The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Ethan must not mean what I think – he must be suggesting some other solution and I simply don’t understand.

There’s no way he’ d offer to let me sleep with him, and while I’d like to say that I would never contemplate cuddling up to someone who’s been so cruel to me, the truth is that my wolf has no such pride. She wants me to climb right into Ethans strong arms and never leave again.

I’m saying that I’ll stay with you if you need me to at a distance, of course.” He supplies simply.

At a distance. i repeat in my head. Of course. It would be crazy to think he’d ever want to sleep beside me again, that he would willingly touch me. I should have learned my lesson earlier when I offered to become his slave again. What a proud moment that was. “That won’t do any good.”I finally reply, my tone rough and distant.

Why not?” Ethan inquires, clearly displeased with being refused. I clench my eyes shut, wishing I was big or strong enough to shake my former mate – his mood swings are every bit as wild and volatile as my own – and I’m pregnant! I don’t know how to cope with this strange new Ethan, it’s like the battle with Aimon unhinged him somehow. I don’t recognize the man in front of me, and the only flashes of the old Ethan I can find are when he’s with our pups.

“Because my nightmares are about you.’ I answer hoarsely, sharing a truth I fully intended to keep buried. “So you being there would only make them worse.

Ethan growls, and I fight the instinct to flinch.

Then I’ll give you a sleeping pill.” He grumbles.

Either way, you need to rest.”

Fine.” I mutter glumly. “Whatever you say, Ethan.

That’s what you meant by being civil, isn’t it? That I just follow your orders and obey your every whim?”

part of it.” He confirms, turning his mind to our earlier conversation. Parker was hurt before we finished discussing his proposal – that we pretend to get along

choice.” I admit, not bothering to mask my misery. “I haven’t had a

of my reply. “This is my last

mind about rejecting us, but part of me thought he would make an exception for the pups every once in a while, like the holidays. “Please don’t say that.” I beg, Please

to have this argument again.” Ethan declares, pulling me away from the pups door until we’re out of hearing range. “We can’t keep going around in circles like this – we have to move

the lecture he gave the pups earlier. “I know you do! I can see it in your eyes every time you look at them. This doesn’t have to be their last Christmas with you… can’t you just

than they need me. Ethan asserts, pulling

why we’re here, because I tried to go it alone and

was hurt he wanted you, because at the end of the day, your bond with them is stronger than mine will ever be.” He surveys me closely. “When you’ re back on your feet you’ll see I’m right.

don’t know how he thinks I’II ever be able to get back on my feet

the reason I’ve fallen so low in the first place. “And just how are you planning on fixing me, Ethan?” I snipe, “forcing me

about taking care

I’ll handle the

of its future leader? Parker is your heir and Ryder will

can’t learn how to run a pack

wasn’t exactly an ideal role model

to surprise me anymore. I’ve come to expect nothing but harshness and neglect from Ethan, but this is too much. For a man who is obsessed with duty and responsibility, Ethan is being incredibly iresponsible. It simply doesn’t compute. The more time I spend with him the more I think I must be missing something. His behavior is too erratic, too out of character and unpredictable. Yet I can’t think of any reason why he

“how do you intend on making things better – enough that the pups won’t run

a happy holiday with their family. In the new year they l start school, they’ll get into a routine and eventually when I start calling less and less, they’ll stop expecting

of logic and strategy rather than emotion. “Children don’t forget that easily.” I inform him. And I still don’t understand why you’re so determined to reject

He replies. Just accept it, move on and find someone new – someone who can be a better role model