Page 27

He made a face, then shook his head. “Not really. I had to promise Reese and Colt to work on controlling my temper. Which pissed off Axel like whoa.” He flashed the tiniest grin at that, at least.

I smiled and walked over to stand next to him. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you took him out. And you can usually read the Founders’ thoughts on things between the lines. The lines being the punishment. If it’s severe, they don’t want a repeat.”

I knew for a fact that Reese wasn’t even annoyed with Noa’s “infraction.”

He bobbed his head. “That’s what Daddy and Uncle Lucian said.” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “My problem with the whole thing is that Axel hit a nerve.”

I’d figured it was something like that. I’d seen some of the comments online before they’d been deleted.

Axel had made Noa feel like he didn’t contribute. That he was weak and immature.

“It does get old sometimes when people treat me like I can’t do anything,” he admitted.

I furrowed my brow. “Who treats you like that?”

“That’s the thing,” he chuckled without humor. “Nobody. It’s part of the kink. I know I’m cute as fuck. I know I’m little in every sense of the word. I’m no threat to anybody—and I love that as a Little. I love the banter I have with all the Daddies and Sadists out here. I wouldn’t change that for the world.”

“I’m sensing a but coming.”

He released a breath and nodded once. “Every pat on the head still registers, and I’m not always a Little.”

I got that. I saw it especially with the brats who spent most of their time out here in their Little or Middle space. They became that person, because it was the side of them we saw the most.

My dynamic with River and Reese was different. I was usually more comfortable in my Middle space when we were behind closed doors. So, out here, among friends and whatnot, members usually saw me as a masochist. Or just Shay. Plain and simple.

Based on our behavior, people would likely not guess I was only a year or two older than some of the Littles, like Corey, Noa, Kit… Or hell, Jordan, the new guy, who was actually older than me.

If I were Noa, I’d probably be frustrated too.

“Have you talked to your Owners about this?” I wondered.

He nodded. “Daddy, at least. He offered to talk to whoever—if I want anybody’s treatment to change, but I just don’t. I’m stuck. Like…” He scratched his elbow. “My littleisms feed off others. You know? Like when Mister Colt or Mister Ash or Mister Reese goof with me, I feel even littler, and I love that. Their energy is part of this place—part of what makes it so easy to anchor myself to this community. I know who I am out here.”

I nodded too, understanding very well.

“I’m the same way at home,” he added. “It’s almost a struggle to slip out of the kink, ’cause I respond so well to KC’s and Lucian’s dominance.” He huffed to himself. “It’s a mess. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.”

I shrugged. “You don’t have to do anything right now. Give it time.”

He chewed on the inside of his cheek and glanced up at me.

“It sounds like me and my damn future,” I offered. “But River and Reese finally got through to me. I don’t have to decide now. There’s no rush.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Daddy said something similar. That there’s no deadline to figure crap out.”

“There you go.” I nudged him lightly. “And hey, in the meantime, if you want a pain session, maybe have your Daddy talk to my Daddy. They’re gonna go to town on me tonight. Perhaps you and KC can join.”

“Oof.” He rubbed his jaw. “I would not mind a meltdown, actually.”

Same here. I needed to sink into my maso side for a bit. The move had prevented us from going very far the past month or so, and I was itching to give my mind a break.

“I’ll ask Daddy,” Noa said firmly. “But speaking of not that, when are you gonna introduce us to your new puppies?”

I cracked a grin. “I’m actually gonna go home and walk them now. They’re too young to be left alone for longer than a little while. Wanna come with?”

“Gosh, yes. Lemme just talk to Daddy. I really want that painy fun.”

I hoped they could join.