Page 19 of Elias
“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 mineand 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.
Elias lifted her chin so he could meet her gaze again. “I know it’s tempting, but I think we should eat before we go down that path. We’ll need nourishment.”
Her face flushed at having been caught and called out for her obvious thoughts. “Okay. Will you let me eat whatever I want?”
“Yes, but surely we can agree on something for dinner and eat it together, yeah?”
“Probably, unless you like yucky foods.” Her reaction surprised her. Why was she challenging him like that?
He chuckled. “By definition, I only like yummy foods, Little one. Doyoulike yucky foods?”
