`It was in the silence where I read what a client wanted.
It was in the silence where it all began and where it all ended.
“I told you already,” his words were kind and gentle, as though he knew just how fragile I was. I could shatter into a million pieces with the right words or a certain movement.
I felt weak, destroyed in a way that rocked me to my core.
This man saw things that no one else had. He looked, and picked up pieces that I couldn’t put a name to.
And all of that in a matter of hours of knowing me.
Alpha Harris continued, pulling my attention back to him with quiet certainty. “I’m not a demanding man,” he said, voice low and steady. “At least, I don’t believe I am. I want more moments like this. Where you find ease in serving me, not pressure. Where it feels like something you choose, not something you endure.” He paused, letting the words settle. “And in return,” softer now, “I get to rest in knowing that I’m doing right by you.”
It wasn’t a promise, but as close to one that I’ve ever heard. And somehow, that made it harder to dismiss.
“Now, a very important question. It’s okay to say no.” I looked up at him, my gaze slow to move up. “Do you want to go get the items for the stew, or I can order them to be delivered.”
“What-“
“Not what Iwant. It’s up to you.”
I opened and closed my mouth, not sure how to answer that. I wasn’t created to make choices. I wasn’t trained to do anything but serve, and I’d already stepped over that line by voicing something I probably shouldn’t have.
“Go out?” I answered with a question.
If I ever did happen to get claimed by an Alpha, shopping and getting items from a store would be on the long list of things I’d have to attend to on a daily basis.And maybe, if Alpha Harris was as nice as he has been so far, the first outing may not be so bad.
“Great choice. Go get ready, use the bathroom, and get a drink of water. I’ll be doing the same.”
It took me longer than usual to find my footing. When I finally stood, sharp tingles shot through my feet—like needles, relentless and sudden. I winced before I could stop myself, the pain too quick to hide.
Alpha Harris moved instantly, rising to his feet with quiet urgency. His hands landed lightly on my shoulders, steady, like he was ready to catch me if I faltered.
“What’s wrong?”
I swallowed, trying to shift my weight without grimacing. “My feet fell asleep.”
He didn’t dismiss it like everyone else would have. He stayed close, like that simple discomfort was worth his attention
“Next time,” because there would be, and I almost wanted it to be right at that second, “You are to tell me if you have any discomfort. Any at all. No matter what we are doing, even if it’s as simple as needing to release your bladder.”
“Yes, Sir.” Did he really want to know every time I needed to use the bathroom?
“You alright to walk on your own?” Again, the question threw me. Not just because it was asked, but also how it was spoken. Like my discomfort bothered him more than it did me.
“Yes, Sir. I can walk.”
The tingling in my feet was nothing compared to what I’d been through. He didn’t ask, and I doubted he wanted to know.
The training that shaped me into what I was supposed to be wasn’t something people liked hearing about. It was full of pain. Lessons taught through silence and punishment.
But none of it prepared me for this. Not for kindness. No one ever taught me how to respond when someone offered softness without strings.
Alpha Harris dipped his head toward the stairs, stepping back just enough to give me space.
“Go on then,” he said quietly. “I’ll meet you by the front door when you’re done.”
I nodded, stepping past him. Still unsure what to do with the space he gave me. Still unsure what it meant to be given anything at all.
