Ch. 36..40: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 36-40
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 36
Ethan
Agitation consumes me so quickly it steals my breath. Where could they have gone? I think manically. Paisley’s not allowed off the ward, and Jane wouldn’t ever risk taking her out of her doctor’s reach this soon after surgery – would she? Did somebody get to them? Have they been taken? Surely Jane wouldn’t have run off with Paisley… the idea is almost too terrible to bear, though she had pushed awfully hard to convince me to go home.
My wolf is in an uproar, clawing at the surface and begging to be let out so he can begin tracking my mate and pup. I’m on the verge of letting him, of tearing the hospital apart to find my she-wolves when the elevator dings and their scents hit me.
Charging out of the room, I watch the silver doors open and see Jane wheeling Paisley out in a wheelchair, surprise coloring both of their faces when they realize I’m there. Of course the difference is that where Paisley’s face lights up, Jane’s falls.
All at once my terror wanes, though my frustration remains. They scared the hell out of me!
“Daddy!” Paisley cries, opening her arms to me. I scoop her up immediately, being as gentle as I can.
“Hello angel,” I press half a dozen k!sses to her soft cheek. “Did you and Mommy go on an adventure?”
Jane pales when I call her Mommy, but Paisley simply nods and leans back to look me in the face, “we got ice scream!”
“So I see,” I chuckle, wiping a bit of chocolate from the corner of her mouth. “You look like you’re feeling better too.”
“Uh-huh!” She nods happily, “where were you?”
“I went home to take a shower so I wouldn’t smell like a big stinky foot when you woke up.” I tell her, earning a peel of delighted giggles in return.
Paisley cuddles close and breathes in my scent, “you smell good Daddy.” She confirms, then lowers her voice conspiratorially, “but Mommy smells better.”
“What?!” | cry, pretending to be offended, “How can you say such a thing?”
“It’s true!” Paisley insists.
“We’ll just see about that,” I grumble, reaching out and dragging Jane close.
My mate yelps and objects, trying and failing to push me away as I bury my face in her neck. Purring with satisfaction, drop a sneaky k!ss to her delectable throat before pulling away and giving Paisley a resigned sigh, “You’re right, she does smell better.”
Jane glares at me but grins at Paisley, “One would think a wolf could figure that out without manhandling me.”
“Daddy’s silly.” Paisley agrees, beaming at us.
“And you, sweet girl, ought to be in bed.” I order, carrying her back into her room.
“Daddy do I have to?” She complains as I tuck her in.
“Yes, you do.” I answer, tender but stern. Despite her protests, the poor pup is sleeping again within minutes, and I take the opportunity to pull Jane into the hall, trying to keep my voice low so we won’t wake Paisley. “What were you thinking?” | demand. “How could you take her off the ward?”
“She’s not made of glass Ethan.” Jane answers, “the doctor said she could eat whatever she wanted if she had an appetite, and I had no idea you’d be back so soon. I’m sorry if we scared you.”
“It’s not just about her health.” | growl, “I have security agents guarding the ward. They didn’t know you’d left. Someone might have tried to attack you.”
“Anyone who wanted to lay a hand on Paisley would have had to go through me first.” Jane announces, all fire and maternal instinct.
As much as I love seeing this side of her, I hate the idea of her being harmed just as much as I do Paisley. “What, and that’s somehow acceptable to you? That’s supposed to make me feel better?” | growl, pleased to see a shiver run down her spine. “I don’t want you hurt either, Jane.”
She pulls away from me as if she’s been burned. “You have to stop this, Ethan.”
“You keep saying that.” I counter, “but you’re still here.”
“Well I mean it this time.” Jane states icily. “Now that the perfume launch has basically been tanked, we can finally go our separate ways.”
Arching my brow, I prowl forward, making Jane back up to
avoid letting me come too close. “Who said anything about it being tanked?”
She blinks, “Eve just publicly accused my company of fraud, Ethan.” Jane declares, as if I could have forgotten. “In my book, that’s a dealbreaker.”
“Well it’s not in mine.” I reply smoothly. “Your contract didn’t have an out, Jane. The launch will be moving forward as planned. Eve has been removed as CEO to avoid any further conflicts.”
Jane visibly pales, “What?”
“You hear me,” She’s so close I could easily reach out and touch her, but I reign in the impulse before it can take hold. “Our deal is moving forward exactly as planned.”
“My lawyers will find a way out.” Jane asserts, looking unsure of herself.
“No they won’t,” I smirk, “because mine already made the deal unbreakable. If you walk away now I’ll sue you for breach of contract, and Goddess knows how long a trial could drag out. You’d be stuck here in arbitration for years.”
Janes eyes flash, and I suspect she wants to lash out at me. Instead she holds herself back, and I watch the gears working in her sharp mind, almost as if she’s mentally rereading the document even as she glowers up at me. After a moment she begins gnawing on her lower l!p, eventually conceding –
though not without a condition of her own. “If it’s going to move forward, I want someone else assigned to the account. Who’s the new CEO?”
“They haven’t been hired yet.” I sigh, pretending to sound as though I regret the fact. “But I assured the board I would be handling things personally to avoid any further upsets.”
“Listen to me, Ethan.” Jane orders, stomping her little foot just like Paisley does when she doesn’t get her way. “I demand another board member take over as my main contact. I might not be able to break the deal, but I draw the line at working with you for a single moment longer.”
Considering my mate, I wonder just how badly she wants to end our working relationship. Once Paisley is released from the hospital, Jane is facing the prospect of working with me all day every day, and though she might have thought she could handle it originally, she’s clearly having second thoughts now.
Though I relish the opportunity to spend so much time with her, I also know that professional boundaries will make winning her over more difficult. It would be easier if we could simply date – but at present she’d never agree to go out with me. Not without an incentive that is.
“I’ll tell you what.” I offer, backing her into the wall. “I’ll make you a deal, little wolf.”
“What deal?” She questions suspiciously, shifting warily to avoid our bodies coming into contact with one another.
Framing my hands against the plaster on either side of her head, I dip my head and speak low in her ear. “I’ll assign another board member to take over your account, if you go out with me.”
Jane’s head whips up, “You’re not serious?”
“But I am.” I assure her. “If you go out with me, I’ll agree to your terms.”
“One date?” She asks, still eyeing me like I’m a poisonous snake about to strike.
A deep chuckle vibrates in my chest, “Oh no Janey. I mean you have to go out with me until the launch, three dates a week – minimum.”
“You’re out of your mind.” She hisses, pushing at my ch3st.
“Alright, then we’ll stay business partners. All day, every day.” | taunt, “for the next three months.”
“At least if we’re colleagues you can’t get away with talking to me this way.” She mutters mutinously, ducking under my arm and starting to return to Paisley’s room.
“And who’s going to stop me?” I call after her. “I’m the Alpha, sweetheart, there isn’t a higher law in the territory.” Of course I’m bluffing, I would never speak to her like this in a work setting, but she doesn’t need to know that. Besides, when it comes to mates, all bets are off.
“You bastard.” She snaps, whirling around to face me. “You’re not playing fair.”
“I never said I would.” I reply, “Come on, what’s the worst that could happen? You’ve insisted you aren’t interested in me that way. A strong, independent alpha she-wolf like you is surely immune to my charms… right?” I goad her further, knowing full well that she’s not an alpha at all. My little omega is turned on just being near me – her scent betrays it even if she won’t. “So what’s the harm?”
I can see she wants to take the bait, it’s dangling over her so tantalizingly, but she’s even stronger than I realized. When she still doesn’t agree, I give her one last push. “Come on, Elise. What are you afraid of?”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 37
Jane
I can’t recall ever wanting to strangle anyone as much as I want to strangle Ethan right now.
The truth is that I’m not sure I can make it three months working alongside him every day, but I’m equally afraid of the romantic schemes he might try to pull if I agree to date him. Three dates a week is simply too many, and the word date is a minefield all on its own.
Yet when he calls me that damned fake name and basically accuses me of being a chicken, I can’t help but rise to the challenge. “Define date?” | huff.
“You and I, spending quality time together in the evening or on weekends.” He shrugs, eyes twinkling with mirth. “Surely you’ve been on a date before?”
Rolling my eyes heavenward, I waver back and forth. Five boring days a week for three months, or a few heated hours? In the end I feel much more confident in my ability to rebuff him for a short period than day in and day out, and I know the sly wolf will take every advantage he can, working or not. Finally I suggest, “Two dates a week, no more than two hours long – and no funny business.”
His white teeth flash against his bronze skin, “Don’t worry little wolf, I won’t lay a hand on you until you ask me to.”
“That is never going to happen.” I grind out, giving him my best scowl.
“Then you have nothing to worry about.” He informs me huskily, his l!ps mere centimeters from my own, “do you?”
“No.” | insist, stubbornly tilting my chin up. “I don’t.”
“Then we have a deal.” Ethan offers me a predatory grin, and the triumph in his eyes makes me wonder if I haven’t made a terrible mistake. “Seal it with a k!ss?” He suggests.
“You’re unbelievable.” I remark dryly, slipping out of his hold.
“Tomorrow then?” He says to my back, “Around noon? I’ll pick you and the pups up from Linda’s.”
“The pups?” I repeat in surprise. “Why should they come?”
“I thought we could take them on a picnic.” Ethan explains, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“But a date implies…” I struggle to find the right words. “I thought it would be just us?”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I’ve never seen anyone who looks less sorry than my ex-husband in this moment. “Would you prefer a more romantic outing?”
“No.” I mumble sulkily, “I wouldn’t.”
“Then it’s settled, our first date will be a family picnic.” Ethan proclaims. “That way Paisley and your pups can finally meet.”
As I stalk away down the hall, I have to amend my earlier thinking. If I wanted to strangle Ethan before, it’s nothing compared to how I’m feeling now.
When I get home, my pups are clamoring at the door to greet me, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”
“Hello my babies!” | greet them enthusiastically, dropping k!sses to their upturned faces and cuddling them each in turn. It always amazes me how much I miss the little darlings after only a few hours apart, it makes being separated from Paisley for so long seem nearly unfathomable. “I missed you so much, what have you been up to?”
“We made a fort!” They announce in unison, “come see!”
Three miniature paws guide me to our temporary room, and I’m delighted to find every last surface covered in blankets and pillows. We crawl inside together and lie down beneath the arched cotton ceiling, the boys cuddling up against my right side, and Riley on my left. “Where have you been, Mommy?” Parker asks curiously.
“Actually I’ve been with the Alpha.” I answer honestly. “His little girl just had surgery.”
“Paisley?” Ryder asks.
“How did you know her name?” I question, struck nearly dumb by the sound of her name on her brother’s l!ps.
“He told us!” Riley shares quickly, though it doesn’t escape me that Parker is currently elbowing his brother’s side, as if in scolding. “Is she okay?”
“She’s going to be just fine.” I tell them, smiling when they all sigh with relief. It’s just like my pups, to care so much about a stranger’s wellbeing. They might have gotten Ethan’s knack for mischief, but I like to think they also got my heart. “In fact,” I continue, taking a deep breath, “you might I get to meet her very soon. Ethan wants to take us on a picnic tomorrow.”
“Really?” My pups exclaim, “Can we go? Can we go?”
“If you want to.” | agree hesitantly. As much as I want to see all four of my pups together, the last thing I need is for Ethan to be there witnessing it. I’m going to have to do a better job of keeping him at bay moving forward. He’s outsmarted me more than once today, and simply because I’ve been thrown so off balance by everything going wrong in our lives.
“We want to!” They all chime.
“Alright, alright!” I laugh, cuddling their small, warm bodies close. “We’ll all go.”
A little while later, when the pups are in bed and Linda and I are sharing a bottle of wine, I’m finally free to share all my chaotic feelings. “I think I’m in over my head, Linda.” | admit. “He knows it’s me.”
“No.” Linda reminds me, “He thinks he knows. He doesn’t have any proof.”
“But he’s going to find it.” I whisper nervously. “I know that’s why he’s suggested this deal. He’s going to try to expose me. He thinks he can romance me into admitting the truth.”
“So don’t let him!” My friend encourages. “The day you left you stopped letting Ethan control you. Don’t change that now. Don’t move backwards. Show him that you aren’t the same weak omega he took for granted. Show him he can’t win that easily.”
“How?” I ask her, feeling truly defeated, “the pups want to be with him. Paisley adores him. How am I ever supposed to compete?”
“The pups might want to be with him, but they’d rather have you any day. I’m sure of it.” Linda states firmly. “Pups can survive without a father, but children need a mother.”
“I don’t know.” I admit. “Seeing him with them these last few days… they all need a male role model. I don’t think I’m ever going to be enough for them on my own.”
“Stop thinking that way right now, Jane.” Linda orders. “You’re a wonderful mother.”
“Thank you.” I sigh, “but knowing that isn’t going to save me from Ethan.”
“So what will?” She asks.
“I’ve got to find a way to keep him at a distance.” | express. “If he gets too close, I’ll give in – and he knows it.”
“What about that Dark Moon wolf that’s been sniffing around you lately?” She asks, referring to my friend Eric. I moved to the Dark Moon territory after leaving Ethan, and shortly after we arrived I befriended Eirc, an Alpha who never once judged or questioned me despite being a single mother.
“He’d probably help if I asked, but I don’t want to lead him on either.” I confess. It’s clear Eric isn’t only interested in being my friend, and I’ve worked very hard to set boundaries between us.
“I’m not saying you should.” Linda reasons, “Be up front with
him, tell him what’s happening with Ethan and let him decide, but if he’s willing to help, that’s his call.”
“Linda, we both know it’s not that simple.” I exclaim.
“What’s more important, Jane?” Linda asks sharply, “Protecting yourself and the pups for Ethan, or coddling this man’s feelings?”
“Well, when you put it that way.” I reluctantly acknowledge, pulling out my phone and dialing Eric’s number. The sharp dial tone rings in my ear, and before long the line clicks open, “Eric?” | greet my friend, “It’s Elise.”
“Elise, my love, how are you?” My friend’s deep voice sounds in my ear.
“Not so great.” I admit, “I’m in a little bit of trouble.”
I can practically feel Eric rising to my defense. He’s everything I could ever ask for in a mate: handsome, strong, intelligent and full of integrity. Yet for whatever reason, he’s never affected me the way Ethan has. I don’t lose my head when I’m around him, I don’t forget my own name and lose track of my surroundings, but the more time that passes, the more I’m convinced this is a good thing. “Tell me.” He orders, already jumping to my rescue.
“It’s the pups’ father.” I share despondently. “I’m back in the NightFang territory because my youngest was having surgery, but everything’s falling apart.” | admit. “Now Ethan’s trying to win me over, and I don’t think I can resist him much longer, Eric.”
“Where are you?” Eric asks, urgency filling his voice.
“The Cité De La Nuit.” | answer, naming the nightfang pack’s capital.
If I had any doubts about who my true friends are, they’re put to bed in that moment. Eric answers without hesitation, instantly promising to come to my aid. “I’m on my way.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 38
Ethan
“Paisley, slow down!” I call, my hands itching to scoop her up off the ground. We’re already at the park, and she’s running ahead of me as usual. The only problem is that today isn’t like any other, she’s just been released from the hospital after major surgery, and someone clearly wants to harm her. I don’t like letting her out of arm’s length, let alone out of my sight.
She pauses only long enough to turn around and exclaim, “But Daddy I’m excited!”
“You just got out of the hospital little one, don’t push yourself.” | caution. Shifters might heal fast, but matters of the heart are always treated very seriously. The doctor said she could be up and about and play for short periods of time, but at this rate she’s going to tire herself out before we ever get to playing.
“But Daddy!” She argues, pouting hard.
“Paisley slow down or I’ll carry you the whole way like a baby.” I threaten. Most of the time Paisley actually loves being carried, but she’s been cooped up in the hospital for so long that she’s completely stir-crazy, not to mention she doesn’t want to look silly in front of the other kids.
She throws back her head with a dramatic huff but continues forward at a slower pace, stomping her little feet every step of the way. Catching up to her, I cup her soft head in my palm, “that’s my girl.” I praise, earning a toothy smile from my daughter despite her sulky mood.
Suddenly in the distance I can hear Jane’s voice calling remarkably similar instructions to her “triplets”, “Slow down kids. You know the rules about staying where I can see you.
“Mommy hurry up!” One of the boys replies. At this age their scents are so similar it’s impossible to tell the two apart. Standing side by side they’d be identical, if not for their clothing. It was a blessing Jane didn’t follow so many parents’ example and dress them to match.
Paisley jumps up and down, “That’s Mommy!” Before I can say another word she’s darting forward again. I catch sight of Jane and the pups just as Paisley rounds the bend and flies into Jane’s open arms.
The sight takes my breath away. Jane already looked so beautiful my heart skipped a beat. She was wearing a silky sundress in the same shade of green as her eyes, and smiling so widely she lit up the entire path. The other pups stood on either side of her, looking up at her hugging Paisley with expressions of happy curiosity. If I’d had the sense to pull out my phone I would have taken a picture of them in that pose, but I can’t look away – I’m completely spellbound just watching them.
When Jane sets Paisley’s feet back on the ground, the other pups huddle around her excitedly, their little voices floating over to me.
“Hiii!” Paisley greets them cheerily.
“Hi Paisley!” Ryder, Riley and Parker cry. They greet each other almost as if they’re old friends, and immediately run off to play. I call after Paisley, reminding her to be careful, but I doubt she heard me.
As I close the final distance to Jane, the corners of my mouth quirk with amusement as she raises a pair of sunglasses to her eyes, clearly hiding from me.
“Hello Gorgeous.” I smile warmly.
“Ethan.” She utters, as if she couldn’t care less to be seeing me.
“Shall we find a spot to lay out the picnic?” | press, earning only a noncommittal shrug in reply. Nonetheless, she follows me into the grassy meadow alongside the playground, and helps me lay out the blanket and food. Unpacking the basket one item at a time, she asks, “Did your chef prepare this?
“No, I did.” | correct her lightly, not that there was truly cooking involved: wine, bread, cheese, sliced meat and fruit for Jane and I, plus sandwiches and juice boxes for the kids. Simple though it may be, I can see Jane eyeing the spread with obvious hunger, and promptly pour her a plastic cup of cabernet
“Alright, let me have it.” She invites, taking a sip of her drink.
Taken aback, I ask, “What do you mean?”
“I mean let me have it.” She repeats. “Lay it on me, try whatever moves you’ve got hidden up your sleeve so we can get it over with.”
“No moves, Janey.” I assure her. “Today is just about getting to know each other.”
“I already know everything I wish to know about you.” She snarks.
“Well with that attitude these are going to be some very boring dates.” I complain.
Jane smothers a grin, and I can’t help but feel delighted by her obvious pleasure at the idea of thwarting me. She really is too cute sometimes. Watching Jane carefully, I ask, “So where do you live most of the time.”
“The Dark Moon territory,” Of course I already know the answer to this question. I ran extensive background checks on Elise Carrington when we first ran into each other, but I am pleased to find she actually told me the truth.
“You like it there?” | press, “Better than Cité de la Nuit?”
“N-” Jane stops herself just in time. “Of course, I wouldn’t live there otherwise.”
I open my mouth to call her on her obvious lie when I hear the unmistakable sound of children taunting one another on the playground. Alongside a chorus of sing-song mocking and cruel laughs, one voice rises above the rest, “The Alpha can’t be your father. You’re too scrawny, do you even have a wolf?” The snide child wonders aloud.
“Of course I have a wolf!” Paisley defends, “Everyone does.”
“I dunno, a runt like you probably won’t even be able to transform.” The same child replies.
“Yer one to talk.” One of the boys steps up in defense of Paisley, “You look more like a dirty mutt than a wolf. I bet you even have fleas.”
Of a sudden, a new chorus begins with the triplet chanting.
“Flea-boy” over and over again, the same way the others had been repeatedly calling my sweet Paisley a runt moments before.
“I do not have fleas!” The offended child shouts in protest. “Take it back!”
“Take back what you said about Paisley.” Riley demands.
“Or what?” One of the little bully’s friends challenges.
Jane’s pups exchange knowing glances, and all at once they lunge for Paisley’s tormentors, rolling around on the ground in a tangle of limbs, growling, clawing and biting. Jane is halfway on her feet, but I move faster. Plucking the pups up by the scruffs of their necks, two in one hand and one in the other.
Looking down at their foes, I find a quartet of six-year olds curled up into frightened little balls on the ground. Feeling a rush of pride the youngsters took on the group of older pups, outnumbered and all, I quickly remind myself that I can’t show them how pleased I am by their strength and bravery.
Glancing behind me, I see Paisley climbing into Jane’s loving arms, her face red and shining with tears. The sight makes it infinitely harder to scold the triplets, because I myself want to trounce the little mongrels that put that look on my daughter’ s face. Still, as Jane k****s away Paisley’s tears and gently rocks her, I turn to Parkey, Ryder and Riley, and do what I must.
Jane
“Would one of you like to tell me what happened?” Ethan questions sternly, holding my pups as if they’re a bundle of ragdolls. His strength never ceases to impress me. Occasionally I manage to carry two of the kids at once, but it gets harder and harder with every inch they grow, and I certainly couldn’t juggle them as effortlessly as he does now.
“They started it!” All three pups cry at once.
“That isn’t what I asked.” Ethan states calmly.
“They were calling Paisley names.” Ryder pipes up.
“And making fun ‘f her for being small.” Riley adds indignantly.
“And do you think attacking them made things better?” Ethan presses gently.
“It shut them up.” Riley counters slyly.
“Riley.” Ethan scolds, making the sassy little girl tuck her tail between her legs.
Even so, she mutinously mutters, “They d’served it.”
“We don’t solve our problems with violence young lady.” Ethan lectures evenly, not showing any of the humor I know he must feel at the pup’s stubborn defiance.
“But Alphas fight.” Parker argues, leaping to his sister’s defense.
“Alphas only fight when there’s no other choice.” Ethan corrects him. “I’ve been Alpha for years and I solve hundreds more problems talking to people and listening than I do fighting. Fighting makes enemies, talking makes allies, and we all need as many allies as we can get in this life.” He sets them
on the ground and nudges them towards their cowering opponents, “Now help them up and say you’re sorry.”
Who is this man, and what did he do with the monster | married? I think in shock. Yet even as the words are echoing in my head, I know they aren’t entirely fair. Ethan wasn’t a monster in the beginning, or even the middle. It was only after I “betrayed” him. Remembering the way he handled our own conflicts darkens the cloud hovering over my head considerably. It’s all good and well for him to lecture toddlers on conflict resolution, but when push comes to shove, he’s no role model.
Instead of talking and listening to me after Eve’s scheming, I got five minutes of distraught questioning to explain, and when I couldn’t I was written off and had my freedom taken as punishment. The more I think about it the angrier I get, so it’s perfect timing when I see a familiar face in the distance.
A tall, handsome wolf is crossing the meadow, heading straight towards us. His blue eyes glint even at this distance, and his dark hair looks more blue than black in the sunlight. l’ d recognize him anywhere: Eric.
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 39
3rd Person
Eric jogged the rest of the way up the hill and threw his arms around Jane, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around in circles. Jane laughed and hugged him back, but their reunion was punctuated by the unmistakable sound of jealous growls behind them.
Hearing her former mate working himself up into a threatening lather, Jane whispered a warning in Ethan’s ear. “Careful, he’s right there.”
“Mmm why do you think I’m holding you so tightly?” He teased, rubbing his hand up and down her back for good measure. The truth is that he also wanted to hold her this way as much as possible and was beyond grateful for the excuse to do so. Eric had been falling in love with Jane little by little for months now, though he hadn’t realized it at first. In fact, it wasn’t until she departed for the Nightfang pack and he felt as if his heart had disappeared with her, that he understood what was happening.
Right on cue, three little voices cried, “Uncle Eric!” and the Dark Moon wolf looked away from Jane for the first time.
The pups were now running straight for their favorite “uncle”, but the wolf they left standing in the sandbox was one of the most intimidating men Eric had ever seen in real life. He was a few inches taller and every bit as broad as Eric himself, and Eric towered over most wolves.
Ethan Blackwell was also handsome as a film star and moved
with the lethal grace of an apex predator, but none of these things were what made him so intimidating. More than anything else, the raw power the NightFang Alpha exuded with every breath he took was staggering. It was easy to see why Jane felt she needed to call in reinforcements.
Over the course of their friendship, Eric had gathered that something went very wrong in Jane’s marriage to the pups’ father, something that made her completely skittish of men and especially alphas. It was obvious whatever Ethan had done had traumatized her, and knowing Jane is truly an Omega, it wasn’t hard to guess how. The thought made Eric absolutely furious. As far as he was concerned, anyone who could mistreat a she-wolf and brilliant and beautiful as Jane deserved to be torn limb from limb.
So when Ethan crossed to Jane and threw a possessive arm around her shoulders, practically scent-marking her in front of the other man, Eric imagined doing just that.
“Who’s this then?” Ethan asked gruffly, eyes Eric up and down.
“Ethan, this is my partner, Eric.” Jane explains, gesturing back and forth between the two shifters. “Eric, this is Ethan. He’s the Night Fang Alpha, and my contact on the Atelier project.”
“Partner?” Ethan repeated, the word more of a snarl than anything else. “Like…?” He trailed off, clearly to livid to finish his sentence.
“That’s right.” Jane confirmed defiantly, slipping out of Ethan’ s grasp and moving to stand beside Eric.
Ethan looked about ready to explode, but Eric was still greeting the pups and had just noticed a fourth child hiding behind Ethan’s legs. She was Riley’s perfect twin, another miniature of Jane, but clearly lacking her sister’s fearlessness. “Well hello there,” He greeted her softly. “You must be Paisley.”
Her big green eyes widened when she realized he knew her name, but she didn’t emerge from behind her father. To his credit, Ethan reached down and cupped her round head in comfort. “She’s feeling a little shy today.”
Eric could see the traces of tears on her cheeks, and he knew from speaking with Jane that the poor pup had been through a lot lately. “That’s perfectly fine, Paisley. I get shy too sometimes.”
Her head peeked out just enough for Eric to see her offer him a sheepish smile, and he beamed back. There was a lot of Jane in Riley, Parker, and Ryder, but Eric suspected her three eldest had inherited more of Ethan’s personality than hers. However looking at Paisley, it was clear the youngest child was more Jane than anything else – or as he called her, more Elise than anything else.
With introductions finished, Eric was free to continue tormenting Ethan. Unable to resist, He straightened and looped his arm around Jane’s waist and pressed a k!ss to her neck. “I missed you, baby,”
Ethan looked as though he might burst into flames then and there, his gaze locking onto Jane with laser focus. “Can I have a word, Elise?” He phrased it like a question, but it clearly wasn’t.
Jane was already moving to obey, but Eric held her tight.
“Sweetheart, do you want to speak to the Alpha alone.”
Rolling her eyes to show him how little the other man’s posturing bothered her, Jane promised Eric she was fine. “Will you watch the kids for a second?”
“Gladly.” Eric agreed, kneeling back down to their level but keeping one eye on Jane as Ethan led her away. “Alright now, who can guess how many chocolates I have in my pocket?”
Jane
The pups are already shouting in excitement as Ethan pulls me away, and when I glance over my shoulder I see Eric collapsing beneath all four of them as they eagerly search him for sweets. I’d laugh out loud if I didn’t think it would completely set Ethan off. In hindsight, I should have arranged for this confrontation to occur when we weren’t with the pups – then again, their presence might have kept things from escalating to violence.
“What the hell is this?” Ethan snaps when we’re out of hearing range.
“What do you mean?” I ask innocently.
“Since when do you have a boyfriend?” He grouses, pacing back and forth across the grass while I look on warily.
“If you recall, you never asked if I was seeing anyone.” | recount icily, “you assumed I was free game, even though I refused you multiple times. You don’t get to act affronted when your own hardheadedness backfires, Ethan.”
“I’m not acting.” He hisses, glowering at me. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“Why? Because you would have respected his claim on me more than you respected my own wishes?” I snipe. “Typical Alpha, it doesn’t matter whether or not I want you, only whether some other man rubbed himself all over me first.”
Ethan’s head jerks up, and I realize I spoke too freely. “If you’re together why hasn’t he marked you?”
“When you and I met, I’d already been in town for quite some time. He hasn’t claimed me officially because we are not mated, he has scent marked me – it just faded.” I lie, a strike of inspiration lighting up my eyes, “But have no fear, now that we’re together again I’ll make sure he doesn’t waste any time doing it again.”
“Over my dead body.” The words are ripped from Ethan’s chest as he surges forward, taking me by the shoulders. “He can’t have you, Jane.”
“That’s not your decision.” I remind him harshly, “It’s mine.”
Ethan glares down at me, his strong fingers digging into my shoulders with unrestrained force. I’m not sure if he wants to k!ss me or hit Eric… though in truth it’s probably both. For the first time in a long time, I’m actually afraid of Ethan. Not haunted by our past, heartbroken from losing him, wary of his charm or wary of his tricks, but actually afraid. I’m starting to think I miscalculated very badly by bringing Eric here, because Ethan looks ready to kill.
“You need to calm down.” I breathe, talking to myself as much as to him. “The pups are watching.”
To my surprise Ethan actually listens, gulping in a few deep breaths of air and counting to ten under his breath. When he’s finished he releases me, still breathing as if he’s just finished running a marathon, but at least looking less murderous now.
“You haven’t mentioned having a man in your life even once since you got here – nor has Linda or the pups.” His eyes narrow, “nor was there anything in your background to indicate a romantic relationship.”
“You looked into my background?!” | snarl in outrage.
“Of course I did.” He answers slyly, turning the matter right back onto me. “Just as I’m sure you did when we went into business together. Unless of course, you already knew everything there was to know about me?”
“I don’t search into people’s pasts without their permission.” || declare righteously, “That’s not how I choose to do business.”
“Give me one good reason.” He forges ahead as if I hadn’t spoken. “One, why I should believe this is real?”
“Because I’m telling you it is.” | answer firmly. Sidling closer and lowering my voice to the barest of whispers I reply, “I chose Eric, not you, and you need to accept that.”
“Why should I?” Ethan demands fiercely.
“Because Alpha.” Eric’s voice suddenly sounds on our right, “We’re not just dating. We’re engaged to be married.”
The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 40
Jane
I’m almost as stunned as Ethan is that Eric just announced we’ re engaged. We never discussed telling such a lie, but I have to admit it was certainly effective. Ethan looks downright furious. Beyond furious, he looks apoplectic with rage.
“Excuse me?” He snarls.
“You heard me.” Eric answers smoothly. “We’re engaged.”
Ethan’s dark eyes leap to my ring finger, “I don’t see a ring.” He remarks shrewdly.
“I have terrible taste in jewelry.” Eric explains, “I thought Jane would prefer to pick out her own ring rather than wear whatever hideous design I chose. We were going to go shopping as soon as she got home, but I missed her too much to stay away.”
“That’s so sweet.” I pretend to swoon, “maybe we can go shopping here.”
“That’s a great idea!” Eric exclaims, “Do you have any suggestions for jewelers, Alpha?” He asks, his icy blue eyes sharp as daggers, “you used to be married right? Who did you use?”
“No one you could afford.” Ethan scowls.
“Actually Eric is very successful.” | chime in, “he’s probably as wealthy as you are, in fact.”
“Oh really?” Ethan seethes.
In any other circumstance I would be annoyed beyond belief to have these two wolves fighting over me like I’m some kind of toy, but at the moment I know it’s necessary.
“Well I don’t like to brag.” Eric shrugs modestly, “but I’ve done quite well for myself.”
“How nice for you.” Ethan grumbles.
Eric chooses that moment to lean over and k**s me, and the tight leash Ethan has on his temper snaps. The next thing! know he’s storming away with Paisley in his arms, the little girl waving at me in confusion as she’s carted away. My own pups are still gathered around Eric, but I catch them exchanging worried looks.
“Sorry kids, I guess the Alpha had business to take care of.” || apologize for their father, hating the way he let his jealousy blind him to the pups’ needs. Doesn’t he realize how confused they’ll be? I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to Paisley, nor did my other kids.
“Mommy he seemed grumpy.” Riley informs me needlessly.
“Yes he did, didn’t he?” I agree.
“I can’t say I blame him.” Eric rumbles in my ear. I’d be jealous too, in his shoes.”
Swatting at my friend’s arm, I fret, “Eric are you sure that was a good idea?”
“It’s not like we actually have to get married.” Eric reasons, “Engagements end all the time.”
“It’s not that.” I share nervously. “It’s Ethan. He doesn’t give up easily, and he already suspects my true identity.
“Elise, please don’t worry about a thing.” Eric encourages. “You called me because you needed help, so let me help.”
Still agitated but truly appreciating his support, I nod and lean into his warm embrace. I truly don’t know what I would do without him and Linda, but I’m also very worried about how messy that confrontation was. I never intended it to happen in front of my pups, and even though they’ve gone back to playing on the jungle gym, I can’t help but worry about how much they understood.
3rd Person
Jane was right to be worried about her perceptive pups. Riley, Ryder and Parker had listened to every single word the grown ups exchanged, and while they didn’t understand all of them, they knew enough to recognize their plans for reuniting their parents were in trouble.
The pups loved their uncle Eric, but they knew perfectly well that their Mommy wasn’t planning on marrying him. Before Ethan came along they’d actually dreamed of her doing just that, but now that they knew they had a father and a sister, all they wanted was for their family to be whole once more.
What’s more, Ethan taking off with Paisley so suddenly had prevented them from talking to Paisley about their plans. They hadn’t gotten a chance to warn her that Eve tried to kill her in the hospital, or to inform her they were already working on a plan to get her out of danger.
Across town Eve was huddled under her car, choking on the heavy mechanical smells and squealing in squeamish disgust as she tried to identify her break line. She held a pair of wire cutters in one hand, and had covered herself in a protective tarp in anticipation of fluid spraying when she cut the rubber pipe.
She had been planning all day every day for the better part of a week. After so many failed attempts to rid herself of her brat problem, she was determined not to let anything else get in the way of her plans. She couldn’t help feeling like her luck was running short, so there was no room for errors this time.
She decided to return to a strategy she knew and trusted- one that had worked all too well when she needed to turn Ethan against Jane: Play the martyr. No one ever gets angry at the selfless hero who’s injured in the pursuit of doing good. She cackled, thoroughly pleased with herself when she finally identified the break line and raised the sheers to the cord. Cutting through it quickly, she pushed out from under the car and rushed inside to shower.
Everything was already in place, now all that was left was getting Paisley into the car with her – and how hard could that be?
As it turned out, harder than she would have guessed. Paisley was in the kitchen baking with her grandmother when Eve entered, earning a warm welcome from Petra and a sullen glare from the pup. The little brat had never liked Eve. She was always getting in the way of Eve’s plans for Ethan and he always seemed to take the tiny mongrel’s side.
Not for much longer. Eve thought reassuringly to herself as she strode into the cozy room.
“Hi honey, how are you feeling?” She asked in a sickly sweet voice.
Paisley merely blinked, “why’d you care?”
“Paisley!” Petra scolded, sounded aghast. “Don’t be that way. Eve loves you.”
“That’s right.” Eve lied through a huge, fake smile. “I wanted to see if you’d like to go have some ice cream? That way your Grandma can run some of her errands.”
“No, I’ll stay with Grandma.” Paisley refused her simply.
“Sweetheart, you don’t want to run errands with me. They’re boring.” Petra said gently.
“But Grandma!” The little girl objected.
“Come on, Paisley, you love ice cream.” Petra reminded her warmly.
“Pwease don’t make me go with her.” Paisley pouted, making Eve want to throw the brat out the window behind her. Honestly, you’d think she knew what Eve was planning.
“Stop being silly.” Petra scolded, “Go have fun with Eve and when you get home this afternoon I’ll make you a sandwich with all this lovely bread we’ve just made.”
“Fine.” Paisley grumbled, letting the kind old woman lower her to the ground and stomping toward Eve.
“There now.” This time Eve’s grin was completely genuine, within ten minutes time the little monster would be out of her hair for good.
Eve took Paisley down to the car, guiding her towards the blue sedan and waving off Paisley’s security guard, “Take a break Frank, I’ve got her.”
When Paisley pulled open the back door, but stopped when she realized there wasn’t a carseat in the vehicle. Eve spoke up before she could question its absence. “Hey, I have an idea. You’re such a big girl, why don’t you sit up front with me?”
“But I hasta sit in the car seat.” The child argued.
“Those are for babies!” Eve exclaimed, “You’re not a baby are you?”
“No.” Paisley frowned, “But Daddy says…”
“I don’t care what your Daddy says!” Eve snapped, losing her patience, “Now get in the damned car.”
Paisley climbed into the passenger seat, confused and unhappy. She began pulling on the seatbelt, but the nylon strap wouldn’t come free. As Eve climbed into the driver’s side and buckled her own seatbelt, Paisley tried to ask her for help. “My seatbelt is broke.”
“Oh my.” Eve said worriedly, considering the implement for a long moment before giving up and shrugging, “Oh well.”
Her foot slammed onto the accelerator, sending the car veering out of the driveway so quickly Paisley was thrown against the door. “Oww.” She whined, rubbing her elbow.
“Oh stop fussing.” Even ordered scathingly, tearing down the street.
The next thing Paisley knew the car was speeding through an intersection at high speed, careening through a red light without so much as slowing down. “What are you doing?” She cried in fright.
“I’m taking you to get ice cream.” Eve forced the words out through clenched teeth, secretly furious that they hadn’t managed to hit anyone in the first intersection. Where was all the traffic? “Now shut up and let me concentrate on driving.”
The second intersection offered Eve the reprieve she’d been seeking, and a truck came barreling towards their out of control vehicle. At the last moment Eve spun the steering wheel to the left, turning the car so that the truck would collide with the passenger side where Paisley sat. Happiness swelled inside her as the big vehicle’s grill drew closer and closer – this was it. Ethan would be child free in 3…2…1