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?”

mind to our earlier conversation. Parker was hurt before we finished discussing his proposal – that we pretend to get along in front of the pups. “Does that mean you’ll agree to my

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

the second part of my reply. “This is my last Christmas with the pups,

part of me thought he would make an exception for the pups

again.” Ethan declares, pulling me away from the pups door until we’re out of hearing range. “We can’t keep going

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

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

I argue. That’s why we’re here, because I tried to go it alone

you saw Parker today. When he 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

how he thinks I’II ever be able

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

just worry about taking care of

I’ll handle the

to deprive it of its future leader? Parker is your heir and Ryder will be a

how to run

father wasn’t exactly an ideal role model and

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 might be doing this – what motive could he possibly have to abandon us, other than simple

you planning?” I ask at last, “how do you intend on making things better – enough that the pups won’t run right back to you when I take them

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 they grow up they’ll realize you were the better parent for being there. You just have to get through it in

makes it sound so simple, as if it’s a matter of logic and strategy rather than emotion. “Children don’t forget that easily.”

someone new – someone