The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 23 Ethan Wakes Up

Ryder and Parker had always been talented eaves

droppers.

From before they could remember, grown ups always seemed to be having secret conversations behind closed doors. They never thought they were speaking loudly enough to be over heard – that or they thought the pups could not understand.

But they did hear.

And they did understand.

Now, it wasn’t all grown ups. Their mommy certainly knew better, but Auntie Linda did not. Ryder and Parker listened as the doctor checked over their Daddy, using strange words they did not recognize like concussion and contusion, then saying things that were very clear indeed. Such as, “he mustn’t be moved” and “He’ll need to stay here on bed rest.”

“But his daughter is to have surgery tomorrow.” Linda object

“It will have to be postponed.” The doctor assessed simply. “I’ m afraid the Alpha won’t be back on his feet for a few days.”

“Yes, Doctor.” Linda agreed grimly.

The boys were both excited and concerned. The idea of final ly getting to meet their Daddy was unbelievable enough, but this was even better. They might actually get to spend time with him – live with him. Still, it also meant their newfound sister would have to stay in the hospital even longer, and now she’d be more vul nerable to that terrible lady who tried to poison her than ever.

They had to do something.

The next morning at breakfast they asked their Mommy if they could come with her to pick up Riley and luckily she agreed.

Two hours later the boys stood in a dimly lit hospital room,

watching their sisters meet for the first time.

“Riley this is Paisley, Paisley this is Riley.” Parker introduced

them.

2004 “See, I always knew I should have a twin!” Riley exclaimed to

her brothers.

“We’re all twins,” Ryder corrected her.

“You know what I mean!” Riley exclaims.

“You two can switch places without anyone noticing.” Paisley elaborates, reading her sister’s mind. “Now Riley and I can do the same!” She frowns, “Of course it would be easier if we were all t’

gether.”

to get Mommy and Daddy back together.” Ryder shares excitedly. “But firt you

‘mean lady.” Ryder ad vises. “She was

boys speak in unison then, “We

her face, “Eve has always been a witch. And if you want Mommy and Daddy to get back t’gether, we’ll have to seal with her first- she’s

ages.”

new sister supporting their plans, “How d’we

getting dirty and poor people… I think if we’re just

|| get really mad.” Ryder surmises,

Paisley agrees, “and we just have to be

all be together again?” Parker asks, “Mommy clearly doesn’ wanna be around

you can handle Mommy,” Paisley suggests. “I

Riley agrees. “We just have to work

1. Deal?”

one another

ment. “Deal.”

Jane

forever, Janey.” Linda informs me matter-of factly, her voice sounding distant over

forever.” | agree, speaking quietly into the receiver and hoping the pups are too distracted

I’ve done my best to keep myself and the pups out of the house. Even now, after picking up Riley from the hospital, I’ve taken the kids to get ice cream rather than returning home. I’m currently contemplating staying at a hotel tonight, but when I told Linda she insisted I

this afternoon.” | argue, “By the time we’re done running errands he could be

drawls,

very thick skull.” | counter, ignoring the guilt bubbling up inside me for knocking Ethan out so ruthlessly. It’s a blessing he was so drunk. I’m sure he remembers nothing of the incident, and even if he does

tugging on my skirt. The poor little thing must be so tired, and I know she hated spending so

boys.

from having house guests. How would you all feel about staying in a hotel tonight?” It’s true that Linda could probably use a break. I’ve arranged a rental apartment for the remainder of our stay here, but it

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mall, with the swimming pool and the

turning back to me with deep frowns. “No!”

growl at her. “You don’t want to go have a mini vacation?” | ask

go back to Auntie Linda’s.”

like it

tired to play.” Riley contributes

pout.

Groaning internally, I cave.

cell back into posi

Ethan

curtains, in a house that smells strange yet familiar. I rack my memory for details, but the last thing I remember is being at the bar after receiving the unfor tunate DNA results. Getting slowly to my feet, I rub my eyes,

Or is

the house smells familiar. Linda’s scent is strongest, but Elise Carrington’s perfume and Jane’s sunshine are blended around the edges. I must be in Linda’s house. I do smell pups as well, but their scents are