"Anwyll?"

I jerked awake and gasped for breath, looking around and hoping that what happened was just a dream. However, Ambrose and the old man were staring at me with worry.

I hugged Ambrose and tucked my face into his neck. Pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together.

"Rose, I think I know why my mother tried to kill me and why she then abused me later. It's not that she couldn't see my ears and tail, but because she didn't want to see them." I stated, and his arms tightened around me.

The old man gasped. "What? She tried to kill you? She abused you? How long!"

I nodded, burying my face deeper into Ambrose's neck. "Fifteen years..." I answered quietly, my voice muffled.

But the old man definitely heard me. A sudden crash made me flinch and Ambrose hugged me tighter.

"That bitch!" he growled, a more animalistic sound to his voice.

I slowly turned my head and peeked out from underneath Ambrose's chin. The old man had gained a huge form, but I wasn't intimidated by it.

"I thought werewolves had two forms." I said to Ambrose, and he rubbed my nape to make me very relaxed and happy.

"Yes, however, if the werewolf lives long enough, he or she can gain a third form. There is human, wolf, and lycan. The lycan is a mix of human and wolf."

"Ooh, okay. Thank you."

"Where is your mother?" he suddenly asked, and I clenched my fists on his chest.

I returned my face to Ambrose's neck. "Don't know. Don't care."

Ambrose nosed my head and exhaled very quietly. The harsh panting of the lycan behind me (in front of Ambrose) cut off with a deep inhale and harsh exhale. I peeked at the lycan and he was back in his human form.

"Kid, could you explain what you were talking about before?" he asked, and I blew out a breath.

"I guess it's fine since you're my blood-related great-grandfather." I said softly, then turned around in Ambrose's lap. My vampire kept my back against his chest, so I was able to stay relatively calm.

I looked into his dark—really dark—brown eyes and noted his salt and pepper hair. My great-grandfather took a seat and rested his forearms on his knees.

"My name is Anwyll, and I was Anwyll DeLuca up until you told me my father was not Alexandre DeLuca." I began, and the old man lifted his head.

"My name is Baron Weber." he said, so I nodded.

"Nice to meet you." I said, then went to introduce Ambrose, but he stopped me with a kiss to my cheek.

Baron gestured for me to continue. I rubbed my face with my left hand, holding on Ambrose's wrist with my right hand. Ambrose offered me comfort with a firm squeeze around my midsection.

"My mother used to curse me for being born, for living despite her attempts to kill me in the womb—and outside of it as well. This was after my dad—er, Alexandre DeLuca left me because of his father's iron-clad decree. I realize now that she thought he left her because he found out I wasn't his child, but that wasn't the case at all."

Baron stared blankly at the low coffee table between us. "What was the reason?"

"Alexandre really wanted a child of his own, but his father hated my mother. He used magic on Alexandre to make a vow that he would leave my mother if I was not born a dragon. Alexandre's parents are obsessed with purity in the dragon line. Thus, when my wolf ears and tail emerged at age three, Alexandre had no choice but to leave. However, he made a mistake. He could have taken me, but he instead left me there with my mother. Since he believes I am his son, that decision he made back then still haunts him to this day. He spent years in sadness and anguish over his decision, but we reunited over a few months ago now."

Baron rubbed his face with both hands. "I see, now what did you mean about her not wanting to see your wolf attributes?"

I bit my lip. "Have you heard of Emerged?"

Baron frowned. "What is that?"

"An Emerged is a person that, at a certain age, gains characteristics of animals or other nonhuman races and creatures. However, those characteristics cannot be seen by humans, but they can be felt. I emerged as a wolf, so I have wolf characteristics with the ears, tail, and sensitive spots." I explained, and he hummed with a slow nod.

I assumed he understood, so I continued, "My mother thought, that since she had sex with the dragon-wolf hybrid, I was growing into that man's legacy rather than just being a normal werewolf like her or just a normal human. My mother had no idea of the decree Alexandre's father had forced on him, let alone that he was a dragon. She was upset with me. But she'd tried to kill me off when she first realized the hybrid was the father after her one-night stand, but her plans failed and she decided to play it off and hope for the best. But my mother thought the worst when Alexandre left. She believed it was because he knew she hadn't birthed him his own child."

Baron was absolutely silent. Ambrose was tense.

"Mother never loved me. She wanted the fame and fortune that came with being in a powerful, wealthy family. When her hopes and dreams were dashed with a sudden pregnancy from that one-night stand, I bore the full brunt of her fury. I was beaten mercilessly if my grades weren't the highest scores, but I realize now it was just another excuse to harm me. I was shouted at and screamed at that I should never have been born—that I was abomination to society with my disgusting features. I never thought she could see my characteristics. I always believed she thought I was lying.

"All this time she saw me, but she didn't want me to look like I do. She kept me from things—simple things—like mirrors and science projects, so that I was more isolated and unaware of what I looked like. She kept me away from people, probably to avoid being recognized as a product of a one-night stand.

"While in school, I had to go home right after it ended and arrive exactly on time or she would beat me until blood hit the floor and I couldn't move. She could have been afraid of me—of what I could do to her if I learned of her plans and how she screwed them up only to blame her 'misfortunes' on me." I mumbled, starting to tremble. But it wasn't in fear.

Ambrose kissed my crown. "Breathe, little wolf."

I deeply inhaled and let my breath out in a big whoosh. I relaxed into Ambrose and he shifted in the seat of the chair to get more comfortable.

Baron looked at me. "There's more, isn't there?"

I nodded. "My meals were meager; a small, mostly rotten apple and a slice of moldy bread with a dish of water—once a day. She would stand over me and force me to eat like a dog, and on my luckiest of days I wouldn't have fresh bruises or wounds after my 'meal'.

"I was in charge of cooking and cleanings while she sold her body to the more powerful people in our town. Every night I would retreat to my basement closet and I would get locked inside for the night. I was so thin and curious of everything when Alexandre held me in his arms for the first time in fifteen years. I won't get into the specifics, but Alexandre runs a home for young people like me—unwanted Emerged. My mother unknowingly contacted him—her ex—and kicked me out of the house, and now here I sit well over several months later."

Baron clenched his fists and pressed them to his forehead. "Unbelievable... I knew of her desire for money, but I thought that would fade with time."

Ambrose was still quiet, but he turned me around and cuddled my small form against his chest. I trembled again, more fiercely this time, with tears threatening to spill down my cheeks. Ambrose curled his arms tighter around me and I sank into him, my trembles easing as the tears slid down my face. I turned my head and a few drops slid over the bridge of my nose.

Ambrose rubbed my back, then gently pet my tail as well as my tears finally dried. "You are a good wolf, Anwyll. A good little boy." he murmured, and I snuggled closer. The pleased rumble in his chest was comforting.

"Anwyll, do you live here?" asked Baron, and I shook my head.

"No, I live in the United States. I only came here to be with my vampire." I stated firmly as I sat back, hugging Ambrose's neck. He was very pleased and kissed my cheeks.

Baron was silent during that. "What is your relationship?" he asked slowly.

I looked at him. "He's one of my precious lovers."

Ambrose squeezed my waist and kissed my head. "Yes, I am his lover. One of many."

Baron's eyes widened. "How old are you?"

My vampire inhaled sharply and coughed, but I rubbed his chest and he took my small hand then kissed my fingers to make me smile.

"I would prefer not to answer, Mr. Weber. I am far older than you would expect." remarked Ambrose, and Baron gave in.

"All right. How long are you two going to be here?"

I looked at Ambrose. "We have time for another two days if I teleport us back home. Is that okay?"

Ambrose's eyebrows shot up. "Yes, of course. Could you have teleported us here before?"

I shook my head. "I have to know exactly where I'm going because I have to hold the image in my head to teleport there. Thus I can return here at any time since we would have been here, and I can return home whenever I desire because that's where we live."

Baron suddenly stood again. "You can use magic?"

I smiled. "Actually, Baron, my real father is not the only dragon-wolf in existence."

His jaw dropped.

__________________________

My stomach growled while we waited for the food to arrive. Baron had told the werewolf patrons that Ambrose was not here to eat but to accompany me, his great-grandson. I knew the prejudice wouldn't go away that quickly, but I was still sad that every werewolf was giving Ambrose hostile glares.

"Little wolf," started Ambrose, leaning forward on the table. "You need to speak with Alexandre."

My appetite disappeared in an instant. I looked up into Ambrose's eyes with great sadness in mine. "Do I really have to tell Daddy he's not my birth father?"

"Yes, you must."

I blew out a shaky breath. "I still love him, though. I guess he's like an adoptive father, so to speak."

Ambrose reached across the table and petted my head, rubbing behind my ears and gently playing with my wolf ones. I was so happy with the petting that I relaxed into his hands. He stood up and curled over the table to kiss my forehead, then sat back in his seat.

Baron didn't want me to sit on Ambrose's lap for some reason, but I liked this newer view of Ambrose. I could see his face clearly and stare into his eyes, and even catch a glimpse of Daviel once in awhile.

"H-here is your order." whispered one woman, setting down a bowl and then hurrying away before I could say thank you.

I pouted but thanked Ambrose instead. He chuckled and gestured for me to eat. I took him up on his suggestion and tucked into the bowl of pasta. The flavors in my mouth popped and I moaned softly, wiggling on my seat with my tail hitting the chair legs. I had sat partially on it this time to avoid what happened with Matteo at the Thai place.

"Is it tasty?" asked Ambrose.

I nodded while I twirled a small bite onto my fork and capped it with a small piece of chicken. I offered it to my vampire and he smiled warmly, not refusing the bite I made for him. He ate off my fork and thanked me for the taste after he'd swallowed it.

"Did you like it?" I asked, and Ambrose turned his head with a small chuckle.

"It was not bad, little wolf, but I prefer you and your cooking much more."

I blushed and rubbed my neck, feeling his mark there. "Let's find a good private place after we leave so you can eat, too."

Ambrose merely smiled again and it was beautiful. Normally he would have a troubled and or sad expression, but I guess that was before he opened up to me back home and we came here. I was relieved that he was finally allowing himself to be happy.

Baron came by with the check later. "Anwyll, I have contacted your father. He wants to meet you tomorrow for brunch."

"Here?"

"No, a place that is more friendly towards vampires for the sake of your...lover." he finished, although it was like it got stuck to his tongue and he couldn't get it off.

"Thank you, Grandpa Baron." I said softly. "I know you dislike vampires, but they have emotions and thoughts, and most of them have people to protect just as you do."

Baron teared up a bit at what I called him and he silently agreed with me. "You are welcome, Anwyll. And how should I contact you?"

I made a violet business card appear between my fingers. "Take this and rip it when you want me to come. I'll go to where you are."

"Don't you have a phone?"

I snorted with a small smile. "A phone? Those are so overrated when a person has magic."

Baron chuckled. "I suppose you like the dramatic flare."

"Only thanks to another lover of mine." I replied, thinking about Waltz.

My great-grandfather nodded. "Take care and have a nice day—both of you."

Ambrose was a bit surprised by it, but we both thanked my great-grandfather. He walked away with some Canadian money Ambrose had given him, then Ambrose and I left the cafe.

I still had to tell Daddy about what I learned, but that can happen after I feed Ambrose.