THE BAD GUYS IN: raising princess

Teacher's Pet - Part 3

A request from AlicornNorth

Three days had passed since Mr. Travor Ryan was arrested at Los Angeles High.

The news had spread like wildfire across the city. Parents were outraged, teachers shocked, and students whispered in hushed tones. The Dream Squad was hailed as heroes for speaking out. But for Princess Chesterfield, it hadn't been about attention. It had been about surviving.

The trauma of what she endured still lingered like a shadow behind her every step.

Day One – After the Arrest

Princess hadn't gone back to school the next day.

She stayed in her room at the mansion, curled up beneath her comforter, barely speaking. She only came out when Diane brought her warm soup or when Mr. Shark poked his head in to ask if she wanted to watch a movie. Kitty, Mr. Wolf's orange tabby cat, never left her side. She slept with her, ate beside her, and even followed her into the bathroom.

The Bad Guys didn't push her. They hovered protectively, checking in like a pack of guard dogs—feral when needed, gentle when it counted. Mr. Snake sat by her door for hours, silently reading his newspaper. Mr. Piranha threatened to storm the police station just to "make sure that slimeball was locked in a real cell and not some paper cage."

Webs spent the whole day setting up extra surveillance around the mansion—just in case.

Day Two – Learning to Breathe Again

By the second day, Princess sat outside on the balcony in her hoodie and pajama pants. The late afternoon sun warmed her fur as she stared out into the garden, watching the koi fish dance in the pond below.

Diane sat beside her with a cup of tea.

"Feeling a little better today?" she asked softly.

Princess hesitated. "A little... but... I still feel him. In my mind. Like he's watching."

Diane's eyes darkened, but she reached over and gently took her hand.

"That's trauma, sweetheart. But that feeling? It fades. Slowly. And with every new day, his grip on your heart breaks apart, piece by piece."

Princess bit her lip. "What if he comes back?"

Diane shook her head. "He won't. And even if he tried... he wouldn't get within a mile of you before one of us handled it."

Princess smiled faintly, her eyes still tired. "Even Piranha?"

"Oh, honey," Diane chuckled. "Especially Piranha."

Day Three – Safety

By the third day, Princess felt stronger. She had eaten a full breakfast, watched a movie with Shark and Snake, and helped Webs water the garden. The tension in her shoulders hadn't vanished, but it had softened.

That night, at 9:00 PM, the mansion was peaceful.

The windows glowed with warm golden light. Crickets chirped outside. All was calm.

Princess was in her room, already in her pajamas—a light blue tank top and soft cotton shorts. She lay under her plush blankets, Kitty curled up on her chest, purring softly.

But as the lights dimmed and the world grew quiet, her thoughts grew loud.

What if he escapes again? What if he comes back? What if I'm not safe after all?

The thoughts hit like cold waves. Her breathing grew shaky. Her ears drooped flat against her skull as she pulled the blanket to her chin. A few silent tears rolled down her cheek, and she clutched Kitty tightly, burying her face in the cat's fur.

Mr. Wolf's Instinct

Down the hall, in the master bathroom, Mr. Wolf was finishing up brushing his teeth. The moonlight through the window cast silver streaks across the tile floor. He wiped his mouth with a towel when he heard it.

A soft sound.

Sniffling.

Crying.

His ears perked.

Without a second thought, he walked down the hall and gently pushed open Princess's door.

There she was. Curled up in bed, her back shaking as she tried not to sob too loudly.

"Princess?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. "What's wrong, baby girl?"

She turned to face him, her eyes red and watery.

"I... I'm scared," she whispered. "What if Mr. Ryan comes back? What if he finds me? What if... what if he hurts me again?"

Mr. Wolf's face softened. He sat down beside her on the bed, gently brushing her bangs out of her eyes.

"Oh, sweetheart..." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "That won't happen. Not while I'm here. Not while we're here."

"But what if—?"

"Listen to me," he said firmly but kindly. "As long as I'm alive, that man will never get near you again. Not me, not Diane, not Snake, not Piranha, not any of us are going to let it happen."

He smirked a little. "Piranha's already sharpening his teeth just in case. And Snake? He said he'd eat him whole and not even burp."

Princess giggled despite herself, wiping her eyes. "That's gross..."

"Yeah," Wolf chuckled, "but it made you laugh. There's my baby girl."

He kissed her cheek, then gave her a warm squeeze.

"I love you, Dad," she whispered into his shoulder.

"I love you too, Princess," he said softly. "So, so much."

He tucked her in gently and stood at the door.

"Good night, sweetheart."

"Good night," she replied, her voice small but steady.

As the door closed, Princess looked down at Kitty, who purred again and stretched her paws over Princess's chest.

The shadows didn't feel so scary anymore.

And for the first time in days... she fell asleep in peace.