Page 32 of Vabar

“Could we meet her?” another man asks.

“Today isn’t a good time. She’s exhausted from traveling, so she’s napping now. Perhaps some other day.” Daddy is a good liar. I’m grinning behind the blanket because I like this side of him—a side that’s protective of me and unwilling to share or take chances.

I think there are three guests. That’s how many voices I distinguish. And I nearly hold my breath until they’re gone.

Daddy’s footsteps approach. Even on the rubber I can hear him coming, or maybe I scent him as he gets close, and my brain tells me hearing him walk makes more sense.

I know when he arrives and squats in front of me. He chuckles. “I know you’re not sleeping, naughty pet.”

I peel back the corner of the blanket to see him. “I couldn’t fall asleep, Daddy.”

He reaches in and strokes my hair from my face. “You still need a nap, Little pet.” He wiggles his fingers between me and the marn, finds my pacifier between my breasts, and taps my lips with the nipple. “Suckle, Rava. Sleep for a while. Afterward, I’ll let you out.”

I sigh. “Yes, Daddy.” I am very tired. Not surprising. I couldn’t be more consistently stressed if I tried. A giant meteor slamming into the side of the space station wouldn’t have been as upsetting as being drugged, carted away from the only home I’ve ever known, and purchased by an alien man who intends to keep me as a pet.

“Rest, Little pet,” Daddy coos as he strokes my head. “I promise I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

My heavy eyes slide closed, and I sink into sleep so fast that I don’t notice how long Daddy is with me.

The next thing I’m aware of is being startled awake by loud barking. The usual low hum from the cacophony of pets is replaced by at least a dozen rowdy shorgs, all of whom are filling the shelter with their exuberance.

I lower the blanket and glance at the marn to make sure she’s okay. She’s fine. Sleeping through all the racket as if she’s deaf.

Chinz yips as he sets his front paws on my hip.

Trobu must have decided to lie down at some point, because he’s spread out on the floor, blocking the entrance to my kennel. But his ears perk up, and then he rises onto all fours. He does not move from outside the door to my cage, though.

Unnerved, I reach for the leash that runs from between my breasts to the eye hook in the floor and give it a tug, making sure I’m secure. I can’t believe I’m actually grateful for the leash. I breathe easier after determining I’m safely tethered. No one can get me. They’d have to saw me in half.

Even though I’m clearly a prisoner, at least I know who my owner is. The unknown is far more ominous. I wouldn’t want a stranger to kidnap me, especially since he would have nefarious motives.

Daddy arrives and squats in front of my kennel. “I can smell your fear, Little pet. Don’t worry. They’re all barking because it’s dinnertime. They’re waiting for their kibble.”

I let out a slow breath. That’s a relief.

Daddy scratches Trobu’s neck. “I’m surprised Trobu and Chinz haven’t joined in the barking. They seem to have decided they’re your protectors. So loyal they won’t abandon you for mealtime.” He chuckles.

I slowly push to sitting, carefully keeping the tiny marn in my arms.

When I wince, Daddy frowns. “What’s hurting, Little pet?”

“Nothing. I need to go potty.”

“Ah, right. I’m sorry. If you ever need to pee while you’re in your kennel, it’s okay to do so. The padding under you is absorbent.”

I purse my lips. There’s no way I would pee in a small cage.

Daddy nudges Trobu aside and opens the door. “Bed, Chinz,” he orders. “Bed, Trobu.”

The two of them glance at Daddy for a second before Chinz climbs over me and trots to his small pillow. Trobu does the same, but the two of them look in our direction with raised ears.

“The little marn needs to eat, too, Rava. Shall I hand her off to one of my staff?”

I shake my head. “Please, Daddy, may I feed her again?”

He hesitates, contemplating my request. I’m surprised when he grants it. “Yes, but you also need to eat.”

I sit taller, pleased that he’s interested in what I want. “Thank you, Daddy. I’ll eat right after I feed her. I should take care of her first, right?”