Page 9 of Winter Break

Something about her demeanor makes me want to punch a hole in the wall, and that’s not a sensation I experience often. I’ve been beyond angry several times today. It’s for her. I’m furious at how she’s been treated. “Cora…” I warn. “Answer me.”

“I dropped out,” she tells me in a voice I can barely hear.

“You dropped out of high school?” My own voice rises.

Cora flinches.

Realization dawns. I pull my girl closer, wrapping my arms around her as I settle her chest against mine. I stroke her hair. “After your mom died…” I say out loud. It’s not a question.

“Mmm hmm.”

“He made you drop out, isolated you, and turned you into a servant.”

“Yes,” she breathes against my chest.

“How often have you left the house since then, Little doll?” I want to know how isolated she’s been and how furious I should be with Vincent Jones.

“Only a few times. I don’t know why he brought me today. I think he was afraid if he left me alone, I would run away this time.”

I lean her back so I can look her in the eyes. “It’s over, Little doll. He’s never going to terrorize you again.”

“Okay.”

I bring my lips to hers. I need to taste her. I’m gentle. She’s so innocent. First, I start with a light peck and then another before flattening my lips to hers and really kissing her.

Cora grabs my bicep, fisting my flannel shirt with her left hand. She holds my bicep with her injured arm, too, but not as forcefully.

I love the sweet whimper she makes.

I don’t want to rush her, so I pull back.

“Orion…” she murmurs.

“You’ll call me Daddy, Little doll.”

Her brow furrows. “Daddy?”

“It’s an endearment. Lion shifters take care of their mates in every way. You will be coddled and worshipped by me. You will learn to accept my care and realize that Daddy is a fitting term.”

“I’m not a child.”

“Certainly not. I’m clear that you’re a grown woman. I wouldn’t be drawn to you otherwise. I believe Fate put you in my path today. She doesn’t make mistakes. Regardless of your lack of knowledge about the ways of my pride, She believed we would be suited for each other.”

“I’m scared.”

“I know you are, Little doll.” I squeeze her neck. She’s stiff. Stress will do that.

I move my hands to her waist and lift her up, turning as I do so I can settle her across my lap.

“What happens when Vincent shows up here?”

“I send him away. I’ll text my pride brothers now so everyone is aware that I have claimed you. Several of them will come here to back me up. Meanwhile, I’d like to send one of my brothers to your homestead immediately so they can pick up some of your things. We don’t want to risk Vincent returning in a rage and destroying your belongings. Do you think you can make me a list?”

She nods. “I can try.”

“I don’t care about clothes, Little doll. Those are replaceable. A list of things that are special to you, perhaps things you have from your mother. Photos, gifts, mementoes.”

“Okay.”