“One day, we’ll exceed even Briggs in volume.”
Daniel Briggs was the largest slaver in the entire vampire world and his Dark Cavern system, which he owned and operated, moved more slaves than any other outfit. He was also untouchable as the most powerful vampire on the planet and currently now headed up the Council of Ancestors.
Once Reyes brought Starlin down, he fully intended to turn his sights on Briggs. The vampire owned hundreds of clubs from which he drew new talent, the current euphemism for fresh slaves. Briggs even owned the Ocean Club, which Starlin also used to gather its slaves, including Angelica.
Wishing Fitch enjoyment of the festivities, Reyes tugged on Angelica’s leash.
As he moved past Fitch, however, Angelica’s voice shot through his head. Reyes, he just grabbed my ass.
Fitch?
Yes.
Reyes didn’t stop to think; he whirled, leaped toward Fitch, and had him in a choke hold on the ground, one knee hard into the vampire’s sternum. “You don’t touch my slave. Sharing is a courtesy but not a right. You ask first. Have you got that?” Board or no board, Reyes was setting some boundaries.
A crowd gathered quickly, but Reyes didn’t care. He had to live this life for now and Angelica had already sacrificed so much to play her role, but like hell would he let any man touch her and not feel the consequences.
“Understood.” Fitch’s voice now sounded hoarse, like he had laryngitis. “Apologies.”
Reyes released him slowly, then rose to his feet. He didn’t wait to say anything more to the man, but Reyes did notice the startled look in the blond slave’s eye and that tears welled quickly after.
Reyes understood. He cursed several times as he moved away. He’d just made it worse for the woman. Fitch was a bully, like most of these slavers, and he’d take his humiliation out on her.
Reyes? Are you okay? What’s going on?
I want you to move forward and walk in front of me; just keep your head down. I can’t have that happen again.
Angelica moved past him, unsteady in her stilettos. I’m getting a feeling you’re upset about Fitch’s slave.
I am. He’ll punish her because I humiliated him just now. I wasn’t thinking, but I felt your horror rise up like a wave because he’d fondled you and your reaction jump-started my own.
Did you just ruin your chances with the board?
Don’t give a fuck if I did. I thought I would be more tolerant, but not chain-bound.
Angelica sighed. Nothing about this is simple, is it?
No, it’s not.
At the next party a live band had just set up. Over two hundred guests danced on the largest outdoor patio Reyes had ever seen. Drinks abounded and by now several slavers were stumbling around. Others made a show of dominating their slaves, everything on display. More than one woman was being hurt.
Wanting to get Angelica away from as much of the cruelty as possible, he guided her toward the front entrance of the house. Another board member owns this place. Master Kell.
But the chains had grown very quiet on Reyes’s neck. When he didn’t get a response he drew close and stroked the back of her arm in such a way that no one could see what he was doing. Hey, are you okay?
She turned back to glance at him, then lowered her gaze. I don’t suppose there’s someplace we can hide out for a while. I’m a little overwhelmed. Her telepathic voice grew faint, That man was raping his slave anally right on the lawn.
I know. Let’s get you inside.
The mansion, made of cream-colored stone and decked out with handsome pillars for support, went on for at least fifty feet in either direction and had two stories and a grand curved staircase.
A woman stood in the center of the foyer, wearing a sophisticated tight black dress. He understood her role as the housekeeper.
“How do you do, Master Reyes, and welcome to Master Kell’s home.”
“My slave needs the facilities.”
The housekeeper nodded, her expression unchanging, then gestured toward the stairs. “You’ll find several to choose from on the third floor.”
He leaned close. “Which one would be most private?”
“Ah, yes, of course. You’ll want to go left, then right. Master Kell has made this suite available to certain associates. Very private.”
“Thank you.”
Wishing this nightmare would be over, once more he gestured for Angelica to precede him. As she started up the stairs he was grateful to be following her because he could block at least some of the attention her nakedness drew. He hated that she was on display and the entire trip up the stairs brought dozens of pairs of eyes turning in her direction.
Thank you, Reyes, for sticking close. I don’t feel quite so exposed.
You’re more than welcome.
This has to be hard on you and probably way too familiar.
You’re exactly right. More than at any other point, I’m reminded of what it was to be a sex slave.
When he arrived at the designated room he turned and locked the door. He wanted to apologize again to Angelica, but she flung her arms around him and thanked him. “I’m sorry, but I so needed to be away from all that, at least for a little while.”
He wrapped his arms around her but slipped back into telepathy. This place is probably videoed, so we’ll need to keep up appearances.
Her arms fell away, and the relief she’d felt was clearly short-lived. She dipped her chin. Well, at least we’re away from all the visuals. Just tell me what to do.
I should warn you, I’ll have to really play up my role.
It’s okay.
Aloud, he spoke in a commanding voice. “Facedown on the bed. Now.”
The décor was sparse, a round bed covered in a violet throw. Angelica stretched out.
Just try to relax.
She released a deep sigh, then put a hand over her face, shading her eyes. I’ll try. And despite that we might be filmed, this is still easier than having to watch what was going on outside.
He sat down next to her and caressed her bottom. Is this okay?
You mean besides the fact that it feels really good?
Yes, besides that.
It’s fine. Whatever you need to do is fine. I trust you.
Reyes couldn’t really imagine what this was like for Angelica, the horror of it, seeing all this perversion all at once. For the sake of those who were most likely watching he dropped to his knees on the floor behind her, spread her legs, and leaned over her.
“You’re to stay in this position, slave, and do as you’re told.”
“Yes, master.”
As he held her waist and kissed her bottom the chains at his neck vibrated, telling him that she liked what he was doing. His ever-present desire for her began to flow, hardening him, making him want to bury himself deep between her beautiful thighs.
Reyes, she whispered through his mind.
I can make you come like this, if you want me to.
It would be wrong on so many levels. Her hips flexed. But I’d love it.
You’re beautiful, Angelica. And these black stockings topped with faux leopard are turning me on.
Your lips are like heaven.
Despite the horror of the festival, he wanted this for Angelica; he wanted her to know pleasure. This much he could do for her.
He slid one hand beneath her to cover her mound and began kneading her, pushing against her, teasing her clitoris. She moaned.
Wanting better access, he drew back and pulled her to the edge of the bed. He took his time taking her thong off, stroking her legs, then kissing her bottom in turns.
Reyes, my God, Reyes.
When her thong sat on the floor beside him he spread her legs wide and moved between. He ignored his own desire and made this all about her.
Using his tongue, he went to work while at the same time returning his hand to her mound and to the top of her clitoris.
But having his tongue deep inside her well and feeling her tight pu
lses brought his own need to a sharp, painful pinnacle.
He continued to drive his tongue into her and to massage her clitoris at the same time. She was gasping now, her face into the comforter.
Aloud, he spoke in a harsh voice. “You’ll come for me, slave; come now.”
Spank me, if you want.
I’m so tempted.
Do it, Reyes. It will help with the cover and, truthfully, I’d like it.
He lifted his hand and gave her a sharp crack on her bottom.
She cried out as if in pain. Reyes, oh, my God. Do it again.
Only if you protest.
“That hurts, master.”
“It’s meant to, slave.” He slapped her again, then went back to work using his tongue.
I’m so close.
Whenever you’re ready, Angelica.
She panted, and because of the chains he could feel that she was on the brink. Using his vampire abilities, he flicked in and out of her faster than a human could go. She moaned heavily; then suddenly she was screaming her orgasm. He kept working her until she settled back against the bed.
Reyes, that was wonderful. Thank you.
Even within his mind she sounded loose and well-used.
I’m going to issue some commands to help support what I’m doing, okay? Forgive me for the way this will sound.
No worries.
“All right, slave, you’re to stay in that position, your legs spread wide. Do you understand?”
“Yes, master.”
He rose from his knees painfully aroused.
He drew a chair from beside the wall and moved to position it so that he appeared to be looking at her.
When he sat down he placed his feet on the insides of hers. I’m going to force you wider, but let me know if it hurts.
I’m good.
Slowly, he pushed her legs farther and farther apart. For a slave this would be a point of humiliation, but for him keeping Angelica in this position showed dominance.
How’s that?
Fine. Really, I’m fine.
We’re just going to stay like this for a while. I may touch you now and then, just for show. All I want you to do is to take a breath, to relax, before we continue on. With this much drinking going on, I think things will get worse before we’ll be able to leave.
You mean more like one orgy after another.
I’m afraid so. Again he repressed the need to apologize. If he didn’t hold back he’d be apologizing every other minute for what she’d have to endure.
Every once in a while he’d lean forward and caress her bottom or stroke her inner thighs, just for show. But he could tell by the chains that Angelica was finally relaxed.
Doing better?
Much. That was lovely, Reyes. Unexpected. I think I needed that.
I know what you mean. Of course the view of her, of where he wanted to be, wasn’t helping his own situation, but he’d been well-trained and toughed it out.
Do I have permission to turn over now?
Sure, but it will mean that in a few minutes we’re going to leave this room.
He released her legs, and drawing them together, she rolled onto her side and met his gaze. Can I do something for you? she sent.
He squeezed his eyes shut. When he opened them he shook his head. Not right now. I won’t lie and say I don’t want you, because I’ve been in pain since we put these chains on. And I really appreciate the offer. But I have too much rage right now. Can’t explain it.
And you don’t have to. I get it. Her eyes welled with tears. Fitch is going to hurt that woman, isn’t he?
Yes. Badly. He’s an abuser, as most of these assholes are. They’ve given it a polite “Starlin” gloss, and built a lifestyle around it, pretending it’s something that it’s not. Some of them even believe that when slaves scream in pain it’s merely because they’re so emotionally connected to the ones who torture them, that everything is an act of love.
She rolled slightly to lean her head against the comforter. There ought to be a stronger word than perversion to describe these people. After releasing a deep sigh she added, I think I’m ready to leave now.
Good, and the sooner we get through this the sooner I can take you home. He rose up. “On your feet, slave.”
She put her thong back on, then her shoes. Where are we headed to next?
Engles’s place.
She sighed. Oh, goodie.
Once more Reyes had to repress his amusement, but he loved that she’d lightened the mood yet again.
Chapter Three
Angelica made the trek to what would be Engles’s mansion in the platform stilettos and continued to focus Reyes’s healing energy onto her achy toes and now tight arches. At least the stone path was smooth.
Because drunkenness was becoming an increasing problem, Reyes finally gave up trying to sustain a submissive distance and held her close to his side and well away from the foot traffic.
She still couldn’t believe that just a little while ago Reyes had worked her body and brought her to such a perfect, thrilling orgasm. She didn’t even know why she’d allowed it, except that his touch felt so good and maybe in large part because the whole time his own sexual need and desire had vibrated the chain around her neck in strong pulses. She’d been able to sense how aroused he was, and that’s what had taken her the distance and made what should have been an impossible thing very possible.
And his tongue. She’d never experienced anything like that before. Wicked.
Where have your thoughts gone?
Nowhere.
That’s not what I’m getting.
She didn’t know why she tried to pretend. The chains wouldn’t allow her to conceal that merely thinking about what he’d done had worked her up all over again. She’d desired him from the beginning and she’d known that the blood-chains would enhance what was there, but she hadn’t expected to be catapulted into an almost chronic state of arousal.
Angelica?
I don’t know what to say. But I can’t stop thinking about what you just did to me. It was amazing.
I pleased you.
Oh, my God, to say the least.
I want to do it again.
She held the words back, the ones she really wanted to speak, what she’d always wanted from him, as in I want all of you right now, your weight on me, your cock inside me.
Instead, she overlaid his right arm, the one that held her tight to his side as they walked, and squeezed.
He guided her past three mansions, and after a turn in the path as the river shifted to a southeasterly direction Engles’s home came into view.
She stared up at an incredible mansion built several stories high of white stone, reaching almost to the top of the cavern. The pyramid effect had vines trailing off several balconies and trees growing everywhere.
Reyes, how does anything grow in these underground caverns without sunlight?
It’s simple, really. We make use of modern technology and massive grow lights that run on timers. A community like this would have specified daily periods in which the entire cavern is ablaze with manufactured light. We have a lot of engineers in our culture.
It’s truly amazing.
She began to believe that from what she’d seen this civilization could do just about anything.
Another boat moved by, but Angelica didn’t bother looking. She knew what to expect, and no matter how beautiful the lights or the artistic design of the set, the exhibition of flesh and sex would once again disgust her.
She walked beside Reyes in silence, working to sustain her submissive appearance. At the same time, a strange emotion vibrated through the blood-chain.
Something was bothering Reyes.
###
A chill chased down Reyes’s spine as he stared up at Engles’s massive riverside home. Though Reyes had never been to this part of the world before, he couldn’t shake a bizarre feeling of familiarity, though he had no basis for it.
He thought the mansion
a monstrosity, though he admired how the building actually molded itself to the shape of the cavern wall. The dwelling was the size of a small hotel, and he knew from gossip over the years that it boasted fifteen bedrooms, some of them equipped with smaller versions of his game room.
Engles stood alone on a secondary platform, away from the river’s edge by thirty feet and guarded by a security detail. He held a tumbler in his hand, probably his favorite Dubonnet. A pair of female slaves, wearing nothing but chain chokers, stood nearby, heads bowed, bodies bruised. Engles represented the worst of his kind, depraved and self-involved, as though nothing else in the world should ever happen except what pleased him.
Engles had an odd, owl-like look with large dark eyes and a hawkish nose. He combed his thick mass of wavy dark-brown hair away from his face, had a deep indentation in his chin, and possessed a level of charisma that made him appear better-looking than he really was. His head swiveled in Reyes’s direction, Engles smiled and waved his hand in acknowledgment but swiftly reverted his attention to the party below.
His gaze scanned the crowd on the deck that ran at least forty yards along the riverfront. Engles seemed methodical in his search, as though cataloging who had attended his event and maybe deciding to award favors based on that attendance. He wore a sharkskin coat and black slacks, an open-collared black shirt.
Reyes tightened his grip on Angelica. Do you see Engles?
Yes. He’s like a hawk, isn’t he, looking for prey?
Reyes nodded. And we just need to avoid his talons.
Repressing a sigh, Reyes held the leash at shoulder level, another dominant position, as he guided Angelica toward the steps that led to the curved stone platform. He moved in Engles’s direction, intending to fulfill his obligation, when from the opposite side Engles’s security detail called to Engles, handing him a phone.
Engles’s face turned scarlet with rage as he shouted into the cell.
Reyes shifted direction, guiding Angelica toward the mansion. I think we’ll leave him alone for now.
Good idea. Besides, I was not looking forward to being anywhere near that man. There’s something not right about him. Personification of evil, maybe.