little one

chapter four

thea's pov

Safe was a foreign feeling for me. Despite my fear that Sebastian will wise up and reject me, I feel safe around him. I can't explain why. He's so sweet and caring. Other than my Father, all the Alpha's I knew were cold and unforgiving. He spoke softly to me, and couldn't seem to refrain from touching me in some way. And the most shocking thing, I was ok with him. I was nervous to speak for sure, I didn't want to say the wrong thing, but when he trained his eyes on me I felt nothing but warmth. When his pack doctor, Ainsley, spoke to me, I couldn't help the panic. I can only imagine what she must think of me. She must be horrified that her Alpha was cursed with me as a mate.

After Ainsley weighed me, Sebastian carried me to a large house nearby. I couldn't believe how beautiful the house was. He strode up the steps, and without missing a beat he carried me up to the third floor. It's like he didn't even notice all the other wolves staring, whispering. Probably just as horrified as Ainsley must be. When we reached the third floor I looked around. It looked almost like an apartment, with a little kitchen, living room, what seemed to be a few bedrooms, and a bathroom. Before I could really look at my new surroundings Sebastian carried me into the bathroom and set me on the counter. 

He looked me up and down," Little One, I don't have any clothes that will fit you all that well right now, would you be ok with just wearing some of mine for now?" My heart fluttered as he looked at me. His eyes filled with emotion. I nodded and placed my head on his shoulder. My body felt drained, I was exhausted. "Ok, then let's get you cleaned up a bit first, then we need to get you fed." He lifted my chin and studied my face. " I can tell you're tired sweetheart, but we need to get something in you, then you can sleep for as long as you need, ok?" He kissed my nose and turned away. He walked over to a ginormous tub, and I heard saw the water start.

"Seb-Sebastian," I hesitated, everything in me was screaming to shut up. Don't bother him. Don't annoy him.

"What is it Little One?" He walked over with a smile on his face, as he tucked my hair behind my ear.

"I- Um- I - uh Thank you." There was so much more I wanted to say, but I couldn't spit out anything more.

"No thanks necessary Thea." His smile never wavered as he gazed at me.

*

Sebastian left me in the warm bath to wash while he found me some clothes. I was done, but I couldn't bring myself to step out of the calming water.  I felt so clean, I couldn't believe how pale my skin was. Dirt had marred it for years.

After a while I heard a knock, "Little One, I've got clothes for you, is it ok if I come in?" I answered affirmatively, covering my body with bubbles leftover. He laughed when he saw me, "Sweetheart you stay in there any longer you might turn into a prune" He grabbed the towel from the counter and walking over to the bath held it out for me. I stepped into the towel, and he wrapped it snugly around me. 

I looked at him carefully. He was definitely a foot taller than me, and he probably had more than 100 pounds on me, but I've never felt safer with anyone else.

"Ok, Little One, I was able to find some underwear and leggings that should fit you pretty well. And then, I have a sweatshirt of mine. You seem to run pretty cold." I smiled at him, grateful that he noticed. I craved warmth almost more than I craved the feeling of safety. It was always cold and damp in my cage. They never gave me a blanket or anything warm. He turned around, giving me privacy to change as I dressed. The leggings were a little baggy, and the sweatshirt practically dwarfed my small frame, almost reaching my knees, but it was warm.  I tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned around. After his eyes settled on me, his face broke into a smile. "You look absolutely adorable, Little One." He pulled me close to him and brushed a kiss across my face.

"Thank you. Your sweatshirt is very warm." I tried to stop the shaking in my voice as I gave him a small smile.

"I'm glad you like it. Now we need to get some food in you before you pass out." He again picked me up, and placed me on a counter in the kitchen, "What sounds good sweetheart?" I looked at him with wide eyes. I was still in shock he was feeding me anything. "Don't worry Angel, how about some soup? That shouldn't be too hard on your stomach. I've got some tomato soup my Mom made me. That sound any good?"

"Yes." I nodded quickly and looked at the ground. I couldn't seem to escape my fears. Still worried that I'd say something to anger him.

"Ok then, I'll just heat some up in the microwave. Let's get you settled on one of the stools. He picked me up, again placing me where he wanted to me, and turned to the fridge. I watched him closely as he prepared the food, "Why do you call me Little One?" I blurted out the words before I could think, "I'm sorry that was rude. I don't mean to bug you."

"You're not being rude, and you are definitely not bothering me. Quite the opposite. I love hearing you're voice." He smiled at me, "I call you Little One because you're little. When I first saw you, that was the name that came to mind. I like how you're smaller than me, I like being able to carry you around." I stared at him in awe. Maybe I should have been insulted by the nickname, but hearing him explain it, I can't feel anything but warmth at his words.

*

We sat in silence as we ate, the silence feeling almost comfortable. I moaned at the taste of the soup. Sebastian looked at me with a look I couldn't identify. I nervously looked at my bowl and set my spoon down.

"Eat up Little One, you need to build your strength up." Still thinking about his reaction, I slowly ate my soup. Savouring every bite.

I ate as much as I could before I felt sick, Sebastian looked at the half-empty bowl, and shook his head, "You done, sweetheart?" I nodded, "Ok, let's get you to bed then. You look like you're gonna fall asleep in your soup." I nodded sleepily, barely registering his words. He chuckled and picked me up, holding me to his chest. Before I could stop myself, I grabbed his shirt with my fist and cuddled closer. I froze, waiting for his reaction. But all he did was hold me closer, and rub his hands down my back.

I felt safe.

Thank you so much for reading! Let me know what you think!

Thanks,

-ej