“That’s me.” The girl looked relieved.
“You’re a dragon,” she said. “I can tell.” Kyle cocked his head to the side, waiting for her to explain. Laney gripped his arm.
“Who are you?” Kyle asked the girl.
“I’m a dragon shifter—I lost my family a few months back to the hunters. I heard that you had escaped from the city.”
“Who did you hear it from?”
“Another dragon shifter. There are others of us,” she explained. “We’ve all been looking for you. You stood up to the hunters and won…we all kind of thought that maybe when we found you, we’d find refuge.” Her eyes were wide, and Kyle looked at Laney. She nodded, and he smiled. They had officially become two former strays providing a home for other strays.
“You can stay here,” Laney said. “We’d be happy to take any dragon shifters.”
~*~
THE END
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MAFIA & BAD BOY COLLECTION
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Owned
~Bonus Story~
A Steamy BDSM Mafia Romance
Though I have seen his manhood before, I had never truly grasped how large it was for his stature. It bobs at upright attention, and I’m eager to get my hands on it, only to realize my hands are tied. However, that does little to dissuade him, and he climbs on top of me, spreading my thighs to consider my inner folds. He strokes a finger along me, and I’m somewhat embarrassed by how wet I am already am. There is little preamble before he presses the head of his girth to my entrance, rubbing my slit up and down
(…)
“I don’t want to lose you.” He admits. My heart pounds in my chest, and our eyes lock as I take in the gravity of his words. It’s as much as a confession as I’ll ever get from him, and I hesitate for a moment before drawing his lips towards my own.
Kissing is an act of intimacy that I’ve never experienced with Justin, it felt as if it would be crossing some unacceptable line.
* * *
CHAPTER ONE
I blink my eyes open, blearily taking in my surroundings. My arms are bound, and I’m all too aware of what has put me in this position. My mind flickers back to the image of bullets being sprayed through the foyer of the family home. I cringe against the thought of viscera spewing out the back of my father’s head as a bullet caves his face in, turning my mind to the situation at hand. I give an experimental wiggle within my restraints, but they hold tight. It’s just as well, even if I were to free myself, I would have no means of escaping. I’ve been trapped in my father’s office for what feels an eternity now, awaiting my fate at the hands of a rival Don. My name is Jodie Walsh. I’m the sole remaining survivor of the Walsh family, at least, those of us who bear our mafia ties with pride. My father taught me everything I know about being part of such a highly known crime family, but I never expected what it has come to. I feel the familiar track of tears rolling down my cheeks, and I glance in the direction where I know he will be standing. The one figure who has kept me company in this bleak room, the guard who is making sure I remain… obedient. He rarely glances in my direction, I’m not sure what I would do if he spoke to me. There is an emptiness in his eyes that sends a spear of pain through my soul. Even worse is the continuing sound of the rival gang making their way through our once glorious estate. I can hear their laughter as they ransack what remains of our worldly possessions. I slump slightly into the ropes I’m bound within, drawing my eyes away from the guard and breathing a weary sigh.
My stomach growls unhappily, and though I may have been embarrassed by the sound in the past, I simply sigh once more. I glance back to the guard, and his eyes are fixed on the wall opposite him. I imagine one of my father’s men busting through the door, bashing his skull in before setting me free. I know that won’t happen, however. Anyone who held a tie to our family name has been exterminated… friends… allies. I swallow the thick lump that remains lodged in my throat, clearing it experimentally.
“Can I have something to eat…?” I inquire uncertainly, though it is not for the first time I’ve asked. He’s yet to reply to my requests. He remains ever vigilant but ever silent, the sinister air that radiates from him permeating the room. He is my only companion for now, however, and I can only hope they will feed me before my body succumbs to the hunger. As I might have expected, he continues to ignore me. I begin to wriggle slightly in my restraints and he glances towards me rather scathingly. I fall limp once more, eyeing the gun holstered at his hip. I know it’s probably beyond his control, he likely has orders to keep me alive. “Are you at least going to tell me what’s going to happen to me?” I demand, feeling rather bold. He remains silent, the corners of his lips twisting upwards. He has a knowing expression, and revulsion settles in my stomach. I know what happens to most women in my position, and a sense of unease creeps up my spine at the thought. My father would want me to remain strong, if he were still alive. He always taught me to brave, that someday I would have to take a more active place among the family. I know I have a badge of honor to uphold, I am the only one left to hold strong the Walsh family name. As much as I wish the thought would fuel my intensity, my hatred, my passion for survival, it simply draws tears to my eyes once more as the image of my father falling limp echoes in the cavern of my mind. He would want me to stay strong, but he’s gone, and truly it’s all the same. I can’t help the fear that sends my heart pounding as my mind wanders to the explicit acts the rival family will likely have me perform. Even the guard standing guard will likely have his way with me, though I try to bury the thought. He seems to have the same thought, from his posture and the subtle quirk of his lips. More than ever, I wish death upon him. Certainly they couldn’t have killed everyone. Someone had to have escaped, I can only hope… but there is no hope. I watched the entire family die before my eyes. Anyone who may have allied themselves with me would quiver before the power shown by the family that holds me captive. I just wish...
I perk up as I hear someone nearing the door, watching the doorknob turn with trepidation. In my mind’s eye, a handsome young man bursts through the door, firing several rounds into the skull of my captor. He would then sweep me up, take me far away from this place, to live and rebuild the Walsh family. We would exact our revenge together and…
My hopes are dashed as another man I don’t recognize steps through the door, looking me over with a quirk of his lips. If I expected him to speak to me, I’m left sorely disappointed when he draws his gaze away from me and grins toothily at the other guard.
“The boss is ready to see her, now.” He announces grandly. The other guard smiles ominously, and the newcomer marches towards me, reaching out and grabbing me up from the floor. He obviously expects a struggle, but I know it will only make things worse on me. I fall limp in his arms, and he looks at me with a sly smile. He glances to his buddy, rumbling a laugh. “Oh, this is gonna be a good one.” He smiles. I can only wonder in fear what he means by that, though I do have a vague idea. He drags me through the door unceremoniously, and I simply allow myself to be pulled. He moves too quickly for me to properly keep up, and I stumble though I try to fall into step with him. As we walk, my heart sinks as I take in the appearance of my home. Prized possessions are missing, or lie broken on the floor. An urn that held my grandfather’s ashes lay smashed against the wall above the fireplace, and portraits have been ripped from their places on the walls. Glass litters the floors, where windows have been smashed, among other things. Tears sting my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall, inhaling shakily as I’m continuously dragged. We reach the doorway to the family room, and the leather sofas have been ripped. I recognize none of the faces in the room, save the man with a cocky grin, sitting in my father’s favorite chair.
“Well, well, well.” Don Avery smiles toothily. “Looks like the fun is just about to begin.” He says ominously. I’m tos
sed to the ground, and I can do little but stare helplessly at the man who orchestrated the death of my family. I have no idea what he has in store for me, but anything is better than death. At least… I hope so.
CHAPTER TWO
Don Avery remains where he sits, quietly watching me as I panic. Though I say nothing, I’m sure he can read the fear in my eyes. He rumbles a laugh, running a hand through his slicked back hair as he seems to contemplate my position before him.
“Ah, Jodie Walsh. You’ve grown into a fine young woman, have you not?” He says warmly, sending a shudder through my body. I now have very little question of what their intent is for me, but he does not seem done verbally tormenting me. “I’m sure you’re wondering why you have not suffered the same fate as your family.” He says slyly, and I avert my eyes, drawing in on myself and trying to make myself appear as small as possible. I say nothing, but this only seems to fuel his fire, and he rumbles another laugh, rising from his chair. He is a short and squat man, rather underwhelming to see now that he is standing, but the power he holds over me is undeniable. He approaches me, grasping me by the chin and examining my face. As much as I want vengeance for my family, I know that my only hope of staying alive is compliance. I remain quiet and demure as he brushes my hair away from my ear, leaning in to speak quietly to me. “You’re going to be a fun one.” He murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. My cheeks heat up in humiliation, and I can feel the tears pooling in my eyes.
He straightens up, looking rather pensive for a moment. “But our time will come later, my sweet little peach. For the time being, I have someone to introduce you to…” He announces, and I can’t help but turn and look as the door opens to reveal a tall and rugged looking figure. My eyes rake over his face, from the dead look in his eyes, the scars on his dark skin, to the stubble on his chin. In spite of his scarred appearance, I can’t help but think he’s rather attractive in a rather subtle way. A much better fate than lying with the Don for now, but I can only wonder why he is even here. “Jodie, meet the man who has lay ruin to your family name. Justin, your prize.” The Don announces grandly, and my heart sinks into my stomach. I know I should feel anger, I know I should want to kill the man as he steps towards me, but all I can remember is the look on my mother’s face before she was killed. My brothers gathering around my father’s body before they too are taken out. Before this hired killer, all I can feel is abject terror and humiliation. My body quivers with fear and this man, Justin, considers me with a sly quirk of his lips. I try to edge away, but he quickly grabs me by the hair, yanking me towards him. Before I know what’s happening, his hands are wrapping around my throat. This is it, I realize. He’s going to kill me. They were waiting for this moment, and now--
His hands fall away from my neck, but there is still pressure there. I reach up to brush my fingertips, realizing with no small amount of humiliation that he has clasped some sort of collar around my neck. I fumble with it, but he slaps my hands away. I stare pleadingly up at him, my embarrassment only growing as he clips a leash to the collar around my neck. His eyes are dark with desire, something that I’m not unfamiliar with at this point, but there’s something deeper to it. There’s something hidden in his gaze, something I can’t identify.
“On your knees.” He says, his baritone voice smooth and icy. My eyes widen in fear, and when I take too long for his tastes, he yanks the collar. I cry out, raising up onto my knees. His lips twist into a smile, and he wraps the length of the leash around his fist. The pressure on my neck is constant and painful with the way he’s gripping me, but I say nothing, simply awaiting my fate. “You’re a pretty one, aren’t you? You’ll do well.” He murmurs. Tears stream down my face, and he reaches out to wipe them away with the pad of his thumb. I swallow my bitter indignity, allowing him to caress my face freely. It’s certainly not the worst he could do, but I can’t take his open mockery of kindness. “Don Avery, I thank you for allowing me to be the first to claim our prize. As for you, little Jodie…” He pauses, his eyes narrowing in anger as I sink to the floor again. “I said on your knees!” He shouts, his voice gruff. My eyes grow wide, and I immediately shift to my knees once more. He pulls my leash once more, drawing me nearer to him. He stops once I am nearly flush to his groin and tilts my chin so that I am looking up at him. His eyes dance with humor, and I plead with my eyes. I know what is going to be done to me, but the humiliation of being taken in front of all these people is nearly too much to bear. However, that does not seem to be his intent as he strokes a hand through my hair. I know he is playing me like some sort of fiddle, but I find myself pressing into the perhaps final kind touch I will ever know. “I have a simple request of you, little Jodie. All you have to do is pledge your life to me. You must pledge that from this point forward, until I am forced to release you, you will belong to me.” He says softly, tensing a hand in my hair. The tug stings, but what stings perhaps the most is the fact that I have no choice. I have to do as he says if I want to keep my life. Though I’m beginning to wonder if this fate with somehow be worse than death, I know that for now I’m willing to fight for my life. I part my lips, and he caresses the bottom one, sending unpleasant shivers through my body.
“I…” I pause, swallowing the sickness brewing in the back of my throat. “I pledge that from here on, I belong to you. You are… my master…” I say weakly, adding the last bit in an attempt to stroke his ego. He seems pleased, his lips quirking in a sly smile.
“That’s a good girl. My good girl. Up, then. On your feet.” He coos, yanking me up by the collar none too tenderly. I choke and gasp as the collar gathers just under my jaw, cutting off my airflow, before I am fully able to stand. He watches me with a slight smirk, glancing to Don Avery who laughs uproariously Maybe dying would have been the better alternative, but for now… it seems I truly belong to this madman. “Come on, little one. Let’s go home.” He smiles. He looks as if he will yank the leash once more, but I obediently fall into tep at his side. He looks pleasantly surprised once more, quirking a smug little grin. “You and I are going to have a lot of fun. That much I can promise, Jodie girl. At least, on my part.” He rumbles. I cast a lingering glance at my family home as we step outside, considering it for the final time. Then he pushes me into his car.
CHAPTER THREE
I’m not sure what I expected, but his house is nothing short of extravagant. As we step inside, I consider the foyer with a slight sense of wonder. I know a life of crime pays, but for me to have never heard of this Justin character, and for him to be so apparently wealthy seems unfeasible. Then again, as I have been forced to realize, he is exceedingly good at what he does. I’m shaken from my thoughts as he unclips my leash, considering me for a moment.
“This is for when we’re in public. The collar, however, stays on as long as you are with me.” He says simply. I nod to indicate my understanding, resisting the desire to tug at the itchy thing. Now that the leash is no longer clipped to it, the pressure is a bit more bearable, though I’m loathe to admit it. He hangs the leash on a hook beside the door, and I’m forced to wonder how long he’s had this little set up prepared. He turns back to me, and I swallow the lump that forms in my throat as I realize what is likely coming. He has no reason to refrain any longer, so I fully expect him to sweep me to the nearest bedroom and completely brutalize me. However, he simply gestures for me to follow. I’m obviously in no place to argue, so I trail behind him until we reach the living room. He pauses for a moment, finally undoing the rope loops that keep my arms bound. Then, he takes a seat in a plush leather recliner, gesturing to a spot on the floor beside it. “Sit. I’ll explain the rules.” He orders. I quirk a brow, uncertainly pointing to the spot beside him.
“On the floor?” I ask dumbly, and he snorts in response.
“Yes, on the floor. Rule one, don’t ask questions. Just obey.” He grouses. I hesitate only a moment longer before dropping to the floor beside him. He watches my every move, and though for now I’m still clothed, I feel enti
rely exposed beneath his stare. “When I give you a command, you are to reply with ‘Yes, sir’. No exceptions. Don’t get mouthy, and show me respect at all times. For the duration of your stay, you are to strip down every time we’re in the home together.” He pauses, looking at me expectantly. I want to protest, but I don’t know what the repercussions will be.
“Yes sir.” I say bleakly, not testing the boundaries for now. He smirks, seeming to like the sound of that.
“Very good. When I have guests, you are to remain quiet unless directly addressed. Do not embarrass me. If you speak out, you will regret it. Am I clear?” He murmurs. I shift uncomfortably beneath his stare, beginning to nod before catching myself.
“Yes sir.” I repeat. He nods slowly, seeming to consider his next move. I hope he will allow me to keep my clothes and dignity for now, but it seems there is no such luck. He gestures for me to stand, pointing to a spot directly in front of himself. I rise to my feet, shuffling towards the spot and waiting for my next command. He seems to revel in my discomfort, slowly reaching down towards his pants. I try to look away as he unzips his pants, but he calls me down immediately.
“Look at me. Look at me.” He orders breathily. I swallow my pride, forcing myself to return my gaze to him and his lewd actions. His length is already free of his pants, and he strokes it up and down at a languid pace as he watches me. “Now, strip. Slowly. Make it fun for me, pet.” He rumbles. I hesitate, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
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