The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 23 Ethan Wakes Up

Ryder and Parker had always been talented eaves

droppers.

From before they could remember, grown ups always seemed to be having secret conversations behind closed doors. They never thought they were speaking loudly enough to be over heard – that or they thought the pups could not understand.

But they did hear.

And they did understand.

Now, it wasn’t all grown ups. Their mommy certainly knew better, but Auntie Linda did not. Ryder and Parker listened as the doctor checked over their Daddy, using strange words they did not recognize like concussion and contusion, then saying things that were very clear indeed. Such as, “he mustn’t be moved” and “He’ll need to stay here on bed rest.”

“But his daughter is to have surgery tomorrow.” Linda object

“It will have to be postponed.” The doctor assessed simply. “I’ m afraid the Alpha won’t be back on his feet for a few days.”

“Yes, Doctor.” Linda agreed grimly.

The boys were both excited and concerned. The idea of final ly getting to meet their Daddy was unbelievable enough, but this was even better. They might actually get to spend time with him – live with him. Still, it also meant their newfound sister would have to stay in the hospital even longer, and now she’d be more vul nerable to that terrible lady who tried to poison her than ever.

They had to do something.

The next morning at breakfast they asked their Mommy if they could come with her to pick up Riley and luckily she agreed.

Two hours later the boys stood in a dimly lit hospital room,

watching their sisters meet for the first time.

“Riley this is Paisley, Paisley this is Riley.” Parker introduced

them.

2004 “See, I always knew I should have a twin!” Riley exclaimed to

her brothers.

“We’re all twins,” Ryder corrected her.

“You know what I mean!” Riley exclaims.

“You two can switch places without anyone noticing.” Paisley elaborates, reading her sister’s mind. “Now Riley and I can do the same!” She frowns, “Of course it would be easier if we were all t’

gether.”

to get Mommy and Daddy back together.” Ryder shares excitedly. “But firt you have to

Ryder ad vises. “She

unison

And if you want Mommy and Daddy

ages.”

hear their new sister supporting their plans, “How d’we

out loud, “she hates kids. She hates getting dirty and poor people… I think if we’re just loud and

get really mad.” Ryder surmises, finishing

to be sure

how can we make sure we’ll all be together again?” Parker asks, “Mommy clearly doesn’

can handle Mommy,” Paisley suggests.

can do this.” Riley agrees. “We

1. Deal?”

at one another

ment. “Deal.”

Jane

Janey.” Linda informs me matter-of factly, her voice sounding distant over the

the receiver and hoping the pups are too distracted to pay

I’m now calling it – and I’ve done my best to keep myself and the pups out of the house. Even now, after picking up Riley from the hospital, I’ve taken the kids to get ice cream rather than returning home. I’m currently contemplating staying at a hotel

before this afternoon.” | argue, “By

Linda drawls, “that was one heavy

he has one very thick skull.” | counter, ignoring the guilt bubbling up inside me for knocking Ethan out so ruthlessly. It’s a blessing he was so drunk. I’m sure he remembers nothing of the incident, and even if he does he’s much too proud to admit a

home now?” Riley asks, tugging on my skirt. The poor little thing must be so tired, and I know she hated spending so many nights in the

boys.

to ad dress my daughter. “Actually, I think Auntie Linda could use a break from having house guests. How would you all feel about staying in a hotel tonight?” It’s true that Linda could probably use a break. I’ve arranged a rental apartment for the remainder of our stay here, but it won’t

42 14

swimming pool

my shock, all three pups exchange glances before turning back to me with deep frowns. “No!” They

snorts in my ear, and I resist the urge to growl at her. “You don’t want to go have a mini vacation?” | ask

go back to Auntie

like it

I’m too tired to play.” Riley

pout.

Groaning internally, I cave.

I sigh in resignation, shifting my cell back into

Ethan

memory for details, but the last thing I remember is being at the bar after receiving the unfor tunate DNA results. Getting slowly to my feet,

Or is

perfume and Jane’s sunshine are blended around the edges. I must be in Linda’s house. I do smell pups as well, but their scents are weaker like… Goddess what do I even call this woman? I’m so confused about Elise and Jane that I feel absolutely beside myself – and that isn’t a sensa tion I’m