Ch. 31..35: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 31-35
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 31
Jane
The expression on Ethan’s face terrifies me.
When he answered the phone all color drained from his cheeks, and his jaw went absolutely rigid. His eyes clenched shut as if he was in pain when the person on the other end of the line spoke, and the next thing I knew he was urgently telling me we had to go.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, leaping to my feet.
“It’s Paisley.” He answers, his voice like gravel.
The room begins to spin as dread ties my stomach into knots, “Is she okay?” | gasp, reaching for the counter to suddenly swaying body.
“They’ve rushed her into emergency surgery.” Ethan explains, moving for the door. “I don’t know any details yet.”
Glancing helplessly at Linda, I find my friend already pushing my purse into my hands, “Go, I’ll take care of the pups.”
“Thank you.” I mouth, following Ethan. “I’ll take you.” | announce, “You shouldn’t drive with a head injury.”
He guides me through the door with a hand at my waist and closes it behind us, pulling the keys from my hand, “Of course you’re coming.” Ethan says, as if that was a given, “but you aren’t driving when you’re shaking that way.”
“What are you-” looking down at my hands, I realize he’s right,
I am shaking like a leaf.
I want to argue, I want to insist I’m not upset and only worried for his sake, but the truth is that I’m a second away from collapsing. Instead of spreading more lies, I simply obey, letting Ethan lead me to the car and not even arguing when he keeps a steadying hand on my thigh throughout the drive.
“How are you so calm?” | squeak when we stop at a red light.
Ethan whips his head toward me, and I see the rage and fear swirling in his eyes. “I’m not calm.” He growls, “I’m terrified.” He admits, revving the engine impatiently. “She can’t… We were so close… It was just one more day.”
“I’m sorry.” Tears well in my eyes, as the light turns and we surge ahead. “If I hadn’t hit you with that vase you never would have had to postpone.” I confess, breaking down. “This is all my fault.”
To my utter shock, Ethan pulls the car over, “What are you doing?!”
The Alpha isn’t listening, he’s taking my face in his oversized hands, glaring at me so ferociously my wolf whimpers out loud. I’m about to apologize again, when he cuts me off. “This isn’t your fault, Jane.” He declares sternly. “If I hadn’t gotten drunk and k!ssed you, you never would have hit me. And if the Goddess hadn’t given Paisley a weak heart, none of that would even matter.”
Tears leak out of the corners of my eyes as I clench them shut, trying to fight my sobs. He doesn’t realize it, but Ethan just struck my deepest fear right on the head. Yes Paisley was born with this condition, but maybe if I’d been a stronger
mother, maybe if i’d been more careful in my pregnancy or done things differently, she would have been as healthy as her siblings.
“I’m not angry with you, sweetheart.” Ethan continues, misreading my reaction. “I’m angry at the universe… It isn’t fair. Paisley’s never hurt anyone, she doesn’t deserve this.”
“Of course she doesn’t.” | agree, squeezing his hand and trying to take enough deep breaths to get myself under control. I can’t fall to pieces this way, it will give everything away. “I’m sorry, this isn’t about me, we should keep going.”
“Us being there won’t make the operation go any faster.” He reasons, though he directs the car back onto the road anyway. I’m not sure what to think of his behavior. The Ethan I knew had a temper like a bear, and while he never directed it towards me until everything went wrong with Eve, he certainly didn’t show me this kind of sympathy afterwards. It seems unfathomable he could suspect all my deception and still be so kind.
“What do you think happened?” I ask after a moment, “she seemed so strong yesterday.”
“I don’t know.” He grimaces, “I really thought we were out of the woods.”
By the time we get to the hospital I’m clutching Ethan’s hand in both of mine and silently doing breathing exercises in the vain hope of calming myself down. Of course, every time I try to think a comforting thought to pacify my frayed nerves, some horrible intrusive counterpart comes along to send me spiraling back into despair.
She has to be okay. I begin manically, feeling marginally better before musing, I’ll never forgive myself if she isn’t. She can’t die when we’ve never gotten a chance to be together. I’ve only spent a few hours with her and half of those I spent Tying to her face. She’s never even met her brothers and sister. I never got to tell her she’s right, that I am her mother. What kind of monster does that to a dying child? By the time I reach this point I’m back on the verge of collapse, and I have to start all over again.
Ethan helps me from the car, tucking me under his arm but racing for the entrance so quickly I practically have to run to keep up. In the end he gives up trying to keep an arm around me and just drags me by the hand, but I’m not complaining – if his long legs can get us there faster I’d let him carry me like a sack of potatoes.
Unfortunately there’s no good news awaiting us upstairs. The nurse that comes to update us in the OR waiting room looks as if she’s coming from a funeral. “I’m afraid Paisley had a heart attack.”
My knees really do give out then, and it’s a blessing Ethan is there to catch me. “What does that mean for the surgery?” He asks, hugging me so tightly I can’t breathe, “Can they save her?”
“Dr. Hastings is doing absolutely everything he can. We’ll know more soon.” The nurse explains apologetically.
“I don’t understand how this happened.” Ethan continues, rubbing my back and sounding as if he’s on the verge of tears himself, “She was doing so well.” He chokes, voice thick with emotion.
“I know.” The nurse answers in a sympathetic tone, “I promise we’ll find out everything we can.”
“Thank you.” He rumbles as she retreats.
The next thing I know he’s cradling me in his lap, rocking me and k!ssing my hair as I sob into his neck. “She’ll be okay.” He insists, sniffling. “She has to be.”
Ethan
As the hours drag by, Jane and I slowly shift positions, drying our tears and trying to keep our hopes up. I’ve taken to pacing the corridors like a man possessed, only pausing to touch base with the nurses and check on Jane. I keep telling myself that no news is good news, but guilt and helplessness eat away at my sanity little by little.
Jane’s words in the car ring in my ears and I realize she was right, if I hadn’t been such an idiot and gone to the bar the other night, Paisley’s surgery would have gone ahead as scheduled. All the triumph I was feeling a few hours ago about my progress with my mate is long gone. If Paisley dies, it will be all my fault. My wolf has been whining non-stop since I got the phone call, and as I think these fateful world he positively curls his tail between his legs, something I can never remember happening before.
More than anything else, I can’t stand not being able to do anything to help my little girl. There’s nothing worse than knowing matters are out of my hands. As insane as it sounds, I’d rather she was lost or kidnapped because at least then i could do something. In that way it’s a blessing Jane is in such bad shape. I hate seeing her so distraught, but taking care of her is keeping me busy and giving me some kind of purpose in this horrible situation.
Just before midnight, Dr Hastings finally comes through the OR doors, and I rush over to him while Jane hesitantly rises to her feet. Ice clogs my veins as I see the look on his face. Surely if she pulled through he would be smiling right now. Why isn’t he smiling?
“Alpha,” He sighs, shaking my hand and shooting a confused glance at Jane. He knows Paisley’s mother died delivering her, but only a fool could miss the resemblance between the she wolves.
Pulling Jane to my side, I don’t pause for introductions, I need to know whether my daughter is alright. “How’d it go?” | prompt the man impatiently.
“Paisley did beautifully.” He announces, his words so opposite from his tone and expression, I think I must be hallucinating.
“She’s alright?” Jane hiccups, as confused as I am.
“She’s going to be just fine.” Dr. Hasting’s confirms.
“Oh thank the Goddess,” Jane whimpers, turning away from us and covering her face with her hands.
Hearing Paisley survived makes me want to weep in sweet relief, but my instincts are warning me not to relax just yet. I ve known Dr. Hastings for years, and I know he’s not telling us everything yet. “Dr. what is it?” I demand.
“Maybe we should speak in private.” He suggests gently, gesturing to Jane.
Jane immediately turns back and glares at the man, “No. You shouldn’t.” She announces, “I want to know too.”
Glancing at me for permission, he sighs, “Well, Paisley didn’t have a heart attack after all.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” | question in confusion.
“It would be,” He concedes, “If it weren’t for the fact that someone tried to murder her.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 32
Ethan
“What did you just say?” I demand, certain I’ve misheard the man.
“Well, when we got into the operating room, we discovered that Paisley wasn’t actually in cardiac arrest.” Dr Hastings shares. “Her system was shutting down, but there were no signs of severe stress on the organ itself. We ran a few tests, and it appears someone administered a lethal dose of a drug called digitalis to Paisley mere minutes before we went into surgery.”
“What’s that?” Jane asks, her little hand clutching my arm.
“Well it’s actually used to treat heart conditions in small doses,” He explains, “but in the quantity Paisley received it can be deadly, and it’s not one of her prescribed medications. Whoever did this, did it on purpose.”
“You’re sure?” I press.
“Quite.” He nods, “the drug wouldn’t be tested for in a normal autopsy, we only checked because we could see that something was very wrong. Paisley was poisoned, and whoever did it probably assumed it would happen too quickly for us to save her. Luckily they were wrong.”
“I don’t understand.” Jane says, looking very pale, “who would poison a child, why would anyone want to harm that angel?”
“I don’t know.” Dr Hastings admits, “but if I had to guess I’d say their real target wasn’t Paisley, but you, Alpha.”
I have to admit it makes sense. No one could have any reason to harm my daughter, other than to harm me. The thought is enough to make me sick, but right now there’s only one thing on my mind. “Can we see her?”
“She’s in the recovery area right now and won’t wake for a while, but of course.” He replies with a gentle smile. “In the meantime, I presume you’d like me to call law enforcement?”
I pause, thinking over my options for a moment. “Actually, I think I’ll have a private investigation conducted. I want whoever did this to think they got away with it, and a big investigation will make that harder.”
“Yes sir.” He nods, leading me through the heavy swinging doors at his back.
It only takes me a fraction of a second to realize Jane isn’t beside me, and when I backtrack I find the silly little wolf wringing her hands back in the waiting area. “What are you doing?” I ask her, “Don’t you want to see Paisley?”
“Of course.” She replies defensively, “But it isn’t appropriate, I’m not family.”
“Really?” I question incredulously, “Jane, you were just sobbing your eyes out over the pup.”
“It’s Elise.” She reminds me haughtily, turning her nose up. Now it’s her turn to pace, and she offers me a weak shrug before explaining, and I’m just an empathetic person, that’s all.”
I move to tower over her, “So we’re back to playing pretend now that the danger has passed, is that it?”
Jane glares up at me, “only a monster wouldn’t feel afraid for such a sweet pup, especially not when I helped delay her surgery. It doesn’t mean anything.” She peeks around my shoulder, her brilliant green eyes gazing longingly after the doctor as she gnaws her lower l!p. “Besides, the danger hasn’t passed if someone tried to kill her.”
“Exactly,” I agree, realizing that the stubborn creature isn’t going to let herself see Paisley unless I give her an excuse, “which is why we should both go so she can have as many people keeping an eye on her as possible.”
She only thinks about it for a second. “That’s a good point.” She nods in agreement, already darting past me, “If you’re sure.” Despite her objections, she doesn’t pause to give me time to answer, already racing down the hall towards the recovery wing.
When I reach Paisley’s bedside Jane is already there, stationed at the end of the bed and watching over the precious pup like a guardian angel. Seeing Jane lovingly gazing at the sleeping child, something finally clicks into place in my mind. Since all this began, I’ve never been able to figure out why Jane would leave Paisley with me and take the other pups. However now it seems obvious. In fact, I can’t believe I was so stupid. Of course she left Paisley with me, she didn’t have the money to cover Paisley’s medical bills herself.
So it wasn’t that she didn’t want Paisley, it was that Paisley wouldn’t have survived without my money. If the pup hadn’t been born with a heart condition, I never would have known any of my children – or even that they existed. I would have lost my mate without any silver lining to comfort me, and Jane would have disappeared once and for all.
As the realizations wash over me, another hits me square in the heart. Jane must truly hate me if she would go to such lengths to hide from me, and she isn’t here now for my sake. She’s putting up with me for one reason and one reason only: Paisley.
Jane
I don’t know what to think.
I’m so overwhelmed with emotion I think I might burst. I’m elated that Paisley’s surgery was successful, horrified that someone tried to harm her, and very nervous about how much I might have revealed to Ethan amidst all the chaos. When I turn to look at him, he’s watching me with the strangest look on his face. He’s barely entered the recovery room, hovering in the doorway as though uncertain what to do.
I extend my hand to him, “Come on.”
Wiping the curious look from his face, he takes my hand and steps up beside me, turning his attention to our daughter. She looks so perfect, sleeping peacefully even though she’s connected to about a dozen different machines.
“I never get tired of watching her sleep.” Ethan confesses, his love for the sweet pup palpable.
“I know.” I agree, “it never ceases to amaze me how much time I can pass just like this.”
As if she heard our voices, Paisley stirs, blinking open her
bleary eyes and moaning sleepily. “Daddy?”
Ethan’s at her side in an instant, “Hello little one.” He greets her warmly, “welcome back to the world.”
“Daddy, what happened?” She mumbles.
“You had your surgery a little early, angel.” He explains.
Paisley scrunches up her face in confusion, “Why early?” She asks, rubbing her eyes.
“Well you got a little sick earlier so they took you in.” Ethan summarizes, holding her tiny hand in both of his and k!ssing her knuckles. “But it’s all over now. It went well and you’re all better. You don’t have to do this anymore. No more medicine, no more hospitals.”
“That’s nice.” Paisley decides dreamily, still under the influence of the anesthesia.
“Yes, it is.” Ethan agrees happily.
A new thought seems to strike Paisley then, and she looks around as if searching for someone or something. Her eyes widen when she sees me at the end of her bed, and I know in my heart it was me she was looking for. “Mommy, you came!”
I don’t even have the heart to correct her about my name. Now that she’s in front of me, safe and sound, I want to indulge her every whim. “I said I’d come, didn’t I?” grin, moving to stand opposite Ethan. “How are you feeling?”
“Funny,” She tells me, staring up at me with a silly smile, “I dream’d I had a pet unicorn.”
“You did!” I exclaim, bending to rest my elbows on her mattress, “What else do you remember?”
“Not much.” She shrugs before yawning widely, “my chest itches.”
“I’m sure it does, honey.” | cluck sympathetically, “it might feel that way for a while.”
“I love you, Mommy.” She mumbles, yawning again.
She’s asleep before I can even think to respond, and it’s a good thing too. There’s no way I could have resisted telling her I love her too – not after everything that’s happened. Instead I turn my attention to Ethan, who’s watching me with that same odd expression as before.
“I hoped she might remember something about the person who gave her the drug.” I share, hoping to distract him.
“It was a good idea.” He agrees, taking the bait, “We should ask her again when she’s not so loopy,”
It doesn’t escape my notice that he says “we”, and it makes me internally writhe with discomfort – not because I don’t like it, but because I like it too much. If I didn’t already have a hundred reasons to take Paisley home to be with her siblings, the murder attempt gave me one more – and a very large one at that.
Right now my wolf is feeling much too affectionately towards Ethan, and if I’m not careful I’ll buy his charming act and fall victim to him once more. Of course the moment I do, I’ll lose my freedom and my pups. I can’t be a mother if I’m his Omega slave, and my pups need me.
T have to be strong. I can’t let my sympathy for the pain he’ll feel change my mind.
I have to be ruthless, just like Ethan.
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 33
3rd Person
Ryder, Riley and Parker were beside themselves.
All the adults were in an uproar, running around and whispering behind closed doors, trying to keep the truth a secret. But they knew – they always knew. They were wide awake when their Mommy ran out with the Alpha the night before, they knew their sister was in trouble and they could feel the grown-ups’ fear as if it was their own.
They’d stayed up as long as they were able to keep their eyes open, but it hadn’t done any good. There was no more news while they were awake, and when they got up this morning, Mommy was nowhere to be found. Now Jane had finally called Linda for an update, so they huddled outside her bedroom door with their keen ears pressed to the wood, listening intently.
“Hey honey, how’s it going?” Linda was asking, sounding as if she was preparing herself to hear the worst.
Their Mommy’s voice was very faint on the other end of the line, but they could hear her exhaustion clearly. “She’s alright.” Jane answered, “but it was really touch and go for a while there.”
“Thank the Goddess.” Linda breathed. “What happened?”
“Oh Linda, it’s too awful.” Jane hiccuped. “They’re saying someone tried to kill her.”
“What?” Their Auntie exclaimed in disbelief. However Parker and Ryder exchanged a heavy glance, remembering the cruel woman who’d been in Paisley’s room the day they met.
“She was poisoned.” Jane said, “they just barely managed to save her.”
“Who would do such a thing?” Linda demanded.
“I don’t know.” Jane confessed, sounding as if the uncertainty was more tortuous than anything else.” I can’t believe this is happening but I’m not taking my eyes off of her anytime soon.”
“What do you want me to tell the pups?” Linda asked anxiously.
“Tell them I love them and I’m sorry I’m not there, but something came up at work.” Jane’s wince was audible in her voice, she’d always hated lying to her children. “Is that terrible?”
“No.” Linda assured her, “they don’t even know about Paisley, and this would probably only scare them. You’re doing the right thing.”
“Thank you.” Jane sighed, sounding truly exhausted.
“You’ve got it, just let me know if you need anything at all.” Linda encouraged.
The pups scurried away from the door as the grown ups ended the call, retreating to the blanket fort they’d built in their bedroom. Safely ensconced behind walls constructed from colorful pillows and sheets, they convened their emergency meeting.
“I’s that witch, Eve.” Parker decided, earning nods from the others.
“We knew she’s evil.” Riley reminded her brothers, worry for her newfound sister pouring off her in waves.
“We have to do something.” Ryder insisted, pulling a coloring book out of the bookshelf and flipping it to a blank page. “If Paisley stays there, she’ll try to hurt her ‘gain.”
“An escape.” Parker agrees, “We can help her ‘scape, then we lie low ’til Mommy ‘n’ Daddy deal with the bad lady.”
“But how’d we get her out?” Riley asks, rubbing her chin in thought.
“I think I have ‘n idea.” Ryder announces, beginning to sketch out a plan for his siblings. One by one they added their bits and pieces to the plot, drawing a map and deciding what role they would each play. It wouldn’t be easy, and it would definitely have to adapt as events unfolded in the moment, but the three young masterminds were resolved. They would save their sister if it was the last thing they did.
Jane
Paisley has been sleeping constantly, waking for a few minutes here and there and muttering about her drug induced dreams before returning to dreamland with a silly smile on her face. The doctors assure me this is perfectly normal and the more she sleeps, the faster she’ll heal, but I’m sure I won’t relax until she’s up and back to normal.
Ethan has been hovering at her bedside like a particularly grumpy guard dog, watching her like a hawk and growling at
anyone who sets foot in the room – even her nurses. I cant really blame him, the murder attempt has us both on edge, and I’m glad to have Ethan here watching out for my pup. Still, I’m afraid if he doesn’t sleep soon he’s going to slip up and actually hurt someone.
Almost as soon as I think the words, a lab tech enters to take a few vials of Paisley’s b***d, and Ethan lunges for the young man with a vicious snarl, “Get away from her.”
The poor tech throws his arms up in surrender, “I’m sorry Alpha, it’s protocol, we’re supposed to test her b***d every four hours.”
Forcing my way between their bodies, I reach up and take Ethan’s face between my hands, pulling his attention down to me. “Ethan, it’s okay.” I say firmly, “He’s not going to hurt her.”
It takes him a minute to register my words, his dark eyes flitting over my face in confusion even as his possessive grip closes around my arms. Breathing heavily, he glances back at the tech, baring his fangs, “Keep your hands where I can see them.”
The petrified man does as he’s told, moving very slowly and making sure Ethan can see everything he’s doing in detail. I try to pull away from the Alpha once the danger has passed, but he holds me tight, sliding his arms around my waist while the tech works. I would push him away, but I have a feeling my nearness is the only thing keeping his feet on the ground at the moment.
As soon as the boy leaves I decide enough is enough. “Ethan,” I broach tentatively, “you’ve got to get some sleep.”
“I’m not leaving.” He rumbles, settling back into his armchair and opening his arm to me, inviting me to join him.
Swatting his hand away, I argue, “You made me sleep – why is it different for you?” It was true, I’d been dosing on and off through the long night, gradually succumbing to my exhaustion then j*rking awake in terror every five minutes or so. Eventually Ethan put his foot down, pulling me into his lap and stroking his strong hands up and down my spine until I passed out in his arms. Granted there wasn’t anyplace for him to rest so comfortably here, but I also think a change of scenery would help calm him down.
“I’ve trained for this.” Ethan remarks coolly, “You haven’t.”
“I’m sorry,” I scoff, “you’ve trained to have someone try to murder your critically ill four-year-old?”
“You know what I mean.” He gripes, “I’ve trained for battle, I’ve carried the pack through disasters. It’s in an Alpha’s nature to push the body’s limits to the very brink of health and sanity in order to protect the pack.”
“Well I have news for you,” I deride, “you’ve reached the brink of sanity and you’re seriously pushing it.”
“Jane-” He sighs, cutting his eyes to me.”-”
“No.” I interrupt, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring down at him. “You’re not at war, you’re not the Alpha right now – you’re a father whose child has been through something horrible. It isn’t the same situation, and you won’t help anything or protect anyone by attacking the people trying to take care of her.”
“Whoever poisoned her -” He tries to argue.
“Was probably someone you know!” | exclaim in exasperation. “Someone who has motive to hurt you or get her out of the way. The people in this hospital don’t fit that profile. So for the love of the Goddess, go home and take a nap, have a shower and eat something. You can’t help Paisley in this condition.”
Ethan unfolds his big body from the chair, coming to tower over me. His handsome face is hard and full of foreboding, but I don’t back down, I glare up at him with all my might. “I’ll stay with her until you’re back.” I vow. “No one will lay a hand on her.” I almost add ‘unless it’s over my dead body’ but I stop myself just in time. That idea probably wouldn’t help calm him.
A low rumble sounds in Ethan’s ch3st, and the next thing! know he’s cupping my cheek in his hand, dragging his thumb back and forth across my full lower l!p. “Are you trying to get formidable with me, little wolf?” He purrs, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.
“I’m not trying.” | correct him, ‘I am, and you’re going to let me because you know I’m right.”
He studies me for a long moment, his heated gaze lingering on my mouth and making me want to squirm beneath intense scrutiny. “Just this once.” He finally decides, “but only if you ask nicely.”
Narrowing my eyes, I counter. “That would defeat the point.”
He shifts nearer, and his delicious scent washes over me, tempting me to no end. “Say please.” He instructs silkily, “Say please and I’ll go home and take a nap.”
Understanding slams into me: he’ll only back down if I make my own concession. He’ll listen to reason, but he’s not going to give me control either. My wolf rails at the idea of obeying, especially when he so obviously relishes making me submit. Part of me knows it’s not worth the fight; this is about convincing a thick headed Alpha to act against his instincts for the benefit of us all – not my own pride. Yet the very idea grates against my nerves like a wild thing – and he knows it.
Ethan offers me a knowing smirk. “Well Jane, what’s it going to be?”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 34
3rd Person
Ethan was driving Jane straight up the wall. She’d never known anyone who could push her buttons like he did, and what’s more – he truly seemed to enjoy riling her up. She actually wondered how much of his current ploy was actually about power, and how much was simply to tease her.
Jane glanced at Paisley, sleeping so sweetly in her bed, and felt her determination to defy Ethan waiver. He really did need to take a break, and she desperately needed some time alone to figure out what to do about their situation anyway. She couldn’t think when he was in the same room, watching her and turning her on with his mere presence alone.
“Please.” Jane murmured, so quietly she wasn’t certain Ethan would actually hear her.
Ethan flashed her a wolfish grin, “good girl.” Her eyes narrowed to slits, and her mouth opened to offer him a saucy retort, but he pressed a finger to her l!ps, “ah-ah, don’t make me change my mind.”
Jane bit her tongue until he left the room, but the moment he disappeared down the hall she let off a volley of curses, jumping half a foot into the air when a small voice piped up behind her.
“Mommy said a bad word.”
Eve checked the clock for what felt like the thousandth time.
She’d been waiting for the news of Paisley’s death to break since the night before, and still there was nothing: Nothing in the paper, on the morning shows or even online. What was taking them so long? Maybe Ethan prevented word from getting out so he could grieve in peace, but then why hadn’t he called home?
Neither Eve nor Petra had heard a peep from the man in the last 24 hours, and while his mother might not have any reason to worry, Eve knew better. The horrible possibility that he might be seeking comfort from Jane loomed over her head, and she could barely contain her frustration.
It seemed like no matter what she did, nothing was ever enough to make him abandon his mate completely. Even Petra, who had more reason than anyone to hate the she-wolf, wasn’t cooperating with Eve’s plans.
“I don’t understand, why would she fake her death?” Ethan’s mother was saying, taking a sip of her morning coffee. “How would that have helped her?”
“Because,” Eve ground out through clenched teeth, “she probably thought he’d be so relieved to find her alive that he’ d forgive all her past crimes – including cheating on him with the pups’ father.”
“Eve, what are we going to do?” She continued a moment later, “How are we going to stop Jane and protect Paisley at the same time?”
“Well first things first, we have to expose Elise Carrington as Jane. Once the world knows she’s been lying to them all this time, it will be easier to bring her down.” Eve answered confidently, knowing her Paisley problem was already solved.
“That’s another thing I don’t understand.” Petra mused aloud, “Why disguise herself in the first place? And why did she divorce Ethan if she still wanted to be with him?”
Eve was about ready to strangle the woman. If she didn’t need Petra to convince Ethan to marry her, she might have done just that. “I don’t pretend to understand the motives of someone who is clearly mentally disturbed.” She furrowed her brow, “And truly, I hope she gets the help she so dearly needs, but we can’t allow her to harm Ethan or Paisley in the process.”
Petra nodded in agreement, proud of how empathetic the young she-wolf could be for someone who had caused them all so much pain, “We’ll figure something out, darling. And in the meantime I’ll try to encourage Ethan to consider proposing sooner rather than later. Jane can’t get her claws into him if you two are married.”
“Thank you.” Eve offered the elder woman a watery smile,” don’t know what i’d do without you.”
Just then the front door swung open, and Ethan appeared, looking very grave indeed. Glee swelled in Eve’s chest as she studied him, certain his morose demeanor was confirmation the little brat was dead. She and Petra jumped to their feet in unison, “Ethan, what’s wrong?”
He looked up, as if surprised to see Eve there. K!ssing Petra on the cheek and shaking off his brooding expression, he answered, “nothing. I’ve just come from the hospital. Paisley had her surgery a little early, but she came through like a champ and will be able to come home in a few days.”
Eve felt all the color drain from her face at once. What? How is that possible? I heard the doctors running the code. She couldn’t possibly have survived the poison. Was he lying? She thought, near hysterics. Why would he do such a thing? What on earth was going on? With every day that passed, some new calamity seemed to befall Eve.
She felt like her life was falling to pieces around her, and it filled her with a righteous anger so volatile and violent she was certain she’d explode at any moment.
Luckily for her, Petra was wearing a look of identical worry, “Why did they have to take her in early?”
Ethan dragged a hand through his hair, shrugging. “Just a scheduling thing.” When his hand passed over the back of his head he winced, apparently having forgotten his head wound.
“Oh darling, how’s your head?” Petra fretted.
“Oh yes, we heard about your fall!” Eve exclaimed, adopting an expression of affectionate concern. “You poor thing! Does it still hurt?”
“I’m fine.” Ethan rumbled absentmindedly, eyeing Eve suspiciously.
She pressed her palm to her breast, looking back and forth between the Alpha and his mother in faux confusion, “What is it? Do I have something on my face?”
“Ethan?” Petra prompted when he gave no response, watching him closely.
“Eve, can I have a word?” He asked gruffly, surprising both women.
“Of course.” Eve smiled, pretending nothing was wrong.
Ethan led her into his study, shutting the door tightly behind him and turning on the she-wolf with a foreboding expression, “What are you doing?”
“What do you mean?” She exclaimed, sidling up to him with a worried pout, “I’ve been so worried about you, Ethan. Ever since we heard about your concussion, and now Paisley’s surgery! You must be under so much stress.”
“Stop it Eve.” He growled, removing her hands from his body. “I want to know why you think you can pretend like everything is fine between us, when we both know you’ve been here scheming against innocent people.”
Primal fear sliced through Eve. Did he know? Had he figured out what she’d done? How was that possible?
“What the hell were you thinking, leaking that story to the Nightfang Gazette?” Ethan demanded, cutting off her paranoid thoughts.
Eve blinked, both relieved and outraged he had taken Jane’s side over hers. “It wasn’t like that.” She insisted, “The reporter misunderstood, and now the board is removing me as CEO.” She cried, working herself up to a flood of pitiful tears, “It isn’t fair! I’ve worked so hard.”
“Oh give it up, Eve.” Ethan snapped, cutting off her show of despair. “You tried to throw J- Elise under the bus for your own crime. No one ever had to know what you’d done, but you made it public.” It didn’t escape Eve that he’d almost slipped up and said, “Jane”. She realized with horror that he’d already figured out Elise’s true identity, and he was still taking her side.
“You can’t be upset when your own sabotage blew up in your face.” He continued, pacing now, “You’re lucky you’re only losing your job and not your freedom – if any of the people who bought your fraudulent perfume decided to press charges, you’d be arrested.”
There wasn’t anything fake about Eve’s tears now. How could Ethan suggest such a thing, how could he allow such an injustice to happen? “You wouldn’t really let them arrest me, would you?” She whimpered.
“You’re guilty, Eve.” Ethan reminded her coldly. “Of course would.”
“How can you say that, after everything we’ve been through together?!” Eve wailed.
“And what of your loyalty to me?” Ethan thundered. “You stole from the business I helped you start. You sold poison with my name backing you, then tried to ruin the reputation of a woman I care about – and don’t pretend that isn’t the reason. You’ve been jealous of Elise from day one.”
“I’m sorry!” Eve professed emptily, “I didn’t know what else to do! You make me crazy, Ethan, sometimes my heart just runs away with my head. Please forgive me?”
Ethan closed the distance between them, taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger and turning her face up to his. Eve’s breast filled with hope as she looked up into his eyes, but it died as quickly as it began when she saw his hard expression.
“I’ve gone easy on you all these years because of what you suffered at Jane’s hands, Eve.” He informed her. “but my sympathy is running out. You are on very thin ice – one more foot out of line, and I won’t be held accountable for my actions.”
Eve collapsed to the ground when he released her, and he stormed from the room. Eve was still lying there sobbing when Petra found her a while later. “Darling what happened?” She inquired, overcome with worry.
“It’s Jane.” Eve whined, “She’s turning him against me a little more every day. You have to help me, you have to convince him to marry me before it’s too late!”
“I will.” Petra promised, wiping away Eve’s tears, “don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll talk to Ethan and by this time tomorrow you’ll be engaged.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 35
Jane
Spinning to face Paisley, I find her sitting up in bed, her green eyes wide but still glazed with the remnants of sleep. This is the first time since the surgery that she’s seemed truly lucid, and I have to fight every protective instinct in my body to immediately begin interrogating her about who visited her before she went under.
“Hello my love.” | greet her, crossing the room to sit at the edge of her bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Funny.” Paisley answers with a yawn. “Why were you swearing, Mommy?”
Brushing her hair back from her face, I offer her a lopsided smile. “I was just feeling a little out of sorts.” I confess, “But I shouldn’t have said those things.”
Paisley leans forward, raising her hand to her mouth and secretively whispering “I’s heard Daddy say some of dose words too sometimes.” She grins sheepishly, “but he says dey’ re bad words and only bad Daddies say dem in front of pups.”
“And what do you think?” I ask her, overjoyed that she’s up and talking,
She thinks for a moment before deciding, “I tink he’s a good Daddy.”
“I think so too.” I share, unable to stop myself from k!ssing her little hands. “And I’m so glad you’re alright Paisley, you really scared me for a while there.”
“How’d I do that?” She asks, looking worried.
“It’s not anything you did, little one.” I assure her, “I just get nervous about surgeries. You’re such a brave girl.”
“I’s my last one, you know?” Paisley tells me with excitement. “I never have to have ‘another.”
“I know.” I beam, “and you know, that means my game of hide and seek with Daddy can end soon too.”
“Really?” She exclaims, “you mean you can be my Mommy?”
“Shh.” I remind her gently, holding a finger to my l!ps. “It’s not over yet, so we have to keep it secret.”
“I promise.” Paisley agrees, looking unusually somber for such a young pup.
“Now tell me, what’s the first thing you want to do when you get out of the hospital?”” | ask, changing the subject before she can think about it too hard. I’ve long past given up on keeping her completely in the dark, but I can’t tell her too much either. She still has weeks of physical therapy to get through before she’ll be well enough to consider moving, and that’s a very long time for a little girl to keep a secret.
“Hmm,” Paisley ponders, racking her brain. I know the moment she’s decided on an answer, because her precious little face lights up like the sun itself, “get some ice scream!”
“Well why wait?” | exclaim, “We can get you ice cream right here!”
“Really?” She inquires eagerly, bouncing up and down in her bed.
“Really.” I grin, “let’s you and I take a field trip.”
Ethan
My mother is waiting in my room when I emerge from a long, hot shower. I feel only marginally better than I did when I got home, the steaming spray worked wonders on my tense muscles, but all my stress remains. I’m still overwhelmed by everything that happened at the hospital. I’m so relieved Paisley’s surgery went well, but horrified about the murder attempt, confused beyond belief by Jane, and furious at Eve.
In fact, the more I think about it, no one in the pack has caused more problems for me than the she-wolf dwelling under my own roof. Jane’s words from earlier ring in my head: whoever poisoned Paisley is someone you know, someone with the motive to hurt you or get Paisley out of the way. Get Paisley out of the way.
That thought had never occurred to me before, after all, Paisley isn’t my heir. She’ll never be Alpha, so the only reason someone could want her out of the way, is if Paisley was somehow keeping us apart. Eve obviously wants to marry me, and Paisley despises her. If she’s willing to torpedo her own business to get Jane out of the way, what would she do to neutralize the greatest obstacle dividing us?
Ruffling my sodden hair with a fluffy towel, I watch my mother’s reflection in the mirror, “I suppose you’ve come to tell me what an ogre I’m being?”
“No.” She denies simply, “I came to see if you’re okay.”
“I’m not.” I admit bleakly, “things are pretty bad, Mom.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” She consoles, raising her voice so I can hear her as I retreat into my closet to get changed. “You know it might be easier to carry the weight of your responsibilities if you had someone to help you bear the load.”
“Mother, if you’re going to suggest I marry Eve again-” I begin, only to get cut off.
“Well why not!” She exclaims, “She’s been like family to us for years now. She’s lived here, helped raise Paisley and she adores you. She would give anything to be your wife.”
Her words only reinforce my concerns. If she’s willing to give anything, she might be willing to do anything too, including kill. “I don’t love her.” | remind my mother, “And I know how much you care about her, but I don’t trust her.”
“How can you say that?!” Mom cries, “she saved my life, Ethan. She only wants the best for us.”
Part of me wants to tell my mother everything that Eve has done, but I don’t want to take that step unless it’s absolutely necessary. At this point Eve is Mom’s only friend, and if she knew what I’m beginning to suspect… well, let’s just say it would crush her.
Mom isn’t as young as she used to be, and she barely survived losing my father. Her only joys left in life are me, Paisley, and Eve. I won’t destroy a third of her happiness unless I don’t have any other choice.
“If you love Eve you should want the best for her.” I remind Mom. “We know I’m not her mate. It would be better for everyone if she tried to find him instead of pining after someone who can never love her.”
“Jane wasn’t your fated mate either.” Mom argues, a bitter note entering her voice. “You certainly loved her deeply enough.”
My mother almost never mentions Jane. She never got over my chosen mate’s betrayal, and she never forgave me for not leaving her afterwards. In fact, it’s so rare for her to bring up my former wife that I realize she must know what Paisley and I
suspect. “You know, don’t you?”
“About Elise?” She clarifies, studying her fingernails as if they re absolutely fascinating.
“Who told you?” I ask, wondering if Eve has figured out the truth as well.
“They didn’t have to.” She admits, meeting my gaze. “I met her when she came here after you were injured.”
“And?” I prompt.
“She’s a dead ringer for Jane.” Mom concedes, “no pun intended.”
Exhaling heavily, I level her with my gaze, “I won’t ask you to understand for my sake.” | begin carefully, “but I would ask you to consider what’s best for Paisley. You haven’t seen them together…” Even as I say the words, the image of mother and pup curled in my la*p flash into my mind’s eye. “If there’s even a tiny chance I can give Paisley her mother back, I have to try.”
My mother is on her feet now, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, “Is there really nothing that woman can do wrong in your eyes? It wasn’t enough to let me be attacked, or to attack Eve when she tried to help me, now you’re saying there’s a chance she faked her death to get away from you, and still you’ll take her back? How do you even know those pups are yours!”
I understand her outrage, but I also know she’s biased. Her past with Jane makes her incapable of seeing any good in my chosen mate, and I know Eve doesn’t help things. Pulling out my phone, I select my photo app and swipe to a shot of Ryder and Parker at the amusement park. Offering the device to my mother, I say, “because unless you’ve been hiding a twin brother from me, they are mine.”
Her eyes go wide as saucers as she takes in the photo. “My goddess!” Her eyes crinkle with her smile, “They look exactly like you.”
“I know.” I acknowledge, smothering my own grin. “Now do you see why I have to do this?”
“No.” Mom answers stubbornly, softening as she hands the phone back, “but I understand why you feel that way.”
“Thank you.” | sigh. “Now can you please put the idea of me marrying Eve to rest?”
She nods, “For now.”
Relieved to have the matter settled for the time being, I take a quick cat nap and inhale a sandwich on my way back out the door. I’ve only been gone an hour, but even that short time makes me anxious. When I get back, I realize it was for good reason. Paisley’s room is empty.
| search the entire floor, thinking they might have gone for a walk or taken Paisley for some tests, but I cannot find hide nor hair of them. Next I ask the nurses and security guards where Paisley and Jane went, but they’re as clueless as I am.
Undiluted fear pulses through my veins as the reality sets in: They’re gone.