The next morning, Inuyasha rose early, taking care to not disturb Scott. He headed downstairs to the kitchen, seeking a quick snack. Once sated, he went in search of Peter and Chris. After searching for a bit, he found them engrossed in books in the library.
"Good morning, sire. You're up early," remarked Chris with a hint of surprise.
"Considering last night's festivities, you should be resting," added Peter.
"I've been thinking," began Inuyasha hesitantly.
"About what?" Chris inquired.
"Your gifts," Inuyasha responded.
"What about them?" both Chris and Peter asked almost simultaneously.
"I appreciate them deeply, but I've no skill in using a bow. I don't wish to injure myself or others. I figured, since you both are hunters, maybe you could train me? Being adept with both a sword and bow would be invaluable. More importantly, it'd allow me to protect my family."
Chris looked thoughtful. "And Scott's opinion on this matter?"
Inuyasha's face hardened slightly. "I don't need his permission. I can make decisions on my own. Besides, given my condition, I'd advise not to get on my bad side."
Peter and Chris exchanged glances. "Alright," Chris sighed, "just don't complain to us if Scott gives you an earful."
Inuyasha nodded. "I promise, if anything comes up, I'll take full responsibility."
"So, when would you like to start?" Peter asked, accepting the situation.
"Friday at 8 am," Inuyasha stated.
"Very well," Chris sighed again, "but I have a feeling this decision might come back to haunt us. Anything else we can help with?"
"No, thank you, though. I should return before Scott awakens. He tends to worry too much."
"Yes, best get back before the king stirs," Peter chimed in with a small smile.
As Inuyasha approached his bedroom doors, a sudden force knocked him off his feet. As he regained his bearings, he realized it was just young Adrian.
"Hey there, little one! What brings you here so early? And where's Koga?" Inuyasha asked, gently ruffling Adrian's hair.
Through their mental link, Adrian responded, I wanted to see you, godfather. And since it's my birthday, I wish to spend it with you and Uncle Scott.
Inuyasha chuckled. "Alright, but we should inform your dad first. Before that though, how about we surprise Scott and wake him up together?"
hrough their special mind link, Adrian gleefully communicated, My pleasure!
Upon Inuyasha's invitation, Adrian hurriedly entered. Within seconds, the mischievous child took a playful leap at Scott. Caught completely off-guard, Scott instinctively shifted to his primal form. However, recognizing it was just little Adrian, his alarm faded and he returned to his humanoid shape.
"You little rascal," Scott chuckled, ruffling Adrian's hair. "You ought to be more careful, especially around an alpha. That could've been seen as a challenge."
With a touch of impishness in his mental tone, Adrian retorted, I'm aware. But this little surprise wasn't entirely my doing. Let's just say your mate had a paw in it.
Scott's eyes shifted to Inuyasha, who was evidently deriving immense pleasure from the scene, laughing uncontrollably. Deciding two could play that game, Scott lunged at Inuyasha, shifting back to his primal form mid-pounce. Adrian, sensing the forthcoming roughhousing, quickly scampered to a safe distance.
Inuyasha, not prepared for Scott's counterattack, ended up beneath the playful wolf. The pair rolled around, exchanging playful growls, nips, and licks. The room was filled with their mock battle, two primal forces at play.
Adrian darted away quickly to avoid getting caught up in the playful skirmish. After thirty minutes of playful wrestling, Scott managed to pin Inuyasha down. They both paused, catching their breath before shifting back into their humanoid forms. Disregarding their disheveled, unclothed state, the two shared an affectionate embrace, punctuated by soft kisses.
After a lingering moment, they separated, searching for their clothes to redress. Once dressed, Inuyasha tenderly approached Adrian, cradling him in his arms with the gentleness one would use for a newborn.
"So, little one," Scott inquired with a raised eyebrow, "Why the surprise visit? Not that I don't appreciate it."
Through their unique mental bond, Adrian replied, Today's a special day for me. It's my birthday! And since it's my very first, I wanted both of you to be a part of it.
Curious, Scott asked, "And what did you have in mind?"
Adrian communicated through their shared mind link, Well, as you know it is my birthday. Since it's my first one, I want both of you to spend it with me.
Scott raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And how do you envision our day?"
Adrian's eyes twinkled as he responded, Our day will start with a shared breakfast. Then, a group run, followed by a swim. After that, we hunt and enjoy our catch for lunch. Once back at the castle, you two will read me a story, leading up to my nap time. And after I wake up, we'll join everyone in the ballroom for dinner and festivities.
"That's quite the day you have mapped out," Scott mused, smiling. "But we should inform your father first. He's probably concerned about you, Adrian."
Adrian sighed, Must we?
Scott replied firmly, "Definitely."
Seeing Adrian's downtrodden expression, Inuyasha approached and gently cradled him. Adrian's soft, purring sounds emanated contentedly, prompting giggles from both Inuyasha and Scott.
The duo then left their bedroom, heading towards the pack's cave dwelling. As they arrived, the entire pack, sensing Adrian's presence, rushed out in their primal forms. Realizing it was just their visitors, they reverted to their humanoid forms.
Koga, unabashed in his nakedness, stepped forward, attempting to retrieve his son from Inuyasha.
"Hand over my son, pup!" Koga demanded.
Inuyasha met his gaze evenly. "I can't do that. Scott and I made a promise to him, and we plan to uphold it."
Koga's eyes narrowed. "What sort of promise?"
Scott intervened, "We promised to spend most of the day with him for his birthday, until the dinner and party tonight."
Koga glanced towards his son for confirmation. Adrian nodded, prompting Koga to pet him affectionately. "Alright. But you both better keep a close eye on him. Ensure he naps on time, and that he's clean and fed by dinner. If you fail, pup, I might reconsider your role as his godfather."
Inuyasha nodded solemnly. "Understood, and I accept the conditions and potential consequences."
"Good, and as for you, little one, you better be on your best behavior. Listen to everything, and I mean everything, they both tell you. Do you understand?"
Adrian conveyed through his mind link, I will, Father. I promise.
Koga smiled, "Good!" He then leaned down and affectionately licked Adrian's face, causing him to groan in embarrassment. The affectionate gesture made everyone giggle.
After this warm exchange, Inuyasha and Scott left and made their way to the dining hall. About thirty minutes later, the trio entered the spacious hall and settled down at a table. Shortly after, Victoria emerged from the kitchen.
"Hello, my king, king's mate, and little Adrian. How may I serve you three today?"
"We'd like a breakfast of steak, eggs, bacon, ham, milk, and juice. For Adrian, could you blend his food, making it easier for him to consume? And for his drink, use a baby bottle, please," Inuyasha detailed.
"Of course," Victoria replied, scribbling down the order. "How would you like your eggs, bacon, and steak prepared?"
"We'll have rare steaks, scrambled eggs, and semi-crispy bacon."
"Understood. Give me about half an hour, and I'll have everything ready for you."
The next half-hour saw Scott and Inuyasha engaged in a conversation, discussing their plans leading up to the birth of their children. Just as promised, Victoria rolled out a cart laden with their breakfast.
She efficiently laid out the dishes, setting a special blended food bowl for Adrian on the floor. After ensuring everything was in place, she bowed and retreated to the kitchen.
Following the delightful meal, which they finished in about thirty minutes, Victoria reappeared to clear away the dishes and return to the kitchen. After expressing their gratitude for the sumptuous meal, Scott picked up Adrian, and they exited the dining hall.
Their next destination was the gardens. Once there, Scott put Adrian down, and both he and Inuyasha disrobed, shifting into their primal forms. Without further ado, they plunged into the woods, going for an energizing run that lasted two hours.
Post-run, the trio stopped by a creek's edge to quench their thirst. Once refreshed, they headed for a pond intending to take a swim. As they reached the pond's dock and prepared to leap into its inviting waters, Scott and Inuyasha simultaneously shifted back into their humanoid forms.
For the following hour, the water splashed and rippled as the three of them swam around. However, hunger soon made its presence felt, as indicated by a rumbling growl from Inuyasha's stomach. Scott glanced up at the sky, noting that it had transitioned to afternoon.
Deciding to wrap up their swim, the trio swam to the shore. Once out of the water, they shook themselves dry, their actions reminiscent of canines shedding water.
Three minutes later, after deciding on their next activity, Scott and Inuyasha shifted back into their primal forms. Along with Adrian, they embarked on a hunt. After around thirty minutes of careful tracking, they chanced upon a colony of rabbits.
The trio approached stealthily, and in one coordinated pounce, each secured a catch. Scott and Inuyasha offered their catches to Adrian, wanting to ensure he had enough to help him grow strong. Scott then turned to Inuyasha, communicating through their unique bond.
You stay here and watch over Adrian. I'll be back with our lunch, Scott conveyed through their mind link.
Inuyasha responded by walking up to Scott, giving him a reassuring lick, signaling his agreement. With that, Scott ventured deeper into the woods, hoping to find a larger prey for him and his mate.
Ten minutes into his quest, Scott's keen senses detected a giant boar. Moving quietly and purposefully, he ambushed the boar. Mid-pounce, he shifted back into his humanoid form, effectively using his enhanced strength and agility to land on the boar's back. A swift slash to its throat followed by a decisive bite ensured a clean kill.
With the hunt successful, Scott hoisted the boar over his shoulder and retraced his steps back to Inuyasha and Adrian. On reaching them, he dropped the boar, making ready for a feast. Meanwhile, Inuyasha shifted back into his humanoid form and set off to collect firewood and stones.
Returning with his collection, Inuyasha carefully set up a campfire. Striking flint against stone, he soon had a warming blaze, perfect for the early fall chill. The two men then settled by the fire, enjoying their well-deserved meal.
After their hunger was sated, they cleaned themselves off in the pond, ridding their skin and fur of any remnants of the hunt. Refreshed, they made their way back to the castle gardens, where Inuyasha handed Adrian to Scott so they could dress.
Fully dressed and presentable once more, the pair, with Adrian in tow, headed to the castle library. Upon their entrance, they found Koga and Liam engrossed in reading.
"You're back, and right on time," Koga remarked, looking up from his book. "I'm pleased to see you kept your word."
Inuyasha replied, slightly defensive, "Have you ever doubted me, pack father, to break a promise I made to you?"
"No, but I'm still glad you kept your promise," Koga replied with a small smile. "How about joining Liam and me for story time before these two need their naps?"
"Sure!" Inuyasha responded enthusiastically.
Scott and Inuyasha made their way to an open couch and settled in. Soon after, Liam, in his wolf form, hopped into Scott's lap, curling into a cozy ball. Koga resumed the story he'd been reading to Liam.
About an hour into the tale, Koga noticed both Liam and Adrian had drifted off to sleep. Quietly, he closed the book, stood up, and carefully lifted the two young ones. He then headed to the cave to tuck them into their makeshift crib.
Meanwhile, Scott and Inuyasha left the library, heading back to their room for some rest. However, three hours into their slumber, they were jolted awake by a sorrowful howl echoing through the castle.
Rushing towards the sound, they found themselves back at the pack's cave. The scene was heart-wrenching: Hojo lay still, no longer breathing, while the Twins cried softly beside him. Close by, Adrian was curled up, his small form shivering with grief.
Inuyasha gently lifted Adrian, trying to offer some solace. "It's alright, little one. He's at peace now, with the great moon goddess. He'll always be with you, in your heart, watching over you as you grow into the powerful alpha you're destined to be."
But he's gone, Adrian communicated through their mental bond, tears dripping. He'll never meet your children or mine, when the time comes.
"That might be true," Inuyasha whispered, holding Adrian close, "but as I said, he'll always watch over them. And you. Besides, you still have your birthday party. Your grandfather would want you to be happy, especially today."
Adrian nodded, wiping away his tears. "Right."
"As a start, let's see what he left for you," Inuyasha said, motioning towards a large box nearby. Scott picked it up, placing it gently in front of Inuyasha and Adrian, before heading out to help with Hojo's burial.
Inuyasha carefully opened the box, revealing a beautifully crafted wooden cradle. The cradle was supported by intricately carved figures of the pack in their wolf forms. The attention to detail and love evident in the craftsmanship warmed their hearts, offering a small comfort in their time of grief.
"See, look at the big wolf carved here — that's your grandfather," Inuyasha said tenderly, pointing to the intricate carving on the cradle. "He made this just for you with his own claws. His scent and love are all over it. Every time you lay in it, you can imagine you're resting on his back."
Adrian's eyes brightened with understanding. It feels like he's still here with me.
Ten minutes later, the boys returned from burying Hojo. Koga approached Inuyasha to take Adrian. "Son, are you ready for your dinner and party?"
Adrian nodded eagerly.
"Alright," Koga declared, his voice swelling with pride. "Everyone's probably waiting for us."
The group then made their way through a secret passage connecting the cave to the library. After navigating through the library, they reached the grand ballroom. As they entered, the lights flashed on, revealing a room full of faces.
The pack and servants in unison: "SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADRIAN!"
Adrian's yip of joy echoed throughout the hall. In a surprising move, he leapt from Inuyasha's arms and, mid-jump, shifted into his humanoid form — a feat that stunned Koga, given Adrian's young age. Koga rushed to his son, wrapping him in a blanket. Inuyasha, meanwhile, collected the gifts they'd bought for the occasion.
Koga clothed Adrian quickly before they joined the others, who were eager to hand over their presents.
Victoria's small box revealed baby toys and books for Adrian,
while Peter gifted him with baby clothes adorned with wolf patterns.
Chris had chosen soft baby blankets,
Shippou gave a heartfelt drawing of the pack,
and Allison provided knitted and winter clothes.
Ginta and Hakkaku's gifts leaned towards comfort — a dog bed and a fur-woven bed respectively.
Liam's small gift was a handmade necklace,
while Koga's grand gesture was a beautiful baby bed.
Inuyasha added the toys they'd procured from a gift shop,
and Ethan's package had fun items like a kiddie pool, jungle gym parts, and a slip n slide.
With the unwrapping done, everyone settled around a large table laden with a feast. Conversations flowed easily, filling the room with warmth and laughter. However, as the night wore on, Koga noticed Adrian's drooping eyelids and soon, the young one was fast asleep in his chair. Koga gently cradled his son, then turned to address the room.
"Thank you, everyone, for the wonderful gifts and the joyous celebration. Your love and support mean everything to us."
A chorus of "You're welcome!" echoed back.
Koga nodded gratefully, then carried Adrian off for a well-deserved rest.