by Coralee June
“Kiss my neck,” I ordered loud enough for the men in suits to hear. I saw his flash of red lipstick illuminated by the glow of the neon lights and I craved it. At this moment, I pretended to be a reckless, assured, deviant. I didn't want to worry about status. I wanted to wear his kiss like a badge of honor.
Tallis’ eyes turned dark with lust, as all the things we explored in the Transport came to the surface. He leaned forward and placed a controlled, delicate kiss just above my collarbone. As he pulled away, he whispered “Yes, Mistress,” and I reveled in the way his muscles flexed. I knew this wasn’t it. He could joke all he wanted, but my little display of power would hopefully have consequences. And I didn’t mind the kind of punishing Tallis would likely display—as long as we kept it our little secret, of course.
We slowly walked to the door, and the men let us inside without question. One handed me a preloaded Tablet with photos of all the Walkers available for auction. With a wink, he said, "Enjoy Pure Pleasure."
Inside the club, men and women danced on the dark, smoky stage, some of them wearing nothing but thin straps of fabric. The bright red room full of black candles smelled of alcohol. The wooden floor clacked as I stepped towards a table, my heels becoming lost in the deep bass of the music playing.
Men and women, dressed in fine attire similar to my own, sipped drinks and eyed the performers with hot, gnawing hunger. I watched as the women crossed and uncrossed their legs under their table. Men rubbed their thighs. Couples gripped each other.
After guiding us to an empty table in the corner, Tallis ordered us drinks.
I began flipping through the Tablet with disdain. Normal Walker auctions displaced typical things: skills, age, pedigree. The one at Pure Pleasure took things a step further: sexual preference, breast size, penis length. You could narrow down your search based on age, history, and body type.
“Tallis…” I began in disbelief. “This is....” My fingers nervously clicked the younger aged Walker folder, and tears threatened to spill over and down my cheeks. "...this is terrible." There, a young girl with brown hair and haunting green eyes peered at me. She couldn’t be more than ten years old.
“Keep it together, we have a part to play,” Tallis urged while sipping his water. I nodded while pretending to flip through the Tablet. Each person listed wore a Walker tag and bright red lipstick. I tried to remember if Ashleigh wore lipstick when I met her. Shame filled me. What if Josiah forced her into something like this? Once I was sure that I looked over every picture in the file, I shut off my Tablet and watched the dancers on the stage.
At first, their crude dance movements disgusted me. I wanted to escape the filth of this place. I wanted to flee. But eventually, I saw the grace in it—men and women grinding on one another with slack mouths and hooded eyes… I knew that these people were forced into this life. It was all so... sensual. So heartbreaking. I felt sick to my stomach but couldn’t tear my eyes away.
Finally, a bald man with a round stomach fumbled on stage, pulling me out of my trance. Tallis dipped his chin lower as if hiding his face.
“Masters and Mistresses.” His boisterous voice echoed throughout the shrouded room. He dabbed his cheeks with a handkerchief, and a screen illuminated overhead. “We’re changing things up, here at Pure Pleasure. We’ve integrated the most advanced bidding technology in the entire Empire." Polite claps filled the room, and Tallis bumped my shoulder, reminding me to take part. I sat straighter and clapped with them.
“Instead of calling out your bids, you'll place live bids on your Tablet. We'll take payment once the auction is over via a direct link to your accounts. Also, due to some recent thefts, Walkers are now held in a safe location while we bid. We hope you like this easier method of procuring property. Let the games begin!”
I frantically fumbled for my Tablet and flipped to the page where the young girl was. Three separate bids for her already filled the screen. “This wasn’t in the plan, we can’t pay outright,” I whispered to Tallis who looked murderous.
“Do you have any money to front?” he asked while gritting his teeth and scouting the room. He pounded his fist on the table, causing a few of the other bidders to stare. “I don’t know where they’re keeping the Walkers now. This could be our only shot.”
I made mental calculations of the current state of my accounts and cursed my brothers. Cyler and Maverick put a freeze on my part of the mines when I went to Galla. I had nothing. We lived in a literal goldmine, and yet I didn’t have enough to save this poor little Walker girl. My hand drifted to the ruby necklace around my neck and I froze. The realization of what I had to do washed over me in silent sadness. Mother’s necklace. That, paired with what was left of my savings, just might save her.
As tears pricked the edges of my eyes, I waved over an attendant and a thin woman fluttered towards me with a grin.
“May I help you, Mistress?” she asked in a chipper tone. She wore a leather one-piece dress that stopped mid-thigh and hugged her curves.
I took in a deep breath before responding. “I would like the worth of this ruby necklace added to my bidding account,” I said in a strong voice. My confident tone didn’t match the depressed emotions I felt inside. Her eyes widened at my jewelry, and she nodded in eager anticipation while rubbing her hands together. She then paged the auctioneer, who scanned the jewelry and appraised it on the spot.
Tallis seemed happy with the money deposited into my account. His wide grin felt out of place in the dark place. My heart broke as they carried it away my mother’s necklace. And as Tallis gave me bidding tips, I silently mourned the lost memories.
Getting my mind back to the matter at hand, I made quick work of bidding on the girl. Sweat dripped down my neck as I navigated the fast-paced auction. Within seconds of placing a bid, someone would counter with a higher one. There was no time to consider. You had to play and play fast.
Each time I submitted my bid, my eyes drifted to her sad gaze in the digital photograph.
The last ten minutes of the timed auction were brutal. Tallis made quiet suggestions and gripped my knee while scanning the room. Just as the clock buzzed, indicating that the auction was over, I reached the threshold of my savings. As the computer calculated the winner, I sighed in relief. She was mine. She was safe.
The auctioneer looked at me with a sinister gaze as he walked over and handed me my claiming ticket. “You know, I can usually guess what a person’s tastes are," he said while licking his lips. "I’m surprised to see that the proud Mistress Black has a fascination with young girls.” His tone turned crude, and I blanched when he used my name. “I guess having a conscience can get expensive.”
Tallis flexed then and took a step forward as if preparing to punch the auctioneer. Two men wearing black suits grabbed him and removed his hat.
“Ahhh, I’ve heard whispers that a Scavenger is responsible for my missing Walker girls,” the auctioneer said. He stepped closer to Tallis, and I tensed in fear. His movements were sloppy but forceful as he slapped Tallis across the face. The point on his gold ring nicked Tallis' skin, causing droplets of blood to flow down his cheek.
“Let him go and give me my property,” I said in a steady voice through gritted teeth.
“But what about the property I’ve lost? Who's going to reimburse me for that?” He Slapped Tallis again, and another scratch marred Tallis’ pale cheeks, making me flinch.
“What's your name, sir?” I asked in a calm tone that felt eerie. He turned to face me with narrowed eyes.
“You may call me Mr. Branish,” he replied, puffing out his chest in an absurd display of pride.
“Well…Branish, as you are well aware, I’m Mistress Jules Black. Baby sister to the infamous Cyler Black, now one of the richest men in the Empire. It wouldn’t take much for him to shut down your little establishment. Hell, it wouldn’t take much for him to shut down this entire province," I began with a cold smile. "My brother has some of the most lucrative trade deals in the Empire. One clic
k of his Tablet would ensure that no one comes to Saberus again. You’ll turn into one of those abandoned towns you see on the late night report.” I brushed a fingertip against the mahogany bar top and threw him a sinister grin.
“You have no authority here, Mistress,” he hissed. His red cheeks puffed out in fury, and he flexed his fist. But I felt no fear.
“Branish, I have all the authority here. Let my friend go. Let my Walker go. I’ve paid my portion,” I said, raising an eyebrow. The entire club was watching now. Eyes followed me, and despite the music, the hissing of whispers surrounded us.
Branish appraised me, his depthless eyes observing me for signs of weakness or bluffing. After a moment, he waved a hand to his guard, and a tall man drug out the young girl.
The sight of her made me freeze and little zaps of concern made my stern expression falter. The fear that filled her features broke me. Her eyes were hazy with the pain of someone that had seen too much. Her dull, pale skin lacked the glow and warmth of sunshine. Her bones stuck out of her too-tight clothes.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Branish. If I hear of any young girls filtering through your establishment, I’ll burn it to the ground.”
"Bitch," he muttered to our retreating forms.
We made our way back to the Transport, but I still felt the remnants of Pure Pleasure stuck to my skin. I felt dirty. Like the sins of Mr. Branish was stuck to me, and no amount of washing could get rid of it.
Tallis wiped the blood off his cheek and smeared the red lipstick across his chin. Once in the transport, the quiet girl laid in my lap, and I stroked her hair the entire ride home.
“What will happen to her?” I asked Tallis as she snoozed. Her face lacked the burden of the world in her dreamy state.
“Now? We care for her. Make a home for her in our Camp. Give her back what little of her childhood we can,” Tallis replied. I nodded, feeling somewhat placated with his answer.
“What will happen to the rest of them?” I asked while thinking of the other men and women being auctioned off.
Tallis thought for a moment. His blue eyes looked bright against his bloody face.
“They’ll gain the vaccine but they’ll lose their humanity.”
Celebrating the victory of rescuing her was bittersweet. I wanted to revel in doing something good for once in my life. And yet? It didn’t feel like enough.
Chapter Ten
The little girl rescued refused to speak, even after we were safely away from Pure Pleasure. She looked at Tallis and me timidly as we arrived back in Dormas. She reluctantly freed my hand before going with Nikketa and Tallis back to camp. I wanted to comfort her, but I didn’t know how. Tallis assured me that the women in his camp would know how to handle it. This wasn’t the first distraught girl rescued and brought to their camp.
I crawled into bed just as first light broke and slept for a couple hours before a soft knock on the door startled me.
“Uh, Jules?” A timid Kemper whispered through the door, causing Becca to wake with a start. I felt sluggish and tired from my night. Before I could pull myself out of bed to answer the door, she was already unbuttoning her top and turning the handle. She leaned carelessly against the frame while wearing nothing but an unbuttoned white top and her underwear.
“Can I help you?” she asked in what, I assumed, was her sleepy, sultry voice. Instead, it sounded childish and forced.
“I-I’m here to see Jules,” Kemper choked out while averting his eyes. A healthy blush crossed his cheeks as he took a step backward.
Becca traced a finger down his arm, which made him shiver in discomfort. “Are you sure there's nothing I could do for you?”
I coughed to hide my giggles.
“I’m painfully positive, Becca," Kemper coughed out. "There is nothing you could ever do for me.” Kemper's stern tone surprised me. Becca grabbed her robe and waltzed off to the showers. Her sly smile still took up most of her face as if she hadn’t just completely been dismissed.
“Wow, Kemp, pretty ballsy. Think she got the hint?” I asked while stretching and rubbing my eyes.
“God, I hope so,” he murmured before letting himself into our room.
“Maverick called. Can you skip Garden duty and bring the Walker children to the new schoolhouse today? I’m headed there now.”
I grinned despite the exhaustion from the night before. “Absolutely!”
“Good,” Kemper began while walking away. Once he reached the door, he paused then turned back to face me. “Look, I know you don’t like Ashleigh, but she’s had a hard couple of days. Could you maybe…at least pretend to be nice to her?”
“You sure are wrapped around her finger.” I slipped off of my uncomfortable cot. “How about, I'll be cordial if you get me out of Garden duty for the rest of the week?”
Kemper’s face went rigid. His eyes squinted as if contemplating my offer. “Be nice and we will see,” he replied. I grabbed my shower caddy and laughed while heading to the showers.
I left the Walker Dorms with an extra bounce in my step, despite not getting any sleep the night before. There was something about not going to the Gardens that invigorated me.
However, my smile disappeared the moment I walked inside the Schoolhouse. I knew she would be there but I felt disappointment still. I had to watch as Ashleigh hopelessly flirted with not only Kemper, but Cyler too. Usually, I found no issues with the polyamorous lifestyle many adopted in Dormas, but lately, I felt various degrees of annoyance when I saw my brothers and their friends chasing Ashleigh around like a bunch of pathetic puppies. Everything about her was annoying.
They anticipated her needs. Preformed thoughtful gestures. Looked after her. Supported her dreams. I knew that the nature of their relationship was fundamentally different than mine. I didn’t want the world, I just wanted to be seen.
I managed to maintain a cordial conversation with Ashleigh. I even managed to refrain from calling her names. Kemper watched us talk, and when I left her to chase after one of the Walker children, he winked at me.
Hints of Mom were sprinkled throughout the craftsmanship of the new schoolhouse. I saw her in the large windows and natural lighting. The desks were arranged as to encourage community and teamwork. The colors bright and inviting. Cyler and Kemper designed each aspect with Mom in mind. It felt like walking into one of her warm hugs. I wanted to stay there forever, but it was missing…something. As I looked around my surroundings, I couldn't help but feel like this new schoolhouse lacked the rugged resilience of the Scavengers.
While Kemper and Ashleigh assisted children, Cyler called me over. “Thanks for bringing the kids here, Jules.”
“You did surprisingly well designing it, Cy. Of course, I have some suggestions about the decor," I said while watching Ashleigh paint a Walker boy's hand. "...but all in all—Mom would be proud,” I replied wistfully and at the mention of her, Cyler clammed up. His face slipping into the numb expression I came to expect when our parents were mentioned.
“Cyler, do you think maybe we could invite the Scavenger children here?” I asked. My voice felt timid.
Cy bent over and picked up a piece of scrap paper that had fallen. It was a juvenile drawing of a stick figure family. He observed it with soft eyes for a moment. I wondered if he was thinking of our sad excuse for a family.
“I think that's a great idea, Jules. I’m happy you’ve taken some initiative with them, even if I’m still working on your motives,” Cyler said before crumpling the picture and tossing it in the trash. “They’d benefit from the teacher I hired. She’ll be moving here from Galla.”
My heart sank. I’d unwittingly just given away my job as the Scavenger teacher. “Do you think I could still help?” I asked, my voice wavering as I wrapped my arms around myself.
“Your job is in the Gardens, Sis. We will just have to see how your behavioral reports come back.” Cyler’s tone was matter-of-fact. He walked away, dismissing our conversation. I stood there, looking around the room as th
e gnawing pain filled me. I wanted to scream at him. Everyone was allowed freedom in Dormas but me.
A little girl tripped over my feet, jolting me out of my thoughts. She had curly blonde hair and dark brown eyes framed by thin brown lashes.
“I-I’m sorry Mistress,” she said while wiping her snotty nose.
“You know how you can make it up to me?” I asked while crouching low so that we were eye level. “Go dip Master Black’s hair in pink paint.”
I walked the Walker children back to the Dorms as my mind drifted to my conversation with Cyler. I dropped the Walker children off, and after debating for a moment on what to do, my feet carried me towards the Scavenger camp.
My emotions were all over the place as I walked. Relief, sadness, pain, frustration, hopelessness. My heart swelled at the distress of it all. I moved in a manic state, craving something I couldn’t quite name.
At camp, I was surprised to find a rowdy circle of joking Scavenger men. In the middle of the circle was Tallis and another Scavenger. Both of them held wooden long sticks and were dancing across the small space, sparring with one another. The loud slap of the wood hitting their bare skin echoed around the camp.
A loud cheer erupted from me as Tallis slapped the other man’s rib cage, and I pushed my way to the front of the crowd for a better view. Tallis clashed with his sparring partner, the vicious lines of his face contracted with each of his opponent's advances.
His strength and intensity both scared and invigorated me. I imagined feeling his muscles, submitting to his strength. Watching him fight made all the conflicting feelings I felt earlier disappear. Their movements were quick and powerful. Each step, each punch, each dive was a precise split-second decision. Tallis tackled his opponent to the ground, and while holding him down, he looked up at me. My pleasure at seeing his athletic display was evident as I licked my lips and nodded towards the forest. The Scavenger’s face broke out into a cocky grin.