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.

right. This isn’t about me – not my pride or my hurt feelings. It’s not even about my broken heart.

fine when Daddy was just some abstract idea, but now that they know what it’s like to

that there’s nothing left to salvage in our relation ship. But I

have to go

first thing, wondering if I’ve lost my mind. Is it

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, I was already afraid to take my eyes off the pups after the Southern Isles, and now that they’ve

are we up so earlies? Riley complains, giving me

I thought you’ d want to know what

four eye me suspiciously, no doubt thinking that my last decision was a

I don’t

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

the words before I can change my mind. I’m

speaks volumes that they don’t immediately jump up with glee. Instead they continue watching me with those same uncertain expressions, as if they aren’t sure they can trust me. That breaks my heart just a little more. My babies have always trusted me with everything – my word, my

him – you said we couldn’ talk to him.” Paisley

me, but I’m giving them nothing but instability at the time they need stability most. They haven’t yet recovered from their

believe and confide in me. “I know.” I confirm, “But I was wrong. I want you all to

exchange guilty glances – they might be angry with me, but 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

‘ll get in the car

“Are we gonna stay? Paisley murmurs,

forevers?” Riley asks, wrapping one plump arm around her

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