Page 15 of Arion
He lowered to the closest chair and faced her, reaching out to hold her hands on top of the tray, mostly because he needed the contact. “I know a lot of the Alpha Protectors’ practices will seem odd to you at first, Little one. That’s normal. I want you to understand that my reason for caring for you so intimately is based on my instinctive need to protect you from harm. I will restrain you sometimes to ensure you won’t fall. I will supervise you when you eat to ensure you don’t choke. I will often feed you myself for peace of mind.”
She watched him intently. She was taking everything with more grace and acceptance than he’d anticipated, though he also realized there was a chance she was in shock and would suddenly have a full tantrum. He needed to be prepared for that possibility.
“I bet the only nourishment you’ve had today was that bottle, yeah?”
She nodded.
“Good girl. Always tell Daddy the truth. Lying will cause you to end up both over my knees and then in that corner.” He nodded toward the naughty corner.
“I’ve never told lies, Daddy,” she informed him.
“Glad to hear it. How about some finger foods? You can nibble on them while I fix something more substantial for myself. I know your tummy is probably going to be unsettled for a few days. That’s normal. So many changes will do that to a Little girl. I’ll make sure you get enough nutrition with formula.”
She didn’t say anything about that announcement as he rose, kissed her forehead yet again, and headed for the pantry and fridge. He returned with a banana and some rice cereal squares. Both would be gentle on her tummy.
He shook the box and waved the banana. “How’s this? I’ve seen you eat bananas at lunch, so I assume you like them.”
She smiled. “It’s kinda weird how much you saw me do.”
He chuckled. “I liked watching you.” He poured a small pile of cereal on her tray before setting the box on the kitchen island and returning with a knife. After opening the banana peel, he quickly cut it in a dozen slices right inside the peel on his palm before easing the pieces onto her tray beside the cereal.
She was still watching him as he opened a cabinet and grabbed a sippy cup next. He held it up. “Water? Juice? Milk?”
“Water, please,” she murmured.
He filled it, screwed the lid on, and set it on the tray. “Try to eat some, Little one. I know your tummy is probably in knots from all the change, but I don’t want you to get sick.”
She used two fingers to pick up a slice of banana and popped it in her mouth.
“Good girl.”
While Jezebel nibbled, Arion made a more substantial meal for himself. Steak, vegetables, and a potato. Before he sat down next to her, he wiped her sticky fingers with a wet cloth.
He cut off a small bite of steak, blew on it, and held it up for her. “Will you try some? I’m not a bad cook.”
She giggled, leaned forward, and accepted the bite. After chewing and swallowing, she said, “That’s delicious, Daddy. I’m just not that hungry.”
“I know. How about just a few bites of everything?”
“Okay.” Her little sigh of resignation was adorable.
Arion fed her small bites of everything, loving that she wasn’t a picky eater, and polished the rest off himself.
After cleaning up the kitchen, he removed her tray and unfastened the safety strap. Setting his hands on her hips, he met her gaze. “Bath time.”
She swallowed.
Yeah, she knew he didn’t intend to leave her alone in the bathroom, but he needed to spell out what was going to happen anyway so she wouldn’t be startled.
“Can you be brave for me, Little mate?”
She gave a slight nod. Her cheeks flushed. “I know what men and women do together,” she said with her chin held high. “My mother told me.” Her hands were shaking on her lap.
Arion gave her a warm smile. “I’m glad she gave you the basics, Little mate, but I’m sure she didn’t elaborate. And that’s okay. I meant what I said earlier today. I won’t rush you to let me inside your body. You’re not ready for that. What I will ask is that you trust me toseeyour body. Can you do that?”
If she had any idea how hard his cock was from spending the day with her, she would probably run out the front door, and he needed to inform her soon about the dangers of leaving the cabin. But that could wait. For now, he needed to keep his cock under control and take his Little mate on a slow journey of discovery.
Her cheeks were bright pink as she nodded.
