Page 110 of Seeking Hades' Ember

Chapter 52

Ember

"Are you sure that it's over? I don't mind spending a few more days here." Hades wrapped his arm around me with one hand as the other cupped my face. Hades had his demon servants summoned and brought us clothes. There were none left after the constant ripping and clawing. The thought of any male coming within 100 yards of the mating cabin made Hades sprout his infamous smoke tendrils.

"Yes, it's over." I straightened out the white blouse over my dark jeans. Hades had the servants bring clothes that were light in color, telling me I was his light to his darkness and that I looked like his very own angel. Can we say swoon?

"We really need to get back; we have a mission to accomplish, right?" Hades nodded his head solemnly as he kissed my forehead.

"I'm not ready to share you." He nuzzled in my ear. His hot breath sent waves of heat down to my core as his arms pulled me into his body. His shoulder now bore my mark; no woman could ever dare come near him, not that they would. I didn't have to worry about Hades ever straying from me; his temperament for anyone else but me had proven that.

"You've had me for four days; once we find the Sphere, I hope we will find Selene and the others. I've missed Hermes." My voice trailed off as I looked out the window. "Do you think they are all right?" Hade's warm touch on my skin calmed me as his heartbeat beat with mine, something that felt indescribable.

"They are gods, they won't die, but they can be weakened. The emotional battle they will struggle with is what I worry about. Who knows where they are, but Selene, Hecate, and Hermes are strong. They will be fine, I'm sure of it. Don't you worry your pretty little self so." Burning my nose into his chest, I felt him chuckle. "They will come back to us, and once I find out who took them and you… it will be my turn to play."

I wasn't as forgiving as my mother; I hoped that whoever was responsible should pay. In fact, I hope Hades locked them up with the Titans and let them have some fun.

Walking back to the center of the territory that held the packhouse along with my family home, we heard squeals of laughter. "Again, again!" Little Wolves ran past us as they ran to the center of town; not noticing Hades, one bumped into his leg as he fell.

"Ouchie!" The little girl rubbed her knee. Ready for an outburst, I go to hold Hades' arm as he bent forward and picked up the little girl. My eyes widened in shock.

"I'm sorry, did I get in your way?" Hades chuckled as he looked at her knee. "Sorry, mister Hades." Her big wet lashes fluttered as Hades wiped a tear away.

"Just be a little more careful, hmm?" The little girl nodded her head as she ran off to the series of laughs and screams. I wanted to coo at Hades but him being so nice to someone other than me was a huge milestone. I couldn't ruin the moment.

He would be a wonderful father if we could have our own. Many packs have orphaned pups that we could adopt. When the time was right, I could have Father ask around and see if we could raise one. The thought of Hades putting a diaper on a little baby made me feel giddy. God of the Underworld changing diapers, rocking babies, and putting them to bed had to be the sexist idea.

There was a deeper voice that sounded vaguely familiar as we walked hand in hand. The laugh was contagious, and I wanted nothing more than to find out who it was. "What is it?" Hades squeezed my hand as I pulled him closer. Giant shrills of a child being thrown up in the air by an unknown Wolf. He was tall, reminding me of my father except with dark hair. His green eyes sparkled as the other children continued to ask him to throw them.

It couldn't be!? Could it!? "Ember!" I heard mom yell from the front porch; I waved, letting her know I heard her until I felt the breeze brush my hair harshly. Hades had let go of my hand and was now pinning the large Wolf up by his neck. His green flannel and khaki pants were covered in mud as Hades gripped him harder.

"You dare try to approach my mate?" Great, Hades was back to the signature choking. Running up to Hades, dad and Dante came to help pry Hades off, which was no use. While they pulled, Hades' eyes lit up like fire. The Wolf looked down at me as I screamed.

"ERIK! Hades!! Let go! It's my uncle!!" Hades let go, but his stare never left Erik as he rubbed his neck. I pounced on Erik while Hades started grumbling and pulling me off.

"Erik!" I cried as I wrestled closer and hugged him close. Erik's voice was raspy as he chanted my name while swaying us on the ground. "You're here, you are really here! I've been in Bergarian with mom and dad looking for you!"

"Shit, more family," Hades cursed as he helped us both up. "Sorry about that. I don't like anyone near my mate." Erik glanced at me and then back at Hades. The power Hades was radiating on purpose was making Erik confused. Hades was more robust than any Alpha or supernatural, so of course, Erik's curiosity was peaked.

"I'm Hades, God of the Underworld. And you are?" I nudged Hades to be polite, but he pulled me in by my waist while kissing my forehead. "Be nice," I whispered. "We are blood-related; he isn't some random Wolf."

"Don't care," he mumbled into my temple.

"Holy, oh, wow," Erik couldn't form words as he stared. After a moment, I felt Hades’ patience dwindling.

"Hades, this is my Uncle Erik. My dad's parents' son. We are only three years apart. Once mom and dad got together, Grandpa Odin and Grama Astrid got 'busy.'" I giggled. "We were practically playmates." Hades nodded his head and understood as they shook hands.

"Pleasure," Hades choked as Erik pulled him in for a hug. "Thanks for finding her man. She's basically my sister." Erik sniffed while Hades reluctantly patted him on the back.

"Ember!" We heard another shrill of a scream as Grandma Astrid came running.

"How many family members do you have?" Hades groaned again while Grandma gripped me tightly. Grandpa Odin with his overly large beard and Viking style hair cut came running up to greet us as we were all pulled back to my parents' home.

The rest of the day was spent inside the house, which I thought to be large when I was younger. It was now cramped as Mom and Ashley made fresh food filled with pies, roasts, steaks, spaghetti, and tons of cookies throughout the day. Poor Steven was being rushed to the packhouse every hour to grab more drinks and alcohol as they celebrated my return.

Even with all the food being consumed, there was another celebration tonight with the pack since my unscheduled shift and heat messed everything up. The large bonfire party was to commence just hours from now, but the current private party continued to rage on in the house.

Hades had willed demons to be present to help serve food; everyone was taken aback at their natural forms but quickly took a liking to the men and now women that were serving. Hades and I had a talk that he should hire at least a few women; he couldn't prevent catfights in the demon world, and I knew he would never stray. Besides, we were bonded now; if he did anything, I would know and then rip his eyes out and tear out the guts of any female that dared touch what was mine.

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