Chapter 11

CHAPTER11

He’d wanted to settle her into bed so he could go off and ruminate about the things he’d learned. Mates, it turned out, weren’t quite as easy to deal with as his usual victims were. He didn’t need to be concerned about their wants or feelings. The end goals were drastically different.

He needed her to love him, or at least be happy enough with him that she would agree to stay at the end of the year. Love would grow after that, especially with someone who yearned for punishment. His plan had been a sure thing, or so he’d thought.

Gratitude and luxury were powerful motivators for humans. Between that and his ability to fill her darkest fantasies, he was sure everything would go perfectly. He’d been wrong.

He was making mistakes, and he didn’t like it. The clothes… he’d only been thinking about how expensive they were. How she’d be awed by the cost of them and thrilled they were hers. The practical aspects had escaped him.

People who grew up in poverty longed for wealth. In his role as Krampus he stripped villains down to their core desires, exposing all those base wants and fears, so he knew he wasn’t wrong. But maybe… some of them were a little more complicated.

This was all turning out to be so much more difficult than he’d anticipated.

She wanted more than just the physical things he’d promised. Now instead of going off to reconsider his plans, he was lying in bed with her hot ass pressing up against him, because she’d specifically requested he stay. He wasn’t sure why he’d agreed.

Not that it wasn’t nice. There was something relaxing about her presence, even if it was causing him some discomfort. She was warm and soft—and there wasn’t a lot of either of those things in his life.

When her breathing slowed and evened out, he allowed himself a few moments just to look at her. One hand went up to brush her hair back off her face, so he could watch her sleep. She looked innocent, fragile even. A surge of protectiveness washed over him, and he slid an arm around her, pulling her closer.

Yes, this was nice, but it was also confusing.

He’d been ready to shower her with gifts, dominate her, punish her, and of course fuck her until she couldn’t walk. Cuddling hadn’t really been on the list. Of course he’d assumed there would be a growing affection as they got to know each other, but he’d thought it would take time for both of them.

As much as she’d fantasized about punishment, the reality was bound to be different. And even if she needed and wanted it on some level, it would take time for her to accept that. He’d expected resentment, maybe a little fear until she adjusted.

Of course, he was confident he would win her over eventually, by giving her everything she wanted to take away the sting of the less enjoyable activities. But she was already talking about romance. Dates? Cuddling?

Master had never felt out of his league before, but now he was starting to wonder if he really knew what he was doing. It galled him to admit his siblings might have been right.

It had become obvious very soon after Daddy had stepped forward to find his mate, that the Collective was vulnerable to their humans. He’d watched how quickly each had changed, softening and indulging their mates.

He’d been convinced it wouldn’t happen that way with him, but now he was no longer sure what to think. His uncertainty must have attracted the attention of the Collective.

You seem to be struggling, Hero said. His mental tone held a hint of amusement.

Master was tempted to shut him and the others out. Instead he sighed and gave in. There were only six creatures in the whole world who knew what he was going through right now, so he might as well make use of their experience.

I am, he admitted. I wasn’t expecting things to move so quickly. She’s been in my home for less than a day and already… How could he explain that he felt himself softening so soon.

That’s how it goes with mates. I think if it didn’t move quickly, you’d know she wasn’t the right one.

Yes, but I had a plan. Only after thinking the words, did he realize how silly it sounded.

Oh, I know. We all have plans in the beginning, Master. I don’t think plans and mortals mix well. They bring too much chaos.The sense of amusement had gotten stronger.

How do you deal with it?Master couldn’t help the frustration that dripped from every word.

You learn to let go of your expectations. Let things develop without trying to influence the path. You’ll get where you need to go. We have. Did you think this was what I intended when I went to find my mate?Hero laughed. I don’t even have the same name because she believed I was more Hero than Lord.

And that was part of Master’s concern. He didn’t want to let go of who he was. She should change to suit him, not the other way around.

He remained silent.

Hero sent a small wave of reassurance to him. Just let things happen. I doubt you’ll regret the results.

I’m not sure about that, but… I’ll try. I think I might have held back if I’d realized how much work it was going to be. Not sure any of this is worth it, Master said.

You know you can’t lie to Krampus, brother.Hero laughed as he pulled away, breaking the connection and leaving Master to his own thoughts again.

It was irritating but Hero was right, it was a lie. He’d only had the briefest taste of what having a mate was like, and already he was hooked. No, he wouldn’t want to go back now.

But he was going to have to change his course, because Hero was right about that too. Plans were useless when it came to humans. He no longer even felt like he wanted things to follow the original path.

For once in his long life, maybe he’d just let things go where they would and try to keep up, no matter how unsettling it was.