Making His Stand

by Thianna Durston

  “Good morning,” she said with a smile.

  “Morning.”

  She walked past him and dropped to her knees next to Kendrick. He turned and smiled. His entire face softened as he looked at her. “Morning, love. Get some sleep?”

  “Yes, Sir. It was wonderful.”

  “Good.” He took one of the coffees and cocked an eyebrow at the second. “More than one?”

  Pink flooded her cheeks and she glanced at James before looking back at Kendrick. “You said James would be here this morning. I thought he might like a coffee.”

  “Good idea.” Kendrick looked over at James. “Looks like your coffee conundrum is solved for now. Penny University serves some fantastic java. Even though they don’t technically have to open until May, they’ve opened early as there are tons of workmen and they love coffee.”

  “Thanks.” James stepped forward and Becca handed him his drink. He didn’t know what to do about all the kneeling. That was different. Not bad, but he didn’t understand it. Tiny taps on the linoleum told him that Zippo had decided to come looking for him. “Zippo,” he said but before he could say anything else, Zippo saw a human on the floor and made a beeline for her.

  “Oh,” Becca crooned, “isn’t he cute? What’s his name?”

  Looked like another human was under his spell. James wished he could be as personable as his dog. Zippo could win almost anyone over. He wondered if the little dog could help him win Alec over.

  Alec leaned against the gate and watched the workmen do whatever it was they did to get everything ready for the buildings that had arrived that week. His was scheduled to be set up before mid-April and he looked forward to seeing exactly what design they chose for his shop. The year before, cloth separated the stalls and he’d had to lock everything up and unlock when a person wanted to purchase something. While he still would have the more expensive items under lock and key, his shop would be permanent which meant it would have a lock on the door.

  A permanent shop. A small smile crossed his lips. He never imagined that he would have his own little shop. When he was younger, travelling to conventions had been a blast. But over the years, living out of a suitcase had become burdensome. When he turned thirty, he found himself with a desire to set down roots. Now, at thirty-five, he was thinking about finding a life partner. “Guess it’s true what they say. As you get older, your priorities shift.”

  His phone buzzed and he pulled it out, smiling when he saw a text from James. In the last week, that had been the only communication they’d had as Alec had been busy with special orders, but he’d come to look forward to the little tidbits James chose to share with him from time to time.

  James: Why does Becca kneel when she’s around Kendrick?

  Pleased that James finally asked a question that had to do with the lifestyle, Alec thought through the easiest way to explain.

  Alec: In their relationship, it’s part of respect. She shows her submission by kneeling. It’s something she enjoys doing and Kendrick loves it when she does.

  James: So she doesn’t have to do it?

  Alec: I believe it’s part of their rules, so yes, she does. But remember, she agreed to the rules to begin with.

  James’s response took a few minutes.

  James: Sorry. Zippo saw a spider and I had to grab him.

  James: So what happens if she doesn’t kneel?

  Intrigued at the question, Alec wished he could read between the lines to why James wanted to know. Was he just an information sponge that saw this as another piece of data to swallow up? Or was he interested because he liked the thought of kneeling next to someone? That possibility made Alec consider exactly how he would respond.

  Alec: Every couple is different. I don’t know what their punishment protocols are. For some it might include loss of privilege, being made to stand in a corner, or possibly a spanking.

  No response came and he figured James was trying to swallow that text. He hadn’t asked much the previous Sunday when he came up to Alec’s house for barbecue. But he had listened avidly as Alec and Slate discussed the basics of BDSM and some of its derivations.

  Alec glanced at his watch. It was almost ten and he needed to get back home and finish some of the pieces he was working on. Only a couple more months until the Faire was open. As he straightened to head home, he spotted the Penny University sign. Coffee sounded good. And he could drop one off to James and see if he had any more questions.

  Whistling softly he made his way across the grounds. If Zippo was at work, perhaps he should buy a cookie as well.

  Voices came from Kendrick’s office, but Alec wasn’t there to see Kendrick, so he glanced around until he spotted a child-safety door affixed in a doorway. Figuring it would also pass as a doggie door, he glanced in and spotted a patch of brown hair sticking up from behind a monitor. “Hello,” he said and stepped over the small gate. A little yip responded from behind the desk and James looked up.

  “Alec, hi.” His brown eyes lit up.

  Alec walked over to the desk and placed a large coffee in front of James. “Wasn’t sure what kind you liked so I got you a basic latte. And I got a cookie for the doglette.” He pulled out the cookie and James smiled. Zippo stuck his head up and Alec leaned over. The dog had a little bed behind the desk and was standing, wagging at him. “And hello there, Zippo.” Zippo gave another little yip, shook himself, and trotted around to say a proper hello.

  He squatted down and scratched his new friend. “You look like you’re settling in.”

  “My roommate doesn’t like dogs,” James explained, sounding nervous. “Kendrick found the doggie door so he can be loose in my office while I work.”

  “Good. He’ll become the Elan Isle mascot.”

  “Do we need a mascot?” The grumble from the door made Alec smile. He looked over his shoulder as Craig, resident curmudgeon who had a heart of gold, glowered at him.

  “We definitely do. This little guy was abandoned, has only three legs, and was just looking for a place to be himself. Sounds like a mascot to me.”

  Craig grunted and looked down at Zippo who hadn’t moved closer but wagged at him. “Feed him up. If we’ve got to have a mascot, he shouldn’t look emaciated.” Without another word, he headed down to Kendrick’s office.

  Alec looked up at James who had a worried expression on his face. “He wants me to feed him more? Zippo’s a picky eater. I’ve tried all sorts of food and he only eats what he wants to eat. I promise I’m feeding him.”

  “Don’t worry,” Alec said, trying to soften things as it looked like Craig’s words seriously affected the man seated behind the desk. “In Craig’s case, his bark is far worse than his bite. He’s actually a nice guy, but don’t tell him I said so. It will just make him surlier.”

  Confusion crossed James’s face and he shrugged. “Okay. You can feed Zippo the cookie if you want.”

  Alec grabbed the cookie and broke off a piece. He handed it to Zippo who sniffed it and then turned his head away. James started to laugh, tiny snorts punctuating each breath. “Like I said. He only eats what he wants.”

  Chuckling, Alec stood back up. “I am suitably chastened, Zippo. I won’t bring you that again.” The little dog wagged his tail and trotted back to his bed where he walked around in a circle three times and laid down.

  “I should leave you to your work, I’m sure, but if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.”

  James cast a glance toward the door and then shyly up toward Alec. “Thanks for answering my questions.”

  “I don’t mind at all. I’d much rather have you ask me than wonder about it.” Alec headed toward the door and after stepping over the doggie door asked, “What time do you go to lunch?”

  “I’ll probably head over there at noon.”

  Alec nodded. “I might see you there.” He lifted a hand in a wave, and walked out of the office and toward home. There were definite signs that James was interested in him, but as the man was a virgin and didn’t kn
ow much about BDSM, he was going to take things slow. If nothing else, he’d have another friend. But possibly James might turn out as someone he could date. And wouldn’t that be odd.

  A smile crossed his face and he whistled the whole way home.

  Chapter Six

  James locked his computer interface and stood up. He’d been watching the clock for the last hour and it was finally noon. He just wasn’t sure what to do with Zippo. There hadn’t been a sign about no animals at the cafeteria, but he was sure there had to be a rule. And he wasn’t about to leave him home. Over the last week he had brought his lunch and taken Zippo for a walk while he ate. But since he’d told Alec he was headed toward the cafeteria for lunch, he didn’t want to not go. That would be bad. What if Alec expected to see him there and he didn’t show up? The man was nice and unbelievably hot. There was no way he would pass up on the opportunity to spend more time with him.

  Hearing footsteps coming from the direction of Kendrick’s office, he turned toward the door as his boss stuck his head in. “Heading to lunch?” Kendrick asked.

  “Yeah. I’m just trying to figure out if it would be okay if I left Zippo here? I don’t want to leave him at home just in case Bronick comes home for lunch, but I’m heading to the cafeteria.” He smashed his lips together so he wouldn’t continue to give information that wasn’t relevant.

  “Why don’t you take him with you?” Kendrick suggested. “I don’t mind him staying here, but people walk in and out. I’d worry he’d accidentally get loose and we’d have to hunt him. That little dog could hide far too well.”

  “Tell me about it. I lost him the first day I was here. That’s how I met Alec.” Even as the words were out of his mouth, heat flooded his cheeks. Kendrick wasn’t going to care he’d met a guy he was attracted to.

  “Alec Rowland? He’s a great guy.” Kendrick leaned against the side of his door. “So unless you don’t want to take him with you to the cafeteria, I’d say that’s probably the best bet.”

  “There’s no rules about dogs in an eating establishment?” he asked cautiously.

  Kendrick shrugged. “As long as he doesn’t get back into the kitchen, I’m not worried about it and of anyone on the island, I’m the one with the say. If anyone says anything, tell them to talk to me.”

  “Thanks.” James grabbed the leash and halter and Zippo instantly hopped to his feet. “Hey, Kendrick?” he said after he snapped the halter shut and walked with Zippo toward the door. Kendrick removed the doggie door and stood back, amusement on his face as Zippo trotted by.

  “Yes?”

  “There are a few things I have questions about in the to-be-paid file. Can we get together this afternoon to go over them?”

  “Sure. I’ve got a phone conference at one, but it should be done by two. Any time after that.”

  Kendrick headed north, presumably for lunch with his girlfriend, and James headed toward the cafeteria. He was nervous someone would get annoyed Zippo was there and he hadn’t brought his shoulder bag to hide him in. Perhaps he should go back to his cabin and get the bag. Before he could decide, a voice he knew called from behind him.

  “Zippo!”

  Zippo turned around, his tail going a mile a minute as he ran toward Alec. James let the leash go and watched the little dog wriggle as Alec scratched him. Alec picked up the leash and walked toward him, Zippo almost instantly taking the lead. He looked proud of himself as though he had magicked Alec up.

  “Ready for lunch?” Alec asked once he reached him.

  “Think so. Kendrick said it was okay for Zippo to go in, but I’m worried someone won’t like it.”

  Alec reached down and picked his dog up. Instantly Zippo curled up to Alec and put his jaw on his arm. “I say we go in, get our food, and sit down. Zippo can be under the table. If someone says something, we’ll just tell them to talk to Kendrick about it. But I don’t see anyone speaking up. Most of us mind our own business.” He handed Zippo over and James held him close as they entered. Several tables were taken, but there was a nice one by a window that James had his eye on.

  “What sounds good?”

  James turned and smiled at Slate. He liked his new over-the-top friend. He reminded James somewhat of Stan, except Stan wasn’t swishy. “What have we got?” he asked.

  “BLT with a side of chips or a grilled chicken salad with a side of jello.” He cocked his head and smiled. “And I’ll toss in a small plate of just the grilled chicken for Zippo.”

  After getting their orders, they went to the table by the window and sat down. James placed Zippo under the table and handed him a piece of chicken.

  “So how’s the job going?” Alec asked.

  “Good. I like everyone I’ve met so far, not that I’ve met a lot of people. And I like having Zippo there.” It was difficult to explain, but Zippo was the closest thing James had to what he thought family was. He loved James and expected nothing in return except cuddles, food, and walks. Nobody had ever loved him unconditionally before he found the little dog. The incongruity of it was that James always felt like he wasn’t doing enough in return. The thought of leaving him home alone all day made him freak out a bit. So Bronick’s dislike of dogs actually had been good for both James and Zippo.

  Alec took a piece of chicken and offered it to their resident canine. “It will be good for Zippo too. He’ll have people oohing and ahhing over him all day long. So by the time the Faire hits, he’ll be used to having people around.”

  “Do the Faire people come up here?” James asked in surprise.

  “No. But the Faire’s just beyond those trees and sound does travel. Zippo’s going to hear the crowds and he’ll no doubt feel the energy. As will you,” Alec added as he took a sip of lemonade.

  James slowly chewed a bite of sandwich as he considered that. He’d been thinking all morning about Alec’s text about punishment protocols, especially the part on spanking. He was worried he might be a little strange as instead of horrifying him, the idea of having someone like Alec spank him had been kind of exciting. After swallowing, he asked, “Do most of the people on the island do punishment stuff?”

  “Some. BDSM is so varied that you can’t really group people into a category. For instance, Kendrick and Becca are in what we call a twenty-four/seven relationship. Their rules carry both in and out of the bedroom. David Walston and his wife Tayna are also in a twenty-four/seven relationship. But their dynamics are very different. David and Tayna are more ensconced on the discipline side and it’s pretty much one side of the line or the other. She breaks a rule and she’s going to get punished whether in private or publicly. They both know it and that’s the way it is. With Kendrick and Becca, discipline is mostly in private, I assume. They like to play and have fun and I’ve definitely seen a lot of funishment with them. But I’ve only ever seen her disciplined publicly twice and both were so subtle that if I didn’t know them, I wouldn’t have realized what was going on.”

  “Funishment?” James asked, noting another term he didn’t know.

  “Using punishment but in a fun way. For example, spanking can be erotic, disciplinary, or funishment. The spanking might hurt in funishment, but it’s more about having fun with it.”

  James crunched on a chip and leaned his elbows on the table. “I feel like I’m never going to catch up.”

  “You don’t have to,” Alec said firmly. “James, I’ve been in the lifestyle since I was eighteen. Kendrick started when he was eighteen or nineteen. Our knowledge is from years and years of experience. You know, when Ryan comes back, I think it might be a good idea for you to talk with him.”

  “Who’s Ryan?” James worried that perhaps he was Alec’s sub or something.

  “David’s son. Well, one of them. Ryan and Luke are twins. They’re identical in appearance but their personalities are completely different. Anyway, Ryan’s just beginning to learn the world. He spent fall term here, but went to winter term at school. It might be good for you to be around someone who’s still at the
beginning.”

  That sounded promising. It would be nice to know he wasn’t the only one blundering through. “That’s a good idea. Do they teach this kind of thing around here?”

  “The township is so new that I don’t know if anyone’s brought it up, but that’s a good idea. Perhaps put out the feelers for anyone who wants to know more about the lifestyle. There are a lot of us who are experienced enough to teach. Even if it’s only once a month, in that one meeting, you could pick up a lot of information.”

  They chatted about the town and the Faire a little as they ate. James spotted Craig walk into the cafeteria and shrunk down a little. The guy was scary. His frown made James want to get under the table with Zippo.

  His concentration was so taken up by Craig that he never noticed Bronick until he passed by. His roommate froze next to the table and looked down. James followed his gaze and spotted Zippo wagging up at Bronick from the edge of the table.

  “This is where we eat,” Bronick said, jerking backward. “Get the mutt out of here.”

  Heat flooded into James’s face and he reached for Zippo and pulled him into his arms. “He’s not hurting anyone,” he said.

  “He—” Bronick began, but Alec interrupted.

  “Zippo is just as welcome here as you are. If you have a problem with it, bring it up to Kendrick. He gave his okay.”

  Bronick glowered at Alec and opened his mouth, but before he could say anything Craig walked up. Oh shit. He’s going to kick us out. James held Zippo a little closer and prepared to make a dash for the exit.

  “Is there a problem?” Craig asked in his cold voice, his entire body posture scaring the shit out of James.

  “Yeah,” Bronick said. “We’re here to eat and this dog’s in here.”

  Craig raised an eyebrow as he glanced at James and then back at Bronick. “How does having a dog in here stop you from eating? I think you should be aware that’s the new town mascot, so belittling him won’t help your case.”