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

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

ing her on the cheek as he swept into the apartment. Linda had

greeted the handsome alpha.

replied, brushing off her needless

sort of did something a

hate

“how

who offered him a con fused look. “I’m not following

to Jane.

pups are yours.” Jane confessed, blushing scarlet. “I accidentally 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 got divorced, and that it’s taken us until now to get engaged because

trust issues.”

grin, “So not all

guess not.” Jane grinned

faking an en gagement, so this isn’t

“Oh Goddess, you’re right.

it?”

Eric promised, patting her back and letting his big hand linger on her

right.” Linda contributed, joining them in the living room and offering them each a glass of wine. “This entire situ ation has been wild from the beginning. Don’t think of

crazy,” Jane continued, “That’s not all that happened. I told Ethan I wanted custody of Paisley, and he figured out that Eve tricked him about the attack and ap parently felt so guilt about it that he

Linda gasped, taking

out of the question.” Ethan’s response was so sud den and visceral both women were taken aback. “He wouldn’t truly give her up that easily – no matter how guilty he feels. It’s got to be a

thought aloud, “I had the same in stinct, but

he was sincerely guilty, but that doesn’t mean his offer was genuine.” Eric cautioned, “trust me, I know how al pha males think and I saw the way he was looking at you the other

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 she’s

the question.” Eric argues harshly, making Lin da flinch. “The question is

between her friends as if wishing one of them could simply make the

that her pups were on the other side of their

that?” Riley whispered with excitement, “We might

seem

to think of a way to make her

for another long stretch of the grown up’s conversation.