his pets

14. butterflies and puppies

Lily nodded, eager to please and obey him. She moved through the apartment, collecting empty glasses and plates with a sense of purpose.
The evening had been a whirlwind of emotions, pushing her to her limits and beyond. As she worked, she felt his eyes on her, assessing her performance not just for the night but for the entirety of her time with him. She knew that every action she took reflected on him, and she was determined to be the best submissive she could be.
"Good girl," Christopher said, his voice a gentle rumble in the otherwise quiet room. His praise sent a warm shiver down her spine. "You've learned so much in such a short time." He took a seat on the couch, watching her as she cleaned, his expression thoughtful. "But remember, Lily, this is just the beginning."
Lily nodded, her eyes downcast as she moved to the next mess. She knew he was right. She had come so far from the shy, lost girl who had stumbled into his life. The collar around her neck was a constant reminder of her new identity, a symbol of the trust and love she had for him. She cherished every moment of their time together, the way he guided her, taught her, and pushed her to be more than she ever thought possible.
As she worked, Christopher's voice was a low rumble in the background, giving her feedback on her performance. "Good," he'd say as she neatly folded a napkin or placed a glass in the sink. "Very good," when she managed to anticipate his needs before he even spoke. His words of praise were like a warm embrace, reinforcing her submission and her desire to serve him.

"Lily," he called, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife. She stopped, turning to face him, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Come here," he beckoned, patting the couch cushion beside him. She moved quickly, eager to be near him, her heart pounding in her chest.
"You've been doing well," he said, his hand stroking her cheek gently. "But your mind is still too cluttered. You're trying to make decisions, to think for yourself. That's not your place." His eyes searched hers, looking for understanding. "Your writing will never truly soar unless you let go of those pesky thoughts, those pesky emotions. You need to focus solely on your craft and allow me to handle the rest."
Lily nodded, feeling a strange mix of fear and excitement at the prospect. She knew he was right; she had been struggling with her stories, trying to juggle her own thoughts with the ones he imposed. "But how?" she asked, her voice small and unsure.
Christopher leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "By letting me control everything else."
His hand moved from her cheek to the back of her neck, his thumb stroking the leather collar.
"You're going to give me complete control over your daily routines, your diet, your social interactions." His grip tightened slightly, a silent reminder of the power he held. "Everything that isn't writing will be handled by me."
Lily felt a rush of gratitude at his guidance, his confidence in her ability to surrender fully to his care. She nodded, eager to please. "Yes, Master. Thank you."

He leaned back, his eyes searching hers, a hint of curiosity playing on his face.
"What is your favorite animal, Lily?"
Lily paused, the question taking her by surprise. She had never been asked something so seemingly innocuous in this context before.
She considered her options, knowing that the answer could reveal more about her than she intended.
"I've always loved butterflies," she finally said, her voice soft.
Christopher's eyes narrowed slightly, his grip on her collar tightening. "Butterflies?" he repeated, his tone incredulous. "But they're so... fragile, so easily distracted." He leaned closer, his breath warm against her neck.
"I would have thought you'd prefer something more... obedient. Like a dog."
Lily felt a flicker of confusion, her mind racing to understand the sudden shift in conversation. "I've never really thought about it that way," she admitted, her voice quivering.
Christopher's gaze grew intense, his eyes boring into hers.
"You see, Lily, that's the problem. You're thinking too much."
He leaned back, his hand still wrapped around her collar, pulling her closer. "From now on, you're going to think of yourself as a puppy. A beautiful, obedient puppy who needs her master's guidance."
Lily's cheeks flushed at the words, a thrill of excitement and trepidation mingling in her chest. "But... butterflies are beautiful. Can't I be more like a butterfly please?," she protested weakly, feeling a strange sense of loss at the dismissal of her favorite creature.
Christopher's grip on her collar tightened. "Butterflies are indeed beautiful, Lily," he agreed, his voice soothing despite the firmness of his words. "But they're also flighty, easily swayed by the winds of change. And a creature as precious as you shouldn't be so... unpredictable."
He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her skin. "You need something that reflects your newfound strength, your dedication to submission. A puppy symbolizes your loyalty, your obedience, your willingness to please." His voice grew softer, his eyes filled with a gentle dominance that sent shivers down her spine. "An animal that knows its place, that lives to serve and love unconditionally."

Lily nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. She knew he was right. She had been trying to hold onto a piece of herself, a small part of her identity that she thought she needed. But in that moment, she realized that her true self was in her submission to him.
"I'm sorry, Master," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I'll be a good puppy for you."
Christopher's expression softened at her words, his hand moving to stroke her hair gently. "Good girl," he murmured, his voice filled with approval. "You're learning." He leaned back, his grip on her collar loosening slightly.