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)
“That’s true, but she may have oversimplified it. When we decide to take that first step of consummation, we will enter a frenzy of need that will cause us to come together over and over until we’re both exhausted. Meanwhile, your body will prepare for its first shift. Your temperature will slowly rise until you’re ready, and then you will shift completely out of your control. It will gradually consume you until you drop to all fours and let your wolf take over. It’s freeing and invigorating, but you will be so very tired that you will not stay in wolf form for long. Soon you will return to me, and we will sleep like the dead.”
She nodded slowly. “I’m scared.”
“I know you are, Little one. Frankly so am I. I’m scared that at some point I will be so consumed with the need to claim you that I will rush you. I’m scared of hurting you. I’m scared of anything hurting you.”
“Daddies get scared, too?” she murmured.
He had to restrain himself from roaring into the open air at her first use of the word Daddies. It wasn’t directed at him, but it was close.
“Yes, Baby girl. Daddies get scared.”
“Do you expect me to submit to you all the time?”
“Yes, Little one, but I promise it will come naturally. It will not be a difficult struggle.”
“Are you going to make me wear a diaper all the time?”
“Nope. Diapers are optional. They are for times when you need to submit deeper. Times when you feel like turning over all of your care to me. It’s called regression. You will feel it pull you in at times. I may encourage you to let me Baby you when I think you need it, but more often than not, the choice will be yours.”
“And all the other mates have nurseries, too?”
“Yes, Little one. We will visit their homes. You will see. And you know what else?”
She giggled. Lord have mercy, her giggle was magical. “I don’t think I can handle anything else.”
He proceeded anyway. He plucked at the layers of material on her thigh. “This will shock you perhaps more than anything you’ve learned so far.”
She cringed. “Then maybe definitely don’t tell me.”
He chuckled. “I’m going to tell you anyway, and I promise this is the last thing for now.”
She sighed dramatically, letting her shoulders drop. “Fine.” The sass in her tone sent his libido into overdrive again.
“Our mates do not dress modestly like the women in the valley.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I mean this is the most clothing you will ever have on. After I take this dress and the layers of material beneath it off you, you will never again be so hidden from my view.”
“What will I wear?”
He chuckled and shrugged. “To be honest, I’m embarrassed to admit just like everything else in your nursery, I did not take part in stocking your closet. I’m not sure what the other Littles chose for you, but I’m certain they did a splendid job.”
“Your women don’t wear dresses that cover them completely?”
“Not even close. Most of the dresses you will wear will barely cover your bottom. They will leave your arms and legs bare. You won’t wear stifling layers either.”
Her jaw dropped again, and it took her a moment to respond. “But it’s cold outside and it snows.”
“When we go outside, you might wear leggings under your dresses and sweaters or a coat, but inside our home it will always be plenty warm, and after you shift you will often feel warmer than you ever have before.”
“People will see my skin?” Her voice was incredulous.
“Yep. No one will care what you’re wearing, Little one. I’m the only one who will notice. Your scent will mingle with mine and take you off the market, so to speak. Your pheromones will not attract another wolf shifter.”
“But…”
He grinned. “Trust me. It will seem odd at first, but you will enjoy the freedom of not managing long dresses. You will be free to play without the cumbersome bulk of material.”
Her slow smile warmed his heart further. “I might like that part. It would be easier to paint.” She narrowed her gaze. “You meant what you said earlier, right? You will let me paint?”
“I will let you paint as often as you want, Little firecracker. We can even designate some of your dresses for painting and not worry if you splatter on them. Or…” he shrugged, “…you can paint without clothes on.”
She gasped. “That’s silly.”
He lifted a brow. “Is it?”
Chapter Twelve
Leah felt lighter than she had all day. A lot of what he’d told her freaked her out, but she would deal with his list one thing at a time. For now, she found herself mesmerized by the mark on his wrist that peeked out from under the cuff of his shirt. She wanted to touch it. Its presence was consuming her.