Page 14 of Winter Break

I suspect that’s not entirely true. She’s freaking out, which is stealing her appetite. What she doesn’t realize is that I’m going to feed her after I eat, and she may or may not like my methods.

Sliding my hand up to the middle of her back, I encourage her to lean forward and rest her body against my chest.

Heaven is how I would describe holding my girl in my arms. My inner lion is pleased and chomping at the bit to fully claim her.

I rub her back while her heart beats against my chest. She’s slowly relaxing in my arms, but it’s going to take time for her to trust that she’s safe and loved. Adored.

She’s been abused for so long that she doesn’t remember what it was like to be taken care of instead of the other way around. I’ll fix that as fast as possible.

I had hoped she would decide to eat at least some of the sandwich, but she snuggles into me and never gives any indication she’s interested in even a bite.

When I’m done, I push the plate away and rise, readjusting her so her pussy is resting against my hip again. Her wet warmth is heavenly.

I carry her with me to the counter, where I open one of the cabinets and pull out a bottle. For a moment, she gives no indication she notices all the items on that particular shelf. But her breath hitches as I grab a container of formula and scoop some into the bottle.

She still says nothing as I fill it with warm water and shake it, keeping my finger over the tip of the nipple. She’s rigid, eyes wide, heart racing again.

Acting like there’s nothing out of the ordinary, I stroll over to the recliner, set the bottle on the end table, spin my Little girl around so she’s cradled in my arms, and sit.

As soon as I lean her back and pick up the bottle, she panics. “Daddy…”

“You have to eat, Little doll. It’s okay if you don’t feel like chewing and swallowing solid foods, but you need nutrition.”

“I’m not a baby, though. I can drink from a glass.”

I smile at her. “You don’t have to be a baby to take a bottle. Try it. I bet you’ll enjoy both the formula and the intimacy.”

She stares at me.

When I nudge her mouth with the nipple, she turns her head to one side and purses her lips. It’s adorable, and my heart soars. I love that she already trusts me enough to be defiant after years of not being permitted to express her opinion.

“Open your mouth, naughty girl. Let Daddy feed you.”

She shakes her head, keeping her lips sealed.

Fuck, she’s cute.

Keeping my voice calm, I say, “In the coming days, you’ll find that many of my people’s customs are odd by human standards. You’ll also discover that they can be enjoyable. Trust Daddy. I promise you’ll be pleased and adjust to your new life in no time.”

She pouts. “Can’t I have a glass, Daddy?”

“Nope. You’ll use sippy cups like the one you had water from earlier and bottles when I feel like feeding you. Like I said, the experience is bonding. You’ll see. I know you’re testing me, and I can assure you I will pass your tests every time. I will never shout at you or hit you in anger.”

“You said that before. Are you planning to hit me when you’re not angry?” she asks.

I chuckle. “If it’s something you enjoy, absolutely. But not right now.”

“Enjoy?” Her voice rises. “Why would I enjoy being hit? I can tell you I hate it. Vincent slapped me across the face more times than I can count. I’ve rarely gone more than a few days without being grabbed too firmly or slapped. It’s demeaning and insulting. I don’t want to be here if you’re going to hit me, too.”

“Vincent struck you in anger because he’s an abusive prick. That will never happen here. Lion shifters are by nature far less likely to lash out at others. We’re calm and rational. We love fiercely and will do anything to protect our mates. You’re my world now, and I would never injure you.”

She pushes out her bottom lip. “But you said⁠—”

I shake my head. “Don’t misunderstand, Little doll. You’re inherently submissive. Fate wouldn’t have put you in my path and caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand at attention if you weren’t perfect for me. Together we’ll explore what that submission looks like. We’ll figure out what your needs are. But many Little girls like you enjoy a firm spanking now and then.”

She gasps, eyes wide. “You would spank me?”

“If it’s something you crave, yes. If not, no.”