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“Yeah,” Griffin mumbled, still sounding sad.

“I happened to know for a fact that Silas would love it if your Daddy turned on the TV next to yours and put on the sloth movie so he could curl up next to you and watch it with you while you game.”

The mention of my favorite movie had me bouncing up and down. I even dropped my pacifier to squeal with delight. “Yay! Sloth movie wif Bubbie.” Griffin’s body fully relaxed like a balloon deflating, and he giggled and shook his head with amusement.

Charles backed away and started toward the wall of TVs. “I’ll get Griffin’s game set up. The TV remotes are attached to the TV with a string and velcroed behind it.”

Daddy let out a booming laugh. “Smart man.”

“Thanks.” Charles laughed.

Daddy held out his hands, fingers twitching in an adorable, grabby motion that made us giggle. “Come on, my little vampires.” We each took one of Daddy’s hands, and he led us over to the massive couch. Griffin wasted no time plopping down onto the soft plush fabric and settling in. I was about to take a step forward to join him when my feet lifted off the ground. “I’ve got you, little one.” I melted against Daddy’s chest as he carried me over to our mate in a princess carry. I nearly melted when he placed me on the couch next to Griffin, making sure to tuck me firmly against his side. Once he had me where he wanted me, he reached over and grabbed several blankets that Charles had set out for us. Once I was all bundled up, Daddy walked away to grab the remote. A whine threatened to crawl its way out of my throat, but I held it back until Daddy had turned on the movie and was back at our side.

“Alright, little vampires. Are you two going to be okay?”

Griffin smiled and held his game controller up to show Daddy. “Yup! I’m going to game.”

When I didn’t say anything, Warren cocked his head at me. “What about you, honey?” I tried to speak, but a whine crawled up my throat. “Aww, honey, it’s gonna be okay, I promise.”

“Gonna miss chu.”

Warren’s face softened, and his eyes were glazed with oncoming tears, but still so full of love. “I’ll miss you, too, little one. Both of you. I won’t be gone long.” Daddy bent down and kissed each of my cheeks and then did the same to Griffin. “I’ll be back soon. Be good and come get us if you need anything.”

“Okay, Daddy, we will!” Griffin exclaimed before starting his game.

Daddy grabbed my sloth pacifier that he had previously clipped to my onesie, and teased my lips with its rubber teat. A contented sigh left me as I accepted the pacifier into my mouth and began sucking. I loved cuddling against Griffie while he played his game. I just hoped Daddy wouldn’t take too long to join us.

Chapter fourteen

Warren

As I moved away from Silas and Griffin, an ache began to form in my chest. Griffin was already having a blast on his video game, and while Silas seemed sad that I was leaving, I knew he’d be fine tucked against his Bubbie. It didn’t make sense why I felt so anxious about leaving them. Just as I was about to ask Charles if we could speak another time, I felt this hand land on my shoulder. His touch startled me at first, but after the initial shock, it was oddly grounding.

“They’re going to be just fine, Warren. Plus, we won’t be going too far.” He said with a wink, making me curious, so I followed. Charles led us to a door adjacent to where the boys were sitting on the couch. My chest tightened again at the thought of leaving the room, but I followed Charles anyway and stepped through the open door.

When I entered, what I saw made all the tension drain out of me instantly, and a laugh bubbled out of my chest. The entire room was white or various tones of gray. Normally, a room this bland would be off-putting, but I could already tell it was meant to be a refuge for caregivers. A place away from all the loud noise and bright colors. It was soothing. What amazed me the most was the massive window made of one-way privacy glass, so we could talk in here but still see the boys. Charles had thought of everything. I’d already had a huge amount of respect for the man, but that made it even bigger.

“Wow. This is perfect, Charles. You truly thought of everything.” Charles smiled and shrugged.

“Thanks, man. I tried. I wanted this to be a safe space for everyone. Most caregivers get overlooked in age play spaces, and I wanted to make sure they had a little something too. Plus, the door has a keypad. This is where we hide all the snacks we don’t want our littles finding.” Charles laughed, pointing over to a large cabinet that I’m sure was full of goodies.

Charles motioned for me to sit on one of the lounge chairs, and he joined me by sitting in the one across from me. I looked out the window to see Silas still curled up next to Griffin as he played his video game, and I felt a smile tug at my lips. My heart warmed, and the marks from where they had bitten me tingled as I stared at my adorable mates.

When I looked back at Charles, he had a shit-eating grin on his face, and I couldn't help but ask. “What?”

Charles laughed and waved apologetically. “Sorry, you three are just so adorable. I’ve known those boys their whole lives. Their relationship, while beautiful, has always been considered somewhat out of the norm. Thinking back on it now, I have no idea why none of us considered they could have a third mate.” Charles’ voice grew rough, and his eyes became glassy with tears. “At first, we all assumed they were mates, but when they both came of age and nothing happened, we worried. I’d always feared what would happen when they found their mates and had to separate. I am so thankful they have you.” By the time he finished speaking, my own eyes had become foggy with tears. The idea of my boys being torn apart and unable to be together nearly tore my heart in two. Sure, I may have only known them for a day, but I could already see the deep love they had for each other. . . and me.

“You’ve got it wrong. I’m thankful to have them. I’ve spent most of my life as an outcast, mistreated and alone, if not for my sexual identity, then for my. . . interests.” Charles’ eyebrow lifted in question, so I continued. “I’ve always been obsessed with the paranormal, especially vampires. When I discovered them in that alley when I was sixteen, my obsession only grew more intense from there. It’s not as unusual now, but I was a teenager in the eighties, and it wasn’t as accepted back then. Even now, the intensity with which I’ve been studying and obsessed with the paranormal makes others look at me like I’m crazy. Society abandoned me a long time ago, and those boys saved me. I’m truly the lucky one.”

Charles was smiling so wide it was almost blinding. “All three of you are lucky and absolutely perfect for one another.”

He was right. Almost. “Except I have no freaking idea how to be a Daddy.” Shock took over my features when Charles began laughing once again, making me scowl.

“Whoa. Didn’t mean to rub you the wrong way. I was laughing because, yes, you definitely need more information, but from what I’ve seen, you’re a natural, Warren. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I’ve been a Daddy for over four hundred years, and I know a natural Daddy when I see one. I shouldn’t have any problem answering your questions. Ask away.”

Charles’ words eased the knot forming in my chest. I felt so lost, wanting to make sure I could be exactly what they needed, but I wasn’t alone anymore. I had my mates and now Charles, who apparently had over four hundred years of Daddy experience. What more could a guy need?

By the time Charles had finished telling me all about safewords, age play, and general BDSM practice, my skin was itching with the need to see my boys. Sure, I’d barely taken my eyes off them in between talking with Charles, but the more he spoke of being a Daddy, the more I felt like I truly understood who I was meant to be. But what was a Daddy without his boys, and mine were too far away for my liking. Even if I was excited to move on to the paranormal portion of our conversation, I needed to see my boys.