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)
“Yes, Sir.” Sienna squirmed against the counter. She was so precious and also obviously shy.
He decided to address that fact. “Amber told me that you kept your mark hidden from society your entire life.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“That must have made you very lonely.”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
“You won’t be lonely anymore, Baby girl. You will make friends with all the other mates, including Amber. They’re looking forward to meeting you.”
“I’ll do my best, if it pleases you, Sir.”
He frowned and drew in a deep breath. “It’s not about pleasing me, Baby girl. It’s about your happiness.”
“Amber was nice to me when I met her, but girls are not usually kind, Sir.”
“I get that. I know that’s the experience you’ve had in the valley, but I assure you no one will treat you with anything but kindness up here in the mountains. I won’t require you to develop friendships, Little one. They will just happen. I promise.”
“Okay.”
She clearly didn’t believe him. That was fine. She would learn.
He lowered his thumbs to her lips and grazed over the little pink bow of her mouth. “Are you hungry, Sienna?”
“No, Sir.”
“No, you’re not hungry? Or do you really mean you’re too nervous to swallow?”
Her breath hitched. “Too nervous.”
“When was the last time you ate a substantial meal, Baby girl?”
She swallowed, not looking away. Being brave. “A few months ago,” she admitted.
“That’s what I suspected. Nerves will do that. You’ve experienced more nervous energy than any previous mate. Instead of fretting over the unknown, you’ve had to worry about things you weren’t meant to know prematurely. I bet your tummy has been in knots.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“On top of that, you think I’m seconds away from stripping this ceremonial dress off you and forcing you to consummate our union.” The dress was a pretty white with gold lace at the sleeves, hem, and neckline. She had on pretty gold sandals, too.
Her face turned an even darker shade of red at his words, and she bit into her bottom lip again.
“Let me assure you that’s not going to happen. I will never pressure you to submit your body to me sexually. Our consummation will be your choice the first time and every time we come together. If that means waiting a day or a week or however long you need, that’s what we will do.”
Her eyes widened as she released that plump lip.
“Fair warning, though. The bond between us is already strong. You can feel it growing. It will continue to do so for months before it feels like it finally levels off. Fate means for us to be together in every way, and She does not make mistakes. She has aligned our bodies to ensure we are so attracted to each other that we can’t put off the union for very long.”
Sienna bit into that lip again. Her gaze lowered to his mouth. Her heart rate increased. She started panting. That was a good sign. But he still would never rush her.
Grabbing her hips, he said, “How about I let you explore your nursery a bit. I know you probably watched me put everything together and fill the shelves with toys and games I hope will entertain you, but maybe you’d like to look around in person. Touch things. After that, I want you to take a bottle. I promise you will like the taste.”
“Yes, Sir.” She was being too agreeable. It was in her nature and upbringing. He didn’t like it, but hopefully she would lighten up soon and figure out that she was allowed to defy him. She would find herself over his knees when she did so, but that too would likely be cathartic and welcome.
Fuck, he wished he could fast-forward through this awkward stage, but it was a necessary part of life. All they could do was trudge through it.
Chapter Three
As Jayce carried her into the nursery, Sienna held her breath. She’d spent weeks trying to wrap her mind around this odd custom. No matter how many times she saw this exact room or any of the other nurseries she was acquainted with in other homes, she couldn’t wrap her head around the odd expectations.
Jayce strolled over to the rocking chair and lowered onto it before setting her on her feet in front of him. He grabbed her hands and lifted them to his lips to kiss her knuckles. It was so intimate and warmed her heart.
Even though she’d never been more nervous in her life, she felt the bond he spoke of. It was a presence between them, surrounding them, magnetically drawing her to snuggle up to him.
“I’ll let you explore, Baby girl,” he said as he released her hands.
She felt the loss and wanted to crawl up onto his lap instead, but she wouldn’t disobey his request.
“This is your playroom, Little one. Nothing is off limits to you in here. If there’s anything you don’t see that you want, let me know, and I’ll get it for you. There’s an ereader on the shelf. It’s filled with books, but all you have to do is ask, and I’ll add more.”