Page 32 of Daddy's Oath
She was worried about playing with other Littles.
It had taken her most of the morning to grow even a tiny bit comfortable with the others who were visiting Auntie Athena’s. Now, though, they were heading to a place where there would be new people. And lots of them, from the way it sounded.
This was terrifying!
But, instead of saying no or protesting, she got on the bus with the others. She largely kept to herself during the trip, letting her mind wander and wonder what Ace was doing.
Was he okay? Had he made it in and out of her apartment safely?
Had he found anything in there?
There’s no need to worry about him,she reassured herself.Ace is tough and capable. He’s probably been in a lot tougher spots than this.
Besides, what if no one was after her? Those guys at her apartment might have just been thieves trying to break in and take stuff. Ace probably didn’t run into anyone when he was there.
Still, though, she wished she could talk to him. If only she had her cell phone. It then occurred to her that she didn’t have his number, so it didn’t really matter one way or another.
But surely Auntie Athena knew how to get ahold of him.
Getting up, she walked down the middle aisle of the bus until she got to Athena’s seat.
“You okay, honey?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Sit down. You shouldn’t be up while we’re moving.” Her tone told Lana that Auntie was concerned, not upset. She patted the seat. “You can ride with me, cute stuff.”
“Thank you, Auntie.”
Lana sat down and, in a move that surprised even her, laid her head on Athena’s shoulder. The older woman didn’t seem to mind one bit. She draped an arm over Lana’s shoulders. “What’s the matter, sweetie?”
Lana was barely keeping the tears at bay. She felt silly. But fear mixed with a sense of loss was closing in over her soul. The past twenty-four hours had been a lot. She was on the verge of breaking down.
“I miss my… life. Don’t get me wrong. I’m having fun. But…” She sniffled.
“You don’t have to explain, honey,” Athena told her. “You’re under so much stress. I hate that for you.”
Lana’s eyes felt heavy. The closeness of Auntie, combined with the humming of the motor and the vibration as the giant vehicle as it rolled along the highway, nearly put her to sleep.
After a yawn, she said, “I’m worried about Ace, too.”
“I can see why. But you needn’t be. I’ve known Ace and the other members of the Guard for a while. I’ve even seen them in action, out in the field, so to speak. They know what they’re doing.”
Lana sat up and looked at Auntie. “They really do this just to help Littles?”
“Yep.”
“They really care about us?”
Auntie reached out and took hold of her hand. “Yes, honey. Don’t get me wrong, they get paid. Stryker, Harrison, and some other folks bankroll them. But everyone needs money to live. And this whole thing was started by Littles—and people who care about Littles—because so many of you are in trouble.”
Lana thought about it for a moment. “Why do you think that is?”
“Well, some people see Littles as easy targets. It’s ridiculous. There are a lot of strong, brave Littles out there. Like you.” She playfully bopped her on the nose.
Lana giggled.
“I know things are crazy right now, honey,” Auntie Athena continued. “But please try to enjoy yourself today. Let the Guard do what they do best. They’ll find these guys. And they won’t let anything happen to you. I can guarantee you that.”
