“I know you are. The best singer I’ve ever heard. I watched you for a long time in the control room before I came down to see you on that stage in person. Do you know why?”
I shake my head. My tears keep falling.
“Partly because I was drawn to your voice and couldn’t bring myself to move, but mostly because I knew as soon as I approached you and you sensed me, you would not be able to continue singing. I wanted you to be able to finish your set. I didn’t want your audience to be deprived of the live music they were enjoying.”
“You did that?” My voice squeaks. It concerns me. I hope it improves soon. I’ll be devastated if I’m not able to sing again. I hear music in my head even now. It needs an outlet. I’m itching to set my fingers on the keys of a piano and bolt out some tunes. Do they even have pianos here on Eleadia? I’m afraid to ask. I don’t want to hear the answer.
He leans closer and kisses me on the nose. “I did. Were those your own songs? I never got a chance to ask you. I didn’t recognize the music, but I don’t know all music on Earth.”
I nod. “They were mine. I was hoping to get noticed,” I murmur. I got noticed all right.
“I haven’t gone through the bag you had with you. It’s in your nursery. I didn’t want to invade your privacy. Did you bring sheet music with you, Little one?”
“Yes,” I whisper. I’m so glad he brought it. I was so wrapped up in him that night I forgot all about my bag. Now I’m just scared I’ll never be able to use it again.
I can’t discuss this further, right now. It won’t even matter what I can and can’t do until I can walk and get my voice back. “Why did you put me down?”
Papi chuckles. “Because I needed to rein in my cock, naughty girl. Would you like me to pick you back up?”
I nod. “Please. I like it when you’re holding me. I like it when you let me nap in your arms instead of putting me down in my crib. It feels good.”
He scoops me up. “I like it, too, Baby girl. It feels so good to hold you.” He brings me to his chest so our fronts are touching as much as possible. He kisses me all over my face until I giggle. “When we touch, our bond grows.”
I snuggle into him, exhausted. “Tomorrow, I’ll walk.”
He chuckles. “You won’t be able to walk that quickly, Little one, but we’ll start working on it.”
Chapter Twelve
Raevion
I’m anxious as I lower my Little girl onto the table in the clinic the following day. There are two doctors in this clinic. Thabo and Chadka. We’re seeing Thabo today.
Thabo is calm and collected. He’s used to Papis and their Littles. He sees all of them. But I’m new to this world and feeling nervous.
Thabo pulls a strap across Sara’s waist so she can’t roll off the table before he clasps my shoulder. “You’re doing fine, Raevion. I’m going to examine her, but there’s no reason to panic. She looks very healthy and has amazing muscle control for three days out of stasis.”
I take a deep breath, keeping a hand on my girl, not wanting to risk her falling. She’s perfectly safe, but I’m finding myself constantly worrying about her safety. It’s common. I heard this would happen.
Eleadian males are overbearing and protective. For one thing, we travel a year-round trip to find our mates. That alone would make us incredibly careful about their health andwellbeing. But on top of that is the bond. I heard how strong it would be and how it would grow, but no amount of reading or listening to testimonials prepared me for how powerful this connection would feel. It brings me to my knees.
I clasp Sara’s hand in my much larger one. She’s squirming. I can sense her nerves.
Thabo smiles at her from the other side of the exam table. “Welcome to Eleadia, Little one. How are you feeling?”
“Frustrated, Sir.” She pouts. “My voice is all scratchy, and I can’t even sit up.”
Thabo chuckles. “That’s to be expected. You actually have more mobility than I usually see at three days. You’ll be up and running circles around your Papi in no time. I bet you’ll be walking even before the two-week mark.”
“But my voice…”
“Also normal. The feeding tube irritated your larynx. It will heal. Give it time.”
“Are you sure? What if it doesn’t?” she argues.
Thabo pats her head. “I’ll take a look at it, but I wouldn’t worry. You’ve only regained your voice a day ago. It takes time to fully heal. Don’t rush it. Try not to strain or force your voice beyond what feels easy. I don’t want you to risk damaging your larynx by trying too hard too early.”
He feels around her neck first. “Open your mouth wide for me, Little one.”
