Page 33 of Bear’s House

"What about you, Max?" Henry asked. "Do you like spankings? Want a beer?"

"I don't drink," Max said, still very quiet. "And I've never had a spanking. I'm a little scared of it, honestly. I watched some videos online and they scared me."

"Oh, don't worry," I said. "It's different in real life."

"It hurts more," Henry added, completely unhelpfully.

I smacked his arm.

"Stop scaring him, he's new to all this!"

"You're so annoying, JJ," Henry sighed.

Max looked like he was finding our dynamic a little bit funny.

"I'm kidding," Henry said, more seriously. "You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. You know all about safewords, right?"

Max nodded.

"I did a lot of research. I spent years just reading about it — I never thought I'd actually work up the nerve to come somewhere like this."

"The first time is always scary," I said. "But after a while it feels like a second home. Especially when it's not this crowded. They have tons of juices and sodas too, for people who don't drink. There are so many littles here — you can order whatever you want at the food stall, or ask permission from your Dom to order, the way I do."

"Or you can just order without asking for permission and deal with the consequences," Henry said.

"No, no, don't even think about that," I said to Max, giving Henry a look. "I personally can't risk it. My Daddy promised that the next time I act up, I'm getting figged."

"What's that?" Max asked.

Henry and I exchanged a glance.

"It's when they put a peeled ginger root in your bottom," I said. "It burns quite a bit."

Max looked shocked.

"But that's pretty niche, don't worry," I added quickly. "And you never have to do anything you don't want to."

"I think I'm more of a soft little," Max said thoughtfully. "Do you think I'll find a Dom who's okay with that?"

Henry and I both nodded enthusiastically.

"There are all kinds of Doms out there," I said. "You'll definitely find someone."

We crossed the main room toward the table where Daddy was sitting. The Hearth was beautiful that night — upbeat electronic music, the fireplace going as always, the amber light turned down even lower than usual for extra comfort. Lots of people dancing, talking, sitting at the big oak tables. All the kink equipment was in use — spanking benches, the cage, Saint Andrew's crosses.

I spotted Gustav rushing back and forth across the room. Poor guy — he almost never got to rest when he was on duty. I definitely would not want his job.

Sawyer was with the other middles, playing video games with about ten people watching around them. EA Sports FC. Sawyer was very good.

We reached Daddy's table. Mikey was in his lap, playing with Teresa the doll. Elizabeth, Jeffrey, Dominic, and Esteban were there too, talking. Rex was at Esteban's feet, looking perfectly content just to sit there. Lucy was in Elizabeth's lap — Elizabeth was brushing her hair with a hairbrush, and when Lucy reached up to interfere, Elizabeth gave her hand a sharp little tap with the brush.

"Hands down, princess. I'm the one doing the brushing."

"Yes, Mommy," Lucy said, immediately obedient.

Everyone seemed to be on their best behavior that night.

"What is it, my love?" Daddy asked when he saw me arrive.