Chapter 223
Chapter 223: He is here
“Son, I know you don’t want to be away, but please... do this for me” Caleb pleaded to his son who simply refused to look at him while he packed his backpack. In his heart Connor was prepared to never see his ‘Dad’ again. “Connor, look at me,” Caleb whispered and turned Connor to face himself. “I am really sorry for sending you away... but trust me, you’ll be back home before you know it”. When Connor still didn’t say anything Caleb mumbled, “Okay”?
“Okay” Connor whispered.
They hired a huge bus that would get them to safety and somehow Connor avoided Ashton on his way in, who happened to be waiting for the duo right by the door. “He is....” Caleb started, but hesitated. “He is really torn. I know I am not allowed to ask you for personal favour but... Please keep an eye on him” Caleb begged.
“I am not letting him out of my sight” Ashton promised. Bringing his face closer, Caleb planted a long but sweet kiss on Ashton’s lips and they both cherished the moment. Finally pulling away, Ashton mumbled. “I’ll be back for more.” He winked, making Caleb laugh. Caleb hated this. Even if it was too close to home, he hated being separated from his mate.
“Guys” Matt approached them with a sleeping Tammy in his arms. “When I dropped off Tracey, I promised I’d do my best to protect Tammy. I am coming with you” He declared.
“But...” Caleb was about to protest.
“Look, I am not leaving my daughter alone. At any cost”! He raised his voice prompting Tammy to wiggle in her sleep. Good things Tammy was a heavy sleeper... or she might be frustrated. “I am not leaving her” Matt insisted.
.....
“We already have a lot of people on board” Ashton spoke, earning a glare from Matt which Ashton didn’t really notice. “I think we can use some extra manpower just in case” The moment he said those words Matt’s glare turned into a grateful stare.
“Fine” Caleb shrugged after a moment. “I’ll inform my brother that you would be unavailable” He nodded. Caleb’s gaze lingered on Ashton for a while before he decided to leave that spot. Matt got up with his daughter while Ashton waited at the gate for the rest of them.
Once everyone that was accounted for boarded the bus, they headed off to their destination. The entire way Riley and Ashton had to keep up to look out for any unknown dangers out there. Matt decided to cater to the kids and the pregnant women as they were most familiar with him. Very few of them recognised Ashton, but none of them recognised Riley.
After what it seemed like forever they finally reached their destination. The house was huge enough for the old lady that was waiting for them at the door. It seemed she had many servants, but she didn’t have any companion of her own. She welcomed them on her own and the people tried their best to make themselves as comfortable as they could.
All the time when they were reshuffling not once did Ashton let the boy out of his sight. Most of the kids were busy talking with each other but Connor... he was sitting by the corner staring out of the window all alone. When Connor was sitting all by himself, he was approached by Ashton. Ashton was sure Connor would pull away, but he was surprised that he didn’t.
“My Dad won’t die right”? Connor asked Ashton.
Ashton wondered whether to be honest or be comforting as he struggled to do both. He didn’t want to bother Caleb at this time as he knew the fight had already ensued there. He really wished he was good with words. “I don’t know” he decided to be honest. Connor had enough lies for a while, maybe a little bit of honesty was good. “I don’t know what I would do without him”. I mumbled.
“If you really love him that much, why did you leave?” Connor finally looked at Ashton.
Feeling his heart swell up Ashton tried, “I didn’t realise it will take me this long to get back. I... I just wanted to find out who I am” Ashton admitted. “What I am” He continued.
“Did you?” Connor asked.
“I dunno,” Ashton mumbled once more. ”
“What do you know” getting frustrated, Connor scowled.
Ashton ended up chuckling at his answer. “I know I am not just some werewolf,” I shrugged. “I am... different... I guess I just wanted to find someone similar to me”. After a moment of silence Ashton explained further. “You see, my wolf and I... we are not connected like most. Sometimes, my wolf takes over my body and I don’t remember a single thing” Ashton admitted honestly. “It was as if I blinked and suddenly I had lost seven years” Ashton felt himself tearing up.
“It must be scary,” Connor mumbled. “I am scared of myself too. I have these urges... which makes me hurt people. I.. I can’t always control myself” He mumbled.
“It took me a long time before I learned how to control. I am supposed to be impulsive by nature” Ashton added.
“Can you teach me? Control?” Ashton was shocked to hear Connor ask him that.
“Me?... Sure!” He answered immediately. “After all of this is over... I’ll teach you”
“I know you are Daddy’s mate, But I am not calling you Dad” Connor declared.
“How about a friend?” Ashton suggested after a moment. “I don’t have a lot of friends. Your Dad is all I got... and we fight from time to time” Ashton played.
“If you hurt Dad again, I’ll hurt you” Connor threatened Ashton with his adorable glare.
“And I will let you,” Ashton nodded. “If I ever hurt him again, I deserve to be punished.” Ashton agreed. Before their conversation could proceed further, Ashton heard some noises from the front door. Suddenly they heard a huge scream coming from upstairs and Ashton ran towards the noise.
The moment he reached there he was shocked to see one of the women bleeding. It was healing fast, but it must have been a grave injury depending on it’s healing rate. Ashton looked around and he finally recognised the smell trail, he linked Caleb. [He is here].