As always, the Silver Pack's parties were in style, and even more so when it was the birthday of the alpha and his twin, the Commander of the pack. And Hades could feel that every year was better, especially because his family was getting bigger every day. He had a beautiful wife and five cubs to take care of, although some of these were growing up very fast.
The bustle in the dining room was immense. The whole pack was together eating, drinking and laughing. It was a typical scene of a long-awaited celebration.
Hades was happy and showed it with a huge smile.
He had received many gifts. Perhaps too many, like every year, only this time he was even more excited with those from his children. Rodrigo gave him a chain containing a stone so light colored and translucent that it was identical to his eyes, Nicolas gave him a strange book on the history of the herds that he didn't even wonder where he had gotten it from, but he loved it. Alan and Noa had drawn a picture and painted afterwards, where they showed the figure of a black wolf on top of a stone. In the corner there were some little spots in the shape of fingers and Priscilla smiled when he noticed, she knew that she had helped too.
And so he received gifts from Siran, Sara, those sent by his parents, even from Layan and the rest of the alphas of the other packs, destined both for him and his brother sitting at the same table, who also had a few gifts to his name. But out of all that there was only one thing that stood out to him.
Nebraska had not given him a gift.
He didn't show it on his face, but he wondered if she would give it to him later, because even Leoxi had a present from her. It was true that she had been more attentive since the morning, where she had helped him from bathing to dressing, to combing his long dark hair and arranging his clothes so he would look handsome for the party. Still, he wanted a present from her.
-Is something wrong? -Nebraska cradled his cheek. She had sensed his discomfort through their liaison.
Hades smiled and kissed her cheek. His hand caressed the thigh of the she-wolf sitting on his lap.
-It's nothing, my love- he lied.
But Nebraska was very intuitive and she was sure there was more to it. She didn't talk about it, just as he did. And so the rest of the afternoon passed. They ate their fill and when the time came, Nebraska asked Sara to put her children to bed, despite their protests.
-It's not time for the puppies to be awake anymore- she told them with her hands on her hips.
-But ma, it's pa's birthday- protested Noa grabbing hold of Nicolas' clothes and faking puppy tears, -Let us have some more, pleaseeeeeee.
-Yes ma -Alan wrapped his arm around Nebraska's arm and copied his brother.
-Don't make it harder for our mother- -Nicolas finally intervened seeing that the she-wolf's face was a bit pensive since the morning. Surely it was the alpha's gift, which he had not given her. He was the most perceptive of the five brothers, so he had to help.
-Shut up Nico- Noa told him, -You're not helping.
-Mom, Dad- Priscilla smiled, oblivious to everything in Nicolas' arms.
Hades, for his part, did not interfere. He believed that if he intervened he could take away his wife's credibility and that was the least he wanted. Parenting was difficult and support was necessary, but his she-wolf was strong. And of course she didn't give in. The strict sleep routine they had helped their development so they wouldn't be headachy and absent-minded afterwards, as they were in the beginning when they were left to play late into the night.
Even so, Noa and Alan continued to insist so Nicolas turned to his brother.
-Rodrigo, take care of Priscila- and handed him the puppy, who clung to his brother's shirt and sniffed his neck with a smile.
Nicolás grabbed Noa by the waist and put him on his shoulder while he put Alan on his shoulder and lifted him up as well.
-We're leaving- he said firmly.
The two pups began to protest and move around wanting to stay at the party, but already the adult wolves were starting to get drunk and that was a sign that things were going to get hot. Already many she-wolves had sent their pups to sleep. The expected scene was not at all suitable for juveniles.
-Ma, good night, sleep well- Nico blew a kiss to his mother and waved goodbye to his father, uncle and godparents with a nod of his head.
Rodrigo copied him, although his gaze lingered a bit as he passed by Leoxi. And so they all left. Noa and Alan still had a formed show, but Nicolas had a good grip on them with his strong arms.
Nebraska smiled, though she was not at ease. Her heart was hammering in her chest. Hades' arms went around her from behind and he kissed the mark on her neck causing her to lean her body against his.
-I finally have you all to myself- he whispered, -I adore your children, however, sometimes I wish you would give me a little more attention.
Nebraska turned her face to receive a kiss on the cheek from her partner.
-I pay more attention to you than you think, my wolf- she replied sincerely, -I'm just not open enough yet for you to realize all the things I learn from you every day.
-Hmmm, like for example?
-A gift that I know you'll really like- she told him softly and with a slight blush on her cheeks.
Hades smiled wolfishly.
-I thought you wouldn't give me one.
-If I give it to you here, I'm sure we'll have to bury some corpses.
Hades blinked several times uncomprehendingly.
-Wow- he exclaimed, -If you put it like that I'm sure I'll love it. When can I have it? -his silver eyes twinkled.
Nebraska put on her serious face and slipped out of her husband's grip. She walked over to Leoxi and took her glass full of wine from him and downed it in one go. Hades had forbidden her to drink given the state she was getting into... and her pack as well, who encouraged her to compete with the others. Both Leoxi, as well as Sara, who was kissing Siran, who had already had too many drinks, stood and watched as their queen squared her shoulders and let out a sigh as she left the empty glass on the table.
-Much better- she said and said goodbye to them with a slight smile to where Hades was. They saw her taking him by the hand and the alpha made no resistance.
-Well, the queen is taking one of the most important hosts of the party- Leoxi poured her glass again.
-But we still have the other one here- Sara leaned her cheek against her husband's, -As long as you don't leave, we can still enjoy ourselves.
Leoxi raised an eyebrow.
-The truth is, I have someone to spend my birthday night with too, and this time I want to make that wolf scream and cry until he begs for more.....
-Stallion, easy there. For you to say those obscenities with the same face Hades has makes it look like he's dirty.
Leoxi laughed.
-Not at all. I just like to enjoy sex, and since I like that wolf so much I want to give him everything I can and have. Even drive him crazy for me.
-As long as you don't kill him everything is fine. I don't know if a certain person likes the idea. I'll think about who my husband can propose as the next Commander, just in case - Sara smiled mischievously.
And with that Leoxi knew that she already knew or had suspicions of who her current, secret partner was. Something that not even the alpha knew.
***
Hades trailed behind Nebraska with a smile as she dragged him through the halls. He could smell the nervousness she exuded, yet she smelled sweet. That was bad, he was getting turned on.
When they entered his room she led him to the bed and sat him down.
-Stay here and wait- she ordered him, and that turned Hades on even more.
-As long as you don't take too long- he moved his hands down his wife's thighs to squeeze her buttocks.
-It'll be quick- Nebraska slipped out of his grip and walked to the bathroom where she locked herself in.
Hades just stood there, even though he unfastened his clothes, leaving only his pants on. The clothes felt like a complete encumbrance and he really wanted to feel Nebraska's skin on his.
He thought about the gift she could give him and there were so many possibilities that he couldn't think of any specific one. But when the door opened and she stepped out with only one of his shirts on that pressed to her body covering... something, his mind stopped working.