Daddy's Precious Little Girl

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Ethan's POV

My father's warm gaze lingered on Ashlynn for a moment longer before he straightened, his expression shifting slightly to one of quiet resolve. "Ethan," he said, his voice steady but serious. "I need to talk to you."

Before I could respond, the Head Mistress approached, her presence as composed as ever. "Ashlynn," she said gently, crouching slightly to address her, "would you like to go back to your friends on the playground? They're having so much fun over there."

Ashlynn's arms tightened around my neck, and she shook her head. "I want to stay with Daddy," she whispered.

I glanced at my father, who nodded slightly, understanding. I crouched down, settling Ashlynn on her feet but keeping her close. "It's okay, sweet girl," I said softly, brushing a stray curl from her face. "You can go play with your friends. I'll come get you soon, I promise."

She hesitated, her big eyes darting between me and the Head Mistress. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," I said with a reassuring smile. "I'll be right here, and you'll have so much fun with Markie and the others."

Ashlynn bit her lip but eventually nodded, stepping tentatively toward the Head Mistress, who held out her hand. "Come on, Ashlynn," she said kindly. "I'll walk you over."

Ashlynn gave me one last glance before taking the Head Mistress's hand. I stayed crouched, watching as she joined the group of Littles on the playground. Markie waved enthusiastically, calling her over to the swings, and I exhaled in relief when I saw her smile and run toward him.

"She'll be fine," my father said softly, his eyes following Ashlynn as she ran to join her friends on the playground. His voice was steady, but there was something weighted behind it—a seriousness that set my nerves on edge.

I straightened, crossing my arms as I turned to him. "Alright, Dad. What's going on?"

He met my gaze, his familiar warmth giving way to something more somber. "There's something I need to tell you, Ethan," he began, his tone careful. "It's about Ashlynn."

My stomach tightened. "What about her?"

His expression softened, and he gestured to a nearby bench. "Let's sit."

Reluctantly, I followed, my mind already racing. Once we sat, he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees as he chose his words.

"Ethan, before I get into why I'm here, I need to explain something," he began, his voice calm but measured. "I've met Ashlynn before."

I blinked, the words catching me off guard. "I noticed. How? When?"

He sighed, his gaze dropping briefly before meeting mine again. "Do you remember Darren's story about the Little he found almost dead on Testing Day?"

I froze, the memory flashing in my mind. Darren, my younger brother, had been one of those assigned to pick up 18-year-olds and take them to the testing facility. He'd discovered a girl on what should have been a routine day, abandoned and in a dire state. He'd acted quickly, saving her life and ensuring she was brought into safe hands. I'd never heard what became of her after that.

"That was her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

My father nodded. "Yes. That was Ashlynn. Darren found her, and she was brought into our pack's care temporarily before being placed here at the school. I've followed her progress closely."

I leaned back, my mind reeling. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know it was you caring for her," he said honestly. "Ethan, do you know how many Littles and Caregivers from our pack are at this school? There was no reason to connect you to her... until now."

I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to process everything. "So why are you telling me this now? Why are you here?"

His expression grew even more serious. "Because there's another layer to this, one I couldn't ignore. Ashlynn's biological father has reached out."

My stomach tightened. "What?"

My father nodded grimly. "It took time for him to be located, and there were complications. But he's only recently learned of her existence, and he's furious about what happened to her. He's demanding to meet her."

Anger flared in my chest, hot and immediate. "Demanding? He has no right—"

"Ethan," my father interrupted gently, "I understand how you feel, but this isn't something we can ignore. He's her biological parent. He has a right to be heard, whether we like it or not."

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Ashlynn's just starting to feel safe, Dad. She's thriving. This could ruin everything."

"I know," he said, his voice heavy with understanding. "That's why I'm here—to make sure this is handled delicately. The Head Mistress and I agree that Ashlynn's well-being is the priority. No one is going to force anything."

I exhaled sharply, my shoulders tense. "So what's the plan?"

"For now, nothing changes," he said. "Ashlynn continues her routine, her life here. But her biological father has expressed a desire to meet her caregiver—you—to understand the environment she's in. He wants to know that she's being cared for."

My jaw tightened. "And if he doesn't approve?"

"He has no say in removing her from your care," my father assured me. "The school has legal guardianship for now, and the process to change that would be lengthy and complicated. Right now, his main focus is meeting her, but we won't move forward with that until we're certain it won't harm her progress."

I nodded slowly, the tension in my chest easing slightly. "So, you're here to oversee this?"

"Partly," he admitted. "But also to make sure you're informed and supported. I've already spoken with the Head Mistress, and she'll be involved every step of the way. You won't be alone in this, Ethan."

I looked over at the playground, my eyes finding Ashlynn as she giggled on the swings with Markie. "She's been through so much," I said quietly. "I can't let anything set her back."

"And you won't," my father said firmly. "Ethan, you're an incredible caregiver. The progress Ashlynn has made under your care is remarkable. She's thriving because of you."

His words brought a lump to my throat, but I managed to nod. "Thanks, Dad."

He placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip steady and reassuring. "Whatever happens, we'll handle it together. Ashlynn's happiness and well-being come first."

I took a deep breath, the weight of the conversation settling over me. "Do you know when her father wants to meet me?"

"Not yet," he said. "We're still working out the logistics. For now, focus on her. Keep doing what you're doing."

I nodded, the protective instinct I felt for Ashlynn flaring stronger than ever. Whatever this situation turned into, I'd make sure she was safe. I'd protect her no matter what.

My father's hand gave my shoulder a final squeeze before he stepped back, his gaze warm but serious. "Let's head back. The Littles are probably wondering where you are."

I followed his gaze to the playground. Ashlynn was still laughing with Markie, her cheeks flushed with happiness. I allowed myself a small smile, the sight filling me with determination. For her, I'd face anything.