The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 29 Tunnel of Love

Jane

Looking down at Paisley’s sweet face, I know I can’t deny her anything. “Of course I’ll come.” I promise, avoiding Ethan’s gaze.

“Yay!” Paisley exclaims happily, looking back and forth between Ethan and I. Something seems to strike her then, and her little nose crinkles in confusion and concern. “Wait, what ’bout your game?”

Ethan’s gaze zeroes in on me. I don’t need to look at him to know, I can feel the weight of his eyes on me like a pair of hundred pound weights. I should have foreseen this, I should have remembered the story I told the little girl about the hide and seek game. Now she’ll think I can’t ever be her mother because Ethan clearly found me. Panic bubbles up inside me, I don’t know how to answer her and keep up my lie for Ethan at the same time.

“We put it on pause.” Ethan supplies, surprising me.

“For you.”ladd gently, “because of your surgery.”

“Oh.” Paisley chirps, accepting our answer without further question. “Good.” She smiles toothily up at me. “I’m glad.”

“Me too.” I admit, unable to stop myself from running my fingers through her dark hair.

I’m painfully aware of Ethan’s warm, hard body beneath me, and still hiding from his penetrating gaze, however, I’m also completely preoccupied by Paisley. Every time I see her it

feels like a dream come true. I’ve waited so long to hold her in my arms and hear her call me Mommy, I’d put up with Ethan for hours on end if it meant I got to spend more time with her like this. I just have to remain conscious of the fine line I’m walking. I can’t reveal too much in front of my ex, and I can’t let him trick me into revealing the truth.

When we depart Paisley’s room a couple of hours later, he keeps his arm locked around my waist, forcing me to physically remove the powerful limb. I’m mildly shocked when he doesn’t stop me, but my victory is very short lived. “Would you care to tell me what that was about?” His deep voice sounds behind me.

Belatedly I realize he allowed me the victory of pushing him away, only so that my guard would be lowered when he made his next move. “Your daughter is very sweet.” I inform him simply, not truly answering his question.

“You’ve visited her before.” Ethan rumbles, stating it as a fact, rather than I question.

“I met her when Riley was here.” I shrug, “the children’s ward isn’t very big.”

“Why didn’t you say?” He questions, pulling me to a stop just inside the building exit.

“Because,” I inform him coldly, “lc would only have encouraged you.”

to fight back instead he simply chuckles,

freeze momentarily, shaking off my reaction as soon

to call me that all the time, in precisely the same way – never as a criticism or accusation, always as a term of amused endearment. I continue walking without responding, praying

mother was stubborn too.” He says to my back. “In fact, she never even told me

woman.’ I reply, trying not

to know her. She’s really needed a mother these past few years, and she’s going to need one as she grows up even

them. If I stop now or look at him, he’ll see, so I simply continue moving towards the car. “Then you ought to marry Eve and be done

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Ethan

in the conniving she-wolf. I’ve only ever had eyes for Jane, which is why it hurt so much when she betrayed us on her graduation trip. If it weren’t for my mother’s word, l’ d never have believed Eve’s version of events, but their stories matched perfectly and even Jane hadn’t been able to deny what she’d done –

ways than I can possibly count, and one day soon I plan on getting all the answers i possibly can out of her. However until then I have to focus on simply making her admit her true identity. Only then can I bring her and my pups

was only too happy for an excuse to get the kids out of the house and away from me so she readily agreed.

quickly, flushing and then amending

come.” I correct

cheer triumphantly.

to go home.” Jane narrows her eyes. “Don’t you have

going to be off for Paisley’s surgery anyway.” I explain, “this way

your head!” Jane sputters, beside

is still aching enough to

doesn’t like them either so she can keep you company

can only grin at the clever pup. “That’s a great

—————–

can’ t stop thinking that this is wrong. Poor Paisley is stuck in a lumpy hospital bed while

you thinking about Paisley?” Jane asks softly. We’re standing at the exit of an alarmingly tall roller coaster

my hair, I admit. “I feel guilty being here

feel that way.” She shares, “But you can bring her

scheming, “We could bring her together. The pups did say they want to meet