I’ve learned fast not to question my Daddy. A week ago, I cringed at the idea of being fed kibble in a bowl like a dog. Now, I’d give just about anything to have some. Lesson learned.
While Daddy eats, I color. When he’s done, he sits back to watch me finish. “Lots of new rules today, Little pet. I need you to obey them while we’re in the office.”
“I’ll be good, Daddy.”
“I know you’ll do your best. Let’s go over them again.”
“Okay.” He’s told me already several times, but he has a tendency to think I can’t recall things. I set my crayons down and give him my attention.
“No talking. You’ll keep your pacifier in as a reminder unless you’re feeding. The only exception will be if I ask you a questiondirectly. You will not respond to anyone else. You obey me, no one else. You’re my pet, not theirs.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“You’ll be in your kennel next to my desk while I work. I’ll put some things in there to entertain you, but I expect you to remain quiet. No whining.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“You’ll take naps between feedings. When I change you, I will put medicine in your bottom to help you rest.”
“Yes, Daddy,” I murmur. I don’t like it when he makes me sleep, but I won’t argue.
“There will be some additions to our arrangement when we arrive. You’ll accept the changes without complaint.”
I don’t know what he’s referring to, but I nod. “Yes, Daddy.”
He leans forward. “You’ve been a very good girl all week. I’ve been pleased with how quickly I was able to train you to behave. I know this new life is frustrating to you, and I’m proud of how well you’ve managed to learn to control your outbursts. Keep that up so you can earn more privileges.”
I smile. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Why does Daddy have so many rules, Little pet?”
“To keep me safe.”
He stands and kisses my forehead. “Let’s get going.”
ELEVEN
I cling to Daddy’s neck as he steps out of the elevator. He isn’t making me keep my head down, and I’m strong enough to hold it up without difficulty now. I could probably stand, if he let me, but he’s adamant that I may not.
This entire floor is government offices. I don’t know what Daddy does, but I know he works for the Venkorian government. I doubt I would understand if he explained it to me, and I haven’t asked.
There are dozens of men hurrying around. The center of the room is open, with men sitting at desks. The walls have individual offices all along them that open to the center.
Men greet my Daddy. Some of them smile at me. None of them speak to me. A few make comments to Daddy, though.
“Ah, your new pet is adorable.”
“What a pretty Little pet.”
“I wondered if you were going to bring the human to the office.”
Daddy responds noncommittally to all of them as he continues walking until finally opening a door and stepping into one of the offices. I’m excited to see that one wall is a floor-to-ceiling window, and my kennel is situated in front of it, whichmeans I’ll be able to look outside. The other side of the office, where we entered, has glass windows. They don’t reach the floor, but they’re large enough that I will be able to see when people walk by or when they enter the room.
Daddy’s desk is next to the kennel. He sits with me on his lap as he makes a call from the phone on his desk. “We’re here. Are you busy?... Great. See you in a few.”
Keeping one arm around me, Daddy turns on his computer and clicks away as it fires up.
“Sir?”
