Siran and Leoxi met them at the entrance. Even though the beta's face showed no disturbance, his fist-like hands and slightly furrowed brow hinted to Hades that he would punch him in the middle of the nose if he got at the proper distance. This was the trust they had in each other.
-Sara- he indicated with his head to the wolf and let her work her magic, calming her husband.
-Brother- Leoxi hugged him with a pat on the back -Future queen- made a slight inclination of the head and turned his attention to his twin to yell at him -Can I know what's wrong with you? We almost pulled our hairs trying to contain this beta who could not be spoken to because he was so tense from so much paperwork. Do not disappear like that again, at least say where you are going-
Hades smirked, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. He, his beta, and his parents were the only ones who could speak to him in that tone and not flinch.
-I missed you too-
-You have no remedy- Siran protested and entered the mansion again with a dry step, dragging his wife who had become tangled in his arm. It would pass later, that's what his protege was for, she had him eating off her leg.
Scandalous footsteps were heard on the second floor and the smell of those three people reached Nebraska; She had to hold tight with her legs plus Hades's arm behind her back so as not to fall to her knees when an Alan and Noa threw themselves at her neck hugging her. Nicolas appeared behind with an expression of relief and black marks under his eyes.
Nebraska stroked their heads before kissing them.
-I'm fine guys, Hades and I had issues to solve, I'm sorry I didn't tell you- she repeated the excuse that Sara had told them to calm the pack -Let's see, let me appreciate you well-
She first took the face of the youngest of the three and stroked his cheeks with his thumb.
-I was not wrong, my three children are beautiful-
-Ma, maybe you- Nicolas came closer with a surprised face when he saw the defined iris in her eyes.
-You can see? But see well? Really? - Alan could not contain his emotion still hugging Nebraska's waist.
She nodded gently and Nicolas could not help but smile gratefully for all the good things that were happening in their lives after they had entered that pack. He turned to Hades and bowed deeply.
-Thank you alpha, I don't know how to thank you for everything you have done for us-
The older wolf took his hands out of his pockets and watered the hair on Nicolas 's crown, causing several strands to come loose from his long braid.
-You don't have to treat me with so much respect, after all you will soon be my official family-
The three boys stared at him with wide eyes, along with someone who stood at bay at the door.
-Nebraska will be my queen, she will marry me in a few days, we have already decided, and I of course will adopt you as my puppies-
A silence reigned until a deep voice broke it.
-To manipulate us like our father? -
More than one of them turned to the one who spoke who received a growl of disapproval from Leoxi.
-Rodrigo- the tone his mother used to scold him froze even his other children.
Hades put a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.
-Nebraska- he turned to her -Go with Leoxi and with your puppies, I want to talk to Rodrigo from wolf to wolf-
She nodded with a frown but still obeyed him, she didn't want an argument now.
Hades stood in front of the youngest with a smile that showed nothing of happiness.
-You and I have to clarify some issues, and then I'll do it with your sister. We are going to be a family, and I like family issues clear like water-
Rodrigo did not reply, he just stood his ground without saying anything. He followed Hades into his office but did not sit down. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. Only when the alpha insisted did he proceed to do so with the desk in between.
-I know you grew up with your father, and I imagine everything he could have told you- the older one began to say -Your life may not have been easy but this is a different place-
-What can an alpha know of another pack? -
Hades realized that he was dealing with someone raised to be surly. Or maybe not.
-You're right, I don't know, I can't imagine how these years could have been for you. I can't even understand how you felt when you weren't raised by your mother, because I've never been in that position. "He studied his expression, which at the moment was gloomy." That's why I want to understand you.
Rodrigo opened his eyes. Those words had never been said before.
-Why? Isn't it easier to ignore me or send me away so that I don't disturb your perfect life? -
Hades leaned back in his chair.
-Maybe I look like someone who would do that. Your mother will be my queen shortly, and I promised to adopt you ALL – he stressed the last word - But not in name. If you will be my puppies, I have the responsibility to take care of you and give them everything you need. As well as knowing if something is uncomfortable or you feel bad-
-We are not substitutes for your cubs- the cruel phrase made a vein vibrate in Hades's forehead.
That was a very sensitive subject but he let it pass. Like his mother who did not know what pleasure was until recently, this young man did not know what affection was. He was sure Rudoc didn't give it to him properly or maybe he didn't even try to.
-I don't want substitutes. I want puppies like you who are by their mother's side, taking care of her when I'm not by her side doing it. I don't look like your father at all. An education should be strict but not to the point that you cannot open up to others. I want you to open yourself Rodigo, tell me what overwhelms you, you will feel that all that weight you carry will go away-
The young one loosened his cold mask and Hades knew he was gaining ground.
-Have you ever thought about doing what you like, interacting with those you want, even with your own brothers? They talk about you, they would like to spend more time with you. Your mother also shared that concern with me-
-Surely they want something from me-
Hades snorted.
-Not all of us look for something in return when we give affection. Being social is part of our nature, living in a herd is part of our instinct, if you isolate yourself you will only kill yourself slowly, that's why I want you to talk to me, you are an intelligent and capable wolf, do not waste your life that way-
Rodrigo shifted in his seat. In just a few minutes that alpha had spoken more words to him than all his father had said in all the time they had lived together. Even his way of addressing him, his smell, everything was different. He felt no hostility against him, just a calm that enveloped him little by little and made him remember when he was little and wanted his mother's arms to pamper him. Something he never got.
He bit his lip and his hands too.
-My father ... was not good to us, maybe when we lived there and did not know anything else we considered it correct, but now here, we realize that it was not what we believed-
Hades heard him calmly, he had started to let go of everything, he would just let him, although he saw him raise his head with his face a little pale. A bomb was going to fall.
-I ... always knew ... that my mother was alive ... and where she was locked up-