Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
H ades and Frederick were standing off to one side. Indeed, since Frederick had kissed Hades they hadn’t been apart.
“I can’t believe how many gods are here. Even with Ares, Demi, and Dask living here and Zeus popping in all the time, it still blows my mind,” Frederick said to him.
Hades looked at him, concern in his eyes. “Is it too much for you?”
Frederick shook his head. “Not in the slightest. Plus, Ares is going to create a training programme for us. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with.” Frederick stepped closer. “Why, were you worried?”
“It’s not as if we show ourselves much anymore. I was worried you might feel like having us around was overwhelming.”
Frederick raised his hand and touched Hades’ cheek. “No, Hades, the only time I have been overwhelmed by a god was when I realised you were my mate. I don’t feel worthy enough.”
“I’m still a man, Frederick, just a little extra and if you want to know the truth, I don’t feel worthy of being your mate.”
Frederick looked confused. “Why would you even think that?”
“I rule the underworld and deal with demons and the dead. I really don’t have a lot to offer,” he confessed softly.
“You have so much to offer and I happily accept the job of showing you.”
Hades smiled and leant forward, kissing Frederick and wrapping his hand around the back of Frederick’s neck. Frederick, for his part, pulled Hades closer and wrapped his arms around him, kissing him back. They pulled apart when they heard cheers from around them. Hades and Frederick laughed.
“You lot are so weird,” Hades said to them.
“And just think, Hades, you’re now part of this weird pack,” Alex said with a laugh.
Hades looked at Frederick in surprise.
“It’s true. I’m a member and you are my mate. That automatically makes you a member,” Frederick told him.
Hades laughed. “I think I can cope with that.”
“Good,” Blake said to him. “Just think of this as your second home.”
“I will, thank you. Now if no one minds, I need time alone with my mate.” And taking Frederick’s hand, the two men vanished.
They reappeared in a bedroom. Frederick looked around and smiled. “Are we your bedroom, in the underworld?”
At a glance, Frederick noticed the room was comfortable looking, decorated in soft greys with an unlit fireplace at one end. Normal bedroom furniture was dotted around, with the largest bed Frederick had ever seen.
Hades nodded. “Would you prefer I took us to yours?”
Frederick shook his head, and pulling on Hades’ hand, pulled him so they were chest to chest. “I’m happy either here or my room. As long as you’re with me and we have a bed, it’s all good.”
Hades smiled. “Make love to me, my wolf. I find I can’t wait to be mated to you.”
“Then wait no longer,” Frederick said, kissing him. He slowly started stripping the god out of his clothes. He kissed every piece of skin he uncovered, before picking Hades up and laying him down on the bed.
“I think you’ve forgotten something, my mate,” Hades muttered, groaning as Frederick hit a sensitive spot with his lips.
Frederick looked up at Hades before moving so he was practically lying over him, and brushed his nose against Hades’. “And what have I forgotten?”
“To take your clothes off.”
“I’ve not forgotten, I’ll get to that soon enough. I feel the need to drive you crazy first,” Frederick teased.
“Just remember, turnaround is fair play.”
“Challenge accepted,” Fredrick said, before leaning down and kissing him.
“So that’s Frederick out of action for a few days,” Baylan said as the two men vanished.
“It is. I think the Fates chose well when they picked Frederick for Hades,” Blake said.
“They certainly did,” Alex agreed.
Puff was chatting with Tatum when Atticus and Mateo walked over carrying four plates of food. Atticus passed one to Puff and Mateo one to Tatum.
“Lifesaver,” Puff croaked out happily, taking the offered plate. “I’m starving.” And with that, he bit into a hot dog, grimacing when swallowing hurt his throat.
“Me too, thanks, Mateo,” Tatum said, taking the one offered to him.
“Your mates are just filling their plates and will be over to join us in a moment,” Mateo told him.
Tatum sighed happily.
“You have it bad, my friend,” Puff commented, the words crackling and whispered.
Tatum nodded. “I really do, but can you blame me? Look at them.”
The others turned to watch Wynter and Saxon laughing as they collected food.
“You’re a lucky demon, Tatum,” Henry said, popping up by them.
Tatum nodded. “I think we’re all lucky with our mates.”
Just then Julian walked over to join them, Shiloh at his side.
“Gentlemen, can I introduce you to Commander Shiloh Sweeny? Shiloh will be in charge of the defence teams. Shiloh, this is King Puff McDuncan and King Bob of the dragons and all mythical creatures. Lord Atticus, the Dragon King’s Grounding Force. Mateo Thomas, the Dragon King’s Guardian. Henry Broadchurch, our resident ghost and Tatum, our resident demon.”
Shiloh smiled and looked at Puff. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing before looking at the others. “Gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“Please call me Puff, and you don’t need to bow to me,” Puff croaked out.
“Are you well, sire?” Shiloh asked him in concern.
“Yeah. Bob used a lot of super hot dragon fire to melt a door, it burned our throat,” Puff explained.
“I had a soldier do that once. He spent three days drinking elm bark tea with hot honey and lemon and not talking. He swore it eased the pain and helped him heal faster,” Shiloh told him. “Make the tea like a normal tea then add half a juiced lemon and a tablespoon of honey. Try and drink it while it’s still hot.”
Puff smiled. “Really? Thank you, I’ll try that.”
“You’re welcome, sire.”
Puff rolled his eyes. “Just Puff.”
Shiloh nodded and smiled. “Of course, sire.”
“You’re going to fit right in here, Commander,” Henry chuckled.
“Just Shiloh.”
“Of course, Commander,” Henry replied laughing.
The others laughed.
Blake and Baylan walked over to join them. “Shiloh, did Frederick manage to show you everything and fill you in on what’s been happening?”
Shiloh nodded. “He did. I can’t believe how much has happened in such a small amount of time.”
“Tell me about it,” Blake fake groaned. “Do you need any more time to decide if you want to stay and be in charge of the defence teams?”
Shiloh shook his head. “No, I decided while walking around with Frederick earlier. I’ll happily stay and command the teams.”
Blake breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. Did Frederick show you to a temporary bedroom and tell you about the new facility we’re having built?”
“He did.”
“Good. Enjoy the party and we can have a proper chat and I can take your pledge tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Alpha, I will.”
Blake then looked at Puff. “How are you feeling?”
“My throat is killing me and eating hurts, but Shiloh told me of a remedy that should be able to help,” he croaked out.
Peyton laughed as he came to join them. “You sound like a broken robot.”
“Thanks,” Puff huffed out handing his brother his plate. “Here, you can have this, it hurts to eat.”
Peyton stopped laughing and took the plate. “Maybe you should make that remedy.”
Puff nodded. “I’m going back to the kitchen now to make it. I’ll catch up with you all later,” he said, turning away, before looking back at his brother, noting sadness in his eyes. “Come with me and we can have a chat,” he offered gently.
Peyton shook his head. “Not yet.”
Puff looked at him and touched his arm, before walking away. He was halfway back to the pack house when General Delinga walked up to him, carrying a travel mug. “Sire, I brought you something to help your throat. Elm bark tea with honey and lemon,” he said, handing it over.
Puff smiled at him and took it. “General, you’re a lifesaver, I was literally on my way to the kitchen to make this.”
“And now you don’t need to. I also dropped some elm tea bags off in your kitchen.”
“Thanks. Have you met Commander Shiloh Sweeney?”
“Yes, earlier. I believe we are having a meeting tomorrow, and don’t worry, myself and your guards will do everything we can to help.”
Puff touched his arm. “I’m not worried, thanks. Have something to eat and enjoy the party.”
The general nodded. “I will, thank you.”