Page 14 of Elias
He knew she was picturing the nursery.
“That’s exactly what I would expect your mother to have taught you, Little one,” he said gently. “It’s natural and expected in the valley, but the mates of Alpha Protectors submit on a far deeper level. You will not cook or clean in our home, Little one. I will do those things. It’s my job to take care of you inallways.”
“Take care of me by feeding me and diapering me.” She shuddered again, her body stiff, her fingers white where she gripped her biceps.
“Yes, Little firecracker. I will not force you. I won’t need to, Leah. You will come to trust your body to my care on your own. I won’t force you to open your body to me either. We will consummate our union when you’re ready.”
She stared at him, breathing heavily, trembling.
He could scent her fear. He would do anything to stop it, but only time would ease her mind. He also knew it wouldn’t take weeks or months. It would take hours or days.
He lifted a hand toward her, taking a risk. “Come, Little one. You’re cold. Let me hold you.”
She was panting now, and she didn’t move for long seconds.
He was used to this standoff with her. If she denied him, he would not take it personally. He would simply wait for her.
His need to hold her, touch her, and kiss her was tremendous and growing by the minute. She was feeling the same thing. He was certain of it. It would eventually consume her and force her into his arms. This was how Fate operated.
“I’m scared.”
“I know, Little one. I know. Tell me what scares you most.” He continued to hold his hand out, palm up, encouraging her silently.
“I’m scared of losing myself. I’m scared that if I submit to you like you want, I won’t know who I am. I’m scared that you will enforce strict rules and not permit me to follow my passions.”
Elias nodded as he lowered his hand. He would try again in a bit. “All of your fears are normal and expected. I can only tell you that I will do my very best to make sure you are happy and know you are cherished every day of your life. I will show you how devoted I am to you by taking care of even your most basic needs. It’s how I’m wired. I didn’t understand it until today, butI feel this deep desire to hold you, rock you, feed you, and yes, change you when you need to eliminate.”
She turned her head to one side and inhaled as if she could draw in oxygen less tainted by him if she weren’t facing him. “You won’t force me?” she asked in a whisper.
“Never. Tell me about your passions.”
She turned back, brows furrowed. “I’m a painter.”
He sat taller and smiled. “A painter? How fascinating. What do you like to paint?”
“Mostly landscapes.” She nodded toward the beauty at her back. “I’ll be itching to paint this view. Will you let me paint?”
“Absolutely, Little one. Tell me what you need, and I will have someone bring it to the house. You can start painting tomorrow.”
She gave him the most dazzling smile that melted his heart and made him realize he needed to always be aware of her needs. “Really?” Her voice was doubtful.
“Really, Little firecracker. Let me tell you a story. One of my friends recently claimed his mate, and she is visually impaired. He made sure his home was filled with things he thought she would enjoy like earphones so she could listen to music and books. Guess what?”
Leah bit her bottom lip. It was so cute and so very sexy. She had no idea. “What?”
“It turns out she loves to paint.”
Leah’s eyes went wide.
Elias chuckled. “Yep. One day, I was left in charge of her and the other two Little girls who have recently mated in this area. They are devilish Little things when they get together. You will undoubtedly join their antics when you meet them.”
“What do you mean? Devilish?”
“Naughty. They plot against their mates on purpose.”
Leah gasped. “Why?”
Elias laughed. “Let’s come back to that part. It will shock you. What I’m trying to say is that those three begged me to let them go outside and paint on the back patio. I did because I’m a schmuck, and I didn’t fully understand how manipulative Little girls can be. Suzette and Jezebel taught Olivia how to paint. After that—after their mates got over the panic that followed their shenanigans—Damon bought Olivia all the art supplies she could possibly ever want. So, yes. I will make sure you have what you need to paint me beautiful pictures.”
