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?”

was hurt before we finished discussing his proposal – that we pretend to get along in front of the pups. “Does

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

my reply. “This is my last Christmas

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. “Please don’t

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 forward

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

pulling me away from “And

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

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

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

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

about taking care

orders. I’ll handle the

of its future leader? Parker is your heir and

how to run a pack

aboūt instinct.” He says simply. “My father wasn’t exactly an ideal role model and I figured it out.

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

at last, “how do you intend on making things better – enough that the pups won’t run right back to you when

their family. In the new year they l start school, they’ll get into a routine and eventually when

don’t forget that easily.” I inform him. And I

move on and find someone