The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 37: Jane Calls a Lifeline

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 lips 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 kiss?” 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.

the right

sorry.” I’ve never seen anyone who looks less sorry than my ex-husband in this moment. “Would you prefer a

I mumble sulkily,

be a family picnic.” Ethan proclaims. “That way Paisley and your pups

have to amend my earlier thinking. If I wanted to

I get home, my pups are clamoring at

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.

a fort!” They announce in unison,

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

I’ve been with the Alpha.” I answer honestly. “His little

“Paisley?” Ryder asks.

name?” I question, struck nearly dumb by the sound of

that Parker is currently elbowing his brother’s side, as if

when they all sigh with relief. It’s just like my pups, to care so much about a stranger’s wellbeing. They might have

a deep breath, “you might I get to meet her

My pups exclaim, “Can we go? Can

| 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

off balance by everything going wrong

to!” They

cuddling their small, warm bodies close. “We’ll all

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.”

reminds me, “He thinks he knows. He

whisper nervously. “I know that’s why he’s suggested this deal. He’s going

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

to be with him. Paisley adores him. How am I ever supposed

compete?”

any day. I’m sure of it.” Linda states firmly. “Pups can survive without a father, but

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