by K A Young
"Fine," Locaine releases a sigh, conflicting thoughts running through his mind. He wraps an arm around my waist, brings his lips to my ear, "However if I tell you to go...you go...no questions asked."
Chapter 20
-Locaine
I don't think she has any idea what she has just agreed to.
My thoughts wander as I hold Annika around her waist, making our way to the parlor. Her little display back in the dining room was remarkable. I didn't think she would do anything like that; and now thanks to her, the leaders know their place, and I can't thank her enough for the efforts she's genuinely putting forward.
However, she has agreed to portray as my slave...I'm just thankful she hasn't acted out due to the lines quickly blurring between our growing relationship behind closed doors.
I release a sigh and take her to the parlor doors. We are approaching the doors when Rynn steps down from the staircase before accusing me sharply, "What are you doing?"
"You know very well what I'm doing," I reply, feeling Annika's eyes shifting from Rynn to land on me.
Rynn narrows her eyes at me and corrects herself, "No, I know very well what you are doing. However, why are you bringing and subjecting Annika to this sick game?" She points at Annika in the process. Rynn has grown quite fond of my little hunter, watching over her like a silent dark angel while Killian remains my guard as of late.
"She is my slave," I retort...even if Annika and I weren't this close and things remained precisely the same the day I enslaved her, it wouldn't be up to Rynn to make my decisions for me. Annika takes a step back and leans into me, not so sure of herself any longer. Rynn just scoffs and takes off down the hallway to her office in a rage, genuinely not wanting any harm to come to Annika.
"Master," Annika's voice is quite soft, "why did she act that way?"
"The same reason I didn't want to bring you in the first place," I reply with honesty, trying to keep myself calm. I'm not mad that she wants to step up for me again, but I'm a little uneasy at what she might do given the circumstances.
Am I making a mistake?
Annika doesn't respond, standing quietly beside me. When a few moments of silence transpire between us, I ask, "Are you ready?" I glance down at her. Her white irises meet mine, and she nods her head slowly, her brown hair falling over her shoulders.
We approach the doors to the parlor, the leaders already settling in. I gently nudge Annika in, steering her toward my black leather chair while avoiding the rest of the leaders staring at her.
I slowly sit down into my chair, pulling her down onto my lap. I can't help but muse at the thought...I do love these outfits.
Enzo shares his seat on the couch with Micah. Enzo's slave Imogen sits quietly on his lap, my gaze lingering on her for a second. I can hear her heart beating fast, along with Micah's slave Payton. However, Payton is kneeling on the floor beside him.
Remy sits in an individual chair with Lenore seated on the edge of the armrest, his arms wrapping around her hips. Julien sits in another chair, Sage situated in his lap, but I notice she keeps trying to pull away from him.
Ronan has Daisy kneeling on the floor as well, him and Blaise sharing the last couch. Faith has herself wrapped around Blaise like her life depends on it, seeing though that it's Blaise who is the one keeping her secure.
Well, if they don't please them, they can quickly kill and replace them...
That's precisely what I used to do.
I glance down at Annika as the thought crosses my mind, a smile spreading on my lips momentarily...
...until you came along, little hunter.
Micah is the first to speak and chuckles lightly, "Ronan, how about you let Daisy come over here for a bit."
That's why Payton is on the floor.
I watch, catching on to the movements about to happen while my nerves are on edge with Annika's presence here. Perhaps...they won't want to test her as a slave, regarding her as just what she is...a hunter.
Ronan's long white hair whips around as he turns to Micah smirking, "It's no surprise that you would ask for Daisy...after all, she is by far the best..."
Ronan pauses for a moment before shooting me a glance, "...looking human here, that is," he regards Annika a second later, and I inhale a deep breath, knowing now if anyone is going to take her from me, it will be Ronan.
Annika's muscles tense beneath my grip, apparently not knowing whether she should be offended when in fact I know for a fact he's taking an interest in her, and she should be flattered if anything.
Stay calm...
I can't afford for her to make the wrong move or say the wrong thing in this small confined space with six other purebloods. Holding her with my left arm, I glide my right hand up and over her stomach where I firmly squeeze her left breast.
Annika's audible gasp catches Blaise's attention immediately.
"My dear," I muse to Annika as I cheekily mention, "they cannot handle you." Her skin heats at my touch, her heart pounding fast in her chest.
Ronan glares at me and then turns his attention to Micah and states, "Sure, go ahead slave..." he motions for Daisy to go to Micah without another delay, prying herself up from the floor.
Micah instantly reaches out for Daisy as she appears in front of him. Her outfit is much more revealing than what our slaves wear within the walls of my mansion. Her outfit is in two pieces. Her long black curly hair falls over her chest as Micah place his hands around her waist, a playful smile on her lips.
"You do have quite a beauty here," Micah murmurs as he pulls Daisy into his lap. Payton has switched to Ronan as he regards her with interest, keeping his distance with Annika for the time being.
"Payton is very nice as well," Ronan twirls her around, yanking her down hard toward his lap. She says nothing as he places both of his hands on her thighs, massaging them inward. Payton moans loudly and throws her head back, allowing Ronan to trail his fangs along her neck as his actions only quicken.
I hope my little hunter is beginning to see what is happening...
This game we have been playing for years has two rules. One, you cannot bite another's slave. Two, you cannot have sex with another's slave. Other than that...it's a free for all with only one way to win. The goal is to see who will give in last. Whoever wins...can choose to swap slaves with any other's...
...permanently.
I already know I will win. Otherwise, I wouldn't have let Annika offer to be here. This is the only reason I entertained my little hunter's extended offer. I will never put her up as a gambling chip unless I am guaranteed a victory.
However, she had been correct. It would have been disrespectful of me to bring another slave in her place, and the leaders would think I was weak. For her presence here tonight, I believe she will have a well-deserved reward when we retire this morning.
"King Locaine," Blaise's voice emanates from beside Ronan as they share the couch with one another. I can tell he is starting to become antsy since Payton had swapped with Daisy. His longing gaze toward Annika has not gone unnoticed, knowing very well he is much more of a risk taker than Ronan.
"Yes?" I reply, slowly gliding my hand down from Annika's breast to her thigh.
"I would like to have a closer...look at your hunter slave," Blaise's eyes are full of lust. I feel a growl in the back of my throat...I don't want anyone else touching her, but if I don't let them...they will know something is going on between her and I. On a different level from a master and slave relationship, we need to keep that covered at all costs, or we risk losing everything.
I whisper into Annika's ear, "Go...make them squirm little hunter."
She is uneasy as I release my hold on her, allowing her to stand on her own from my lap. She turns her gaze back to me, questioning me with those eyes, but I shake my head in response, knowing everything is in her hands now.
**
-Annika
This is just another game.
I'm not sure how to win or lose this one as the rules we
re never explained to me. However, by the look in Locaine's eyes, he knows I can win this. I haven't been fortunate with his types of games in the past...my track record speaks for itself, and he very well knows it. All I know for sure is that Locaine wants me to make them squirm.
That's sure helpful.
Faith walks toward Locaine and me, waiting for me to move forward as well as an exchange. I take two shaky steps away from Locaine and Faith immediately takes my spot in Locaine's lap, gracefully lowering herself with a smile on her face.
Okay, that hurts.
Pawns...that's all slaves are. Maybe I shouldn't have agreed to this after all. I focus my attention back to Blaise as. Apparently, he already has a thing for me.
Curiosity killed the cat...he better watch out.
Blaise has long white hair that is pulled back into a ponytail, slightly reminding me of Theo which also causes my stomach to churn for a second. He, however, appears much younger closer to the age Locaine looks. I know he isn't that young, after all, he is a vampire.
Is Locaine counting on me seducing them?
The thought crosses my mind as I come to stand in front of Blaise. Ronan is situated on the other side of him, Payton sounding like a porn star now with the noises she's making. It doesn't go unnoticed though that Ronan eyes me the entire time Blaise looks me up and down, feeling as if I'm being put on display.
Blaise suddenly reaches out to touch me where I am forced to hold my ground while my subconscious wants me to bolt, running back to Locaine for security. He takes hold of my hips, and a shudder runs through my body.
"She's not going to try to kill me, is she?" Blaise chuckles as he calls over to Locaine, wanting to be reassured that he can do whatever he wants to me...
Locaine replies coldly, "No."
I turn my head to glance at him and catch Faith running her hands over his chest, caressing the top of his shoulders as her lips are close to his cheek. Locaine, however, appears completely unfazed by her actions. He is paying attention only to me, watching my movements and not caring about what Faith is doing.
"You're mine right now," Blaise draws my attention back to him, lightly pulling me down to him. He has me, so I'm sitting face to face with him, my knees on either side of his legs, straddling him.
"Your eyes," Blaise admires, keeping one of his hands on my hip and taking my chin in his other, "I had a hunter try to kill me before. You never forget their eyes."
We're memorable that way!
I lock my eyes with his chocolate brown ones for that moment before he chuckles slightly. He tilts my head, running his tongue from the base of my neck to behind my ear, a shiver running up my spine.
Both of Blaise's hands trail down my back, stopping to cup my ass suddenly. He unexpectedly squeezes me, and I must catch my breath, gasping out while my cheeks tinge with redness.
"I wonder..." Blaise growls, thinking more to himself when he says it out loud, "...if you are better in bed than a human."
"You'll never know," Locaine's voice sounds dangerous, words of caution toward his actions.
Blaise grins and retorts, "I may if you lose."
What?!
I'm quickly becoming aware of how this game is supposed to be played when Julien suddenly rises to his feet and grabs his slave. He drags her out of the parlor as I hear her sniffling quietly, whatever frustration he has is about to be taken out on her.
Not a second later, Micah stands up and releases Daisy, "Damn..." Ronan's evil look is all Micah needs before Payton is silently returned to him.
Micah storms out of the room, taking Payton with him.
Blaise sees the questioning look on my face as he pulls his hands away from my ass, gliding down my thighs, "You don't know how this game works, do you?"
Embarrassment crosses my features as I shake my head and reply, "I've played games before...but not this one."
"Well then," Blaise takes hold of my waist once again, flipping me around, so my legs are dangling over the side of his. His right-hand dips down into my inner thigh as he explains, "The point of you slaves, are to push us over the edge...once we have had enough sexual frustration, we call it quits and are done. The last one standing can decide to swap slaves. Permanently."
"Then you know you are going to lose," I shoot my gaze at him while arching a brow.
Blaise laughs at how bold I am before he says, "It will take a lot more than me touching you to quit."
Ronan stands up and sighs, "I have to agree with her," he points at me and then looks toward Locaine, "it seems our king will win...and I'm positive he won't be swapping slaves anytime soon. Come, Daisy, I believe the game is over for us."
Ronan leads Daisy out of the parlor. Remy and Enzo have also switched slaves, and both look to be fighting off the desire to take them right there.
Faith is trying her hardest to please Blaise by luring Locaine, but he won't have any of it. That is...until she kisses him, her lips meeting with his.
My body tenses and I lurch away from Blaise. He holds me still and whispers, "A jealous slave?"
Crap, I forgot.
"Damn it, come, Lenore," Remy growls as they too, exit the parlor.
All that remains are Blaise, Enzo, and Locaine. Apparently, Enzo has also been overworked, as he takes hold of Imogen's hand and holds her tightly, taking her away from the rest of us and out of the parlor doors.
"At least losing, also ends in a win," Enzo murmurs to Imogen, looking at the bright side.
There is a silence that passes over us as Locaine locks eyes with Blaise. "Are you just going to quit Blaise?" Locaine sighs and sinks back against the chair. Faith appears disappointed and in utter defeat that she can't sway the vampire king from his hunter.
"Unless your little slave can convince me otherwise, I don't think so," Blaise replies, wanting me to reciprocate his advances. Locaine narrows his eyes and pushes Faith away, allowing her to stand to her feet as there's nothing she can do to him that will change the way he feels.
A lot more than touching, eh?
Faith plops down beside us on the couch with her arms crossing in front of her chest, almost pouting.
"Slave," Blaise is addressing Faith as she cocks her head to the side, wondering what he is thinking. I'm taken aback the second he says, "How about you and Annika...give us a little show."
Excuse me?
I pull back and glare at him. There's no way in hell I'm getting intimate with a woman...
"Oh, that's why he likes you...you're feisty," Blaise grins at my actions, his fangs peeking out between his lips. Faith doesn't hesitate as she unfolds her arms and sits on her knees in front of me.
I'm in shock as I feel her soft lips press lightly against mine, my eyes widening in disbelief.
"Blaise," Locaine's voice startles me, "really?"
"I'm not breaking any rules," Blaise shrugs as he watches Faith kiss me on his lap.
I pushed her back and glower with sudden anger that I can't control, "No."
"What did you say?" Blaise's voice holds a hint of anger, slowly building while his eyes held my gaze.
I place my hands on him, trying to pry them off me while I reiterate, "I said, no."
"You are a slave, you don't have a choice," Blaise's anger is seeping through as his grip on me tightens exponentially. I can feel his nails digging slightly into my skin, making me gasp before it slowly becomes much more painful.
I whimper as the pain sears through my hips and down my legs, feeling that spark ignites in my chest, the warmth attempting to counteract the pain rushing through me. I can't handle it anymore, my vision crossing slightly from the increased pressure, "Locaine!"
"Disrespectful bitch," Blaise smacks me clear across the face, causing my blood to boil when my head snaps in the same direction. I can't describe what comes over me at that moment, but I quickly draw my arm back, my eyes locking back onto him before I punch him in the face.
I scream as Blaise suddenly rises to his feet and throws me onto the groun
d on my back, hissing at me. He is ready to strike me when Locaine appears beside us on his knees where he grabs Blaise's wrist and glowers, "Do NOT punish my slave."
"Then you do it," Blaise narrows his now black rose eyes at Locaine. Blaise's eyes hold suspicion, and my heart slowly sinks as my chest rises and falls from my quickened breathing. He just nods his head silently, and Blaise releases the hold he has on me, standing to his feet. I touch my hand to the spot where he had smacked me, part of my cheek numbs from the force he'd used.
Locaine's eyes are empathetic as he reaches down and slowly brings me to my feet. "Slave," his voice chills me, my heart pounding fast as whatever is about to happen is unavoidable. I knew what I had done was wrong and if he didn't punish me, Blaise will suspect something...not that he hasn't already.
"Yes, master," I reply with a very shaky voice. However, I know whatever he is going to do to me, I will heal a lot faster than in the past with the Lovenox, though it isn't going to make it any less painful...
Locaine releases a reluctant sigh before he says, "I cannot have you disrespecting me, especially in front of the other coven leaders." I just close my eyes and nod my head, ready for whatever he is going to do to me.
The sting of his backhand hurts more now than it had in the past, the only reason...
...because I care for him now and he cares for me. Not only that, but I could have cost him more than what I am worth.
I go to clutch my face, and Locaine swiftly grabs my wrist, taking hold of my elbow at the same time. My eyes widen as our eyes meet, a scream being ripped from my lungs, the sound of my forearm breaking makes my stomach sick. Tears run down my cheeks as I plead him to stop.
"Please..."
Before I can understand what, I have done, Blaise glares and snarls, "Your little slave should be accepting of her punishment and silent, not begging you to stop my king."
Fuck.
Locaine's eyes are sincere, and it is my own fault as he takes hold of my shoulder, leaving his other hand on my elbow. My shrill screams bring more attention than I want from Rynn and Darius, as they are now standing in the parlor entrance, their eyes landing on what Locaine is doing a split second too late.