Page 7

He grins. “There’s a button on your collar that allows the device to act as a translator. When it’s on, you’ll be able to understand everything we’re saying. In addition, the collar has a tracking device. Should we ever become separated, I’ll be able to use it to find you.”

Drool is still dripping from my mouth around the bit, and I don’t blink. Why am I just now being granted this ability?

“You’re agitated. I’m going to allow you the gift of understanding so I can explain what’s happened. I can and will turn it off when I desire. It’s my prerogative. If you want the pleasure of being able to communicate with me, you’ll listen closely and behave.”

My nostrils flare. Damn him. How can he so calmly restrain me like this, totally naked, chained, a bit in my mouth, a collar on my neck, a leash hanging heavy in front of me? All of this while telling me to behave.

Damn him, I think again. It’s the harshest language I’ve ever used, and not even out loud.

“First of all, Little pet, let me introduce myself. I’m Vabar. I’ve purchased you as my personal pet. As you can see, I own a pet rescue center. Many of them, in fact. A chain of centers all over the planet. We find or are given animals capable of domestication, rehabilitate them, train them, and find homes for them. Some of the animals we have are native to Venkoria. Others were discovered on other planets or space stations and brought here. Like yourself.”

My eyes widen further. I can’t breathe. I hope I’m not getting enough oxygen and I die.

The man strokes my forehead with one finger. “Your anger is palpable, Little pet. I can scent it wafting off you. I hope you’re as trainable as I’ve been informed and will learn to trust that I have your best interests at heart. I paid a lot of money for you. I did so because I’ve heard the rumors about the other humans who have been brought to Venkoria from your space station.”

I’m panting now because I can’t seem to hold my breath any longer. Apparently, a person can’t suffocate on their own. Instinct forces me to breathe.

“You were given an injection before you were transferred to Venkoria. That injection included a substance that put you to sleep as well as a dose of my essence. It’s what we do to every pet when they are adopted. It causes the animal to become attached to their owner. I’m sure you’re already experiencing the effects. Every breath is drawing my pheromones into your system, making you lean toward me. You’re fighting it because you’re confused and scared and angry, but you won’t be able to ignore the pull for very long.”

If I wasn’t so restrained and muffled, I would scream at this man and kick him.

Vabar… At least I have a name for him now. He drags his fingertip through my tears and around until he strokes my upper lip. “Scent me, Little pet.”

As I draw in a breath through my nose, I inhale his pheromones and gasp. I rear back, trying to break contact.

He slides his hand to the back of my head to steady me. “There’s nothing you can do to avoid the magnetic pull, Little pet. It’s done. They tell me you and the other females on your space station were the only beings on board. I assume you must have some intelligence to have sustained yourselves. I’ve also learned your human name is Rava. Would you like to keep that name, Little pet?”

I’m trembling violently. Keep my name? What is wrong with this man?

He gives me another of his kind smiles. “I will let you keep your name, if it’s your wish, Little pet. If not, we can come up with a new name.”

I shake my head, though I only manage to move slightly.

“Rava then. It’s a pretty name. I like it. Now, the fact that your IQ is presumably higher than most beings we discover and bring to Venkoria has no bearing on your status. You’re a pet here. My pet. That will not change. Ever. It’s not possible.”

I sniffle. Snot runs out of my nose and drips down to my lips with my tears.

Vabar grabs a soft cloth from the counter behind him and wipes my cheeks and nose before continuing, “You’ve seen several Venkorians so far. We are all this large. Though we have many similarities with humans, size is not one of them. We are strong and fit, which makes you weak and helpless among us. Your kind is coveted. The entire planet is abuzz, everyone bidding on a human pet. The waiting list is growing long. Not everyone who wants a human will be able to get one, which means it will never be safe for you to roam free. You could be kidnapped at any point. For that reason, you will need to be secured nearly all the time.”

I’m breathing heavily, trying to absorb his words. Kidnap me? What a joke. He kidnapped me. Why should I care if someone else does? Maybe they won’t treat me like I’m less valuable than the other pets.

Vabar trails a finger to my shoulder. His touch is frustratingly welcome. I don’t like it when some part of him is not in contact with me. It makes me feel irrationally cold and lonely.

“I’ve also heard that the other human pets have had a very difficult time assimilating to our ways. I want to help you adjust. To do so, it’s best that you accept your place before I offer you too many freedoms. As I do with all recently arrived domesticable animals, I will use a reward system to train you. When you’re cooperative and obedient, and demonstrate the ability to learn, I will reinforce your behavior with the things you will learn to crave—mostly my touch and bites of kibble, much like the treats you saw me give the shorgs when I trained them.”

I gasp. I’m not sure when I last blinked. This is unimaginable. I might faint. Shorgs? Those dog-like animals are called shorgs? Apparently.

I’m aware that the man in blue, who must be a doctor, is next to me. The two men in white are either behind me or have left the room. I’d rather not glance in any direction and find out because I’m mortified enough as it is. Having an audience watch my total degradation and humiliation does not make me happy.

Vabar wipes the drool from my lips. “I’m only making you wear the bit so you will listen to me and not try to interrupt. Nothing I’m going to tell you is up for debate, so there’s no reason for you to argue with me while I explain your situation.”

I’m seething. I’m even more furious that I hate it when he stops stroking me. Not with the stupid cloth. I want his bare fingers on my skin. I crave his touch like a drug.

I hate my new life. I want to go home.

SIX

Vabar sets his palm on my shoulder. “Shhh… I don’t like how rapid your heart rate is. Try to relax. No one is going to hurt you. In fact, just the opposite. My goal in life will always be to make you feel good. I know you don’t understand that yet, but you will soon.”