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.”

I would suggest a glass of wine to help send her off, but five o’clock in the morning seems a bit early to start drinking. Instead I gather her into my arms, ignoring the way she jolts and squirms to escape. Taking a seat on the sofa, I cuddle her to my

fact that her nose is pressed to my chest

her close and stroke her

She mutters mutinously, her

her hair and trying not to

her to bed. Depositing her between the silky sheets, I try to pull away, only to find her small fists

the morning news is far from good. Once again

know what is going on with the lead investigator. Perhaps he simply believes he’s right and is too prideful to consider another explanation, tak- ing every challenge as an assault on his

my family, he’s following the wrong lead. Eve is still out there somewhere

a press conference for

I’m standing in front of a throng of re- porters, camera flashes bursting in front

been a great deal in the news about my family

and appreciate the pack respecting our privacy in this matter. We are only interested in moving forward, partic- ularly after the tragic events

blamed in the police reports recently leaked by the investigative team, as well as my daughter’s attempted murder. I am extremely dis- turbed by the police and the media’s insistence on persecut- ing an innocent woman when Eve remains at large. I urge all members of the pack to be on the lookout for Ms.

me, 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

from the audience, but I ignore them and leave the dais, my temper 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

look on her face sparks a pang in my chest. Ignoring the press, I go to her and wrap her in a hug, lifting her feet off the ground as I squeeze her

have to do that.” Jane murmurs into the curve of

down and cradling her cheek in my hand. “You don’t deserve what they’re

you.” Jane breathes, hugging me