by Red Phoenix
“We have a series of scenarios for you tonight. The four of us will be observing you to determine who should remain in the course and who should be dismissed. Understand that you can decide to leave the program at any point as well.”
“Why would we do that when we’ve already paid the tuition…Master Anderson?” the girl he’d already dubbed “the attitude” questioned in a superior tone.
“Ms. Slater, restate that question so that it sounds like a question and not a disrespectful remark.”
She frowned for a moment before restating the question as he had commanded.
“Ms. Slater, we are similar to Ivy League institutions. Your first few classes have been designed to eliminate the uninspired. We are only interested in training serious students, so you may choose to leave the program on your own accord or you may be asked to leave by any one of your instructors here.”
“Even though we freaking paid the tuition?” she demanded.
When he didn’t answer, she reworded her question. “What happens to the money we already paid, Master Anderson?”
“Should you leave for any reason, you will receive a full refund.”
Ms. Slater seemed satisfied with his answer and surprised him by saying, “Thank you for clearing that up, Master Anderson.”
Maybe the girl could learn humility after all.
Brad held up their application packets. “You have given us your personal lists of preferences and dislikes. We want you to be aware that the men chosen for this first practicum were picked based on your answers.”
An assistant came into the room and handed each of the girls a black strip of cloth.
Brad instructed them to tie on the blindfolds and lie down on the ramps.
One of the girls looked like she was about to run. Truly, if the girl was already unsure she had no business continuing.
“Miss Rodriguez, is there a problem?”
The girl blushed profusely. “Master Anderson…”
“Yes?”
“Master Anderson, I have to pee.”
Brad had to hold back his laughter. Keeping a serious expression, he told her, “All you need to do is ask permission.”
“May I please go to the restroom, Master Anderson?”
“Of course, one of our assistants will show you the way. Please hurry, Miss Rodriguez. The trainers are waiting.”
She gave him a quick bow and rushed out of the room.
Brad took the opportunity to stare at the rest of the students. He noted which ones shifted uncomfortably when he picked up his yellow pad and began writing. Little did they know he was simply doodling.
One girl, however, stood with her back straight, her eyes forward, and a smile that just wouldn’t quit. He scribbled down her name Miss Henderson and wrote down the smiler beside it.
Once Miss Rodriguez had returned, Brad commanded once again that the girls blindfold themselves and lie down on the ramps. It was easy to feel the tension rise in the room when he nodded to the assistant and they heard the men walk in.
After each Dom had taken his place, Brad began.
“Ms. Slater, you stated in your application that you are not attracted to men with small penises.”
“Yes, Master Anderson.”
“Meet your partner, Sir Reed.”
The expression on her face when the Dom pressed his small shaft against her vagina was priceless. Brad would be watching her closely to see if she responded to her Dom’s various sexual skills or if she shut down completely because of her prejudice.
“Miss Henderson, you stated that you found short, scrawny men unattractive.”
“I did, Master Anderson.”
“Meet your partner, Lord Connor.”
Her smile faltered for a second, until the Dom began talking to her. Brad could see her physically relax and that winning smile return. Her positive response boded well for her in the weeks to come.
Brad continued the introduction of Ms. Miller, Miss McKenzie, Ms. Grady, and Miss Rodriguez to their partners and then he sat down. The four trainers observed them closely, taking detailed notes to be shared with the students once the lesson was finished.
Surprisingly, no one ran from that first lesson but he knew the second practicum, which was designed for each individual, would prove much more challenging.
That first night, they lost Ms. Miller. She was not keen on challenging herself with a Dom covered head to toe in tattoos. It amused Brad that what one woman found attractive, another found repulsive. It took all kinds, he mused, but her short-sightedness meant she missed out on the Dom who was an expert at her favorite tool.
Her loss…
When class ended at twelve that evening, the staff stayed behind to discuss their first impressions of the new crop of students.
“What did you think of Miss Rodriguez?” Brad asked.
Marquis replied, “A timid soul, but I saw a spark tonight. I think she will experience real growth under our care.”
Baron nodded. “I found it hard not to laugh when she piped up that she had to pee.”
“At least she said something,” Mistress Lou said. “It would have made her session much less enjoyable had she remained silent.”
Mr. Gallant smiled. “I’m glad to hear she was willing to state her need.”
They all chuckled.
“Indeed,” Brad agreed. “And what about Ms. Slater?”
“She has an ego that needs to be knocked down a few notches,” Mistress Lou replied.
Baron shook his head. “You could tell she was arrogant from her very first words.”
“I had issues with her in the classroom, myself,” Mr. Gallant shared. “Every class has at least one rebellious spirit.”
Marquis stated his concern. “I didn’t care for the way she treated the first Dom. I think we must challenge her more. Either she will learn humility or I will personally ask her to leave.”
Brad smiled, understanding his point but disagreeing. “I actually thought she would be gone by the end of the night when I first saw her. However… I now believe Ms. Slater has potential. Sometimes arrogance is a sign of ignorance. I feel strongly that is what we must free her from.”
“Food for thought,” Mistress Lou stated.
“What are your thoughts on Miss Henderson?”
Baron chuckled. “I like that girl. A positive attitude and a great smile.”
“I concur,” Mr. Gallant said. “She stands out to me as well.”
“But lacking skills,” Mistress Lou countered. “Frankly, I was shocked by how little she knew.”
“Ah, but that’s what makes her a perfect candidate for the course. There is much we can teach her and she seems eager to learn,” Marquis replied.
Brad nodded. He had real hope for Miss Henderson. That brunette beauty with the long bangs, big eyes, and enticing smile…her smile would win over many a Dom. “She’ll need a lesson on restraint. That smile of hers should be reserved for her Dom, and only her Dom. It could get her in trouble if she fails to understand that.”
“But we must be careful not to quell her enthusiasm,” Mr. Gallant cautioned.
“Never fear, Gallant. Our aim is to help our students, not harm them,” Brad assured the teacher. “Now about Miss McKenzie…”
Baron nodded. “Not really a submissive, is she?”
“I don’t believe so.”
Mistress Lou stated, “I believe we test the level of her submissive tendencies tomorrow. Let’s make it obvious to her.”
Marquis graced her with a rare smile. “I couldn’t agree more, Mistress Lou.”
“Which leave us with Ms. Grady. Any thoughts?”
Marquis’s expression became serious. “She is far too reserved. I can read most people, but I struggled with her tonight.”
“She said very little in class, even when prompted,” Mr. Gallant shared.
Baron expressed his main concern. “How can a Dom work with a submissive he cannot read? Although we have safewords in place, it’s impera
tive there is an unspoken dialogue between the Dom and sub in a scene.”
“She is a mystery,” Mistress Lou agreed.
“We’ll need to unravel what makes her tick. Of all who are left, she is the one I’m most concerned about,” Brad admitted.
All four voiced their agreement.
“Still, all in all, this is quite a successful first day. Five students still under our care, and six weeks of training ahead,” Brad announced proudly.
“Gentlemen, it is an honor to work with all of you.” Mistress Lou gave a slight bow of her head.
“Agreed,” Marquis said. “You have gathered a strong team here, Master Anderson. I see years of success ahead for The Center.”
“An added bonus is that you’re also entertaining,” Baron said, slapping Brad on the back. “It’s good to be training with you again, Headmaster.”
“Let me state my gratefulness as well,” Mr. Gallant added, smiling warmly at Brad.
“Tonight alone has been worth all the sacrifices it took to get here,” Brad stated with sincerity.
Brad didn’t get the tragic news until late that night after he’d returned home.
“Hello, is this Brad Anderson?”
“It is,” he replied, alarmed by the late hour of the call.
The woman on the other end took a deep breath before telling him, “This is Judy Reynolds. Brie wanted me to call you to let you know that Thane was involved in the plane crash at LAX. He’s in the ICU in critical condition.”
“What? What plane crash?”
“The footage of the crash was all over the news tonight…” she mumbled. “It was terrible. There weren’t many survivors.”
What the hell…
“I’m really sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you should know that the doctor says Thane is in stable condition for now.”
Brad remained silent, in too much shock to speak.
Thane was his best friend—not only his old college buddy, but the man he looked up to and aspired to be like.
A world without Thane Davis in it?
Tears came to Brad’s eyes at the thought. “Is there anything I can do?” he asked gruffly.
“Not right now. The seriousness of his condition does not allow for visitors.”
“What about Brie?”
“She’s with him and is doing well enough considering the circumstances. That girl’s strong and determined.”
Brad let out a long drawn-out sigh, the news of Thane’s accident rocking him to the very core.
When he didn’t say anything more, she added, “I’ll call you if his condition changes. Since cell phones don’t work in the ICU, is there a message you’d like me to pass on to Brie?”
“Tell her…” His mind was too muddled to think intelligently. “Tell her that I’m with her in spirit.”
“I’ll do that. Take care, Mr. Anderson.”
“You do the same.”
A cold chill settled over Brad after he hung up.
He headed outside in the pale moonlight to work on the garden, needing to escape from his thoughts. He wiped away the tears that refused to stop as he pulled at the weeds.
“What’s wrong, Mr. Brad? I couldn’t sleep and then I heard you out here.”
He looked up at Miss Em. Hardly able to speak through his grief, he told her, “My best friend…” An image of Thane in a coffin came to his mind and he had to swallow down the lump that was growing in his throat. “My friend was involved in a plane crash tonight. He’s at the hospital now, possibly dying.”
“Oh dear…” She looked at him with empathy and held out her frail arms to him. “Let me give you a hug, young man.”
Brad stepped over the small fence that divided their yards and bent down to accept the tiny woman’s embrace. She patted his back and murmured, “There, there…”
As silly as it was, he found her hug comforting.
“You know what you need?” she asked.
“No, what?”
“You need some fresh brownies.”
He chuckled through his tears. “You’re a woman after my own heart.”
“I’ll go make them right now. You can come inside if you like.”
Brad shook his head. “Thank you, Miss Em, but I’d prefer to stay outside and work on the garden. But I wouldn’t mind the company of your little dog.”
“Mr. Brad, I have a confession to make.” She looked at him sheepishly when she admitted, “I don’t have a dog.”
“But what about all the tennis balls I keep having to return to you?”
She shrugged.
Brad shook his head. “You are a crafty one, Miss Em.”
“How else could an old lady like me get a handsome man like you to talk to me?”
“A simple hi would have sufficed.”
“But it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.”
“True… You can keep tossing those balls over if you like.”
“Will do, Mr. Brad. Now let me go make you those brownies to cheer you up.”
He started back up on the yard, but he’d been doing a good job keeping up with it so there was little for him to do.
Brad settled himself down on the folding chair and looked up at the heavens, feeling utterly bereft. It was a powerless feeling—not knowing if Thane would survive, and having no way to help him.
The thought of losing his best friend was unfathomable.
Poor Brie…
If he was feeling this way, what the hell was she going through?
The young woman held a special place in his heart. She’d won Brad over with her devotion to Thane and her powerful and natural submissive nature. The girl was a ray of light in a sometimes dark world.
She was suffering. Maybe together they could survive the uncertain days ahead.
Guidance
Brad had gone to the hospital several times, but Brie refused to leave Thane’s side. Because his friend was in the ICU, no one but close family was permitted to visit. After several failed attempts to see her, he’d stopped trying.
He threw himself into his work with no other avenue for escape. If he couldn’t help Thane or Brie, he would give all he had for his students and make these uncertain times counted for something.
Brad had his eyes set on Ms. Slater. She needed to know the satisfaction of fully submitting in humbleness and with true gratitude. A half-hearted gift of submission meant nothing, and was an insult to the Dom mastering the sub.
“For tonight’s second practicum, you will be serving several Dominants,” he informed the girl.
Baron joined Brad on the stage as Ms. Slater slowly walked up the steps. It was easy to see she was excited by the prospect. “Are we going to be doing DP?” she asked breathlessly.
“We will be taking you through the paces, pleasuring ourselves with the commands we give you. Are you willing to serve us?”
“Oh yes!” she said excitedly. Then, remembering herself, she answered properly, “If it pleases you.”
“It does.” Brad motioned to the man standing at the entrance of the auditorium. “Sir Reed. Please join us.”
Brad watched the expression on the girl’s face change as the Dom she had coupled with on the first day walked down the aisle towards them. She did not attempt to hide her disappointment.
As soon as Reed joined them, Brad called her on it. “Ms. Slater, apologize now for disrespecting Sir Reed.”
“But I—”
“Now,” he commanded harshly.
Ms. Slater turned to him, her eyes downcast. “I am sorry for not…” She stopped, obviously unsure how to word her apology without sounding insulting.
“Spit it out, Ms. Slater. Be honest with the Dom standing in front of you,” he demanded.
“Sir Reed, I am sorry for my sour attitude when I heard you were being included in the scene.”
The man grabbed her chin and forced her to look him in the eye. “I did not deserve such a welcome, did I?”
“No, Sir Reed, you did not.”
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br /> “You must be punished for showing such blatant disrespect.”
She stared into his eyes, sighing nervously. “Yes, Sir Reed.”
Brad was heartened to hear her agreement. At least the girl understood her mistake needed correction.
“Turn so your back is facing the other students.”
She did so slowly, obviously scared but still willing.
“Bend down and grab your ankles,” Sir Reed ordered.
Ms. Slater closed her eyes as she assumed the humiliating position. Lifting her skirt, Sir Reed pulled down her panties to her thighs. “Why are you being punished?”
“I was disrespectful to you.”
“Had I done anything to you that would justify such treatment?”
“No, Sir Reed.”
“Do not make a sound as I spank you.”
The smack of palm against flesh echoed through the auditorium. Ms. Slater let out a muffled grunt at the force of the smack.
“I will give you that one, but now that you know how hard it will be, I expect no other sound from you.”
She nodded her head between her legs.
Sir Reed gave her nine more powerful smacks that left her ass bright red. He pulled her panties up and laid the material of her skirt back down before ordering her to stand up and face him.
Ms. Slater turned around, silent tears wetting her cheeks. “Have you learned your lesson, Ms. Slater?”
“I have, Sir Reed.”
Brad addressed her. “Because of your actions, your scene is done. You may go back and sit down, Ms. Slater. Hopefully, you won’t make that mistake again.”
She bowed her head. “Yes, Master Anderson.”
As she was heading back to her seat, she stopped and turned around. “I am truly sorry, Sir Reed.”
“No need to apologize further, Ms. Slater. You took your punishment, and I hold nothing against you because of it. We begin on a fresh note, as if it never happened,” he assured her.
She bowed low to him. “Thank you, Sir Reed.”
Brad smiled to himself. He’d known she had potential. Now that her ego had been properly checked, he hoped they would see real growth from her.
He shook Sir Reed’s hand, grateful the Dom had been able to get his point across while getting the apology he was due. Both Baron and Sir Reed left the stage together.