The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

After our meeting with Aimon, I came back to the room with the pups and immediately began trying to figure out a way to escape. I think they were a little disappointed and if l’m honest, I am too. I wish I were able to simply hold them tight and give them all the love and nurturing they’ve been missing these last few weeks. But that will have to wait until we’re safe. Then I can lavish my affection on them, and pry the more difficult details about their ordeal from their l!ps. I’m afraid of what they might tell me, but I know we have to have that talk in order to heal.

After scouring the room from top to bottom, I’m beginning to feel very nervous. I can’t find anything that might help us break free. There are sheets I could tie into ropes once night falls, but we’re too high up and it feels terribly risky with such young pups. The best weapon l came across were some particularly spikey stilettos in the wardrobe – there aren’t even razors in the bathroom.

I even searched the walls, bookcases and floorboards in case there might be some sort of secret passageways leading out of the room, despite how much of a long shot that idea was. I’m at a loss, and it’s becoming harder and harder to keep my fear at bay. I was sick as soon as we got back to the room, and l’m not sure if it was because of Aimon’s plans for us… or the baby I might be carrying.

I know Ethan is out there somewhere and probably knows that I’ve been taken by now, but the idea of him coming here after us frightens me more than trying to escape on our own. If he does he’ll be playing right into Aimon’s hands, but what other choice does he have? I have to find a way to free us before… my thoughts come to a screeching halt when the door handle jiggles, and the next thing I know, Ethan’s scent is wafting towards me through the wood. He’s here!

Time seems to slow down as I watch the scene unfold. It takes Ethan less than a minute to pick the locks, but it seems like everything is moving in slow-motion. The door swings inward, and Ethan appears dressed in a guard’s uniform. He looks so powerful framed in the doorway, and then the pups are whirling around, following my stunned gaze. Thankfully Ethan puts a finger to his lips before they can cry out, but l’ll never forget the joy on their young faces. A moment ago they were drawn and pale, but now they light up like the sun itself. “Daddy!” Ryder, Riley, Parker and Paisley whisper-shout, taking off across the room as Ethan and Linda slip inside.

Ethan pulls all four of the children into his strong arms, hugging them so tightly I can see they’re struggling to breathe. Still, no one complains. They’re all crying, including Ethan, and though l know the situation is urgent, I can’t bear to steal this moment from them.

“I’m so happy to see you, I’m so sorry it took so long!” He’s murmuring, smothering them in k!sses. “Are you alright? let me look at you.” Ethan seems to be having the same problem I did -wanting to make sure they’re all unharmed, but unwilling to release them from his arms. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry He says over and over again. “We’ve been trying so hard to find you.’ I realize now how much Ethan was shielding me from his feelings, swallowing his own fear and guilt to take care of me.

I feel a rush of love so powerful that the room begins to spin, and as if he can sense my thoughts, Ethan looks up at me. Eyes shining, he offers me a brilliant smile.”What are you doing all the way over there?”

“Mommy has lots a owies” Paisley tells him, “We haves to be gentle with her.”

Ethan’s brow furrows, and he immediately lifts the pups into his arms, expertly juggling them as he crosses over to me. He sets them on the bed, close enough for either of us to reach at the first opportunity, but turns his attention to me. “How bad is it?” He murmurs, taking my face in his hands.

I grasp his wrists, offering up a watery smile. “I”‘m okay.” l insist, “But Aimon…”

sighs, gingerly wrapping his arms around me and kissing my hair, “I’ve already taken

hug. Four warm little bodies press into our sides, and for

would ever get to be together this way again, and if things weren’t so precarious I would probably be sobbing. My body is aching but I don’t care, l just want to stay wrapped up around

out without being seen?” Linda frets, scanning the room. “If we had some

to the service corridors we can switch out the guard uniforms for some servants clothes and pretend to be cleaning – even a garbage bin or something would

get Eric at

for him. We don’t even know where the dungeons are, or

nods, sounding

okay?” Ethan says, pulling away

and Parker whisper in

wanting to let him out of

never know l left. I promise.” He murmurs, kissing me, then

worries me that he chose those last words, as if he’s preparing for the worst and wants to make sure he tells us while he can. “We love you too. I reply, my voice catching in my throat. A small chorus of, “1 love you.

the entire time pacing back and forth, with the pups huddled on the bed watching me anxiously. “ls gonna be okay,

minutes. “Daddy will fix its, you’ll

pausing my pacing only long enough, to

is a virtue.” Riley announces saucily, repeating the same words she often hears from

sit still while Ethan and Linda try to

when they come back through the door, and my wolf keens with pure