The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

“I’m worried about Paisley.” I murmur, glancing at Ethan before returning my eyes to where the pups are running along in front of us. It’s boxing day and we’ve taken a family shopping outing. At the moment Paisley is hand in hand with her siblings, but her moods have been almost as variable as my own since yesterday morning.

After receiving Linda’s gift, I’d dissolved into sobs and Ethan pulled the pups away to give me some Space, making more explanations about pregnancy hormones and wild emotions. However when he tried to remove Paisley from my arms, she clung to me like velcro, refusing to budge. “It’s okay, Ethan.” I insisted, wrapping both arms around Paisley and pulling her the rest of the way into my lap, “let her stay.”

My mind resurrected the memory of the night Paisley came to me in the bath, asking if I left her behind because I didn’t want her. I remembered the way she cried then, and yesterday felt as though we’d switched places. After she begged to stay with Ethan I needed to hold her and cry with her, to know she still wanted me, to know I hadn’t ruined everything.

The difference is that I calmed down after a while, but Paisley continued swinging back and forth between tears, anger and confusion. She would lash out at Ethan and run to me and the other pups for comfort, only to change her mind and beg for Daddy to hold her.

“You’ve been worried about all of them for weeks.”

Ethan dismisses me, but I can see a twitch in his jaw.

“Don’t act like you don’t care.” I snap. “Hating me doesn’t mean you have to be a complete as*s about the kids”

A low growl sounds in his throat, and though I tremble in response, I’m proud of myself. This time last week I wouldn’t have been able to talk back to Ethan at all. I feel so much stronger than I did before, and I’m not sure if that comes down to the pressure being off with the pups, or simply having the time to process everything that’s happened to us.

“She’l adjust.” He says, sounding unsure, “it will be easier after you leave and we’re not pulling her both ways anymore. She’s just overwhelmed.”

“I wouldn’t write off her feelings that easily.” I caution. “It’s not like with Ryder, Riley and Parker, you’re all she’s ever known. She’s never going to stop wanting you, Ethan”

“She’s four -“

“She’ll be five in two weeks.”I remind him stiffly.

“My point is that she’s very young. How much do you remember before the age of five?” Ethan inquires. “I don’t recall anything from that age.

“And that’s really what you want? You want her to target you or repress the memories of you so that she’s not mourning the loss the rest of her life? Is that really better than having you as a long- distance coparent?” I challenge.

really requesting this for?” Ethan replies coldly,

in my tracks, turning on him. “Don’t you dare accuse me of being selfish

– however before he can say a word, a new

and long, curly black hair. His eyes are a striking, metallic silver, and his face could easily grace the cover of a magazine. It’s all angles and

his arms out to hug Ethan, then me.

with Ethan and I. He’s a beta who used to run with Ethan and Matthew, but when it became clear that Matthew would become Ethan’s second in command, he left for greener pastures. The last I remember seeing him was at my

and you?” He presses, looking between us then down at the children. “I saw all the news about the kidnapping, you

bending down and introducing himself. “I’m Devon, I’ve known your Daddy since we

when he was little?”

some wild

must be Paisley,” He guesses, taking in her smaller stature and the way she’s hiding behind Ethan’s legs. “Which makes you Riley,”

to need some help

is Ryder,” I clarify, feeling even more guilty now. He’s clearly been keeping up with us, but I don’t have any idea what he’s been up to over the last decade,

smiling ruefully. “But

in his eyes, as if suddenly inspired, but also unhappy to have whatever idea is floating around in his head. “Why don’t

keep shopping with the pups, and you two can

to join us?” Devon frowns. “I want to

tell you.” Ethan answers

She knows it all.”

“I start to say, baffled by his strange

continues, apparently pretending to be concerned for me now

not fair. My wolf interrupts, he

baby. I correct her, feeling terribly bitter. And speaking

coffee.” I remind him

what’s happening, he’s sweeping the pups away and leaving me with Devon, who is doing

stammer, looking at him with a helpless shrug. “I guess, do you want to get

at the small of my back. “Do I