Where Lost Things Dwell: Night Creatures Book Two

Chapter Thirteen - The Angel and the Devil

Dunstan cast one last glance at her, waiting for her nod, then he relaxed into his role. He stalked up onto that stage like he owned it, his eyes almost glowing and fully elongated fangs peeking below his lip in a way that had a thrill heating Kalyna's blood. From the murmuring of the crowd, she wasn't alone. They really did prefer her Staff Sergeant to the planned entertainment.

Despite looking like the master of his world, Dunstan bowed to Dominus, offering a respectful, "My Leige," before going to a stand and selecting a riding crop from amongst the floggers and whips on offer. Then he refocussed on her, where she still stood frozen to the spot. "Come," he demanded, sounding like he'd give her no choice in the matter even though she knew he'd leave it up to her whether or not she joined him. He wouldn't think any less of her for running away and yet her feet took an automatic step forward, then another, and another, obeying his command until she stood beside him, nervously waiting for his next instruction.

Heated eyes raked over her, faux scorn not hiding the lust that shone there and echoed through their blood bond, so potent it had her skin prickling with heat even before he growled, "Far too many clothes, little dove. Strip."

She bit her lip, keeping her focus on him rather than the crowd of eager spectators as she gripped the bottom edge of her mesh top, peeling it slowly up and over her head, then tossing it onto the floor. She shimmied out of her satin skirt too, revealing her lack of underwear and the intricately tied harness that continued to bite into her flesh. A blush touched her cheeks because despite trying to ignore them, she felt very much aware of the audience; of people whose eyes were good enough to notice the faint silvery marks of burn scars left on her body by Wren. It made her nervous, being on display where everyone could judge her.

All the same, once she stood in only her blood red boots and matching rope, Dunstan slowly circled around her, looking her over as though he hadn't already seen everything she had to offer. A rumbling murmur of approval emitted from his throat, and when his cool fingers brushed her hip, they left a trail of fire over her skin.

"Kneel, dove," he ordered, his voice still the low growl that seemed to have a direct line to her nethers.

Dropping to her knees, she did her best to replicate the position she'd seen his last sub adopt during their last visit to Masque. She knelt with her hands lightly resting on her thighs, her back straight and her knees ever so slightly parted, though she gnawed on her lower lip, nervousness causing her pulse to quicken further.

"When I give you an instruction, I expect you to answer with 'Yes, My Lord', understand?" Dunstan drawled.

She had problem enough saying 'Yes, Staff Sergeant' and this game felt strange enough to have her hesitating. That was a mistake... Or maybe it wasn't. His crop smacked against her rump, not yet a truly stinging blow but a warning instead; a warning which nonetheless sent an unexpected rush of heat through her. She didn't think to defy him after that. Dominus had warned her previously that Dunstan wasn't a dom to refuse, not if she wanted an orgasm out of it, and she really did want him to make her scream.

"Yes, My Lord," she recited, obedient, her own voice rougher than she'd expected.

Desire cascaded through him too as she complied, a throbbing need she felt as though it was her own and which almost dragged a needy moan from her lips. She shifted without meaning to, her hips rocking to grind against the knot of rope still pressed to her clit, trying to ease the ache or maybe make it more intense, and the crop landed against her ass again, harder this time. Hard enough that her breath caught and her nipples tightened, rosy peaks pebbling and sensitive.

"Be still, dove," Dunstan demanded, brooking no argument.

"Yes, My Lord," she whispered again, forcing her body to still even though her heart fluttered in her chest and her pulse sped with swelling anticipation.