The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Ethan

The moment I saw Devon, I was struck with a terrible idea. The most wonderful, terrible idea.

Jane might not be up to date in pack politics, but I know the Alpha of the Dark Moon pack just retired his Beta before the holidays, and if the word on the street is correct, Devon will be his replacement.

I’ve been counting on Matthew to keep an eye on me and help train my successor – once I find one- but I still haven’t come across a solution for giving Jane and my pups a worthy father figure.

However if Devon is going to be in the Dark Moon pack, then he could be the answer to those my problems. I wouldn’t have to worry about them so much if I knew Devon was there, and even if he isn’t still in love with Jane, it will only be a matter of time before he falls again – only an idiot wouldn’t love Jane.

My wolf is growling furiously at this idea, jealousy bubbling up inside us like a toxic tidal wave of green-eyed fury, but I force down the feelings. The idea of letting another man sniff around my family goes against everything I am, but I also know that I’m not in any state to defend my claim on them – which is exactly the problem. My wolf might want to fight anyone who goes near them, but my days of winning fights are over. They need a new protector, and Devon is precisely the kind of man I would want for Jane if I couldn’t have her myself – I’ve known that from the day he stepped down as my Beta.

The memory rises through my thoughts as I watch him walk away with Jane, headed for the coffee house. I continue leading the pups down the street, but my mind is already a thousand miles away.

“What do you mean, you’re leaving?” I demand, staring at Devon in shock and horror. We’re seventeen, and up until now we’d always planned on leading the pack together when my father steps down. We’ve been friends since we were in diapers, and he’s never shown even the tiniest glimmer of disloyalty. I can’t believe he’s just resigned and announced he’s quitting the territory.

“I’m sorry, Ethan.” He sighs, not looking me in the eye. “I wouldn’t do this if I thought there was any other way.”

“What are you talking about?” I growl. “This has always been the plan, you’ve always been a brother to me – you can’t just walk away without any explanation, Devon.”

“Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to know my reasons.” Devon begs, looking torn. “I’m trying to do the right thing for everyone.”

plead, hating the way he continues to avert his gaze. “If something is wrong I want

blazing silver eyes to mine. I can feel his anger as if it were my own, but more shocking than anything is the

have to

done something to upset you?” I inquire, both

help.” Devon repeats heavily, shaking his head. “Because you are the problem.. not that you can help it. I don’t even

I sure as hell can help it. Just tell me what to do, tell me what to change

and clenching his fists in exasperation, “For the love of the Goddess Ethan, can’t you just let it go! Do you have to be such a pain in the

friend, I absolutely do!” I bite back, studying his familiar face as though I’ve never seen it before. “And what about Jane,

she befriended me. We’ve always been the three

and said he’d wondered if we were ever going to figure it

know what he’s about to say before he

your mate.” I guess, feeling suddenly sick to my

she only has eyes for you.” Devon replies, his even tone only hinting at the underlying grief I know he must

didn’t you tell me?” I ask, deflating

my best friends and I’ve never seen you happier than when you’re together. You intend on marrying her, don’t you?” He guesses, though

confirm, “if

make the best leaders this pack has seen in generations. I might be strong enough to give her up, but I’m not strong enough to stay

is yes I don’t think I’d mind, but if it’s no… then shouldn’t he tell her? Shouldn’t he get to profess his feelings? Shouldn’t Jane know all the options available to her? What if… what if she realizes she’s meant to be with Devon, instead of with me? Am I brave enough to risk

“I won’t have either of you heartbroken on

to realize?” I feel as though the room is spinning all of a sudden, and for the first time in my memory, I feel