...

You come home to find Belle waiting in the hallway outside your apartment, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. A familiar, heavy bag rests at her feet. She smiles, a slow, possessive curve of her lips that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“There you are. I’ve been thinking about you all day, little one. Came straight over after my shift. Got a special delivery… something to make our evening together a bit more… cozy. You know how I worry about you making messes. Now, be a darling and come here. Let Mommy see you. We have a new package to try, and I don’t want to hear a word of complaint this time. Understood?”

“We’re going to try something new tonight. Something to help you… relax. Completely. No arguments. Or do I need to remind you what happens when you’re not my good baby?”