The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 11 Family drama

Ethan

Following the direction of Paisley’s pointing finger, I scan the crowded courtyard for my daughter’s look alike. Despite my best efforts, I don’t see anyone fitting her description. I believe Paisley saw a child who resembled her, but it seems like she’s gone now. “I’m sorry sweetheart, I don’t see her.”

Paisley drags her expectant gaze from my face, looking back across the mall. Her little face scrunches up in disappointment when she too fails to find the child in question. “Daddy, I swear. She looked exactly like me! Maybe she’s my sister!”

Chuckling warmly, I tug my pup towards the theater entrance. “I know you want a sister, my love, but your mommy only gave birth to you.”

“No, daddy, that was my sister.” She insists stubbornly. “I decided!”

This is not the first time my daughter has invented an imaginary sibling or invisible friend to play with, after all, don’t all children at this age? I know it’s no use arguing, and I don’t want to stifle her creativity. Instead I shake my head in amusement and agree, “All right little one. Sister or not, it’s time for the movie.”

From her expression, Paisley suspects I’m merely humoring her, but she doesn’t argue. She’s too excited to see this film. For the next two hours, my sweet pup delights at the antics of the characters on the sprawling silver screen, and I sit back and enjoy the sound of her laughter. With her medical

troubles I have to relish every moment of joy we can find, especially the simple joys like this one.

of rich Italian food, we gaze out the floor to ceiling windows as night falls over Nightfang Valley. Just as thousands of electric lights spark to life below us, illuminating the darkened city, Paisley begins to

help her through the process. Unfortunately, I can do no such thing. I know it’s not a big deal, but I don’t like taking my eyes off Paisley in public places,

young women in line offer to help Paisley, but my little girl has a prideful streak. “Daddy I’m not a baby ‘nymore, I can use the

wait right here.” I vow, raising my palms

disappears inside, I

in line, but I can feel their eyes on me nonetheless. This is the downside of being Alpha; I can’t go anywhere without being recognized, and the tabloids keep

nothing short of relieved when Paisley finally emerges, though she starts to walk off in the opposite direction. “Paisley, Daddy’s over here.” I

forward, I catch her easily, scooping her up and belatedly wondering if she somehow managed to change clothes in the restroom. I’m almost certain

my surprise Paisley begins to writhe and fight

in exasperation, tightening my grip on the squirming bundle so that she does not topple out of my arms. I don’t know what game she’s playing, but I don’t care for it: she’s struggling so fiercely I’m genuinely worried I’ll drop

and I don’t like you.

the vicinity of my hip, and I look

the identical children, the only dissimilarity between them being their clothes, “What? How is this possible?” Scenting the pup in my arms, I realize she truly isn’t Paisley. She smells similar, but Paisley’s fragrance is slightly sweeter and more delicate.

called herself Riley is staring down at Paisley in shock, and my daughter begins bouncing up and down in excitement, “Daddy, you found her! You found

and plucks Riley out of my hands, stunning me so completely I freeze in place. She’s already

follow the retreating mother and pup. The blonde slipped away so quickly that I waste valuable time trying to find her, relying on my vision rather than my other senses. By the time I knock enough sense into my head to track her scent, it’s too late. I catch one last glimpse of the woman as she stands calmly in the elevator waiting for the doors to close. I’ve barely stepped forward when