This is my first attempt at HTML, so if the formatting is all messed up, I'll have to repost.

This story started out of boredom, and has now taken on a life of its own.

I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, and some negative. I'm open to suggestions and feedback, but it is what it is. You can comment as you like at Jst4fun2nyt@gmail.com.

The sex isn't a major part of it, nor is it graphic. If you're looking for masturbation fodder, look elsewhere. There will be many slow times in this story, just like there are in life. Other times, things will fly at you too fast. There will be boring days, and exciting days. It's just how it's flowing.

I've pushed several chapters to Nifty last weekend so I could introduce Morgan and Derrick. I'd love to hear what you all think about them.

Here is the house plan I used for inspiration for their new lake house. I've modified it to fit my dream, but this is what gave me the idea of the general layout.

https://archivaldesigns.com/collections/castle-house-plans/products/balmoral-castle-house-plan

This work is fully protected under the United States Copyright Laws © 17 USC§§ 101, 102(a), 302(a). All rights reserved. Placing or posting any or all of this story on any website, or distribution of any of these works in any way (in part or in whole) without the explicit consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Any and all copyright infringements will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Any names, characters, or incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental, and no harm or slanderous intent is implied or intended.

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Chapter 39

Brandon jumped from his bike while it was still moving, kneeling at my side. He told me Billy and Scott were bringing blood, then he pulled Morgan's body from my arms and ripped my jacket open, looking at my wound to see if I was healing. Then he looked from Morgan's lifeless body to my face.

"I didn't mean to do it, he force fed me. He sacrificed himself to save me." I sobbed.

The tears were flowing down his face as he said "I can save him Dad. I can change him, if you'll let me."

I looked from Brandon to Morgan, then back to Brandon "If you try it, you have to swear to me you'll stop if you start to feel weak. I can't lose both of you in one day."

"I swear Dad, please let me help him? We have to hurry."

I was certainly too weak to do it, and Billy and Scott might not be here in time. I pulled Morgan's body down beside me, then waved for Brandon to lay down beside him. I started to explain to him what he needed to do when he reminded me he had watched me change Josh. He then let his fangs drop and opened his wrist, pushing it to Morgan's lips. I leaned down close to his ear and whispered "Come back to me baby boy. Come share your life with me and Brandon. We need you."

Nothing happened. Did I drain him too much? Had too much time gone by between his last heartbeat and Brandon feeding him? I just lay there holding his body, sobbing, as Brandon held his wrist to Morgan's mouth, hoping he would feed. I was about to tell Brandon he should stop, when he leaned down and whispered something into Morgan's ear. As soon as he did, Morgan reached up and grabbed Brandon's arm, feeding hard and fast.

Billy and Scott came racing up carrying several bags of blood. When they saw what was going, Scott opened one and held it for me to drink as Billy did the same for Brandon. Scott was focused on me, watching my wound healing and checking that my pulse was improving. I was focused on Brandon and Morgan. Nothing I had read told me anything about a child changing a child. The adults I had changed only fed for a short time, while Charlie had fed all night, from both Scott and I. I hoped the blood he was drinking would help keep him ahead of Morgan's needs.

It was now two hours after my accident and the sun was setting. Scott had fed me two bags of blood and my wounds were closing up, but I could still feel the break in my rib. I had repeatedly begged them to let me feed Morgan but Scott and Billy refused, telling me I wasn't strong enough yet and the blood loss could kill me. Brandon had drank two bags as well, and seemed to be fine, but Morgan hadn't slowed down his feeding at all. Both Billy and Scott had asked him to let them take over feeding but Brandon begged me to let him finish this. I was both scared for my son, and proud of him, so after reminding him of his oath, I allowed him to continue.

The sun had been down for three hours, and we were still on the ground where I had fallen. Morgan was still feeding and none of us knew if interrupting that would hurt him. I had called Frederick and several others in my pack, and none of them knew of a changing that had been interrupted. They all agreed it wasn't worth the risk, so we stayed.

My phone said it was 12:19am, six hours after my accident, and roughly that same amount of time since I had drained Morgan to save my life. Brandon had been feeding him for over five hours, and I could see it was wearing on him. If Brandon didn't stop feeding Morgan soon, he could hurt himself. Once again, Scott and Billy begged Brandon to let them take over, but he refused. I was about to order him when Morgan opened his eyes. His eyes met mine and I smiled at him.

I softly said "Morgan, baby, I know you're still hungry, but can someone else feed you for a while?"

His feeding slowed as his eyes traveled to Brandon's face and I saw a tear. He pulled his mouth away from Brandon's wrist and looked to me.

"I'm not strong enough baby, please let Scotty or Billy finish feeding you if you're still hungry."

"I'm hungry, but I can wait Daddy. Are you better?"

"You saved me baby boy. You died to save me."

"I had to. You wouldn't have made it if we waited for Pop."

"How did you know the pain would make me shift?"

"Brandon told me all the ways to push a first shift. I hoped it would hurt enough when I pulled you off the stake."

"You made me break my promise. I said you would be safe here, and I killed you. I almost lost you Morgan." I was sobbing again.

"But you didn't. Brandon saved me, just like I knew he would. He'll always be there for me."

"You knew Brandon would save you? How?"

"I saw it. When you fell, I saw it in my head how I would save you, and Brandon would come keep me safe."

I looked to Scott and Billy, who were as confused as I was. Did Morgan have premonitions? Joshua had intuition before he changed, but his magic hasn't shown itself yet.

I was still weak, but was able to walk for myself, so Billy picked up Morgan and Scott picked up Brandon and we headed for the house. We took both boys to our room, giving them both blood before we wrapped around them to sleep.

Morgan woke me at 6, asking for breakfast. I took him and Brandon in to shower first, then we joined everyone in the kitchen. Derrick came in and sat with Morgan.

"So, do you feel any different? Can you feel your beast?"

"I don't feel anything but hungry, go away so I can eat!"

"Morgan, be nice. He was just curious."

"I'm sorry Dad. I'm sorry Derrick, but I want to eat."

"No, I'm sorry Morgan, I shouldn't be rude. Everything happened so fast, I'm your friend and I'm just worried about you."

"I know, you're gonna be my brother too, but can I eat? I'll talk all you want after I eat."

"Yeah buddy, what do you want? Do you want me to get your food? I know how you like your plate."

"Yeah Derrick, that would be cool. Can I have some blood too?"

Derrick got up and made a plate for Morgan, making sure none of the food touched each other. Then he turned and asked me which blood would be best for Morgan and if there were flavors. I smiled at his choice of wording, and got up to pour a cup of white tail, a cup of beef, a cup of rabbit, and a cup of sheep to warm in the microwave. When they were done, I took them all to Morgan.

"Take a sip of each one, tell me which one you like."

We watched as Morgan picked up the first cup and took a taste. He licked his lips and set it down, reaching for the next one.

"Well?" Asked Derrick.

"He said taste them all."

We all laughed as he continued to taste, making no indication of which he liked or didn't like. Just concentrating as he tasted each. When he set the last cup down, he moved them and set them in a line.

"I love this one, it tastes like candy. This one's not as good, but I still like it. I'll drink this one, but I don't like it. And this one is nasty, please don't make me drink it again."

I hadn't thought ahead and all the cups were matching, so I picked them up and tasted in the order he liked them.

"We have a rabbit lover who likes deer, tolerates beef, and isn't Billy." I said with a grin.

"Hey! Not everyone has good taste." Billy said, giving me a shoulder bump.

"I'm sorry Papa. I didn't know you like it. I'll drink it.

"No Morgan, you don't have to. Everyone likes different things, and that's fine. They're just teasing me because I like sheep blood."

"Can I taste them Greg?"

I turned to Derrick "Sure, but why?"

"I just want to see if I can see a difference."

"Oh, this will be interesting. One condition though, you start this, you finish it. Taste all four. Blood used to upset my stomach."

Derrick nodded, then started with the sheep. He put the cup to his lips and tested it with his tongue, then took a sip. He gave no reaction as he set the cup down and reached for the beef. This time he just sipped and set it down, licking his lips. He did the same with the white tail and rabbit and when he set the last cup down, he turned to me.

"You can taste a difference? Is it slight?"

I said "To me, white tail buck tastes like hot chocolate. Sheep reminds me of stale beer."

"And Morgan said rabbit tasted like candy. To me, they were all the same, salty and heavy. Did you notice that food tastes different after your change Greg?"

"The stuff here seems the same, but yeah, fast food seems bland. And I didn't eat a lot in restaurants before so I can't compare."

"I can't believe you've been a vampire for three months and hadn't realized this, Greg. I undercook compared to typical human food, and I use extra spices. Our tastes prefer food more natural. Didn't you notice all the meats are more on the rare side?"

"I just never thought of it Amie."

Just then, Patrick walked in. "Greg, can I see you in your office? Now please?"

I looked and saw his `cop face' so I nodded and headed that way with Billy and Joshua following. Morgan and Derrick got up to follow but I waved for them to stay.

As soon as the door was shut, Patrick said "I've spent the weekend on the phone and internet. In April, a week after Morgan's family kicked him out, they moved to a religious compound in Central Nevada. He isn't reported anywhere as missing, in anyway."

"Meaning they just threw him out and walked away? What about Derrick?"

"He's reported as missing from a vehicle accident in June in Wyoming. His father died after falling asleep driving west and running into the back of a truck that had broken down on the shoulder of I-80. When the police notified his wife, she asked about her son. The investigators were pretty good, and they realized the boy wasn't in the vehicle, but with her claiming she didn't know where they were going camping, they had nothing to go by."

"So Derrick is listed as missing?"

"No Josh, the wife is a smart one, she saw her chance to cover her part in things. She told them about the incident and her husband's reaction. She claims she begged him not to hurt Derrick, but she's afraid his religious beliefs made him see red. She never said it, but she painted a picture of him taking Derrick out and dumping his body somewhere."

"What did she say about Morgan?" I asked.

"Never mentioned him. That's why I'm saying she knew what was going on. She knew someone would notice Derrick missing eventually, but with Morgan's family having moved away, no one will think he's missing unless his family speaks up. They're not likely to do that. Derrick is currently listed as missing, presumed dead, so there's no search for him. He'll just have to not interact with law enforcement for a few years."

Billy asked "Won't his fingerprints give him away later in life?"

"He's been a good kid so there are none on file. I've seen Mike's work, he can create an identity for him easily enough."

"Patrick, do you have people to dig personally? I think they call it `boots on the ground'?"

"It would take me a few days to get someone there. Remember, I died in a plane crash, so I have a very short list of contacts right now."

"Get someone on it. Find out everything you can about Morgan's parents, and Derrick's mom and brother. The brother was on his mission, I'm guessing he came home for his father's funeral. Keep your people in place until I say different."

"Understood Alpha."

I looked at them all and asked "How much of this should I share with the boys?"

"I don't think we tell Morgan anything. He's moved on, and he certainly can't go back now. Derrick needs to know why he has to lay low. He's smart, I think you tell him at least enough so he understands that." Billy said.

I looked at Josh and he said "I'm with Billy on this. Morgan has moved on and he doesn't need to look back. Derrick has to understand how he's going to have to live for a while."

"I agree. Patrick, stop by the kitchen and ask Derrick to come in here please? Josh, get Brandon... Damn, it's a school day, he's gone."

"And I'm supposed to be leaving for New York in twenty minutes. Should I cancel?"

"No, get going. Patrick, ask Morgan to play some GTA. Derrick can spend time with him after we talk."

When Patrick left to get Derrick, Josh headed to get dressed for New York. Billy headed to his office to do whatever magic he uses to stay ahead of me and I sat on the couch to wait for Derrick. He came in five minutes later.

"You wanted to talk to me Greg?"

"Yeah, there's no easy way to say this Derrick, so I'm just going to say it."

His face fell and he stared at his feet "You don't want me around anymore."

I stood and put my arms around him "Not even close buddy. Look, I said this before but I guess you need to hear it again. You can stay here as long as you want, no limits. Am I being clear?"

"I'm sorry Greg. I know you've said it, it's just hard for me to trust after... What did you want to tell me?"

"Your dad was killed in an accident on his way back to the ranch."

"He left us and didn't look back. To me, he died that day."

"Your mother has planted the idea that he killed you. To the authorities, you're listed as missing presumed dead."

"What about Morgan?"

"His parents moved away and just left him when they kicked him out. Your mom didn't mention him to the police."

"So no one's looking for either of us?"

"No, but you need to lay low for a while. I can get you a new identity, but your face might be out there somewhere. You should keep a low profile for a while, maybe a few years."

"So, I'm a prisoner here." He said quietly. "Sorry, I know you're not keeping me here against my will, but if I want to be safe, I have to hide here at the house for years?"

"I really don't know. I'll have to talk to Patrick and Mike to get their advice. I think you'd be safe to travel with us, go to our school. Do you want to go to school and be the only human in a group of 500 adolescent vampires?"

"How is that different from being here?"

I couldn't help it, I laughed. "I'm sorry, but I guess from where you're sitting, you're right. So you want to go to school?"

"I'd like to do more than just live here. I know you don't want me to pay you back for what you're doing for us, but I want to feel like I'm doing my part. Maybe if I find something I'm good at I can help somehow?"

"Sounds like you've thought about this a lot. How soon do you want to get started?"

"Is it too late to do it today?"

"Go get dressed. You'll be meeting with Dr. Phillips. I'll have Tommy take us. Let's talk to Mike first, see how soon we can have you some ID."

As we were walking past Billy's office he told me Mike and Dr. Phillips were expecting us. I didn't even ask, just went to my room to get dressed. Morgan came in as I was tying my tie.

"Dad? Can I go to school too?"

"Sure buddy, go get dressed. You can talk to Dr. Phillips with us."

"Ok, um... should I call you Dad still? Brandon changed me so doesn't that make him my Dad?"

"I think you should go with what you feel, but let's talk to Brandon about it too, ok?"

"I'll do what he wants, but it'll be weird having a Dad that's younger than me."

"You'll both be adults in a few years. But this can wait, go get dressed."

Morgan did a fist pump and ran off upstairs. We didn't have to wait for him because he was coming back down the stairs as we were heading through the foyer. Morgan climbed into the way-back seat of the GLS while Derrick and I got in the back. Billy climbed in front with Tommy, and we were headed downtown. An hour later we were sitting down with Mike and Dr. Phillips.

"First things first Mike, how are things with that new daughter of yours?"

"Kalyn is doing great. She's caught up in school and her self-image is so much better. Today's my first day back. David has six weeks of vacation time saved up. He used a week but he's saving the rest for when the baby comes. I'll have to beg my boss for time off, he's really mean." Mike said, looking at me with a grin.

"Yeah, I hear he's horrible. I'll talk to him if you want, I bet I can convince him to give you time."

"Don't you worry Mr. Mike, Dad will get you time off for your baby."

"It's ok Morgan, he's playing. This is Mike Barnes. I'm his boss, and he knows he can take all the time he wants."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"You're fine, and thank you for wanting to help me."

"Morgan, I'm Dr. Phillips. I'm the director here at our school. Alpha Warnick says you're going to join us?"

Morgan was looking at his feet now. "Yes Sir." He mumbled.

I started to say something to him but Dr. Phillips waved me off. "Morgan, you don't like teachers but you like school?"

"Yes Sir, I mean no Sir."

"I'm guessing you had a teacher that treated you like you're stupid? Or even said that?"

"I'm not stupid."

"I know you're not. You have autism, and it means your brain works different. You're not stupid, and I need your help. Will you help me?"

Morgan looked up "You want me to help with the school? What can I do?"

"Autism doesn't usually affect vampires, so if anyone says you're stupid, I need you to let me know. Then you and I will talk to them and teach them that you're unique. Will you help me?"

"Uh huh. I mean, yes Sir."

"Do you feel ok coming with me to talk with Greg's brother Matt? So we can find out what you want to learn about?"

Morgan looked to me, unsure of his comfort level. "You have your cell phone. If you're not comfortable, you call me. Or come up here to Mike. I trust Dr. Phillips and I think you can too, but it's up to you."

Morgan looked up to Dr. Phillips who just smiled and reached out his hand. Morgan looked to me one last time, then he took Dr. Phillips' hand and went with him.

Once they were gone, Mike looked to me "So Billy tells me that Derrick needs a new identity?"

"He does. Do you need details on why?"

"No Sir. Your request is enough for me. What do you want to change?"

Derrick was confused, so he asked "What do you mean? What can you change?"

"Well Derrick, you could be anywhere from almost 15 to almost 18. You can keep part of your name, or have a new one. It depends on who might be looking for you and how good they are. Like I told Alpha Greg, I don't need those details, but it would help me when I give you advice."

Derrick looked to me and when I nodded he told Mike the story Morgan's abuse and coming to live with him. He told about his dad leaving the boys at the campground, then I told him what Patrick had told me.

"The presumed dead part means law enforcement won't be expecting you alive. If your mother isn't posting flyers or setting up a website asking for help, your picture isn't likely to be widely distributed. Patrick said your fingerprints aren't in any system, so even if you're picked up for something, they won't see through it. If you like your name, I think we can use first and middle, but the last name has to go."

"The middle and last names have to go. I was named Derrick for my mother's father, the other two names are his. He dumped me and I want no trace of him in my life. I won't even speak them after I leave this room."

"And your age?"

"I already know how to drive, can you get me a valid driver's license without a test if you make me old enough?"

"That's an easy one. What else?"

"With Alpha Greg's permission, I'd like to be Derrick James Warnick. Keep the name I use, James to respect my new Grandfather, and my new Father's last name. Flip my birthday to April 10^th 2004. That way, as long as I only use the numbers, the times I screw up can be explained simply, but it makes me 16."

I fought back tears when he talked about his Grandfather and Father. "Do exactly what he asked Mike. I need to take my son to school."

"Derrick, one more thing to think about, if you're considering being changed soon, you'll age fast enough I can make you 17 now. It's not a big deal, you would just look a bit older than the 17 you're supposed to be next year."

"I'm likely to ask Dad to change me sometime, but I'm not there yet. If it happens before I'm 20 I won't look that far off my age. Keeping me close to my real age, and playing with the dates, makes any mistakes easy to explain."

"Greg, you keep this boy close. I like how he thinks about the little details. Derrick, if you have any interest in studying law, I would be proud to help you in any way I can."

"Thanks Mr. Barnes, I've never considered being a lawyer. What do you mean about how I think about the little details?"

"In the law, it's the little details that make or break what we do. In criminal law, the smallest detail can prove or disprove a case. In business law, a tiny detail in a contract can cost millions of dollars. If you end up being changed, remaking a vampire's life involves creating a story that's full of details that will be looked at for decades. You already have the instincts for that detail work. And you're obviously intelligent enough to handle the school work."

Derrick stood and offered his hand to Mike "I have to think about this. Like I said, I've never even considered law, but I'm intrigued. I'd like to talk to you more about it, but right now Dr. Phillips is probably waiting for us."

Mike stood and shook his hand "You know where my office is. You're welcome to stop in anytime."

We left Mike and headed to meet with Dr. Phillips in the school. Morgan was standing with him in the outer office and he had a huge smile on his face. When he saw me, he came running out.

"Dad! Dr. Phillips showed me around and I'm going to classes with the other kids and Aunt Liz is going to be with me in all my classes to help me focus when I have problems. She said she's sure we can keep me up with everyone else. Dr. Phillips says I might even do better than some of them!"

The look on his face totally made my day. "That's awesome! So you want to stay today or come back tomorrow?"

"I wanna stay Dad, please? Aunt Liz wants the kids in my class to meet me and talk to them about autism. I want to be there so they can ask me about it. It's like I'll be the teacher! Can I dad? Please?"

"Of course you can buddy. Remember, if Aunt Liz can't help you focus, you can call me."

"I know Dad. She says she knows ways to help me focus on my own. I need to learn that so Brandon won't have to always be with me. I gotta go now, Aunt Liz said she'd meet me at my class."

Morgan gave me another hug, hugged Derrick, then ran off down the hall. Derrick and I were both smiling when our talk with Dr. Phillips started. Derrick dove right in, talking about his conversation with Mike, and asking if Dr. Phillips could test his aptitude to see if studying law was a realistic option.

"Most students hate taking those tests Derrick. You'll already have to take two days of placement testing so we can put you in the right classes for what you've already learned. Now you're asking for another

day of testing in addition to that?"

"I'm sorry Dr. Phillips, I don't mind the tests, I'm just trying to make the most of my life, now that I have the opportunity. You don't have to, if it's too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all Derrick, I'm sorry if you thought I was trying to discourage you. It's just rare for a student to want to take these extra steps. I will make you the same promise I made Morgan, and every other student here. As long as you put the effort into learning, I will do everything in my power to help you. We can start testing you first thing tomorrow if you like."

"Could I take any today? I'd like to get started, my previous family didn't care about me getting an education, so I didn't care. Now that I have the chance, I will be your best student."

"I'll say again, I will bend over backwards to help you with your education, as long as you're doing the same. I will tell you that aptitude tests are just a guide. I've known many students over the years who did incredibly well in fields they tested poorly in, and I've known many who thought an aptitude in an area meant they didn't need to study, and they failed."

Derrick sat silent for a moment, then looked at me "Dad? I'd like to spend the afternoon with Mr. Barnes, if he will let me. Dr. Phillips, I'd like to start my placement tests first, tomorrow. May I come back this afternoon to let you know if I'll take the aptitude tests?"

"I think I see what you're wanting to do Derrick, and I, for one, approve of your plans. I will personally sit your tests with you. The tests are timed, but if you finish early, we can move on. Please don't take that as my telling you to rush them, do your best, but if you are comfortable with your answers, you can finish everything tomorrow and be in classes on Wednesday. I can't stress this enough, if you don't do your best on these tests, you'll find yourself in classes that are repeats of things you already know. That leads to boredom, which usually leads to poor performance."

"Thank you Dr., that makes sense, and you have my word, I will do my best from this moment on."

"Then I will see you in the guidance office 5 minutes after first period starts tomorrow, and I look forward to helping you succeed."

"Dr. Phillips, I'd like to thank you for devoting so much attention to my boys."

"It may seem like that Greg, but every student that wants my attention, gets it. I sincerely wish I didn't have time to devote to your boys, but few of those that need my attention ask for it. I walk a fine line when I offer help to those who don't want it. If I push too hard, many simply retreat. I wish all our students were as hungry for education as your sons. All of your sons Greg. When we met, you were concerned that Brandon had issues. Brandon is a star student, and there is conversation about how we can keep him challenged. Chipper is asking his teacher if he can do the same work as Brandon, in addition to his own."

"I appreciate the compliment you're implying Dr. Phillips, but I like to think that my boys are just taking advantage of the opportunities you and I are offering them. When I started this school, I hoped it would have the same effect on every student. I didn't expect it from all of them, but if half of them take full advantage, I will be satisfied. If even 25% have a better life than they would have otherwise, my money was well spent."

Dr. Phillips looked me in the eyes for a moment, then knelt, baring his neck in submission "May I have the honor of being in your pack, Alpha? If you will allow it, I would like to serve in my current role for the next few centuries."

"Dr., please stand. My family doesn't kneel at my feet, and it is I who would be honored to have you educating our pups for as long as you wish. Times will change, and we can find caretakers for the school so you can keep up your education as well."

"Thank you Alpha. I will bring my financials to Mike tomorrow."

"Two things Dr. Phillips. First, my name is Greg. My family uses my name. Second, I do not require that you surrender your assets. If you choose to do so, you will be well cared for and if you decide to leave us, you will get everything back, with interest."

"When you visit with Mike, tell him I'll drop by at lunch tomorrow Greg. I'm putting my full trust in you."

"I consider you in my family pack, but I ask that you take no offence if I don't have you to all our pack meetings. There are things going on that, if you know about them, might put you in danger."

"Greg, you're a changeling. I assume you're talking about magic and the fact that you are likely the one spoken of in the prophecy. I don't kneel to an Alpha, your secrets go with me to the grave my King."

"It would seem that this is the worst kept secret in the vampire world. I should take Derrick to see Mike, you and I can talk another time."

As the doors closed on the elevator, Derrick turned to me "Dad? Can I ask?"

"I haven't told you everything, obviously. But you heard me tell Dr. Phillips that knowing would put his life in danger. Do you want that? You're human, you can still just walk away, at any time. If you know this, you can't, I can't let you. I don't want to be in a position of having to kill my own son."

"I'll think about that. You called me your son. If I ask again, you'll tell me?"

I looked him in the eye and said "I'll tell you."

"And I'll tell you that because you've accepted me as your son, you have my loyalty until one of us is dead. Nothing you can tell me is going to change that. But I'm not asking right now."

"And you have my protection until one of us is dead. I think that, for now, you should spend time with Mike. We can talk anytime."

"You're right Dad, I should spend time with Mr. Barnes. I need to focus on me and trust you to keep me safe until I'm ready to do it for myself. Just know that I'll ask, maybe tonight, maybe next year, but I'll ask."

We walked into Mike's office and Derrick asked if today would be a good day to spend a few hours. Mike smiled and asked my permission for Derrick to see contracts and files regarding us and our businesses.

"He can see anything you have Mike. You can answer any question he asks, and I do mean any. If he feels more comfortable hearing something from you, it's fine with me. Derrick and I trust each other completely."

"Do you want me to come home with the pups in the Sprinter Dad?"

"If he wants to stay until 5, David and I can bring him home Greg. If we're welcome for dinner."

"You and David were in my pack before I knew there was one. You are welcome for dinner anytime you like. And lunch, and breakfast. You know that Mike. I hope you'll bring Kalyn."

"We'll do that. And for a taste of contract law, Joshua just sent me a dealership franchise agreement and a dealership purchase in Chicago. I'll have him read over both of them. See if he notices the issues I have with them."

"Is that a challenge Mr. Barnes?"

"Greg, with respect, if your son continues to call me Mr. Barnes, I'm going to send him home with you."

I laughed "Derrick, to my sons, he's `Uncle Mike'."

"I'm sorry Mr.... Uncle Mike. I meant no disrespect."

"I know Derrick. I was poking fun at your Dad too. There will be times you call me Mr. Barnes, just like at various times your Dad will be `Father', `Sir', `Alpha', and `Prince'."

Derrick looked at me and said "And `King'."

"Yes Derrick, and `King'."

"If it's ok with you Dad, I'll stay as late as Uncle Mike does, and if I'm not done, I'd like to bring it home. I'm assuming Morgan will be bugging you to go hunting after dinner, so I'll have time. May I use the library?"

"Sure, there are also reading chairs on the balcony in my office, the sofas in there, and the conference room."

"I meant the family library, all of those are for business."

"Contracts with Rolls-Royce and real estate purchase agreements sure sound like business to me. If you find something Mike missed, do you think I'm going to ignore it?"

"No Dad, I guess not. Now, not to be disrespectful, but I'm not getting anything done, sitting here with you. Go away."

"Derrick, here's the Rolls franchise agreement, start with it. I'd like to ask your Dad something in private."

Derrick took the file and headed to the conference room. Mike turned to me and asked "Do you remember our conversation when you were wanting to adopt Charlie? The debate about changing him versus doing all the human legalities?"

"I'll remember that conversation until I die Mike, why?"

"I'd like to present the situation to Derrick. See what he comes up with before he has any education."

"I appreciate you asking, but let me clarify what I said earlier. You are free to use anything at all to teach my son. The only exceptions are magic, the Council, and the prophecy. Those topics can only be discussed if he asks a direct question. All other issues are an open book."

"Exactly the guidance I needed Greg, thanks."

"Not a problem Mike. I'm sure Derrick understands what he needs to be specific about. I'm going to go find out what Billy's been doing. Take care of my son, I'll see you at dinner."