Chapter Nineteen
Blythe sat in their living room reading a book in front of the fire. She was actually clothed this morning. It was a rarity in their house, which made her question Ganza when she’d pulled the outfit from the closet.
“Are you sure he said so? I’ll be the one paddle if you’re wrong.” Blythe stared at the woman intently, watching for any facial signs that might give her away as lying.
“I believe my hearing is fine, girl. He told me to dress you today, so don’t go looking for this gift with side-eye. Just be glad and put them on. You’ll probably wish to be free of them in two hours and then will be whining to your Daddy about taking them off.” The old goat rolled her eye dramatically while Blythe fought the urge to spit a biting retort but decided she’d probably end up with a tail instead, so she swallowed the comment.
And even if she did whine to her Daddy later, what fucking business was it to this old coot? The chances were probably pretty high that she’d be annoyed with clothing; after all, she wasn’t used to wearing it most days.
She’d put on some cream-colored leggings with thick pink socks and a pale brown cashmere sweater that went past her hips with a cream and pink scarf to accent. Once downstairs, she determined that she’d stay out of the way and read a book in the den, minding her business until Xan came home from the office.
That was after her altercation with Agnes, the cook. When Blythe went into the kitchen, she was soundly rebuked and shooed out very rudely by Agnes.
“And you’ll stay out until I call ya. Don’t you dare come back in here unless you’re missing my spoon and a sore rump.” She waved that damnable spoon in her face. Blythe swore she wanted to snatch it from her hand and throw it down the hall. Instead, Blythe turned on her heel, muttering under her breath about bitches and menopause and being too old to work in the kitchen anymore.
“Maybe if I paddle your wee ass now, you won’t mutter under your breath but will be screaming what’s on your tongue. Should we try?” The cook flung the door open and started coming down the hall after Blythe.
Taking off on a dead run, Blythe shouted over her shoulder, “You must be hearing things. I’m not saying a word! I’ll go sit in the den.”
She’d been in the quiet room for over an hour, and it seemed that more bustle than normal occurred, but what did she know? This house befuddled her many days.
It had been three weeks since the women had gotten together and she was missing them already. She’d hoped that they would get together soon, and was almost afraid to ask Xan for fear that it would dredge up uncomfortable memories and concerns on both their parts.
Blythe only put her book down only for a moment to rest her eyes, but apparently had fallen asleep because she woke as Xan was picking her book off the floor. “Tired, baby girl?”
“Yeah, I guess. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. What time is it?”
Xan looked at his pocket communicator. “It’s almost three o’clock. I’ll get us a cup of coffee to help you wake up.”
Before she could stop him, he left on his mission. He came back a short time later with a steaming mug of coffee made the way she liked it, and one for himself. He situated himself next to her, rubbing her leg affectionately as he sipped the hot fluid.
“We have some guests coming soon.” He peeked at her over the mug, his eyes crinkled at the corners, full of mischief.
“Who?”
“You’ll see.” He set the mug down on the nearby table, doing his best to act nonchalant.
“Why are you being so mysterious?”
“Who? Me? I’m not mysterious at all. I’m just refraining from divulging any information.”
She furrowed her eyebrows at him, hating secrets, and he knew it. “You love the power, don’t you?”
“As a matter fact, I do.” He winked at her good naturedly.
It was then that the alert signal went off, informing them that someone had landed in the yard. She started to get up, knowing that they usually went to the windows and then the door to greet their guests, only to have him keep her seated on the couch.
“We’ll wait until Billex alerts us.”
She narrowed her gaze at him. “You’re being particularly strange today.”
“I don’t think you’re allowed to speak to me that way, pet.”
She didn’t pursue talking to him further. Instead, she smartly watched him.
What does he have up his sleeve?
A firm knock that was in the familiar rhythm used by Billex had them both rising.
Pointing at the couch, Xan ordered, “Sit and close your eyes.”
“Why are you—”
“Do it.” He used the voice that bridged no disobedience, so she quickly sat, covering her eyes with her hands.
His footsteps walked toward the door, and he said, “No peeking.”
A few whispered shushes and the rustling of clothing and footsteps was all she heard.
“Okay. Open them, Blythe.”
The first thing she saw was a cart with a huge pink cake with booties and chubby babies on the top, and a beaming Ganza smiling down at her saying, “Congratulations, sweet girl.”
* * *
Xan watched Blythe pull her hands down, and she saw not only all her friends but their Masters as well. Everyone had beautifully wrapped packages with them, and reiltas.
Brinley laughed, “I can see it on your face. I looked the same way, they’re called…” Looking at Rowth, they said it in unison. “They’re called reiltas. They’re a cross between a balloon and piñata, I guess. They’re filled with besloor; Xan says they’re your favorite treats and that you’ve been spanked for sneaking them.”
Blythe giggled, rubbing Xan’s arm. “Yes, he’s right. And I have been spanked for sneaking them.”
Jakk turned to Gav’n and said, “We need to try giving Mira some of these; maybe she’ll like them.”
Mira crinkled her nose up and said, “I kinda doubt it but we can try. I swear there’s nothing I enjoy eating here.”
“Daddy, can I get up?”
“Yes, you may, of course, pet.” Xan rose with her, holding her hand. That was until she yanked it away, screaming and running toward her friends who all hugged and giggled in a huddle. All the Pra’kirean men stood watching their alien women. Xan could tell by their looks of amazement that they were thinking like he.
What in the name of Na is this craziness?
Unclear on how to respond or what to do with all the talking, laughing and tears, Xan started gathering the wrapped packages and placing them on a table near the couch for Blythe to open later. Once coats were hung up and the men were stood in awe of the womanly chaos, Rowth decided enough was enough.
“Ladies. Ladies.” He cleared his throat and deepened his voice. “Enough!”
Everyone stopped talking and they stared at him confused, heads tilted gawping at him.
“Sorry.” He blushed a bit and looked a bit sheepish to Xan, and he almost chuckled out loud but decided it would ruin whatever dominance he was trying to exert with the cackling. “It’s time we sat down and let Blythe open her presents.”
The men motioned to chairs that had been set up during their conversation. The women would be seated in a semi-circle with a clear view of the festivities.
“When you’re done with the presents, we’ll have some cake and finger foods. I know, I know, most of you don’t like our food, but we are trying to make it more palatable for you. We’re hoping you’ll be pleased with some of the offerings.”
Xan then stood up. “We men will leave and let you women enjoy the baby presents, cake… and, well…to be yourselves. Just behave.”
“Thank you, Master.” Blythe stood up with tears streaming down her cheeks and embraced him tightly. “You’re the best Daddy around.”
The women all murmured “Awwwww.” Which did nothing to improve his harsh Master and Owner status in front of his peers, but he didn’t care at that point. The happiness and joy on his girl’s face made up for every bit of ribbing he knew he’d receive from the men.
“You have fun, pet.” He kissed her on the forehead and patted her ass, quirking an eyebrow at her hoping she’d heed his warning.
Brinley laughed and said, “Oooooooo, you’re in trouble.”
Rowth pointed a finger at her before he followed all the men out. “That goes for you too, Brinley. You know how punishments go around here. I’d stay on the straight and narrow if I were you.”
Xan had to chuckle when he saw Brinley stiffen and squirm in her chair, her face blushing. He didn’t anticipate any trouble from the women…today. They would have fun with all the baby clothes and toys, eating cake and laughing. It would be later down the road a bit that he’d have to worry about that.