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?”

his proposal – that we pretend to get along in front of the pups. “Does that

have any choice.” I admit, not bothering to mask my misery.

he didn’t hear the second part of my reply. “This is my last Christmas with the pups,

I know Ethan said he wouldn’t change his 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.

not going 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

love them.” It sounds like an accusation, as if I’m indicting him for some terrible crime. Why is it so hard for him to admit? He’s never shied away from showing affection before and it’s especially galling after 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 keep

need you more than they need me. Ethan asserts, pulling me away from “And I won’t have you in my

need both of us.” I argue. That’s why we’re here, because I tried to go it alone

you, because at the end of the day, your bond with them is stronger than mine will ever be.” He surveys me

thinks I’II ever be able to

Ethan?” I snipe, “forcing me to sleep and telling the pups I love them won’t undo the damage you’ve inflicted, especially if you’re planning

just worry about taking care of

I’ll

of its future leader? Parker is your heir

to run a pack from

exactly an ideal role model and I figured it out.

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 might be doing this – what motive

planning?” I ask at last, “how do you intend on making things better – enough that the pups

I was reckless to cut ties so immediately. This time well do it right, and that starts with giving them 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 to hear from me. When

so simple, as if it’s a matter of logic and strategy rather than emotion. “Children don’t forget that easily.” I inform him. And I still don’t understand why

to understand.” He replies. Just accept it, move on and find someone