The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

When the pups are finally asleep, I slip out of their room, closing the door at my back and leaning against it. My knees feel weak and shaky, and I’m thankful for the solid wood at my back keeping me upright. I clench my eyes shut, trying to take deep breaths and calm down.

That was one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had as a mother. Not because it was particularly contentious or fraught, but simply because it upsets me to no end to think my pups have been taking the responsibility for my sadness onto themselves. I haven’t been doing my job. I’ve been so caught up in my own grief that I didn’t even realize I was hurting my babies, making them stressed and anxious. Instead of taking care of them, they’ve been trying to take care of me.

When I finally open my eyes again, I realize that Ethan is standing in the hallway, watching me. My heart sinks – as if he needed more reasons to think I’m an unfit mother – I’m sure he overheard our entire conversation.

“Please don’t.” I beg, whispering so I don’t wake the pups. “I feel badly enough already.”

He doesn’t say a word, his dark eyes boring into me with piercing intensity. Pushing myself away from the door, I stiffly stride into my bedroom, going to my closet to retrieve the gifts I have hidden for the children. I gather the boxes, bags, wrapping paper and stocking stuffers, before reemerging and heading for the living room.

The stockings are already hanging over the fireplace, and a plate of cookies and milk a resting on the hearth. I start by laying out the wrapping paper on the floor, pulling out scissors and tape so I can begin working, but then a pair of very large, very familiar feet appear beside me. “I can do this.” Ethan tells me, pointedly eyeing my stomach. “You need to rest.”

“I’ve always set up Christmas morning for the pups.” I insist, feeling both defiant and near tears.

You might not want my company but I’m not going to let you take this away from me.” I almost add the word “too” at the end of my sentence, but stop myself just in time.

“You’re under to0 much stress and you’re clearly upset.” He remarks distantly, “it isn’t good for the baby.”

“What do you care, about the baby?” I demand hotly. “You barely even blinked when I told you.”

“It’s still my child,” Ethan reminds me severely, and if you’re unwell you can’t care for any of them.”

“Ethan, I got through newborn triplets all on my own, I think I can get through a little morning sickness and fatigue.” I insist, beginning to wrap the box in front of me.

“I know that, and soon you are going to have to do it alone, but you don’t right now. Let me help while you’re here. It’s why I agreed to this in the first place, so everything wouldn’t fall on your shoulders and you’d have some space to breathe.”

Ethan reasons.

part.” I argue, feeling

moments of contemplation, he simply kneels down beside me and reaches for one of the bags beside me. “I’ll stuff stockings, you

find the sound so jarring that I visibly start. “Don’t do that, you don’t get to do that anymore.” I

thinking I’d give anything for him to care about me

my own question as my wolf whines in the

sighs. “I was only

occurred to you that I wouldn’t need help if

Ethan says obliquely.

wondering if he’ll say any more. However he simply turns his gaze from me and focuses on his work, letting the words hang in the air. We work the rest of the evening in a silence so heavy I feel the weight of it bearing down on me

we finish, and Ethan ushers me to bed with a promise to try and keep the pups out of my room in the moring so I can sleep in. I want to tell him not to bother, but the truth is

to celebrate my favorite holiday than I am today. For the first time I’m not mourning Paisley’s absence, but having my children together doesn’t

left to spare. When Ethan made me his prisoner I retreated inside myself, and when I finally left I hardened my heart against him

the pups climb into my bed on Christmas morning, I have to hide the fact that I was already awake and crying. Instead I feign sleep, playing the same game we always play when the pups are particularly excited about something. They clamber around me excitedly, half snuggling, half nudging me awake. “Mommy,” they

and sinking deeper into my covers. “Mommy!” They whisper again,

the pups and trapping at least one wriggling little body beneath me. “Mommy, wake up!” They exclaim, giggling delightedly.

mutter a bit more,

Wha’s happening?”

Christmas!” They

and stretching. “Are you sure,

today!” Parker announces, pulling on my hands as if he might drag me from bed. I’m surprised when he single handedly manages to

but his Alpha genes are strong, and I’ve always been small – even for an omega. In a few years I won’t stand a chance, he’ll be able to throw me around

on! We have to see

that case, I suppose I can

already awake and cooking breakfast. I smell coffee brewing, wishing I could have a cup but knowing the caffeine is bad for the