Page 44 of Owned By Two

I nodded, fully aware of what becoming a “member” entailed.

It meant a complete loss of privacy and everything you owned.

Everything you were, your past experiences, hopes, dreams,everything,would pass to the hive.

That included James’s immense wealth and power.

In a way, James could have livedforever— the minds of the hive were shared instantly between them the moment they were incorporated into their regime.

But it also meant James would become nothing more than a shell, an empty vessel, his own thoughts and opinions dominated and controlled by the minds of the masses.

And that was something James simply couldnotentertain.

He had not wished to die, but to live as a slave where his every thought was observed, judged, suppressed, and controlled was simply not in his genetic makeup.

And so he had allowed himself to collapse and, finally, to die.

“We wish to meet James’s replacement,” the hive said.

“Of course. As soon as they are chosen, I will inform you immediately. They will wish to speak with you concerning our business going forward.”

“That is… acceptable,” the hive said.

The communication ended abruptly and the screen turned black.

Things like manners did not matter to the hive mind either.

I sighed with the knowledge that tomorrow they would call once again and I would have to explain everything.

Again.

And the day after that.

Until, finally, Lizzy had made her decision and a new head of the empire was chosen.

A knock came at the door.

“Come,” I said.

A servant opened it and announced Lizzy had arisen and was now downstairs.

I thanked him and marched to the dining room.

I had slept fitfully the night before and dreamt about Lizzy — how she had bent over the bed, fluffing up those pillows, her baggy clothing doing nothing to disguise the incredible body she hid inside.

I wished to peel the clothing open and reveal her full beauty.

Then I wished to Claim her, to wipe that scent from her sex so she would be mine — andonlymine — for the rest of our lives.

I thought she’d caught me appraising her but if it angered her, she didn’t show it.

I stopped at the dining room doorway and peered inside.

She sat at one of the tables.

My instincts had proven correct — she wanted to break her fast with traditional breakfast foods, not lunch, even though that time had come.

I shook my head in wonder again about how similar she could be to her father without meeting him.

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