7. Elera
Chapter seven
Elera
The change in Hazelle was already evident, and I couldn’t wait to see who she became after some time here.
We walked around outside, feeling the dirt beneath our feet and grass between our toes as we went. It was a nice calm morning, just cool enough that we weren’t uncomfortable, but the sun was shining, so our little clothing wasn’t an issue either.
For some time, we remained quiet between questions from Hazelle that I happily answered, but there were a few I couldn’t dive into. My Mistress made a few things clear last week before she settled on getting me Hazelle. She was to have whoever we chose first, I wasn’t to speak about her past because she wanted to disclose everything herself, and that was it. Everything else was open, and I was happy Hazelle was responding well to everything I said.
The only thing so far that got her was the parties and us being used. She brought it up again, and I tried my best to calm her, but it didn’t seem to help.
“It’s almost lunch time,” I said, changing the subject. “Did you have any requests?”
“No, I don’t think so.” I sighed and pulled her to a stop, looking into her blue eyes.
“I promise it’ll be okay, Hazelle. You’ll see tonight.”
Her eyes dropped, and I wished there was something I could do to convince her. Tonight would be a big test for her, and I felt like there was so much more I should tell her, but nothing came to mind. We had gone over the rules multiple times; over lunch, I planned to have her order things for her room and nest and some clothes; and My Mistress would join us later before the party. Everything was in line, but I was uneasy. Maybe that had more to do with Hazelle being under my care than anything else. This was all new to me as well.
“Let’s go eat and buy you some pretty things, then My Mistress will pick our outfits for tonight. I’m sure if you wanted to wear that collar, she’d let you. We need to order some of those for you as well.” My excitement ramped up again. My Mistress let me buy some things for her, but never to this extent.
“Okay,” was all Hazelle said before we got on with our afternoon.
“How about this one?” I asked as I scrolled through the clothing on the laptop with a bowl of loaded potato soup in front of me. Hazelle had the same but a smaller amount and a side of grapes.
This laptop was my own. I also had a cell phone, a few gaming consoles, and so on. I rarely had my phone on me though. There was never a place to put it, and I was always with the one person I spoke to anyway. With Hazelle in the mix, maybe it would be useful to figure out how to carry it with me now. “That’s fine too.”
“But do you like it?”
“Would you like it on me?” Hazelle took another spoonful of soup, completely misunderstanding what this shopping spree was about.
“It only matters if you like it. I think you’d look cute in everything. Besides, this is all stuff for now while we work on getting you healthy. We will have these little sessions quite a bit until we know your regular size.” I flipped through some more, adding random things to the cart. A good amount of it would work on her now and later, and even me if she didn’t like it. I had some things I would be giving her as well. The skirt she wore was a good example. Yellow wasn’t my color, but it suited her well.
When I glanced up, Hazelle was intently staring at her bowl of soup. Had I said something wrong?
“Are you okay?”
She didn’t move besides closing her eyes for a second. “Ye—” she started, then paused. “No. I’m not sure how to handle it when you mention me being healthy. Not in a bad way, it’s just not something anyone else has been concerned about, outside of my fertility. It’s nice but jarring.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m excited that you’re already opening up, and I got a little ahead of myself. There’s still so much we have to get through, but we will, together.” I leaned over and rested my hand on hers. “Now, if it helps, I’ve added a few things I want. If you want to pick some stuff for me too, you can. It doesn’t all have to be for you if that’s making it worse.”
She nodded and pulled the laptop closer to her, examining the pieces on the screen. I generally ordered from one shop. They had the things I liked and were more than willing to make custom items when asked. If we had a party here in a few months, maybe Hazelle would be comfortable helping design one then. I’d say for my birthday, but I didn’t want to stress Hazelle out anymore than necessary.
“I like this one.” She pointed to a translucent, dark purple, midi-length skirt with lace around the hem and lace flowers all around the skirt. It was really cute, and considering I had never seen it before, I figured it was new.
“Add it. I think that will look lovely on you.”
She did as instructed, then asked, “What would be a good top with it? Oh, well, um, underwear too.” A cute blush graced her cheeks, and I smiled.
“How about a yellow that matches your skirt?”
“Your skirt,” she corrected.
“Nope, it’s yours now. No arguing. I will put it in your closet whether you agree or not.”
Her nose scrunched slightly, and I knew a little part of her wanted to argue, but a bigger part liked that I was giving her things and didn’t expect anything in return.
She nodded and navigated to the lingerie section and set the filter to yellow.
“How about this one?” Hazelle pulled up a dandelion yellow teddy that was very plain overall. There were no frills, no lace, or anything of the sort, minus a small puff of lace and tulle flaring out from the straps. The rest was solid yellow with clean lines. It was an adorable piece and would add a bright pop of color to the dark skirt.
“I love it. Add it!” On we went, adding many items to the cart. It was very colorful and was reminiscent of what I already had, but I didn’t tell her when I already owned something. This was hers and hers alone. If she outgrew something she liked, we’d order a new one, or maybe I’d have it and would give it to her. She seemed to like getting things that were mine, like the collar.
That was next on the list, and we spent quite a bit of time on it but only picked out two. Hazelle was partial to the blue one I gave her, so we settled on two that were similar. One had the same blue with no crystals, and the other was a yellow she seemed to be drawn to now and had a similar crystal pattern to the one she currently wore. I secretly added a few more though, just in case.
The afternoon was nearly gone, lunch had finished long ago, and we had some snacks while we shopped. I even found a few garters that could hold a phone and added those to the cart before buying it all without question.
All that was left was waiting for My Mistress and getting ready for the party. Dinner would be served there, so we would wait until then to eat. Of course, I made sure Hazelle had enough snacks so it didn’t feel like she was going so long without food. I didn’t want her stepping back into a routine of not eating. I realized it had been less than twenty-four hours, but still, I refused to let it happen.
“Are you two ready?” My Mistress asked from behind us. “I didn’t expect you to still be in the dining room.”
She stood in the doorway, wearing a dark green pencil skirt, a black lace-covered corset with straps, and blood-red stilettos. Her red hair was pulled back into a high pony, and the curls still fell nearly halfway down her back. As always, her lips were red, and her eye shadow was smokey. Even when working, My Mistress dressed like the mistress she was. She never claimed to be anything else and knocked down anyone who questioned it.
I didn’t know exactly what she did for the family business, but I did know she worked closely with Adira, her cousin, at times. Speaking of, I wondered if she, Nyla, and their baby wanted to visit. I was certain Hazelle would love Nyla, and getting to know another Omega in our world would be great for her.
That could wait. There was one thing I wanted to ask before we got dressed.
“Hazelle had a request.” I turned around and beamed up at My Mistress.
“Oh?” My Mistress glanced at me, then at Hazelle who was trying her best to hide. “And what is that?”
Hazelle had been calm for most of the day. I didn’t think about what My Mistress’ presence would do to her. Apparently, she was fine with me, but My Mistress was an entirely different story.
“Hazelle?” I said, reaching out to her. She had frozen in place with her eyes locked on the floor by My Mistress’ feet. “I can ask. You don’t have to. She isn’t going to be mad about it. She isn’t Oros.”
I glanced back at My Mistress who had a raised brow, most likely due to the name I just mentioned. She’d keep that tidbit to herself, and if he ever showed his face, well, I wouldn’t want to be him.
“Elera, let me.”
I didn’t question My Mistress. As much as I wanted to care for Hazelle and protect her, I would never ignore a direct command from My Mistress. I sat back in my chair and watched her kneel in front of Hazelle, reaching her hand up to grip her jaw. Her touch was firm but not harsh or painful. My Mistress turned Hazelle’s face so she was looking right at her.
“We have a party to attend tonight, my sweet pet. I need you to be good for me and behave, but cowering is not the same as behaving. You do not have anything to fear here. Nothing will happen to you tonight that you will not enjoy. No one besides Elera and myself will touch you. You have my word.” My Mistress leaned forward, pulling Hazelle’s face down to her, and kissed her, leaving behind the tell-all sign of her red lipstick. “Now, what did you want to ask?”
Hazelle’s eyes were saucers as she looked at our mistress. For a moment, she didn’t speak, but finally, she quietly asked, “Can I cut my hair?”
My Mistress burst into laughter and stood up, pulling Hazelle with her. “That’s all? Of course you can. If someone tried to tell me I had to have my hair a certain way, they’d come out scarred.” My Mistress cupped Hazelle’s face, appraising her. “But that’s a good pet for asking, for having the courage to ask. What would you like to do with it?”
Hazelle blushed again, even harder than before. Praise was something she truly enjoyed, and My Mistress gave it out like candy when we were good.
“Um,” Hazelle started, then glanced at me for help, but I wasn’t involved in this. She had to handle it on her own. I could never protect her when My Mistress was involved because she didn’t need saving. She was safe, even if she didn’t fully understand it yet. Understanding that I wasn’t going to step in, Hazelle continued, “A pixie cut. I want it all gone.”
“All of it?” My Mistress asked.
“I don’t—It doesn’t—” Hazelle started hyperventilating, and tears formed in her eyes.
“Oh, my pet.” My Mistress pulled Hazelle in, crushing her to her body. “I was simply ensuring that’s what you wanted. It doesn’t matter to me what length your hair is. It can all go. It can all go before the party even. Just as Elera likes her short hair, I like mine long.”
Hazelle remained frozen in My Mistress’ arms, but I saw the relief flash in her eyes before she closed them, enjoying the physical affection from our Alpha. She’d do just fine. I knew it.