Collars 'N' Cuffs

by Wayward Ink

  He had been taken from his home, dragged across the quadrant, found his mate, and helped catch a criminal. Now all he wanted was to go home with his mate and curl up to sleep.

  It wasn’t long before he got his wish.

  Epilogue

  Three Months Later

  SORL HAD TAKEN, and completed, the Master training for the club and that evening was to be their welcome celebration as official Master and sub. He would still work as the head dungeon monitor, but he would now be addressed as Master and have the authority to ban someone without checking with Gerry or Steve first.

  Sorl had spoken with Unjarf and they’d agreed—then arranged with Gerry and Steve—to perform a short demonstration as their first act as official Master and sub.

  Sorl was nervous. Unjarf had gone to visit Herig and would be getting dressed and traveling to the club from there. He wanted to see and hold his mate. He wanted him there with him all the time. He knew that with their lives here on the station it wasn’t a realistic desire, but he wanted it all the same.

  A chime went off, warning him he needed to change and get to The Club. He was responsible for setting up their demonstration and submitting a detailed description of the planned scene—including the safe word—to Gerry and Steve.

  THE CLUB WAS crowded when they arrived. Unjarf was still nervous, but Herig had spent the afternoon reassuring him and helping him prepare for the upcoming scene. They had gone over what he and Sorl had planned. Herig had even shown him some clips of other beings doing similar scenes, so he had a visual aid in understanding what would happen.

  Now all he had to do was find his mate. He had said to meet him by the stage just after opening. Looking around, he saw the top of his mate’s head moving through the crowd toward the main stage. Keeping one eye on him, Unjarf followed, with Herig trailing him.

  SORL NEARLY SWALLOWED his tongue when he saw his mate. He had known Herig was going to help his mate fit in, but this….

  Unjarf was wearing his favorite red shorts and matching cuffs. The silver chain collar Sorl had given him when they mated was around his neck, but that was where the familiar ended.

  Unjarf’s white hair, divided into tiny braids, hung down to the top of his wonderful ass. The braids were randomly decorated with red beads; and a red gemstone shone from one of his earlobes, twinkling in the light. His lips were painted the same red, and it made them stand out in contrast to his almost white skin. Black had been used to outline Unjarf’s eyes and to paint designs on his chest and arms. The overall effect made his mate look like…. Well, he looked like…. Sorl adjusted himself in his tight leather pants and gave up trying to think of a word to describe how his mate appeared. The way the blood had left his brain and flowed south said it all really; he knew no one would be able to mistake the bulge in his pants. He was already planning what they would be doing when they were alone later.

  “You look perfect,” he murmured into Unjarf’s ear as he pulled his mate into a tight hug. It pleased him when Unjarf melted against him with complete trust that he would support him. They had moved in leaps and bounds. The Club gave them the perfect way to show their love for each other and made sure that Unjarf felt safe as he learned what is was to be in a relationship. “Let us get this started.”

  He led his mate to the edge of the stage and lifted a hand to signal Gerry.

  Gerry and Steve took the stage and called for quiet.

  Gerry spoke first. “We have an announcement to make before the evening’s scheduled demo. Many of you know our newest member, Unjarf. Well, his mate Sorl has now completed his Master’s training. To celebrate, they’ve decided to share their first scene as Master and sub.”

  Steve took over and announced grandly, “May I present to you Master Sorl and his sub, Unjarf.” The announcement was greeted by cheers and catcalls.

  Sorl led Unjarf onto the stage by a chain clipped to both cuffs. He held out a hand to both Masters and watched as they left the stage to him and Unjarf. He stood behind Unjarf facing the crowd. Unclipping the cuffs and pressing lightly so Unjarf fell to his knees, Sorl spoke.

  “Thank you for the warm welcome. My sub and I will be showing you a display of Shibari that I have been learning from the wonderful Mistress Hirut.” The tall female Frigjern nodded her acknowledgment, while frowning slightly at the “wonderful” comment. Sorl continued. “I will be using a variety of techniques and colors to decorate Unjarf, and I hope you will enjoy the demonstration.”

  After Sorl stopped talking, he tuned out the crowd and turned all of his attention to the beautiful male kneeling at his feet.

  “Stand up and hold your arms out at your side,” he ordered and watched from the corner of his eye as Unjarf complied. Meanwhile, he picked up the first in a series of ropes placed along the edge of the stage. He started with Unjarf’s favorite color—red.

  AFTER ABOUT HALF a turn—half an hour to the humans in the crowd—of careful tying, Unjarf was covered in a red, yellow, and blue corset. His arms were pinned comfortably behind him and his chest was pushed forward. His legs had been tied open with a bright green rope, and his cock was hard, testing the shorts he wore to their limit.

  He felt surrounded and safe. This was how he had always imagined having a mate would be. Sorl continuously spoke to him, telling him what he was doing and where he was going to move him next. He kept up a constant stream of praise, too. How good Unjarf was for submitting as he was, how he was going to reward him generously when they were alone. This did not help ease the tightness of Unjarf’s shorts, but it was still wonderful to hear. He was so lucky to have a mate that took such good care of him and went to such lengths to ensure his comfort and pleasure.

  Another half a turn and Sorl presented him to the crowd. After a few Masters and Mistresses had come to look him over and congratulate Sorl on his graduation from training, Sorl picked up a cutting instrument placed on a nearby table.

  A few cuts freed Unjarf’s legs, and Sorl whispered how he was going to leave his arms bound until he was finished with him in the private room reserved for them.

  Unjarf moaned at the thought of how the rest of his night was going to go. He caught Herig giving him a grin, and he returned it. Whatever Sorl had planned, Unjarf knew he would love it, no matter how sore he ended up for the next cycle.

  Sorl led him away, and he looked forward to what this night held, and the many more that would come after it. He had his mate, a new home, and new friends. Life was good, and it would only get better.

  CAROL is a stay at home mum to a hyperactive daughter, as well as an active volunteer within her community.

  She started writing gay romance when she came across the Wednesday Brief Writers Group on one of their member’s websites. She has since started her own blog and also posts to other websites.

  She lives in the South East of the UK and enjoys all sorts of activities, including; crocheting, walking, and of course lots of reading.

  She is very thankful to her husband and daughter for all their support and for not complaining too much when she ignores them for long periods of time.

  CAROL PEDROSO can be found at:

  Website: www.cazpedroso.wordpress.com

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolpedrosoauthor

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/cazpedroso

  Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/cazpedroso/

  Chapter One

  ROBERT STOOD ON the sidewalk in front of an elegant Victorian house in downtown Ottawa. He clenched his fists for the umpteenth time, looking up at the sign that hung above the doorway. He breathed in and took a tentative step toward the staircase leading to the entrance to DP, or Downtown Pub, a nondescriptly named gay bar complex. He stopped.

  It wasn’t that the house looked haunted or scary in any way. It was actually a nicely laid out three-story, red-brick building with neutral colors painted around the doorway and windows. A light-colored awning stretched from the door toward Robert, inviting him in. Robert had once called this ho
use one of his favorite hangouts, but not for a while. Hell, he was even part owner, but bad things had happened here. Memories that Robert tried to keep bottled inside his brain still threatened to escape.

  This is nuts! I can’t stay hidden forever!

  Robert harrumphed, shook his hands, and breathed in deeply, yet again.

  It’s been long enough, damn it!

  He marched up the stairs and opened the doors. He stopped briefly and shivered involuntarily as he noticed the steps leading to the second floor. Robert shook his memories away, and opened the door to the first floor bar.

  It was packed, which Robert remembered wasn’t unusual for a Sunday afternoon in the middle of summer. However, it was more densely packed than usual. Robert noticed the balloons, the colorful garlands, and the HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY THOMAS sign painted in bright, Pride rainbow colors. This was the reason Robert was here. If it weren’t for his Uncle Thomas, Robert would never have thought of coming back.

  Robert scanned the room. He normally didn’t like crowds, but this afternoon the cramped scene might work to his advantage. He’d come for Thomas and no one else. He’d figured he’d drop in, wish Thomas a happy birthday, and leave. This place held too much pain and sorrow. Not to mention, certain others were bound to be here, and Robert didn’t even want to lay eyes on them.

  He glanced to his right. The bay-window seats were full. Looking toward the bar, a rickety-looking stool beckoned him. Robert remembered he used to like sitting on it; mostly, because it was well-placed and allowed him to chat with the bartenders, some of whom had been good friends. He headed straight for it.

  A familiar squeal, coming from somewhere in the crowd, stopped Robert in his tracks. He swiveled his head around. Sure enough, there Thomas was prancing his way toward Robert, waving his arms above his head. Robert rolled his eyes. Thomas was acting as if he hadn’t seen Robert for years. They’d actually brunched this morning.

  Thomas wasn’t a big man. Although, he was stronger than he looked. Robert braced himself for the bear hug he knew was coming. Thomas was dressed more conservatively than normal, especially in the context of this place. He wore a black, sheer, long-sleeved top and leather pants. Knowing Thomas, Robert could almost bet that the pants had two large holes for his buttocks to peek through, but from the front, the outfit looked as though it could have been worn anywhere.

  “Robbie! I can’t believe you’re here. Two years! I think it’s a long enough exile. Don’t you? This calls for a celebratory drink!”

  Robert raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t I be buying you one? It’s your birthday.”

  Thomas released Robert from the hug, grabbed his hand, and pulled him to the bar. “This is bigger than my birthday… and it only took you twenty minutes to decide to come in. I’m proud of you.”

  Robert’s face flushed. “You were spying on me?”

  “The term is ‘watching over you’, and, no, it wasn’t just me. Marco was the one who paid closer attention.”

  Robert shook his head and looked behind the bar. Marco was keeping himself busy serving customers. He turned his head, smiled broadly, and winked at Robert. Robert frowned. Both Marco and Thomas had continued to support the bar after “the incident”. It had actually been Robert’s idea. He’d never blamed the staff or the other owners for what had happened. He’d wanted the place to go on as usual. He just hadn’t been able to bring himself to set foot in here until now.

  Marco bent down, produced a bottle of wine, and opened it. Robert noticed the markings and raised an eyebrow.

  Marco grinned. “I got some wine from your current favorite watering hole. I was hoping you’d show up today. I’m glad you did, boss.”

  Robert’s lips formed a semi-frown. He knew Marco was being sincere, but Robert was still anxious about being there. Marco also bartended at two other bars Robert co-owed.

  Marco put a glass of the wine on the counter. “It’s on the house, boss. I’m just happy to have you back.”

  Robert smiled. “You always know what I need.”

  Of course it was on the house—Robert owned part of the bar. Marco pulled another glass out from behind the counter and topped it off as well. Scooting it to Thomas, Marco grinned. “You don’t owe me a thing either. Happy birthday.”

  Thomas smiled and nodded, accepting the grand gesture.

  Robert laughed and looked at Thomas, who laughed with him. Marco had a way of making them both feel comfortable. It’s what made him the perfect bartender for their establishments. Thomas was co-owner of the bars as well. In fact, Thomas had been married to Robert’s uncle right up until Uncle Bob died of a heart attack four years ago. Uncle Bob and Tom had raised Robert since he was a tween; ever since Robert lost his family.

  Robert had inherited all of his uncle’s shares. Normally, the owners would have to account for what they ate and drank, but today was Thomas’ birthday, so Thomas got free drinks. In addition, the other owners had arranged for Robert to have whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it, at no cost, because of his ordeal. Robert never took advantage of that privilege. In fact, he regularly donated money to various local causes on behalf of the partnerships, as a way of evening things out.

  Robert clinked glasses with his uncle. “Happy birthday, Uncle Tom.”

  Thomas’ lips turned down into a tight frown. “You’re not going to stay. Are you?”

  Robert shook his head. “I can’t. I came for you, to honor you, but there are too many bad memories in this place. I’m sorry.”

  Thomas’ eyes drooped. Robert saw sadness, regret, and perhaps a little guilt there. Tilting his head, he smiled at his uncle. Robert didn’t blame Tom. He loved him.

  Suddenly, someone behind Thomas spun him around. The stranger pressed his lips aggressively to Thomas’, and Thomas melted into the stranger’s embrace.

  Robert took an involuntary step back, his heart beating rapidly. He quickly shook his anger away. He realized he was upset by this, but he remembered that his uncle had been a widow for four years, which was, to Robert’s twenty-two-year-old mind, quite a long time. Besides, Thomas deserved to be happy.

  The stranger released Thomas and turned his attention to Robert, who automatically tilted his head to avoid eye contact.

  Why the hell did I do that?

  Robert straightened, turned his head back, and met the stranger’s stare.

  The stranger gently propelled Thomas aside and stepped into Robert’s personal space. “So, young little switch, you’re absolutely gorgeous. Who are you?”

  Little switch? What the hell is that? Who the hell are you? And who do you think you are to be calling me young?

  Robert straightened his back and clenched his fists. A familiar hand touched his abdomen. Thomas had slipped an arm between the stranger and Robert. Thomas pushed Robert back. “Daniel… um, sir, this is my nephew, Robert. He’s the young man I told you about.”

  Robert’s head tilted back, one eye closing slightly. He was intrigued to see this Daniel person step back, an “oh” forming on his lips.

  “Sorry. If I’d known it was you, I’d never have encroached on your personal space like that. I apologize.”

  Robert’s throat tightened. He breathed in to calm himself as he took in the man before him, trying not to be too obvious about it. Daniel was stunning. He was as tall as Robert, with a model’s chiseled features and a muscular body to match. He wore white leather pants and a flowing white silk shirt. His outfit was similar to what Robert was wearing, except Robert wore linen and not leather.

  Damn it. You are attractive.

  “Wait a minute. You know who I am?”

  Robert turned to his uncle, lips tightly pressed in a downturn. “You told him about me?”

  Thomas coughed and adjusted his leather top with both hands. “Daniel was brought in to replace….” He cleared his throat. “Well, you know who, and to revitalize the BDSM club. He’s been instrumental in getting everyone involved….”Thomas rambled on, almost stuttering at times. “We
-well, everyone we could prove was involved in what happened… prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the Club’s charter.” Thomas looked at Daniel. “He also gave me advice about you.”

  “Did he?” Robert tilted his head and squinted.

  Thomas stepped forward and grabbed both of Robert’s elbows. “You were in such bad shape, honey, especially in the beginning. I needed a sounding board. I needed advice on how to handle… the situation.”

  Once again, Robert’s neck heated up. He folded his arms across his chest.

  You mean you needed advice on how to handle me!

  Memories flooded Robert’s consciousness. Terrible memories. He flinched, trying to keep them at bay. They were too much. He started toward the exit. “I’m sorry, Uncle Tom, but I need to go. Happy birthday. I’ll see you soon.”

  Robert stumbled out of the bar and hurried all the way home, humiliated.

  Chapter Two

  ROBERT SQUIRMED ON his stool a little, in order to get comfortable. This bar stool was situated in the more aptly named gay bar, Peter’s. Robert co-owned this bar as well, and frequented it a lot because it was down the block from his apartment building. It didn’t hurt that the bar also had karaoke at least three times a week.

  After leaving DP, he’d managed to walk home without too much trouble. Upon arriving, he’d gone straight to bed. Sometimes, sleeping kept the demons at bay. It worked, mostly, in this case as well. He’d only had a few nightmares.

  He’d finally got up after an hour-long nap, made himself some noodles, and, after checking in the mirror to make sure he looked somewhat presentable, trotted down to Peter’s.

  This bar was much cozier than DP. His friend, Andy, was emceeing the entertainment tonight. Robert had already chosen his songs. He hoped Thomas wasn’t too mad or disappointed that he hadn’t stayed for the celebrations, but he just hadn’t been able to handle it anymore. It hadn’t only been the location either. That Daniel guy had gotten under his skin.