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I flush, but I also roll my eyes. “Daddy… Is she okay?”

“I don’t know, Rava. Marns have a tendency to hide. I couldn’t see her. I bet she’s fine. We’ll look for her when we get home.”

“And Chinz? He was so brave.”

“He’s fine, too, Little pet. I promise. Those two shorgs are smarter than I gave them credit for. They’ve obviously declared themselves your protectors. I suspect they’re both panicking, waiting for me to bring you home.”

I hug Daddy’s neck. “They’re the best pets ever, Daddy. I love them so much.”

Daddy rubs my back. “I love you so much, Little pet.”

My breath hitches as I lean back to look Daddy in the eyes. “You love me?” My voice wobbles.

“So much that I thought I might die when you were taken. I screamed so loudly that every Venkorian in a six-block radius probably heard me.”

“I love you, too, Daddy.”

Daddy pulls me in close and whispers in my ear, “That’s good because tonight I’m going to fill your tight cunt so full with my cock that you’re going to doubt your feelings for me. I hope you love me enough to ride through the pain before you get to the pleasure.”

My heart thumps against his. The idea of him putting his cock into me is scary, but not as frightening as what I just went through. I want him to fill me so badly. It will be life-affirming. I can smell how much he desires me. My senses might not be as heightened as his when it comes to scenting his arousal, but I’m learning the subtle nuances in it. I bet, eventually, I’ll be able to detect his moods—especially recognizing when he intends to fuck me.

I’m pretty certain the word fuck is a dirty, kinky way of saying that he intends to make love to me. Have sex with me. Consummate our bond.

I might like this new word fuck. It’s got a harsh ring to it, and that’s perfect for the arrangement I have with Daddy. It’s harsh, while at the same time, it’s perfect.

Daddy is my home.

TWENTY-ONE

It takes a long time for the authorities to finish asking Daddy dozens of questions. I snuggle into him and keep my face buried in the crook of his neck. He even pulls the blanket around the base of my head, protecting me from prying eyes.

For the first time since I arrived on Venkoria, I’m relieved that I don’t have the same status as Daddy. I’m not even recognized as a sentient being by the authorities. They either have no idea I’m capable of speech and thought, or they simply don’t care.

I’m a pet. No one is going to ask me anything. They don’t even consider doing so. One of Daddy’s possessions was taken from him, the same as if it had been one of the shorgs or marns. I was obviously important enough to Vabar for him to go to great lengths to get me back, but the authorities are probably looking at that from the standpoint that they know he paid a lot of money for me.

I’m exhausted and a dead weight in Daddy’s arms by the time we leave. He never acts like I weigh more than a feather. I suppose to him, I’m not heavy.

I sit sideways on Daddy’s lap in the car on the way back to the shelter and Daddy’s home. This is when he finally explains what happened. Apparently, the two men who kidnapped me have been to the shelter a few times.

They came under the guise of being interested in managing one of the other shelters Daddy owns. They were the ones who he met with in the conference room the first time the shorgs growled and went on high alert.

Daddy chuckles. “It would seem the shorgs are incredibly intelligent. They sensed danger, and they sprang into action, intent on protecting you.”

“They’re smart animals, Daddy.” It’s all I can do to keep from rolling my eyes. Daddy has a habit of underestimating his pets.

“Such a sassy Little pet,” he teases.

I giggle because I know he’s not mad at me. “I’m smart, too,” I take the opportunity to inform him. He knows this, but now is a good time to remind him.

Daddy’s expression sobers, and he cups my face. “I know you’re intelligent, Little pet. And I’m glad. You’re a thousand times more entertaining than I expected you to be when I purchased you. I’m looking forward to a lifetime of sparring with you.”

My brows shoot upward. “Sparring? Daddy…”

“What?” He smirks.

“You never let me argue with you. I don’t dare. Every time I disagree with you, I end up with a red-hot bottom.”

He chuckles, the vibrations shaking us both. “But that’s half the fun, Rava. I say something that causes your hackles to rise. And you can’t control the urge to spar with me. You’re insolent, and then I get to spank your naughty bottom until your pussy is so wet that you think you might die if I don’t let you come.”