They were on their way back by the time the sun was beginning to set. All six wolves looked tired, but in a good way. They had taken a quick break, Hades had taken them hunting in safe areas managing to get Alan his first kill, and then they had gone back for a dip in the pond.
All in all, they were worn out and Hades knew his cubs would go straight to bed after lunch, but everyone seemed content with the family outing. Even Rodrigo, after Noa had pulled him along with them and tangled him in their clutches, seemed more relaxed. Even though he was now walking beside Leoxi.
Well what could he do. The wolf seemed comfortable with the twin's closeness. One step at a time and the alpha could claim he could relate to everyone naturally again.
-Pa, carry me- Alan asked him as he wobbled back and forth and his eyes were closing.
He had to lean against one of the trees to keep from stumbling. They had decided to walk from the pond to his house. The alpha and his twin knew that the younger ones were too tired to transform at this time. The day had been intense.
-Alan, it won't be long now, hang in there- Nicolas shook out the tangle of his current hair. In his other hand he carried Noa who was rubbing her eyes, also sleepy. Despite their appearances they were total puppies- The alpha is tired too.
-Don't worry Nicolas -Hades approached them and bent down- Let me go upstairs, in the end I am the one responsible for them being this tired.
-Father, you spoil them too much.
Nicolas calling him that always brought a smile to his face. Hearing it from his two youngest puppies was already normal, especially when they would sneak into his office when they wanted something that neither Sara nor Nebraska wanted to give them, but hearing it from Nicolas who seemed so mature was something... great.
-Just for today- Hades sat up as Alan climbed on his back and wrapped his arms around Alan's neck.
-He always says that and they end up doing what they want. If my mother found out everything they do behind your back and that you are complicit.
-We agreed that it was a secret- Hades defended himself. He felt very relaxed with his family, and he loved it. He was already deciding to have less work and more free time- If your mother finds out you know how she gets. Last time, I had to lock the room from the inside when she was taking a bath and use all my skills to make her succumb. I even used a good amount of pheromones, although they don't have much effect on your mother, by the way.
-Hades, don't talk about sexual matters with the puppies- Leoxi reprimanded him after putting an arm over Rodrigo and pulling him towards him, -If the queen finds out that you make her private life public, you'll get a good one. Then don't come crying.
-Shut up, Leoxi. I know very well what my wife is capable of. I haven't been married to her for years.
-Noa spoke, yawning and leaning back against Nicolas, who was already preparing to carry him when....
A howl in the distance.
Both Hades and Leoxi became alert and bared their fangs. The cubs too, and the sleep they were having vanished. They had understood the howl.
Two intruding leopards had entered the herd boundaries.
And that didn't please the alpha at all. His territory was in a safe zone. It was not migration season, so the hyena herds, jaguars, tigers and lions were not supposed to pass close by. So who were they, why had they killed the guardian wolves on that boundary and entered their grounds?
Unless...
-Leoxi watch the pups' backs. They're coming for them- Hades growled, taking his wolf form.
It was known that leopards did not tolerate cubs. They were very independent beings, especially the males. Surely they had been passing by and had smelled them. That was not a good thing.
Leoxi of course tensed up too. He wouldn't let anyone hurt his family and he transformed. Nicolas grabbed Noa, Alan and felt Rodrigo stand close to him.
And they felt it. Heavy footsteps breaking the branches on the ground around them. The dense feline and forest scent reached them. Hades growled to such an extent that the younger ones shuddered. To see him with his fur so bristling, like a beast protecting his lair, was hard to appreciate. No wonder he was the alpha of the pack. Hades was huge, even standing a few inches taller than his twin brother.
Suddenly there was a deadly silence. Nothing could be heard. Only the breathing of those present. No one moved. If anyone moved or ran they could be in greater danger. Leopards were strong and muscular beings, as well as ruthless, and more so when it came to cubs.
One minute, two...
Hades looked around, still alert. He looked up knowing that they could climb, but there was no movement, though he could smell them. He didn't know their location, but wherever it was, he would kill them if necessary.