The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

One moment the pavement is careening up towards my face, and the next strong arms catch me around the waist. “Woah there.” Devon’s familiar voice sounds in my ear as his scent washes over me.

“I’m sorry,” I slur, “The baby..”

Devon’s arms tense, then my legs are lifted out from under me and I can feel us moving. Only later do I realize that my vision had blacked out, but I feel mildly comforted by the rocking sensation of being carried. A few moments later I’m being set into a chair, and I hear Devon asking a waitress for some water. Almost immediately a cool glass is pressed to my lips, and I manage to take a few sips. Slowly my disorientation eases, and I blink the spots out of my eyes.

When my vision returns, I see Devon kneeling in front of me, a concerned expression on his face.

There you are.” He praises, brushing the hair from my eyes, “Just take your time, Jane, we can stay here as long as you need.”

I gulp down more water, pressing my palm to my belly as if testing my own nausea. “I’m sorry.” I say again, staring at the man before me in shock.

There was a time when I knew Devon as well as I knew Ethan – at least, I thought I had. I never knew he felt anything for me other than friendship. I certainly never imagined he left the territory because of me.

“For what?” He says, his eyes crinkling with his smile, “Fainting or making me fall in love with you?”

“Both,” I frown, suddenly feeling so guilty I can’t breathe.

“Jane, I was only teasing.” Devon remarks wryly,”

I promise neither were your fault.” He eyes my belly then, scenting the air as if hoping to catch the scent of my unborn pup. Unfortunately it’s too early for my scent to have changed just yet, but clearly my muttered excuses hadn’t gone unheard.

“You’re breeding again.”

“Yes.” I sigh, trying to remind myself what a blessing this is. When I first suspected I was pregnant I couldn’t face the news because of what it might mean for our mission, when I learned it was true I was overjoyed, but my heart has been so broken since then that I don’t think I’ve really processed how I feel about the new baby.

aren’t together?” Devon inquires gently, as if he’s trying to figure out some puzzle but is reluctant to

Year the pups and I are going back

says

in her eye. “I’ve got some crackers that might

but thank you.” I express,

eat something.” Devon insists, “You’ve got to

a hand through my

in the New Year myself.” Devon

to keep up with our conversation because

going to be the new Beta – you’re probably been too busy rescuing the pups and going off on adventures to keep up with the news. The Alpha just retired his old one.” Devon shares, looking pleased but not prideful

and I in the forest. Sitting in front of him now, it seems impossible that we’ve spent so many years apart. I’ve missed my friend, even if I’ve been too distracted by my disastrous marriage and rambunctious pups to realize

would seem. I almost fall out of my chair when I reach for him, but he steadies me with another gentle smile.

mind one.” I

like to forget right

next to mine. “Can I ask what happened?” He questions. “I don’t mean to be nosy, I just… I thought you and

of tea from the waitress. “And a pretty miserable one. Are you sure you want to

won’t be too difficult for you.”

who knows Ethan as well as I do. Slowly I begin telling the tale, pausing when I can’t find the right words, sipping my tea when I feel the emotion creeping up in my voice. I manage to make it all the way up to Ethan’s Rejection before I break down into tears, and then Devon curls an arm around my shoulders, not pressing me for details or trying to stop me crying, just patiently waiting until I find

I’ve been fooling myself. The emotion

try to tell me it’s alright, or make excuses for his

at last. “The Ethan I knew… he never would have taken anyone’s word above yours, or toyed with you that way. He certainly wouldn’t

passes the more I think I never knew Ethan at all.”I state bitterly. “He’s quite the chameleon, and a very talented actor

sorry.” Devon professes, rubbing my

never Would have