The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 53 – The Pups Go Shopping

3rd Person

Jane couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She never imagined that Ethan would concede defeat at all, let alone without a lengthy battle. Now he was offering to just give her Paisley, but the idea of living with Ethan again was too over whelming to contemplate – if she could even trust that he would keep his word.

“Why should I believe you’d actually let her go?” Jane asked suspiciously.

“Because I want what’s best for her.” He stated gently, “And I’m man enough to admit when I’ve made a mistake.”

Jane eyed him skeptically. Ethan had changed course so suddenly she felt as if she had emotional whiplash. This day had been a complete roller coaster from start to finish, and she didn’t know how to deal with the alpha’s sudden about face. At the same time, she’d never dreamed he would apolo gize for what happened between them. He actually looked truly remorseful, as if he was finally realizing just how badly he hurt her.

It didn’t excuse his actions in any way shape or form, but she did believe it would bother him. He had loved her once, after all. At least, she thought he had. When they were young Ethan had been sweet and attentive, everything she had ever wanted in a man. Of course, that was a very long time ago. “I don’t believe you.” She said, not wanting him to see how con flicted she felt.

“Jane listen,” Ethan sighed heavily, searching his ex-wife’s

face, “Did becoming a parent change you?”

“Of course it did.” She agreed easily, becoming a parent had been like being reborn herself. Life started over com pletely the moment she first held her pups in her arms, and it would never be the same again.

“Well it changed me too.” Ethan professed. “I would do anything for Paisley… and if anyone did to her what I did to you…” He trailed off, looking pained, “I think maybe you’re right. I shouldn’t be the one to raise her.”

“Alright,” Jane murmured hesitantly. He looked so sincere that she actually felt tempted to trust him. This was so unlike the Ethan she knew, and it was completely throwing her off. She needed to get away from him and clear her head, she couldn’t think straight with his damnable scent filling her head, or the feeling of his dark eyes piercing straight through her. “I’ll think about it.”

“You will?” Ethan repeated, squeezing her shoulders.

“If-” Jane qualified, shaking him off. “you put it in writing.”

“Of course I will.” Ethan vowed. As he led Jane to the door, he tried not to let his excitement show. He knew if he pushed too hard, she’d never agree – and she had to agree. If his plan worked, it wouldn’t even matter whether their deal was on pa per or not, Jane would be his long before the deadline arrived.

When Jane got home she called Eric and Linda for an emergency debrief. The kinds were still sulking after their col lective meltdown, and though she checked on them after sending Sadie home, they weren’t ready to talk yet. It was for

current prob lems couldn’t be solved with kisses and cuddles – she needed

the cheek as he swept into the apartment. Linda had already arrived and

greeted the handsome

He replied, brushing off her needless

word out nervously, wringing her hands. “I sort of did something a

never hate you.” Eric

with a small smile, “how do you

curiously at Linda, who offered him a con fused look. “I’m

to Jane.

admitted that Paisley is my daughter and that I made up the Elise Carrington identity… so to make up for it I said the kids weren’t his: that you and I met and had a one night stand before Ethan and I

trust issues.”

help but grin, “So not

I guess not.” Jane grinned

“We were already faking an en gagement, so this isn’t that much

groaned, “Oh Goddess, you’re right. This

it?”

I meant it, honey.” Eric promised, patting her back and letting his big hand linger on

offering them each a glass of wine. “This entire situ ation has been wild from the beginning. Don’t think of it as you being crazy – just

that Eve tricked him about the attack and ap parently felt so guilt about it that he actually offered to let me have her – if the pups and I move in with him to help

crap.” Linda gasped, taking a big gulp

Ethan’s response was so sud den and visceral both women were taken aback. “He wouldn’t

know.” Jane thought aloud, “I had the

“trust me, I know how al pha males think and I saw

same time, it probably would be good for Paisley.” Linda added, unable to look Eric in the eye. She hated to dis agree with him, but she also couldn’t help but think Ethan had a point. “You’re talking about uprooting her from everything

harshly, making Lin da flinch. “The question is whether or not he actually intends to give

back and forth between her friends as if wishing one of them could simply make the decision for her. “What am I

she know that her pups were on the other side of their bedroom door, asking themselves the

that?” Riley whispered with excitement, “We might get to go live with

but Mommy doesn’ seem too sure.” Parker

suede her!” Ryder suggested, “we just have to

Parker pondered, listening at the keyhole for