IMDD CHAPTER 248 (Patreon)

“Da… daddy?” The little girl’s hesitant whisper cut through the silence.

Gage felt a wave of unexpected emotion. The title 'daddy' sat strangely on his ears, an unfamiliar melody that resonated deeper than he cared to admit.

He was uncharacteristically at a loss. He was a stranger to the art of comforting a child, yet here he was, feeling an inexplicable urge to protect and soothe. 

He crouched down, bringing himself to her eye level. "Hey there, little one," he found himself saying, his voice softer than he had ever heard it before.

In that moment, the intimidating man that he usually presented to the world fell away, revealing a glimpse of something more—a protective warmth, a willingness to be the guardian this child needed. As he extended a hand towards her, he realized that, just like that, this child had already unwittingly claimed a place in his heart.

"Let's get you back to your mom," he said gently, his words a promise in the growing darkness. "Don’t be scared. I will not hurt you," his voice a gentle rumble, uncharacteristic of the hardened tone he usually carried. He wasn't sure how he was able to speak this gently right now. 

When her innocent gaze simply blinked at him and still didn’t move, he began to wonder if he was doing something wrong.

"I might look scary, but I promise I’m not going to harm you," he persisted, his deep voice softening to a soothing whisper. He needed to reassure her and make her feel safe enough to come with him. He really needed to get her out of the cold.

The girl's voice, small and hesitant, broke through the wind. "Mommy told me not to go with strangers…" Her voice touched a chord within him. "But… if you’re really my daddy, I will go with… you…" Her sentence trailed off as another gust of wind made her tremble harder.

At that moment, Gage's protective instincts roared louder. He fought against the urge to sweep her up into his arms, to shield her from the cold and the fear. But he knew such a sudden move could frighten her more. Just how could he be a source of comfort without becoming a source of fear?

He extended his hand again. "Let's go find your mommy," he said softly. "She's waiting for you, and she's very worried. I'll keep you warm and safe."

"You’re my… daddy, right?" Her trembling lips and wide, expectant eyes were more than he could bear. 

"Yes, you’re right. I’m your… dad," he said, the word 'dad' feeling foreign yet strangely... saying it made him feel something inexplicable. 

Her eyes widened and sparkled with both relief and joy. In her gaze, he saw something akin to adoration—a look that said her hero had finally come. It was a look that pierced through his defenses, leaving him unexpectedly overwhelmed.

As her small hand tentatively met his, a current of emotion surged through him—a tide of feelings he couldn't quite name. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, her voice a blend of joy and relief. In a swift motion, she launched herself into his arms, embracing him with a trust and affection that was as pure as it was unexpected.

The world seemed to stop. Just what was this?

As he held the little girl, a storm of emotions raged within him, each one more baffling than the last. 

He embraced her, his arms enveloping her small frame with a tenderness he hadn't known he possessed. As his arms wrapped around her small frame, it felt like embracing a long-lost part of himself.

___

CHAPTER 249>>