The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

If I thought I was angry before, it’s nothing compared to what I feel now.

I’ve known maternal rage plenty of times since bringing the pups into the world, not the least of which was when Anita stole them from us and Aimon threatened their lives. Still, this mistreatment feels worse – because it’s not coming from some dark foe, but from the person who is supposed to love and protect them most – second only to me.

The more I think about it, the more I believe that the betrayal of a parent is the worst transgression a pup can suffer, and I hate Ethan for abandoning our children. I want to storm back to the NightFang territory and beat him bloody – and the idea is so tempting I have to remind myself I have responsibilities here.

I’m trying to get back into the swing of things at work, and I’m terribly behind on my La Louve duties. Not to mention that I’m devoting the weekends to trying to win over my heartbroken pups. They’ve barely spoken to me since I stopped them from going to the North Pole, and I’m continuously amazed at how determined their young minds can be. A trip to the Nightfang territory might make them come around, my wolf suggests.

But what if Ethan rejects me the same way he rejected me? I think anxiously, I won’t let him hurt them.

He won’t. My stubborn wolf insists. He loves them too much.

I thought he loved me too once, remember? I respond bitterly. And he didn’t seem to love them so much when he abandoned us. He certainly didn’t seem loving on the phone. He didn’t even care that they were in pain, that they were taking risks to reunite with him.

That’s different. He’s angry with you, not them.

They’re his pups, the boys are his heirs. My wolf begs.

Then why is he doing this? He can forsake me, I don’t care how cruel he is to me – but not the pups.

Not my babies. I crying still, despite my promise to myself. It can’t be helped, my hormones roiling on top of this fresh pain.

Then take them back. She insists. You’ll suffer, but this can’t continue. The pups need him. Besides, if you keep this up then eventually they’ll figure out they’ve been aband oned, if you can make him take them back then at least you can save them from ever finding out. You can convince him to let them stay, even if you have to go back to being his pet. Their happiness is worth any price. My wolf continues, and part of me wonders if she’s just angling to be near him again. She’s always been much weaker willed than I am when it comes to staying away from our chosen mate. Of course, she knows my thoughts perfectly, and adds, They’re miserable without Ethan. This isn’t about you.

at once, I realize my wolf is right. This isn’t about me – not my pride

now that they’ve met him, I’m simply not enough for them anymore. It was fine when Daddy was just some abstract idea, but now that they know what it’s like to have two loving parents, one won’t do. Besides, I’m carrying another child now, and I don’t want

didn’t have the ability to fight for us – Petra and Eve stole that from me, but I can fight this time. Not for myself of course, it’s clear that there’s nothing left to salvage in our relation ship. But I can fight for my children I will always fight for my children. I would be letting them down if I didn’t at

to go

lost my mind. Is it going to confuse them too much to be going back and

could go face Ethan on my own first and shield them from his fury, I would. However I have a strong suspicion that their presence is the only thing that will convince him to rethink his decision. Besides,

giving me a sullen pout. The sun isn’t

want to know what I’ve decided.”

was a terrible one and feeling skeptical of

don’t

I know my pups? I think, resisting the urge to shake my

one.” I promise, deciding to spit out the words before I can change my mind. I’m taking

me with those same uncertain expressions, as if they aren’t sure they can trust me. That

– you

this. Not only do they not trust me, but I’m giving them nothing but instability at the time they need stability most. They haven’t yet recovered

sure that fact is only making it harder to believe and confide in me. “I know.” I confirm, “But I was wrong. I want you all to be happy,

there must still be some hope. I’m still their mother, and no child likes seeing their mother sad or hurt. “We’re really gonna see Daddy?” Ryder asks, as if he can’t believe

are ready to go, we ‘ll get

stay? Paisley murmurs, looking up at me

it just a visit, or forevers?” Riley asks, wrapping one plump arm

peace agreement and share the pups, but I don’t know if this is actually p0ssible. There’s a very real chance he’ll kick us to the curb at first sight, or throw me out and keep the pups for himself. I