Ashland

by Lynn Lorenz

  He entered, this time as a trainer in his own right.

  Scanning past the line of raised cages, six in all, he spotted Murphy at the third cage, his favorite. Stoltz headed toward him, waving and acknowledging other men he knew. Some even congratulated him on his new slave. News traveled fast.

  He reached Murphy and slapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, what’s happening?”

  “Hey, Dan. Got to get Phillip back in shape before the start of the season.” He jerked his head at the fighters in the cage. One of them was Phillip, a Franco werewolf, and the other was one of Murphy’s sparring partners, Jesse, a European werewolf. Good fighter, good enough to give a powerhouse like Phillip a run for his money.

  “Phillip looks good.”

  “His wind is shit. He’s panting already!” Murphy cursed. “His owner slacked off on his training during the off-season, and now he expects me to get him back in shape.”

  “Well, if anyone can do it, you can.” Stoltz grinned. “Look, I need to run something by you. Got a minute to talk?”

  “No. But for you, sure.” Murphy motioned to the seats along the wall. They walked over and sat, putting an empty seat between them.

  “Now, what’s up?” The older man sat back, one eye on the cage and one on Stoltz.

  “Okay. It’s Ashland.”

  “What’s the problem?” Murphy frowned, bring his full attention to Stoltz. “He giving you trouble?”

  “No. Not really. I mean, it’s my problem, not his.” He ran his hand through his hair.

  Murphy gave him a hard stare. “You’re attracted to him.” He made a disgusted noise. “Shit, Dan.”

  “I know, I know. You don’t have to tell me.” He shook his head. “And if I could do anything about it, I would, but he just gets to me. In ways I never thought possible.”

  “So he gets you hard. Deal with it.”

  “I am. Fuck. That’s all I do when I’m around him.”

  “So?”

  “So, I’m worried it’s going to interfere with my training him.”

  “It will.”

  They were silent as they both watched the cage in front of them.

  “What should I do?” Stoltz whispered. “I can’t sell him. I won’t.”

  “Then you’re fucked, my friend.” Murphy stood. “I never thought this would happen to you, of all people.” He started to leave, then cursed and came back. “Listen. It’s rare, but sometimes owners and slaves can have a deeper relationship. It happens.”

  “To you?”

  Murphy shook his head. “No. If I want to fuck, I have a couple of whores I’m partial to. No slaves. But that doesn’t mean… Look, does he feel the same way?”

  “That’s the problem. I found out from Margo, and you know she knows everything, that Durio sexually abused Ashland. Kept him for a sex toy. Raped him, I’m thinking.”

  “Holy shit!” Murphy fell back into his seat. “Man, you can’t touch him, Dan. Not without his permission. Willingly. And I have no idea how you’re going to figure that out.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m fucked.”

  “You really falling for him?” Murphy turned his head and gave Stoltz a look, eyebrows raised.

  “Yeah. I think so. Hell, I’ve never felt this way about anyone, slave or free.”

  “Give it some time, Dan. Don’t rush it. Let him get his feet under him, build up some confidence and trust in you. Don’t screw this up, or he’ll be worth shit.” He stood again.

  “Thanks, Murphy. I’m going to take your advice. Back off and give him room. Stay on a professional level. No sex.”

  “Good man. Trust yourself. Your instincts are good. If he feels the same way, he’ll let you know. Werewolves are all about sex. They fuck, eat, and fight. Eventually, he’ll want to fuck you, and if and when he does, then you got to decide what’s right for both of you. You’re the master. Always remember that.”

  Stoltz nodded, and Murphy walked off.

  Wise words.

  Words Stoltz swore he’d listen to if he wanted this to work out right.

  »»•««

  A week had gone by, and Ashland had worked out twice a day since Stoltz had left his quarters, hoping for his approval when he returned.

  He stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom and checked himself out. His hair had regained its luster and body, flowing to just below his shoulders, which had a new breadth to them, and his chest had expanded. He flexed his biceps, and muscles bulged in them and his pecs.

  He couldn’t see his belly, hips, or legs in the mirror, but he ran his hand over the now delineated abs. The girth of his thighs had increased. All this in just a week of hard work, with Ash pushing as hard as he could, increasing times, reps, and workouts.

  Stoltz would be pleased. He had to be.

  The doorbell chimed.

  This was it.

  Ash took a deep breath and headed to the door to meet his master.

  “It’s Stoltz. I’m coming in.”

  The door opened, and Stoltz appeared. He pulled the door shut, turned, and stopped dead in his tracks. “Wow!”

  Ash stood back, naked, and let Stoltz’s gaze travel over him, each moment of it licking along his skin. His cock began to swell at the admiration in Stoltz’s eyes. And maybe some heat.

  Stoltz shook his head like a wet dog. “I can see you’ve been working hard, Ashland.”

  Ash grinned. “I have, Master.” He couldn’t help but puff up.

  His master stared, his gaze dropping to Ash’s crotch and the very noticeable hard-on he sported. Stoltz cleared his throat and looked away, and Ash nearly collapsed.

  His master didn’t approve. At least, not of his erection.

  “I’m sorry, Master. When I get excited, it happens.” He held his hands in front of it, trying to cover up.

  “And you’re excited now?” Stoltz’s gaze shot back to Ash’s face.

  “Well. Yes, Master. I wanted you to be pleased with my progress, and it looked like you were, and that got me excited and…” He waved his hand at his dick.

  “Okay. Sure. Makes sense.” Stoltz walked into the room and turned around. “So, tomorrow, we’ll go to the training facility, just for you to get used to the place. Have you ever been there before?”

  “Yes. A long time ago.” When he had hopes of actually fighting.

  “Well, it probably hasn’t changed. This little visit is more for everyone to see you, really.”

  “Me? Why?”

  “Well, no one will be able to dismiss you, not in your condition. And you’re only going to improve. By the end of this month, you’ll be incredible. Everyone will want to get their man in the cage with you.”

  “Oh. Right.” Ash nodded. “It’s been a long time since I’ve fought, Master.” He’d been trained to fight, but training and using it were not the same thing.

  “I know. Murphy is going to let me borrow one of his sparring partners. You two will work together next week as much as possible, honing your skills.”

  “Thank you for understanding.” He lowered his head.

  “Ashland!” Stoltz’s voice commanded his attention.

  Ash snapped his head up. “Master!” He fell into a standing submission pose.

  “I’m not one of those masters who doesn’t care about their slaves. I want the best for you because you’ll give me back the best you’ve got. This is more of a partnership. We work together, and together we’ll build something special here.”

  Ashland tilted his head. “A partnership? How can that be? I am a slave. You are my master.”

  Stoltz swallowed. “I know I’m not making myself clear, but I wanted to tell you that I intend on treating you well. With dignity and respect. I promise never to take advantage of you, and to look out for your health and safety.”

  “Oh.” That was more than anyone had ever given him. Ever.

  Stoltz clapped his hands. “Now, I want you to eat well tonight, get a good night’s sleep, and be ready at nine tomorrow morning. We’l
l go to the training facility and work out.”

  “Yes, Master.” Ashland smiled, unable to look at Stoltz without doing so.

  “What’s so funny?” Stoltz put his hands on his hips.

  “Not funny. I feel…safe. When I’m with you.” He gazed into his master’s eyes, wishing he could understand how much Ash wanted and needed to trust and feel safe again.

  “That’s good.” Stoltz cleared his throat. “That you feel safe.” He locked gazes with Ash.

  “I do. Feel safe.”

  Stoltz took a step forward. “The collar looks good on you.”

  “I like it, Master.” Ash moved closer, closing the space between them.

  Stoltz’s nostrils flared, and he moved forward into Ash’s space. Ash’s body reacted, his cock stiffening, even as he tried to push it down. Stoltz stopped, closed his eyes, and then stepped backward. “I have to go. Now.”

  “But…”

  “Be ready at nine,” Stoltz ordered. Then he fled, the door shutting behind him with a slam.

  “Yes, Master,” Ash replied to the door. He’d wanted to ask if he’d done or said something wrong.

  What the hell?

  For a glorious moment, Ash had thought Stoltz would embrace him, touch him, and maybe even kiss him.

  Next thing he knew, his master was running out the door. After all his time with Durio, Ash had lost the ability to read another’s intent. That could be deadly in the cage. He’d failed.

  Ash looked down at his now flaccid cock. He was pathetic, mooning after his master, a man who had just as much told him there would be nothing between them. At least nothing Ash had hoped for, and yet…

  Dignity and respect. Safety and consideration.

  Instead, he’d given Ash something he’d never had before—a master who truly cared.

  That was so much better than a master who fucked you, wasn’t it?

  How many slaves could claim that? Few, he wagered. He should count himself lucky and forget any physical relationship with Stoltz. The man had honor oozing out of him, and that was good enough for Ash.

  Any slave would be happy with his situation.

  So, why wasn’t he?

  Chapter Nine

  Stoltz stormed down the hall. He’d almost fucked up. Almost touched Ashland. He’d wanted to devour him. Damn, he’d looked so fucking good, his body toning up, his cock hard and stiff, and Stoltz’s collar around his neck.

  He never should have bought that damned collar.

  In a haze of sexual desire, he’d moved toward his slave, as if he had lost his mind.

  And just as Ash was telling him how safe he felt around Stoltz. How he trusted Stoltz.

  Fucking Ashland would be the height of crazy. It would destroy his plans. Certainly Ashland would present himself without hesitation. He’d been treated hard as Durio’s slave, and Stoltz knew the werewolf wouldn’t offer any resistance to his new master’s advances.

  But that wasn’t the same as willing.

  Murphy’s words came back to him just in time. “Give him time and space to regain his confidence.”

  Workouts in the cages would help with that. Once Ashland realized how powerful he was, he’d see. He had to see.

  Stoltz halted. When had this become about giving Ashland his confidence, his safety, his dignity back, and not about making money in the cages?

  Way before Stoltz placed the collar around Ash’s neck. Maybe even the first time he saw Ashland on the slave-market dais.

  Stoltz started forward. He needed to get home fast because his balls ached and his dick strained against his zipper. Just thinking of that big, naked werewolf wearing his collar shot arousal through his body, leading straight to his dick.

  Almost painful, the urge to seek release overcame Stoltz. He’d never done this before, but he scanned the hallway ahead of him. If he didn’t do something, he’d come in his pants.

  A door on the right next to the elevator had a maintenance sign next to it. He tried it, and it opened. A small space with two walls of shelves, cans of paint and brushes filling a few. The others held drop cloths.

  He stepped inside and shut the door. Blinded by the dark, he felt along the wall for the light switch and flipped it. Dim light from a bare bulb partly filled the space. The doorknob had an old-fashioned turn-bolt lock.

  Stoltz flicked it and then scrambled to unzip his pants and dig out his throbbing cock. Its turgid length fell into his hand, and he spit twice and slicked it up, groaning as he slid back and forth.

  “Ah, fuck. Ash,” he muttered. “What you do to me. I want to fuck you.” He hissed as he pictured taking Ash. He’d bend him over the table, spread his cheeks, and lick a path between them, tasting Ash’s pucker.

  He’d push a wet finger in, and Ash would whimper for more. He’d line up his cock and slowly thrust in, pushing past the first ring of muscles. Ash would cry out his name and beg him to fuck him hard.

  Stoltz worked his hand over his dick, moaning as he let his fantasy go wild. With each thrust, he’d push deeper into Ash, deep enough to hit Ash’s kill spot. All he wanted was to make Ash come, to find his release and feel it tighten around his cock as he came.

  His dick swelled, his balls ready to unload, as pleasure ripped through him, setting fire to his body. He teetered on the edge of ecstasy, so ready to blow.

  One more hard thrust, a twist over the head, and Stoltz exploded, shooting cum onto the floor of the tiny closet as he shuddered through it.

  Fuck. He’d never needed it so bad or so fast.

  Ashland.

  Stoltz breathed deep to get control and tucked his dick away. He righted his clothing and unlocked the door. Taking a deep breath, he opened it and stepped out.

  In the elevator bank, a woman and her slave stood waiting.

  She looked at Stoltz, a knowing smile on her face. The body slave, a female dressed in a black-and-gold burka, stood next to her, head down.

  Stoltz kept his face neutral and didn’t say a word.

  “A werewolf?” she asked. She raised her hand, displaying a gold chain linking the slave to her. “I waited two months to fuck mine. I’m familiar with that closet. Someone should put a sofa in there.”

  “It’s not like that,” he replied, but it was just like that.

  “You’ll get tired of that closet, I promise you.” She pulled on the chain, and the woman slave came to her, snuggled up against her. “Now, this pretty and I are out of that closet and in my werewolf’s bed.”

  “Both?” Stoltz asked, only shocked that she spoke so openly of it.

  The elevator arrived, the doors sliding open.

  “I like to watch also.” The woman entered the lift with her slave, and then lifted her eyebrow as if to ask if Stoltz were coming.

  He shook his head and stepped back.

  “Suit yourself,” she said as the doors shut.

  Two months. He’d last longer, as long as he had to, to keep his promise to himself and Ashland.

  He was stronger than the woman. Much stronger.

  The closet was a one-time deal. That was all. From now on, he’d keep his libido in check.

  »»•««

  Ashland prepared for bed. He’d done everything his master had told him to do. Cleaned up, eaten well, and now it was time for a good night’s rest.

  Ten came, and the lights flashed twice. They went off, and he lay alone in the dark.

  Tomorrow was a big day. His first time in the cages, at least the first time it really counted.

  In his mind, he went through some moves he’d learned years ago. His body twitched as it responded to his memories. Kicks, punches, holds, and body slams came back to him.

  He could do this. Fight and make Stoltz proud of him.

  He’d show the others he was a werewolf to be reckoned with, a true fighter. He might never get the chance to be a champion, but he swore he’d be the best sparring partner ever. And that his master would be known as the best trainer, if he had anything to do with it.
r />   After all, they were partners.

  Ash’s success was Stoltz’s success. Simple as that.

  As for the sex, he’d just find other ways of dealing with his needs and urges.

  Werewolves were sexual creatures. They fucked from puberty until old age, although few survived that long. Old to a werewolf was probably fifty. Ash had never seen or heard of one older than that.

  He let his mind wander. He and Stoltz, growing old together, in and out of the cages. He’d train other werewolves, and Stoltz would manage them all. Maybe, just maybe, Stoltz would grant him his freedom once he was old and past use.

  Ash would like to end his life being free.

  And somehow he knew Stoltz was the only man who’d give that to him.

  Maybe not now, but later. If he ever got the courage to ask for it.

  When he was old and useless.

  Freedom, even then, would taste so good.

  Chapter Ten

  Stoltz flashed his badge, and the security guards opened the door to let him and Ashland into the training room. He gritted his teeth as he stepped through. This first appearance was so important—so much rested on it.

  He hoped Ashland remembered all the things he’d told him about how to act and what to say and not say.

  He didn’t have to worry.

  Ashland strode in as if he owned the place, his walk easy, arms swinging in a loose gait as if he knew just where he was going and had all the time in the world to get there. Stoltz smothered a grin. His werewolf had pumped up before Stoltz arrived, and even coated his body with a fine sheen of oil to highlight the curves and planes of his muscles.

  Stoltz had to avert his gaze, or else he’d go running for that damned closet and jerk off.

  To avoid just that, he walked in front of Ashland, leading the way. Now that they were inside, he let the werewolf pace him, all the way to the cage where Murphy waited for them.

  “Dan!” Murphy called out, waving him over. Stoltz sauntered over, acting as if he didn’t even care if the big werewolf followed him. He greeted a few of the regulars, who stared at Ashland. “Get that big-ass werewolf over here and let’s see what he can do.”