AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t worry, he’s one of my other mates,” I told her.
“Bath is ready,” Triston called from the second floor.
“Let’s get you in the bath and clean you up,” I said and scooped her up into my arms.
She set her head on my shoulder and her little fists gripped the sleeves of my shirt.
An intense protective feeling surged within me and I almost growled at the knowledge that someone had harmed her. If I could have, I would have tracked them down and destroyed them.
Triston squatted down and smiled. “Hello, little cub.”
She ducked her head shyly.
“He’s another of my mates, I have four, so don’t be scared. They’re all very nice and will protect you,” I whispered to her as we walked into the bathroom. Triston had filled the tub halfway, which would help since she was small. There was also a fresh towel on the counter for her.
Shutting the door, I set her on the counter. “Okay, let’s get these dirty clothes off and get you into the water.”
She nodded and raised her arms straight up. Tugging her shirt off, I tossed it into the hamper we kept for our towels.
“Can you get your shorts off or do you need help?” I asked as I set her on the ground on her feet.
“I do it.” She got her shorts off and walked to the tub, peering inside.
“Ready?” I asked, lifted her, and set her feet first, slowly into the water to give her time to acclimate.
She rotated and laid on her back, floating on the water, and closed her eyes. “I love water.”
That was good to know.
Grabbing a loofa, I soaped it up. “Can you sit up so I can scrub you?”
She obeyed, but puffed her cheeks out. “I hate getting cleaned.” Her eyes filled with tears and she sniffled. “Papa always did it.”
Lifting one of her arms, I cleaned the grime from her and said, “I’m sorry for what has happened to you. It’s not fair and not right. I know it hurts, but I will do whatever I can to help you and keep you safe.”
She sniffled, wiped her hand across her nose, and asked, “I live with you? Here?”
We had a few guest bedrooms, so it wouldn’t be a problem to give her one. Plus, I couldn’t deny the desire to adopt her. I had already been contemplating it when I heard she was an orphan, but wanted to talk to Caleb first. Being asked by her now, I didn’t hesitate to answer, knowing Caleb would be fine with whatever decision I made.
“Yes,” I answered with a nod. “You’ll live here now.”
Chapter
Fifteen
Once she was washed, bandaged, and clothed, we went down to the kitchen to get some food.
Caleb had returned while I was bathing her, and he smiled at her as he walked into the kitchen. “Hello, cub.”
Lily looked up from where she was perched on the counter, watching me pulling cheeses and salami out. “Alpha.”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“Her name is Lily,” I advised.
“Lily. That’s a pretty name,” he said. “Did you enjoy your bath?”
She nodded. “I love water!”
