“But you have not been able to hear anyone speaking?”
“No, Sir.”
He stroked her jaw with his thumb. “Then let’s start with something you don’t know. The mates of Alpha Protectors mostoften refer to their mate as Daddy. It’s an endearment. It stems from the fact that I will care for you in every way for the rest of our lives. I will always protect you and do everything in my power to ensure you are safe and happy. That means I will have strict rules meant to ensure that’s the case.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He gave her another smile. “Though I don’t mind you speaking to me with such reverence, I won’t insist on you calling me Sir all the time, Little one.”
“Um, okay.”
“I assume your mother taught you to be respectful and submissive, and she was not wrong, but she has no idea what life looks like up here among the Alphas and their mates. Our existence and norms are very different. You already know that.”
“Yes, Sir.” Sienna squirmed against the counter. She was so precious and also obviously shy.
He decided to address that fact. “Amber told me that you kept your mark hidden from society your entire life.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“That must have made you very lonely.”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
“You won’t be lonely anymore, Baby girl. You will make friends with all the other mates, including Amber. They’re looking forward to meeting you.”
“I’ll do my best, if it pleases you, Sir.”
He frowned and drew in a deep breath. “It’s not about pleasing me, Baby girl. It’s about your happiness.”
“Amber was nice to me when I met her, but girls are not usually kind, Sir.”
“I get that. I know that’s the experience you’ve had in the valley, but I assure you no one will treat you with anything but kindness up here in the mountains. I won’t require youto develop friendships, Little one. They will just happen. I promise.”
“Okay.”
She clearly didn’t believe him. That was fine. She would learn.
He lowered his thumbs to her lips and grazed over the little pink bow of her mouth. “Are you hungry, Sienna?”
“No, Sir.”
“No, you’re not hungry? Or do you really mean you’re too nervous to swallow?”
Her breath hitched. “Too nervous.”
“When was the last time you ate a substantial meal, Baby girl?”
She swallowed, not looking away. Being brave. “A few months ago,” she admitted.
“That’s what I suspected. Nerves will do that. You’ve experienced more nervous energy than any previous mate. Instead of fretting over the unknown, you’ve had to worry about things you weren’t meant to know prematurely. I bet your tummy has been in knots.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“On top of that, you think I’m seconds away from stripping this ceremonial dress off you and forcing you to consummate our union.” The dress was a pretty white with gold lace at the sleeves, hem, and neckline. She had on pretty gold sandals, too.
Her face turned an even darker shade of red at his words, and she bit into her bottom lip again.
“Let me assure you that’s not going to happen. I will never pressure you to submit your body to me sexually. Our consummation will be your choice the first time and every time we come together. If that means waiting a day or a week or however long you need, that’s what we will do.”
