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.

to find the right words. “I thought it would be

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

I mumble

it’s settled, our first date will be a family picnic.” Ethan proclaims. “That way Paisley and your

my earlier thinking. If

I get home, my pups are clamoring at the door to greet me, “Mommy, Mommy,

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. “I missed you so much, what have

a fort!” They announce in

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

with the Alpha.” I answer honestly. “His

“Paisley?” Ryder asks.

know her name?” I question, struck nearly dumb by

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

continue, taking a deep breath, “you might I get to meet her very soon. Ethan wants to take us on

pups exclaim, “Can we go? Can

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

everything going wrong in our

to!”

I laugh, cuddling their small, warm bodies

are in bed and Linda and I are sharing a bottle of wine, I’m finally free to share all

thinks he knows. He doesn’t

that’s why he’s suggested this deal. He’s going to try to expose me. He thinks he can romance me into admitting

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

I ask her, feeling truly defeated, “the pups want to be with him. Paisley adores him. How am I

compete?”

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

them these last few days… they all need a male role model. I don’t think I’m ever going to be enough for them on my