How to Steal Blade

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How to Steal Blade ISBN #978-0-85715-296-1 ©Copyright Jade Archer 2010 Cover Art by Natalie Winters ©Copyright September 2010 Edited by Andrea Grimm Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

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HOW TO STEAL BLADE Jade Archer

Dedication There really is only one person that this book could possibly be dedicated to… For Andrea—brave woman and fearless editor. Thank you for all your help, advice and encouragement, but most of all, thank you for reading my first manuscript and still having the courage to take me on!

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Chapter One

Deminic stretched his long legs out and leant back into the ultra soft, creamy synthleather bench seat. Travelling between engagements in the smooth, completely soundproofed hover-limo certainly had its advantages. In fact, lately it seemed the only place he could truly relax. Between meetings with sycophantic business owners, dinner functions with fawning hostesses, and the endless appointments with toadying charity organisations all just wanting ‘one moment of his time’, he was worn down to his very last nerve. Letting out a deep sigh of frustration, he turned his head to gaze out of the dark tinted glass into the bustling heart of Mebian 7’s elite business district. He watched as crowds of the upper-class, the only ones permitted on this level, flocked to the brightly-lit shops like insectoids. All would be enjoying a few fabulous purchases before going home to their perfectly styled apartments and sitting down to their exquisitely prepared meals. He was so sick to death of the whole pristine, sterile lot of them. For a moment he wondered whether it might be time to move on again. He had been on Mebia 7 Prime, the core planet of the Mebian system, for nearly four standard years now. The cut-throat business world in this system should have been the perfect place to find what he was looking for—namely a challenge. Starting off with a very modest investment and a razor sharp desire to find just what was missing from his life, he had wheeled and dealed his way through the business sector like a dervish. He had overcome every hurdle, surpassed every expectation. Now, in a system where money was almost a religion, he was very nearly a deity. The last time he had checked his current personal credit chip it was even more obscene than the one he had left behind with his multi-billion credit business on Centre. Damn it, he fumed silently. Now he had two huge credit portfolios and was still no closer to figuring out what was missing in his life. He had thought he would find it in the thrill of achievement against the odds, the exhilaration that only came with a job well done, and the sheer, bone deep satisfaction of conquest. Apparently he had been wrong.

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Pushing back a hank of his jet black hair that had somehow escaped his braid with a strong, teak coloured hand, he scowled out at the street. He considered the people milling and scurrying around. There were whole crowds, like shoals of little fish, hurrying on to no particular end. He realised that these were the sorts of people he met and dealt with every day of his life in his drive to remain always at the very top, both personally and professionally. But they didn’t really interest him. They didn’t stimulate or challenge him. Perhaps that was truly at the heart of all his problems. He wondered irritably where the real people were. The ones that actually thought about more than what brand of shoes might go best with this or that particular outfit. The ones whose realities didn’t simply revolve around who had been seen where, or what cocktail functions to attend next week. Where were the people whose entire intellectual capacity wasn’t always focused on ostentatious displays and grand, but meaningless, gestures? He desperately wanted to meet some people who actually strived to make a difference in the universe and lived in the real world. Hearing his chauffer tactfully clear his throat, he turned his head to face forward again, carefully schooling his features to give nothing of his inner turmoil away. “Will Sir be requiring the town car this evening to go visiting?” Rejinald asked in his meticulously polished, polite voice. It was code. Rejinald could no more have asked if he was going to be visiting The Dungeon than ask if he would like fries with that. It simply wasn’t in the man’s make-up to ask such apparently distasteful questions. He wasn’t sure which the man thought was more distasteful, prying into his master’s activities or his master’s predilection for the darker side of sexual expression. In truth, Deminic really didn’t give a flying fuck, as long as his staff knew to keep their damn mouths shut. He had quite enough experience with the mayhem certain sorts of gossip could cause in his life. Pity it wasn’t going to be an issue anyway. His last visit to The Dungeon, to stretch his muscles, so to speak, had been far less than satisfactory. All the subs knew him there now. And it was the same at every such facility he had frequented over the past four years. They might not know him by name, but they certainly knew he had power, influence and most importantly of all, money. They fawned and grovelled over him like overeager puppies. It was beyond annoying.

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He wanted a challenge, damn it. Was that so hard to find? Was it so hard to accept that he might want something real, something gritty and honest? In the fake and plastic world he found himself forced to inhabit on a day-to-day basis, was it so strange that he should want an honest to gods encounter with a true, honest to gods sub? He growled softly to himself, then watched as Rejinald’s spine stiffened, and his hands clenched convulsively on the steering wheel. Oh! For the love of Ion! He wasn’t going to beat the man with his belt for asking a simple question. Did the whole universe think him a monster because his sexual appetite leant towards bondage and submission? With true anger, he remembered the furore that had erupted over his private life just before he had left Centre to begin again here. It hadn’t been the reason for his deciding to start over, but he certainly hadn’t regretted leaving behind the malicious gossips and snide looks of his peers. If he ever got his hands on that trashy holo-reporter who first aired ‘exclusive’ and ‘in-depth’ interviews with his supposed submissive lovers… He wanted to snarl and snap, but instead he modulated his voice to his usual deep, cultured tone. The one he reserved for keeping the world at a distance. “Thank you, Rejinald, but that won’t be necessary.” He turned away once more, too lost in his own thoughts to see the city anymore. He wouldn’t risk being betrayed again. Whoever the ‘ex-lovers’ might have been, they would never have known who he was without inside access and information from someone close to him, and that meant someone on his staff had betrayed him. It wouldn’t happen again. He had been cautious before, but he was downright paranoid now about keeping his personal life strictly private. Rejinald prepared the cars, but Deminic always took himself to his private haunts. He never allowed his staff to meet his subs, or his subs to meet his staff. He wouldn’t hide his desires, but he would never again allow them to be aired in public like a dirty little secret to be ashamed of. Pity the clubs and their subs were no longer a viable option for him anyway, now that so many of them suspected he had wealth and power. He supposed it wasn’t much of an assumption. You had to have money to get in the door of the sort of places he enjoyed, and if you wanted the sort of treatment and privileges he expected, you had to be willing to pay for them. And pay well. He didn’t have a problem

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with any of that. It was the insincerity of the whole thing that had slowly been sneaking in and eating away at him. It no longer felt real. Morosely, he wondered if he had ever met and mastered a real submissive. He knew he was up to the challenge. There was no question of that, but could he actually find a man in the whole universe that was just the right combination of submission and challenge to truly tempt and satisfy him? Would he ever meet an honest sub?

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Chapter Two

Blade twisted in his restraints trying to work some feeling back into his wrists. It was no use. They were held too tight. His ankles were in much the same predicament. Sighing, he relaxed back down on the small black padded bench he was strapped to. Damn it, now he was in trouble. The bloody thing didn’t even support his head, he thought irritably. With his arms and legs restrained securely to the legs of the bench and the padded top only just big enough to support his belly, he was forced to drop his head forward and let it hang to relieve the ache in his upper back and neck. Even the way his legs were held and spread slightly apart meant he had to stand on the balls of his feet, which was more than a little uncomfortable after awhile. At least he could drop his hips slightly and let the bench take his weight to relive the pressure in his calves. He just wished it didn’t leave him feeling quite so exposed. Maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea to try to scratch his owner’s eyes out as he struggled to tie him down. It had only made the mean bastard cinch the restraints tighter. He knew it definitely hadn’t been wise to threaten to bite the man’s pin dick off if he stuck it anywhere near him. That’s how he had ended up gagged. When on Ion was he ever going to learn to keep his big mouth shut? Then again, how was he supposed to have known the great blue behemoth hadn’t planned on using him himself? He’d thought he was about to get shafted by his owner literally, as well as figuratively. And there was no way he was going to shut up and sit still for that. Or lay still, quietly kneeling over a padded bench, as the case may be. It had only seemed fair to warn the dickhead he’d rip his sexual organs off if he brought them anywhere near him. Blade tried to sniff disdainfully around the thick, synth-leather gag in his mouth, but he didn’t really manage to pull it off. He shouldn’t have bothered, he considered bitterly. Next time he would bite first and issue warnings later. He suddenly stiffened. What was he thinking? There wasn’t going to be a next time. When he got out of these restraints, he was going to…he would… What? he asked himself

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angrily. You’re going to threaten your owner, the First Order Mebian citizen who owned a million credit engineering business? Maybe intimidate him with the full force of the law? Both his owner and the authorities would laugh at him. He was a slave. His people were dirt poor farmers from the most distant planet in the system. Even if he could get the authorities to listen to him, nothing would ever be done. He didn’t have a credit to his name to bring a case to court, and there was certainly no precedence. No contract slave had ever brought a successful case against his or her owner. At least not to Blade’s knowledge. The only other option he could think of was to run away. But he couldn’t do that either. If he ran, his family would have to pay for the training he had already received, and they had even less hope of finding the credits. It would mean one of his brothers or sisters would have to go into a slave contract, and he wouldn’t ever consider that. No way. He would just have to figure some other way out of this mess. Frantically, he began to scan the ornate room and plush furnishings for a way out of the restraints. If he could get free, he would find a way to return to his master. His owner would be angry, maybe even beat him, but he wasn’t hanging around here. He didn’t know the man his owner had arranged to give him to, and he didn’t plan on being around here long enough to make his acquaintance. Knowing his luck at the moment, the stranger would turn out to be a great sweaty beast with halitosis, a bad case of falling out of the ugly tree a few too many times and a nasty temper to match. Still struggling futilely against his restraints, Blade remembered what had started the whole rapid decline in his life from hard to hell. It had seemed like such a good idea to convince his owner to allow him access to extra training sessions. He had aced all his engineering tests and was eager to learn more. It would make him more valuable to the company, he had tried to explain to the bloated piece of blue pond scum who owned him. Of course, the fact that the more formal qualifications he amassed the more he was worth, and therefore the quicker he could pay off his debt, might have had something to do with his drive. Unfortunately, his owner had all too quickly figured that out. Damn it! His owner wasn’t normally that smart. Why couldn’t the big blue moron have been as stupid as he looked for just a few more months? Probably because he wouldn’t have been able to breathe spontaneously if he was that stupid. And of course, it was pretty hard to miss that he was about to lose one of his most

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productive contract slaves because Blade had almost paid out his entire debt in half the allotted time by earning far more than projected. So now he was strapped down, bare ass naked, except for the black leather straps that fastened him to the padded bench. He had a thick black gag pulled tight between his teeth that was seriously cutting into the corners of his mouth and slick lube shoved where no one else had ever dared to probe. All because his owner, the slimy piece of quargrel riddled, filthy excuse for a sentient being sack of shit was determined to get, as he so eloquently put it, ‘his money’s worth out of Blade’s ass’. Giving vent to one last desperate fight against his restraints and an angry muffled scream, he flopped back down over the bench in exhaustion and resignation. His wrists were stinging relentlessly now, suggesting he had rubbed them raw. His jaw ached from the constant strain of the gag. And last, but certainly not least, his pride hurt from being forced into this position. He really should have thought harder before agreeing to enter into this slave contract. Lorelei may have had a reasonably good idea and the very best intentions when he had suggested they get trained for skills to bring back to the clan. It could very well help them to break the cycle of poverty they found themselves in. But it really wasn’t working out for him. He wasn’t suited to life as a slave. He was too headstrong, too opinionated, too fond of his freedom, impoverished as it may have been. Oh! And the blood flowing to his hands. He was pretty keen on that too. The trouble was, somewhere deep inside him was a tiny little voice telling him just how much he enjoyed being in this position. In a small, secret part of his heart, he would love to be able to surrender control like this, to have someone truly master him—someone he trusted completely. A shiver of desire and excitement ran down his spine. He could just imagine how freeing that would be, even as he recognised how contradictory that might sound. He wondered what it would be like to have someone else take responsibility and shoulder the burdens for awhile. How would it feel to be able to ignore everything and everyone else in the universe and focus on pleasing just one person? What would it be like to be cared for and cherished like that? Just for a little while. He shook the idle thoughts away irritably. No one had ever shown him that sort of care and consideration. They had taken and demanded his obedience, but never given him any

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choice in the matter. He had never met anyone he wanted to offer that much trust to anyway. That was the stuff of fantasy, and fantasies had no place in his harsh reality. So instead he had become a bratty, smart-mouthed rebel. One that now found himself strapped down to a bench, bare-assed naked and gagged. Nice. Yay! Go team! he thought acerbically. Suddenly he tensed, his sixth sense telling him he wasn’t alone anymore as he cursed his lack of attention. He twisted his head around sharply, at least as much as was physically possible, to see who was behind him and froze. Standing in the doorway was the most droolworthy man he could ever remember seeing in his life. He felt his eyes widen as he took in the bulging upper arm and chest muscles. He gazed in awe at the man’s trim waist and beautiful dark bronze skin. But it was the long black braid and the solid black eyes, flashing like onyxiya in the light, that really had Blade mesmerised. The man was absolutely magnificent. A supreme, dominant, warrior god made flesh. Blushing when he realised he was staring, he lowered his eyes. It was a mistake. As he tore his eyes away from the stranger’s face, he found himself focused on the man’s hands instead. They were big, strong, capable hands—broad and heavy. On one pinkie, the twinkle of a signet ring—a single diamond in a heavy gold setting—caught the light. Blade couldn’t help but wonder what those hands would feel like caressing his skin. Would they be rough and calloused or smooth and soft? Would they be gentle or just the right amount of firm? Somewhere in the distance he heard a whimper and very much feared it might have come out of his own throat. “What on Ion…?” the stranger finally said incredulously. Then his face became a mask of anger. “This is just going too far!” he bellowed as he stormed across the room. Blade instantly snapped out of his lust-filled daze and began to struggle wildly. He didn’t want the tempting stranger to come any closer. He didn’t think his system could handle the sudden hormone overload. Besides, at the moment the stranger looked more likely to pull him apart, than pull him into his arms.

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Chapter Three

“We have arrived, sir,” Rejinald announced regally from the driver’s seat. “Thank-you, Rejinald. That will be all for now. I’ll contact you when I need you,” Deminic said. “Very good, sir.” Deminic stepped out onto the street and stared up at the entrance of The Mebian Grande Royale. He had to admit, he was impressed. Despite his earlier thoughts and misgivings about the wealthy and privileged, of whom he had to admit he was a part, it was hard not to be impressed with a place as prestigious as the Grande. Located at the very centre of the upper levels and overlooking a large artificial lake and parkland, it was the most private of private hotels on the planet. It had a well-deserved reputation for having the highest regard for its clients’ privacy. Even guests were required to sign a non-disclosure chip, guaranteeing that they would not repeat any information or divulge anything they inadvertently saw or heard on the premises. He had to wonder why Axelotal, the Mebian engineer he was meeting to discuss a possible business arrangement with, had chosen the place. Industrial espionage was of course rife in the system. Business was a dog-eat-dog world after all. But it was hardly standard practice to do deals in such a location. It made him wonder what the man might be up to. Well, he wasn’t going to be getting any answers standing out here. Approaching the monstrous glass front doors, he was greeted by a concierge before they had even finished sliding back to let him in. “Good-evening, sir. If you would care to follow me, you are expected in suite four. If you should require anything during your stay, my name is Alfonesea, and I shall be at your disposal day or night.” Deminic inclined his head slightly, even as he was a little disconcerted by the fact the man knew him by sight and had obviously been expecting him. Still, he supposed it was all

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part of the service and the hotel’s impeccable image. He had noticed that the man hadn’t used his name. “Thank-you, Alfonesea. Has the gentleman I’m meeting with arrived yet?” “Yes, sir. He arrived a little over an hour ago.” Judging by the sudden stiff set to his shoulders and the clipped tone he used, it had not been an altogether pleasant experience for Alfonesea. But it was hard to tell, he seemed to be a consummate professional, and it could simply be the man’s usual officiousness showing through. Deminic mentally shrugged. All would be revealed in time. After a quick ride up to the fourth floor in the hoverlator, they stepped out into a beautifully appointed antechamber, in what was apparently suite four. If the massive foyer was anything to go by, the suite was sure to be stunning. Marble columns supported the high vaulted ceiling. Huge floral arrangements perfumed the air, and artificial daylight illuminated works of art by intergalactically renowned artists. It was all quite breathtaking. Suddenly, Axelotal appeared, his bulky blue frame making him waddle slightly and his round blue face a mask of obsequious pleasure as he hurried towards them. Deminic could see the perspiration clinging to the Mebian’s jowls and their slight quiver of agitation that suggested he was anxious about the meeting. It could be that he was just concerned he would be knocked back. The engineering rights to the new space port shopping and pleasure complex Deminic was planning would be a huge boon for the other man. But Deminic suspected something else was bothering him. “Ahhh! My friend. Welcome. Welcome,” Axelotal enthused as he reached out to shake Deminic’s hand. He waved dismissive at Alfonesea with the other. “You may go.” Deminic bristled. Keeping a safe distance was one thing. Rudeness was quite another. Turning to the concierge, he decided to lead by example, even if he did think it a rather futile effort. Men like Axelotal rarely changed. “Thank you, Alfonesea. I’ll be sure to remember your exemplary service when I leave.” Alfonesea bowed slightly with the tiniest hint of a smile, suggesting he knew Axelotal was being subtly reprimanded, before he made his way to a small staff exit and discreetly left the room.

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“Yes. Yes. Thank you, Alfonesea,” Axelotal parroted distractedly as he sidled up to Deminic and began shepherding him towards one of the large panelled doors leading off from the antechamber. “I have prepared a proposal for you to consider and left it for you to peruse at your leisure in the den. However, I thought you might like a demonstration of how very accommodating we at Axelotal Engineering can be. I have a gift for you. One I hope you will enjoy with our complements.” At the door he bowed, a huge knowing grin creeping across his face. “For now I will leave you and hope you might review our proposal after you have had a chance to relax. Feel free to use the suite for as long as you like. It is booked indefinitely for you. When you have had a chance to consider our plans, please contact me. My private comm-signal is in the proposal.” Deminic struggled to keep his jaw from dropping open in shock as the oily little Mebian hurried over to the hoverlator, a look of glee on his face, his thick blue jowls quivering with excitement. He wondered what the hell was going on. He’d never had a business meeting quite like this one, where the main proponent walked out on him before even presenting his plan. This was just too strange to believe. He wasn’t sure what to think, and he was too stunned to try to stop the man, even if he had wanted to. From inside the hoverlator the Mebian waved his hands in a shooing motion, as if encouraging him to go into the room. Then the doors to the car closed, and he was whisked away. Just as well. The man gave him the creeps. What a complete an utter waste of time, he grumbled to himself. This was just ridiculous. He had heard that Axelotal was a shrewd, up-and-coming business operator keen to impress and make an even bigger name for himself. He had been expecting fawning and grovelling. He had certainly not envisioned being abandoned within thirty seconds of meeting the man. Deciding he wasn’t even going to look at the proposal, but that he might as well at least enjoy a drink before he left, he pushed open the door and came to a complete standstill. There in the middle of the floor, illuminated by shafts of light, was a beautiful, completely naked man bound and kneeling over a black padded bench. Various toys lay on a trestle beside him, but it was the man himself which held Deminic captivated.

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He was incredible. His pale, milky white skin seemed to glow. Gazing at the beautiful round, full bubble butt on display, he fantasised about how magnificent it would look all rosy and hot from a good spanking. He licked his lips. Suddenly, the little man turned his head, and Deminic only just managed to suppress a groan. Gagged and tied, the huge dark blue eyes that turned to look at him sent a pulse of blood straight to his already hard cock and had it throbbing inside his suddenly painfully tight pants. Two tiny, triangular ears poked out through the man’s tousled blue-black hair. He was the most stunning sub Deminic had ever seen. And he had seen quite a few in his time. Unfortunately, when the man whimpered softly, the reality of the situation came crashing down around him, shattering his lustful fantasies into a million tiny pieces. “What on Ion…?” A slowly building anger bubbled up inside him. How dare Axelotal and this man try to manipulate him with this? This was private. This was sacred. It most certainly was not a game to be played to win his favour. “This is just going too far.” Infuriated, he stormed across the room. Rage billowed off him like steam off a Miallien boiler. He intended to give the devious little shit a piece of his mind and the flat of his hand across his delectable, lying ass. And not in a good way. It was fortunate that the room was as massive as it was. It gave him a moment to think through the haze of anger as he stomped across to confront the man. It slowly penetrated that something just wasn’t quite right. The stunningly handsome and bound cat man was struggling too hard. Granted, it could have been a reaction to his anger, but it looked…wrong somehow…too frantic, too genuinely desperate and upset. A manipulative sub might have enjoyed his anger, even revelled in his loss of control. He might even have triumphed over the possibility of blackmailing him if he was to lash out and hurt him without consent. But this man didn’t give him any of those vibes. He just seemed…distraught. And that was the very last thing he expected. Deminic slowed his steps and took a closer look at the man tugging desperately against his restraints. He noticed the skin was raw and bleeding in places, as if struggling to get free wasn’t something he had just started to do. A sudden wave of protectiveness swept through him. Perhaps he had to rethink his assumption that the cat was in partnership with the Mebian trying to manipulate him.

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One thing he was sure of was the genuine desire and attraction he had seen simmering in the other man’s eyes when he had first stepped into the room. That hadn’t been false or contrived. Deminic found himself desperately wanting to recapture that heated look, that longing and desire. Stepping in front of the little cat, he placed a hand on the struggling man’s head. “Calm down,” he commanded firmly. Instantly, the little cat man stilled, and Deminic’s cock throbbed again. So natural. So real. Huge, frightened blue eyes looked up at him, and he was completely lost. “You want this off?” he asked softly as he began to gently stroke back the unruly hair from the gorgeous face, lingering a moment at the straps holding the gag in place. Slowly the man nodded his head, never once taking his eyes off him. “Are you sure? You really do look quite stunning like this.” The man’s eyes opened impossibly wide at his assertion while he continued to stoke his hand through the lush dark strands of his hair. Now that he was so close he could see that it did indeed have highlights of deep electric blue running through it. And it was so soft under his hand he wanted to caress it all day. Okay! So maybe that wasn’t the only thing he would like to do with the man all day. Curious, he ran the tips of his fingers over the points of the man’s ears where they poked out through his hair. He heard him gasp around the gag, then watched as he closed his eyes and a shiver ran through his body. So deliciously responsive. “As much as I like you like this, I think I’d like to hear your voice even more.” With great care, he undid the gag and slowly eased it out. As if caught in a spell, he ran his thumbs over the corners of the man’s mouth where the gag had dug cruelly into his tender flesh. The man nuzzled into the touch, seeking his soothing caress. Once more he felt his achingly hard cock throb in his pants as a surge of possessiveness rear up inside him from out of nowhere. He wanted the small cat man in front of him with an unprecedented fierceness. “My name is Deminic. What’s yours, pet?” he asked, his voice rough and husky with desire. The little cat swallowed, then licked his dry lips.

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“Blade,” he finally croaked out. Oh! Oh! Yes, he thought as a wave of lust overwhelmed his body at the mere sound of the other man’s voice. “Blade. I like that. You look like a Blade, sharp and cutting, but oh, so magnificent in the hands of a Master. Am I right, Blade? Are you looking for a Master to wield you, show you your true power and grace?” “I don’t need a master,” Blade suddenly snapped in denial, his eyes flashing with anger. A hot flush of desire flowed over Deminic, tightening his groin even more and sending waves of adrenaline rushing through his system at just the thought of being the one to master all that passion. Deminic ran his hand gently over the man’s shoulder and along his smooth back until his palm caressed the lovely rounded swell of his ass. The man pushed into his hand and began to pant. He licked his lips again before he seemed to catch himself and began to fight against his bonds once more. “Don’t touch me,” he screamed. But even as he demanded that Deminic remove his hand, he groaned when his struggles brought his tight, silky balls into contact with the gentle hand caressing his ass. And he wasn’t the only one trying to stifle a groan. “I think you’re wrong, little cat. I think you need a Master very badly. I just don’t think you’ve found one worthy of you. Until now that is.” Blade stilled under his hand. He continued to explore the man’s fine ass with a feather light, distracting touch. It wasn’t until he deliberately played his fingers over his tight balls again and up the sensitive, soft as suede skin of his perineum towards his hole that Blade began to buck wildly. “Let me go. The last thing I need is another master trying to fuck me over.” Deminic took a step back and walked slowly around the prone figure. He studied each line, each curve, every glorious bare inch of him. “Bad language, Blade,” he breathed into one adorable black, fuzzy ear, “is for the unimaginative. And I have a feeling you’re anything but unimaginative. Now do as I say and hold still before you hurt yourself.” “I’m already hurt, asshole.” He sneered.

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Deminic ignored the rude remark. He could see the conflict going on inside him. Blade was fighting himself for control. He could literally see it as he continued to tug half-heartedly on his wrists. He wanted to obey so badly, but couldn’t seem to recapture that innate sense of trust, the instant recognition Deminic saw in the man’s face when he had first walked into the room. The instincts that told him they were perfectly matched as Dom and sub. The past had made this one distrustful and angry. It would be Deminic’s job to make him forget the past and see only the present. To see only him. He got down on his haunches so he was eye-to-eye with Blade and looked into those amazing blue, troubled orbs, swirling with doubt and confusion. “Trust me, Blade.” He would never beg. This was as close as he would ever come to it. He wanted this with every fibre of his being. Wanted to explore the possibilities he sensed simmering just below the surface. But he wouldn’t beg. Everything hinged on this moment. If Blade denied him, he’d cut him loose and walk away. “Trust you. I don’t even know you,” Blade whispered back, a slight tremble of uncertainty in his incredulous voice. Deminic looked deep into his eyes for several, long heartbeats. “Are you so sure? I think we know each other better than you’re willing to admit.” Blade went completely still. The silent stretched out between them as they looked at each other, assessing and measuring, weighing the odds. Finally, ever so slowly, Blade lowered his eyes in submission, still looking at him, but through his long, thick lashes. And he was finally holding perfectly still. Deminic felt such a strong burst of joy at Blade’s compliance he almost shouted out with it. Instead, he concentrated on keeping his breathing slow and controlled and his voice deep and even. “I’m going to release you now,” he said as he began to move to do just that. He wanted Blade to know exactly what he was doing before he did it. Trust was one thing, learning each other was quite another and would take time and patience. “But I thought…,” Blade stuttered, apprehension and unease once more clouding his beautiful blue eyes. “Trust me to take care of you, Blade.”

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He deliberately made his voice firm and demanding and was rewarded when he saw a shiver of appreciation run down the smaller man’s body. His head lowered again in submission. Ever so slowly, he unbuckled the restraints at the man’s ankles, carefully assessing his skin for damage. It was a little pink, but not too bad. His wrists were another story. They were raw and bleeding. He was as gentle as he could possibly be, but still he heard the gasp of pain that left Blade’s lips as the leather restraints finally fell away. Blade lay panting for a moment as if not sure what to do with himself. “Sit up on the side of the bench slowly,” Deminic instructed and couldn’t help the pleasure he felt when the little cat did as instructed. But Blade looked pale and shaky now that he was finally free, and Deminic couldn’t have that. Scooping him up into his arms, he carried him over to a long lounge and gently set him down. Casting his eyes at the trestle table overflowing with toys and gadgets, he was disgusted to see there was no balm or even any lube in sight. His regard for the Mebian engineer sunk even lower if that was possible. He stepped over to the communication panel by the door. “Alfonesea, have some Quikbalm sent up.” “Of course, sir,” Alfonesea’s smooth voice answered back immediately. He paused and looked over at the man huddled on the lounge, his knees drawn up tight to his chest. “And a light meal for two, please.” “Certainly. Will that be all, sir?” “For now.” He flicked the comm toggle off again and turned back to Blade. Looking around, he spotted a blanket thrown artfully over a chair and picked it up before walking over to sit next to him. Gently he wrapped the man in the soft folds of the material and pulled him into his side. For the first time, he began to have doubts. The man seemed suddenly small and defenceless. Battered and abused. He wondered if what he wanted to do with him just wasn’t going to be possible. Had the little cat been broken? Would he ever be able to cope with the kinds of wicked, kinky ideas that ran through Deminic’s head whenever he looked at the man huddled against him?

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Suddenly, he heard the hoverlator’s approach and jumped up to meet Alfonesea, immensely grateful for the distraction. He wasn’t used to second guessing himself. And he really didn’t want to analyse his sudden attraction and overwhelming feelings of protectiveness. He was sure, however, he didn’t want Alfonesea to see his little cat like this. Not so much bare, although he wasn’t keen on that either, but...vulnerable. His hackles rose as he realised Alfonesea might already have seen him in far less than a blanket and far more exposed. That Mebian bastard certainly had. In fact, Deminic suspected he had been the one that had prepared Blade. It didn’t take a genius to have felt the slick lube at the man’s perineum and realise someone had been thinking ahead. He barely suppressed a feral growl as he stomped to the antechamber.

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Chapter Four

Blade watched as Deminic jumped up and all but sprinted out of the room. Something had changed. It was subtle but insidious. Somehow, between releasing him from his bonds and now, the man had begun to pull away. The thin, fragile bond he had felt forming between them was stretched tight, and the lightest touch threatened to snap it. And he suddenly realised he definitely didn’t want to lose that raw, newly-realised connection. Sure he had been less than impressed with being offered up like some sort of sacrifice to the patron gods of avarice and business advancement. But somewhere along the line everything had changed. What was happening between himself and the powerful man who was now rapidly pulling away from him had nothing to do with Axelotal and his business deals, and everything to do with a soul deep connection he had felt the instant he had laid eyes on the man. Perhaps it was fate. Perhaps someone, somewhere, had finally decided he deserved a break. Maybe it was just pure dumb luck. But there was no way he was letting this opportunity pass him by. No way was he wasting what could be his one and only chance to taste the forbidden fruits he had hardly known he craved until he found himself bound and gagged and waiting for this man. When Deminic walked back into the room, he slipped the blanket from his shoulders and rose to his feet in blatant invitation. He pulled himself together, proud and strong. He was a slave, but in this, he had a choice and by the gods he was going to take it. He loved the heated look that stole over Deminic’s face. He revelled in the slight falter in the other man’s sure steps. Power pulsed through him like a drug—the power, he sensed, to be able to draw this man to him and have him never want to let go. He wanted more. “I have a little something that should take the sting out of those abrasions.” He heard Deminic mumble in a distracted tone before he cleared his throat. “Thank you…,” for just a moment he hesitated, then decided to plunge ahead bravely, “Master Deminic.”

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Heat and something else, something deep and powerful, flared in the man’s dark eyes. It sent ripples of delight coursing all over his body and made his cock swell until it slapped against his belly. The look in Master Deminic’s eyes turned molten with lust when he saw it, and he felt himself begin to blush and squirm. A need to protect himself automatically brought his hands up to flutter ineffectually around his naked groin. He wasn’t exactly sure what to do with them. “Don’t,” a deep, gravelly voice commanded, hardly recognisable as the sophisticated, controlled man that had first walked in. “Don’t hide from me.” Instantly, he settled his hands back down by his sides, a deep sense of peace beginning to steal over him. Master Deminic would tell him what to do. The look of appreciation on the other man’s face as he lazily and thoroughly perused his body was enough to make him stand taller and swell with pride at his obvious approval. Already he could see a huge bulge beginning to tent the front of his dark, dress pants, and he groaned in longing. “Show me your wrists.” Obediently Blade held out his wrists and only winced slightly when the cool balm was gently applied. Soon the soothing cream and gentle touch of Master Deminic’s fingers had him relaxing. When the man knelt at his feet and started to apply the balm to his ankles, however, he began to squirm again. Somehow it didn’t feel right to have the man kneeling in front of him. He fidgeted uncomfortably. “Hold still,” Master Deminic barked, and he instantly obeyed. “I…Master. I…” Rising slowly to his feet, Master Deminic cupped his jaw firmly but gently. “Blade, what is between us, this need we share, has nothing to do with my position in relation to you and everything to do with me knowing what you need. It has to do with you giving me permission to take care of you. If I want to kneel down and suck your cock until you come down my throat while I demand that you remain perfectly still, then that is what I will do. Because I want to, and because you give yourself into my care. Do you understand?” Blade swallowed noisily then nodded, hoping to the gods that his Master wanted to do just that. “For now I think we need to attend to the little matter of your punishment.”

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He blinked, finding it hard to suddenly jump tracks from blow-job to punishment. “Master?” he asked in confusion. “You were naughty, Blade. You deliberately disobeyed me and ended up continuing to hurt yourself.” Blade felt a little thrill of something he didn’t dare put a name to at the hint of anger he heard in the other man’s voice when he mentioned his hurt wrists and ankles. Could the man actually be upset that he had ended up hurt? It made his heart lighten and filled him with playful joy. “Wouldn’t it be that I’ve been punished enough already then?” he asked cheekily. “Seeing as I ended up hurt.” “Don’t be impertinent,” Master Deminic snapped. But Blade didn’t miss the little twinkle in the other man’s eyes or the tiny tug at the corner of his lips that suggested he was fighting back a smile. He couldn’t help the huge grin that spread across his own face. “Let’s see how inclined you are to smile after a few good swats to that sweet ass of yours. Ten, I think, to start with. Two for impertinence, two for bad language and six for continuing to hurt yourself after I had told you to stay still. Consider it leniency for extraordinary circumstances,” he warned fiercely. Blade shivered in delight. He watched as the man walked away and sat on the edge of the bed. “Over my knee, boy.” For a moment he could only stare at the big, beautiful, bronzed god, still completely clothed to his utterly naked self. He was a study in power and masculinity. “Don’t make me wait,” he warned. That broke him out of his spell, and he rushed across the floor to drape himself obediently over the offered lap. Master Deminic turned slightly, allowing Blade’s upper body to be supported comfortably by the bed as he lay over his knees. It was such a considerate, protective thing to do that he felt a cocoon of warmth settle around him as Master Deminic’s hand began to caress up and down his back. “Count, pet,” his Master ordered. Then, without warning, he brought his open hand down over Blade’s ass.

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Blade couldn’t help the gasp of surprise that escaped his lips. It was harder than he had though Master Deminic would hit him, a real wallop to his poor, defenceless bottom. He nearly forgot to count off. “Don’t forget to count,” his Master reminded him firmly, seeming to read his mind, “or we’ll have to start all over again.” Although the sudden heat to his rear end was surprisingly arousing, he didn’t think he wanted more than ten swats. At least not at the moment. “One,” he managed to say just as another blow landed across his bare ass. “Oh!” he squealed. “Two.” Seven more hard smacks fell across his sore bottom, setting it on fire as his Master varied the location over his cheeks to evenly cover his entire rump. Tears leaked out from the corners of his eyes as he squeezed them shut, anticipating the last blow, even as his cock throbbed and leaked pearly white beads of pre-cum between his Master’s legs where his cock was trapped. “One more, my pet. You’re doing wonderfully,” his Master crooned. Blade’s eyes opened wide with surprise at the unexpected compliment, just in time to distract him from the last smack. It was perhaps the hardest smack of all, and he was completely unprepared. His cock gave a mighty jerk before streams of cum were pulled from him in an unexpected, explosive orgasm. “Such a beautiful colour on you. So hot,” Master Deminic praised as his hands ran lovingly over Blade’s warm bottom, drawing a groan from deep within him. His Master’s cock bounced against his side. “In future, Blade, you must remember you are only to come if I give you permission. You’ve left quite a mess to clean up.” Blade squirmed where he lay over his Master’s knees, feeling embarrassed and chagrined until a large hard settled over his throbbing ass and stilled his movements. “I want you, Blade,” his Master whispered, and Blade thought he heard a hint of desperation. “Want to be inside you. Want to be your Master.” “Yes. Oh! Yes. Please... Please, Master,” he begged.

****

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Deminic felt his cock throb and had to wrap one hand firmly around his thick shaft to stop himself shooting right then and there at Blade’s desperate, needy cry. His responses were so natural, so perfect and real. But he didn’t want to rush things. He hoped to build the trust between them and slowly introduce him to all the carnal pleasures imaginable. And he could imagine quite a few with this stunning creature. He sensed how very new this all was to Blade. No matter how bold and sassy he was or how well he took to it all, he doubted very much the younger man had ever indulged his submissive nature. It was hard to go slow when all he wanted to do was plunge his cock into the soft, welcoming body beneath him, but somehow he would. For Blade’s sake. He looked down at the little cat as he lay panting over his lap. He suspected his smart mouth and razor sharp tongue was a deliberate attempt to shield himself from the world. There was just something innately innocence and vulnerable about the man like this. His determination to go slow intensified, to take his time and show his little cat how good it could be between them. All the wonders there were to be found in their Dominance and submission to one another. “Sit up, pet,” he commanded. “Then lie down on the bed.” He helped Blade reposition himself over a mound of pillows face down on the bed so his ass was raised and exposed to him. He could hear Blade panting as he stood up to slowly remove his clothes. He saw him steal a look over his shoulder and stare fixedly at his thick, hard cock, before swallowing nervously and turning his face back into the bedding again. He traced a finger down the crack of Blade’s ass and gently circled his waiting hole. He felt him shiver and tense under him and found himself grinding his teeth, fighting for control. He so desperately wanted to tie the man down, to secure and bind him. He knew that both of them would enjoy the security and delicate exchange of power that such play would give them. But he also knew Blade’s wrists were in no condition to take such treatment at the moment. Curse that vile Mebian asshole. Unable to resist, he lowered himself over Blade’s smaller body. He pinned him to the mattress, not crushing him, but a definite, solid presence that was comforting as well as controlling. It was a gentle reminder, a compromise on tying him down that seemed more than satisfactory to both of them if Blade’s moan of pleasure was anything to go by. The skin

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on skin contact was a pure delight, and he found himself never wanting to be separated from Blade’s lovely, pale, smooth flesh again. Slowly he eased a finger into Blade’s tight hole and felt him buck against him. “You’re so tight. Relax, baby,” he coaxed. A sudden flash of insight hit him like the first jolting flare of entering hyperspace. “You haven’t done this before, have you?” Instantly, Blade went still and quiet under him. “Oh!” He was slightly surprised and suddenly uncertain, even if he had known he was right. He had to clamp his fist around his balls and the base of his cock again. Blade was going to be the death of him, he was sure. After a few seconds of steady breathing, he kissed the back of Blade’s neck and felt him stiffen. Blade’s voice was soft and tentative. “Do you still want me? Even though…” “Yes!” Deminick cried, then breathed in and out through his nose a few times. “I want you. Going to take you, baby. But slow and easy. At least this first time.” With that, he nipped the back of his neck. Blade arched up into him and moaned. “Please,” he begged desperately. “Patience, pet.” Slowly he eased his finger in an out of Blade’s already lubed hole. It reminded him that someone had obviously been busy here before him, but he pushed the thought out of his mind. It would only make him angry, and that was the last thing he wanted to be while he was sharing this moment with Blade. Later, there would be time for recriminations and payback. After a few moments, when he felt the ring of muscles guarding Blade’s body loosen slightly, he thrust a second finger in to test his resistance. It was still tight, but Blade only moaned all the louder. It was definitely time. “Now, Blade. Take me, pet.” With that, he guided his stiff cock to the entrance of Blade’s body and entered him in one smooth, deep thrust. His own moan of pleasure joined Blade’s cry of pleasure/pain. He was so hot, so soft and tight around him he didn’t think he was going to last, but if Blade’s desperate humping beneath him was anything to go by, that wasn’t going to be a problem

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for the little cat. He slapped at the man’s rump, feeling his hole tighten almost painfully around him in response. “Be still,” he commanded, and Blade instantly held, but he could feel the tension in the man’s muscles. After a few more seconds, he began to move, thrusting his hips first only a little, then increasingly hard and heavy—drawing his cock out of his lover until it almost slipped free before pushing back in. Time spun out and all that was left was the heavy slap of his balls against Blade’s ass, the slick slide of sweaty, fevered flesh, and the panting, moans and groans of their passion. “Master Deminic. Please. I need…I…may I come?” Deminic faltered a little, overwhelmed that Blade had remembered to ask. So quick. So sharp. So like his name. And so natural. He felt himself slip a little bit more in love with the gorgeous man. Leaning down, he placed a tender kiss between his shoulder blades. “Come,” he whispered, a single, powerful counterpoint to Blade’s grunts and moans of passion. “Come for me, Blade.” Instantly, the man in his arms cried out in ecstasy. He felt Blade’s hole clamp down around his cock, and it was the last straw. With one almighty thrust, he buried himself balls deep and came inside his little cat. Sweaty and spent, he curled himself protectively over the smaller man and breathed with him through the euphoria as they gradually came back down together. Finally he felt complete. Finally he felt he had found that missing piece of himself. Now all he had to do was find a way to keep it.

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Chapter Five

Deminic idly ran his fingers through the messy black head of hair resting on his chest. He marvelled at the amazing electric blue streaks that ran through it. They were nearly as amazing as the man curled against his side, purring contentedly. He had lost count of the number of times they had played, made love, then relaxed back into each other’s arms, only to start all over again moments later. They just couldn’t seem to get enough of one another. At least it seemed to be mutual if Blade’s enthusiastic and insatiable responses were anything to go by. For his part he just wanted to be able to stay forever and soak up the amazing man beside him. He loved everything about his fiery little discovery, and the time they had spent together so far. He wanted more and had begun to suspect forever. He didn’t think he would ever get bored with learning this man’s every secret desire and need. Releasing the strands of hair, he slapped playfully at his lover’s bare ass and was delighted by the little yip of surprise that followed the sharp sound and the sudden swelling cock he could feel against his thigh. Perfect, he realised. Just so perfect for him, perpetually horny and kinky as hell. “Come on you. I have some work to do. I can’t just lie around here being your pillow all day.” Blade pouted prettily “Why not?” “Brat.” He grinned as he slapped again. “Come keep me company.” Blade rose and stretched languidly, displaying his long lean body to perfection. He groaned in appreciation. Blade was stunning, all rumpled from their short nap and a good tumble. When Blade noticed his reaction, he grinned wickedly and pushed his groin out, lewdly displaying his cock and balls. “If you don’t want them caged, I’d put them away for now, pet.” Blade’s eyes widened in alarm, but his cock bounced happily against his belly at the suggestion. Watching the contradictory display, he couldn’t help chuckling. Oh! His Blade was going to be a constant delight.

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Pulling on a gown, he found draped over a chair beside the bed he considered the idea of Blade being his. It had felt so natural to think of him that way, and he didn’t want to reconsider the notion. Blade was his, at least he wanted him to be. And not just for the moment or even for a short time. He wasn’t sure what was suddenly pushing such thoughts to the surface, but he liked them. He wanted to run with them. He wanted to keep Blade. He just wondered how Blade would feel about the idea. Looking back over his shoulder at the man, he was surprised to see Blade hadn’t followed him. Instead he stood by the bed looking suddenly uncertain as if he wasn’t sure what to do or what was expected of him. “Blade?” he asked patiently as he waited for the man to explain his sudden nervousness. “I don’t have anything to wear.” Concern and worry etched his brow, and he chewed at his bottom lip anxiously, as if worried what Deminic’s reaction would be to the statement. He couldn’t have that. “One day soon I hope you won’t even think twice about being bare in my presence, whether we’re making love, doing a scene or just relaxing. I love your beautiful body. I never want you to think you have to hide anything for me, especially not your body. But for now, why don’t you put this on?” He walked back over, picking up his dress shirt along the way and held it out to him. “I like the idea of you being wrapped up in me. Covered in my clothes, my scent. It will help to remind you who’s looking after you now.” He really did like the idea of Blade being naked around him at all times, but if naked equalled denigration in Blade’s book, he would forgo the pleasure. That just wasn’t what he was about. He knew other Masters who might have pushed the point, even revelled in the idea. But he wasn’t one of them. It just wasn’t something he got off on. It was also why he avoided using any terms of ownership for the moment. He did own him. Blade had given himself freely, and he had accepted the honour and responsibility. But he knew being owned would still have very negative connotations for Blade, and he didn’t want that. It grated, but he didn’t what to bring that sort of baggage to their budding relationship. Blade blushed furiously and muttered his thanks as he slipped the over-large shirt over his much smaller frame. It hung almost to his knees and covered far too much, but Blade

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seemed more comfortable, and it gave Deminic a little thrill seeing his cat wrapped in his shirt. He smiled down as he adjusted the collar for him. For the moment, he was content. Walking into the den, intending to review the proposal left by Axelotal, he was distracted by the platter of food resting on a low table between two huge winged-back chairs. He had forgotten all about ordering a light meal for two when he had called for Alfonesea to bring him the Quikbalm. The man had been thoughtful enough to leave it covered by a small stasis field that had kept the meal perfectly while they had been otherwise engaged. He would have to thank him for his foresight and ingenuity. Wandering over to look over the selection, he wondered about the sly old dog. He seemed an incredibly astute and valuable man to have around. He wondered what he thought of the whole situation. It was odd, but he felt himself growing to trust the man and beginning to consider whether he could be lured away from his position here. If nothing else, his instincts told him he was going to need Alfonesea in the not-too-distant future, and he never disregarded his instincts. He made a mental note to get to know the man better in the next few days. That was if he could draw himself away from the luscious creature that wandered into the room behind him. He eyed the stunning, dark-haired cat man in his huge shirt appreciatively. His wide blue eyes giving the impression of innocence, despite everything they had done to the contrary recently. His slight body was lean and supple, if perhaps a little skinny. He frowned at the realisation. If he was a little hungry, he could only imagine how his energetic little lover might be feeling. When was the last time he’d had a proper meal anyway? Did Axelotal feed him adequately? Not willing to take the chance, he eased himself into one of the chairs. “Come. Sit with me. I wish to feed you.” Blade stared at him for a moment as if assessing to see if he was trying to trick him. The thought sent a spike of anger into his gut. What must have happened to his little cat to make him so distrustful of accepting such an offer? He buried his feelings down deep, however, as he watched patiently while Blade warily padded over on slim, bare feet. After a moment’s hesitation, Blade lowered himself to his knees in front of him, then leant in to rest his head against Deminic’s thigh—his body stiff as if uncertain of his reception as he looked up at him with wide, tentative eyes. At that point all other thoughts

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disappeared from Deminic’s mind. It wasn’t quite what he had in mind when he had issued the invitation, but it had his cock standing at attention with renewed interest in seconds, despite their very recent lovemaking. The heated look that passed between them didn’t help. With controlled, deliberate movements, he sliced a piece of nimish pear and held it out. Blade nibbled it delicately from his fingers before licked the juice that covered his digits diligently. His cock throbbed and he felt the tip become wet as beads of pre-cum rose and leaked from its slit. “Are you trying to distract me from my work, Blade?” “Is it working?” Blade asked saucily. In answer he slipped another piece of pear into the man’s mouth and watched as he chewed, then swallowed before licking his lips with a sly grin. “Perhaps,” he admitted when he felt his cock jerk again, but he pressed on, determined to have the man properly fed before they got distracted. The meal was a slow exercise in torture and restraint. By the time the platter was nearly empty, he thought he might be forced to grab the man, throw him over the low table and fuck him right then and there. He looked into Blade’s cheeky, knowing smile and suppressed a groan. No good would come of having the man know how easily he could twist him around his little finger. He was firmly resolved to hold out and make the man wait. Looking around desperately to try to distract himself, he noticed that the low table had a comm panel built into it and reached out to call Alfonesea. Within seconds, the man’s rich, soothing tones answered, “Yes, sir?” “Could you come up here for a moment, Alfonesea?” he asked politely. “Certainly, sir.” Blade’s cheeky grin vanished instantly and was replaced by a wary, hesitant look of confusion and concern. He looked for all the world like he wanted to run. Reaching down, Deminic stilled him with a firm hand to his shoulder. He knew the man was uncomfortable and suspected it had more to do with appearing weak and vulnerable, than being almost naked. He really wasn’t exposed at all, with the chair turned just so away from the door, wrapped in his shirt and huddled against his knees. No one would be able to see anything

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untoward. Alfonesea would know he was there of course, but he wouldn’t see anything. Anything other than his obedience and submission to him, and Deminic found he rather liked the idea of showing that off to the world. “Blade,” he commanded the man’s attention firmly. “You’re fine where you are.” He held his breath as he waited to see what Blade’s reaction would be. He knew he was pushing the limits. They had only just met, but at the same time he wanted to test their bond. See how far Blade’s trust in him would go. They shared a long look. Finally, Blade settled back, albeit stiffly, and he had to quickly stifle a sigh of relief. The small show of trust was almost overwhelming. “Good boy, Blade,” he praised as he ran his fingers through the addictive softness of his hair. “Submitting to me should never be something to be ashamed of.” When Alfonesea arrived, Deminic watched the man take in the scene with calm reserve, but noticed that his eyes flickered to where his hand was again combing through Blade’s blue streaked locks. It was soothing for both of them, especially when Blade still remained so stiff beside him. He thought he might have seen an assessing gleam enter the other man’s eyes, but it was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual bland facade. “How may I be of assistance, sir?” “I was wondering about the facilities here. Are there any clubs in the hotel where Blade and I might enjoy a drink and perhaps a little entertainment?” Alfonesea eyed the two of them for a moment, assessing and measuring them carefully before answering. “Yes, sir. I believe one in particular might be to your liking. It caters to the more…sensually expressive. In fact, I believe this evening they have quite the show planned. Two of our regulars are celebrating an anniversary of sorts.” Deminic raised an eyebrow at the man’s response, but Alfonesea didn’t blink or look away. He wondered whether going to the sort of club he suspected Alfonesea was referring to was a good idea. They were so new to one another, their bond definite but still fragile. It was a risk, but could also be a huge step forward in many ways for them. He was eager to move forward with the man at his knee. “I see,” he said slowly, still considering his options. “And would Blade be overdressed as he is?”

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He heard Blade’s sharp gasp and felt the slight quiver that ran through his frame, but otherwise he remained silent and still. Deminic swelled with pride. He would have to reward the man for such restraint in front of Alfonesea later. “Some dress in less, some more. It is completely up to the individuals attending. We have no dress code in that particular establishment.” “Excellent. Still, I think perhaps something a little more…stylish. Could you recommend where we could find something appropriate?” Blade was beginning to pant beside him but still remained silent. Definitely a reward was needed now. Such beautiful control and submission for such a short time together. What would it be like after they spent a month, a year, a decade together? He couldn’t believe he was thinking such long term commitment, but then again he couldn’t not think about it. Blade simply ‘fit’ and he couldn’t stand the thought of losing him. “If you care to access our database through any of the comm units around the suite, we would be happy to send whatever you choose up to you in the appropriate sizes,” Alfonesea replied politely. Alfonesea was going to be rewarded handsomely at the end of his stay as well, but his would be of a more fiscal nature. The reward he had in mind for Blade was of an altogether different variety.

**** Less than half an hour later, Blade had on the shortest pair of black synth-leather shorts Deminic had ever laid eyes on. And given his predilections, that was saying something. They lovingly hugged every gorgeous curve and bulge, outlining his semi-erect cock outrageously. “Are you sure, Master Deminic?” Blade asked for the third time since squeezing into the tiny pants as he looked himself over in the mirror. Bare-chested and with just his slave bands as accessories, Deminic didn’t think he’d ever seen a more appealing man in his life. He wanted to drag him into the bedroom, flip him onto his stomach, rip the ridiculous excuse for a piece of clothing off his ass and pound into it until they both exploded into orgasm. But he had promised himself that he would take Blade out. This was an important step, he reminded himself. He had to see, had to know how

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Blade would react to him when they were out in public, when they came face to face with the world at large. Niggling at the back of his mind was the lingering worry about what Blade’s reaction might be when he found out how rich he was. Would it change things between them? Would it change him? He wondered nervously. Pushing the worrying thought out of his mind, he turned Blade away from his reflection to look at him. “The shorts are fine,” he assured. “And I want you to know you’re not wearing them because you have anything to hide or be ashamed of. Not your body or your submission to me. You’re wearing them because I don’t share what’s mine.” Blade’s high cheeks coloured that delicious shade of hot pink he was becoming familiar with, but at the same time he could sense that the man was pleased. “Come on, time to go.” Reaching out, he took Blade’s hand, just as proprietarily and commanding as any collar or leash he could have slipped on him. He wanted everyone they came in contact with tonight to know Blade was his. Boarding the Hoverlator car, Blade was tense and stiff, but leant in close to Deminic’s side as they approached the club level. At the door two livery clad men bowed deeply and opened the doors to admit them. The sound and smell of the club tumbled out to welcome them. Synth-leather, sweat, the sweet taste of alcohol and lust greeted them as they stepped into the dimly lit room. The pounding base beat covered the more primal beat and sound from the shadowed alcoves where men and women in various combinations and attire could be seen moving to their own sultry rhythm. Deminic took a moment to breath it all in. To him, it was as familiar and welcoming as any lover’s embrace he could ever remember. Only here, in this shadowy world, did he feel free to be himself. Here he would be understood, his desires and need to dominate would be accepted, even cherished. He wasn’t a monster or a deviant to these people. On the dance floor bodies moved and twisted. All around them, barely clad and completely naked beings moved and mingling with those dripping with fine jewels and

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elegant clothing. It was an incredible display. Yet, it was still very obviously the extremely wealthy at play, and he wondered how Blade would react to it all. Some knelt at their Master’s feet in diamond studded collars. Others were led around on fine precious metal leads. Still others perched prettily on their Master’s knee being fed decadent delicacies, while others gyrated on the dance floor for their pleasure. It was an amazingly rich orgy of sensuality, dominance and submission on so many levels. The club was actually much more crowded than he would have thought possible. He had never heard that the Grande was a BDSM style establishment. But he supposed with the reputation for extreme discretion, it would be a natural haven for those of his bent with plenty of money. He was just surprised it had taken him this long to learn of it. As he looked around, he saw a number of business associates he recognised, but had never realised were into the scene. Most were long established or native to the system. He felt a little put out that he was only now finding out about this place. Dismissing the fleeting sensation as irrelevant, he looked down to see how Blade was handling it all. He was still a little concerned about what Blade’s reaction would be when he realised the sort of money and influence he had. This would be a good test of how he felt about such things. By watching his face closely, Deminic determined that Blade seemed more uncertain than in awe. In one respect that pleased him, Blade was obviously not one to be impressed and swayed by such displays. But, on the other hand, Deminic wondered if this was all too much too soon for his little cat. He didn’t want to frighten him. It was such a fine line he walked with him. But it wasn’t as if he wasn’t used to walking that thin line between expanding a sub’s horizons and breaking them completely. He would trust his instincts, and right now they were telling him to stay close to his Blade, but that he was ready for this, balanced precariously, ready to fly. Looking around, he spotted a vacant alcove and steered the now trembling Blade over to it as he clung to his arm as if his life depended on it. He knew how strange this must all seem. He wanted the little cat to see what it was like as well as be seen out with him, but he needed to give him time to adjust.

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When they were seated, he ordered them drinks and sat back to pretend to watch the crowd around them. In reality he was completely focused on Blade. He subtly watched him out of the corner of his eye as he took everything in with wide, slightly shocked eyes. Suddenly the music faded out, and a hush settled over the room. They watched as the crowd parted, and a couple mounted a small raised dais in the centre of the room. He knew the instant Blade realised what was going on when he stiffened and jerked in place as if he’d been hit. “Just watch, Blade. Watch and learn.” The crowd murmured in excitement and anticipation as a tall, golden-skinned male, completely naked except for a pair of wrist cuffs and a collar, stepped up and bowed his head, waiting patiently for his Master. A moment later, a smaller dark-haired man, whose skin was tinged a faint blue, stepped up beside him. He had long, delicately pointed ears and eerie solid silver eyes. Deminic wasn’t sure what race he might have been, but he instantly recognised a fellow Dominant. He radiated power and authority. The Dom turned and whispered something into the tall sub’s ear, and the man shivered before turning and clutching an overhead bar mounted above the stage and lowered into position for just such a purpose. “Look at how beautifully they work together. Giving and taking. A command given and obedience offered. See how they watch each other. Such knowing and understanding. Such need and desire,” he whispered seductively into Blade’s ear. Deminic was pleased when Blade shivered and leant into him but continued staring up at the two men on the stage without blinking—as if transfixed by the display. No one was forcing Blade to keep watching, but he didn’t seem to want to look away. Best of all, at least as far as Deminic was concerned, Blade was unconsciously seeking him out for the small amount of reassurance he appeared to need. The blue man ran his hands over the long, smooth back of the taller golden one, then moved down, lingeringly over his firm, rounded ass. “Such longing and love. He wants to give his man what he needs. Not as a punishment but as a reward. You can see it. Feel it. Can you tell the difference, Blade?” Blade simply nodded, his eyes never leaving the pair.

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Blue whispered something into one golden ear. After a single nod of acceptance, he stepped back and extracted a small cane from a compartment in his boot. Gently, almost lovingly he began to sound it over the man’s flesh. His touch so light and delicate it was more a caress than a caning. Then suddenly he placed several precise, much harder stripes across the other man’s bare ass. From their alcove they heard the golden man moan and watched as his already full cock bounced against his firm stomach. The crowd seemed to move and sway with the rhythm of the two men on stage, all eyes watching them together as the scene played out. “So precise, so controlled. His Master knows him. Knows his heart and what he needs.” The man’s moans grew louder as the perfectly placed hits began to raise welts over his buttocks. Suddenly it all stopped. The smaller Dom cupped the sub’s cock and balls in his small hand so that it overflowed with his genitals. They saw the Dom tighten his hold just enough to have the sub wince and still. “They could end it if they wanted to. Either one. The sub would only have to stop obeying and lower his arms. He’s not tied by anything but his submission to his Master. The Dom would only have to walk away. It would all be over. But they both know there’s more.” The smaller blue Dom stepped away once more and began to tease the crop over the taller man’s flesh again. Light and easy at first, then a few stinging cuts that sang through the heavy air of the club and had his sub grunting with each hit. Thighs and buttocks, then the tender area where they met received a new set of stripes before the sub suddenly moaned and hung heavily from the bar, his head rolling forward languidly. Instantly, the Dom stopped and began to run soothing, cool-looking blue hands over his man’s golden flesh. Whispering to his sub and caressing him as they stood together, they were completely oblivious to those around them. “See how he cares for him. Gentles and accepts him in his most vulnerable moment.” After long moments the sub seemed to rouse himself and whisper something back to his Dom. He smiled indulgently before he reached down and caressed the sub’s rigid cock. His eyes widened in shock for a moment, obviously taken by surprise before they slumped closed again in pleasure. With slow measured pulls, twisting to rub over the head with every upward motion, the Dom jacked the taller sub off.

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His head rolled from side to side and his moans echoed out over the crowd. Leaning up, the Dom whispered a command into his sub’s ear before biting down on the fleshy lobe. The golden man’s cum erupted from his cock. Jerk after jerk of hot white splatters of his seed hit the floor and flowed down over his Dom’s cupped hand. Suddenly, the sub dropped to his knees, his eyes still closed in bliss as he began to lick and suck at the Dom’s hand and fingers. His enthusiastic pink tongue didn’t miss a drop. All around them they could smell musk and pheromones as more and more of the other patrons succumbed to their own desires and lust. Moans and grunts of pleasure began to join those of the man on stage in the shadowed corners and recesses. Deminic felt Blade nuzzle against his shoulder and looked down to see lust and passion clouding his eyes as well. “Master,” Blade whispered urgently into his ear. “What, sweetheart? What do you need?” He knew full well what it was Blade was asking for, but he wanted to hear the words come out of Blade’s sweet mouth. Wanted the pleasure of seeing the lust ignite in his eyes. He wasn’t disappointed. “Please, Master. Want you.”

**** When they had first entered the club, Blade had felt lost and completely out of his depth. He wasn’t comfortable being around these people, beings who so obviously wielded power and money without a second thought. He’d watched as they played with the beings submitting to them, wondering if he had made a huge mistake. Did Deminic see him as an object to be lead around and displayed like so many of the Doms around him seemed to be doing? Was he just a play thing to him? Then the couple they had come to watch had mounted the dais and everything had changed. He’d watched in awe at the way they looked at each other. The way they had reacted to each other’s every move. The longer he had watched, the move obvious their connection had become. That was what he felt he could have with Master Deminic, what he wanted to explore with the man. Not the superficial displays they had first seen when they

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arrived, but the real, intimate connection he saw between these two, very different beings on stage. As he watched the sub cleaning his own spunk off his Dom’s hands—his tongue licking out to caress and lave the man’s skin, which had only moments ago taken such exquisite care of him—he felt his blood beginning to boil with need. His cock was hard and aching in his tight pants. He wanted to be connected so badly to his Master he thought he might burst into flames with his desire. Turning to look up at his Master, he rubbed his cheek against the man’s shoulder, begging for his attention. Master Deminic’s voice was rough and husky when he spoke, but it was such sweet music to his ears. “What, sweetheart? What do you need?” He wasn’t sure what he needed, just that whatever it was only Master Deminic could give it to him. “Please, Master. Want you,” he begged helplessly. “On your knees, pet,” he commanded firmly. Falling to his knees, he rushed to reach for his Master’s pants, desperately wanting to feel the hard evidence of his desire for him. But he was stopped with a firm command. “No!” Instantly he stilled. “Hands behind your back.” Blade was confused by the command, but obeyed without hesitation. That seemed to please his Master as a hot, feral look entered his eyes and he began to relax. He was further rewarded when he watched Master Deminic open his pants and begin to stroke his hand up and down his long, hard shaft in slow, measured movements. “You want this?” He nodded enthusiastically, eyeing the thick, bronzed cock greedily. “Take your cock out. We don’t want your wonderful new pants getting all messed up.” Blade froze. He couldn’t help the flicker of doubt that flitted through his mind. It was obvious his Master expected him to come. He was turned on—just being around the tall, dominant man turned him on—but he didn’t think he would be able to come while giving him a blow-job. A hint of anxiety filled him. Would his Master be angry if he didn’t come? Would he consider him a failure if he couldn’t?

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Master Deminic arched an eyebrow at him, and he hurried to comply, fumbling clumsily with the closure of his pants. “Trust me,” his Master whispered and shivers of desire ran down Blade’s back as if his Master had stroked his hands along his spine. Instantly, he relaxed. His Master was in control now. He didn’t have to worry about anything. Master Deminic would see to everything. Hands reached out to cup his head, fingers weaving into his hair to hold him firmly, but not painfully. “Open for me, Blade. Open that pretty mouth for me.” Immediately he opened his mouth, and his head was brought down over Master Deminic’s long, hard cock. The sharp taste of his pre-cum exploded over his tongue, making him moan in appreciation. It was the best thing he had ever tasted in his life, full of his master’s power, his strength and control. As his head was moved up and down over the thick shaft, he began to relax into the rhythm and felt his own shaft unexpectedly beginning to leak and throb as he pleasured his Master. “Such a sweet mouth, Blade,” Master Deminic crooned in approval. “That’s a good boy. Now use your tongue to lick a little. Yes. Oh! Yes. Just like that. Along the shaft and under the head.” He heard his Master’s unrestrained moan and felt a pulse of power echo through him as his cock throbbed in time to his Master’s. To be able to bring such a powerful, dominate man to such uncontrolled moaning was heady stuff. He wanted more. Without being asked, he tried to relax his throat and take more and more of his Master into him. He wanted it. Wanted to take his Master’s cum, to swallow it all down as it pulsed out of his shaft and shot across his tongue and into his belly. The fingers in his hair tightened just enough to give him a delicious counterpoint of pain to his pleasure. As he relaxed his throat, the subtle ache in his jaw began to fade. When his Master’s leg settled between his thighs and gave his own shaft something to grind against, he thought he would lose it. He moaned desperately, but held back. His Master wasn’t there yet, and he hadn’t been given permission to come. He wanted to wait, wanted to please the man in more ways than

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just one. His cock leaked more and more cum as his Master’s rubbed through the tight seal of his lips and down into his throat. Suddenly, his Master’s cock started to twitch. “Oh! Blade. So sweet. So warm and tight,” his Master babbled. “Now, Blade. Come. Swallow. Swallow me down and come for me.” It was too much. The hot, heavy feeling of his Master’s cock in his mouth. The delicious friction of his leg against his aching cock. The sound of his Master’s harried breathing and harsh command combined with the salty taste of his cum splashing across Blade’s tongue pushed him over the edge. He felt his cock pulse, pulling more and more of his cum out of him. Slowly the cock was pulled from his mouth, and he moaned at its loss. But then his Master was running his hands through Blade’s thick hair, settling him, and he began to purr as he nuzzled into the touch. He closed his eyes and leaned heavily against his Master’s knee. Content, exhausted and totally oblivious to the others moving and partying around them.

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Chapter Six

Deminic poured a small measure of Mebian whisky into his fine crystal tumbler and contemplated its rich, dark blue colour before taking a sip. It reminded him of Blade’s beautiful, expressive eyes. The last five days had been magical. He had never felt such a deep, binding connection to another being in his life, and he wanted nothing more than to swallow his drink, strip down to his skin and bury himself in the luscious ass of the man currently sleeping off their last energetic bout of love making in the next room. Unfortunately, reality had a way of intruding, and it was time to deal with a few things before he could hopefully get back to pleasuring his lover. He had finally taken time to review Axelotal’s proposal and it was adequate, at least to pass on to his team for closer inspection. But to be honest, it was far from the most pressing concern he had. He had no doubt that his lingering at the hotel over the last five days, while delicious, would have alerted the Mebian scumbag to his weakness for the gorgeous young cat. It was, tactically speaking, a mistake, even if his heart, and his cock, told him otherwise. Either way, he now had to deal with the situation. Putting it off any longer would only make it even more expensive. Just as he was contemplating taking another sip of his whisky, he heard the hoverlator arrive and turned to the antechamber door when Alfonesea stepped in. Bowing elegantly, he announced his visitor and stepped back as Axelotal swept into the room, a thoroughly annoying, self-satisfied grin on his face “Thank you, Alfonesea. That will be all.” He didn’t necessarily want any witnesses to what he was about to do. “Very good, sir.” Axelotal had the good grace to wait until Alfonesea had left before turning his smug face on him. “May I assume from your long stay that you have enjoyed reviewing our proposal, Mr. Ramen?” The man’s face was so smug and his leer so infuriating that Deminic had to restrain himself from planting his fist in it.

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“I have had a chance to review the details of your bid, and I will be passing it along to my legal and engineering team for closer consideration,” he replied stiffly. Axelotal’s grin was condescending and knowing. “Excellent. I assure you this suite and all its…conveniences will remain available to you throughout the consideration phase, and longer should you require them.” Deminic bristled and was just about to snap a reply when the door to the master bedroom opened, and Blade stepped out, again wearing the dress shirt he seemed to have appropriated over the last few days. His glorious skin glowed in the light and his ruffled blue streaked hair shone, only emphasising the impression that he had been well and truly bedded recently. When he spotted Axelotal he froze, then gave a very feline, hissing spit. “What’s he doing here?” he growled as Axelotal leered at him. “Blade!” he snapped, drawing the man’s attention instantly. A look of confusion and hurt crossed his face before he carefully masked it and drew himself up to his, rather diminutive, full height. He barely reached the top of Deminic’s shoulders, even like this. “Come here,” he commanded firmly. He didn’t want Blade making an already delicate situation worse. These negotiations— possibly the most important of his life—were going to be hard enough already without Blade’s sharp tongue getting in the way. Blade hesitated for a moment, then moved up to stand beside him. “While I have you here, Axelotal, I wish to discuss another matter with you. I wish to purchase Blade’s slave contract from you.” Deminic heard a startled gasp behind him. “How…” Blade began to splutter, but Deminic cut him off by reaching down and capturing his wrist firmly. He looked directly into his sub’s suddenly angry eyes. “Hush, Blade. Not now.” He tried to convey all the feeling and urgency he could in his one look. Now he wished he had taken the time to work out a definite plan and explain, said plan, to his lover, instead of being so preoccupied with fucking his brains out over the last several days he could barely walk straight, never mind think straight. But in truth, at least at the time, a plan for keeping Blade hadn’t seemed nearly as important as getting Blade to accept him. He had just assumed that when that was worked out, with his money and

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influence, the rest would simply fall into place. It might have proven expensive, given how long he had lingered, but he knew he couldn’t bear to let Blade go. Certainly not back to Axelotal. He needed to make a more permanent arrangement for them to be together and had assumed that would be the easy part. Apparently he had been wrong. Everything seemed to be falling apart around him. He could see the hurt and pain, buried deep beneath the sudden flare of anger in Blade’s eyes. He couldn’t bear to see the betrayal in his lover’s eyes suddenly directed at him, so he turned back to Axelotal, who was eyeing them together with a calculatingly gleam in his eyes. So much for playing his cards close to his chest. “Blade is such an asset to our company. I couldn’t possibly think about parting with him,” Axelotal finally drawled, his smug grin now permanently in place. “But I’m sure our future business dealings will lead to countless opportunities for you to indulge in his company. Our business relationship should only continue to grow and become stronger, don’t you think?” Bastard. He was blackmailing him. That lousy son of a bitch. No one blackmailed him and got away with it. He felt the rising tide of his anger creeping up on him, threatening to drag him under. They would all be in a world of trouble if he didn’t find some control. Even with all his money and influence, it was hard to explain the cold-blooded murder of a prominent local businessman. But he sure was tempted to try. Taking deep, calming breaths, he reigned in his temper. Cold, hard logic was what was needed at the moment. That and damage control. Plans and schemes began to tumble over themselves in his head. First he had to extract himself from this intolerable situation and throw Axelotal off. He cringed inwardly when he realised what he had to do. Inclining his head in apparent agreement, he allowed his voice to take on his usual, deep, professional tone. “My business manager and legal team will be in touch to arrange the finer details of our arrangement for the space station construction. For now, I have other matters to attend to. I’ll definitely consider your generous offer again soon.” Without a backwards glance, he walked from the room, plans and schemes still whirling around in his head as he worked through his options. He couldn’t look at Blade. Didn’t want to see the pain he knew would be there.

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In truth, he was hurting every bit as much as he knew Blade must be. Having to leave his little cat, even for a short time, was torture of the highest order. He could only imagine what Blade felt as he walked out the door. But he couldn’t say anything, couldn’t alert the Mebian prick to his plans. I’ll be back, he promised Blade silently. Hang in there, love.

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Chapter Seven

Blade curled up into a tight ball on the bed and tried to ignore the pain in his chest where his heart had been ripped out. Knowing that Deminic saw him as nothing more than a slave, a thing to be purchased, was unimaginably painful. To watch him simply walk away, without a backwards glance when he was unsuccessful…that hurt had been indescribable and still echoed through him even now. Closing his eyes so he couldn’t see the beautifully appointed hotel room, he tried to steady his breathing. The last thing he wanted to do was start crying again, but being surrounded by the place he had found such joy and peace in was threatening his control. Such as it was at the moment. Axelotal had told him he was to stay here for the time being, at least until the final arrangements for the deal went through. Then he was to be transferred to a private residence Axelotal was purchasing. It would become his cage for the foreseeable future, a place that would leave him accessible to Deminic, but controlled by Axelotal. Unable to complete his engineering training and pay off his debts, he was destined to be a slave indefinitely. Blade found that he didn’t really care. Not at the moment. Maybe later he would try for feelings about the situation, but for right now it was all too painful. He had shut down and didn’t intend to start back up again for awhile. Sure, he was wallowing, but so the fuck what. Wasn’t like he had much else to do, so he chose to fucking wallow. Might as well exercise some choices in his life. He would have laughed bitterly if he could have mustered the energy. He heard the door to the suite open and smelled Alfonesea, but didn’t rouse himself, even when he sensed the man step up beside the bed. He feigned sleep, but he didn’t think he was fooling anyone. “Come on, young sir. You have to eat something,” the older man ordered gently. “I’m not a sir, Alfonesea. I’m a slave. You can call me whatever you want,” Blade replied dully without bothering to open his eyes.

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“Then I shall call you, young sir,” Alfonesea countered firmly. “Now sit up and drink this. You haven’t had anything all day. You’ll make yourself sick. “Go away. I don’t care,” he replied petulantly. “You will sit up and drink this. Now. Or the house doctor has orders from your Master to tube feed you.” Blade shouldn’t have been surprised. He was a ‘valuable asset’ to the company. Sitting up slowly, he reached for the glass and quickly swallowed down the contents obediently. What was the point of fighting it? “Good boy. Now lie down. Everything will be all right.” Blade looked up into the other man’s eyes and felt a sudden shiver of uneasiness pass over him. A creeping cold began to tingle in his fingers and toes, then work its way up his limbs. His lips felt thick and uncooperative. “What…what have you done?” he slurred. “Nothing to worry about, young sir. Just relax. Soon you’ll be safe.” Blade began to struggle for breath. His lungs felt starved for oxygen, but refused to fill properly. He began to pant shallowly and tried to move, but it was all too much effort. A dark fringe began to crowd in around the edges of his vision and dim the room. He was dying and he cared. He’d never see Deminic again. Never get to kiss his amazing lips. Never get to kick his amazing ass for leaving him behind. Man, that sucked on so many levels.

**** Blade slowly became aware of voices around him, but couldn’t seem to open his eyes. His arms and legs felt too heavy to lift, never mind move to sit up. Suddenly, he recognised Deminic’s voice. “Did everything go according to plan?” “It took longer to put him under than I expected. I thought I might have gotten the dose wrong. He fought it all the way.” He heard Alfonesea reply. “My Blade’s a fighter all right.” He heard Deminic say with pride. “Was there any problem getting him transferred here?”

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“No. Once we contacted Mr. Axelotal, he ordered us to immediately get him into the very best care facility for his kind. I think he was completely unaware that you owned the closest such care facility.” Blade could hear the amusement in the other man’s voice. Well, he was far from amused. He felt like he’d been hit by a mass transport. His head hurt, his bones ached and his tongue felt like he’d been licking road base. Yuck! He felt disgusting. “Will he be okay?” Alfonesea asked with a hint of concern. Good question, Blade thought. Would he? “Yes. I only employ the best. In a few days he’ll be fine. And by then…” “Sir,” another voice interrupted, “some of the legal team have a few question they want to ask you about the final arrangement you ordered made.” “Thank you. Please tell them I’ll be along shortly, and ask Dr. Ridregious to step in.” Blade could feel the edges of unconsciousness beginning to close in on him again. He fought it, but it was hopeless. As he started to drift off again, he wondered what Deminic was up to now. What sort of arrangement was he making to fuck up his life now?

**** The next time Blade woke up, he opened his eyes to find himself in a cool, dark room. He turned his head to one side and saw a huge observation window looking straight out onto a field of endless stars. He was in space, he realised with shock. Turning his head to the other side, he finally noticed Deminic, slumped over in a chair beside him. Blade scrambled away from him frantically and promptly fell off the other side of the bed. Deminic was on his feet and rushing around to him in seconds. Stumbling to his feet, he backed away, but Deminic reached out and grabbed hold of his arms to steady him before he could make it more than a few feet across the soft, carpeted floor. “Blade! Are you okay? Just slow down a minute, you’ll be all right in a second.”

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“Fuck off!” he screamed, but his voice was raspy and dry, and it didn’t come out with as much power as he’d hoped for. “Let go of me. Just let go of me. I’m not going anywhere with you.” That’s it, completely deny the bloody obvious, Blade, he chided himself. Of course, he was going somewhere with Deminic. He was in a fucking space craft. He didn’t exactly have a choice. Same old, same old then, he thought bitterly. “Blade. Listen to me. Let me explain,” Deminic demanded, trying to hold his arms still as he fought to push him away. “Don’t speak to me like that. I’m not going to obey. Not now. Just…Just fuck off!” “What the hell has got into you?” “You did, but it won’t happen again. Trust me,” he spat out. Deminic just stared at him for a moment, as if absorbing the blow of his words. “Blade, you will stop speaking to your Master like that right now. You need to trust me.” “You’re not my Master,” he screeched, mortified when he felt a tear slip down his cheek. He dashed it away angrily. “You’re just like him, that Mebian bastard who owns my contract. Only worse. At least he didn’t make me think he saw me as anything but a slave. You…You made me feel….and then you… I hate you!” Viciously he yanked his arms free from Deminic’s big hands and stumbled backwards before whirling around and making a run for the door. He didn’t make it more than a half dozen steps before Deminic tackled him to the ground. Fortunately the deep, soft carpet cushioned most of the blow, but he still got the wind knocked out of him. Instantly his claws sprang free, and he twisted under Deminic’s weight, trying to turn over and scratch at the man’s face. Deminic took it all in stride. Using his larger frame, he pinned Blade down effortlessly. He held both his hands in one of his own huge paws and began to stroke his wild hair away from his face tenderly. Blade couldn’t stand it. He felt his heart beginning to splinter. Closing his eyes against the loving lie he saw in Deminic’s eyes, he tried to thrash his way free. But it was hopeless. “Don’t!” he finally cried out desperately. “Please… Don’t…” He couldn’t stifle the sobs anymore. With a heart wrenching wail, he began to cry uncontrollably. All the frustrated, angry, lonely and frightened tears he had been holding inside for so many years came

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flooding out. He cried for his lost freedom, his poor people, his helplessness and his hopeless heart. It seemed to take forever before the torrent of tears slowly subsided to a trickle. But finally he became aware of Deminic, still holding him down, his voice soft and soothing. “Shhh, little cat. Don’t cry. I see you, Blade. I see my little cat.” Looking up, he was shocked to see a tear slide gracefully down the man’s cheek. He felt it land, warm and wet on his bare chest. “Dem-Deminic?” he asked in confusion. Deminic looked down at him, studying him for a time. “I see you, my little cat. I know you are far more than a slave. You’re…” For the first time since he had met the big, strong, overwhelmingly dominant man, Blade saw a hint of insecurity in his eyes. With a deep breath Deminic sat back, gradually releasing Blade from under his solid body. Blade felt the loss keenly. “You’re my heart,” Deminic whispered, watching Blade intensely as if waiting to see what his reaction would be. Slowly Blade sat up and faced the man his own heart still wanted beyond reason. “You left me,” he whispered brokenly. “How can I be your heart when you left me?” “Did I leave you? Did I, Blade?” Blade considered him for a moment. Deminic wasn’t exactly angry, more…desperate. Could he be telling the truth? Could Deminic actually need him as much as he seemed to need Deminic? “I didn’t want to go, but it was the only way I could see to get you out of there without making that asshole suspicious and having him clamp down on security around you. I should have planned, should have talked to you, but to be honest, I was making it up as I went along. At least, from when Axelotal decided to be a bastard and tried to blackmail me.” Now there was real anger in his voice. Blade guessed not too many beings had dared to try something like that on Deminic. Gods know, he would never have the balls. “It hurt. Watching you walk away.”

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“It hurt me too, sweetheart.” Blade looked up at him in disbelief. “Really, Blade. I felt like my heart was being torn out of my chest when I had to walk away from you. That’s why I called you my heart. I felt like I didn’t have one when you weren’t with me. I couldn’t even look back at you. I would never have made it out the door.” Blade blinked at him in shock. He distinctly remembered the hollow, aching feeling in his chest when Deminic had gone away. To hear Deminic say almost the exact same thing…it was mind blowing. “You have to trust me, Blade, or this thing between us is never going to work.” Blade took a moment to sort through all the confusing, random thoughts chasing each other round in his head. One thing still prayed on his mind even as he knew he wanted this, wanted what he had found with Deminic. And it was something that had to be confronted sooner rather than later. “M-Master Deminic, I thought I wanted someone who would make all the hard decisions for me. But when you went away it felt like you didn’t care. I think…I think what I really wanted all my life was someone to show me they cared for me. I do trust you. I don’t understand why but…I just needed…I just need to understand before…” There was a long silence between them as his voice trailed off. He really wasn’t sure how to express what he wanted, what he needed. He just knew that he couldn’t live with the way things had happened before. He could live with Master Deminic wanting to purchase him away from Axelotal. It grated on his nerves and rubbed at his pride something fierce, but he understood the practicalities now that he stopped to think about it. What he really couldn’t live with was not being informed, not being consulted as if he didn’t have a brain in his head to understand or contribute. “I see, Blade,” Master Deminic finally said in a deep, solemn voice. Blade held his breath. Was he ending it all? Ending what was between them before it had even really had a chance to begin. “It was foolish of me. You’re too intelligent to have blind faith. I see that now. I should have let you know what I was thinking. Should have found a way to talk to you about what was happening.”

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“You’re not… Disappointed?” “No, Blade. Never that. I…I love you just the way you are. I don’t want a mindless slave. Your submission would be meaningless to me then.” Without another word, he opened his arms, and Blade all but climbed inside the man. He snuggled under his Master’s chin and felt a sob work its way out of his throat, this time in relief. “Shhh, love,” Master Deminic crooned. “I was so lost,” he admitted. After long moments just soaking up the other man’s strength, Blade’s hands began to wander over his broad, solid chest. Lower he felt the hard ridges of his suddenly tense belly, then lower still he wrapped his hand around the long, pulsing shaft he found nestled between their bodies. “Stop,” Master Deminic demanded, his hands reaching down to hold him still just as he was working up a slow, easy rhythm on his cock. Blade felt a whimper escape his lips; he wanted his Master’s pleasure so badly. He tugged on his hands, but there was really no way he was going to break Master Deminic’s hold. “I said, stop, Blade.” His eyes flashed with sudden power and dominance. He shivered at the look and lowered his eyes to watch his lover from beneath his long, black lashes. Yes, he thought in triumph. Slowly he was lowered backwards onto the floor, his hands stretched out above his head. Master Deminic sat back so he was positioned over him, straddling his hips. Blade licked his lips as he took in the amazing, muscular, bronzed chest he could see exposed by the partially open shirt front. With measured, efficient movements, his Master unwound the long strip of real leather that bound his black hair in its tight braid. With the strip firmly in hand, he stretched out and lay over him, the curtain of his long black hair falling all around them. Blade groaned and writhed helplessly at the heated touch of his Master’s skin and the soft caress of his silky hair. “I know you wouldn’t move if I told you to stay still for me, Blade. But I want to tie you. I want to see my leather against your skin, binding you close.”

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“Yes, Master. Please,” he begged wantonly. The strip of leather was wound firmly around his wrists so they were held immobile. Clothes disappeared until all that was left was the two of them, completely bare to one another—milky white to dark bronze, skin to skin. His lover looked at him for a long moment, his hands never still as they moved and stroked over him. The look of longing and awe on his face started to make Blade blush and he tried to look away. He didn’t feel worthy of this amazing man’s attention, and especially not of the adoration he saw on his face. “Now none of that, beautiful. Don’t hide from me. Let your Master look at your glorious eyes.” With effort, he managed to look back into his Master’s eyes, but he couldn’t hold back the blush. “Better. Now let’s see if we can’t make you blush for a better reason.” With that, he leant forward and licked the tip of one ear, and Blade began to tremble. A tiny nipping bite had him groaning. “Nice,” his Master whispered in praise, and Blade felt a warm glow begin to fill him up. When his Master continued down his neck and over his chest, alternating between kisses and tiny stinging nips, Blade shivered in delight. His nipples where teased and plucked mercilessly until he thought he might explode, and his cock throbbed and leaked long streams of pre-come onto his belly. “Such a naughty boy. I think you need to be taken in hand.” A firm hand wrapped around his shaft and began to work him in slow smooth strokes, twisting so the very tip of his cock was swiped by a thumb on every pass. He couldn’t hold still now to save his life and was grateful for his Master’s consideration with the binding as he writhed freely in ecstasy. He closed his eyes tight and dived headlong into the feeling, knowing he was completely safe in Master Deminic’s hands. Suddenly two slick fingers were thrust into his hole, and he bowed up in bliss at the wonderful bite of pain he felt. Sharp white teeth scraped along the tendons of his neck. “Going to have you now, pet. Going to shove my cock so far up your ass you’ll feel me for days.” “Yes, Master. Want to feel you. Always.”

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“Good pet,” Master Deminic whispered. He felt the blunt tip of his Master’s penis probe once, twice, then a long, hard thrust that had him taking the entire shaft in one go. He felt his Master’s balls slap up against him and heard his Master groan as he seated himself to the hilt and rest his head against his neck, as if savouring the moment too. A few seconds passed, then his Master’s hips began to pump against him. Heavy, hard thrusts that were just the right amount of pleasure and pain mixed together until he didn’t know where one started and the other left off. Soon he felt so connected to Master Deminic he wasn’t sure where they began and ended either. Both of them were panting and groaning, a delicious symphony of lust and loving. Blade wanted to stay in this moment with his Master forever, but soon their breathing was becoming frantic and their thrusts desperate. “Now,” his Master demanded. “Now, Blade. Come for me.” That was all it took. He screamed his orgasm as flashes of colour filled his vision and great spatters of cum left his cock to coat both their stomachs and chests in pearly white sperm. He felt the throbbing in his ass, a wonderful combination of Deminic’s cock being milked of its precious offering and his own muscles trying to hold it and his man to him for endless moments. Slowly the edges of his vision began to dim, and he felt himself drifting into a deep, dark peace. Secure in the knowledge that his lover would care for him. Master Deminic would keep him safe. Nothing else mattered at the moment.

**** As he removed the leather binding and pulled the beautiful, sleeping man into his arms, Deminic couldn’t help the smile that formed as he thought of the note Axelotal would be receiving very soon. It was a brief one, but it gave him great satisfaction in having composed. Dear Sir, We regret to inform you that we will no longer be requiring your services in the construction of our new shopping and leisure centre. Please understand that no negotiations will be entered into at this time as the company’s owner had taken an extended leave of absence for personal reasons and will not be contactable for the

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foreseeable future. We, the undersigned, as board of directors, have been instructed to take the business in a new and challenging direction. We will now be working with under-privileged, outlying clan communities in the system to implement business and farming projects aimed at breaking the appalling cycle of poverty many find themselves in. You may be interested to know that one of our first initiatives will be working with the family of a contract slave we believe was recently in your employ. I’m sure you will be pleased to know they will be well cared for and protected under our new auspices. Yours with the sincerest thanks, Ram Industries Deminic smiled sleepily and snuggled into Blade’s soft, warm head of hair. With Blade’s family secure and the man of his dreams in his arms, all he had to do was keep his lover happy and safe for a few months until his contract ran out, and they would be free of Axelotal forever. A nice long trip seemed to be in order. Perhaps Centre, he thought idly. It was quite lovely there, so many new and exciting things he could show Blade. Things he was sure to have never even heard of before. There were also a few good friends he might have to look back up amongst the Lawmen and the Legal arm of the Intergalactic Council, people who might be interested in Blade’s experience. Deminic thought it was high time to start shaking things up a bit in the Mebian system. He had never seen himself as a social activist, but then things had changed. He had changed. He would have to mention his plans to his lover after night watch to see what he thought. In the meantime, a nice long nap with his heart in his arms sounded wonderful.

**** Alfonesea quietly stepped into the doorway of the ship’s master suite. He was relieved to see Deminic and Blade sleeping peacefully, cuddled up together on the huge bed platform. Blade was curled into Deminic’s side with his head resting on the other man’s chest. Deminic was holding him close, his arms wrapped tightly around his smaller lover.

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It seemed everything was going to be all right between the two of them after all. He had worried that Blade might not be able to forgive the extreme measures they had used to rescue him. But if the heavy scent of musk and cum he could smell lacing the air around them was anything to go by, the two of them had been able to work things out just fine. He watched as Blade murmured and shifted in his sleep, and Deminic reached up absently to run his hand gently over his dark hair and caress one fuzzy black ear. Blade settled instantly and the low throb of his purr echoed through the room. He never regretted the cosmetic surgery that had removed his own ears and replaced them with his current, humanoid ones more than at that moment. Blade was so lucky to have found Deminic. It did his poor, worn heart good to see one of his people finally happy. Thank Ion for Deminic. Having seen the love and connection the two of them shared, he had been more than willing to help him rescue Blade. But to be offered a position as his personal assistant and the chance to travel with them to Centre… It was a dream come true. Finally, he was getting out of the system. Away from the Mebian government and their cruel dictates. He wouldn’t have to hide and worry that he would be discovered at any moment. It was a chance to start afresh somewhere new and unrestricted. Quietly he sealed the door on the sleeping cabin and stepped back into the lounge. He started rearranging the pair’s luggage and trying to think of ways to make himself as indispensible as possible. He didn’t ever want to be forced to return to his home system. He hated everything about it and never wanted to see it again. Maybe one day, if he worked really hard, he could even tell them who he was. But that was in the distant, unlikely future. Tucking one of the dozen or so cases of clothes Deminic had insisted they buy for Blade into a storage locker, he considered what he wanted out of life now. His goal had always been simply to escape; now, he found himself needing to look for a new direction. He suddenly found himself wishing that he could find someone of his own. Someone he could curl up with and purr contentedly for. The idea was novel and exciting. He had never even been able to consider such a thing before. It was too risky to let someone so close. But who knew, maybe now he could explore the possibility. The future was suddenly looking just a little bit brighter. Maybe it wasn’t too late, even for an old cat like him. Chuckling softly to himself, feeling lighter and happier than he could

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ever remember since first being sold into slavery almost twenty years ago, he wondered what life had in store for him.

About the Author Jade Archer was born in 2010, after a prolonged pregnancy and labour of over thirtyfour years! I’ve decided she’s about twenty-four, enjoys long walks in the country because she doesn’t have five kids and a husband to care for, eats as much chocolate as she wants because she never has to worry about putting on weight (must be all those long walks!) and can often be found planning her next whirlwind world tour or endlessly typing away (without any interruptions) on another hot and steamy erotic romance. It might be space pirates; it might be shifters or a lonely vampire with a hunger for the girl next door, but one thing’s for sure, she loves variety and can’t wait to meet the next characters destined to fall in love. Email: [email protected] Jade loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

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