The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 75 – Ethan Faces the Press

Ethan

The day after the arrest, I wake up before dawn, striding into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee and rouse my ex- hausted brain. It’s still dark out, but when I exit my bedroom I can see the lights are already on down the hall. When I reach the living room I find Jane curled up in the window seat, wide awake and staring out at the waking city.

Frowning deeply, I move to her side, my concern growing when she doesn’t seem to detect my presence. She’s com- pletely lost in her thoughts, and when I reach out to touch her shoulder, she jerks away from me as if she’s been electrocut- ed.

“Easy, Jane.” I shush her softly, “It’s only me.”

Her wide eyes relax slightly, a heavy sigh expelling from her lungs. However she doesn’t relax completely, her muscles are still wound tight as a spring, and my heart aches just look- ing at her distraught face. “Sorry,” She mutters weakly, “you startled me.”

“Have you been up all night?” I question, studying the dark circles beneath her eyes.

She shrugs, averting her gaze. “I had a lot on my mind.”

Thankfully it’s Sunday, so she doesn’t have to go into work, but I can’t help worrying for my poor mate. “Sweetheart, that’s no good.” I scold gently, suddenly regretting letting her go to bed alone. I’d been sorely tempted to stay with her until she fell asleep, but she clearly wanted to be alone so I didn’t

force the issue. “The pups won’t be up for a few hours, you ought to try to get in some rest before they wake.”

“I can’t.” Jane admits, her rosy lips tugging downward. “I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t get my brain to turn off.”

my arms, ignoring the way she jolts and squirms to escape. Taking a seat on the sofa, I cuddle her to my chest and begin to purr softly, knowing

her nose is pressed to my chest and she’s obviously smelling me. Silly

I snuggle her close and stroke her

mutinously, her dark lash- es fluttering

go to sleep, baby.” I encourage, kissing her hair and trying not to get

between the silky sheets, I try to pull away, only to find her small fists clenched in my shirt. It

far from good. Once again her photo is splashed across the headlines, only this time mine is along- side her, and the

tired mind as my coffee brews, and I know I have to do something. I don’t know what is going on with the lead investigator. Perhaps he simply believes he’s right

funeral, and regardless of the impact on my family, he’s

to arrange a press conference for

re- porters, camera flashes bursting in

to keep my temper in check, “I appreciate you taking the time to come out. I know there has been a great deal in the news about my family lately, specifically my former mate, Jane. I can confirm that Elise Carrington is, in fact, Jane Blackwell,

in this matter. We are only interested in moving forward, partic- ularly after the

nothing to do with this crime. The person responsible is Eve Mechant, who also engineered the attacks for which Jane was blamed

I ask you the following: is the true abuse of power standing up for what is right and defending the innocent, or neglecting one’s duty and allowing a dangerous criminal to roam free, because an easier target is available to take the fall?” A string of mutters moves through the crowds, and I can’t keep the growl out of my voice as I conclude, “I am determined to hold the responsible parties in

still dangerously close to snapping. However, that only lasts for a moment because as I step off the podium, I see Jane standing just inside the

in my chest. Ignoring the press, I go to her and wrap her in a

didn’t have to do that.” Jane murmurs into the curve

her cheek in my hand. “You don’t deserve what they’re saying about

you.” Jane breathes, hugging me