My Atypical Wolf (BL)

Chapter 299: Together.

Ashton picked up the kids later as promised whilst he used that time to go and ask for his mother’s permission to bring the kids to his house. Even if the pack house was the home for the trio right now, Ashton wanted those three to experience home as he had grown up experiencing.

All of them had packed their mini bags, ready to go. As promised, he cooked, asking each of them their favorite item. Beef was a common ingredient to all of their favorites and thus he had ensured he got enough of them. On his way, he ran into (not directly, but more like saw) Christian.

Christian was at the grocery store as well, however all Christian had with him was a pile of eggs. Was he starting a business or was he making a huge cake? Ashton wondered. Still unsure of the job offer, he decided it was best not to approach the other man, and therefore by carefully avoiding him, he managed to escape the grocery store without getting spotted.

Once he went home, he made some quality steak and prepared some meatloaf for the kids as well. Any average human would be burping after this much high calorie intake, but for the wolves, this was like some simple evening snack.

Ashton had just finished cooking, and brough the plates to the dining hall. He was about to call the kids as well as his mom for a taste when there was a ring on the door. Opening the gate, Ashton noticed it was Caleb, and like a reflex he planted a quick peck on Caleb’s lips. “So, I have been informed that you kidnapped my kids”? Caleb teased.

“Our kids.” Ashton corrected his mate with a smirk. Connor, as soon as noticed his father, jumped in excitement, and to return the same enthusiasm, Caleb hugged his son tightly. The girls were happy to see Caleb too, but they were still quite awkward around them, so they simply smiled.

Caleb spent the evening chatting with the kids (mostly Conor) as Ashton prepared another plate for his mate. For some reason Ashton figured Caleb would be working late, so he didn’t make his or Caleb’s plate, wishing to eat together when Caleb would arrive.

.....

Finally, they all came together near the dining table and sat down to have their meal. The noises of satisfied hums confirmed that even if it has been really long for Ashton to have stepped foot in the kitchen, he still got it. Ashton sneaked some glances at the girls as they talked with Mrs Parker, and he could tell that they felt a little lighter.

For some reason, seeing everyone sitting at the same table together brought up a feeling of warmth in his chest. It was as if seeing his family together... something he never realized he wished to see. Once they were done, Ashton decided to give his and Caleb’s room to Connor and Caleb while with Mrs Parker’s permission, the room that belonged to Ava and Ariel was given to Carmen and Ivy for the time being.

As Caleb put Connor to bed, Ashton decided to do that for the girls. Even though Carmen insisted they didn’t need to be tucked in, Ashton insisted otherwise. But, before he could do that... he sat down on the bed next to them and spoke, “I know what you are going through is tough... and I wish I could say it’s gonna get better.” Ashton mumbled. “But... honestly, I don’t know. I am still haunted by my own parents’ death.”

“Mr Parker?” Carmen asked.

“Yes... and my real Parents. The Parkers adopted me after my own parents were killed.” hearing that both Carmen’s and Ivy’s eyes widened. Yes, it was a little too dark for to be sharing with the kids, but perhaps it was also a way to bridge the communication gap he had with the kids. How can he expect the kids to open up to him, if he didn’t do the same.

“How did you deal with it?” Carmen asked, in a soft voice.

“I shut everyone out.” Ashton declared. “I was lonely, something I felt was better, until I met the Parkers. Even then, I barely opened up. I guess it’s just me... but with Caleb, I feel better. Like he gets me.” Ashton shrugged with a smirk.

“You found an amazing mate.” Carmen shrugged.

“Yeah.” with an idiotic grin, Ashton admitted. “But, my point is... I had to wait for someone to really get me for a really long time. But you... you don’t have to.” Ashton smiled.

“You think you get us”? Carmen asked.

“I am not talking about me. I am talking about both of you.” Ashton clarified. “You and your sister are going through similar stuff, and I think you can be each other’s strength.” Ashton shrugged. “And, as for me... if you will allow me I would like to know more about you too.” he added. “I am always here,” he added. He patted the heads of the girls lightly before he helped them get comfortable in their beds and therefore tucking them in.

Switching off the lights he headed outside only to notice Caleb standing in the living room with a proud smirk on his face. “What?” Ashton couldn’t help but ask.

“Looks like you are doing great as a father.” Caleb declared.

“Well, I learned from you.” Ashton shrugged. Caleb shook his head before sighing.

“I haven’t been able to keep up with them as of lately. I adopted the girls and now I am ignoring three of my kids instead of one.” he bit his inner lip.

“You are not ignoring them, you are busy.” Ashton shook his head.

“I wish I wasn’t.” Caleb pouted. Ashton stared as his mate and took a few steps forward, before hugging his mate real tight.

“We are a team. I got them. In future, when I get busy and you have time, it’ll be your turn.” Ashton tried to comfort his mate. “And on that note, I was hoping I can drop these kids off and pick them up for a while.”

Caleb pulled away a little, “You want to?” Caleb was amazed by the offer.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t have much to do here anyways. Not unless... I’ll take the offer.” Ashton shrugged.

“What offer?” Caleb frowned. Ashton pursed his lips, as he braced himself for telling that Christian offered him a job.