The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up with appreciation. “My, how exotic. One hears tales, of course, but to see it with one’s eyes is another matter.”
With a hint of teeth, Rone glared at the clerk and pulled the boy tightly to his side. “Its former master kept it hidden awaymost of the time, I expect,” he said, lapsing instantly into the expected reference to Frey as if he were a mere thing. “I’m inclined to show off my pretty possession. I want something relatively warm, as this is a delicate creature, yet suitably attractive. Something to match the color of its eyes, perhaps.”
Rone gently cupped Frey by his chin and raised his face so that the other male could see the blue. The male inhaled a sharp breath.
“Quite arresting, sire. I’ve never seen the like. Let me check what I have.” The clerk took a step back and tapped on his wrist unit. A thousand points of light shimmered in the air before taking shape. “I’m afraid my stock is limited out here. As you can see, this is intended for a female, but the fabric can be re-cut and shaped to make a long tunic and trousers.”
Rone contemplated the image of a pale blue gown. The color was perfect, and he tried not to think too hard about why he was so intent on dressing his pet in a female color. “Show me what that would look like.”
The clerk tapped some more and the image changed. It became a deep V-neck tunic that hung to mid-thigh and a pair of soft, clingy pants.
“Take the waist in more so that the tunic hugs the hips and slash the sleeves and legs so that skin will show when it walks.”
Preen made a rude noise. When Rone glared down at him, the creature gestured,“You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“It’s going to help with my image as an opportunistic privateer.”Rone didn’t think he was being very convincing, even in a silent communication.
Preen agreed.“Oh, so it’s for the good of the mission? Right.”
Ignoring his companion’s obvious sarcasm, Rone turned his attention back to the clerk and his revised image. “Yes, that will do.” He forced himself to play the part he needed to by slidinghis hand down to cup Frey’s ass. “It’ll look quite fuckable in that.”
The clerk cleared his throat. “Ah, yes. If I could just get its measurements?”
Rone pressed Frey forward enough for the clerk to scan the boy’s body. Then they waited while the male quickly left to retrieve the outfit from the store’s processor in back. It took little time, and when he held it out for Rone’s inspection, Rone found that the cloth was very soft. Of course, it was intended for females, not that many chose to live on such a station.
“Is there a place where it can change? I don’t want it stripping out in the open.”
“Yes, of course, sire. This way.” The male stepped aside and gestured toward the opening he’d just come through.
Unhooking the leash, Rone gave Frey another gentle nudge forward. “Go with him and put on your new clothing.”
“Yes, master.”
The pet didn’t hesitate to do as told, which again both pleased and irritated Rone. Having a well-trained and docile pet was all to the good, so why did Rone keep wanting to see more spirit in the boy? It made no sense.
Moments later, he lost his train of thought when Frey returned in his new outfit.
Frey stood, blinking furiously at the floor. His master’s heated gaze made him feel as if he were naked instead of almost fully covered. For the first time since his capture, he felt pretty warm. The material his clothing was made out of felt light, yet it held his heat. Not everywhere, of course. Whenever he moved his arms and legs, the slits in the fabric popped open to expose him to the cool air. He didn’t mind, not really. It was still better than before, except the overtly provocative style of the clothing made him feel kind of slutty, more so than usual since he’d become an alien’s whore.
His new master didn’t mind, obviously. He’d picked the style to accentuate Frey’s body, putting him on display in a way that Arpell had never had bothered to do. It occurred to Frey suddenly that he didn’t even know his new master’s name. No one had said it as of yet, and, naturally, his master hadn’t introduced himself. It wasn’t as if Frey would ever be able to call the guy by his name. No, he was Frey’s master, that was for sure. He’d claimed Frey’s body over and over, leaving Frey sore and tired, despite the night spent in the comfortable bed.
He’d had a full stomach, though, and that meant a lot. For the first time since his capture, he didn’t feel the gnawing ache of hunger and the dryness of thirst. No new bruises marred his body, either. Frey didn’t think he’d ever gone a whole night without earning a smack or two from his master without even trying. Things were definitely better, at least for the moment. If wearing slutty clothes was the price of eating and avoiding a beating, he’d take that bargain for as long as it was offered.
“Does it please you, sire?” the diffident sales clerk asked.
Frey’s master grunted. “It will do.”
“And these, sire?” The clerk held up Frey’s T-shirt and pants.
“Dispose of them.”
Frey’s breath hitched.No!Those were the last ties to his old life. Before he could stop himself, he blurted out, “Wait, please.” As soon as the words were out, he clamped his mouth shut tight and hunched within himself.
“What is it?” his master demanded, and the translator had no trouble picking up on the male’s impatience.
Frey tried to salvage what he could of the situation. He was being silly. They were just worn-out clothes, not worth the trouble. “I’m sorry, master. I didn’t mean anything.”
With two strides, the alien closed the distance between them. Frey shut his eyes and braced for a blow that never came. Instead, his master cupped Frey’s chin with his large palm andforced Frey’s head up. He still didn’t dare open his eyes, figuring that the Travian was only giving himself a clearer target to hit.
