Page 24 of Daddies’ Little Cubs (Ivory Mountain Daddies #3)

CHAPTER TWENTY

ELI

D ropping off the girls wasn’t easy. It felt like he was leaving two pieces of his heart behind. For once he was ready to be like Jackson and throw responsibility to the wind and ask them to move in.

Eli knew that it was irrational and irresponsible to ask them that, knowing they are just starting out as adults in this big scary world. All he wanted was to wrap them up in snuggles and never let them leave.

After dropping the girls off, Eli stopped and grabbed takeout for dinner before driving them the rest of the way home in silence.

He could tell that something was weighing heavy on Jackson’s mind, but he wasn’t going to push, figuring that he too was feeling down about dropping Destiny and Jessa back off to their temporary home.

“So, there’s something we need to talk about.” Jackson said once they were home and sitting at the table to eat. Eli raised an eyebrow at his statement. Maybe this wasn’t just being upset about leaving the girls like he thought.

“Okay? What’s going on?”

“Before you tell me it was wrong to eavesdrop, I know it was. I’m glad that I did though.”

“Who’s conversation were you listening to?”

“Destiny and Jessa’s yesterday afternoon right after lunch.”

“What were they talking about?”

“Destiny told Jessa that she thought that she was broken.”

“Broken? What in the world would bring her to that conclusion?”

Eli didn’t like the sound of where this conversation might be headed. He didn’t like knowing that one of his Littles thought that she was broken.

“She said something about how she didn’t feel the same things that Jessa did when around us. Said that there wasn’t warmth in her knickers.”

“Warmth in her knickers? Like she doesn’t get turned on by us?”

“I guess? I wasn’t really sure if that was exactly what she meant, but I kind of came to the same conclusion as you did.”

Silence fell over them as Eli processed this information. His mind raced with different reasons why she would feel this way, his mind landing on only one.

“What if she falls somewhere on the asexual spectrum?” He said after a moment.

Eli wasn’t very well versed in a lot of LGBTQIA+ community identities. It would be easy to think he would be, him being a bisexual man, but he only knew the basics.

Knowing this about himself, he knew understanding her being asexual wouldn’t be something he would be able to approach alone.

“If she is asexual, how do we best support her?” Jackson replied to Eli.

“I’m not sure we can help without us learning more ourselves. But I know the perfect person who can help.”

“Who?”

“Cleo Reece, she’s the therapist from the club we used to be members of. If I remember correctly she was also the therapist who helped Olivia after her ex-husband attacked and kidnapped her.”

“Oh yeah! I do remember her. If you think it would be a good idea, I would be open to speaking to her about the whole thing and getting her opinion and help.”

“I think she would be a great help. I’ll text her tomorrow and see if we can set up a time to meet.”

“Sounds good, now let’s eat before our food gets colder.” Jackson said, picking up his fork to dive in.

Eli was thankful that Jackson brought this to him. They would make sure that their Little Wolf will have all the support she needs to work though all the thoughts that have been raging in her mind.

The next morning after eating breakfast, Eli sent a text to Cleo while Jackson was cleaning the kitchen back up.

Eli: Hey Cleo! It’s Eli West, how have you been?

Cleo: Hey Eli! I’ve been doing well. Staying busy with work. What’s up?

Eli: So, Jackson and I recently found our Littles. Yes you read that right, Littles, as in two. Twins named Jessa and Destiny, who have stolen our hearts.

Cleo: I’m thrilled to hear! I knew you guys would find the right Little for your relationship, but I guess you actually found the perfect two!

Eli: Thank you, that’s actually what I’m texting about. Jackson told me last night that one of the girls thinks she is broken.

Cleo: She told Jackson that?

Eli: More like Jackson was listening into a private conversation between her and Jessa.

Eli: According to what he said, Destiny told her twin that she didn’t feel the same warmth in her knickers as Jessa did.

Cleo: I think I can see where your mind is going. Warmth as in being turned on and sexually attracted to someone.

Eli: Exactly. Our problem is, we don’t know how to even begin supporting her. We were hoping you had some availability to chat about it all.

Cleo: Absolutely! I can come over today or you can come into the office.

Eli: How about tonight? We can have dinner at our house. Is 7 okay with you?

Cleo: Sounds good, I’ll see y’all tonight.

“Cleo is going to accompany us during dinner tonight to discuss everything and answer all the questions we might have,” Eli told Jackson, putting away his phone.

“Okay babe, I’ll be sure to have dinner ready to go.”

Eli walked over and pulled Jackson into his arms dropping a kiss on his lips.

“I know that you are worried about Destiny, but know that we will do everything within our power to support her. We know about it now and that’s the important part. Will it be easy? Not at all, but I believe that we will figure out the best way to support our girl and continue with our lives.”

“I know we will. I love you, Eli.”

“I love you too Jackson. Just like I love our cubs.”

Eli paused. Did he just say he loved Destiny and Jessa? He did of course, but he didn’t mean to confess that now.

“I can sense your panic over saying that, but you should know, I love them too.”

He let out a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding.

Knowing that they both felt the same about the girls eased his fears that this wouldn’t work out.

Eli would have hated to lose them because Jackson didn’t feel the same.

However he knew going into this Jackson would have to be his first priority.

“We have some time to kill before you have to start cooking, how about a nice soak in the hot tub and a glass of wine to help settle our nerves?” Eli asked Jackson, hoping to focus him on something besides their visitor tonight.

“Sounds amazing, my love. I’ll grab the wine if you want to go open up the hot tub and change.”

Just like that, Jackson was focused on something else and Eli was able to spend some quality time just soaking up being together. It was exactly what they both needed.

The door bell rang just as Eli was setting the last plate on the table. Taking a breath to calm his nerves, he walked over to greet their guest.

“Cleo! It’s so great to see you again.”

“Eli! It’s been way too long!” She replied pulling him into a hug he didn’t even know he needed. Leave it to the Mommy to know exactly how to help in that moment.

“Come in, come in. Jackson was just pulling the food from the warmer.” Eli said, directing her towards the dining room. Pulling out her seat, Cleo sat and greeted Jackson as Eli made his way towards his chair.

“Dinner is served.” Jackson dramatically said, taking a bow.

Eli laughed at his theatrics, “You dork. Sit down would you.”

“It smells divine Jackson. I hope it tastes as good as it looks.” Cleo murmured, leaning over to look at the pan he had placed on the table.

“It’s my famous baked spaghetti. My great aunt taught me how to make it when I was a wee boy.”

“I’m sure it tastes divine. Shall we eat?”

Eli plated her food first before passing it to Jackson. Taking his first bite, he groaned. No matter how many times Jackson made this meal, he seemed to outdo himself. “You’ve done amazing this time babe. It’s delicious.”

Cleo nodded in agreement, while reaching for the water glass Eli had placed in front of her.

“So where would you guys like to start?”

Clearing his throat, Eli laid it out for her. “We need help understanding what asexuality is and how we can best support Destiny. The last thing we want is for her to feel like we will throw her away like last night's trash.”

“Firstly, asexuality isn’t one single thing but rather that term is used as an umbrella to include many different people. It’s a spectrum which can be different for everyone.”

Eli pondered her words. It makes sense that it would be a spectrum since there isn’t a one size fits all for anything unless it’s a perfect world. “Okay, so if it’s not a single thing what falls among the spectrum.” He asked.

“Asexuality by definition means not feeling any or very little sexual attraction towards anyone no matter the gender. That’s not to say that the person can’t develop romantic feelings, they just aren’t accompanied by a sexual component.

For some people they never feel that sexual attraction, while for others they might feel a little bit if they have a deeper connection with the person they are with.

The latter people usually identify as grey-asexual or grey-a. ”

“Okay, so what we need to identify first is where she falls onto that spectrum. Then we can develop ways to support her.” Jackson said.

“Correct. Based on the little bit of the conversation Eli told me, my thought is she will be someone who doesn’t feel any sexual attraction to someone. Talking with her and about the feelings that she has can help her figure out where she falls on the spectrum.”

Nodding his head, Eli looked at Jackson trying to gauge how he was feeling about everything. He looked deep in thought, which made Eli feel a little better about everything. It meant that he was taking this seriously.

“The best way to support her is to first believe her, don’t discount how she feels because her feelings are valid. Accept her relationship choices just as you would anyone else, just as you wanted people to accept you when y’all became a couple.”

“Of course! We would never want to discredit how she feels and there will never be a moment that she wouldn’t be accepted in this family.” Jackson shouted!

Eli reached over, placing his hand on Jackson’s arm. “We know that my love, but we need to make sure Destiny and Jessa know that as well.”

“Communication about wants and needs from everyone is important in any type of relationship, but especially here. Just because she’s asexual doesn’t mean she won’t have needs and desires.

Your job is to find ways for you to still have intimacy and closeness, without sexual intercourse.

” Cleo continued, as if Jackson’s outburst was nothing.

“The point is, relationships between people who have incompatible sexual needs can still be happy and fulfilling. It will be work, but all relationships require work. The question is, will you guys be willing to put in that effort?”

Tears formed at the corners of Eli’s eyes. Of course he would put in the effort, he wasn’t one to run when things became challenging and he wasn’t about to start now. “Yes! Yes of course we are willing to put in the work.” he replied, clearing the emotion from his throat.

“Perfect! I know that you guys have what it takes to make this work out with both of the girls. Remember that each of them have their own feelings, wants, and desires. They might not be the same either, but you will figure out the best way to navigate it all.”

“Thank you Cleo, for everything. We were clueless about how to best approach this, but I think with a little more research Eli and I can find ways to support our girl the best.”

“I know you can! I know that there are some great resources out there, but I highly recommend you start with Human Rights Campaign ! They have all sorts of information that would be beneficial to your situation. I’m always available to talk and help as well.

Whether it is one of y’all or even Destiny.

Trying to navigate one's feelings can be hard, but it’s not a journey anyone has to take alone. ”

Cleo stayed for a few more hours after their discussion. They enjoyed each other's company and caught up on all the excitement they’ve missed since canceling their membership to the club.

Eli crawled into bed after showing Cleo out, snuggling up beside Jackson who was scrolling on his phone.

“Whatcha looking at, babe?” he said, placing a kiss against his chest.

“I pulled up the resource that Cleo told us about, Human Rights Campaign . She’s right, there is a lot of helpful information on here. There’s a whole world of our community that I never knew existed.”

“Lets take a few days and then we can talk to the girls about everything. It’s all going to work out for the best Jackson.

For now though, let's go to sleep. It’s been a long day.

” he said, grabbing Jackson’s phone and putting it on the bedside table.

Pressing a kiss against his lips, Eli snuggled in beside his husband and drifted off to sleep.