Insatiable

by JamesBondage (ao3)

Chapter 1: Under Her Spell

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

 

Time. The inexorable march forward. A precious commodity to most, though they rarely acted like it. A triviality to the Chosen, though they arguably spent more of their waking hours living in the moment. A paradox? Or just a cruel joke?

 

Did having time in abundance cheapen its value? That's how it worked for everything else. Scarcity determines value. If that were true, it would mean... No, time was different. No matter how much people imagined they had, they craved more. It was the one thing money couldn't buy and power couldn't seize.

 

Or rather, they pined for more until they grew old and frail. As their youth depleted and their faculties failed, it was understandable that the longing for more time ebbed. And that was the crux. How much more time would they desire if not for the specters of frailty, decay and irrelevance?

 

Cassandra had ruminated on this topic many times before and no doubt would again. She sipped her morning tea as she gazed out her living room window from the comfort of her leather sofa. It was a drab, overcast day, typical of Tumwater, Washington. A perfect day for her to go on a walk if she so desired. What did she desire? Cassie hadn't decided yet.

 

The slim, raven-haired beauty placed her mug on a coaster atop the coffee table. She took up her laptop, logged into her broker and checked her stocks. The market was up. She was wealthier today than she had been yesterday. And tomorrow she would likely be wealthier than she was today. Boring. Unworthy of her attention.

 

Cassie checked her news feeds. There was the usual political squabbling. A few minor conflicts among the various factions of the mundane. The outbreak of some new disease which would never threaten her. Nothing of great interest.

 

Perhaps this was a day for reading? There was always reading to be done. So much reading... It never ended. Occasionally it led to fascinating discoveries. The problem with ancient texts is that for each one with useful knowledge, there were nine hundred and ninety nine full of utter tripe. Each time you found a needle in the haystack you patted yourself on the back and began the search for the next one. It was necessary work if one wanted to advance in the fiendish underworld of which she was a part, but it had to be done in moderation. Otherwise, one would go mad.

 

Like all of her kind, Cassie was driven by her primal urges. Feasting and fucking ranked highest in her hierarchy of needs. In the old days, feasting would've placed a strong first. In modern times, the craving to rut and sexually conquer consumed her thoughts as thoroughly as she she dominated every man she got her hands on.

 

She could go to the Scarlet Sanctum, home of her clan, and have a few turns with whichever house slaves caught her interest. That's what she did most days. Mundane and Chosen males alike were abundant there, adorned in gleaming bondage and waiting to serve their betters. But that would also mean run-ins with her clan sisters and likely, Sadie, Headmistress of the Crimson Dawn.

 

That would lead to chit chat of fashion, banter of sexual exploits, invitations to dinner and oft rehashed arguments about the direction of their order. As much as she enjoyed the company of her contemporaries, Cassie had grown tired of the internal jockeying and bickering.

 

Besides, that was the easy path, If she was honest with herself, she'd taken it too often lately. It was time to get back to basics and find herself a new play-thing. Someone she could enjoy privately until she decided what use he would best serve. A personal servant and sex toy? Or more fodder for Sadie's Bordello? It was commonplace to experience the former before settling into the latter.

 

Any that angered her sisters would suffer a worse fate. A one-time slaking of the thirst before being disappeared and discarded. But that was rare these days. It was so much more gratifying to entrance, enslave and bind them in perpetual service. There was scarce cause for dispute when they were so easily seduced. The supernatural charms of Cassie and her like made men putty in their hands.

 

Despite their helpless nature and the cold utility through which men were often harvested, she hadn't given up on romance. The Chosen never could, no matter how old and cynical they grew. Love was the only thing better than lust. Better than sinking one's teeth into warm flesh. It was the rarest and most dangerous thing. The most tragic and beautiful of life's thorny mysteries. And Cassandra wanted to feel it again. It had been too long since she had.

 

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

 

Cassie glanced at the grandfather clock by her mantle. The morning was slipping away as she sat there, lost in thought. It was time to take action. She opened a fresh tab in her browser and navigated to Kinksters. It was the favored platform of the depraved who were looking for hookups, play groups and sometimes even long term committed relationships.

 

She hadn't logged on it at least two weeks. Predictably, Cassie was assaulted by a tidal wave of red notification markers. Hundreds of likes and comments. Over sixty instant messages from guys praising her profile, drooling over her pictures, begging her to dominate them. Men groveling at her virtual feet and offering anything for a chance to be with her.

Cassandra stopped reading after the first few and banished the messaging tab. She clicked into the Personals section and began a local search. Submissive men looking for women in a 25 mile radius. She began clicking through profiles hurriedly, dismissing them if she saw one trait she disliked or a single comment in their bio that annoyed her.

 

There was no shortage of handsome bitch boys to choose from, but she knew from experience that a lot of them were fakes. Some wanted to top from the bottom, others were cheating on their wives and some were reaching for a fantasy they enjoyed in porn but would run screaming from in real life once they got a taste. This mattered less to Cassie, since she could mold these sluts into whatever she wanted, but she felt bad for the average dominant woman who had to navigate all this nonsense.

 

After a few minutes of rifling through profiles, her hand pulled back from the touchpad.

 

“Hello there! What have we here?”

 

The profile name was 'MakeMeYours.' Twenty seven years old. Short, shaggy blonde hair, soft green eyes and well built. A former gymnast! That explained the body. Five foot ten? A little tall for a gymnast, but perfect for Cassie. That meant she could loom over him in her heels. She enjoyed looking down at her sub.

 

More importantly, he wasn't a bore. His bio seemed genuine. This young man was well spoken, with a wide variety of hobbies and interests. It seemed he'd just exited his first kinky relationship. His kink section was a mile-long list of things he still wanted to try. His orientation was listed as unsure. More than anything, he wanted to please and learn.

 

Cassandra's haughty expression turned soft and warm the more she read. She bit her lip as a light giddiness buzzed through her body. On a primal level, she couldn't wait to claim and corrupt this naughty little fuck. At the same time, there was a glimmer of hope that it might lead to something more. He was exactly the combination she was looking for. Assuming her own bio didn't scare him off, this was very promising.

 

Cassie hit the contact button on his profile and the messaging app popped up. She paused and looked out the window again, pondering what words would best entice him. After composing and sending the message, she'd head out for a walk.

 

It was an ideal day for a stroll. Gray and cloudy without the slightest ray of sunshine penetrating the gloom. An absolutely perfect day.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Kayden toweled himself off, glad to finally be free of the smells of grass and hedge clippings. The effects of a hot shower felt amazing on his sore body after six hours of landscaping. Once dry, he wrapped the towel around his waist and began inspecting himself in the mirror. He brushed his teeth while deciding if he wanted to shave his stubble or not. Unsure of what he was doing that night, he decided against it. No point if he was just loafing at home or heading to the bar to hang with his bros.

 

He exited the bathroom, walked a short distance down the hall, flipped his towel over the top of the door and stopped at his dresser. He pulled on his briefs, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before picking up his phone and giving it a quick check. He slid down his notification bar and noticed an icon he'd only seen once before, when he'd signed up for the app. It was an alert from Kinksters.

 

'Oh! A bite already?'

 

He'd only setup his profile a few days ago, so he was pleasantly surprised. Having been on other dating and hookup sites, he knew it was generally the men who did the pursuing and woman that did the replying. Now that he was explicitly looking for a Female Led Relationship, he hoped it might be a little different, but that optimism was tempered with the knowledge that dominant women were a coveted minority.

 

He also knew it shouldn't be that way. It was the societal barriers, expectations and old social norms that had created the imbalance to begin with. Sociology had been one of the few courses he'd enjoyed in college, and learning about the evolution of gender roles and sexual psychology while discovering and embracing his kinky side had been eye opening.

 

Of course women were reluctant to embrace a dominant role after being culturally conditioned to be submissive for generations. As much as things had changed, it was still ingrained in many facets of modern society. The more those barriers and expectations were destroyed, the more women would begin to embrace their power and feel free to explore, sexually. Had one such woman contacted him? It was time to find out.

 

Kayden tossed the phone on his bed, moved to his desk and plopped down in his plush leather office chair. He opened his laptop and the power notebook booted up quickly. Within seconds he was pulling up his browser and logging into Kinksters. Sure enough, there was a message waiting for him. He took a deep breath and opened it.

 

 

Greetings MakeMeYours,

 

It seems today is your lucky day. I am in the market for a handsome slut who's ready to serve and pleasure a Goddess. I see you're looking for “naughty fun and possibly more.” We have that in common. I've noted that your experience in BDSM is limited. In that, we are very different.

 

Have a look at my page and decide if you'd like to meet. You must, and I stress this, read my entire profile and view ALL my pictures before you make this decision. I won't have you claiming you weren't warned about what you're getting into.

 

If you're ready to be put in your place, call me. Conveniently, you are in Olympia, just north of where I live. I'd be happy to drive up for dinner whenever you're available.

 

I am waiting to instruct you. Don't make me wait too long, or I may find another toy to play with.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

EverThirsting

 

 

The phone number was listed just below her handle. It was a local number. Kayden swallowed. If he'd owned a folding fan, he would've been waving it against his flushed face right then.

 

'Dayum, she gets right to the point, doesn't she?'

 

The well toned blonde had never opened a profile page so fast in his life. He drank in her bio and the long list of her preferred kinks and activities. He gawked at her first few pictures. She'd listed her orientation as 'straight' but left her gender as 'not applicable.' Not too surprising. A lot of people did that these days if they didn't like the options they'd be given. Some did it simply as a form of protest. Her photos left no doubt that she was a woman in full bloom.

 

'Holy fuck! She's a smoke show! 10 out of 10. Lucky day, indeed!'

 

Kayden clicked through her full set of photos, his jaw on the floor as he scrolled through glamour shots and Femdom poses of the dark haired beauty. The gorgeous Goddess lounged in latex and stood proudly and defiantly in leather and high heeled boots. She was dominant sexual energy incarnate. Nothing surprised him until the last few photos.

 

“WHOOOOAAAA!!!”

 

They were pictures from the waist down. There was the big surprise, literally and figuratively, jutting out from her pelvis. She had a penis and it wasn't a small one. A long, thick hog. Easily twice Kayden's size when erect. Maybe more?

 

The young man ran a hand through his short, blonde locks. He hadn't been expecting that. Kayden wasn't turned off, necessarily, but... wow. Bit of a shock. Was that a foolish reaction? He'd listed pegging as one of his most desired kinks. He left his orientation as 'unsure.' He'd said he was open to new experiences.

 

The comments section for each picture of her girthy appendage and wonderfully thick thighs was a nonstop chorus of men, and more than a few women, praising her flawless form and begging to be her slave. Hundreds of eager submissives desperate to find a woman just like her. And yet, she'd sought him out?

 

There was no way Kayden could turn her down. He'd hate himself for the rest of his life if he did. He would regret it forever if he didn't have at least one experience with this beautiful Domme. Resolved, he swiveled around in his chair, stood and walked back to his bed. He picked up his phone and began dialing the number at once.

 

It rang. And rang. And rang some more. He clucked his tongue apprehensively and rolled his shoulders as he waited. His heart pounded like a drum. The ringing stopped abruptly.

 

“Speak” a sultry voice commanded from the other side.

 

A chill ran down Kayden's spine. His legs went weak.

 

“Hello. This is MakeMeYours. I got your message.”

 

“Oh. Hello there! You didn't make me wait long at all, did you? That's good, but did you follow the rest of my instructions?”

 

Her voice was pure honey. Mana from heaven. Was it possible to fall in love over the phone?

 

“I did.”

 

“Tell me, then. Describe what you saw.”

 

“I read every word of a profile on Kinksters and learned about a fascinating woman. I looked at every picture she had and was entranced by her grace and beauty.”

 

A sinister laugh reverberated through the receiver, followed by a brief pause. “Every picture?”

 

“Every last one.”

 

“Excellent. You follow instructions well. I take it you're ready to follow more?”

 

“Absolutely.”

 

“Are you free tonight?”

 

“If I had plans, I would cancel them.”

 

An amused chuckle replied. “Do you know where the Cascadia Grill is?”

 

“Yeah, that's not far from the main drag. I ate their once, years ago.”

 

“Best steak in Olympia” she stated confidently. “Let's meet there at eight o'clock. The crowd should be thinned out by that point. I've been dying for a good steak dinner.”

 

“You got it. I'll be there, Miss...?”

 

“Oh, how silly of me. We haven't even exchanged names.”

 

“I'm Kayden” he offered happily.

 

“Cassandra” she responded. “But you can call me Cassie.”

 

“Mistress Cassie?” he asked eagerly.

 

“Not yet. But we'll see.”

 

 

* * * * *

 

The wistful notes of Samuel Barber's Adagio For Strings flowed through the ornate study. The walls were lined with ancient books. The assortment of furniture arranged throughout the large room were all antiques, pieces from the Victorian period and beyond. Well polished hard wood fixtures that had survived the ages and been reupholstered many times in their long lives.

 

Sadie sat atop one such time-worn furnishing, her legs propped up on her favorite slave. She looked down at her blood-red heels. They contrasted nicely with the glossy black latex that covered Tristan's back. He quivered slightly, having held the position for a long while as Sadie read.

 

She loved Adagio For Strings . The pain and longing that had produced such a masterpiece was evident. It was sadness in its purest form. Every violin and cello relayed the suffering of ages. Each viola and bass rooted in anguish. Bound as surely as her slave was in glossy black.

 

Sadie enjoyed donning latex and leather as well, but not today. She was dressed in one of her many scarlet outfits, accented with black. Her corset was deep, lacy red, framed on both sides with black webbing. The front of it was decorated with shimmering white crystals that led up to her full, round, breasts. They burst from its opening; enticing peach-toned mounds on full display. Her long skirt was dark crimson, bathing her legs in the delicious feeling of purest silk. When on her feet, you could scarcely see the bottom of her boots. The end of her elegant dress hovered just an inch above the floor.

 

An inverted, bronze cross hung from her choker necklace. A wide stretch of glossy red webbing stretched around the back of her neck, adding style and elegance to her ensemble. She looked every bit the matriarch, because that's what she was. Fashion was the law in her order because dressing well was key to commanding respect. It was simultaneously a responsibility and a guilty pleasure that Sadie spent untold hours and vast sums of money reinforcing. She took it seriously and she made sure every member of her house did as well.

 

She turned the page of her book before lifting her feet from the gimp. He was splayed out on hands and knees before her, waiting patiently for Sadie's next command. “Tristan, be a dear and fetch me a CC. The thirst encroaches.”

 

He half-grunted as he stood, his aging limbs creaking after holding the position for so long. His glossy, black form bowed to her. The piercing blue eyes gazing out of the holes in his hood were the only distinguishing feature in his full-body fetish-wear. “Right away, Mistress.”

 

Tristan shuffled off and Sadie watched him go. He was so much slower now. Weaker. But that was to be expected. He was bordering on “old man” status at this point, and there was no going back. All the more reason to keep him in leather and latex at all times. It kept him appealing to the eye when she ravished him.

 

The song ended and another classical masterwork began as the gimp returned. He handed the clear, plastic sleeve filled with ruby-red fluid down to Sadie and she set her book aside. She grabbed it from him like a starving woman, ripped the cap off the top and began sucking it down. The thick, red liquid siphoned into her mouth rapidly. She sucked it dry and the plastic packaging collapsed like a perverse Capris Sun.

 

Refrigerated plasma. A cold carmine as her kind had nicknamed them. Not what any of them preferred, but they lived with it, because that was price of thriving in their new arrangement. Sure, they drank the warm nectar of life when they could. Without it, this existence was hollow and sad. A pale imitation of what it should be.

 

They no longer harvested the mundane on a whim. Imprudent feeding on the sheep caused too many problems for the wolves these days. Now, they were discrete. Disciplined. Sadie had seen to that. And any member of their society who violated that principle was dealt with harshly.

 

The thick, sucking sounds turned to popping air bubbles. Sadie tossed the empty plastic aside. She reached for her book and her gaze returned to her slave. She was ready to order him back into position, but Tristan's eyes gave her pause. They seemed infinitely sad, and not just from the beautiful music.

 

“Why do you look so miserable, darling?”

 

He swallowed. “Because, Mistress. I wish that had been me.” He nodded to the empty container.

 

Sadie rolled her eyes. “Tristan, we've had this conversation before. Your next turn is likely to be your last. You've gone through too many cycles.”

 

“I know that. I just... I miss it so much. I want to be strong again. To drink the essence of life again. Frailty is tiring, my love. It grinds on you. You wouldn't know, because...” He lifted a hand, indicating her flawless form.

 

Sadie sighed and set her book aside again. She stood and strolled to her favorite submissive slut. He who'd been with her the longest. She stretched out her hands and surrounded him, pulling his hooded face close to her bosom. She massaged his back and sides gently, her hands caressing his latex form. Sadie spoke directly into his left ear.

 

“Tristan... You will endure this for me. You want your last time to be meaningful, don't you? When I have use for you? To be my champion, one last time?”

 

He exhaled deeply, the pain and frustration of age exiting with it. He steeled himself, emboldened by her words and her loving touch. “Yes, Mistress. Of course. I'm sorry for bringing it up. A moment of weakness for which I should be punished.”

 

She grabbed the back of his hood and pulled his face from her chest. “I'll decide when you should be punished. Now, instead of grumbling about your state, put that mouth of yours to good use.”

 

Warm blood had the greatest effect, but even cold plasma made her horny. Irresistibly so. It worked that way for all her sisters. Sadie pressed him down and Tristan knelt before her. She hiked up the long skirt of her dress and tossed it over the top of his head. His gimp form disappeared below her crimson curtain.

 

Sadie moaned as she felt his warm mouth press onto her fat length. He enveloped her with eager lips, her glans finding the back of his velvety throat in record time. He sucked and slurped away, working his face back and forth as her hot flesh filled his mouth and beyond. Sadie let out a second, louder moan, resting her hands on her hips as her head tilted backward.

 

'Great...' she thought to herself as another one of their marathon sessions began. 'There goes the afternoon.'

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

“How long are we gonna just sit out here?!?” the feisty young Latina piped up.

 

“Until we notice something useful or find someone to tail” Reynauld answered calmly before taking a sip of his coffee.

 

Their rented car had been parked outside the compound for thirty minutes and they'd seen nothing of note, so far. Patience was not a virtue his partner of circumstance had in great abundance, but it was important she learn that tedium was part of the job. Hunting monsters was ninety eight percent research and surveillance. Time spent in libraries, hotels, vehicles and hiding spots. Only the other two percent was violence and that was for the best.

 

Reynauld knew it better than most as the survivor of more than a few close calls. The scar trailing from his upper left forehead across his nose and down to his lower right cheek was evidence of that. The occasional streaks of white in his stubble had only recently bestowed him with the 'salt and pepper' look as he entered middle age.

 

His reserved demeanor and the slow cadence of his gravelly voice projected the relaxed tenor of a man who was never in a hurry, unless he needed to be. The khaki trench coat and army-green cargo pants spoke of an individual who dressed for utility.

 

Rosa, by contrast, was fresh faced and energetic. He didn't know much about her, but she couldn't be much older than her late twenties. A pretty young woman; her thick, dark hair was pulled back in an elegant pony tail and her brown eyes shimmered with warmth. Reynauld's own steely, light blue orbs traced her slim form up and down, studying their organization's newest acolyte. She was quite the looker in her black jeans, short, red leather jacket and tight white t-shirt.

 

“And what makes you so sure they're here?”

 

“I'm not sure” he retorted, reaching up to the dashboard. He opened a manila folder and pulled out a flyer, handing it to her. “But this is a pretty good lead.”

 

Rosa took the small poster and studied it briefly. It showed men in tuxedos, women in elegant dresses and others in leather and latex fetish attire. Several submissive male forms were in bondage and one woman in deepest red stood defiantly, mouth open and blood dripping from her teeth.

 

“The Scarlet Sanctum” she read. “A Bordello of Bondage and Blood. Come to our chamber of pleasures and live out your darkest fantasy as a creature of the night! Or arrive in chains, a lamb to the slaughter, ready to be subjugated and drained! We cater to kinksters of all persuasions. Cum and see!”

 

She rolled her eyes. “Really? Please tell me this role playing rubbish isn't the only reason we're here.”

 

“If you're going to hide, the best place to do it is out in the open” the grizzled veteran responded. “And no, that's not the only reason. If you were a good detective, you'd have already figured out the other two.”

 

Rosa smirked. “Ok Sherlock, clue me in.”

 

He set his coffee on the dash and pointed at the massive walled and gated compound. “Look at this place. That's a twenty million dollar estate, easy. Probably more.”

 

“So?”

 

“Doesn't make sense. Not in a small community like this. What's it there for? A blood-sucker themed S&M dungeon? Out here? No way they have enough customers in this area. Not to justify all that.”

 

Her eyebrows raised. Rosa nodded. “Good point. What else?”

 

Reynauld reached into his folder and handed her another piece of paper. She scanned it briefly.

“Climate data?”

 

“Olympia and the towns surrounding it, like this one, get the second least amount of sunlight per year in the continental United States.”

 

“Where's the first?” she queried reflexively.

 

“Vermont.”

 

“Then why aren't they there?”

 

“Because there's nothing in Vermont but trees and cows” he answered with a grin.

 

Rosa snickered. “Alright, I get it. I got a lot to learn.”

 

”Yes, you do. And lesson number one is, don't be so eager to encounter these freaks. Any time you do could be your last.”

 

“Pfffft! I'm more than ready. I got everything I need right here...” The bristly brunette patted the gun at her side, touched the silver dagger strapped to her thigh and grasped the small wooden cross hanging from her neck. “And you'd be eager too” she said, her voice turning sullen. “If they'd turned your brother.”

 

'Ahhh, there it is.'

 

Reynauld said nothing at first, letting her motivation sink in. He'd have to be careful with her. The last thing he wanted was to report another dead agent to the Holy See. They were short on people to begin with. After a few moments, he broke the silence.

 

“Is he still out there? Or was he put down?”

 

“I don't know” she answered sadly. “He told me what happened, started acting really weird and then disappeared. My family never got closure. Never even got to say goodbye.”

 

Reynauld nodded. An all too common story these days. Something odd was happening among the biters. The balance of power between the males and females had shifted drastically. It seemed more and more like the women were running the show. He and his colleagues still had no idea why. It was all the more reason to investigate this case. A mysterious brothel promising blood play. It was registered to an LLC owned by a 'Sarah Octavia Ruthven.'

 

“That cross won't help you. Not unless it has a pointy end big enough to pierce flesh.”

 

“I know that much!” she shot back “I was taught by Father Enjami. I know it doesn't work like in the movies, but still... It makes me feel safe.”

 

Reynauld downed the rest of his coffee, crunched the cup and tossed it in the back seat. “The first time you fight one of these things, you'll never feel safe again.”

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Sadie sighed as she stalked down the hallway. She'd been having such a good time when the emergency call came through. She was still a mess; the bottom of her dress covered in sticky spunk. The Headmistress hated presenting herself like this, but the situation was, potentially, an urgent matter. It damned well better be, or Devin was going to find himself at the mercy of her most painful toys.

 

The Red Countess turned into the security office and was instantly met by the glow of monitors and the humid atmosphere produced by high power computers. Her head of security was sitting there, watching the video feed like a hawk.

 

“What have we got?”

 

“Two would-be intruders, I think. I thought maybe they'd broken down, but they've been there way too long and no one's inspecting the vehicle. They're just sitting there, looking in our direction and talking. Pretty sure they're scoping us out.”

 

“Can you zoom in more?”

 

Devil complied and the camera view lurched forward. It was grainy and far lower quality the closer it got, but the outline of a young woman and a grown man were clearly visible.

 

“What shall I do, Mistress?”

 

“Hmmmm...” Sadie watched them for a few moments, mulling it over. It was probably safest to do nothing. Might even be a good idea to call the cops and have them tell the odd couple to fuck off. On the other hand, if this was preparation for a hunt, being proactive might be the wisest course. They probably wouldn't try anything today, but they'd be back, sooner or later.

 

“We'll send two slaves, mundanes, to do a little shopping in town. Odds are they'll be followed. When they see there's nothing suspicious, they'll call it a night. You and another Chosen will be waiting in the parking lot to tail them back. Follow them discretely, find out what you can.”

 

Devin stood, turned and bowed to her. “Right away, Mistress.” He marched off to make preparations.

 

Sadie folded her arms below her bosom, still observing the pair intently.

 

'Play time again so soon? It's only been twenty years.'

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

The glow of a centerpiece candle flickered on Cassie and Kayden as they examined their menus. Lively chatter and occasional laughs filled the background of the dimly lit restaurant. The riffing of a saxophone and the gentle keystrokes of a skilled pianist were barely audible over the hum of random voices. The room's low lighting and easy listening set the mood nicely.

 

Kayden stole a glimpse of his beautiful date whenever he could. Cassandra oozed sex appeal in the many buckles and straps that compromised her halter top corset. It was accompanied by shiny, black leather pants and matching bracers. The slick leather ran from her wrists to her upper arms, calling attention to her bare shoulders and elegant figure.

 

Cassie pretended to look at her menu in between scans of her newest boy-toy. She already knew what she wanted: a hunk of meat, and she was getting two servings tonight. Kayden cut a fine profile in his khaki pants, white t-shirt and black sport coat. He looked good, but he wasn't trying too hard. It was nice to find a guy who knew how to prep for an evening on the town. It was a skill she'd make use of on the odd occasion she still allowed him to dress himself.

 

“Not to sound cliche, but, I gather you come here often?” Kayden asked, already looking flustered.

 

Cassandra set down her menu. “Not too often, but it's nice to have a place like this close by. Sometimes you just want to sink your teeth into something juicy, you know?” She winked and offered him a toothy smile.

 

The young man swallowed. “Yeah! Definitely.” She wasn't being subtle at all. And why would she be? Her message hadn't been subtle. Her sexual proclivities certainly weren't. She was gorgeous and overflowing with confidence and poise. He was already smitten with her.

 

Their server approached the table and mercifully rescued Kayden from having to untie his tongue. She nodded to them and opened her pad. “Hi there, I'm Marcy. Can I start you off with some drinks?”

 

“Yes, I'll have a Cosmo” Cassie answered. “Cherry flavor instead of orange, if you can.”

 

“Certainly. And you sir?”

 

“Just ice water for me, thanks.”

 

“Alright, should I give you two a little more time to--”

 

“I know what I want” Cassandra cut her off.

 

“Ok, go right ahead.”

 

“I'll start with a garden salad. Then your Porterhouse steak with Lyonnaise potatoes on the side.”

 

“And how would you like that cooked, Ma'am?”

 

“As bloody as you'll bring it.” Cassie shot Kayden another grin as she handed the menu to the young waitress.

 

“And you sir?”

 

“Ummm, I think I'll try your Steak Frites. Medium rare, hold the bleu cheese. With sweet potato fries, if you have em?”

 

“Absolutely” she nodded, collecting his menu. “Thanks! I'll be back shortly with your drinks.”

 

Marcy strutted off and Cassie waited a moment before picking up the conversation. “Feeling European tonight, are we?”

 

“Hmmm?”

 

“Steak Frites. They're very popular in Europe. Invented in Belgium.”

 

“Oh! I didn't know that.”

 

“Have you ever been?”

 

“To Europe? No, I haven't had the pleasure. Not yet.”

 

“You should definitely visit Amsterdam. A naughty little boy like you would love it there.”

 

“I have no doubt you're right” he replied with a sheepish smile. “I guess you're sticking with American cuisine?”

 

“Yes. In the end, I'm a meat and potatoes girl...”

 

“Something tells me that's a metaphor.”

 

She looked him square in the eyes, her face completely placid. “I suppose it is... for bondage and domination.”

 

Kayden's face turned a new shade of red. He'd never met a woman who would say something that overtly sexual so openly on a first date. Hell, he didn't even know many men who were that brazen.

 

“Wow! Well, there goes the mystery.”

 

“There was never any mystery. That's why we're here on such short notice. You want it. I want it. Why pussyfoot around?”

 

“Fair enough” he replied with a nod.

 

“So, how much experience do you really have? It sounds like you were experimenting with your last partner?”

 

“Yeah, that didn't go so well.”

 

“Do tell.”

 

“When I told my ex the things I was into, she did her best to seem enthusiastic, but I had a feeling it was an act. Turns out I was right. We bought toys, made play dates, but she usually found an excuse to back out. On the few times we did play, she bailed early. It was clear she wasn't into it.”

 

“You liked each other, but she was no Domme. Personally compatible, but not sexually.”

 

“That's it, in a nutshell.”

 

“Unfortunate, but without a spark there can be no flame.”

 

“You said it.”

 

Marcy returned and set down their drinks. Cassandra sipped her Cosmopolitan as Kayden took a swig from his icy glass.

 

“We're going to have fun tonight. At my place. No-strings fun.” She set down her cocktail. “After that... I guess we'll just see where it goes.”

 

The mischievous twinkle in her eye lent Kayden some vague awareness that she had more planned than she was leading on, but he was oblivious to what that could be. Oblivious and completely indifferent. She could've said she wanted to tie him up in her attic and throw darts at him. His answer probably would've been the same.

 

“Sounds good to me.”

 

There was just something about her Kayden was drawn to. Beyond the promise of kinky sex, she was seductive in every way a woman could be. The light bent around her in a way it didn't for others. Her voice oscillated between sultry song and cold command. Tearing his eyes from hers was like pulling apart magnets.

 

Realizing he'd been staring at her for too long, he scrambled to break the silence. “It's refreshing, meeting someone like you.”

 

“What do you mean?” Cassie inquired.

 

“You're just so different from any woman I've ever met. You're up front about what you want. Eager to get physical. Wait-and-see about anything more. And you asked about my last girlfriend. That's basically the opposite of how most women proceed.”

 

“I'm not most women.”

 

“Clearly” Kayden responded with an exasperated chuckle.

 

Cassandra took another sip of her drink and gave him a severe look. “I hope you weren't exaggerating on your Kinksters page, because I'm not going to be gentle tonight.”

 

“I assure you, I wasn't.”

 

“You might not be able to walk straight tomorrow.”

 

“I'll deal.”

 

“Your safe word is mercy and you'll receive none until you use it.”

 

Kayden's pulse quickened. He took a deep breath before responding.

 

“Yes...”

 

“Go ahead. Try it on for size.”

 

“... Yes, Mistress.”

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

The back of Kayden's mouth was as raw as his knees. He knelt on the hardwood floor, by her bed, as Cassandra's fat, pulsing cock plowed in and out of his sucking maw. His arms were tight behind his back in a triple threaded box tie. The strong ropes dug into his forearms, biceps, chest and shoulders, sculpting eye candy from his flesh for his new Domina.

 

Once they'd arrived at her home, she'd stripped and bound him with surprising speed, showing just how skilled she was in the art of Shibari. After that her clothes came off, leaving only her gleaming leather bracers and a sexy black bra holding up her ample mounds. Her breasts were a good size, but she was even more well endowed below.

 

Kayden had gotten an up-close and personal introduction to her style of domination with a half hour of face fucking that had grown increasingly rough the longer it went on. She'd nutted in his mouth twice already, extracting herself only for the occasional brief respite or to punish him for allowing a drop of her seed to escape his nose or lips.

 

Her grip on his ears was fierce, pulling his face back and forth on her bulging cum cannon and demanding he take her length deeper. Cassie's cock was slowly growing back to its full, erect size, preparing for a third blast of her pungent batter.

 

“That's it... Get me hard again, slut! You haven't seen anything yet. We've only just begun...”

 

Her hips pistoned back and forth in sexual frenzy, slurping her cum-slick meat missile in and out of his sucking lips. She tilted her head back and moaned as his warm, soft tongue wagged along the bottom of her sensitive weapon, delivering waves of unfathomable bliss to her smooth sperm channel.

 

Her heavy scrotum churned below, preparing his next meal. Cassie wanted so badly to ram her balls into his chin and hear that lovely slap-slap that accompanied bottoming out in a slave's throat, but he would need more training for that. Still, he was taking her quite well.

 

She released his ears and pulled her cock from his wet, sucking walls. The pop from his lips revealed just how much he was enjoying his subjugation. Cassandra snickered. Her left hand found her thick cock and fisted it up and down moistly. Kayden's spittle and her cum gave it a glossy sheen as she pumped her fearsome fuck stick. Her right hand dove into his hair, seizing a large clump of his golden locks and yanking on it cruelly.

 

“So eager... Just like a blonde to fall in love with sucking cock on the first date! Is there something you'd like to say to me, whore?”

 

“Thank you, Mistress...” he said between gasps of fresh air. Saliva and cum dripped from his mouth and face, joining the pool that had collected on the floor.

 

“Thank you for what?”

 

“Thank you for tying up this slave and fucking my slutty mouth!”

 

Her throaty chuckle was followed by a promise. “That's not the only hole I'm going to defile. It's about time I claim that cherry of yours.”

 

In truth, it was half a cherry. Kayden's former girlfriend had gone as far as probing him with her strapon, just never to the hilt. Never a hard or deep enough fucking to make him feel the bliss of thrashing, full-body prostate orgasm. He had little doubt that Cassandra would be up to the task.

 

She released her heavy club of flesh and the tufts of his hair. Her hands rushed to his rope-ensnared arms and she tugged him upward.

 

“Stand” she ordered.

 

Kayden started up, his legs wobbling slightly as he righted himself and stood with her help. He was young and fit, but unaccustomed to kneeling for over a half hour while someone assaulted his mouth nonstop. He coughed, the remnants of her thick cum sliding down his throat as she maneuvered him to the edge of the bed.

 

She turned him around and gave him a forceful push. Kayden fell onto the bed, face first, her soft duvet cushioning his landing. For a medium build woman of average height, Cassie had surprising strength. This was only emphasized when she fell upon him moments later, moving him into the position she wanted. Her weight shifted off the bed for a few moments, but quickly returned. Kayden was confronted by a red rubber ball as Cassie slipped the thick gag around his head and pulled it into his mouth.

 

“You like my flavor, don't you slut? Let's seal it in, then. Besides, the only thing better than hearing a cocksucker moan is hearing him moan into a gag while I rail his ass!”

 

Cassie quickly wrapped the harness around his head and buckled it tightly. The web of leather dug into his face, adding another delicious element of tight restriction and increasing soreness to his already immobilized arms. Kayden mumbled a thanks around the thick rubber invader while Cassandra slid off the bed once more.

She collected her cat-o-nine-tails from the end table and stroked her cock as she studied her new target. The sex toy's braided leather tassels dangled from her right hand as her left glided up and down her raging erection. The sight of Kayden's soft, vulnerable, virgin ass made her eyes twinkle and her tongue whip around her lips. She stalked forward, her heels striking the floor authoritatively as she closed in on his helpless form.

 

“It's a waste if you don't tenderize the meat first. Don't you think, slave?”

 

“YYMMPPH MMMFFRREEFFF!”

 

“I'm glad you agree. It wouldn't matter if you didn't, but at least you have good taste.”

 

*WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP*

 

“MMMMPPPGGGGGHHHHHH!!!”

 

The first flurry of blows lashed out, criss-crossing his exposed cheeks. With each consecutive strike, the marks left behind grew more visible.

 

“I know it hurts right now, but give it a minute or two and you'll be in heaven. If you're the real deal, that is.”

 

*WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP*

 

Fresh agony laced into his ass. Kayden's eyes bulged and they began to water as he fought the urge to safeword out. He'd tried impact play before, but nothing this harsh. He knew she was right, though. He just had to wait out the initial burn and then... ahhh, there it was. The familiar tingle as the endorphins began to take over.

 

“MMMMmmmmpphhhh...”

 

*WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP*

 

Cassandra's breath caught in her throat as she ended her third round of flogging. The lashes painted on his flesh... They called out to her. The streaks across his ass had grown increasingly red. It was the Chosen's favorite color. The color of passion, aggression and thirst.

 

It would be so easy, right now, to go a little farther and make him bleed. A simple 'accident' which she would happily clean with her tongue. Or, bound as he was, she could simply take up a knife and apply a few cuts to his back. A crimson feast would be hers in moments. Would licking and sucking be enough? Could she restrain herself from going further? She stood, arm posed to strike again. His ass shuddered and waited for more discipline as she wrestled with her bloodlust.

 

No. Not today. It would be a mistake. She'd cast her spell on him so well. The only thing that might break it is if she went too far on their first night together. Patience would be rewarded with a river of hot, sweet life that stretched on for years. And if she was lucky, maybe more...

 

Cassandra tossed the flogger aside. Her cock stood at attention, fleshy steel begging to be inserted. The one drive that could compete with her burning desire to drink from this bound slut was her dire need to be inside him. She slipped back onto the bed and pulled up behind him, the thick tip of her glans meeting his soft pucker and teasing it with gentle pressure.

 

“And now, Kayden, what you've been waiting for. To be fucked like the submissive little man-whore you are. Are you ready? Is that ass tingling nicely?”

 

“MMMPPPHHHMMM” he grunted into her bedding.

 

She grabbed his hips and thrust forward firmly. Cassie's slick, bloated member plowed into his silken walls and filled him monstrously. His eyes flew open and he groaned loudly around the rubber ball-gag. Saliva and leftover cum slobbered around his mouth as his back door was split open wide. Inch after inch of thick, throbbing penis tunneled its way into his yielding pucker.

 

Her strong thighs pressed his legs outward, exerting control over the last part of his body that had any autonomy left. She kept pressing until more than half of her fat length was buried in his warm, gripping walls. Satisfied, she bent down and spoke into his ear.

 

“You're my bondage slut, Kayden. My new personal sex toy. And I'm going to treat you like one.”

 

Cassandra took a tight hold of his hips, extracted her cock to the tip and rammed it home in his hot, clingy depths. Kayden muttered like a back alley whore, his words lost in leather and rubber confinement. Cassie looked down at him, possessively, as she built up a steady rhythm. She thrust in and out of his welcoming boy pussy as her balls dragged across the silken bedding. The dark haired beauty's moans soon eclipsed Kayden's and the slapping sounds of aggressive, needy anal fucking filled the room.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Rosa was enjoying hot soup and a turkey club when her smartphone buzzed and jingled. She swallowed what was in her mouth, set down her spoon and picked up the phone. The young woman sighed. Did she really want to interrupt a meal for another condescending chat with Mr. Know-It-All? Not really, but it was possible something had come up.

 

She hit the accept button and brought the device to her ear. “Hey, what's up?”

 

“You've been gone a while. Everything alright?”

 

“Yeah, I'm just getting some dinner. I wasn't about to eat from a vending machine again.”

 

“At this hour? I thought everything closed by nine in this town.”

 

“Everything but the convenience store and the diner on Carson street. It's open 24/7.”

 

“Alright, but come straight back to the hotel when you're done. And be careful.”

 

“Ok, DAD” she mocked before hanging up and resuming her meal.

 

Fifteen minutes later the front door of the diner opened and Rosa walked into the cool night air. She zipped up her jacket as walked around the side of the building to the parking lot in the back. As she strode into the back lot and looked for her car, she saw little but darkness. Only the dim lighting from the buildings on the other side of the street faintly illuminated the outline of the few parked vehicles.

 

That was odd. When she arrived, there was a large lamppost lit brightly above. The light was out now and it was too dark to tell if it had taken damage or if the bulb had simply blown. She looked from side to side, scanning the darkened lot for trouble but finding nothing.

 

Halfway back to the car, she heard the scuffle of fast footsteps behind her. The hairs on the back of her neck shot up. She reached for her weapons, but it was too late. Before she could react, an arm wrapped around her torso and another around her shoulder. A cloth was pressed into her face harshly as she threw her elbow back into her attacker.

 

Whoever it was, he was insanely strong. Rosa panicked. She was in real trouble. Soon she felt another pair of hands on her legs. She kicked but it was no use. A masked stranger wrapped up her calves is his bicep, lifted her lower body and started leading them to a vehicle in the distance.

 

She screamed into the thick cloth and that just made things worse. Rosa hyperventilated. The cold shock and sickeningly sweet chemical taste of chloroform shot into her mouth and lungs. The anesthetic effect flowed into her nervous system, making her limbs feel heavy and sluggish. Her struggling grew weak and her vision started to spin. The grips of multiple arms around her body were so tight. There was nothing she could do.

 

The last thing Rosa heard was a van door sliding open. She stuttered in exhaustion and fell into peaceful oblivion.

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Dark Divulgence

The deep black of night faded into the purple and dark blue of early morning. The chirping of insects gave way to birdsong. The cheerful tweets and whistles floated through the air as Devin stared into the distance. The yellow glow of day was making its first appearance as a thin ribbon on the horizon.

 

The young Chosen's limbs were filled with unrelenting ache. His every appendage was locked in brutal predicament bondage. He was on the back patio, his knees digging painfully into the grainy stonework floor. Leather straps ran around his shoulders and chest, leading back to the tight armbinder locking his arms behind him. At the end of the cruel device was a large metal ring. Short lengths of chain ran from the ring to the cuffs on his ankles, immobilizing him.

 

The thick leather band around his neck acted as a triple wide collar. It was locked tight with a padlock and had a chain leash that led to a post behind him. If he started to doze off, as he had many times, his head would lull forward and the band would tighten around his neck, choking him. The rest of his body was nude; exposed to the elements. It had been a cool night, but the brilliant colors on the horizon foretold that it wouldn't remain that way for long.

 

Devin heard a door open and shut followed by the slow, deliberate striking of high heeled boots across the terrace. It was Sadie, of course. It had to be. She wouldn't leave him out here past dawn.

 

The clan matriarch strode before him. Only her outline was visible in the half-dark of nautical dawn. Sadie tapped a folded fan in her free hand as she studied the servant kneeling before her. Devin was a good slave, for the most part, but sometimes he needed to be taught a lesson. This was one of those times.

 

“Who told you to kidnap the girl?”

 

“No one, Mistress.”

 

“Then why did you do it?”

 

“An opportunity was presented and I took it.”

 

“An opportunity to what? Confirm their suspicions? Lead hunters directly to my door?”

 

“I wasn't thinking.”

 

“That's right, you weren't. Thinking isn't your job. The men of our kind have rarely been good at it. Their lack of foresight nearly saw us wiped from existence several times. That's why things are different now. Leave the thinking to me, Devin, and just do what you're told.”

 

“Yes, Lady Octavia! I'm sorry.”

 

She raised the folded fan, tucking it under Devin's chin and lifting his face with it.

 

“I'm sure you are, but that's not good enough. I think you need a reminder. And what better than a morning on the patio? The weather report says today is going to be a hot one! High UV index. Absolutely gorgeous! A rarity in this place, but well timed with your stupid fuckup.”

 

“No! Please, Mistress!!!”

 

*POOMF*

 

The point of Sadie's leather boot leapt forward and blasted Devin's dangling cock and balls. She followed it up with two more kicks to his groin that left his eyes wide and his mouth coughing and drooling.

 

The haughty woman smoothly tucked her fan away before pulling a ball-gag from the pocket of her dress and bringing it to Devin's open mouth. She pushed the fat rubber ball between his lips and fastened the leather straps around his head with practiced ease.

 

She gave his short, brown hair a tug, pulling his head up with one hand and grabbing his chin with the other. Sadie stroked his well manicured goatee with her thumb. It was one of his better features. That and his normally unquestioning obedience.

 

“No more talking, slave. It's time to reflect. Worry not! This is a punishment, not an execution. I'll have you brought inside before noon. You're just going to get a little tan. Enjoy the sunrise!”

 

Sadie stalked back to the manor without another word. Devin muttered into the gag and wrestled with his leather and metal bonds as he heard her heels clack into the distance.

 

The clanking of chains and the delicious stretching of leather made Sadie's cock twitch as she reached for the door. Under normal circumstances, this could've been a fun morning for her head of security, but a good Mistress always put discipline before personal pleasure. Besides, there were so many other slaves to fuck.

 

Devin grunted. He endured his leather-wrapped stress position and slurped on the increasingly phlegmy gag filling his mouth. He was powerless to do anything but watch in horror as the yellow band in the sky expanded and the air steadily grew warmer.

 

 

* * * * *

 

Kayden's eyes opened and he found himself in unfamiliar surroundings. His memory of the wild night with Cassandra flooded back as he lifted his head from the pillow and studied her well furnished bedroom. The walls and ceilings were painted white, yet the room was dark thanks to the heavy shades that blocked each window. Kayden could see edges of bright line around their periphery, but nothing more.

 

He turned to his left and was presented with the face of a slumbering angel. In addition to her jet black hair and pale skin, there was a new contrast to behold in awe. It seemed impossible that the sleeping beauty at his side was the same woman who'd been so fierce and demanding with him throughout the night.

 

Kayden had sought a true female dominant, a woman who would put him through his paces, and Cassandra had delivered in spades. The fact that she was hung like a porn star was the icing on the cake, though his ass was still paying the price for that. His well-ravaged hole still ached from the monstrous pounding he'd received.

 

He studied the mysterious Mistress Cassie as air whistled lightly in and out of her nose. Her chest rose and fell; ample C-cups creating two silky bumps from the below the bedding. It had all happened so fast. In truth, he knew little about the woman he'd just spent the night with.

 

Kayden hoped to learn more today, but if he was honest, Cassie could keep her secrets forever if she wanted. He was already crazy about her. The young man had never fallen for a woman so completely and so fast. There was just something about her. Her eyes, her scent, her... everything. And that was on top of her sexual proclivities which seemed so perfectly aligned with his own. Kayden felt utterly helpless in her presence and he savored every drop of the sensation.

 

The short-haired blonde smiled. As happy as he'd be to study her all day, it was almost noon and he was starving. Kayden slipped out of the bed and stood; stretching his limbs and yawning. He reached for the shades and turned the long, thin pole hanging from the top. He meant to open them smoothly, but the device was more sensitive than he expected. The blinds flipped open and sunlight poured into the room. It bathed everything in bright white and yellow.

 

“AHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Cassandra cried out. She frantically pulled the covers over her head and turned away. “Close it! Close it now!!!”

 

Kayden looked bewildered. He chuckled and shrugged. “What's the matter? You allergic to sunlight?”

 

“I'm photosensitive, you jerk! It hurts my eyes! Now CLOSE IT!”

 

“Oh, shit!” He turned back to the window and fumbled with the rod, turning it until the blinds re-shuttered. The gray half-darkness enveloped the room once again. “Sorry, I didn't know.”

 

The blanket lowered and an unamused Cassandra reappeared. The naked young man standing at her bedside looked genuinely apologetic. “I suppose I'll forgive you this time, after you pay some penance.”

 

“Penance?” he asked with a sheepish grin.

 

Cassandra sat up and leaned back against the headboard. She gestured to her lap. “Stretch out, right here.”

 

Kayden didn't need to be told twice. He smiled as he slipped back onto the bed. His flaccid cock and balls dragged across the silky smooth duvet as he crawled across the expanse and set his midsection across Cassie's lap gently. His head hung off the bed and his legs spread out behind him as Cassandra began rubbing and circling his bare ass with her right hand.

 

“Thirty spankings is fair, I think.”

 

“Yes, Mistress.”

 

*SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK*

 

She wasn't gentle and Kayden was quickly reminded of all the impact his ass had suffered the night before. Cassie built upon the marks she'd left already. A lovely redness returned to his round cheeks in little time. Kayden bit his tongue and counted the thirty strokes silently. Her surprisingly strong blows and steel-like palm brought him close to crying out in pain instead of merely grunting.

 

*SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK*

 

Once the torrent of spanks ended, she resumed rubbing and groping his tenderized ass. Kayden hissed as her grip delivered a new dose of pain to his throbbing buttocks.

 

“Did you enjoy that?”

 

“Yes, Mistress Cassie. Very much!” he answered truthfully, though his voice was anguished.

 

“Mmmmmm... I'm glad to hear it. I think you have potential, Kayden.”

 

“Potential, Mistress?”

 

“Yes, potential to be my live-in submissive” she announced, releasing his ass reluctantly. “If that's what you want.”

 

Kayden turned on his side and propped his head up on one shoulder. He looked up at the proud Domina, her eyes glimmering in the dark room. Her gaze lingered on him; a lioness studying her prey. Kayden suspected he'd soon be hers, but she hadn't caught him yet.

 

“I mean, that sounds great, but what about the rest of my life?”

 

“What about it? Tell me about your life. You used to be a gymnast, right? Why aren't you doing that anymore?”

 

He shrugged. “I was good, just not good enough for the Olympics. I went as far as I could before calling it quits. The injuries got old, too.”

 

“And what about the rest of your time in university?”

 

“I got a General Studies degree while playing sports. Which is why I do landscaping now.”

 

Cassie laughed. “I see. So what's an average day like for post-college Kayden Forrester?”

 

“I mow lawns, trim hedges and fight off horny housewives. Sometimes I see a movie or grab beers with my friends to end the day. That's about it.”

 

“Doesn't sound like there's much keeping you from being my full time bitch boy.”

 

“I still have bills to pay.”

 

“Let's see... You have an apartment. A car. Some miscellaneous expenses. That can't be more than a few thousand a month, right?”

 

“Pretty much.”

 

“I'll cover it. For as long as you choose to wear my collar.”

 

Kayden's eyes practically bugged out of his head. “Are you serious?”

 

“Yeah” she answered nonchalantly and nodded in earnest.

 

He was dumbfounded. It couldn't be that easy. He looked from side to side, re-examining her luxurious bedroom. Kayden had seen the rest of her condo on the way in last night. He felt almost stupid asking the question. “Are you rich or something?”

 

“Pretty much” she repeated his own words with a cheeky smile. “So, does this sound like something you'd like to try?”

 

“Hold on a minute” Kayden said, sitting up and shifting off her body. As enthusiastic as he was to submit to this gorgeous woman, she was moving a bit fast even for him. He crawled back to his side of the bed and stretched out. “Don't I get to ask a few questions?”

 

Cassie folded her arms below her breasts, tightening the silk nightgown around her mounds. She resisted the urge to be pedantic and point out he'd just asked two in a row. “You may.”

 

“Tell me. What's an average day like for Cassandra Winters?”

She smirked. “I work. I play. I study things that pique my interest.”

 

“Can you be a little more specific? Your work, for example?”

 

“I'm a trader. Stocks and other financial instruments.”

 

“Like a day trader?”

 

“No, I'm a value investor. I take the long view. Gambling is for fools.”

 

“What about your play? Do you mean hobbies, like sports?”

 

Cassie giggled. “No, silly. I'm talking about what we did last night. I enjoy attending fetish balls and sampling the finest S&M dungeons around the world. Believe it or not, we have an amazing one right here in Tumwater.”

 

“For real?” he asked in astonishment.

 

“Yes, but it's an exclusive club that caters to a niche element of the lifestyle.”

 

“Wait a minute. Are you talking about that Scarlet place?”

 

“Yes, the Scarlet Sanctum.”

 

“I saw one of their flyers. Tried to talk my last girlfriend into checking it out. She wasn't enthused.”

 

“It's a fabulous dungeon. Many of their events are invite only. I'm friends with the owner.”

 

Kayden nodded. He recalled seeing blood play on her list of kinks. Now it made sense. She was probably into that kind of role play. It tracked with her overall look. She enjoyed the unholy, creature of the night aesthetic. Figures he would fall for a sadistic goth girl.

 

“I'll admit, I'm intrigued. Last question. What is it you enjoy studying?”

 

“Aside from handsome men in bondage? Ancient history, pagan culture and the supernatural. That's all I'll say for now. Maybe if you stick around, you'll learn more.”

 

The birthday-suited blonde grinned. What a fascinating woman had entered his orbit. Or rather, he'd fallen into her orbit. Cassie was the gravity well pulling him in. That much was undeniable. She'd baited the hook and Kayden knew he was going to bite. All that was left were the details.

 

“Alright. So what, specifically, are you proposing?”

 

“Total power exchange. You will live here as my willing slave. You will fix and bring my meals, do the housework and run my errands. You will dress how I tell you to. You will obey my every command and submit any time I demand, day or night.”

“Twenty four seven?”

 

“That's right.”

 

“For how long?”

 

Cassie shrugged. “Could be a month. Could be a year. Could be the rest of your life or two days. It depends on how much we both like it. What we're getting out of it. You may leave at any time. And if you do, I will continue to fund your expenses for six months while you decide what to do next.”

 

Kayden blushed. His heart pounded in his chest. His palms grew sweaty and his cock was quickly hardening to attention. To have such a well-heeled woman desire his companionship and submission to the point of making such an incredible offer... It was a huge turn-on all by itself. Imagining how he might spend the next few days, months or years of his life, in bondage and servitude, was more than enough to turn his penis to fleshy steel.

 

Cassandra noticed his growing boner and laughed. “I hope you weren't planning to bargain. Your body just gave you away.”

 

“I'm not sure you could make a better offer” he quipped back.

 

“Oh! Does that mean you agree to my terms? Say yes, Kayden. You obviously want to.”

 

“I do...” he admitted. “But, I have one stipulation.”

 

Cassandra's cheerful expression fell away. She didn't like conditions, but she would hear him out. “What is it?”

 

“Once a week, I want to be free to hang with my friends. Just for a few hours. That's all I need. The rest of the time, I'm all yours.”

 

“Done.”

 

She would've let him do it anyway, for however much longer he desired. Cassie knew from experience that wouldn't be long. The deeper she dug her claws in, the less Kayden would want to leave her side. For those who developed a bond with a Chosen, being apart was painful.

 

“I guess that settles it. Does this start today?”

 

“It starts right now.”

 

Kayden lifted his hand to his chest and offered a little bow. “What's the first order of business today, Mistress?”

 

“Breakfast” she stated flatly.

 

His stomach winced at the mere mention of food. “Great! I'm starving. What are we having?”

 

Cassandra pointed to her crotch. A large bump in the silky covers revealed just how large her erection had grown. The huge bulge put Kayden's jutting pecker to shame.

 

“This is what you're having before you get anything else. You'll be having it every morning from now on.”

 

Kayden smirked. He should've guessed. “Yes, Mistress” he responded before lifting the covers and disappearing below the thick duvet.

 

Cassie slid back down into the bed and pulled her nightgown up around her hips. She sighed in contentment as Kayden made his way to her meaty schlong and sucked the tip into his mouth. Her rod was pulsating with heat and musk as he pressed his lips down her fat length and sucked in as much as he could in one go.

 

The young man took hold of her thighs as he fellated her hefty cock in earnest. He hadn't asked permission to touch her legs, but Cassandra would overlook it for now. Kayden needed so much training and she would happily transform him into the best version of his submissive self.

 

Besides, she could easily punish him for the indiscretion later when they made their first trip downstairs. In their first night together, they hadn't even visited her own little personal dungeon in the basement. This filthy slut had no idea how much trouble he was in. She would introduce him to some of her favorite toys before picking out his first collar.

 

Cassie's head pressed back into the pillow, moaning as Kayden's soft tongue and warm, moist cheeks bathed her cock in exquisite, wet tightness. She reached down and took his head in both hands, guiding his mouth down her cock as the eager bitch boy slurped on her obediently. She dug her fingers into his blonde locks, tugging on his head and urging him to take her deeper.

 

“Ohhhhhh! YES!!!”

 

Finally, no more going to the Sanctum every day or driving to Olympia just to get her needs met. She would mold Kayden into a world class cock sucker and butt slut for home use. Thorough and frequent home use. If that's all that came of it, it was worth the effort and expense.

 

What remained to be seen is if their relationship would blossom into something deeper or remain purely physical. Domination, submission and lust were heavenly. To be an eager sex slave and willing blood bag were the finest possible qualities in a female Chosen's partner. But she wanted more.

 

Cassandra couldn't know for sure, but this new beginning felt like something special. Only time would tell. For now, at least, lust would be more than enough.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Tristan was watching the big screen thoughtfully as Lady Octavia strode back into their private parlor. The Sanctum had many such rooms, but this one was exclusively for Sadie and her favorite pets. They had access to all the cameras throughout the manor, of which there were many, visible and hidden. Their dual purpose was for security and enjoying a little voyeurism. Sadie and Tristan could witness whatever perversions were occurring throughout the estate while enjoying a rut, a meal, or simply resting in the lap of luxury.

 

The rubber of Sadie's bright red bodysuit creaked and meshed as she stalked into the cool room. The latex hugged her curves exquisitely, covering her body from her neck to the bottoms of her calves. She was almost as covered in the restrictive cling of rubber as her prize slut. She eyed her glossy black bottom bitch as she crossed to the bar. Tristan was observing one of the dungeon cells on the entertainment center's massive monitor.

 

He watched a young woman stalk back and forth in her small holding room. Tristan couldn't tell if she was more angry or afraid. The woman looked almost delirious; on the edge of mental breakdown. And yet, there was something stunning about her. Supple, dark skin. Thick, luscious hair. A lovely figure. She was a flower in her youth.

 

“She's quite pretty. Are you planning to keep her?”

 

“I haven't decided yet” Sadie answered as she poured herself a drink. The amber tinted spirits flowed from a crystal decanter into the shimmering wine glass. “We'll see how she handles the next couple days.”

 

Tristan nodded. He thought to ask about the girl's comrade, the other hunter, but held his tongue. He knew his Mistress well. She'd already planned a proper course of action. Bringing it up would only bore her.

 

“How's Devin doing?”

 

“He's recovering” she said before taking a long sip of her bubbly. “He can take a few days off and think about what I said.”

 

“Do you think he'll harbor a grudge?”

 

“If I detect even a hint of defiance, I'll strap him down and fuck him until the condom breaks. Leave him a mundane mess for his trouble. He can go back to being a pleasure slave.”

 

“Are you sure he wouldn't enjoy that?”

 

Sadie chuckled, but ultimately ignored the question. Her gaze fixed on Tristan as he continued to watch the young woman in her cell. The matriarch's expression grew annoyed. “Tristan, I went to all this trouble and you haven't even looked my way.”

 

The gimp-suited slave snapped out of his musings. He turned to see his gorgeous Goddess downing the last of her wine. Her ample curves were outlined in lustrous, shiny red. Sadie's dark hair was pulled back into an elegant bun behind her head. She wasn't wearing stilettos or heels of any kind. Her matching red rubber boots were flat bottomed. Tristan smiled. He knew exactly what that meant.

 

“You look amazing, my love. A peerless beauty beyond measure.”

 

Sadie smiled back and the curve of her lips betrayed romantic sentiment. She was a Domme to the core, but she still loved compliments. Flattery would get you everywhere with her.

 

She turned, set her glass on the bar and stalked back toward her submissive. She stopped after a few paces and put her hands on her wide hips. “I'm feeling primal today. I want you to resist me. As much as you're able.”

 

Tristan took a few steps forward, his smile widening into a grin. The thick, black latex stretched around his broad, medium-build frame. His sparkling blue eyes peered through the holes in his bondage hood. He stood at attention, tucking his arms behind his back and clasping his hands together.

 

Studying the stunning Domina up and down, he noticed her arousal growing quickly. Her nipples were jutting dents in the latex of her costume. She wasn't even close to fully erect, but the bulge at her crotch was clearly visible. Her shaft stretched down into the pocket of her rubber-clad thigh.

 

“It will be my pleasure, Mistress.”

 

She stalked forward eagerly and embraced the statuesque gimp. They entered a deep tongue kiss and Sadie assaulted his mouth with diving tongue and nibbling teeth. She groped him all over; caressing his still-strong arms and ample ass. She pressed her rubber breasts and wide hips on him firmly.

 

Tristan enjoyed the kiss and her aggressive attentions for long moments before giving his Goddess what she wanted. He unclasped his hands, reached forward and shoved her away harshly. Their sudden separation raked her teeth over his tongue and lips, drawing a thin trail of blood. Every time they did this, her reaction was the same. Even though she knew it was coming, she looked shocked, annoyed and at the same time, giddy with lust.

 

She leapt forward and grabbed his arms with both hands, pressing her lips to his once more. She savored the taste of blood as she dove back into his mouth, holding his arms firmly at his sides. Tristan let her enjoy the sensation for a few moments before summoning all his strength and pushing her away again. The rubber-clad vixen fell back a few steps. Her eyes were locked on his, burning with obsession.

 

This time she darted forward with incredible speed and took hold of the leather harness around his torso. She heaved him forward, guiding her stumbling bitch boy until she rammed him into one of the chairs at the side of the bar. Sadie increased the pressure, pushing him harder until he was forced, face-first, into the counter. With one arm she turned him over and held him down, locking one of his arms against the surface.

 

*SMACK SMACK*

 

Her free hand flashed out and struck him across the face twice in quick succession. Tristan's latex hood did little to soften the brutal sting. Her blows were followed up by a wet splatter as Sadie spit a wad of phlegm into his eyes and nose.

 

“Fucking slut! Be a good boy and submit!!!”

 

Tristan pushed on her midsection with his free hand. He flexed his legs and tried to free himself from between her powerful thighs, but it was useless. Her well sculpted legs were like columns of marble.

 

As he struggled, Sadie reached down and pressed her index finger into his mouth. She began pumping it in and out of his lips, gliding it over his tongue and enjoying the warm, wet sensation. A devious grin spread across her face as she manhandled him with one arm and finger fucked his mouth with the other.

 

“Just going to let me finger you like a bitch in heat, hmmm? Are you even trying?”

 

Once again, Tristan knew what she wanted and happily gave it to her. He bit down viciously on her finger, drawing blood and causing her to rip it from his gritting teeth. She grunted in annoyance, shook her wrist, and looked down at him with renewed passion.

 

Sadie grabbed his harness a second time, pulled him from the bar and threw him across the room. Tristan stumbled and fell, tumbling to the floor and landing in a heap. By the time he got to his feet, she was already on top of him. Even in the prime of his youth and gifted with the strength of the Chosen, he wouldn't have been able to match her. The fearsome abilities of a Chosen matriarch were too much for any male to contest.

 

He lifted his arms as if to grapple with her, but he needn't have bothered. With unnatural speed, she slid around his side and took his back. Sadie grabbed his right arm and wrenched it up behind him painfully. Tristan's body screamed in ache and she used her new leverage to shove him in the direction she wanted.

 

Maintaining a strong grip on his arm, Sadie forced him against a mahogany console table. She kneed him in the groin before reaching down and clearing the surface with a sweep of her arm. The series of metal platters, elegant cutlery and a collection of wine glasses were thrown aside, clattering to the floor in a series of clangs and shatters.

 

She slammed him down on the surface and reached into a drawer directly below the table. A pair of handcuffs was brought to bear and she snapped the first half around his captive wrist. Tristan pushed back with his other hand and kicked with his feet, but not for long. With one arm secure, Sadie grabbed the other, pulling it behind his back tightly and fastening the other cuff with a series of metallic clinks.

 

Sadie kicked his legs apart and grabbed the top of his hood roughly. She pulled his head back and bathed in the euphoric glow of absolute control.

 

“YOU PATHETIC LITTLE SHIT!!! Is that the best you could do?!? I know you're getting old, but come now! That was sad, even for a sissy bitch mundane!”

 

Tristan's back door zipper was hastily ripped down as Sadie's breathing grew ragged. She panted with need as she guided her own zipper downward, careful not to catch her steel-hard length of jutting cock. It sprang from its rubber prison, pulsing with heat and lust as it tasted cool air.

 

Sadie brought her glans directly to Tristan's soft, waiting pucker. She took a firm grip of his sides and thrust forward with every bit of force her hips could muster. The gimp slut yelped as she buried her entire length in his well trained ass in one powerful stroke.

 

Tristan saw stars as his head hung off the end of the table and his arms contested with circular steel behind him. Their aggressive play had gotten him sweaty inside the thick rubber suit. He was used to her strength, size and ferocity, but that never made her entry feel any less rough. The ring of his pucker burned as she sank to the hilt in one smooth motion and brought her heavy scrotum to rest against his.

 

The Mistress of the manor wasted no time entering a steady fucking rhythm. She dove in and out of his warm, fleshy walls with lustful glee. Her every nerve ending lit up with immaculate pleasure as she began a long, hard anal pounding. The slap of flesh on flesh clapped out as the wood and metal of the table rattled with each thrust. Their latex suits stretched and creaked around their bodies as she fucked him raw. Tristan lay in a daze, helpless as Mistress Sadie took his ass in her absolute favorite way.

 

It wasn't rape, but it sure felt like it. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Sadie knew that Tristan had enjoyed every minute of this and would like it even more the harder she went. But that awareness was so far away, it might as well have been on another continent. Sadie was deep in the lizard part of her brain. Her only desires were fucking and conquest. In her mind's eye, it was the first time they'd ever met. She'd caught him in an alley, bent him over a garbage can and was viciously spearing his unwilling, virgin man cunt.

 

Even the taste of blood on her lips and the red nectar dripping from her bitten finger couldn't distract her from the throes of rutting ecstasy. Her heavy balls, churning with viscous batter, slapped into Tristan's smaller, trapped privates as she filled him with thick cock over and over again. Her need for domination reached its peak and she released one hip to lean forward and grab the back of Tristan's neck. She tightened her fingers around the sides of his throat as she fucked him into oblivion.

 

“Take it you slut!!! TAKE MY COCK YOU CUM DUMP BITCH!!!”

 

“Yes, Mistress!”

 

Annoyed at the interruption of her fantasy, Sadie squeezed his neck harder. She flared her nostrils and snarled as she railed his tight, silky hole; determined to stretch it out and make it gape even wider.

 

“SHUT UP, slave! Or I will gag your fucking mouth!!!”

 

Grunts and pleasurable moans filled the room, adding to the soundtrack of body slaps and jolting furniture. Tristan's eyelids lulled and his mouth hung open as his prostate was set ablaze and pure pleasure overtook him. With Sadie's considerable stamina, it could be a half hour or more before she flooded his depths with sticky semen and pulled free from his packed ass. Even then, his primal Goddess was rarely satisfied with one climax. He could look forward to cleaning her soiled, sticky schlong on bent knees.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Reynauld leaned against the payphone. He waited impatiently as the ringing continued to drone in his ear. He'd already hung up the receiver once and dialed again. Either his timing was unlucky or Father Enjami was being overly suspicious.

 

“C'mon Father, pick up.”

 

The buzzing continued for several more rings until the call was finally answered.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hey Father” the hunter spoke in utter exhaustion.

 

“Reynauld? I'm sorry, I didn't recognize the number.”

 

“Yeah, I'm at a bar. Didn't want to chance it with my own phone.”

 

“Have you been drinking? What's going on?” The concern in the old man's voice was evident.

 

“Oh yeah, I've had a few, but I'm not drunk if that's what you're asking. We have a situation.”

 

“A situation? There's a nest in Tumwater?”

 

“A big one by the looks of it. And they got Rosa.”

 

“What?!? How???”

 

“They got a beat on us. Grabbed her when we were separated.”

 

“If you weren't there, how do you know?”

 

“They slipped a note under my door earlier today. Says if I don't show up tonight, unarmed, we'll never see her again.”

 

“Show up where? You know where they're holding her?”

 

“It's called the Scarlet Sanctum. We staked it out the other day.”

 

“Reynauld, listen to me. I want you to wait until I call in backup. You'll go in together to sweep and clean.”

 

“Backup? What backup? We both know there's no fucking backup! There aren't enough people to cover the current assignments. Besides, Rosa doesn't have that much time!”

 

“Whatever they're going to do to her, they've already done. And if the nest is as big as you're saying, you can't go in alone. There's no point! It's too risky.”

 

“You don't know that and the risk is mine to take. I'm gonna get her back.”

 

“Reynauld, this is foolish! Do you think that's what your daughter would want? For you to throw your life away?!?”

 

“Don't do that, Father. Don't talk about the dead in hypotheticals. It's a shitty thing to do.”

 

Father Enjami let out a heavy sigh. Reynauld listened to the background chatter of bar patrons and televisions as he waited for the priest to accept his decision and grant his blessing. After several long seconds of silence, he was done waiting.

 

“I couldn't save Ophelia, but I might be able to save Rosa. I'm going in. If you don't hear from me in forty eight hours, you know what to do.”

 

“Wait! REYNAULD!”

 

*CLICK*

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

The candles were lit. The altar was set. All that remained was the offering.

 

Cassandra sat in the dark before the collection of engraved stones, burning incense, flickering candlelight and a large, empty bowl. It had been months since she last attempted the sacred rite of Blood Communion. It was best not to trouble the ancestors too often. If you did, they might stop answering. Or worse.

 

Now was the perfect time. Kayden had gone home to pack some things and inform his friends and family of his plans; or at least some version of them. The fact that he would soon be a full time resident was why Cassie now sat, cross legged, in her basement dungeon. She wasn't sure when she'd get another chance to do this. At least not at home. Not until Kayden understood and accepted what she truly was.

 

Cassandra took deep breaths through her nose, exhaling each slowly through her mouth. She entered a state of meditation, clearing her mind of all distractions. The dark haired beauty reached down with purpose and took up the knife. She raised her left arm and extended it forward, her palm outstretched over the empty bowl.

 

Her right hand joined it and the knife bit deeply into her flesh. She uttered only a slight pained murmur as the edge flowed through her hand and her crimson fluids began to leak. First a long trickle from the deep wound, pooling in a dark red puddle. After the initial gush, blood continued to dribble down into the bowl, turning slowly to drips as it collected in the bottom. Her heartbeat ticked up as Cassie set down the knife. The essence of life wept from her hand as she closed her eyes and recited the invocation in her mind.

 

 

'Honored ancestors of the night. Proud and long lived Chosen! I offer you my very own blood. In return, I ask only that you listen and offer your counsel should you choose.'

 

 

*drip drip drip drip drip drip drip drip drip drip*

 

As her blood gathered in the offering well, Cassie's eyes remained shut and she waited for the first whispers to arrive. They came quickly, creeping into the recesses of her mind and echoing through the emptiness of her zen state. The light of the candles danced on her placid face as a thousand hungry voices gathered in her mind.

 

Soon, she would ask the first of her three questions. Never more than three. Everything she'd read about the rite was explicitly clear on that point.

 

 

'Ancestors... Has the time come for me to leave Sadie and the Crimson Tide?'

 

'No...'

 

'Not yet, child.'

 

'Patience!'

 

'Noooo...'

 

 

Consensus. Always a good sign. Cassie waited a spell before posing her second query.

 

 

'Ancestors... Can I form a new clan without making Sadie my enemy?'

 

'Hahahahaha!'

 

'Unlikely.'

 

'Perhaps?'

 

'Good luck, half blood!'

 

*cackle*

 

 

Unhelpful. She would try asking the question a different way next time. Some of them loved to mock how she wasn't like Sadie. Wasn't pure blood. The Chosen had always been hung up on bloodlines and purity, for obvious reasons. Cassandra waited before asking the final question, but not long. Too much blood loss and she would start to grow faint.

 

 

'Ancestors... The young man I've just met, Kayden. Shall I bind him to me and make him one of the Chosen?'

 

'Yes.'

 

'No!'

 

'Dangerous.'

 

'Do it!'

 

'Hard to say.'

 

'Risky...'

 

 

Division. It was sadly common. The ancestors were diverse and often had different views. This wasn't turning out to be one of the more insightful communions, but it was always worth the effort to seek the elders wisdom.

 

Just as Cassie was about to bring the ceremony to a close, a steely voice pierced the veil of her mind. A deep, vicious, authoritative growl that ripped through the chorus of whispers like a rampaging beast.

 

 

'YES!!! BIND HIM. DRINK OF HIM!'

 

 

The gruff voice echoed loudly through her mind, silencing all other whispers. It was a very old voice. The voice of a patriarch and leader of their kind from long ago. A voice that would never be challenged.

 

Cassandra was astonished. In her many uses of the blood rite, she'd never felt such a forceful presence in her mind, nor such an insistent answer. It almost scared her, but she maintained her composure until the echoing of the voice ceased. She breathed deeply and brought the ritual to an end.

 

 

'Thank you, honored ancestors! May this offering sate your thirst until next we meet.'

 

 

A few dozen whispers lingered in her mind, moaning and sighing as they drank their fill. Before long, they faded into the darkness and Casandra was alone with her thoughts once again. She opened her eyes and reached over to the waiting med kit. She licked her bleeding palm before wrapping it with gauze, a measure that would only be needed for thirty minutes. After that, there would be no wound.

 

Cassie returned her gaze to the altar. She watched as candlelight flickered across the bowl. Aside from a few dried up splatter marks, the vessel was empty.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

“Easy boys! No need to get rough” Reynauld said as he was led into the main hall by two of the Chosen. It wasn't just their strong grips that gave them away. Their slightly pale skin and the faint smell of blood were tell tale signs. Normally they'd mask it with cologne, but they didn't need to here. Their three piece suits and fancy jewelry were another giveaway. Were they all obsessed with fashion?

 

Reynauld's trench coat had been stripped away and discarded when they searched him before clearing him through security. All that was left were his tall leather boots, black cargo pants and the white, form fitting t-shirt that outlined his muscular frame. He'd thought about going in guns blazing, but he lacked the firepower and the numbers were against him. A frontal assault would have failed.

 

The footsteps of the three echoed through the cavernous hall as they made their way into a grand foyer of pure opulence. The building was dripping in wealth. Massive mural paintings. Drapes of the finest red velvet. Intricate detail on the woodwork lining the stairs, walls and furnishings.

 

At the base of the stairs, two more guards were waiting. At the top stood a woman in red latex looking pleased as punch. She held a riding crop in one hand and a two way radio in the other. The haughty hostess chuckled as the trio made their way in. She studied the hunter carefully from afar.

 

They brought Reynauld to a stop in the middle of the entrance-way; their hands still clinging to his biceps. Sadie began her casual descent down the stairs, her hips strutting as her curves flexed in red rubber. Her eyes remained locked on the interloper.

 

“Greetings, Mr. Blanchet! Welcome to my home! May I call you Rey?”

 

“Only my best friends get to call me that.”

 

“Ah. Well, perhaps we'll be good friends soon.”

 

“I doubt it.”

 

“Ironic, isn't it? Legends say we're supposed to ask permission to enter your home! And here you are, begging to be let into mine.”

 

“I didn't beg and I don't want to be here. Hand over Rosa and we'll go in peace.”

 

“You'll get to see her soon enough, I promise. But let you go? So you can come back with a larger party? Do you think I'm stupid, hunter?”

 

“You obviously thought I was stupid, telling me to walk into the spider's lair unarmed.”

 

“Be that as it may-” Sadie paused mid-sentence. Her nose wrinkled. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned Reynauld up and down. She lifted her crop and pointed down the stairs at him.

 

“I thought I told you to search him thoroughly.”

 

The guards at Reynauld's sides looked puzzled. The one on his left spoke.

 

“We did, Mistress. He has no weapons.”

 

Sadie scowled. “Idiots! I can smell the silver from here! Search him again, NOW!”

 

Before the last word passed her lips, Reynauld lifted his arms and shoved the Chosen aside with all his strength. They stumbled and toppled at his sides. As they did, Reynauld crouched down and pressed buttons on the sides of his custom boots. As he rose back to his full height, he drew the concealed silver daggers from their sheathes.

 

The biter to his left charged immediately and received a slash across the throat for his trouble. The shocked Chosen's eyes went wide as blackish blood poured from his neck. He opened his mouth to scream, but could expel nothing but gurgles. His hands reached up to the gushing wound as he fell to his knees in agony.

 

Reynauld got a glimpse of the other two guards charging him from the stairs as he whirled to face the man on his right. This one was more cautious, feinting several charges and moving from side to side before inevitably diving in for a grapple. Reynauld skillfully sidestepped him and raked the man's arm and chest with his twin daggers.

 

The Chosen stopped in its tracks, shocked by the searing pain of silver and the sudden realization of deep wounds that would not heal. His hesitation was all Reynauld needed to finish the job, burying the end of one dagger in his chest and pulling it free with a thick spray of crimson.

 

Sadie lifted the radio to her lips and calmly pressed the transmission button. “More security to the main hall. Now.”

 

By the time he turned around, the third man was almost upon him. His fangs were out and his eyes were black with bloodlust. Having seen the first two go down, this one was much more careful. He dodged as Reynauld moved in and whipped his daggers in long arcs. After both blades past him, the biter ducked in, electing to absorb a kick from the hunter in order to get within biting range. What he didn't notice were the hidden blades now protruding from the tip and sides of Reynauld's boots.

 

The silver boot-blade impaled the charging Chosen in the gut. As he pulled it free, Reynauld used the momentum to deliver two strong counter slashes across his chest and neck. The former man coughed blood and fell forward, his eyes burning with incredulity. As the dying biter slumped forward, Reynauld squared up and prepared to deal with the last of the four.

 

Now that all his comrades were down, there was no reason to hold back. The final Chosen reached for the gun at his side. Seeing the sidearm and his immediate danger, Reynauld stretched forth and sent one dagger hurtling into the creature's neck. The Chosen had almost gotten the weapon level and cocked when the blade plunged into his larynx and he exhaled a loud, wet cough. The gun rattled in his hands as he tried to complete the task, but it ultimately fell to the ground. It was followed shortly by the hacking, pain-wracked blood sucker, falling on top of his own weapon.

 

Reynauld's white shirt was now covered in ribbons of dark blood. He pointed his remaining dagger up the stairs, it's tip aimed squarely at the smiling matriarch. She was standing on the platform at the halfway point, staring down at him with no fear. He could hear more guards in the distance, yelling and rushing toward their position. He'd fought well, but the hopelessness of his situation was evident. He had one shot. It was time to take it.

 

Transferring the remaining dagger to his primary hand, he reached back and let it fly with all his might. The blade sailed up the stairway, directly at the grinning woman in gleaming red. The dagger flew precisely to its target and whistled through the air where the woman's chest previously was. Sadie blinked from existence and reappeared on the other side of the stairs ten feet away.

 

*THWACK*

 

The blade embedded itself in the top of the stairs harmlessly. Now it was Reynauld's turn to show shock and dismay. His eyes went wide as he righted himself from the throw and his hands lowered to his sides. Sadie looked down at him coyly, one arm below her bust and the other on her chin. She laughed and the echoing cackle flooded the decadent, blood splattered hall.

 

She didn't look it, but she was old. Maybe ancient. And probably pure blood. Abilities like that were not wielded by common biters. In all his years of investigation, Reynauld had never witnessed anything that extraordinary. He'd only heard of techniques that powerful in books and tales from other hunters. This had been a suicide mission all along. And now there was almost no chance he'd report this new knowledge to the guild.

 

More Chosen in fancy clothes and a dozen men in black leather bondage gear emerged from the left and right hallways and the entrance behind him. Surrounded, Reynauld raised his hands in the air and let out a deep sigh.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

The thick metal door groaned open and Reynauld was shoved inside the dark cell. It closed just as quickly, a loud metallic crash and several loud clanks indicating it was locked securely. The scarred veteran picked himself up off the floor and stood. His now bare feet touched cold, dirty stone. He coughed as he rose, looking around in the dark and trying to get his bearings.

 

“H-hello?” a familiar voice called.

 

“Rosa???”

 

“Reynauld! Is that you?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

She walked to him, her form barely visible in the darkness.

 

“I'm so glad” she said, her voice cracking as she embraced him eagerly. Reynauld welcomed her embrace, wrapping one arm around her warmly.

 

“Not much of a rescue, huh? Sorry I couldn't do better.”

 

She shook her head against his chest. “It's not your fault. I felt so stupid, getting jumped like that.”

 

“It's not your fault either.”

 

They held each other in silence for a few moments before she let him go and took a step back.

 

“Reynauld, what's going to happen to us?”

 

“If we're lucky, Father will get some reinforcements together before...”

 

“Before what?”

 

“Before they do something really ugly with us.”

 

Even in the dark, Reynauld could see Rosa's eyes welling up with tears. She held back her sobs at first, but soon her fear and anxiety betrayed her. She brought a hand to her mouth, trying to stave off her choked up snivels and sobs.

 

Reynauld stepped forward and embraced her again. He stroked her hair gently as they stood in the dark. “Hey, it's alright. If they come for us, they're gonna have to kill me first. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you.”

She sobbed and nodded. “Thank you.”

 

“I didn't want to tell you this before, because... Well, we haven't known each other that long. You remind me of my daughter. That's why I had to come back for you. Even though I was ordered to wait.”

 

That only brought fresh tears to her eyes. She shook her head against his chest a few more times.

 

“This is too much. I can't do this...”

 

“It's ok.”

 

“I-I'm sorry, Reynauld. I'm so sorry.”

 

“There's nothing to be sorry for, Rosa.”

 

“I'm sorry. It's just that I'm so... thirsty.”

 

Her fangs sank into Reynauld's neck with crushing animal force. The young woman wrapped her arms and legs around his body with a strength that shouldn't have been possible. She moaned and sucked hungrily as her teeth tapped into his deepest vein and drank hungrily from the red river of life.

 

Reynauld screamed in the darkness, stumbling helplessly as she held him fast and covetously drained his neck. With her mouth so close to his ear, he bore visceral witness to the depraved symphony of sounds a Chosen makes when feeding. Snarling, slurping, grunting, laughing, screaming. Every possible emotion gushed from the voracious woman as the blood spurted from her prey.

 

As his life siphoned out of his veins and he grew more weak, Reynauld's struggles ceased. He fell back. Not even hitting the ground caused the young Latina wrapped around his body to cease her greedy gorging. A single thought took up root in Reynauld's mind as the blackness closed in.

 

'Ophelia...'