Ch. 71..75: The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 71-75

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 71

Jane

I’ve only just dropped the pups off at pre-school and am on my way to the office when my phone rings. Glancing at the touchscreen display in the car’s center console, I see Linda’s name appear, and promptly accept the call over bluetooth. “Hello?”

“Hey,” She greets me, sounding a bit tense. “Have you seen the news?”

“No.” I sigh, already fearing the worst, “What is it now?”

“You just got outed”‘ She explains gently, “In a very public way.”

“What do you mean?” I ask nervously, thinking that it’s beyond depressing my life has reached a point where she could be talking about half a dozen secrets or lies.

“It’s on the front page of the Gazette.” She replied simply, “Elise Carrington exposed – NightFang’s Luna returns from the grave.” Linda pauses, “apparently someone let it slip that your identity is fake and exposed the truth- including the fact that you faked your death.”

I curse under my breath. This is the last thing I needed. “I was worried standing by Ethan’s side at the funeral might draw too much attention to me.” I g***n. “1 should have known better.”

“1 don’t think it was the funeral.” Linda corrects me, “The way this is written, well, let’s just say it’s not a flattering article. There’s a lot of details here that they couldn’t have gotten from the last few days, or even just looking into your life in the Dark Moon pack.”

“Great” I mutter grumpily, “As if this week wasn’t going badly enough already”

“Sorry babe. Call me if you need anything.” Linda offers.

Thanks.”

A little while later l have the chronicle spread out in front of me. My photo is plastered across the front page, right alongside a snapshot from my funeral. As I begin to read, my heart sinks.

Five years ago Jane Blackwell divorced the Alpha, just over a year after a mysterious attack paralyzed family friend Eve Mechant. Seven months later she supposedly died birthing the Alpha’s daughter Paisley, who’s young life has been marked by a heart condition and multiple surgeries.

However last month La Louve CEO Elise Carrington swept into town to settle the disturbing fraud allegations regarding her perfume ‘s sale at Eve Mechant’s exclusive boutique – and citizens couldn’t help notice the striking resemblance the entrepreneur bore to our late Luna. Today we can confirm that the two women are one in the same. Jane Blackwell is very much alive, and has been masquerading as the elusive fragrance magnate ever since- but faking her death and forging a new identity is the least of her secrets.

The article goes on the reveal all the details of the police reports Eve and Petra filed against me after the attack six years ago, blaming me for Eve’s injuries and noting my sudden disappearance from public life. It then provides a laundry list of the probable crimes I committed to get away, and goes on to speculate about my involvement in Petra’s murder. If Eve was still in the good graces of the media, I might think she was responsible for this, but given all the details of the current investigation included, I suspect the police leaked the story.

Part of me wants to call Ethan, but I know how he’ll respond. He’ll promise to take care of it and tell me not to worry, even though l can’t do anything but worry. I’m already so confused about his motivations that I don’t think I can handle adding another layer of complexity to our situation, so I resist the urge to reach out.

However, that determination only lasts as long as the morning, for when I step out of the atelier to go to lunch, I find a crazed horde of reporters waiting for me. At first I stop in the doorway looking like a deer in the headlights as the cameras flash around me, my mind incapable of deciphering one question from another as the various microphone wielding correspondents shout in my direction.

When I finally regain my senses, I fight my way through the crowd, keeping my sunglasses lowered over my eyes, and muttering “No comment” until I’m blue in the face.

It’s not until an unfamiliar woman steps up and blocks my path, that I finally stop. “Jane, what do you have to say to NightFang customers who are advocating boycotting your perfume in light of the allegations against you?”

This actually gives me pause. The NightFang pack is the most prosperous on the continent, which means it has the wealthiest citizens and comprises the largest income revenue for my business. If they boycott me, I could lose an inordinate amount of money and risk the future of the company.

Taking a deep breath, I turn towards her and carefully choose my words. “La Louve is my creation, but its products stand on their own. Our customers do not wear our fragrances because they support our politics or enterprises, they wear La Louve because it is the height of elegance and prestige. Our competitors cannot come close to matching our exclusive scents, and any woman of taste knows that her perfume choice is not merely a fashion statement, but a reflection of her identity.”

Staring straight into the camera, I continue. “l dare the woman of the NightFang pack to find a fragrance as enigmatic, luxurious and scintillating as our signature, or as nuanced as some of our other lines. Every woman is unique and complex, and we’ve created our perfumes to match those indefinable qualities upon which we all pride ourselves.”

“So you’re saying that CEOs like yourself should have no accountability if their products are good?” The reporter demands.

“I’m saying that corporations have the utmost responsibility to conduct their business ethically, and the accusations against me have nothing to do with my business.

They are of a personal nature.” l amend, knowing that while the reporter might have a point and our customers would be well within their rights to boycott, high fashion has a long history of trumping morality. “Five years ago I ran away from a bad marriage, and I did what I felt was necessary to protect myself. But I never harmed Petra or Eve Mechant, and anyone who says otherwise is either misinformed or pursuing their own agenda.” I conclude.

Pushing past them, I decide to forgo lunch and head straight for Ethan’s office. I don’t know if my pandering to our wealthy clients’ egos or cravings for exclusivity was sufficient to undo the damage this article has done. I can’t stand the thought of losing everything I’ve worked so hard for over the last few years, especially not due to another one of Eve’s schemes.

Charging into the pack headquarters, I walk straight into Ethan’s office, bypassing his assistant even as she races after me, insisting I can’t go in. When I open the doors, I find Ethan seated behind his desk and his Beta, Matthew, sitting across from him. One of the pack elders is on Matthew’s left, looking very grimm indeed, Ethan rises immediately when he sees me, and the other two turn around in surprise.

“Jane” Ethan greets me, striding around his desk. “Are you okay?”

“No” | whisper shakily, glancing at Matthew and the elder.

“Can you give us a moment?” Ethan requests of the men. They nod and depart, leaving us alone. “1 saw the Gazette.” Ethan tells me, clearly not needing any explanation for my sudden appearance, “I’ve already contacted them about printing a restriction, but I’m afraid the damage has been done.

“People are talking about boycotting La Louve” I share, pressing my palm to my temple, “there are reporters camped outside my office and yours, they’re probably at the Penthouse too. I don’t know what to do.”

Ethan pulls me into a hug, and I for once l don’t fight him. He rubs my back and purrs gently, making me relax even though I don’t want to be soothed. “That isn’t fair”I mutter into his chest, breathing in his rich, Alpha scent.

“What isn’t?” He croons, k!ssing my hair.

“This is very serious.” 1 tell him, “NightFang she-wolves are my biggest customers, if I lose them I could lose my business. I can’t afford to let my guard down.”

“You can.” He insists, “because l’m here to watch your back while you take a breath. That’s what partners do.”

“We’re not partners.” I answer with a pout.

“I meant in business, Janey” He teases, “I might not be your main contact anymore, but I’m still board president:”

“Oh.”I breathe, “right. So, what do you think I should do?”

“Let me deal with the press.” Ethan suggests, “And the police. I don’t care much for the investigator on my Mother’s case, but I might be able to knock some sense into him yet.”

My mind reels and I feel so tempted to let him take care of everything for me, but I’ve taken that path before, and it didn’t turn out well. As much as he comforts me, I simply don’t trust him when it comes to my freedom. “No”l object, pulling away from him. I look up into his dark eyes, gathering my courage as his brow furrows with displeasure. “Thank you, Ethan, but I think I have to do this myself”.

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 72

3rd Person

“What’d you mean, we’re moving? Riley asked in a hushed voice.

“Eric told me Paisley confided, looking around at her siblings faces with a deep frown. “He says Mommy taking us all back to da Dar Moon Pack and leaving Daddy here.

The other pups exchanged worried glances. They d been afraid something like this would happen. Mommy always said they were only here for a few months and she hadn’t talked to them about staying longer, even when she moved them in with Ethan and Paisley. it was part of why they d been so eager to reunite her with the Alpha, they knew they had to work fast.

Poor Paisley on the other hand, hadn’t realized that Jane was only in town for a limited time. She assumed that now that their family was together, they would stay together.

If Eric hadn’t told her the truth, she never would have known any differently.

However, whether the news was unexpected or not, all four pup could agree that they had to find a way to stop this from happening “We can’t leave Daddy behind.” Parker decided firmly. “He ‘n’ Mommy belong together, and we belong with both of ’em.

I don get it.” Paisley complained, “Daddy’s always hugging and flirting with Mommy, I know he wants to be with her.

“I think Mommy’s scared.” Ryder murmurs, “I dunno why, but every time she talks to Linda bout Daddy, she seems really upset.”

You know if we ask they’ll only tell us it’s grown up stuff.

“Riley rolled her eyes.

“An’ we’ll understand when we’re older.” Ryder and Parker supplied in unison.

“So how do we make her not scared?” Paisley asked, how do we convince her not to leave?”

“Well first ‘f all, I think we have to make them tell the truth. Riley decides, “then we can show them how much we don’t want to leave.”

“Good idea.” Ryder concurred. “Mommy hates seeing us sad.”

“So let’s make sure we’re very, very sad” Parker grinned.

“We might get a time out, but she can’t really blame us either.

“What are you talking bout?” Paisley questioned, not following

“Well, don’t tell Mommy, but sometimes our tantrums aren’ as real as we let her think.” Riley confided mischievously, sharing a knowing look with her brothers.

Parsley giggled” That’s bad!”

“No, Ryder corected her slyly, “is useful.

The four pups dissolved into laughter as they made their plans, and a few hours later they gathered in front of Ethan and Jane in the Penthouse ‘s living room, serious “updated by jobnib.com”expressions on their young faces. Ethan and Jane were seated on the couch, eager to hear about the kids’ day at school and not suspecting even one bit of the mischief headed their way.

“Well what did you learn?” Jane encouraged.

“Mommy, this isn’ ’bout school.” Parker announced somberly.

“Oh, then what is it about?” Ethan questioned, an amused smile splitting his cheeks.

“Are we moving?” Paisley demanded abruptly, going against the script she’d planned with her siblings, but unable to withhold her curiosity.

Jane instantly paled, and Ethan frowned. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”

“Eric told me that Mommy’s taking all f us away with her in a few months, and you’re staying here.” She announced, already near tears.

Jane and Ethan both smothered curses, before exchanging a meaningful glance. Jane looked horrified, and Ethan furious. “I”ll kill him.” The Alpha muttered under his breath, his temper rising despite Paisley’s unease.

Is it true? Riley questioned, crossing her plump arms over her ch3st.

Kids, what you have to understand is that-

That’s a yes l Ryder exclaimed, accusation heavy on his tongue.

“We live in the Dark Moon pack. Jane reminds Ryder, Parker and Riley. “t’s home, and I told you from the beginning that we’d be going back when my business here was finished. And you Paisley,” She said, turning to her youngest. “You’re well enough now to come and live with me, like you wanted.”

“I wanted to live with you and Daddy.” Paisley corrected her fiercely.

“Well your Daddy is Alpha here, he can’t leave the NightFang pack.” Jane explained, looking to her former mate for support.

Ethan wasn’t quite sure how to handle this, after all he only agreed to this arrangement because he had no intention of letting it actually happen. The pups knowing about his deal with Jane complicated things beyond all reason. He didn’t want to admit he’d been playing Jane, but he also didn’t want to tell the pups he was going to give them up.”

We only want what’s best for you.” He declared slyly, knowing full well that the best thing for them was for the entire family to be together.

“But you promised!” Paisley cried, looking at her father with abject betrayal. “You promised you ‘d never leave me!

“Angel, m not leaving you Ethan assured her, his voice full of conviction. “I will always be in your life, no matter what. He hated this, he hated her thinking he would actually let something divide them, even if it was Jane.

“We don’t wanna go back.” Riley proclaimed, picking up the conversation before Paisley could get too caught up in her feelings to remember the plan. “We wanna stay here!”

“We’re a family.” Parker seconded, “families don’t split up.

Ryder sealed the deal, looking at the Alpha with wide eyes. “Don’ you want us?

“Of course I want you.” Ethan professed before Jane could stop him. “I want you all more than anything.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that our lives are in different cities. Jane interjected, trying to steer them back on track. If circumstances were different, she might lie and use the Eric excuse, but she couldn’t do that to the pups.

Ethan was one thing-her kids were another, “It can’t be helped, my darlings. I know it isn’t what you want to hear, but this is simply the way things are. Neither one of us can simply pick up our entire lives and move across the continent.

“But we “ready have! Riley insisted. “if we can do it for a few months, why not forever?”

“Well for one thing because Ethan and I aren’t married,” Jane reasoned, trying to find a way to put their situation into words the pups would understand.

“So get married. Ryder suggested, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“Sweetie it doesn’t work that way” Jane sighed, looking to Ethan for a bit of help. To her annoyance, he simply stared back at her, as if he didn’t have any objection to this idea whatsoever. Shooting him a pointed glare, she nudged him hard with her elbow, only for Ethan to catch her and wrestle her under his arm.

Once Jane settled against him, he returned his attention to the pups. “I think what your Mommy means to say is that her business is in the Dark Moon pack and even though she can conduct it here-“

Jane elbowed him again, and he slipped his hand down to pinch her round bottom. Jane yelped and squirmed away from Ethan, but he held her tight. “Would you stop it!” She muttered under her breath. “The pups are watching.”

Four little faces looked up at them, catching every word and interaction. “Listen,” Jane sighed, peering into their young eyes, “l love you all so much, and i want you to be happy, which is why l’m always going to do what’s best for you. And this is what’s best.”

“No! The boys cried in unison.

“Being ‘part isn’t what’s best. Riley added, her little face scrunching up with genuine emotion. The pups had planned to do or say whatever was necessary to convince their parents to stay together, including throwing a fit, but the longer this went on, the more real it was feeling.

“We wanna stay t’gether,” Paisley cried. “With Daddy!”

Ethan watched Jane’s face twist into a grimace, and knew she wasn’t going to give an inch in this moment. He had every intention of continuing to wear her down, but at the moment she was digging her heels in and he knew pressuring her further would only backfire. “I’m sorry, little ones.” He declared simply. “Your Mommy’s mind is made up.”

Jane’s glare pierced into him, but before she could object to him putting the blame on her, the pups were already mid-meltdown. All four kids had thrown themselves on the floor, wailing and beating their little fists on the floor.

Jane dropped her head into her hands and sighed, pushing Ethan’s hands away when he tried to rub her back.

This was exactly what she’d been trying to avoid. She was worried moving into the penthouse would get the kids too attached to Ethan and it would make moving impossible, and here was the fallout. Guilt washed over her in a tidal wave, blending with her frustration and all the stress that had tormented her the last couple of weeks. After the morning she’d had, Jane had been looking forward to cuddling her pups when she finally got home, not having them scream that they hated her while sobbing into the carpet.

The final straw was when she reached for Paisley, who always wanted her even when the other kids did not, and the little girl pulled away from her, shouting that she only wanted her Daddy. With that, Jane lept from the couch and fled into her bedroom before the pups – or Ethan – could see her cry.

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 73

3rd Person

“It didn’ work.” Riley announced sullenly, exchanging worried looks with her siblings.

Though their efforts to convince Jane and Ethan not to separate the family had certainly made an impact on their parents, it hadn’t done anything to change their minds. Jane had run off crying, and Ethan had sent the pups to go have a lie down while he checked on Jane. A little while later Jane had emerged from her bedroom dry-eyed and grim-faced, and went about making dinner as if nothing had happened.

Afterwards Ethan talked with the pups and told them how sorry he was that they found out this way, and helped them work through their feelings, but ultimately nothing changed.

“What do we do now?” Parker questioned, feeling at a loss. The problems facing the pups were piling up so high they were becoming insurmountable. How were they supposed to help clear Jane’s good name, while also convincing her to stay in the NightFang territory with Ethan?

“l dunno.”‘ Ryder sighed, “but Mommy and Daddy must have loved each other once, we just have to make them fall ‘n love again.”

“How?” Paisley murmured, leaning against her sister for comfort.

“I think we need help.” Riley decided, putting her arm around Paisley.

“From who?” Parker inquired, “the other grown ups agree with Mommy.”

“Uncle Eric might, but I dunno ’bout Auntie Linda.”

Riley answered. l think she has a crush on Eric”

“But how’d we talk to her without Mommy knowing?” Paisley wondered aloud.

“We’ll find a way.” Ryder declared, “Next time they’re on the phone, we can try to catch Linda before she hangs up.”

Hours later they hovered near while their mother talked with Linda, listening to every word the women spoke as they hid just out of sight.

“1 don’t know what l’m going to do, Linda.” Jane fretted, briefly opening her bedroom door to make sure the pups weren’t listening outside, then closing it again.

Of course, what she didn’t realize was that the children were on the second extension of the landline, holding their small paws over their mouths so the grown ups wouldn’t hear them breathing.

“Janey, I know things are tough right now. But it will get better.” Linda replied, “The talks of boycotts are already dying down.”

“Yes, well a boycott only matters if I have a business to run.” Jane replied cynically, dragging her hand through her long hair. “Even that won’t matter if I’m in jail.”

“You won’t go to jail.” Linda insisted. “And if you do, l’ll break you out. I know all the laws, I can get away with it.”

Jane chuckled, but her humor only lasted a moment. “So I can be a fugitive?” Jane scoffed. “That’ll be great for the pups.”

“Well you know no matter what you’ve got the best lawyer in the territory in your corner.” Linda answered warmly. On anyone else, her confidence might seem overblown, but Jane knew her friend had a perfect record. She’d never lost a case, and she couldn’t hope for a better lawyer.

“I know.” She replied, “thank you.”

There was a pregnant pause, and then Linda spoke in a deceptively neutral voice, “How’s Eric handling all of this?”

“I still can’t believe he told Paisley about the move.

” Jane complained. “He apologized repeatedly, but I can’t remember ever being so angry with him.”

“I’m sure he thought they already knew.’ Linda defended.

“l’m not so sure” Jane exhaled, “He’s been so opposed to us staying here and so aggressive towards Ethan. I’m really starting to think it was a mistake asking him to come here.” She paused, debating whether or not she wanted to share the topic which had been on her mind most. “And… when we went out the night Petra died, he told me he had feelings for me.

“Oh” Linda uttered, her voice breaking. “Wow… that’s… wow.”

“1 didn’t know how to respond either.” Jane confessed, not picking up on her friend’s disappointment.

“So what did you say?” Linda asked, her voice a few octaves higher than usual.

“I said l’d think about it.” Jane confessed. “I mean Eric is kind and good, I know he would take care of me

and make a wonderful father figure for the pups”

But?” Linda prompted.

“But it feels like Eric is someone who’s meant to be in my future when I’m stuck here living in the past.” She eyed her open day planner, running her finger over the page that had been taunting her all morning. “You know Saturday would have been my 10th wedding anniversary?” In truth, it wasn’t the anniversary of the day Jane truly considered to be her wedding, when she and Ethan eloped, but it was the date of the formal ceremony they held a few months later.

“I remember.” Linda told her simply. “Does Ethan?”

“He hasn’t said anything, but l’m sure he does.”

Jane griped. “That man never forgets anything.”

“Are you going to celebrate?” Linda asked slyly.

“Of course not.” Jane scoffed. “And if Ethan asks for a date that night, I am not agreeing. I’ve already slipped up one time too many. She admitted, gnawing her lower l!p. “I really thought changing my scent would protect me, but at the end of the day he’s still an Alpha, and we have so much history. My body isn’t my own when he’s near me”

“Have you considered that’s the Goddess’s way of telling you that you’re meant to be together?” Linda suggested.

“If the Goddess wanted us to be together, she would have fated us.” Jane argued back, “Ethan and I were only ever together because we were both young and defiant – I should have known better. No Alpha marries an omega. If we’d listened to his parents, we could have avoided all this.”

“If that’s true then why does she keep bringing you back together?” Linda inquired, “why did she gift you with pups?”

“Maybe she’s not as benevolent as we like to think.

” Jane theorized. “Maybe she’s just pulling the strings, toying with me for fun.”

“You don’t really believe that” Linda scolded.

“No, but sometimes I do wonder:” Jane whispered.

“Otherwise why would she make this so difficult?”

“1 don’t know.” Her friend stated honestly. “But I do know that nothing worth having comes easily”

“Yeah.” Jane murmured thoughtfully, “anyway, I’ll let you go – thanks for listening Linda.!”

“Anytime girl.” Linda assured her. “I’ll talk to you later:”

“Bye.” Jane said, hanging up.

As soon as the line clicked, Riley hurriedly exclaimed, “Auntie Linda?”

Linda paused, “Riley? Is that you?”

“Yes.” The pup answered happily, exchanging a smile with her siblings. “And we need your help.”

On Saturday evening, Jane was standing in her office when her cell rang, trying to catch up on some of the work she missed during the week amidst all the media drama. Seeing Ethan’s name scrolling across the screen, she considered ignoring the call, but eventually caved and raised it to her ear.

“Hey gorgeous.” Ethan greeted her.

“Ethan, what’s up?” Jane replied stiffly.

“Well first of all, happy anniversary” He proclaimed.

“We aren’t married anymore, Ethan.” Jane reminded him.

“I know.” Ethan confirmed, “but it’s still an anniversary. And I just got home to find quite the surprise.”

“What are you talking about?” She asked warily.

“Well” He began, the smile evident in his voice, “It seems our pups have been scheming with their aunt.

There is a rather beautiful dinner here waiting for us to celebrate: filet mignon, good red wine, a luscious chocolate cake. So unless you want to disappoint them, you need to get back here.”

“What?” Jane repeated. “Ethan I’m not celebrating our anniversary.”

“Sweetheart, I had nothing to do with this.” Ethan insists. “‘m as surprised as you are, and after the week the pups have had, I think we owe them this much.

His words hit Jane right in the heart, she’d been overwhelmed with guilt all week long over the pups meltdown and nothing she’d said or done had convinced them to forgive her. “Fine.” Jane grumbled, caving even though she knew it was a terrible idea. “I’m on my way.”

Jane had gotten so used to seeing a sea of reporters outside her door, that it was actually a surprise when she exited her office and found the investigator waiting for her instead. Of course, the media jackals were still there, they were just outside the doors while the police waited in the comfort of the building’s lobby.

“What is this?” She asked, eyeing the detective and the uniformed officers flanking him on either side.

The man offered her a vicious smile.”Jane Blackwell, you are under arrest for the murder of Petra Balckwell.” He announced, sending the officers towards her with a pair of handcuffs. As they spun her around and pulled her hands behind her back, he continued,.”

You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney…”

 

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 74

Jane

“I want my phone call” I hiss, thrashing against the officers dragging me towards the jail’s small cells as the investigator watches with a malicious grin.

“Whoever said anything about a phone call?” He drawls. “We haven’t even booked you yet. If you’re good you might get a call in the morning, once we’ve had some time to talk.”

“My lawyer will find out anyway!” I grow, “you might have humiliated me by arresting me in front of the cameras, but it will be all over the news by now.

“It was worth it.” He answers, “you brought this on yourself, don’t go blaming me just because you made bad decisions.”

All l can do is pray Linda wasn’t so busy setting up my anniversary dinner that she missed the news broadcast. I don’t even have the energy to be frustrated she was plotting with the pups anymore, I’m only concerned with my freedom. “I didn’t kill anyone.” 1 announce fiercely.

“The evidence begs to differ” The detective grouses, “now are you going to cooperate with us or not?”

“I’m not answering a single question without my lawyer, even if it means I have to stay here overnight.” I snap, knowing he was hoping to leverage a confession from me with threats of detaining me.

“Fine.” He bites back, pushing me into the hands of a guard, “Book her. We’ll see how confident you are after you’ve met your cellmate.”

The guard in question takes my fingerprints and mugshots, then leads me back into a icey block of cells.

The cramped spaces are lined with iron bars, and furnished with nothing beyond a concrete slab and a scratchy blanket. I suppose most former Luna’s would balk at such conditions, but what these men don’t realize is that I’ve been a prisoner before. Sure, the conditions were luxurious beyond belief- but a gilded cage is still a cage.

I stride straight into the first cell with my head held high, glaring at the guards as they slide the barred door shut behind me. There’s another she-wolf in the space with me, and I have to admit she’s one of the most intimidating wolves I’ve ever seen. At least a foot taller than me and boasting no shortage of tattoos, she looks me up and down with the bearing of a ravenous hyena.

“What are you in for?” She asked, speaking with a thick accent, “stealing the clothes off a department store mannequin?”

Glancing down at my designer dress I shrug. “They think I killed the Alpha’s mother.”

Her eyes widen, some of the aggression pouring oft of her receding. “Really?”

“1 didn’t do it” I huff crossing my arms over my ch3st, wondering what my pups are doing right now. As much as I hope Linda sees the news, I pray they don’t.

I’m trying very hard not to think about what all this will mean for them. I never listed a father on their birth certificates, so unless Ethan or Eric pull strings with the courts, the kids will go to an orphanage in the event of my incarceration. Eric’s words float into my consciousness again, reminding me how ideal this situation would be for Ethan to gain custody.

“Don’t you want to know why I’m here?” My cellmate asks, almost sounding offended.

“Would you tell me if l asked?” | counter, arching my brow.

The corner of the woman’s mouth twitched, transforming her harsh features into something much softer. “No, but it’s nice to be asked.”

At once I realize the investigator had misjudged her as readily as he misjudged me. I bet he took one look at her and decided she was a monster, just like he looked at me and assumed I would crack under the slightest pressure. “What do you make of that detective?” I ask her. “Biggest pr!ck on the continent?”

“You can say that again.” She grumbles in agreement.

My soft heart begins to wonder if she too has children or family she’s worried about, and whether anyone is coming to help her. “Do you have a lawyer?”

“No.” She bites, “they said they’d assign me one.”

“Mine should be here soon.” I state, hoping l’m right. “As soon as she’s done sorting my bail, Ill have her look at your case.”

The she-wolf stares at me, agog. “Why would you do that?”

“Because people don’t belong in cages.”‘ I sigh, lying back on the stone slab and praying Ill get to sleep in an actual bed tonight, even though l know the chances are slim. I’m still lying there feeling sorry for myself when a thunderous roar breaks the silence. “

Where is she?”

Ethan! I think excitedly. l’d been expecting Linda, but there’s no mistaking that deep voice. “Alpha -” I hear one of the guards stutter, “your mate is in custody, there’s not-“

Thear a snarl and a scuffle, then another rumbling order. “Take me to her, right now.” Ethan commands.

A few moments later the door to the lockup swings open, and Ethan appears, holding the massive guard by the scruff of his neck. The moment his eyes land on me he drops the guard and hastens to my cell. “Jane, are you alright?” He inquires, gripping the bars dividing us with white-knuckled fists.

Moving to stand in front of him, I don’t pull away when he reaches through the iron barrier to frame my face in his hands. He looks over me almost as if he thinks I was injured, with all the concern and aggression of.

“I’m fine.”l whisper, lying through my teeth.

A low growl rumbles in his chest, and he glowers at the guard. “Unlock this cell”

“Sir, I can’t do that” The man replies cowering away from Ethan as though he’s afraid of an attack.

Unlock it now Ethan ordered, putting every ounce of his Alpha authority into his voice, “before l lose my temper.” His eyes glow as his wolf rises to the surface, and I can’t help the shiver that runs down my spine just being near him when he’s so angry.

The guard is no less frightened, and immediately fumbles for his keys.

“1s Linda here?” l ask anxiously, knowing realistically that she’s probably home with the pups, but not understanding how else l’m going to get out of here.

“No. Ethan rumbles, scowling at the guard as he unlocks the cell. “I’m going to deal with the investigator myself”

“But Ethan -” l object, terrified that Eric’s prediction is coming true right before my eyes. “Unless they drop the charges, I’m going to end up right back here.” Glancing over my shoulder, I nod towards my cell mate, “besides, this she-wolf doesn’t have a lawyer either.”

“You will not end up back here.” Ethan vows, pulling me into his arms the moment the bars dividing us disappear. “lf they want to say you’re in my custody until this is all sorted out they can, but over my dead body will you be convicted for this crime.” He looks to the other she-wolf. “As soon as we get home, I’ll send Linda back here for your friend. Right now she’s babysitting the pups or I would have brought her.”

“Thank you, Alpha.” The she-wolf says shyly, convincing me she’s not half as mean as the investigator believed.

Just then the man in question appears, his face red with fury. “What is the meaning of this?”

“l ought to be asking you the same question.”

Ethan growls, “I told you Eve was responsible for the murder. I told you not to go anywhere near Jane.”

“You did?” I squeak, feeling the swirling cloud of dread looming above me recede a bit.

“0f course” Ethan assures me, studying my shocked expression with a furrowed brow.

“That’s right.” The detective grits out. “The Alpha obstructed justice when he told me not to investigate you – and now the whole pack will see just how ethical you are, Blackwell. What do you intend to do in order to walk out of here with her?” The investigator presses,” Bribe me, intimidate me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Ethan snaps, “| don’t have to do anything to you. I’m taking Jane home, and if you try to stop me, I’ll just go through you.?’ He slings his arm over my shoulder and leads me forward, moving to tower over the detective. The red little man glared up at Ethan for a moment, prompting another growl from the Alpha. Almost immediately the investigator lowered his gaze in submission, stepping out of the way with his tail tucked between his legs.

“Good boy.” Ethan taunted him, making him flush even deeper shade of scarlet.

As we move past him, I lean into Ethan’s protective warmth, even though the idea of being in his custody makes me incredibly nervous. I keep telling myself history isn’t repeating itself, otherwise Ethan wouldn’t have ordered the investigators to look into Eve and leave me alone. Still, I can’t help but think my entire life is hanging in the balance, and after what happened with the pups, Ethan has every reason to steal my freedom again.

 

The Luna And Her Quadruplet Pups Chapter 75

Ethan

The day after the arrest, I wake up before dawn, striding into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee and rouse my exhausted brain. It’s still dark out, but when I exit my bedroom I can see the lights are already on down the hall. When I reach the living room I find Jane curled up in the window seat, wide awake and staring out at the waking city.

Frowning deeply, I move to her side, my concern growing when she doesn’t seem to detect my presence.

She’s completely lost in her thoughts, and when I reach out to touch her shoulder, she jerks away from me as if she’s been electrocuted.

“Easy, Jane.” I shush her softly, “It’s only me!”

Her wide eyes relax slightly, a heavy sigh expelling from her lungs. However she doesn’t relax completely, her muscles are still wound tight as a spring, and my heart aches just looking at her distraught face.”Sorry,” She mutters weakly, “you startled me.”

“Have you been up all night?” I question, studying the dark circles beneath her eyes.

She shrugs, averting her gaze. “I had a lot on my mind.”

Thankfully it’s Sunday, so she doesn’t have to go into work, but I can’t help worrying for my poor mate.”

Sweetheart, that’s no good”‘ I scold gently, suddenly regretting letting her go to bed alone. I’d been sorely tempted to stay with her until she fell asleep, but she clearly wanted to be alone so I didn’t force the issue.

The pups won’t be up for a few hours, you ought to try to get in some rest before they wake”

“l can’t” Jane admits, her rosy l!ps tugging downward. “1 tried to sleep, but l couldn’t get my brain to turn off”

Normally l would suggest a glass of wine to help send her off, but five o’clock in the morning seems a bit early to start drinking. Instead I gather her into my arms, ignoring the way she jolts and squirms to escape.

Taking a seat on the sofa, I cuddle her to my ch3st and begin to purr softly, knowing that no matter her omega instincts are buried, she’ll never be immune to my comfort.

“Ethan, I don’t want to sleep She objects, still wriggling despite the fact that her nose is pressed to my ch3st and she’s obviously smelling me. Silly little omega, I think, does she really think I don’t know what she’s doing?

Chuckling darkly, I snuggle her close and stroke her hair, “Now you’re just being stubborn.!”

“I’m not stubborn.”‘ She mutters mutinously, her dark lashes fluttering despite her words.

“Just go to sleep, baby.” I encourage, k!ssing her hair and trying not to get distracted by her own delectable scent.

Little by little Jane submits, falling into a sleep so deep that she doesn’t even stir when I carry her to bed.

Depositing her between the silky sheets, I try to pull away, only to find her small fists clenched in my shirt. It isn’t easy to disentangle her, but I finally succeed, hoping she’ll stay asleep once l leave.

When I finally make it back out to the kitchen and collect the morning paper, l I’m relieved Jane fell asleep, because the morning news is far from good. Once again her photo is splashed across the headlines, only this time mine is alongside her, and the story below details her arrest and my intervention at the police station.

The words corruption” and “abuse of power” leap off the page, assaulting my tired mind as my coffee brews, and I know I have to do something. don’t know what is going on with the lead investigator. Perhaps he simply believes he’s right and is too prideful to consider another explanation, taking every challenge as an assault on his authority. Or it may be the case that he’s pursuing his own agenda and is deliberately trying to sabotage us.

Either way, Jane has been as skittish as a frightened rabbit ever since he spoke to her at the funeral, and regardless of the impact on my family, he’s following the wrong lead. Eve is still out there somewhere waiting to wreak more havoc, and neither Jane nor the pups are safe as long as she’s free.

Calling my second in command, Matthew, I direct him to arrange a press conference for this afternoon, and set about preparing my statement.

A few hours later, l’m standing in front of a throng of reporters, camera flashes bursting in front of my eyes as I stare them down.

“Thank you all for being here today, I begin, trying to keep my temper in check, “l appreciate you taking the time to come out. I know there has been a great deal in the news about my family lately, specifically my former mate, Jane. can confirm that Elise Carrington is, in fact, Jane Blackwell, but this is where the news’s accuracy ceases. While our past has not always been smooth sailing, we have reconciled our differences and appreciate the pack respecting our privacy in this matter. We are only interested in moving forward, particularly after the tragic events surrounding my mother’s murder.”

It still feels strange to talk about my mother in the past tense, let alone to say the word ‘murder’ relating to someone so close to me, but I forge on without pausing. “Despite what you may have been told, Jane had absolutely nothing to do with this crime. The person responsible is Eve Mechant, who also engineered the attacks for which Jane was blamed in the police reports recently leaked by the investigative team, as well as my daughter’s attempted murder. I am extremely disturbed by the police and the media’s insistence on persecuting an innocent woman when Eve remains at large. l urge all members of the pack to be on the lookout for Ms. Mechant, as she is a grave threat to public safety.”

“As for the accusations of corruption levied against me, I ask you the following: is the true abuse of power standing up for what is right and defending the innocent, or neglecting one’s duty and allowing a dangerous criminal to roam free, because an easier target is available to take the fall?” A string of mutters moves through the crowds, and I can’t keep the growl out of my voice as I conclude, “I am determined to hold the responsible parties in these terrible events accountable, and you have my word as Alpha that I will not rest until our city is safe and order restored. I will not be taking any questions, and thank you again for your time.”

This prompts an explosion of flashes and shouts from the audience, but l ignore them and leave the dais, my temper still dangerously close to snapping.

However, that only lasts for a moment because as I step off the podium, I see Jane standing just inside the door, watching me with her fingers pressed to her l!ps. I had no idea she was going to be here, and the astonished look on her face sparks a pang in my ch3st. lgnoring the press, I go to her and wrap her in a hug, lifting her feet off the ground as I squeeze her tight. “It’s going to be okay.” I promise.

“You didn’t have to do that” Jane murmurs into the curve of my neck.

“Yes I did.” l insist, setting her down and cradling her cheek in my hand. “You don’t deserve what they’re saying about you, and Eve can’t be allowed to get away with this.”

“Thank you.” Jane breathes, hugging me again.

My heart swells as she freely offers me affection, and I decide to use her good will to my advantage. “You know, we never got to celebrate our anniversary, and you owe me quite a few dates.” | tell her. We never discussed what would happen with the dates we canceled after Mom’s murder, but I have every intention of making up for lost time now.

“Oh yeah?” Jane smiles, her beautiful green eyes glittering.

“Yeah” I confirm, “So what do you say? Let’s play hooky tomorrow and go do something fun.”

“I shouldn’t” Jane sighs, “I’ve already missed so much work with everything that’s been going on.”

“Yeah, but you haven’t done anything for yourself”.

l argue, “you’ve been taking care of me, taking care of the pups, fending off the police. You’re so stressed out, Janey. You deserve a break”

Jane shifts restlessly, peeking up at me from beneath her lashes. “What would we even do?”

“1 dunno,” I muse, trying to think of some activities that don’t involve Jane naked and in my bed, which is suddenly all l can think about. “We could go apple picking, or hiking -maybe bowling.”

“Not without the pups.? Jane shakes her head. “

Those kinds of activities should be with the whole family.”

“Hmm,”‘ I ponder, well then how about wine tasting?” I suggest.

Jane beams, “that’s the best idea you’ve had all day.”

Chuckling, I decide, alright then. It’s a date.”