Page 92 of A Master's Destiny
He chuckles. “Humor me, Mr. Davis. If you were limited to only one, what would it be?”
I smile because the answer is simple. “I believe in the power of touch. Whether it be with your fingers, the soft petals of a rose, or a strand of pearls, I feel touch is often overlooked as a skill set.”
Laird sits back in his seat, grinning. “I like that answer.”
I turn to look at Vendari Steele when he speaks. “One thing that stood out for me was your ability to take correction. For someone who is a self-professed perfectionist, you are still humble enough to handle criticism.
I nod, telling him, “My ego isn’t so delicate that I can’t handle thoughtful criticism.”
“I’m not sure you are aware of how rare that is, especially among alphas who are not used to being questioned.”
The other trainers chuckle in agreement.
“The fact that you accept criticism and seek to improve from it speaks volumes. Even after Ashford was exposed for his actions against you, you never shifted the blame for the failure of the scene from yourself. Most people would have felt exonerated, but you understood that fault still lie with you.”
“It’s possible I see things clearer than most.”
He frowns thoughtfully. “It’s more than that. A Dominant must be humble in order to grow. Do you see yourself as a humble man?”
I feel awkward when I admit, “I can’t say that I do.”
He squints contemplatively as he stares hard at me. “It’s possible that your brutal honesty about yourself inspires a level of humility.”
“I can’t help being brutally honest with myself,” I reply. “But I’m glad to know it serves some purpose.”
“Only if you focus on growth and not condemnation,” he warns me.
“I promise to remember that, Vendari Steele.”
Master Nosh is the last to speak, and the one person here who is fully aware of my past. “You possess a unique passion for the entirety of BDSM—not simply a single skill or technique.”
I smile when I tell him, “My friends have often joked that I’m a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. But my question is this, Master Nosh. If I am committed to learning and practicing each tool, why can’t I be proficient at all of them?”
He nods thoughtfully. “If one remains focused and diligent, a person certainly could, given enough time.”
“Exactly,” I say, feeling vindicated.
He leans forward. “Something we haven’t mentioned yet, but I was stuck by while watching you during the practicums, is your natural teaching ability.”
I’m surprised to hear it because I consciously tried to bury that part of myself after my failure with Samantha. I made the decision then that I was not fit to teach anyone.
“I saw it on numerous occasions while you were practicing with your classmates after the nightly demonstrations,” he continues. “You effortlessly guided them by example and through pointed questions without even being aware of it. You read people well, Mr. Davis, and can relate to them on a level they easily understand and respond to.”
I still can’t believe he picked up on it.
Master Nosh laces his fingers together and looks at me thoughtfully. “Mr. Davis, it is not often that I meet a Master as inexperienced as you.”
I look at him questioningly, unsure what he means.
“It’s obvious to all of us on the panel that you possess unique qualities. Your astute mind, thirst for knowledge, and innate ability to teach make for a rare combination. Coupled with your strength of character and your need to seek unity rather than dissension, all of these qualities are the mark of a true leader.”
I return to the commons feeling shaken after the panel. To receive such high praise is unnerving for me.
My classmates gather around and Ravenson asks, “How did it go?”
I take a moment before answering, “Better than expected.”
Kat nods in agreement. “They definitely gave me a lot to think about.”
