Page 21 of Echoes of Fear

Knox doesn’t move from his spot, and I can see him visibly shaking.

“I didn’t order anything.”

He rushes back over to the door and stands there. I’ve done my research on his phobia since the first time I was here. Part of agoraphobia is a fear of not being able to escape a place or situation. So, I understand that he’s making sure he has a way to leave when he stands in the hall.

I also understand Subs. Especially Little Subs.

“Knox, come here,” I say.

“Taylor, he needs to feel safe,” Blaze says. “He needs space.”

“No,” I disagree. “What he needs is to not think. Now, Pup, turn off your mind. Don’t think about what you want to do. I only want you to do what I tell you to do. Come. Here.”

There’s a moment of hesitation where he wants to argue. But now is not the time for that. He’s going to have a full-blown anxiety attack any second now if I don’t stop it.

“Pup, I’m coming over there to get you,” I warn.

“Don’t push him, brother,” Steel growls.

“I think a little shove is exactly what he needs,” I say, bending to scoop the frozen man into my arms and heading back to the couch. “I need you two to trust me.”

I look back and wait for them to nod before taking my seat and relaxing into the same position we were in before.

“Cccan’t bbreathe,” Knox pants.

“Focus on my voice, baby boy,” I say. “Don’t worry about anything else but the sound of my voice.”

I take a deep breath and start singing. I don’t stop until I’m five songs in and Knox is sound asleep.

No one has spoken a single word as they all waited.

“Didn’t know you could sing, brother,” Steel says quietly.

“And you don’t suck,” Blaze adds.

Fuckers.

“What’s in the package?” I ask.

“It’s from his gran,” Jax answers. “A new stuffie and some candy.”

I raise my brows in question.

“His grans a Little, too,” Blaze answers. “It’s actually how he found out that he was. His gramps told him.”

“He must have a strong relationship with them,” I observe.

“They practically raised him,” Steel answers.

“How young does he regress?” I ask.

I know that all the Obsidians know Knox is a Little, and all my men have been around Littles. No part of this conversation is awkward with this bunch.

“Not too young,” Steel says. “When he regresses, he typically watches cartoons and plays with his Legos or video games.”

“And he’s a complete brat,” Blaze smiles fondly at the man in my arms.

“Ah, so he’s borderline Middle,” I smile.

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