Chapter 298: Father

Ashton decided to drop at the elementary school first, to pick up Connor and Ivy. It was the first time he came here, as even with his sisters he had to go to middle school. Ashton waited outside for the last period to be over and waited patiently outside the door.

While Ashton waited, he noticed the dirty glances that the security guard was giving him. Was it perhaps Ashton has never been here? Ashton hoped. Which meant that the security was tight and thus they were being careful.

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Amongst the herd of kids he noticed Connor coming right towards him with Ivy tailing Connor right behind him. “So it’s you today.” Connor sounded disappointed.

“Why? I shouldn’t come?” Ashton pouted.

“Sure, but bring my Dad along next time.” Connor huffed. “I convinced Mr. Butler to take the day off for nothing.” He pouted as well.

“Wait, you did that?” Ashton was shocked. Clearly this kid was the naughtiest one he had ever met... and that is including the kids he had as his classmates when he was a little kid. Ashton didn’t know whether to be mad at this kid or be impressed. Turns out he was a bit of both. “Connor, you know Dad is working for a case right”? Ashton asked.

“He is always working.” Connor huffed.

.....

“He is the sheriff, and he works so hard because of you.” Ashton declared.

Connor frowned and looked up at Ashton. “Because of me”?

“It’s true that he wants to protect everyone... but the one he wants to protect the most is you.” Ashton declared. He turned back to look at Ivy who had a sad expression on her face, “Ivy, are you alright?” Ashton asked.

Ivy glaced at Connor for a moment before looking at Ashton, “I am fine.” she declared. Ashton wasn’t convinced. He looked back at Connor, who himself had concern laced on his face.

Ashton wasn’t sure what was happening here so he asked Connor, “Connor? You got something to add”? Ashton asked quite sternly.

“No...” Connor bit his lips.

“Did you do something to her”? Ashton asked, in a much stricter voice.

“No!” Connor snapped, this time appearing much genuine. “I am not a bad boy,” he added. Clearly, he was well taught on manners, but Ashton was sure he was missing an issue. He wanted to wait and figure this one out more, but the watch on his hand told him that it was time for him to go to middle school and pick up Carmen.

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“Alright, let’s get going.” Ashton sighed and held both of their hands using both of his own hands. Doing this felt a little odd, but it also kinda felt great. He could finally relate to feeling like a dad at this moment. Ashton led the duo to his car and drove off to the middle school.

It had been ages since he had come here. Not ever since his sisters graduated middle school. Being back here felt a bit odd as well, but nonetheless he enjoyed it just the same. When Carmen came out of the front gate, she too had a similar expression on her face. Could it be because they are new here? That both of them were having trouble adjusting here.

Ashton didn’t bother Carmen with the questions, knowing very well how open preteen girls can be and thus simply drove away. After a few miles, away from both school and the home, Ashton abruptly halted the car.

“Girls, I know adjusting to a new school can be tough, but trust me... it get’s better.” Ashton tried to comfort the girls, even though he did not believe in it himself. How could he? Every time he moved he hated everything about the new school, and just as soon as he would start tolerating the shenanigans of the new school, they would move again. It was tiresome.

“We know.” Carmen declared timidly. Ashton puckered his brows.

“Okay, I gotta ask, what is going on with you two? You two look like as if you haven’t slept in days.” Ashton asked. In the mess of everything, he realised how barely he paid attention to these kids. Sure he had tried to win Connor over once, but with Carmen and Ivy, he never even bothered... until now.

“You are not our Father”! Ivy snapped with tears in her eyes and Carmen began to console her sister immediately, while turning to Ashton and apologizing for her sister.

“I am sorry, Mr Parker.” Carmen mumbled.

“Apology not accepted.” Ashton huffed sternly and turned around, “You wanna tell me what’s going on young woman?” he asked. “Or is it just that you guys hate that me and Caleb adopted you. Feel free to share, I won’t be mad if that’s all it is.” he said.

Carmen too looked at Connor once before saying, “Both of us are pretty well known by the werewolves in our respective schools... as the daughters of a murderer.” she whispered, causing Ashton’s eyes to widen.

Taking a guess, Ashton turned to Connor, “And.. you knew this?” Connor avoided everyone’e gazes and nodded slightly. “Be honest with me... why did you hide it from me... or anyone?”

“I was gonna tell dad. But I haven’t seen him in days. I saw Jenny Gatson talk to Ivy. Jen was being mean, so I snarled at her and broke my friendship with her.” Connor let out an angry grunt at the mere memory of the incident. Ashton on the other hand was flabbergasted. Hearing this made him realize how even though he was legally a father, he had a lot to do before he could fit into the definition of that word, ‘father.’

Never having a complete set of parents in his life for long, he didn’t want these three to have similar experiences. “I am really sorry that Caleb has to work.” he hesitated for a moment. “And for what it’s worth, I am his mate, and I care about you all just the same. I have more time than he does, so if you need anything... ever. Just feel free to share with me.” Ashton declared.

“You moved out.” Connor reminded Ashton.

“I did... but I am staying at Mama Parker. And... all of you are welcome for a sleepover there.” Ashton declared with a smirk, knowing very well that his sisters were out of town, so maybe they can spend some time there.

“The pack house is too... formal. Come here, and I’ll make dinner.” he offered, hoping to bond with them. There was a pause, following which Ashton asked, “So? What do you say?”

Carmen and Ivy looked at each other with hope, while Connor simply smiled, grinning from ear to ear before exclaiming, Yes!! Let’s do that.”

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