Page 13 of Broken Wolf

“Many of the ‘kids’ asked me for help getting you guys something special for Father’s Day this year. The pack is doing well and—” I swallowed loudly “—I’m here this year.”

I hated to bring down the mood, but pretending it didn’t happen would solve nothing. People went through lot while I was gone and stepped up. That should always be acknowledged.

“In that respect, we have some aunts and uncles of the pack that we need to not leave out. Like we did for Mother’s Day, we’ll thank the uncles here as we did the aunts. We have a lot of big sisters and brothers who step up, and even if they’re not your kids, you’ve contributed.

“I was taught by the twins early that it takes a village to raise kids, and I feel that way for new wolves. We come into a pack a bit like babies and need to learn our way. We thrive by doing better together. Some are learning that. Some of you are stepping into the roles and we appreciate it.”

I glanced over to the right and nodded to Vinn.

“I could talk all day about how awesome you guys are,” I said, smiling when people chuckled. No, no, I couldn’t. I hated being the center of attention, and I was glad the pack accepted that about me. “Just know your kids and those who love you already paid for your gifts, so there’s no taking it back or turning it down. We also got a discount.”

Vinn led in several fairies and elves who were helping out and in charge of a rolling rack each of sample suits. She also had the clipboard with all of the information.

“Fairy material doesn’t work well with conventional suits that are fashionably accepted for men and human standards,” she explained. “However, our queen is close friends with many designers and one in Vegas especially who has a custom shop that is very popular.”

That was an understatement. The cheapest suit I’d seen from the catalog was three fucking grand. Nothing custom or tailor-made was cheap but like damn.

They were worth it though. It included warranties and alterations for ten years. They were expensive suits meant to last.

With one caveat… Shifting not included. If they shifted and shredded the suit, that wasn’t covered under the warranty.

Yeah, that was fair.

Ashley was adorable as she lost her patience and practically dragged Freddie out of their booth rambling that she thought she had the perfect suit for him.

“Me?” he gasped. “Ashley, you can’t be spending your money on things like this that—”

I darted over there when I saw her face fall. “She worked extra to help Nina with the flowers for spells to get the money instead of going out like other kids because she loves you. Don’t crap on that.” I gave him a stern look. “We’re also getting a heavy discount for ordering so many. Plus, the designer himself isn’t making these but his apprentices. That was part of the deal.”

He nodded that he heard me before glancing back to Ashley and wincing. “I’m sorry, baby.” He hugged her tightly. “I don’t want you to spend your hard-earned money on me like this. That’s all.”

“Why? You do on me,” she argued, sounding hurt.

“I know, but it’s my job as your dad. I love you and—”

“Oh well, I don’t love you,” she drawled. “Mom’s right and you’re an idiot.”

“I am,” he chuckled, kissing her hair. “Okay, show me how to be cool.”

“There is no way my baby worked extra to afford this,” Nestor said to Joan, looking ready to be upset as well.

“No, but a few of the pups you’ve helped out when they were infected—several of them actually—chipped in to thank you for all you’ve done,” she told him as she handed over a card they’d all signed.

Vinn handed me some cards as well and I thanked her.

I went over to Christos and gave him one. “From the boys.” He was shocked. Not to leave Theon out, he got one too even if he could afford his own suit. He graciously thanked me, and I saw both of them go over to the rabbits and thank them as well.

“We already have suits,” Hagan muttered as I came over to my table.

“You do, but you can have more than one nice suit,” I reminded all of them. “This is from the boys.”

He frowned. “Not Topher?”

“You’re getting something else from Topher when it’s just us,” I told him. There was no way I was giving them their gifts in front of the whole pack and making people feel bad.

I wasn’t that dense.

Brian, Reagan, and Dain all accepted. Axel and Eugene were shocked to receive cards since they’d basically come for free food and to help out. They’d done a lot to help the boys and a lot of people in the pack. If we were celebrating those who took fatherly roles and were basically uncles, they counted.

---