Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
He chuckled. “Touché.” He leaned back, watching her closely. He didn’t want to upset her. She needed to come to her own realizations to a certain extent. He knew his way of life—the way of life of all Alpha Protectors—was unusual to new mates. It was expected that she would be confused and probably disconcerted.
She glanced toward the house, still hugging herself. “Explain the nursery.”
He drew in a breath. “We treat our mates as though they are more precious than life itself because they are. As much as I tried to deny it for most of my life, I see now what my parents and friends have been trying to tell me. My instinct is to dote on you and ensure that nothing ever happens to you.”
“You could buy me a necklace or a bracelet,” she teased, though her voice was strained. “How does babying me show your affection?”
He rubbed his hands together, wishing they could get through this part and move on. He spoke carefully. “I’m a dominant man, Leah, far more dominant than anyone you’ve ever met in the valley. It’s in my nature. I crave your submission. It’s a silent symbol of your trust and faith in me. The deeper your submission is, the closer our bond will be. It will come on its own. You can fight it, and I expect you will, but eventually you will submit deeply to me. Nature will push you in that direction.”
“I was raised to submit to you, Elias.” She shuddered as if she abhorred the idea. “My mother taught me to cook and clean and take care of your…physical needs. I understand that part.” She glanced toward the house again and licked her lips.
He knew she was picturing the nursery.
“That’s exactly what I would expect your mother to have taught you, Little one,” he said gently. “It’s natural and expected in the valley, but the mates of Alpha Protectors submit on a far deeper level. You will not cook or clean in our home, Little one. I will do those things. It’s my job to take care of you in all ways.”
“Take care of me by feeding me and diapering me.” She shuddered again, her body stiff, her fingers white where she gripped her biceps.
“Yes, Little firecracker. I will not force you. I won’t need to, Leah. You will come to trust your body to my care on your own. I won’t force you to open your body to me either. We will consummate our union when you’re ready.”
She stared at him, breathing heavily, trembling.
He could scent her fear. He would do anything to stop it, but only time would ease her mind. He also knew it wouldn’t take weeks or months. It would take hours or days.
He lifted a hand toward her, taking a risk. “Come, Little one. You’re cold. Let me hold you.”
She was panting now, and she didn’t move for long seconds.
He was used to this standoff with her. If she denied him, he would not take it personally. He would simply wait for her.
His need to hold her, touch her, and kiss her was tremendous and growing by the minute. She was feeling the same thing. He was certain of it. It would eventually consume her and force her into his arms. This was how Fate operated.
“I’m scared.”
“I know, Little one. I know. Tell me what scares you most.” He continued to hold his hand out, palm up, encouraging her silently.
“I’m scared of losing myself. I’m scared that if I submit to you like you want, I won’t know who I am. I’m scared that you will enforce strict rules and not permit me to follow my passions.”
Elias nodded as he lowered his hand. He would try again in a bit. “All of your fears are normal and expected. I can only tell you that I will do my very best to make sure you are happy and know you are cherished every day of your life. I will show you how devoted I am to you by taking care of even your most basic needs. It’s how I’m wired. I didn’t understand it until today, but I feel this deep desire to hold you, rock you, feed you, and yes, change you when you need to eliminate.”
She turned her head to one side and inhaled as if she could draw in oxygen less tainted by him if she weren’t facing him. “You won’t force me?” she asked in a whisper.
“Never. Tell me about your passions.”
She turned back, brows furrowed. “I’m a painter.”
He sat taller and smiled. “A painter? How fascinating. What do you like to paint?”
“Mostly landscapes.” She nodded toward the beauty at her back. “I’ll be itching to paint this view. Will you let me paint?”
“Absolutely, Little one. Tell me what you need, and I will have someone bring it to the house. You can start painting tomorrow.”