The day had dawned sunny, ideal weather for enjoying a dip. Leoxi was leading the group, wagging his tail from side to side in his majestic black wolf form, as was his brother. Only the latter was trailing behind, with Noa and Alan, who were biting his ears trying to get him to catch up.
-Puppies- Leoxi said with a sigh, looking over his furry shoulder.
Seconds later he felt someone lightly biting his tail, not in a way to hurt him, but like when a wolf wants to get attention. What he saw pleased him. Behind him was Rodrigo with the black speck in his mouth and he was walking with his head down.
Leoxi might smile if it weren't for the fact that he was in his wolf form, which was quite a bit bigger than Rodrigo. The younger wolf had lately joined him on the various inspections through the pack and their company was pleasant. They even seemed to have more chemistry than with their brothers. Perhaps because they both had a cool way of thinking.
And in between the two groups was Nicholas, who in the end was the one overseeing that his younger siblings weren't so rough biting Hades. Noa had lost a molar molar molting not long ago, so he could bite without mediating his strength.
An hour's walk later the six wolves arrived at what would be a small island paradise. Some trees and in the middle a small pond with a spring fountain.
-This is the life I deserve- exclaimed Alan, transforming himself and running to jump into the lake.
-Alan -Nicolas shouted at his action- Don't run....
It's too late. His brother was already inside.
-Nicolas, relax- Hades transformed next to him and stroked the younger boy's wolfish head, -Let them do what they want today. It's a day to have a good time. Tomorrow you can babysit them again.
-I'm not their babysitter- Nicolas protested, his lips tightening as well.
-Yes, as you say- Hades mocked.
-Noa peeked out from behind Hades with a mischievous grin, revealing the gap in her tooth that had fallen out.
-Puppy, I'll show you who's boss- Nicolas grabbed him by the arm and put him over his shoulder only to approach the tip of the pond and... throw him.
Hades laughed at the scene and even more when Nicolas was surprised from behind by Alan who had come out of the water, and pushed him. Really those three were quite a case. But he was glad to have them, in what was once a very long monotonous life. Now he could say he was happy, completely happy.
And with a smile on his face he walked over to the pond and joined his children, having fun like he hadn't had in years.
-Aren't you going to join them? -Leoxi brushed his hair back once he changed shape. Behind him, Rodrigo looked shy even as a wolf.
The Commander knelt down in front of him and stroked his head affectionately.
-You shouldn't force yourself, but I think it's a good time for you to share with your brothers and your new father, don't you?
Rodrigo lowered his head more, not very convinced.
-Transform- he asked, -Do it for me.
Rodrigo raised his head and nodded slowly. It was unusual for Leoxi to be so soft with him. Normally, they shared while they were running around in packs and he had to admit that he had very well earned the title of Commander. No wonder Hades trusted him so much.
Leoxi commanded with an iron fist. And whenever he was by his side he always wondered if the wolf had a sensitive and even loving side. And that day was the first day he saw it.
Slowly, he transformed becoming just as naked as everyone else present, but for some reason he felt a little self-conscious and he didn't know why. Yes, he was a young wolf who had already come of age just like Nicolas, the difference being that with the training he had had to endure in his pack, from which he had not been able to escape, his musculature could be taken into account.
Of course, in the face of the sinewy body of both Hades and Leoxi, it was hardly significant, but for someone young it wasn't bad at all. And apparently the wolf in front of him liked what he saw because his eyes roamed over it, and Rodrigo shivered accordingly.
Until they heard a voice calling out to him.
-Hey brother, just brought him in, the water looks great- Hades pulled half of his torso from the surface of the pond and slicked his freshly cut hair back.
Leoxi looked over his shoulder at his brother and nodded with a slight smile.
-Let's go- she indicated to Rodrigo offering her a hand and he hesitantly took it.
Leoxi closed her hand tightly against the wolf cub's as if she didn't want him to escape. If he knew that this was the last thing Rodrigo would do at that moment.
***
-I'm dead- said Alan sitting with his legs spread and leaning backwards on Nicolas, -This needs to be repeated more times. It was super.
-And let's bring Ma and Pris so they can have a good time too- Noa followed his conversation.
Hades' chest puffed out at his children's opinions, glad he had agreed to go with them. Next to him sat Leoxi. The head of a sleeping Rodrigo rested on his thigh and he stroked his hair between his fingers.
-You've grown quite fond of him- Hades said softly.
-Even though he has his siblings and his mother, and a new father, I think he needs extra support. I feel he is very emotionally affected. More than he wants to show us. You know I'm good at reading the insides of others.
Hades looked at his oldest son and agreed with what his brother was saying. And it was true. Rodrigo had suffered a lot, and even though family relations had improved, he still seemed to suffer inside because of guilt. Even when he didn't show it.
On that point his brother was always the more perceptive of the two.
-Then I entrust him to you, Leoxi. I know I'll leave him in good hands -only Hades didn't imagine that his words would be taken literally much later.