"So what am I?"
"You are a juvenile, sweet-pea. Your ability to absorb the lessons that are taught to you will help you achieve the strength and tenacity required to obtain the position as an alpha female. But the cost is high. It has to be something you want with all your heart."
"How do I know that I want it? It's all new to me. I've fantasized about it, read books in secret, but nothing more. I didn't even know this was a real thing until I met you."
"Time. Experience. Exposure. I will give you the tools, but it is up to you to become proficient in using them appropriately. D&S is not like the vanilla world. As I mentioned before, some people even call it a dictatorship," he chuckled. "They would be correct because most of us tops insist upon having the final word in the decision-making process. However, following the nature of the lifestyle means that our personal agendas are put on the back burner, and our individual wants do not come into in consideration. D&S mandates the following of a certain set of rules—rules set for the purpose of promoting health, safety, respect and the success of the community. Failure to follow those rules results in swift, painful, punishment."
"What if the dom is the one who breaks the rules?"
"Then we live with the consequences of what we have done, including the risk of losing our submissives' respect, trust and loyalty. The penalties that a sub faces for a transgression might earn her a paddling. The penalties that a dom faces might cost him the relationship."
"Okay, answer this … why the hell would anyone want to live under those conditions?"
"You are living under them now. You just don't know it."
"I am most certainly not!"
"No? How many times do you obey what I tell you to do without challenging me? Do you follow rules that I make because you want to or because you were instructed to? Did you, or did you not, just get your very first spanking for breaking the rules made for your safety and well-being? And did you feel safe, protected and cleansed afterwards?"
Piper stared at him, stunned. "Are you telling me that if I want to be your alpha bitch then I need to just do what I'm told and not say anything?"
"We both know that would be impossible," he laughed, tugging her braid. "No, it means being able to communicate your needs, thoughts, opinions, and desires in a way that promotes the health and survival of your relationship. In turn, I am able to provide you with what I believe is needed to help you become the best person you can be."
"And how do you know what I need?"
"By learning about you, watching you as you progress, and redirecting you when you are repeating mistakes. It is about trusting each other. I trust you to be truthful and obedient, and you trust me to give you what you need to grow and evolve."
"I'm not a wolf."
"Neither am I. But I am an alpha male. I have a pack, my clients, filled with betas, omegas and juvys. I want an alpha to stand by my side. My mentor used to say that a true submissive was nothing less than a pit bull. She lived to please him and gain his praise and would tear the throat out of anyone who tried to hurt her master."
"I'm not buying this, Jeoff."
"How many marriages do you know that result in divorce? Or ones that the couple stays together, destined to live out their lives in misery?"
"Way too many. But what does that have to do with D&S and this dictatorship?"
"Over the decades, society has stripped the natural chain of command from families by promoting a sense of shame for a woman to submit to her husband. Even children are encouraged today to challenge authority, and the concept of respecting others and themselves is becoming a thing of the past. Not that you can blame them because authority figures have ceased to function in the caring, responsible, and respectable positions they used to occupy. Remember when you were told to find a cop if you were ever in trouble? Would you do that in today's world?"
"No way. We are specifically warned not to be alone in an unoccupied area, even with a law enforcement officer. There are very few people that we can trust to be what they claim to be. Even the justice system seems to be focused more on popular demand instead of what's right and wrong," Piper agreed. "I get that, but this chain of command thing …"
"We are all subject to it. Whether it is through our jobs, the law, social expectations … there is always someone lording over us, whether we like it or not. D&S follows the natural needs of our nature. Like the wolves, the health and strength of the pack starts with the health and strength of the alpha. All problems are dealt with swiftly, so there is no time for things to fester. A D&S relationship requires that I, as the alpha, take responsibility and seek a solution. My submissive trusts me to make the right decision, even if she is not happy with it. We discuss everything. I demonstrate my respect for you by carefully considering your input before I make a decision. Ultimately, it is my responsibility for either success or failure."
"That isn't really fair to you, though. If I screw up, you can't assume responsibility for my mistakes."
"No, but I can be accountable by lovingly correcting you and to try to lead by example so we can prevent a repeat, if possible. This is not a master/slave relationship that we are developing. I am here to serve you, Piper. Your needs, as my alpha sub, take priority over everything else."
"I could get spoiled that way. I think I like that idea."
"Don't get so excited. Sometimes your needs require that I tell you no or that I discipline you. It is my job to keep our relationship as healthy and evolving as possible. Your job is to learn, grow, and submit to my leadership. You help maintain the work I am doing by becoming the best person you can be. Where did the smile go?"
"I am back to not liking it. I do not like being told no."
"Give it some time to sink in, and allow things to happen naturally. You'll understand soon. To the vanilla world, it sounds misogynistic. But, in our world, it is the ultimate sacrifice one human being can give another. Again, it is based on trust and commitment to the well-being of the pack."
"Still not buying it, buddy."
"Do you trust me?"
"Yeah, of course I do."
"Why would you trust me? You haven't known me for a very long time," Jeoff asked.
"I dunno. You've never given me a reason not to trust you."
"But there has to be more," Jeoff urged. "Talk."
"You've been there for me since the day we met," Piper expanded. "You have come to my rescue to keep me warm, to intervene against the ex, to even keep me from hurting myself. You've been my friend … probably the best friend I have ever had. And you have also taken care of parts of me that I didn't know were there. Like the peppermint stick in the hot cocoa. You have no idea how much that touched my heart."
"What did I ask in return?"
"Nothing, really. Except, well, to mind you."
"For what purpose?"
Piper thought it out. "None. Well, none for you anyway. You haven't even jumped on my invitation to make love to me."
"You deserve to be respected and honored. A Dom looks at his submissive as a precious gem that no one has yet laid eyes upon. He molds her, chisels away the imperfections, and polishes her to a gleam that outshines the brightest star in the sky. Each gem he comes across has its own luster, but there is one that comes along once in a lifetime that holds more brilliance than any other. She is a diamond," Jeoff explained. "Her facets are many, and each reflects something amazing. It is the Dom's purpose to make her into a crown jewel that stands out above the rest."
"You are so poetic, you big dork," Piper sighed. "Get to the point."
"A diamond in the rough must go through a rigid process before it can be placed in a setting. It is chipped away until only the perfection is seen, and experiences harsh methods to polish and clean it until the entire stone can be viewed in its glory. It is stripped naked so that the world can see its real beauty. You are like that diamond."
Piper's eyes were large as she looked into his. "Where will this take me?"
"To true empow
erment. A submissive is no one's doormat. She is an entity that commands respect from the world around her. Her strength rests in her submission and ability to recognize her character flaws and the desire to face them head-on. A submissive with that type of heart has no limits in her life. When she reaches the place of elevation, she answers only to three people … God, her Dominant, and her own conscience."
"It seems to contradict itself, Jeoff. How can I be strong and powerful when I am expected to follow everything you tell me to do?"
"Trust, honey. I am trusting you to be true to yourself and be honest with me when you are not. You are trusting me to love and accept your honest attempts to grow. You are also trusting me to not allow you to become lazy, complacent, or cheat yourself out of what you can achieve. I am merely the instructor. You will get from this depending on what you give."
"What if I screw up?" Piper's lip trembled.
Jeoff kissed the back of her hand. "Everyone makes mistakes. The key is learning from them and not repeating the same ones over again. Listen to those people who have experience in the lifestyle, and learn from other people's mistakes. As long as I see you are putting in a legitimate effort to evolve and grow, I will continue to encourage you."
"And if I don't?"
"I have no doubt that you will see this through. But," Jeoff sighed, "if you don't, then you have the option to become a player or go full vanilla. It's a choice, and it is neither right nor wrong. I am not going to force you to do anything you are completely against doing. I want you to be happy. My selfish desire is that you stay with me, but you need to follow your own nature."
"That sucks," Piper pouted. "What if I end up doing something stupid?"
"Like what?"
"Like falling in love with you," Piper snapped, tears in her eyes. "You would not keep me, if I wasn't this alpha sub, would you?"
"We have to be true to each of our own natures. I know it sounds awful, but neither of us would be happy together if we were not in the same place, would we?"
"No, I guess not. Do I have to make a decision about this?"
"You only need to follow your heart right now, baby. And my orders. It's time for bed," Jeoff said, clapping his hand on her thigh and standing. "Let's get you into your pajamas and brush your teeth, and then I will give you a little surprise."
Piper looked at the clock, mouth open. "It's 9:30!"
"Yes, and since you didn't have a nap today, you will go to bed a little earlier. Tomorrow is big day for you."
"I will never take a nap! And why is tomorrow a big day?"
Jeoff smiled. "You start your new job."
Chapter 6
"My new job? What are you talking about?" Piper asked as Jeoff pushed her towards the loft.
"You'll see. Trust me. You will enjoy it. Here are your pjs," He handed her the light blue flannel pants and 'Frosty the Snowman' shirt. "I'll be back up in a minute to tuck you in."
Piper shook her head, mindlessly obeying his instructions. What did he have planned? She pulled the soft blankets over her and waited for his return. Her eyes drifted to where a polished cane hung on a hook next to the bookshelf. What was that doing there? she wondered. Piper shifted her attention as Jeoff returned with a guitar in hand.
"You play?"
He sat next to her on the bed. "I do. I also sing. Close your eyes, pretty girl," he said softly, patting the blanket around her body before stroking her face.
"What is that thing hanging there for?" Piper asked, pointing to the cane.
"If you behave like a good girl, you won't need to know, will you? Now shut your eyes."
Piper felt tears slide down the side of her face as he began to sing 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen. His deep voice was rich and soothing, lilting over the beautiful, sad chords with unrestrained passion.
"There is so much to you," Piper murmured sleepily. "I wish you were my Daddy. I would have been so happy."
"Your wish will come true, my sweet. In time. Sleep now." He kissed her cheek.
"But I'm not tired," Piper yawned.
"Pretend then. I'll see you in the morning. We have an early day."
***
"When you said early, I didn't think the sun would still be down," Piper grumbled as Jeoff flicked on the lights and clapped his hands loudly. "Getting up while it's still dark has got to be illegal."
"Up and at 'em! I want to leave in ten minutes."
"Where the hell are we going? It's still night!"
"Young lady, from this moment on, you will be receiving five strokes of the hairbrush for every curse word you say. Understand?"
"But …"
"You will also respond with a yes or no, Sir. Don't give me the face."
"You're mean. And grumpy."
"You keep saying that. Are you going to mind me?"
"Yes, Sir," Piper forced out.
"Good girl. Wear your jeans and dress warmly."
Piper waited until he left and threw on her jeans, an oversized sweater, Uggs, and pulled her hair into a ponytail. He had a backpack sitting on the kitchen table next to two cups of steaming coffee. Ignoring the grumbling, Jeoff bundled Piper into her jacket and led her out the front door. He helped her into the truck, catching her as she slipped.
"We need to get you some safer footwear. Those Uggs have no traction, and you are going to hurt yourself."
"I'll be careful, I promise. I can't believe you are making me get up so early. At least this is one way to avoid breakfast," Piper muttered. "Oh, damn!" she moaned as he handed her a slice of toast with peanut butter and banana slices. "Seriously?"
"I warned you. Reach into the glove compartment and take out the hairbrush."
"Jeoff! I'm sorry, I just … yes, Sir," Piper huffed, obeying.
"Keep that in your lap and think of how it is going to feel when we get to where we are going. Put your seatbelt on and stop making faces at me," he ordered, staring straight ahead.
"I'm not makin' any faces. You're not even looking at me."
"No, but I always know. Put your tongue back in your mouth."
Piper slumped, not knowing how he had managed to see her gesture. They drove through the still morning fogbanks to an area about fifteen minutes from Jeoff's home. Large trees bordered both sides of the stone road and framed rolling pastures patched with white frost. Piper pressed her nose against the cold window, trying to make out the distant inhabitants of the snow-kissed fields.
"Where are we going?" she asked. I thought you said I had a new job. Look! Horses!"
"I got you a position managing these stables for an old friend of mine. I assume you like horses?" Jeoff asked, pulling into a moderate-sized parking lot.
"I LOVE horses! Oh, Jeoff, you are too wonderful for words! Thank you!" Piper threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"I'm sure that opinion will change in about two minutes. Unzip your jeans."
"What?!" Piper pulled back.
"Pick up that hairbrush off the floorboard and unzip your jeans. You have a spanking due you."
"No! Not here! Anyone can see!" Piper began to panic, looking around the still, and unmanned, stable.
"There is no one here except for the horses. If I have to repeat myself, I will double this. Please do not make me do that. This will be painful enough as it is."
"It's not fair!" Piper cried out, her hands shaking as she unsnapped her pants.
"No, it's not fair. I shouldn't have to be privy to your bad language. Over my knee, young lady. Hurry now, before the stable hands show up."
Piper whimpered as she grudgingly obeyed, shivering as he pulled the material from her bottom, baring it to the chilled air inside the truck's cab. Jeoff tsked as he lifted the hairbrush, commenting how much more sting she would feel because of the cold.
A howl escaped as the broad back of the hairbrush splatted enthusiastically across her right cheek.
"Count and say, I will not cuss in front of my Dom again," Jeoff instructed.
"OW!!! That hurts! Plea
se, no more! OWWWW!"
"This will continue until you mind me."
"Owie!" Piper called out, trying to kick her tangled legs. "Three! I will not …"
"That is one, darling."
"Noooo! OWOWOW! One! I will not cuss in front of my Dom again!"
"Good. Again."
Piper squealed, wriggling to escape as the hairbrush burned into the sit-spot of her left cheek. "TWO! I will not cuss in front of my Dom again."
"Excellent. Continue."
"THREEEEE! I promise I won't cuss in front of my Dom again. Ever!" Her kicking increased and Jeoff shifted her head under the steering wheel. The brush blazed over her blanching skin, and she sobbed out 'four' along with her promise to refrain from swearing. The final smack colored the remaining white portion between her bottom and her thigh, and Piper wept openly, the verbalization of the number five meshing incoherently with her spoken sentence. It took everything within her not to drop a loud, emphatic f-bomb.
Jeoff pulled the jeans over her reddened behind and sat her back on the truck's bench. Piper's nose was as red as her bottom as she sniveled into her hands. He handed her the brush. "Put that back where it belongs. Did you learn your lesson?"
"Yes, Sir," Piper sniffed, her backside burning terribly against the snug jeans and her body's weight against the seat.
"I hope so. No rubbing. Blow your nose." He handed her a tissue and exited the vehicle.
Pouting, Piper followed him, her face to the ground. He paused only to hug her and kiss the top of her head before leading her to the back of the stable yard.
"Do you think you can be a good girl now?" he asked as he stopped in front of a stall.
"Yes, Sir," Piper said quietly, her eyes still cast down.
"Accept your discipline with dignity, Piper. It's over and you are forgiven."
"I don't feel forgiven," Piper mumbled. "I just hurt."
"I'm sure you do. A hairbrush on a cold bottom is not at all pleasant."
Piper's Journey (Into Submission 1) Page 8