Page 36 of In Bellamira's Chains

“Can we babysit?” Hazelle’s question caught us off guard, but Nyla and Adira agreed immediately.

“Of course! If you want to take this monster off our hands for an evening, we would be so grateful. I love her with all my heart, but she’s…”

“A lot?”

“I was going to say insane, but yes, a lot works too.” Nyla wiped Lettie’s face but gave up after she rubbed more across her cheeks, trying to eat more lamb. “Stay a pigsty, then, but you’ll be getting a bath when we get home.”

That didn’t sound like such a bad idea, especially with Monday looming overhead and another week of work. At least my hours were adjusted, and more time with my pets was on the horizon.

Chapter twenty

Hazelle

The week flew by, and I loved having Mistress Belle around more. The weight on her shoulders lessened, and she even slept in a few days this week. Having more time to herself and her pets had worked wonders. Maybe that’s all Oros needed, but deep inside, I knew that wasn’t true.

I snuck out of bed, leaving Elera and Mistress Belle so I could have a little time alone. I wasn’t scared of it anymore, knowing this was encouraged. It wasn’t independence like the Alphas had, being able to fully make their own decisions, but it was a sliver that I would gladly take at times.

Most days, most mornings, I wanted to spend time with Elera and Mistress Belle, but on days like today, with the sun shining and the sky clear, I decided to take the time for myself with a little tea and a small breakfast out in the yard.

I lay back on the blanket Edith had given me, and the clouds rolled through the sky, never enough to cover the full strength of the sun. Enjoying the warmth on my skin with a soft breeze blowing, I closed my eyes and stretched out, my loose linen dress with puff sleeves and a buttoned top flowing around me. Itnearly matched the color of the sky, but the buttons… those were a lovely green and brown, reminding me of both my Alpha and Beta.

I wiggled my toes, gripping the grass between them, the feel adding to the knowledge that I was free from my past.

Sleep must have taken me because I didn’t hear Elera walk up or lay down beside me. When I opened my eyes again, she was there, spending a moment in peace with me.

“You picked a perfect day to spend outside.”

“It’s supposed to rain later. I didn’t want this morning to go to waste.” My skin tanned more each time I spent a few hours out here, adding a healthy glow to my complexion. That mixed with the weight I had put on turned me into a whole new person. I still had a ways to go before I would be considered physically and mentally healthy, but I loved the progress I had already made.

Mistress Belle even made an appointment with a therapist for me. We start next week, and although I was worried about talking to someone else and spilling the details about my past and even my present, I would do it for them. They deserved the best me, but I knew they’d love me even when I wasn’t.

I smiled and turned toward Elera.

“Do we have any plans for tonight?”

She rolled onto her side, propping her head on her elbow as she looked down at me. “We didn’t, but My Mistress got an invite this morning to attend a party later on. It’s at Bram’s.”

I raised a brow, curious about this new Alpha I hadn’t heard of before. Although, I had only been with them for two weeks, so I didn’t know why I was so surprised by the mention.

“It should be a lot like last time, but less… flowery. He’s nothing like Catalina. He prefers darker natural colors, but everything is decadent and plush even if it doesn’t look like it. Bram strives for luxurious comfort that looks posh. He’s alsofairly kind. I wouldn’t say he’s as welcoming as Catalina or Perrin, but he’s not like the harsh Alphas either.”

She bit her lip, and I knew there was something else she wasn’t telling me.

“What is it, Elera?” I sat up with my back to the sun, blanketing her face in shadows.

“Bram enjoys firsts. He rarely shares an evening with someone who isn’t new to him or doing a new position or combination of people.” She reached out and held my hand. “And you’re very new and, well, very pretty. I would be surprised if he didn’t request you tonight.”

“Oh, and…hm, Mistress Belle already said yes, didn’t she?”

Elera shook her head. “Not to that. She did accept the invitation, but Bram hasn’t requested you yet, but I’d assume he will immediately. It’s his party, and we haven’t gone in awhile, so I don’t see My Mistress saying no. I wanted you to be prepared.”

I picked at my fingernails and bit my lip, trying to push away the anxiety. I knew this was coming, but it didn’t make it any less nauseating. Mistress Belle wouldn’t let anything happen to me. I’d be fine. It would all be fine.

“You’ll be safe, Hazelle. You trust My Mistress to keep you safe.” She wasn’t asking a question.

Elera knew I believed in our mistress. “Let’s go have a snack and start getting ready. My Mistress already picked out her outfit, so we have our theme for the evening.” Elera winked at me, and I squinted my eyes at her. What theme could we possibly be sharing tonight?”

“Should I be worried?” I stood up, pulling Elera with me.