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.”

and Daddy back together.” Ryder shares excitedly. “But firt

Ryder ad vises.

boys speak in unison then,

a witch. And if you want Mommy and Daddy to get back t’gether,

ages.”

to hear their new sister supporting their plans, “How d’we get rid of her?” Riley

dirty and poor people… I

|| get really mad.” Ryder surmises, finishing

“and we just have to be sure Dad

all be together again?” Parker asks, “Mommy

you can handle Mommy,” Paisley suggests. “I can handle

do this.” Riley agrees. “We just have

1. Deal?”

four pups glance at one

ment. “Deal.”

Jane

Janey.” Linda informs me matter-of factly, her voice

forever.” | agree, speaking quietly into the receiver and hoping the pups are too distracted to pay attention. “just

since the incident – as I’m now calling it – and 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

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

Linda drawls, “that

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 he’s much

be so tired, and I know she hated spending so many nights in the hospital

boys.

my cell to ad dress my daughter. “Actually, I think Auntie Linda could use a break from having house guests. How would you all feel about staying in a hotel tonight?” It’s true that Linda could probably use

42 14

the fancy one by the mall, with the swimming pool and the ar

glances before turning back to me with deep frowns.

my ear, and I resist the urge to growl at her. “You don’t want to go have a mini vacation?” | ask my children, surprised

go back to Auntie Linda’s.” Parker

it there.”

I’m too tired to play.”

pout.

Groaning internally, I cave.

in resignation, shifting my cell back into

Ethan

when I wake, and I don’t recognize my surroundings. I’m in a small bedroom with drawn 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,

is

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 weaker like… Goddess what do I even call this woman? I’m so confused about Elise and Jane that I feel absolutely beside