At the sound of the voice behind us, Daddy turns. “Hey, Vabar. Thanks for coming so fast. I’ll feel better with a few changes.”
The man smiles. “No problem.” He sets a box on the round table by the entrance and takes something out. “I’ve redesigned this leash so that it’s only removable by placing your thumbprint on both ends.” He holds up one end of the chain for Daddy to see. “It’s more lightweight than the one you’ve been using, which will be more comfortable when you need to go a long distance by Telerail or even outside for any other reason.”
Vabar produces another item. “This cuff is for your wrist. After you snap it closed, you’ll secure it to the leash and then the other end to your pet’s collar.”
He helps Daddy fasten it on his wrist and then hands him the other end. It occurs to me that Vabar is like an IT specialist.
Daddy tips my head back and clasps the new leash to my collar. “Thank you. This will give me peace of mind. No one will be able to snatch her from my arms.”
I shudder at the visual. I’m grateful for the new leash, too. I’d die if anyone tried to take me from Daddy.
Vabar points toward a large metal eyehook on the floor in front of the kennel. “I installed an eyehook, too. It will give you some flexibility. When you need to let her out of the kennel tochange her or even just to let her stretch, you can attach the leash to it. She’ll be safe from anyone passing by, but it will also keep her from wandering farther than she’s allowed.”
Daddy nods as he reaches down to tug on the eyehook. “That will work. It seems secure. Can you put some of them in my apartment?”
“Of course. I can do that today if you’d like. I can make them flush with the floor, so no one trips over them. Maybe one in the middle of the kitchen, the living room, and the bedroom?”
“My office, too.”
“No problem. I’ll provide you with several more leashes in a variety of lengths. That way, you can limit her movements to fit your needs.”
I feel very uneasy about this conversation. The permanence of it is upsetting. All these leashes and hooks and kennels… Will Daddy ever stop treating me like a puppy?
On the other hand, there’s my security to consider. I’m not sure whether he’s overprotective or not. It would stand to reason that when more and more Venkorian men find out that humans are not only intelligent but provide the men with sexual opportunities that many of them have not had in years, they will all want a human. It’s possible my safety could be affected.
But leashes and kennels… I shiver.
“Thank you, Vabar, I really appreciate your help. And if anything ever happens to me, you will have the ability to override my thumbprint, correct?”
“Yes. Anyone in my office has the security clearance to override your thumbprint.” Vabar nods, gathers his things, and lets himself out.
I narrow my gaze at Daddy, a question burning in my mind.
He chuckles. “My Little pet is a smart girl. You’re wondering how anyone would know if you needed help, aren’t you?”
I nod slowly. How did he figure that out?
He kisses my forehead. “I haven’t told you yet, but there’s a button under the front ring of your collar. It’s recessed so that it won’t accidentally get pushed.” He lifts my pointer and tucks it under the ring. “Feel it?”
I nod. “If you’re ever in danger or something happens to me, you push that button and someone will come to your aid immediately.”
My eyes widen. I’ve wondered several times what would happen to me if I were locked in my kennel and Daddy fell and hit his head, but I didn’t dare ask.
I slide my hand around to the back of my collar, where I know Daddy disabled my translator. Do I have the ability to turn that on and off, too?
He laughs. “It only works for the front button, naughty Little pet. Only my thumb can disable and reactivate your translator.”
I sigh. Of course.
Daddy lowers me to the floor, setting me on my hands and knees as usual. He pats my bottom. “Kennel, Little pet. I have another surprise for you.”
I crawl inside. This kennel is slightly larger than the ones at home. I see there are several items in the back. A doll makes me smile behind the pacifier. I haven’t had a doll since I was a baby, but I’m excited to have one. There are some puzzles and blocks, too. Silly things that would never hold a human adult’s interest for long, but I’m grateful.
“One more surprise, Little pet.”
I turn around in the cramped space to find Daddy hooking a bowl to the side of the cage. He adjusts it so that it’s at the same level as my mouth and then opens a container under his desk, scoops something out, and dumps it into the bowl. He bends closer to lift my chin. “Kibble. You’ll eat it with your mouth only. No hands. Prove to me that you can be obedient. People in my office will be watching.” He lifts a brow.
I nod. My stomach is in knots. I really want to eat something other than my formula, but I hadn’t expected him to make me do it without my hands.
