Disclaimer:I own nothing but the character of Ashlynn and her storyline. The CW Network and L. J. Smith own The Vampire Diaries and all things related.
Author's Note: Things will begin to make much more sense soon. The first few chapters are really just the introduction and back story, but it will pick up. Also, reviews are MUCH APPRECIATED! They give me the drive I need to keep going with this
Alaric's eyes remained focused on Ashlynn's face for what seemed like an eternity.
"This is insane." He breathed finally, running a hand through his hair absentmindedly.
"I know," Ashlynn replied, biting her lip. "And I'm sorry I had to drop all of this on you, I am. It's just… I mean…"
"You have nowhere else to go?" Alaric suggested softly.
"No, that's not… that's not quite it. My aunt and uncle on my.. my adopted father's side, they offered to take me in. But they've already got two young kids and another on the way. I mean… I'm not blood related to them, and I don't want to be a burden. So I guess I just wanted to see if maybe I could live with you instead." Ashlynn said, stumbling over her words nervously.
Alaric was quiet, still watching her.
"I turn eighteen in a few months. I know it's a lot to ask, and I understand if you don't-"
"You can live with me." Alaric interrupted, resting his elbows on his desk. "I'm not going to turn my only child away." He added, giving her a soft smile.
Ashlynn looked at him incredulously for a moment before regaining her composure. If she was being honest with herself, she'd been expecting him to say no. To tell her he had more important things to do than deal with some teenager who he shared nothing but DNA with. After all, she was just as much a stranger to him as he was to her. Instead though, he was taking her in. A girl he had barely known for ten minutes. Ashlynn was thrilled, though at the pit of her stomach, nerves continued to pitch a fit.
"Thank you." Ashlynn managed, smiling a bit.
Alaric returned it, standing up.
"Well, I think we've got a lot to talk about." He began, gathering the papers into a pile on his desk.
"Are you hungry? We can go get something at the Grill." Alaric suggested, clipping the papers together and stowing them away in a brown leather briefcase.
"I could eat." Ashlynn replied, nodding a bit.
"Alright then. To Mystic Grill." Alaric said, snapping the case shut and grabbing his jacket before moving towards the door.
Taking a deep breath, Ashlynn prepared herself for a moment before following, ready to talk with the man who know held the title of her father.
