Page 38 of Elias
Leah stiffened. The idea of her mate leaving her made her feel sick. She was aware he would eventually return to his duties among the Alpha Protectors, but they hadn’t discussed what that would look like yet. The only thing he’d told her was that it was customary for newly mated couples to spend about a month alone without disruption.
After one week, she understood why. She still couldn’t stand to be separated from him by even a wall, let alone miles. Presumably that would ease eventually, but so far, the need had not let up even a tiny bit.
Owen shook his head. “You won’t be joining us, son. It’s too soon. Your mate needs you, but we all fear for your safety, and we need to leave the women in one place while we hunt. We’re hoping you won’t mind the imposition.”
Elias frowned. After a few moments of hesitation, he spoke. “This is about Olivia, isn’t it?”
Owen nodded. “Yes.”
Leah was confused. It took every effort not to interrupt the men. Which of the women was Olivia?
Iliana spoke next. “All of the women will be safer if she is with them, son, including Leah.” Iliana smiled in Leah’s direction.
Owen nodded agreement. “But we won’t leave them anywhere without male protection. You will stay. So will Felix and Gavin.”
Leah had no idea who Felix and Gavin were, but they must have been among the crowd.
Elias drew in a deep breath. “My hands are tied.”
“Yes,” Owen agreed. “I know you don’t like the idea of being left behind, but you would not be able to keep a clear head so newly mated. You will be of much better help by remaining to protect the women.”
Elias gave a sharp nod and stepped back. “Come inside.”
Leah looked over her shoulder as her mate carried her back into the house. She wondered how this many people were going to fit in the living room, but several of them remained behind as the rest followed.
Leah squirmed to get down, but Elias didn’t release her. The arm he was supporting her with under her bottom was also under her dress, exposing her panties. She hadn’t thought about it until now, but her face heated with embarrassment. She pushed at his chest. “Put me down, Daddy,” she whispered.
He frowned at her and shook his head.
What was his deal? She reached back with her hand to tug the hem of her dress, hoping it was covering her. “Everyone can see my panties,” she complained in another whisper.
He set his lips on her ear. “Little firecracker, everyone has seen panties before. Yours are not different. If you don’t stop arguing with Daddy, I’ll take you over my knees, bare your naughty bottom, and spank you. They’ll see a lot more than your panties.”
She twisted her neck to glare at him, gasping.
His brow was raised, and he looked dead serious.
She shivered, and her heart lurched as arousal flooded her system. What the Heavens? How was his stern admonishment turning her on?
His other brow joined the first as he spoke quietly for just her ears again. “My Little firecracker has a kinky side.”
She shook her head, blushing. Darn him.
He gave a slight chuckle. “Baby girl, there is no way for you to deny you’re intrigued by the thought of being spanked in front of everyone. Push me one more time, and I’ll fulfill that wish without hesitation. Do I make myself clear?”
Her entire body shuddered. “Yes, Sir.”
Several people had piled into the room while they’d had their private chat, and Leah’s face was hotter than ever as she turned to face their guests again. Among them was the unshifted wolf. The female wolf approached them and tipped her head back.
Elias reached down and petted the fur on her head. “Leah, this is Olivia. Olivia is mated to Damon. She’s the one I told you about who is nearly blind in her human form, so we’ll let her explore the house so she can get her bearings before she shifts.”
“Oh.” Leah watched in curiosity as Olivia slowly wandered around, sniffing and absorbing her surroundings.
She looked back toward Elias before heading toward the hallway.
Elias nodded. “All the doors are open, Little one. Orient yourself. Nothing is off-limits.”
Olivia disappeared.