“Please. I want to, Masters,” I begged, keeping my voice soft and submissive.
Zaavyr sat back and his hand left the top of my scalp. None of them said a word. I had to try harder.
“Let me prove myself,” I whispered. “Please.”
They were silent for a long time.
Finally, Jax moved from his chair, reaching forward and lifting my chin to meet my gaze. He studied me, and I did my best to hide my thoughts, my need to rebel and escape when I had the chance. I took a shaky breath before he sat back and released my chin.
“I won’t abide by this unless she is tested first, with someone we trust who won’t demand maximum discipline if she makes a mistake,” he said.
The men traded looks, their expressions brooding in nature. I bit my lip, feeling uneasy.
“What about Raythe? He could bring his human along. She could watch and observe to see if Kira is ready, give her advice about how to handle herself out in public,” Zaavyr suggested. The rest of them exchanged glances. “I can go and see if he’s busy and wouldn’t mind helping us out for a little while.”
“I think that would be a good idea,” Coltan added. His look toward me softened and I smiled in his direction.
“Let’s do this now, then,” Zaavyr said and the rest of the men looked pleased.
“Kira. I want you to wait here. Move to the center of the carpet and kneel, your heels under your ass, the backs of your hands on your knees. Wait for us to come back. Move and you’ll be punished, instead of just tested. Do you understand?” Aedan said, his voice dark.
“Yes, Master,” I replied, keeping my voice soft.
“If you disobey us in the presence of our comrade, you will not be allowed to go out in public with us,” Jax warned and I nodded, keeping my eyes downward.
I would submit. No matter what it took.
I did what he asked and moved to the center of the room, kneeling down and taking his instructions to heart. I stared at the floor, remembering who I was, what I was and what I aimed to live for.
Coltan stayed behind while the others left the room. I could feel his gaze and I felt my heart hammer faster in my chest. I didn’t say anything but took the time to reflect. I knew I was expected to remain silent.
Coltan was the one I’d grown closest to. He was kind and on multiple occasions had allowed me to speak freely. I hadn’t wanted to in the beginning, but I was starting to trust him. Zaavyr was the leader, calm, calculating but I respected him as he respected me. I was still figuring Jax out, but I appreciated his dark energy and his intelligence. He was never one to rush into things and always thought things through before reacting. Even Aedan had grown on me. He was the strictest of the four and didn’t hesitate to punish me harshly, but in every instance, I understood why. Despite his firm hand and my constantly sore ass, he was doing it to protect me, to teach me.
In terms of Vakarrans, they had surprised me. They weren’t like all those stories I’d heard. They never abused me in any way. It made me question everything, even when I didn’t want to.
I bit my lip.
“Coltan?” I ventured.
“Yes, Kira?”
/> “Will it be safe for me out there?”
“It will be, as long as you obey. And remember, you are not allowed to refer to us by name, ever, outside of this apartment,” he warned.
“I remember, Master,” I whispered softly.
“Good girl,” he said, and my heart fluttered in response.
Weird.
A few minutes later, the door slid open and I counted the footsteps that echoed against the metal floor of the hallway. There were a few extra pairs of feet. The time to test my submission had come.
I fought against the urge to raise my head. I wanted to, but I didn’t.
I had to pass their test.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Coltan rise from the couch. He knelt behind me and placed a warm palm on my shoulder. He pressed me down gently, holding me in place as I knelt on the floor. I breathed a shaky burst of air when something dropped in front of my face.