“We’re used to a diet heavy on beef and pig from our shapeshifters. The occasional gorging on buffalo can give you a little wilder taste. Same with venison. It isn’t a special treat, but a nice change every once in a while. Kieran will make you a special tea during the autumn months. It has anise and nutmeg and a few other spices I enjoy. I’m a big fan of how humans taste after a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Before smartphones became ubiquitous, I regularly went on the hunt for strangers over the Thanksgiving weekend. Now, Abbott makes arrangements to have them come to us.” She shrugged. “He spoils us.”
“I’ve learned the difference between a tyrant and a good Master. One rules through fear, the other through mutual respect and friendship. Maybe even love, in some cases.”
She considered my words a few seconds. “Don’t underestimate Abbott. He uses the carrotandthe stick. Those who don’t love him, fear him. If I were to prove treasonous, he’d hurt me and make an example of me. He’s done it to others more times than I can count. He is without mercy to those who don’t show him the respect of his office. For those who betray him, death would be a kindness, but death is a long time coming.”
Probably a good time to ask questions. Maybe. “Kendra?”
She chuckled. “Yes. No one wants him to sic Kendra on them. I love her and adore her, but under no circumstances do I want to be on her bad side.”
“So, if you screw up and lose a bunch of their fortune, you’ll be tortured and killed?”
“It depends. Something unforeseen, totally out of the blue, he won’t be pleased, but there won’t be repercussions. However, if we were derelict in our research?” She gave a little shudder. “We won’t be. For one thing, we adore Abbott and the other toppeople in the coterie. We wouldn’t do anything to cause them pain or trouble. Honestly, it’s more about wanting to please him than worry of what he’d do if we screw up. He takes care of us. Like with you, for example. Something we didn’t know we needed, he provided. For us, the carrot works because we love him. For others, the stick keeps them in line.”
“Kieran hasn’t told you about all the rules Abbott gave him for me, has he?”
“Not yet, but we haven’t had time to get to it. I’d be happy to hear them from you, as well as how you feel about them.”
“My former master had me work out four to six hours a day. Different muscle groups on different days. Abbott forbid me from working out more than two hours a day, and I have to log my time and my exercises. If I go over, I’m to be whipped one strike for every minute extra I work out. Plus, the time has to come off the next day’s session.”
“Does Abbott feel you’re addicted to working out?”
I nodded. Had she looked in my head to get that, or did she figure it out? I didn’t ask.
“Do you enjoy being whipped?”
“No, Mistress. Not with the horsewhip.”
“How about a flogger?”
My cock tried to get hard in the cage, and I focused on cooking.
“You like your dick flogged?” she asked.
“I don’t want to like it, but—” I turned from her and focused on the bacon.
“It’s okay. Personally, the idea of getting your dick fiery hot before you fuck me sounds perfect. I’ll have to talk to Kieran about it.”
“Do you know how long I’m to be locked up?”
“Does it bother you?”
“He says I’m not a slave.”
“He did say that, and I can see how you feel about the cage. Free people shouldn’t have a body part locked away, but you don’t want to rock the boat.” She seemed to consider the subject a few seconds. “I tell you what — let us hold off two weeks and see what happens, yes? Or would you prefer we bring it up right away?”
“Two weeks is fine.”
“You hid your feelings about putting it back on. I didn’t pick up on your discontent.”
I didn’t answer. Slaves quickly learn how to remain neutral, even when performing an act they detest. I’d taken a chance by letting her see my resentment about the chastity device.
“You should be working, not watching me cook, Ma’am. I’m fine. Really.”
“I can see that, but I want to get to know you. Kieran says you’re an excellent driver. Do you enjoy it?”
“I do, and both of your vehicles are a joy to handle.”
“You’ve had extensive training?”
