Page 12 of Bound to the Chef

Michelle gives him a dazzling grin as she holds out her hand for me. “Completely understandable. Daddy was the same way. He growled at anyone who dared to get too close. But don't worry. She'll be right as rain by the time you're ready to take her home.”

I don't doubt that one bit. Despite being a little, Michelle is a caregiver through and through. In fact, she was the first to take me under her wing when I came to the club. Seems only fitting that she prepare me for my journey home as a claimed bride.

Even though eyes follow me as I walk to the other side of the club, my nakedness doesn't bother me. Probably because my brain has far too many new things to think about and process. Michelle stares at my wound for a moment, her lips pulling down into a frown.

“You really don't have to do this. As Master Jason said, he was going to tend to me when we got home.”

“Oh I heard. So did Daddy. But I’m certainly not letting you leave until you at least have a basic bandage on it,” she chuckles. “This wound is rather deep, and I'd feel a lot more comfortable getting some of the bleeding to stop.”

My gaze travels down my chest and stomach where thin, red rivulets stain my skin. “Oh!” Horror races through my system at all the blood. I glance around me, trying to see if I got it anywhere. “I'm so sorry. If I got blood anywhere-”

As I go to stand, she cuts me off. “Now you just stay sitting right there, missy. I am not going to hear any talk about you doing anything other than resting as I take care of your shoulder. You've been through a hell of a night. The last thing you need to do is overexert yourself.”

“Yes, Mommy,” I tease, blowing her a kiss.

“Keep it up. I may be Daddy's Little Girl, but I can mother the hell out of you if I need to.”

“You won't have to do that unless you want to,” Master Jason says behind me. “I have ways to make this one take a rest.”His deep, booming voice makes me jump, causing my arm to jerk in a rather uncomfortable way.

“I don't doubt that.” Her tone is lighthearted yet tinged with a touch of concern.I can see it in every pinched line of her face as she grabs some gauze and holds it to my shoulder. “It's a rather pretty mark, Rhylee. I've seen others so mangled the omegas don't have any real use of their arms after. Jason did well by you.”

His dark chuckle holds a note of warning as he slides his hand down the back of my head. “Even in the throes of passion, I will always put my slave first. Besides, once all is said and done, I'll need her back in the kitchen. Can't have a sous chef that can't cook, can I?”

And that's when reality slams back into me. “Oh God. Work. How are we... I mean. When are we... I can't work like this. Until I'm healed, I'm a liability to you and the restaurant.”

“Shhhh, love,” he soothes as Michelle finishes up her work. “We've both been brought to the altar today. I'm sure they're expecting us to take some time off. I was planning on calling the on-call chef tomorrow morning. He'll manage things until we're ready to come back.”

Through the bond, I feel his calming presence wrap around my insides and hold me tight. It's almost as good as his purr. As if he hears me, he starts that as well until I can no longer find it in me to be concerned about anything.

“As soon as I wipe down all the extra blood, she’ll be ready to go. I don't want to give her something to wear that will make her arm do a lot of moving.” Turning to a set of drawers behind her, she rummages around for a bit. “I think a skirt she can step into, and a button-down shirt might be best.” She looks over at Master Jason. “What do you think?”

“Sounds perfect. Come on, love, let's get you home.”

With gentle movements, he helps me off of the chair and into the skirt. His fingers feel like heaven as they brush against my skin while he pulls the fabric up to conceal my naked body. The shirt, however, is not so easy.

The moment I move my arm to slip it into the sleeve, blinding pain shoots into my shoulder and up my neck. Master Jason curses under his breath as he moves to give me a little extra support. My eyes burn with unshed tears as we maneuver me inch by inch into the arm hole.

“Damn me for doing this at a public venue,” he murmurs, brushing my tears away with his thumb.

“You didn't know. You've never claimed an omega before.”

“But I should have anticipated. I detest causing you pain I don't intend.”

I slide my hand up to rest it against his cheek, my heart swelling at his concern for me. “It cannot be helped. We would have found some other pain point even if it was home.”

“You're right,” he finally breathes. “I know you're right. I just wish there was a better way.”

Resting my head against his chest, I listen to the strong sound of his heartbeat. “I wouldn't trade this pain for anything. You claiming me means far more than any momentary agony. Besides, you know I heal fast. I'm sure it will be manageable after a day or two.”

As I go to slip into my shoes, Master Jason slides his hand under my knees and sweeps me off my feet. “Oh no, my pet. I plan to carry you.”

I feel so small in his grasp, so secure. With his arms around me, nothing bad will ever happen. Deep down, I know it. A loud yawn forces its way past my lips, drawing a chuckle from Master Jason and Michelle. Perhaps she's right. Perhaps sleep is in order.

The cool, crisp air swirls around us as Master Jason takes me out of the club. It sends a refreshing shiver up my spine. Off in the distance, the full moon rises above the trees, casting its eerie glow over the ground. A perfect night for a claiming.

Master Jason's warmth keeps the bulk of the chill away, but I still shiver at how perfectly this Halloween wedding came together. In fact, I don't think there's any part of it I would change.

“Nothing at all?” he laughs, reading my mind. “Come now, my pet. We both know that's not true.

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