Soon, Alessia draped limply over his thighs. Her breath came in pants as she tried not to cry and failed miserably. Her tears soaked into the carpet below as she submitted perfectly to his punishment. He rubbed his warm hand over her skin to soothe the irritation.
“I’m sorry, Daddy!” she repeated, sniffing.
Titus lifted her back into his arms, settling her weight gingerly on his jeans. Her audible inhale made him rub her spine. “How do you feel now, Little mate?”
She paused for a moment as if taking stock before answering. “My butt hurts.”
“That’s your butt’s side effect of a spanking,” he said. “How’s your heart?”
After another hesitation, she said, “Better.”
“Good. No more worrying about what you did or didn’t do during Enzo’s attack. Your punishment completely wiped that away.”
Alessia nodded slowly before blurting, “Daddy, can you make me a vampire?”
Titus stilled as his mind raced. Of course he wanted Alessia to let him turn her. Then he could keep her with him for years to come. Yet, he didn’t want her to make the choice for the wrong reason. “Yes. Tell me why.”
“Don’t you want me to be around for more time?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.
Inhaling deeply, Titus struggled to answer that. Risks still existed during a long life. “I love you, Little mate. You are my perfect match. I can’t think of anything that would make me happier than to spend as many years as we can together. But living an extended number of years for the wrong reason could make someone miserable. Can you explain to me what makes you want to be a vampire now?”
“I hadn’t considered that. Like if Frankie had become a vampire and had changed me to one. I’d have eons with him.” She shuddered, appearing repulsed. “That would be torture. But I feel differently about you than I do about Frankie. He’d make my life hell.”
“How do you feel about me, Alessia? The truth, please. Don’t worry about hurting me.” He wouldn’t be okay if she’d decided she didn’t want to be his mate or that she didn’t want to be matched with him for more than one lifetime.
“I love you, Daddy. I want to stay with you forever.”
Happiness burst through him. That was the best reason he could hope for her to have. Titus hugged her to his chest tightly, only releasing her when she squeaked in protest. “Sorry, Little mate. I didn’t mean to squish you.”
“I’m glad you’re excited. Besides, when I’m a vampire, you won’t have to worry about me being fragile, right?” Alessia paused for a moment and then grinned at him as if she’d thought of something incredible. “And, maybe, I wouldn’t get a spanking anymore because I’m a hard-ass!”
“I’ll always be able to capture your attention with a trip over my knees, Alessia. But that’s a funny thought, Miss Hard-Ass Vampire.” Titus allowed himself to smile now. She was so damn cute.
“Daddy? What happens when you turn me?”
Titus could hear the nervousness in her words. The slight shakiness of her body pressed to his made Titus want to rush to reassure her, but Alessia deserved to have the truth.
“I will drink from you, Little mate. When the time is right, I will share my blood with you. Instantly, your senses will go into overdrive. You’ll hear, see, smell, taste, and feel more than you ever imagined possible. Perhaps too much.”
“Too much is bad?” she guessed.
“Not necessarily. Could the scent of a thousand snickerdoodle cookies be overwhelming?”
“Maybe if you were standing in a really stinky place? Something that sweet might be sickening?”
“Possibly. I will teach you to allow what you enjoy and mute anything you do not.”
“Oh! Like if I was standing in a sewer, I wouldn’t need to worry about the snickerdoodles because the smelliness would gross me out.”
“Exactly. But if you would block out the negative odor.…”
“I could enjoy the deliciousness without it!” she announced triumphantly.
“You are very perceptive, Little mate,” Titus praised her.
“I know you’ll help me, Daddy. I trust you.”
“Thank you, Alessia. I trust you as well. Do you want to consider this decision some more?” Titus offered. When she shook her head, he breathed a silent sigh of relief.
