily, crossing my arms over my chest to mirror his own stance.
And believe me Ethan, when I say I’m not going anywhere, I mean that you will literally have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming in order to make me leave.”
“That won’t be hard, I’m twice your size, even if I’m not back in top form yet.” Ethan observes,arching his brows in challenge.
“Maybe so,” I agree, curling my lips into a smirk as I settle my hands on my baby bump, “but I’ve already had one scare with this baby. Who knows what damage manhandling me might do? It’s not like the old days when you could just toss me over your shoulder like a bag of flour.”
If I had to guess, I’d say that Ethan is currently counting to ten in his mind, trying to keep his temper under control. “Janey, earlier this week you were telling me that you’re perfectly fine. You can’t have it both ways.
“That’s true, assuming you believe I was being honest.” I counter with a shrug. “I mean clearly I’ve been traveling and lifting heavy boxes and doing all sorts of irresponsible things. Who’s to say whether or not I was lying then so you wouldn’t boss me around?”
Ethan snorts, giving me a derisive look. “Nice try little wolf, but I know you. You wouldn’t risk your pup so recklessly.”
“True, but neither would you.” I bite back. “And you can’t be completely sure that forcing me out of here won’t hurt the babe, which means you won’t lay a hand on me.”
“I can just order you, I’m the Alpha remember?”
He threatens.
“Oh I haven’t forgotten.” I answer suggestively, openly ogling his powerful form. “But if you recall, this all started because – as your mate – I can defy your orders when I put my mind to it.”
I think Ethan is counting again, but I decide that enough is enough. “Face it, Ethan.” I declare triumphantly. “You’re stuck with me. And there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 220
Ethan
“You’re letting them stay?” Nina demands, glaring at me as she wears a hole in the floor, pacing back and forth with the indignant energy of a she-wolf scorned. Unsurprisingly, she was less than amused to learn I decided to allow Jane and the pups to stay with us – though in truth it hadn’t been much of a choice. My mischievous mate forced me between a rock and a hard place, and I wasn’t about to drag her out of the penthouse kicking and screaming.
“I can’t just throw them out.” I sigh, wincing as I do the stretches my surgeon prescribed post-surgery.
“Of course you can.” Nina argues, coming to a stop in front of me. “You just don’t want to.”
Though Nina is my fated mate, I find I have far less patience for her insubordination than I do with Jane. I’m not sure what it is about the woman, but my wolf simply doesn’t have the same soft spot for her. So while I might allow Jane to speak to me this way, my automatic instinct is to cut Nina down to size. Luckily I have enough self- control to avoid snapping at her. “I don’t need this right now, Nina.”
“Then when?” She presses, not taking the hint. “If not now, then when?”
“Careful woman, you’re working my last nerve” I warn. I don’t appreciate her interfering with my family, especially not after she swept me out of the city knowing Jane was in trouble. “You’re already on thin ice and I’m in no mood to be tested.”
Nina flinches reflexively, another sign that we simply aren’t well matched. She looks at me with true fear, not the sultry shudders Jane often displays when chastised. Perhaps I should feel guilty for being such an ogre, or for constantly comparing Nina to Jane, but I simply can’t help it.
How can I look at my fated mate without thinking of the woman who I truly love?
Nina is eyeing me warily, but her reticence merely masks a cool determination I recognize only too well. “Listen to me, Ethan.” She begins, trying to sound warm and gentle. It doesn’t suit her. “I’m so happy you’re better, but I don’t like what’s happening here. You’re letting Jane walk all over you.”
“She’s my mate and she’s breeding.” I answer simply. “She deserves a little slack.”
“No, I am your mate!” Nina explodes. “Me not her!
What about what I deserve? I’ve stood by your side all these months, asking for nothing more than to earn your respect but you couldn’t even give me that.” Tears burn in her eyes, and a stab of guilt pierces the walls around my heart. “I see what’s happening Ethan! You’re going to go back to her, and I’m going to be nothing more than collateral damage – again! She’s already digging her claws into your wolf and you’re just letting it happen.”
Damn it. I think bitterly. I don’t want to hurt Nina, but I can’t make myself want her any more than I can make myself fall out of love with Jane. The truth is that I don’t know why the Goddess sent Nina to me, but I have to think it was for a reason, if only to keep me on course. Maybe she’s here to make sure I don’t give into my feelings, and there’s no denying that I need all the help I can get.
Taking a deep breath, I say, “Nina, I’m not going back to Jane. I’m sorry that it’s such a struggle for me – but it is. That doesn’t mean I’m not determined to do right by you both.”
Nina shakes her head, looking more vulnerable than I can ever recall seeing her. “I’m never going to be enough for you am I? You’re never going to stop wanting her.”
I rumble wordlessly, another pang of regret sounding in my heart. I’d been afraid of this, but until now Nina has insisted she only wanted to be Luna. This is the first time she’s admitted she might have feelings for me. “I warned you from the beginning, Nina. I cannot be a true mate to you. I will do my duty to care for and protect you, but I cannot offer you love or pups.”
“But…” She gestures to the spot where I stand, looking even more hurt than before. “But you’re cụred, and we’re to be married.”
“I will not father pups with anyone but Jane.” I explain mercilessly, knowing that there’s no space for misunderstandings here.
Nina hiccups a sob, shaking her head. “I don’t understand you – we’re fated, why isn’t that enough? Why aren’t I enough?”
“I’m sorry.” I profess honestly. “I don’t understand it either. I only know the heart wants what it wants. Still, I’ve been up front with you from day one. Did you think you could change my mind?”
“I thought my sacrifices to care for you would be worth something – appreciated.” Nina accuses bitterly.
“They are, but appreciation only goes so far.” I declare softly, watching as Nina wraps her arms protectively around herself “Maybe in time”I suggest weakly.
“No!” Nina hisses. “Don’t do that. I don’t want lies and placations. If you don’t love me now, you never will and we both know it.”
“I really am sorry.” I repeat helplessly. “I know this isn’t what you were hoping for, but we’ll still marry – your still be my Luna. Jane will give up eventually and take the pups home, and everything can go back to the way it was.”
Nina clenches her eyes shut, but she nods reluctantly, almost as if she’s making the gesture against her better judgment – as if she doesn’t truly believe it. “Whatever you say, Ethan.”
The next day I wake up to the feeling of my wolf crawling beneath my skin, desperate to get out.
He’s been plenty restless since the surgery, but today feels different, as if he cannot wait a moment longer. I barely make it out of bed, untangling myself from the puppy pile surrounding me on all sides.
The pups had claimed their territory in my bed on my first night home, evicting Nina from her rightful spot, though not by force. She simply doesn’t have the patience to sleep with tiny feet jabbing her all through the night, and so the moment they come for cuddles, she disappears. In time I’m sure they’ll go back to sleeping with Jane, or splitting time between us, but they’ve wanted to be near me since the surgery, and there’s no way in hell I’d turn them away.
So on this day I slide off the mattress and onto the floor, careful not to wake them even though a war is being waged beneath my skin. I instantly understand that the time has come for me to transform, whether my body is healed enough to handle the change or not – there’s no holding my wolf back.
I haven’t shifted in so long that it takes a minute for my wolf to break out into the open, pain tearing through my body like a firebrand. Eventually he emerges with a triumphant howl, and for the first time in months, my soul is finally free. The sounds of my roars and howls wake the pups, who jump up rubbing their tired eyes before understanding sets in. Four luminous smiles greet me when they see the huge furry beast at the foot of the bed, and then they’re on me, giggling and crying out in excitement.
“Daddy you’re a wolf!” Paisley exclaims, leaping onto my back. She flops onto her belly, hugging my furry body with all her strength.
Parker and Ryder are down on all fours, playfully growling and wavering from left to right as if preparing to pounce. I drop my front legs onto the hardwood floor, showing them my fangs and wagging my tail even as Paisley jolts around on top of me. My body is still sore and aching, but I’m overflowing with adrenaline and euphoria, as lighthearted as a pup myself. The next thing I know, Riley is charging towards me between her brothers, a war cry on her lips and a devilish glint in her eye.
I pounce before the little imp can reach me, smothering her with wolf k****s as she giggles and squeals. By the time Jane and Nina arrive on the scene, the pups and I are loping around the room, wrestling and pouncing, making a mess of the entire room.
“Ethan you shifted!” Nina exclaims, looking thrilled. “We should go for a run!”
Unfortunately for Nina, Jane is beside her – and I can’t seem to see anything else. My sweet little mate is silent, watching the pups and me play with an incandescent smile. I bound over to her, unable to help myself. In this form the scent of the pup growing in her womb is stronger than ever, and I can’t resist nuzzling her swollen belly with my velvety muzzle. I nose my way under the hem of her pajama top, swiping a few licks over her belly button and purring when a tiny foot thumps against my tongue.
I immediately know that Jane is the one I want to run with, not Nina. I carefully close my teeth around her sleeve and start dragging her to the 8 door. If I were still in charge, I would have done everything in my power to fight these instincts, but I’m not in control now – my wolf is, and he wants Jane. Luckily she’s only too eager to spend time with me, and she shifts in a heartbeat. We fly out the door in perfect sync – together at last.