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.”

bracing my hands on his burly shoulders. “Please, talk to me.” I plead, hating the way he continues to avert his gaze. “If something is wrong

help!” Devon explodes, finally raising his blazing silver eyes to mine. I can feel his anger as if it were my own, but more shocking than anything is the resentment

I have to take a

upset you?” I inquire, both needing

head. “Because you are the problem.. not that you can help it. I don’t

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

one large hand through his curls and clenching his fists in exasperation, “For the love of the

thunder in return. “When it comes to losing my best friend, I absolutely do!” I bite back, studying his familiar face as though I’ve never seen

befriended Devon just as quickly as she befriended me. We’ve always been the three musketeers, and though I worried falling in love with one of

he just laughed and said he’d wondered if we

floor, and suddenly I know what he’s about to say before he even opens his mouth. “Jane’s heart won’t ever be broken, as long as she has you. And I want her to be happy more than I wish it for myself, so I’m not going to get in the

guess, feeling suddenly sick to

way, she only has eyes for you.” Devon

didn’t you tell me?” I ask,

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

confirm, “if

confirms gravely, “And together you two will 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

the answer to this question. If the answer 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…

and she’s not going to.” Devon responds simply. “I won’t have either of

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