The Induction

Chapter One

Daniel

 

Daniel slipped quietly out of his bedroom at the mistress' house, leaving Bethany content in the arms of sleep. Before he pulled the door closed, he took a quick peek at her, sprawled in his king-size bed, her naked body shrouded in his silk sheets.

He strolled down the hallway to the mistress' office. They both rose early so he knew she'd be up. As he passed one of the rooms, moans from a couple having a morning romp reached his ears. Further, down the hall, a rhythmic banging hinted at a headboard getting a good workout.

The lazy indulgence of the house's occupants would continue throughout the day. No one had much to do, as the preparations for this Saturday's biannual event wouldn't begin until tomorrow. It was a rather huge function, with all of Madam Clairette's friends and associates invited for a formal dinner, then a ball and "get-together." Madam Clairette's version of formality.

But soon enough, the excitement would ignite and spread. Every submissive and dominant, even the household staff would glow with anticipation. And Bethany would see just how close a family this household could be.

Daniel stopped at the wide double-doors of Madam Clairette's office and knocked softly.

"Come in."

He opened the door, and crossed the threshold. The mistress looked up from the mess of papers on her desk, smiling at the sight of him. "Daniel, it's good to see you up."

"Good morning, mistress." He walked to the chair.

"I have to say this, my dear boy, Bethany is an absolute delight! She is a sweet thing for the most part, but the fire inside her pleases me. She's very respectful and astute, unlike so many of the girls who come my way. She wants to learn, and understands there is a process. I just know she will flourish in so many ways."

"I've always believed that." Daniel looked away, biting his lip.

Madam Clairette's lighthearted charm dimmed. "Speak, my boy. I know you want to. You have something on your mind, and it isn't like you to hold your tongue."

"She told me you've chosen Keegan as her master. Isn't he a little harsh for her?"

Madam Clairette folded her hands on her desk. "You wanted it to be you."

"I'm hoping..." Daniel trailed off, knowing it wasn't his decision what happened during Bethany's training. He understood that fact before the interview, but he still hoped.

"To select you above all my doms would've been a conflict of interest, Daniel. You have a very deep, personal relationship with her, I respect and adore. I'm thankful that she makes you so very happy. Your eyes shine when you speak of her." The mistress shifted forward and rested her chin on her fists. "But that isn't all of it. Yesterday, I saw Bethany for what she really is. I sense what she needs. A master like Keegan will take complete control from her, and give her what she needs by breaking her. Just as any true submissive, above all things, requires. Not only that, but Keegan will show her how a master of this house should act, if she chooses to switch from bottom to top. He will not allow her any delusions, nor will he coddle her like you would. He will not hesitate in the areas you haven't grown into yet."

"You seem very sure about your selection." Daniel stared at the floor, hands clasped at his back.

"Daniel?"

"Hmm?"

"Look at me," the mistress said softly.

With reluctance, Daniel compiled. Her sharp gaze suggested she could see into his soul.

"Tell me, this anxiety you feel-is it concern for Bethany, or are your own issues overshadowing this conversation?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"Come now, my boy. Have we resorted to lying to one another? We are above such petty instances." Madam Clairette sighed, but he'd barely tapped into her well of patience. "Keegan is the one who broke you when you first came here. His strength and techniques overcame you?"

Daniel's cheeks burned. Should he say the words he never allowed himself to utter aloud, except when he stared at himself in the mirror, alone? To admit while he'd craved his master, at the same time, he'd been repelled by Keegan's methods? Such disrespect to one's dom wasn't acceptable.

"Whatever you say will stay within these four walls, Daniel. I swear it. This is just between you and me. Not Bethany, or Keegan-no one. Have I ever betrayed your trust?"

"No, Mistress."

"Then, let's talk about this."