by Avery Gale
Taking a last look around the table where his friends had gathered, he was humbled by the fact that so many of the ShadowDance Mountain crew had flown in for tonight’s collaring. They had teased him, saying they were only coming so they could meet the woman who’d shot a senator’s wife, but he knew the women had come as a show of support for a fellow sub and “warrior chick,” as Kat Lamont had so eloquently stated.
Ian moved to the edge of the stage where he would be shadowed, but he knew his new bride would know he was close. He smiled to himself as she immediately seemed to settle. That’s right, my love, you are mine…your heart, your soul, and your future are all safely in my care.
The dress she wore was perfect for what he had planned. It was strapless but tightly fitted so the zipper in the back would allow them to lower it just enough for this scene. He knew he was going to be pushing the boundary of his own club charter to the point it might snap under the strain. But he’d informed all the staff anyone with a problem with how things played out this evening was to be sent directly to him. And those that really kicked up a fuss would have their pro-rated membership fees refunded and would be out—permanently. It was simple as far as he was concerned—His wife—His club—His rules.
When Jace had Callie secured to the St. Andrew’s cross, he took the small headset from the assistant and walked on to the small stage. Walking around so that he faced Callie, he smiled down in to her soft expression. “You are so very beautiful, and you are mine—forever. But I also belong to you, my love, never forget that. Now, let’s play a bit shall we?” He knew she’d understand that by using the word play he was sending her a very clear message. Yes, my love, this is not going to be what all those nasty little brat subs have been filling your head with for the past several weeks. You’re going to fly right over the moon and love every minute of it.
He turned on his headset and addressed their audience even as he kept his palm along her face. “Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this very special occasion.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead and then moved around to face everyone. “As you know, members who choose to have us host their collaring ceremony are bound by certain guidelines.” He chuckled and then continued, “I assure you I’m going to meet each of those in spirit, if not be their strictest interpretation.”
Pausing for a few seconds, he nodded to Jace, who moved to the cabinet and withdrew the long bullwhip they’d be using. “Now, what most of you do not know is that Callie and I were married earlier this evening on the beach as the sun set over the bay. It was absolutely perfect in every way.” The entire room erupted in applause and shouts of congratulations. He smiled at her in the mirrors and enjoyed the flush of embarrassment that the response had caused. “Now, that being said, we are going to continue with the collaring, but I’ll be giving my beautiful wife two lashes with a bullwhip as a pledge that our two hearts shall always beat as one. Master Jace will give her one as a pledge to love and protect her as our third.”
He wanted to get this done as quickly as possible because he could hear her breathing speeding up already. Don’t panic, baby, don’t go there. Ian was relieved to see that Jace had already unzipped and lowered her dress so that her beautiful bare back and ass were displayed before him. While he warmed up his arm, he watched as Jace stepped in front of Callie and began seducing her right up to the edge of release. He planned to pull the lashes and would need every bit of concentration, so he quickly tuned out Jace’s words to her.
* * * *
Jace had watched Callie carefully and knew that the moment she’d heard the words bull and whip she had nearly screamed her safe word. He was glad he’d decided to stand in front of her because he couldn’t every remember seeing her looking so frightened and vulnerable. Christ, she wasn’t this pale in the hospital.
“Callie, I asked you a question.” Jace’s stern tone brought her attention back to him.
“Oh, Master Jace, I’m sorry, I was sort of…well, lost for a moment. Can you repeat it please?” Her voice was too tight and high, he needed to get her back under his control and quickly. He had no intention of letting either of his friends down.
“I asked you if you trusted us, sweetness. Don’t fall into panic. Show us how much you trust us to do exactly what is best for you.” Just as he’d spoken, Ian landed the first of his two lashes. Jace watched as her eyes went wide, and he knew it would have felt like a quick line of fire down her back—startling, but far from the pain she had been expecting. He pinched her peaked nipples and then rolled them tightly between his fingers and heard her moan softly. She fell into the sensations quickly, and he was pleased when she arched her back after Ian’s second lash. He knew they were pulling the lashes because Ian didn’t want this to be how she remembered her wedding night, and he had agreed. He leaned forward and kissed her lightly before moving off to the side so that Ian could take his place.
As he walked around a movement at the side of the crowd caught his eye despite the bright stage lights. Taking the whip from the assistant, he realized the woman he’d seen was Holly Mills, the voluptuous beauty that had been working in Ian’s downtown executive offices for the past year or so. A couple of months ago he’d walked around the corner outside the office building and seen Holly stumble back from out of a man’s reach. He was sure the man had been yelling before he’d seen Jace, but when he’d stopped to check on Holly, she had insisted she was all right. She had missed the next several days of work, and Daph had said she had called in with the flu. He hadn’t believed it, but hadn’t had a chance to make any further inquiries. Leaning down, he instructed the sub who was working as the stage assistant to find Master Gage immediately. If Holly was here because she was interested in the lifestyle, the evening had just gotten a lot more interesting.
Turning back to Callie, he walked up and slowly traced Ian’s lash marks with the pads of his fingers. He planned to lay his alongside the others. He and Ian had everything timed out, and she was right where they wanted her to be. Leaning forward, he licked the shell of her ear and whispered, “When my lash falls, you will come for us. Scream your Master’s name so that the entire world knows that your heart and soul belong to Ian.” He bit the lobe and moved back at her moan.
His lash landed perfectly, and the instant the line streaked down her beautiful back she came, screaming Ian’s name. Jace was pleased to see everyone in the audience had stayed quiet in respectful silence waiting for Callie to be released and to kneel at Ian’s feet to receive her collar. Ian hadn’t wanted her to be naked as was the tradition, so as he was releasing her arms while Jace raised and secured her beautiful violet gown.
Chapter 28
Ian turned her and once again addressed the audience. “My beautiful wife has pleased me in more ways than I can tell you. Her beauty radiates from her soul all the way to the surface and shines so that it warms everyone around her. Because she is so extraordinarily special, I have chosen something unique to show the world that she belongs to me. I wanted something that leaves no doubt that Callie McGregor is the most important person in my life.” Jace had picked up the velvet box from the side cabinet and opened it for him. He saw Callie’s unfocused gaze land upon the contents.
Ian had worked closely with the designer making sure her beautiful ring, the arm bracelet, and matching ankle bracelet were perfect in every way. The Celtic designs reflected his Irish heritage and were also reminiscent of their trip to Ireland months ago. The McGregor family crest was stamped in the design as were the words “Ian’s Carlin.” The arm piece would effectively camouflage the scar that Callie was so self-conscious of as well. The pieces were magnificent. Literally, one-of-a-kind masterpieces that would likely be featured in every fashion magazine for weeks—along with speculation as to what the unique jewelry represented. Let them wonder.
Ian saw Jace whisper to Gage and the other man glance to the side of the room and then nod. Following their line of sight, Ian had to smile to himself. He knew who Ga
ge had just been sent to secure, and he was glad Jace was finally going to make a move on the woman who had caught his eye so many months ago.
Looking back at Callie, he saw her eyes widened with appreciation and love and then filled to overflowing with her sweet tears. “Callie, by accepting these gifts, you are acknowledging me as your Dom, your protector, your mentor and provider, and your lover. I want to remind you that as my submissive, you will follow my orders, keep no secrets, and you will trust that every decision I make is made with my love and commitment to you in mind. You own my heart, my love.” Ian slid both bands into place before snicking the hidden locks closed.
“Yes, Master.” She kissed the small titanium key he held to her lips, and then he dropped the chain holding the small octagon shaped key back inside his shirt. Smiling to himself, Ian thought about all the hours he and Jace had spent designing the hidden locks and the look of fascination on the young jeweler’s face as they’d explained the drawings to him. Ian had given each man one half of the royalties off the design they had patented. He’d lend his name and the Club Isola endorsement so the lock would probably be worth millions to each of them for several years to come. His only request had been that the young jeweler break the molds for Callie’s pieces.
As they’d planned, Jace stepped to the front of the stage and spoke to the applauding group. “Ian and Callie will be taking a few minutes to themselves, and then they are hoping to greet each and every one of you at the reception. In the meantime, the bar is now open, the food has been set out, and it’s time to celebrate. Here’s to a very special union, good friends, and future celebrations filled with whips, chains, leather, and lace.” Ian had laughed out loud at his friend’s boisterous start to a party that would certainly last until dawn’s first light…but first, he had a newly collared bride to attend to.
THE END
WWW.AVERYGALEBOOKS.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For years, I was accused of living in my own little “Fantasy Land” so I decided to put it to use and started writing. I enjoy creating characters who are loveable but never perfect, who live in and visit places I’d love to go, and who overcome obstacles to find the sexy happily ever after I believe we all deserve. I fall in love with the characters I create and enjoy making them each wacky and wonderful in their own way.
The only consistent trait in my heroines is their inability to cook and that is the only trait they each have “inherited” from me. When I’m not working at my very ordinary job, I am either writing or reading. And even though my family professes to support my writing efforts, but I’m fairly certain they are merely glad to see I’ve finally found an outlet for what they have always considered my over-the-top imagination.
For all titles by Avery Gale, please visit
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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
About the Author