Page 2 of Daddy’s Protection (The Daddy Guard #3)

Cami Foster didn’t want to go home.

It wasn’t that she hated her house. It was just that lately, it hadn’t been as cozy and inviting as usual.

Nor was her reasoning connected to Auntie Athena’s West Hollywood Nursery. Sure, she loved it there. It was a ton of fun. She’d spent the evening playing in the backyard, making crafts, and watching a movie with all the other Littles who were visiting Auntie for the night.

But as much as she enjoyed her time with her Little friends, that wasn’t why she was watching the clock tick down with angst, dreading the moment it was time to leave.

It was the ghost—or ghosts—haunting her house that kept her from wanting to return.

“Are you okay?” Iris asked her.

Iris was an adorable Little who’d befriended Cami a couple of months back after the two had met at the nursery.

Before meeting her Daddy, Iris had experienced some tough times.

Now, though, she was thriving. For one thing, she had a found family.

Auntie Athena and some of the others around the nursery had taken her under their wings. Plus, she had a “sister” in Lana.

The two weren’t actually related, but they both lived together since their Daddies were part of the Daddy Guard—an elite group of trained men who helped Littles.

Cami didn’t understand what the Guard did exactly. But rumors and legends were spreading throughout the Ageplay Community. The Daddy Guard was who Littles called if they were ever in trouble!

Cami was just happy to see Iris doing so well. And Lana. They both deserved all their happiness.

But Cami couldn’t help but wonder if she’d find such happiness one day. It wasn’t that she hated her life. Or that she was miserable. But lately, things at home had been… odd.

Strange noises at night. Eerie shadows flickering against the wall. Apparitions seemingly floating down the hall. Ghostly whispers that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

Life had just taken an odd and spooky turn.

She sure wished she had a Daddy to hold her tight on those scary nights.

Such a luxury would have to wait. Right now, she just wanted to survive.

You’re being silly, Cami. Of course you’re going to survive. Ghosts can’t hurt you. They might not even be real. And if they are… well, what are they going to do to you?

Her thoughts were cut off when Lana said, “Yeah. You okay, Cami?”

Cami shook her head and offered an apologetic smile to her friends. “Sorry. Yeah, I’m okay. I guess I kind of zoned out there for a minute. I’m fine.”

Iris took her hand. “You sure?”

“Yeah. Just a lot on my mind.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Cami shook her head. “Nah. Not really much to talk about. I haven’t been sleeping a lot, though. Bad dreams and stuff.”

“That sounds awful,” Lana replied sympathetically. “Do you want to spend the night with us tonight? A slumber party might be just what the doctor ordered.”

The idea sounded nice, Cami thought. But she couldn’t run from her troubles—whatever they were—forever. If spirits truly were haunting her house, she’d have to face them at some point.

“Hey, that would be fun. Thanks for the offer. But I have work early in the morning,” she told them. “Can I take a rain check?”

“Of course,” Lana said. “Anytime.”

Iris still looked concerned. “Mind me asking what’s been keeping you awake?”

Cami’s entire body tensed. Should she admit her fears? Or would her friends think she was a lunatic?

As she gazed into their eyes, she didn’t see a hint of judgement. Only concern. Iris and Lana loved her. She could open up to them.

“This is going to sound crazy, but… well, I think my house is haunted.”

Neither girl looked shocked.

“I’m sorry,” Iris said. “That would be scary.”

“Yeah, and you live there all alone, huh?” Lana added.

Cami nodded.

“Our house is haunted,” Iris stated as if it was perfectly normal.

Cami reared her head back. “It is?”

“Yep. Used to be owned by Theda Bara. She was an old actress in the Silent Era. Some other famous people lived there after her. I haven’t actually seen her. But I’ve felt her. Several times.”

Lana bobbed her head. “Me, too. She doesn’t feel mean or ominous or anything.

Quite the opposite, actually. Her presence is sort of calming.

Like she’s watching over us.” She grinned.

“Plus, I’m a film nut. I’ve dreamed of going back in time and meeting some of those old stars. In a way, it’s like I have.”

The other girls laughed.

Cami wished she felt as chill about her own house. She definitely wasn’t cool with whoever—or whatever—was haunting it, though.

She was scared out of her mind!

“Just remember you’re always welcome at our place,” Iris said. “Hey, are you coming to our Halloween party?"

Halloween! Cami thought. More spookiness was the last thing she wanted. But there was no way she was going to miss out on the fun.

“You bet!”

“We’ll show you around then,” Iris continued. “And who knows? Maybe Theda will make an appearance.”

The Littles giggled and then hugged before Cami told them goodbye. She needed to get home and get to sleep.

Or try to sleep, at least.