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

turning on him. “Don’t you dare accuse me of being selfish about our

eyes – however before he can say a word, a new voice interrupts

a striking, metallic silver, and his face could easily grace the cover of a magazine. It’s all angles and edges, almost too pretty – missing a rugged edge

arms out to hug Ethan,

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 father-in-law’s funeral and I honestly haven’t thought about him

down at the children. “I saw all the news about the kidnapping, you must be so relieved to

and introducing himself. “I’m Devon, I’ve known your Daddy since we were your age, and your Mommy almost

he was little?”

I could tell you some wild stories about him too.”

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

need some

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, or even where he lives. “How long are you in town?

through the new year.” He answers, smiling ruefully. “But we should get coffee or dinner

to meet his eyes. He’s looking at Devon with a strange light in his eyes, as if suddenly inspired, but also unhappy to have whatever idea is floating around

pups,

want to join us?” Devon frowns.

can tell you.” Ethan

She knows it all.”

say, baffled by his

a break.” He continues, apparently pretending to be

wolf interrupts, he was concerned for you

was concerned for the baby. I correct her, feeling terribly bitter. And speaking

I can’t drink coffee.” I remind him sulkily, wrapping my arms

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

helpless shrug. “I guess, do you want to get

guiding me forward with a hand at the small of my back.