Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Hayes carried her into the bedroom, lowered her onto the mattress, and pulled on a pair of sweatpants. He kissed her temple as he lifted her back into his arms.
A few minutes later, he had a fresh bottle in her mouth as he carried her back through the bedroom and finally opened the door to the nursery. Her eyes were narrow slits, but they widened as he padded across the room.
She came more awake when he settled in the rocking chair, and he didn’t reprimand her as she looked around, even though the nipple popped free from her lips.
“Oh…”
“See? Yellow. If you change your mind about the color, we’ll paint it a different color and order other accessories.”
“That’s a crib, Daddy,” she whispered.
“Yes. You’ll nap in the crib. It will keep you safe, so I won’t have to worry about you falling out of bed. No standing in the crib. Absolutely no climbing out of it.” He tapped her nose.
Her attention shifted to the changing table, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she leaned back in his arms and let him pop the nipple back in her mouth. Her heart rate was elevated. This room made her slightly nervous. That was expected. All new mates panicked a bit when they first saw their nurseries. Even though he’d introduced her to most of what he would expect from her, seeing the room drove his preferences home. She needed some time to process.
Rylee closed her eyes. It seemed as though she was forcing herself to relax. Maybe she was. It was working. As soon as the bottle was empty, he swapped one nipple for another and held her pacifier in her mouth until she fell asleep.
He hated putting her down, but she needed good rest, and the best way to get that was alone in her crib. Reluctantly, Hayes put her down, diapered her, covered her with a soft blanket, and eased out of the yellow room.
He had a monitor on her, and he didn’t shut the door.
Grabbing his phone, he headed for the back deck to call his brother. He hadn’t shared enough information with Isaac last night when he’d called about the steaks. He needed to discuss his mate’s ability with the rest of the pack and see what everyone thought, starting with Isaac.
Chapter Twelve
Two weeks later…
Rylee ducked under her Daddy’s arm as she raced through the kitchen, heading for the front door.
“Rylee,” he called after her, shaking his head. It was difficult to keep from laughing. She was a ball of energy today, beyond excited because he’d invited some of the other Little girls over to meet her.
He knew they were on their way because Damon had called, but he suspected Rylee knew more than he did. She could scent them approaching.
Hayes caught up with her before she could open the front door. He snagged the skirt of her yellow dress and hauled her back before she could turn the knob.
“Daddy…”
He wrapped an arm around her from behind and tipped her head back with his other hand so she was looking up at him. “I know you’re excited, and I’m equally certain you can scent our friends arriving. However, you do not have permission to open the front door without Daddy.” He lifted a brow.
She sighed. “Yes, Sir.”
“Also, you don’t know yet what scent belongs to whom. Until you do, rein in the energy, naughty girl.”
“Yes, Sir.” At least she sounded contrite.
“Are you allowed to run in the house?”
“No, Sir.”
“Do I need to spank you before they get here?”
Her eyes widened. “You can’t. They’re only like thirty seconds away.”
He lifted a brow.
She blew out a breath. “I mean, of course you can… I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“So we’re going to add sassy to your list of behaviors?”
“Sorry, Daddy.”
“Why do I have rules, Little one?”
“For my safety,” she breathed out.
“Is it safe to run in the house?”
“No, Sir.”
“Is it safe to open the front door without me?”
“No, Daddy.”
“How many Alpha Protectors have you met so far, Little one?”
“None,” she admitted, wincing.
“How many of their mates have you met?”
“None, Daddy.” Her deep sighs were comical, making it difficult for him to stick to his guns.
“So, do you know for a fact who is about to arrive?”
“No, but, Daddy, you told me there are no other wolf shifters in the area, and I don’t scent bears. Just wolves.”
“Are you permitted to argue with Daddy?”
She inhaled deeply, and her shoulders dropped as she shook her head. “No, Sir.”
“I won’t spank you in front of your new friends and their mates, but you can expect me to spank your naughty bottom as soon as they leave, understood?”
“Yes, Sir.” So dramatic.
He loved her to pieces. Every inch of her. He didn’t mind a bit when she misbehaved because one of his favorite things was to pull her panties down and swat her naughty bottom until it was hot pink. She always acted like it hurt, and he always pretended to believe her when she cried and complained, but the truth was it was all a game of sorts.