Royal's Belonging

Surprisingly Gentle

Anna’s POV

         I snuggled deeper into my pillow, sighing in contentment. Suddenly, I feel arms tighten around my shoulders and waist. Sitting up quickly, I become dizzy with the sudden movement.

         “Slowly kitten, lay back down.” As I am guided to lay back, my vision clears and I see it was Nicholai whom I was using as a pillow. I freeze and fear enters me at the sight of him. What does he want? Is he going to hurt me?

         “Sshh, sshhh kitten, you’re ok,” He says pulling me to his chest, “I will not hurt you. Please, do not fear me, you need rest.” He pulls my fuzzy blankets up to keep me warm, all while holding me gently to his body.

         I start to relax as he rocks me gently, holding me close. I will never admit it, but I feel so safe and warm in his arms. With him holding me and running his fingers through my hair. Unconsciously, I snuggly deeper into his hold.

         “Kitten,” He murmurs in my hair, “Will you eat something. It doesn’t have to be much, but I need you to eat.” I nodded slightly. Within minutes there was a knock on the door. Dominic stuck his head in and smiled slightly at the sight of me cuddled up into Nicholai.

         “Hey doll,” He says bringing food into the room for me, “How you feeling?” I shrug not quite sure how I feel. I mean, I am relieved to be out of that cell, but also scared if worse will happen to me by their hands. Honestly, I was shut off from my emotions at the moment. I knew if I started to feel I would break down and have an anxiety attack from what happened in that room.

         “Anna,” Nicholai breaks me out of my thoughts, “come back to me. Are you ok? You zoned out for several minutes.” He laid a hand on my cheek to make me look at him.

         “I-I,” great, I still stutter, “I ju-just thi-think-ing.” I try to turn my head away but his hand held firm. I glance up through my eyelashes to see concern etched on his face.

         “About what?” He asks. I feel conflicted. I thought he hated me, he threw me in a freezing cell and left me for hours. Now he is so gentle and caring. I start to sob. I can’t process everything that has been happening.

         “s**t,” he looks panicked, “Sshhh kitten, it’s ok, you’re ok. You don’t have to talk just now. I promise you’re safe ok? It may not always feel like it, but I promise you’re ok.” He held me tightly until my tears slowed and stopped.

         “We don’t have to talk,” he starts after some time, “But I need you to eat. It’s chicken noodle soup, you only have to eat till you are full.” I nod slightly and he shifts us so we are both sitting. He leans over to get the bowl of soup before settling me back against him.

         “Sleep kitten.” He murmurs after setting the bowl aside. He laid us back down and pulled my blankets up. “You’ll learn kitten, you’ll like this life eventually.” He says as I drift off.

Nicholai POV

         I laid there thinking as her breathing evened out and heartbeat slowed. She looks so content when she is sleeping. I will never tire of her sleeping safe in one of our arms.

         I don’t think she realizes just why I was so gentle and caring when she woke up. I had to punish her, maybe it was excessive, but she needed punishment. She disobeyed, fought, yelled, and struck me. Out of the four of us I was the harshest.

         I demanded the most out of a girl. I gave the worst and most memorable punishments. All four of us are into b**m in one aspect or another. Alexei is a dominate, Damien is a daddy, Dominic switches between daddy and master depending on the situation and the girl he is with, and I am a master.

         I treat my girls as property who exist to please me. I use them, hurt them, punish them, and care for them in my own ways. I will never punish her without taking care of her afterwards.

         Today was an example. Anastasia disobeyed and disrespected me so I punished her. I then made sure she had all the care and attention she needed after her punishment. Yes, her punishment was more severe than I intended, but I learned from that mistake.

         Tomorrow I will have us all talk to her and learn what happened to her. We all need to know not only because of our chosen lifestyles but because she is our mate. Uhg, that is going to be a miserable conversation. Day and Dom might have to drop her to little space so she is comfortable enough to tell us.

         Might as well go talk to the guys and figure out how we want to approach that talk. I slowly shifted Anna out of my arms, making sure to not wake her. Standing up, I lean over and pull her blankets higher before kissing her forehead softly.

         Where are you guys? I mind link on my way out of Anastasia’s room.

         We need to talk. Meet in Alexei’s office?

         Man, why does it always have to by my office? Alexei jokes in response.

         Cause ours are either messy or horribly messy. I snark back. Although that wasn’t entirely true, sure they had a few more papers scattered around, but they were still incredibly neat.

         I walked into Alexei’s office and went behind his chair. He glanced up before leaning his head back onto me.

         “Why do I get the feeling all of us will hate this conversation?” He asks still leaning back on me.

         “I think we’ll hate tomorrow’s conversation more.” I replied as Dom and Day joined us in the office.

         Needless to say, it was a long conversation. I think we have a good idea what to do in any situation tomorrow. Dom and Day will drop her if she needs it. Alexei will ask most questions if she isn’t little and I will be the physical force if necessary.