Page 36 of Tamed

What little regret Kendra had felt about the incident had been burned away by her anger. It was so unfair that they were blaming her for what happened in the hall.

“Are you willing to apologize for the injuries you inflicted on Jessie?” Zevon’s voice was tight and stern.

“Absolutely not.” The fucking bitch deserved it.

“Were you aware of the zero tolerance policies regarding fighting?” he persisted.

“I was. Now, may I ask you a question?”

He looked as if he’d refuse, but surprised her when he said, “Go on.”

“If you heard one of our soldiers accuse me of being a whore and using my body to avoid going to Houkdi, how would you react?”

One corner of his mouth lifted for a millisecond as if he were fighting back a smile. “I would punch him in the face. And then I would accept responsibility for my actions.”

“Actions have consequences,” she muttered; it was a common phrase around here. Clearly, this was a fight she had no hope of winning. “I chose to put a bully in her place, so what is the consequence for my actions?”

“I can deal with this as President Zevon or as your master. We are officially courting, so either is appropriate. Which do you prefer?”

She licked her lips. Uncertainty and anticipation were making her antsy. “May I know what each will do?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “What fun would there be in that?”

If she was going to be disciplined, she’d rather endure the pain and humiliation in private. One thing was clear. She’d be punished either way. “I’d rather deal with my master,” she decided. “President Zevon intimidates me.”

Another warm chuckle rumbled through his chest and he accepted her decision with a nod. “I know for a fact that’s not true, but I’m glad you chose your master. Arcon is on his way up, so undress and kneel at the foot of the bed.”

Unable to release her resentment entirely, Kendra walked into the bedroom and slowly removed her clothes. Rules must be enforced. She understood that, but sometimes bullies deserved to have the shit beaten out of them. Apparently, President Zevon didn’t see it that way.

“I can sense your defiance,” he warned. “Don’t make me add to your punishment. It is going to be intense enough already.” He moved to a chair across from the bed and sat down, casually crossing his legs.

She folded her dress and placed it on a nearby table, stalling while she struggled with her emotions. She’d gotten used to being spanked, had even brought Zevon a strap to use on her when she’d mouthed off to one of the trainers. This was different. She didn’t feel that this was justified, so everything within her was resisting. She wanted to argue and slam doors, maybe throw one of her shoes at Zevon’s head. A temper tantrum would only earn her more pain, so she clenched her jaw and tried not to think about anything.

Sinking to her knees in front of him, Kendra moved her legs apart and asked, “Arms up or down?”

“Down is fine. In fact, play with your pussy. I want you wet.”

“Yes, Master.” She licked her fingers before she began. Fear made her wet and humiliation made her drip, but anger made her body shut down.

His gaze narrowed as he watched her. She was upset so he could doubtlessly sense her emotions, which meant he knew she was far from accepting this punishment.

She rubbed her clit and teased her opening, sliding over and around without pushing inside. His gaze focused between her thighs and desire erupted in his eyes. Her body might be slow to respond right now, but his wasn’t. A long, thick ridge stretched the front of his uniform pants, and his hands were clenching and releasing the arms of the chair.

Arcon walked in a few moments later. “I know fighting is a punishable offense, but I’ve come close to punching Jessie myself a time or two.”

“Our hotheaded mate didn’t just punch her. She beat her senseless. Jessie has cracked ribs and a broken nose. Worse, as you can clearly sense, Kendra finds nothing wrong with what she did.”

The compassion in Arcon’s gaze cooled and he shook his head. “I see.”

Wonderful. Now they were both pissed at her. She took a deep breath and concentrated on the slide of her fingers but it did no good. She didn’t feel like she deserved punishment so she couldn’t move beyond resentment.

“Stand up, pet, and take two steps toward me,” Zevon ordered.

Tension wrapped around her chest, making it hard to breathe. Both her mates had spanked her during their time together, but she hadn’t endured another harsh punishment since her first night with Arcon. Needing to understand what they were thinking, she reached across the transfer link, but both of them were shielding their minds.

“Sensing our emotions is a privilege, a gift,” Arcon reminded. “Focus on your behavior and the choices that led you to this situation. Discipline is meant to be endured alone.”

That concept was more upsetting than the promised pain. She’d gotten used to sharing their emotions, to knowing they were there whenever she needed reassurance. “How much trouble am I in?”

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