Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 220(@200wpm)___ 176(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 220(@200wpm)___ 176(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
He kissed all over her face and carried her into the kitchen. “How about a bottle?”
Heavens, she had whiplash.
Chapter Fourteen
Jayce hoped his decision to overstimulate his mate until she came so many times she was worn out would help her relax. She was relaxed all right. She fell asleep when she finished her bottle.
He let her rest in his arms until they needed to leave. Hating to rouse her, he kissed her temple and did it anyway. They didn’t have a choice. Everyone was gathering in order to hear from her. The two of them had to show up for the meeting.
“Hey, Baby girl.” He popped the pacifier from her mouth, wanting her to use some words before they headed out. “It’s time to head to Elias and Leah’s house.”
She whimpered but didn’t argue. She wouldn’t defy him, but that didn’t mean she liked this plan. He was certain she wasn’t keen on the idea of a large gathering of strangers. He couldn’t blame her.
“I’m scared,” she murmured.
“I know you are, Baby girl. I can scent your fear. I’m already able to read your emotions pretty well. I want you to know this is totally unconventional. Newly mated couples do not have guests. They do not go to meetings at other people’s homes. It’s unheard of. Even though some of the more recent mates have had to face other people a few times during their honeymoon period, none of them have been forced to endure something like this one day after their ceremony. I’d rather lock all the doors, strip you naked, and spend a month ravishing your body. But we have to face the pack. It’s important. As soon as we’re able, I promise we’ll come back here and spend as much time enjoying each other as possible.”
“Okay, Daddy. I’ll be brave.”
“I know you will, Little one. I’m so proud of you.” He was. His chest was tight with pride. It was also hurting because he knew crowds made her nervous.
He sat her upright and kissed her forehead. “I think it’s best that you wear a diaper. I promise there will be other Little girls wearing one. I’ll even put a pair of leggings on you to give you a bit more modesty. Can you be strong and do that for me?”
“Yes, Daddy.” She was trembling, though.
“I won’t force you. If it really unnerves you, you can wear panties, but I think you’ll be far more embarrassed if you wet yourself than you will be from people knowing you’re diapered.”
She nodded. “I understand.” Tears sprang to her eyes and trailed down her cheeks. A little sob escaped.
“Oh, sweet mate of mine. I’m so sorry.” He swiped at the tears with his thumbs. “This is so challenging for you. It’s not fair. I wish I could make everything go away.”
She lifted her arms and threw them around his neck. “Thank you, Daddy. You’re the best.”
“Like I said earlier, I won’t set you down unless it’s absolutely necessary. I’ll hold you in my arms as much as I can. You’ll have your pacifier around your neck. If you get stressed, pop it in and suckle.”
“Okay, Daddy.” She sniffled.
“Of course, I won’t be able to hold you while we’re traveling. When we get outside, I’ll give you space to shift. You haven’t gone for a run yet, so it might be awkward at first. Stay right on my flank the entire time. I’ll go slow for you while you get your footing. When we arrive, we’ll shift back, and I’ll pick you up, okay?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Good girl.” He kissed her forehead again. Man, he hated this. It was killing him to have to share his new mate with so many people. They should be sequestered in their bedroom, lying around naked, feeding each other from a snack board, lounging in the tub, snuggling on the back porch. Not this.
He prayed whatever was causing such tremendous unrest in the atmosphere could be challenged and defeated soon so he could begin his life with his mate in a more traditional way.
The truth was, Jayce was as unnerved as anyone. They all feared that something truly bad might happen. It had been centuries since any of the wolf packs in the area had been challenged by an outsider. Is that what was happening? Were the lions going to challenge the wolves and the bears? For what? Territory?
There was nothing inherently special about the land any of them occupied. There was no reason for another group of beings to descend on the area and upset anyone’s way of life. For what end goal?
He feared the lions were the root cause of all of this disturbance. It wasn’t the bears. Sure, they’d had issues with a few rogue bears. One of them recently killed another and was in guarded custody while the bears tried to decide what to do with him.