Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
I busied myself by smashing my dough into food shapes while Daddy cooked. I knew he would make something tasty and nutritious for me. It was soothing to be able to let go and trust him to look after me. I trusted him with everything; even before I knew about our link.
Daddy made me feel safe and maybe even…loved. He’d thrown the word around a couple of times when talking about mates, but he hadn’t said it to me directly. I wanted him too, though.
It was fast, but it didn’t scare me; I knew feelings could grow quickly in this type of relationship, due to the trust and intimacy involved. And that was without the mate aspect. Knowing Daddy was my perfect, forever match, what was the point in waiting?
I flinched in surprise when his hand cupped my shoulder. “Is everything okay?” While he asked, his other hand slipped onto mine, which was clutching my PlayDoh in a death grip.
“Yes, Daddy,” I replied, releasing the mess. “I was just lost in thought.”
“What were you thinking about?”
“You,” I admitted while my cheeks warmed.
“Good thoughts, I hope?”
“Oh, yes.”
He chuckled as he tucked the PlayDoh back into the bags and set them to the side. I was sure dinner was ready, because I smelled something deliciously cheesy in the air. But Daddy was more concerned about me than our food. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I nodded and he sat down next to me, leaned forward, and gave me all his attention. I loved when he looked at me like that; like I was the most important thing in the world.
“I was just thinking…Well, I mean, I was wondering…” I didn’t know how else to say it except to blurt it out, so that’s what I did. “Do you love me?”
“Yes,” he answered without hesitation, and my stomach flipped. “Very much. You never have to doubt that.”
Daddy looked a little sad, and I hated to think I upset him. I admitted quietly, “It’s not you I’m doubting.”
“Oh, Tatum.” He took both of my hands in his. “Never question how wonderful you are. You’re sweet, thoughtful, beautiful, and a million other things that make you lovable. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner; I didn’t want to scare or pressure you. Sometimes human hearts don’t move at the speed of shifter hearts.”
“Mine does. I’ve never been in love before, but I know this is it. You make me feel safe and happy. But…I’m a little worried, too.” I wasn’t even aware of my own feelings until they were coming out of my mouth.
“Tell me what you’re worried about.” It wasn’t a demand, but a gentle push to remind me he was there to help me.
“You said once we bond, we’ll be together forever.”
Daddy nodded. “Is that not what you want?”
“It is! But…forever is a long time. What if you get tired of me?”
His face scrunched up like my words physically hurt him. “Tatum, that’s not possible.”
“What if you get tired of being my Daddy?” What if this was all too good to be true? What if he woke up one day and found the whole lifestyle silly or wrong, like my dad?
He massaged my hands as he gathered his thoughts. His touch was the only thing keeping my mind from spinning out of control. “Caretaking is a very important part of who I am, just like being little is a part of who you are. It is embedded within us to our core. But you’re right; forever is a long time. People can evolve and change over the years, but you know what’s amazing?”
I shook my head and he continued, “We will have a partner to work through all those changes with. We get to explore and enjoy this life together. And don’t forget, we are meant for each other; a perfect match. If our needs change, they will change together. You will never get left behind, Tatum. I don’t love you because you act or think a certain way. I love you because of who you are, and I always will.”
I lunged forward, wrapping my arms around his neck, squeezing hard. I never wanted to let go. I also never wanted things to change; I saw myself playing and cuddling up to Daddy for the rest of time, but it was comforting to know that no matter what happened, we would always have each other.
“I love you,” I whispered in his ear.
“And I love you.”
I felt his affection all around me, but I wanted to taste it. I lifted my head and pressed my lips to his. I opened his mouth and plunged my tongue inside. I couldn't kiss him deeply enough or hold him tightly enough. I needed everything he had, and thankfully, Weldon gave it.
Our tongues twisted and our moans melded together. His flavor danced on my tongue, only fueling my hunger; not for food, only for Daddy. I stuck my hand down his collar, feeling the warmth and softness of his skin.