Chapter 183 - How to train your werewolf (2/2)

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Ry walked toward the bed, nodding to the furry head that lifted sleepily to greet him. He sat on the edge of the bed and nervously met Jos's grim eyes. ”I'm so sorry, little one. The kid, he only said what I advised him to say in the courts earlier.” He slowly reached out and rested his hand over hers. ”It wasn't supposed to went so long without you knowing the truth. The kid still loves you very much. He'd tell you as much himself if he could. We all care about you. You worried quite a few people tonight.” He moved his hand to her cheek and cupped it. ”You are the one thing that holds this crazy group of misfits together. What would we do if we lost you?” His tender eyes held her gaze watching as some of the sadness melted from her troubled gaze.

Yelling sounded from the hall right before the door burst open. ”Damnit Ry! You have to get this damn thing out of here! It's pissed all over everything of mine and keeps biting the shit out of my feet! I'm ready to punt it over the balcony!” He all but flung the dog at his brother.

Ry chuckled, ”Seems like he's happy now.” The puppy ran directly into Jos's arms and began licking her furiously.” Just as he was about to get the dog off her, Jos began giggling.

”It's so cute Ry. Where did you get him?” She held the wiggling puppy to her chest as she stroked his fur and kissed his head.

Shelly c.o.c.ked her head to the side and leaned over to sniff the puppy. Her eyes widened and she shot Ry a freaked outlook.

He shrugged and pressed his finger to his lips. ”Dad's here, he... uh... well.”

Arei moved over to the bed to sit down, but the puppy began snarling and barking again. He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. ”That thing is a little monster. Does he expect you to train it too?”

Ry arched both brows and looked away as a smile curved his lips. ”You could say that. I guess everyone is expecting me to train the little shit.” The puppy turned its attention to Ry and growled before going back to snuggling and licking Jos.

Poseidon poked his head into the room. ”I'm not interrupting, am I?” He asked, as he crossed his arms over the door and leaned into the frame with one wide shoulder. He nodded to Jos. ”Nice to see you doing better, my dear.”

Arei rolled his eyes. ”She doesn't remember you, father.”

He waved Arei off, ”You may call me dad. It's the most popular in today's society.”

Arei rolled his eyes. ”She doesn't remember you, 'dad'. There better? Does it make you feel any less old?”

Poseidon chuckled as he rested his forehead against the door. ”I do miss having you and your siblings in my palace. It's just not the same without you and Cheri's banter.”

Ry grabbed the puppy and stood. ”Name dropping isn't going to get you anywhere. You can give up now.” He walked over to the door with the puppy struggling against his grip. He shoved it against Poseidon's chest. ”I have to get going. Prometheus should be on his way to our room by now.” He shifted his glare from the squirming puppy to his father. ”And you need to fix THAT before he gets there.”

Arei narrowed his eyes at the small red bundle of fur. His eyes widened and shot over to Jos who was now stroking Shelly. Shelly arched a brow and nodded as she shot a glance to the dog. Arei's mouth dropped. He turned on his heels and followed his brother and father out of the room, closing the door behind them. He pointed an accusing finger at the dog tucked under his father's arm. ”That's the kid, isn't it?!”

A wide grin spread across Poseidon's handsome face as Ry let out an irritated huff of breath, rubbing his temples. ”As I said, I put him in his place.”

”You have to turn him back, you know, that right? The kid's protected by the council and under Ry's care.” Arei grumbled. ”Hell, if not for that I'd already put him in his place.”

”I will... if you give me a few minutes with the girl.” He winked at Arei, ”Maybe I can even jog her memories.”

Arei arched his brows. ”Alright but the wolf is staying in there with her and Ry and I will be outside the door AND you're keeping that asshole with you.”

Poseidon smiled. ”Deal. See that wasn't so hard was it? Who knows that wedding may even be back on track before I leave here- Ahooo!” He growled, pulling his hand quickly away from the dog and shaking it. He gave the dog a harsh, sarcastic smile as he lifted him to eye level. ”Keep it up and I'll find a vet that will turn those steel balls of yours into earrings, and I'll make you watch as I give them as a wedding gift to the dear girl.” He narrowed his eyes as the dog bared its teeth and snarled. He pointed his fingers in the dog's face. ”You have too much bravery for your own good, kid.” The dog snapped at his finger, barely missing it as Poseidon jerked it back. He narrowed his eyes, sending him a scalding look. ”Keep it up and I won't let her play with you while we talk.” The dog instantly went still in his grip. ”That's what I thought.”

Ry chuckled as he shook his head. ”As you can see, the kid has some admirable qualities. You can't blame me for wanting to see this thing through with him. He has potential for greatness.”

Arei shook his head as well. ”As much as I hate to admit it, Ry's right. He's never backed down from either of us, even when fighting at the same time.”

Poseidon grinned. ”I don't doubt it. After all he was in a midair leap toward me when I shifted him into this cute little asshole.” He patted the dogs head, causing it to look away in barely suppressed irritation. ”I look forward to seeing what you do with your strength and bravery, kid.” He said as he turned toward the hall and walked back to the room. He pushed open the door and walked over to the bed. ”Do you recognize me at all, my dear?” He asked as he sat down onto the edge of the bed. He released the dog to the mattress and it quickly flung itself at her.

Jos shook her head weakly. ”I... I'm sorry.” She whispered.

He smiled. ”It's alright, my dear... but I wonder... would you want the memories you lost back?” He watched as her gaze widened and she pushed herself up in the bed. ”So, you would?” When she nodded, he asked. ”Would it be alright if I touched you, dear?” He watched as her brows narrowed. ”Only your forehead.” He specified.

”Oh... okay.” She said quietly.

He leaned forward and placed his palm against her forehead spreading his fingers out across the top of her head. He held it there for several minutes, focusing hard on the spot his hand rested. When he finally released her head, a heavy frown rested across his attractive features. ”As I suspected, Zeus...” He shook his head. ”I'll see what I can do, but I fear there will be very little without my brother's held or someone willing to betray him.”

She nodded, a single tear streaming down her cheek as the hope to have her memories back faded once again. ”It... it's okay. Thank you for trying.”

He smiled as he brushed the tear from her cheek. ”Anytime, dear. You may not remember this, but you and I have met and got along swimmingly.” He winked at his own pun. He ran the back of his index finger over her moist cheek. ”You were very special to many members of my family. Anytime you're ready to come back to it, we will all be waiting with open arms.” He bent and kissed her forehead. ”Take care, dear.” He took the puppy from her, pretending to examine it, before adding. ”Pets are fine to keep around for a while, dear, but they are not a well substituted family for individuals as we are. Their lives are too short and frail. It only adds to our heartache.” His eyes found hers. ”We must find love within our own ranks.” He nodded as he exited the room.