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 mind to our earlier conversation. Parker was hurt before we finished discussing his proposal – that

think I have any choice.” I admit, not bothering to mask my misery. “I haven’t had a say in any of this, so why should I

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

part of me thought he would make an exception for the pups every once in a while, like the

of hearing range. “We can’t keep going around in circles

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 an open mind? You don’t know how you’ll feel in a few years, it’s too soon to be burning

pups need you more than they need me. Ethan asserts, pulling me away

us.” I argue. That’s why we’re here, because I tried

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.

how he thinks I’II ever be able to get back on my feet

me, Ethan?” I snipe, “forcing me to sleep and telling the

worry about taking care

I’ll

the pack? Are you going to deprive it of its future leader? Parker is your heir

can’t learn how to run a pack from

exactly an ideal

possible for anything 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

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

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.

it’s a matter of logic and strategy rather than emotion. “Children don’t forget that easily.” I inform him. And I

find someone new – someone who can be a better role model to them