The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 67

“No.” I protest. “It isn’t possible, whatever happened between us in the past, however badly Ethan might want the kids, Ethan would never harm his mother. He’s been devastat ed by her loss.” I explain, feeling confused but increasingly confident Eric is on the wrong track.

“Devastated by loss, or guilt?” Eric suggests ominously.

“The investigators said a woman killed her.” I remind him, “If Ethan had done it her head wouldn’t have even been on her neck anymore.”

“Well of course they did, you’re being framed for the crime

Jane, it would have to look like a woman did it whether it actu

ally was or not.” Eric insists. “And that man almost killed me for merely suggesting the pups weren’t his. You think he wouldn’t take extreme action to keep them?”

“You don’t know Ethan like I do.” I insist, “He loved his

mother.”

“You’re right, I don’t know him like you. But I know how he talks about you and your family when you’re not there and he’ s not trying charm you, I know the kinds of things Alphas do

to

behind closed doors to stay in power.” He leans forward, “You have a big heart, and your empathy for his loss is blinding you.”

“My big heart isn’t the only problem with your theory.” I sigh, “Ethan doesn’t only want the kids, he wants me too. He can’t have me if I’m behind bars.”

“He kept you out of prison once before didn’t he?” Eric asked, “didn’t you say there were assault charges which had been dropped? Wasn’t that the start of all your problems with

him?”

–

I realize he’s right. If I was blamed for Petra’s death, Ethan could keep the kids and take me prisoner again, as an excuse to punish me without putting me in jail – just like last time. A moment ago I was flushed with indignation, but now I feel all the blood

with you two?” Eric asked. He clearly pieced together part of the story through my account of my interrogation and clues over the years, but I’ve only ever told Linda

want me so badly if he knew how low Ethan had brought me. That self destructive spark inside me is flar ing up again,

murmur.

how she did it.”

happened?” Eric questioned

I admit, but even as I say it, I don’t feel the usual

simply girl’ s trip, but we were attacked by rogues the moment we got across the border. They were waiting for us, and the moment we came in sight they attacked. The strange thing was that they only went for Petra.” I explain, amazed I’ve

share

going to rape her and it was like I was completely frozen. I wanted to

was doing, but I didn’t want to and couldn’t

speeding up, as if I’m afraid I’ll lose the ability to speak again before I can finish. “After Eve passed out, the rogues just disappeared. I knew then and there it was a setup. They could have attacked all of us I mean I was Luna, I was

—

behind it, but I saw what happened after.

moved her into the penthouse, and they started an affair, and Petra was

Eric encourages, “What did he

stopped having anything to do with lead ing the pack and was taken completely out of the public eye. I wasn’t allowed to

there was never anything between them at all. Ethan took my status but he couldn’t stay away, he couldn’t bring himself to throw me out. So in his mind, he thought he was depriving me of my privileges as punishment for my crimes, but in reality I was just

I would just abandon Petra and attack Eve for trying

―

me better than anyone. And then, like he’d just snapped our bond

Eric has over mind is shaking now, and he

until he wipes the tears from my eyes. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart.” He

comfort from him for

Ethan touches me full of excite. ment, butterflies and heat, but I do feel safe. When I pull away, swiping at my cheeks, I glance around the shop to make sure our little scene didn’t draw too much attention.

—

Eric acknowledges tenderly, “but there are a couple of things I’m