Page 112 of Dream Mates
Grace shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“Okay,” I soothed. “It’s okay if you’re not ready. It’s also fine if you’re never ready.” I had some incredible ideas for her if she ever wanted to try.
“Really?” She took a chip from the bag.
“Really. Here, let me undo Evan.” I pulled Evan to me and explained to Grace exactly what I was doing, showing her every tie, every knot, just like I had with Brennan, and assuring her that I check in every step of the way.
There were a lot of ways that she and Brennan were alike, though I wasn't sure either of them realized it.
“And he can ask you to stop?” The anxiousness still lurked in her eyes.
“Always. Just like if I’m uncomfortable with something, I can stop. It’s about comfort, safety, and trust. So much trust, Babydoll.” I put the rope back in my bag.
“Oh.” She rubbed her wrists absently.
I nodded to the scissors. “In case we need a quick exit. Ropes are replaceable.”
“Okay.” Tears pricked her eyes.
I put the scissors in, zipped up the bag, and moved it out of her sight. I held her to me. “You can ask all the questions in this house, always, okay?”
“Okay.” She started to cry.
I held her tighter. “We’re right here.”
Evan joined our hug, stroking her hair. “We love you, Peaches. You know, maybe we should watchThe Last Stand of Small Penis Man?I think we need something silly.”
“Okay. Jett, how did you learn it?” She stole another chip.
“I learned a lot of the same things my alpha brothers and cousins learned. Unlike some families, mine thinks knowledge is power. They figured it would make me more useful and valuable as a beta. I showed a talent for this, so when I moved here, my family arranged for me to continue studying it.” Growing up, they made me feel special for being a beta, like there were things only I could do.
If only more families were that supportive of their beta kids.
“The pictures Evan showed me were pretty.” She nodded.
He’d shown her those? They were extraordinary. We had one up on the wall in the playroom.
“I like creating art. Yes, I absolutely tie Evan up and rail him sometimes. But it doesn’t have to be like that–and everything is with consent and is agreed upon,” I assured.
“Using safewords is always okay,” Evan added.
“If you want to watch sometime, we can do that,” I offered.
“Now for the good stuff.” Evan got the gummy bears out. “Want one?”
Grace nodded. I was about to have her try half when she put the whole thing in her mouth.
“While I didn’t do anything in undergrad, we did occasionally take edibles and watch weird movies while I was getting my PhD. I’m guessing these are about the same.” She snuggled between us on the couch.
Evan took a blue gummy bear and turned the movie on. I put the lid on the tin. I shouldn't be getting high, since I had no idea how Grace would react, and no one else was home. Maybe when Brennan got home I’d have one.
The movie started. It was a very silly, over-the-top, badly-dubbed action movie, and didn’t seem to have much plot. But Grace and Evan laughed hysterically like it was the funniest, most well-written movie ever.
Grace was also very snuggly, pretty much laid out over our laps. I stroked her hair, enjoying spending more time with her.
She and Evan started feeding each other cookies. The movie was nearly done. Yeah, it would be much better if I was high. Another time. I grabbed a cookie.
My phone buzzed.
