Page 36 of Of Mercury and Mist

As agents of the court of the Second Realm, we’d upheld their laws and delivered swift punishment to those who broke it. Our self-protective actions when we rescued Della were unheard of, no one would ever dare take on the Collective. But we had, and we came out victorious. It was a beautiful moment, watching Josiah sever Ezra’s head from his body in one graceful motion after the hell he’d put him through—put us both through.

Much good had come from the event, we both came out stronger and more in charge of our lives, having broken the chains that bound us.

However, there were still laws that applied to all of us—such as rules against theft and the murder of superiors. They were universal laws. No gray areas.

The car pulled up to the front doors of Ipomoea and I guided Ashley into the building, my arm loose at her back. She was still difficult to read but she held her head high, in defiance. I chuckled and she shot me a look. She was too adorable for her own good.

Too bad tonight would change everything.

When the elevator doors closed, I took off my sunglasses and hung then on my breast pocket while Ashley stood dead center in the box. I circled around her, slipping to the back wall, observing my prey. Her scent filled the enclosed space, sweet, creamy, and light, causing my mouth to water. The fragrance filled my head with visions of holding the woman against the mirrored wall, hiking her skirt up, and plundering her depths as she made a mess of my cock. She wouldn’t, nor could she, stop me from taking my fill if I so desired.

Wheeling around her again, I stopped and glanced down, eyeing the vein anxiously throbbing beneath the skin of her neck. The lift stopped and I hit the button to pause the doors, relishing in her rebellion.

Being trapped in such a tight space, the two of us, had caused her to stoicism to falter. Her breathing shallowed and her chest rose and fell quickly as she struggled for air, but she refused to look at me, even though we were now toe to toe.

I almost didn’t want her to shower and wash away the pheromone-soaked sweat that clung to her skin. The scent permeated the interior of the elevator and before I knew it, I found myself reaching for her hair. She froze, holding her breath. The magnetic draw I felt toward her beckoned, threatening to crumble my convictions to dust and push me into making a debilitating mistake.

Gently, I tucked her long curls back over her shoulder, letting my fingers dance along her slender column while she vibrated under my touch. Her guard began disintegrating when she let her head tilt to the side, subconsciously inviting me in.

She naturally wanted to submit to me, without any pretense or contrived seduction. Not once had she thrown herself at me like the typical human woman, greedy to be seen on my arm. She was completely unaware of the space she’d just made for me, or of the effect she had. I couldn't detect any trickery in her aura, only her fear-tinged defiance, insecurity, and much to my delight—her desire.

My cock wasn’t the only thing she was making harder. My delightful plans for the evening were disintegrating as each second passed while she wove her spell.

Spinning around and putting space between us, I punched the button that would release us from the lift. “Go,” I ordered her, nodding toward the exit.

“What are you doing?” she asked. Without a doubt, I knew she was referring to my plans for her.

Unable to face her, I showed her my back. “What I should’ve already done.”

Ashley moved forward slowly and stopped. I could sense her directly behind me, close enough to effortlessly touch before she stepped out, taking a right toward my office.

Lester was waiting inside my apartment, lounging on the couch. It had occurred to me I could’ve taken my pet to my penthouse, but I wouldn’t allow her entry into my most personal space no matter how convenient it would’ve been.

I’d never brought a woman there before and it was outrageous that this deceitful one was the first I’d considered. There’d been other, disposable, dates who were suitable, but I hadn’t let anyone into my heart in years. My home was a sacred space and only those with permanence would receive entry. Ashley couldn’t fall into that category no matter how badly I wanted her to.

“Greetings,” Lester said, standing upon our arrival. “Everything has been arranged. Miranda will be here shortly for the finishing touches.”

“Excellent.” I acknowledged his statement and led Ashley toward the bathroom.

Once inside, she watched while I grabbed a pile of towels from the cabinet and set it on the counter. Her spirit was reined in once again, but she couldn’t hide the fire in her eyes. I cupped her chin with one hand, keeping her focus on my face and with the other, let my index finger’s nail sharpen with the thought. I dragged it down the front of her blouse, not allowing her to look down. The fabric fell away smoothly, revealing her luscious, lace-covered breasts.

She glared at me, and I had to swallow, hypnotized by the sight of her. It was all I could do to stop myself from tearing into her even though it’d never be enough. “Clean yourself,” I snapped at her, slamming the bathroom door shut behind me. I swore I heard her let out a deep breath.

Lester and Miranda were speaking quietly in the living room when I returned. Miranda was a vampire witch, employed by him to assist with the niche business of outfitting beings such as myself with discretion. By using those familiar with our ways, we didn’t have to worry about our appetites or physical anomalies such as our eyes or teeth and we were free to be ourselves.

We could’ve used magic or spells to clothe and groom ourselves via glamours, but many of us preferred longer, permanent results as well as keeping the items we obtained.

The man presented me with a rack of gowns and other items of clothing for Ashley and I poured us all drinks while he fiddled with the material.

“You did specify risqué, correct?” Lester asked as I handed him a glass of a blood and wine mixture. Miranda shook her head when I offered her one as well.

After I sipped my own beverage, I answered, “Correct. And I trust you remembered the other items as well?”

“Indeed, Sir.” He grabbed the duffle bag Miranda passed him. “Right here.”

“Thank you,” I said, setting my glass down and retrieving the bag. “If she looks anything less than immaculately gorgeous, I will rip both your heads from your bodies.” Everything would be different after tonight and I wanted her to look exquisite for the memories.

First, I chose a dress for Ashley, a short black number with a fluttering skirt made up of a multitude of gossamer panels and a tight, corset-style strapless top. She wouldn’t be able to hide a thing and access to most of her succulent flesh would be a breeze. I could already see her in it, her waist pinched to within an inch of its life, her gorgeous chest just aching to escape. Her toned thighs screaming for me to take a bite. The gown was absolutely perfect. She would be my little doll, and I was her Keeper. For the next several hours, she was still my pet, my slave, and my property.

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