Possession

Connor sat in the plush chair of the dining room. His eyes remained on the door opposite of the room. His previous blank expression replaced with one of cold defiance. Silence ate away at the time occasionally broken by the shifting of the large keepers behind him.

General Vesperian entered the room sitting next to his pet at one end of the table.

Connor didn’t even look at him.

“Connor.”

“Yes master Vesperian.”

It still amazed Darius, the way that Connor could make a word like Master seem so reviled. “Show me your wrists.”

Looking through him, Connor held out his wrists. The bandaging was beginning to bleed through already.

“Follow me.”

Connor stood up stiffly.

Vesperian sighed and led him through the halls toward his own chambers.

“Wait out here.” He motioned to the guards, leading Connor into the room.

While enormous, the room was surprisingly unlived. Through the doors ahead he saw the large bed didn’t look slept in, but that could have been the precision of servants. Nothing was out of place. The desk in the closest corner of the front room was covered in files and papers. Both adjoining walls were covered in maps and recon photos. Along the map of the banpo empire a huge red line was scrawled far to the north. He didn’t have time to check its location before he was dragged to one of the adjoining room: a large sitting room with a door to the hallway. A few of the plush sofas sat in a a box formation around a small table in the center. The table, clearly meant for entertaining was covered in bandages and gauze and every healing supply imaginable. Not to mention, bottles of medicines and herbs were spread intermittently.

“Sit.” Vesperian ordered even as he began to pick items from the disorganized table.

“Connor sat on the one of the couches, away from Vesperian.

Darius sat across from Connor, he immediately began to remove the bandages. Wincing when he saw firsthand how badly he’d reopened the initial wounds. It was a wonder the boy had full control over his hands let alone that they hadn’t needed to amputate. The sight sank to the bottom of his stomach. The wounds quickly dressed, Vesperian sat for a moment with the weight of Connor’s wrists in his hands. “I’m not going to apologize for punishing you Connor.”
The boy looked up at him with defiance and hate in his eyes. “Fuck you.”

“I can’t allow you to behave like that and you know it; however, I should have taken into consideration your injuries.”

Silence.

“Tonight I will call for you.”

Connor looked at him in shock, “excuse me?”

“That is what owners do with their pets Connor. You will come to my bed tonight. Not even those in the house can perceive our deceit” Vesperian moved to leave the room the orders for the night weighing all the more heavily now that he’d seen the consequences of his temper.

. . .

Mikhael sat at the table impatiently tapping his fingers. The decorum of dining was rather unpleasant without the necessity of formality with pets. The door to the room clicked open.

Selix entered the room. The dark powder smudged around his eyes made the brightness of his gaze all the more vibrant. The long flowing dinner gown trailed along the floor. The look of hunger on Mikhael’s face made him all the more confident that he’d prepared well for the evening.

Mikhael thought he was seeing a whole different pet. Since the kiss in the shop, Selix moved with a new sexuality that made his previous movements look like coy child’s play. He shook his head. Pet’s were trained to behave this way and he would never stoop so low as to be attracted to someone without a will of their own. When Selix kneeled at his feet, his mouth went dry. “Selix, sit beside me.”

“But Master, I want to be at your feet.” As if proving to him he was telling the truth Selix leaned over, one hand caressing Mikhael’s leg as he lay his head on it.

Mikhael couldn’t resist touching Selix’s golden hair, it shined in the light, like the soft down feathers of a bird. He clenched his fist on the table. “Please get up and sit next to me. I don’t want anyone at my feet. I told you before I want to treat you like a man not a toy.”

Selix rose and sat beside him at the table. Once again, the silent nervous boy seemed to peek out from behind those bright eyes.

“You look beautiful Selix.” Something genuine and bright shown in the boys eyes that made Mikhael sure he’d done the right thing by turning the boy down.

. . .

The silence was excruciating. Selix would have been completely crushed if he still didn’t see the desire in Mikhael’s face. Why wasn’t he good enough? He stared at his empty plate. At the shop, in Mikhael’s arms he’d felt so alive, so hot and passionate. He’d felt like the stories they used to tell at the trainers about dark handsome owners who passionately took their pets up in their arms and carried them off to bed. Master Cruz had never been one of those owners. The one time Selix offered himself, Master Cruz just laughed and sent him back to bed after a stern explanation that he didn’t want Selix to serve him that way. He felt that way now, awkward and childish. He looked at Master Vesperian from the corner of his eye. His stomach jumped the way those pale eyes seemed to pierce right through him.

The slam of the door brought Mikhael and Selix from their thoughts.

Selix shrank when the harsh eyes of the brown haired man met his own. There was a collar around his neck and two large guards that could have been keepers, but he wasn’t sure. No pet he’d ever seen looked like that. He cringed as the man pulled his chair back scrapping on the floor. No definitely not a pet. “Good evening General Vesperian, Good evening sir.”

Darius looked at the brunet over the edge of his wine glass. “Good evening Selix, you do not need to address a fellow pet so formally though.”

Selix’s eyes widened and Mikhael scoffed loudly.


“Yes, I don’t believe you’e been introduced to my pet. Selix, this is Connor. Connor this is Selix, my brother’s pet.”

“Merry meet.” Selix bowed his head in Connor’s direction. Connor’s blue eyes just stared back at him, a cold cruel gaze that made him look back down at his plate.

Connor didn’t think he could take much more of this. That silly mindless blonde kept staring at him like he was deformed and Vesperian made idol chat with his brother, who didn’t seem at all interested. The food placed in front of him looked like a rainbow threw up on his plate. Dainty fruits and delicate leaves lay arranged in front of him like he was some sort of bird to be lured by the seeds, while juice steaks and light salads were placed in front of the Vesperian’s. The blonde didn’t say a word just cheerily ate stealing puppy-like glances at his master.

“Something wrong, Connor.” Vesperian smiled.

Connor glared at him. From the corner of his eyes he saw the little blonde’s mouth fall open in shock. “No Master Vesperian.”

“Is the food not to your enjoyment, pet.” Vesperian smiled tauntingly. “Would you like a bite of mine.

Connor’s eyes sharpened. This was a test and he knew it. The other man was trying to make an excuse to have him excused, to hide the disobedient man he paraded around like a trophy from the delicate, inane flower of a pet. “ No, Master Vesperian.”

“Really I insist.” Vesperian offered pointed his fork toward Connor, a small chunk of meat on the end.

Connor didn’t move. He just stared off at the wall ignoring the food being waved at him.

“Come now, pet. Don’t be shy.”

Connor clenched his fists and resisted the urge to stab the man with the pathetic excuse for a knife they’d given him. “No thank you, Master Vesperian.”

“Ah ah ah… just one bite.” Darius’s tone grew harsh and demanding.

Selix watched, eyes wide, hands clutching his napkin in his lap. He nearly sighed in relief when he saw him stiffly lean over and eat the meat from the end of the fork! Thank Epheus he’d behaved. He’d seen what happened to pets that didn’t behave. He smiled nervously at the pet, encouraging compliance as his fellow pets had encouraged his own at the trainers. His kindness returned in the form of another scowl. He returned to his meal, focusing on the sweet tasting fruits.

The four retired stiffly to the sitting room, where the Vesperian brothers were served their coffee and brandy. Selix nearly squealed with glee when he sat at Master Vesperian’s feet and wasn’t forced to move elsewhere. He nearly died when Connor sat down on the couch before General Vesperian moved halfway to his chair. He stared up at the muscled figure and sculpted face of his Master. His own luck surprised him. “Master, would you care for Connor and I to sing? I’m not sure where he trained but I’m sure we both know some of the same melodies.”

Darius chocked on his coffee “While Connor is flattered by your request.”

Connor’s near growl didn’t exactly say that.

“However, I’m afraid he’s tired from our day of shopping. I would love to hear your voice, if my brother permits.”

Mikhael rolled his eyes and then looked down at the expectant Selix. “I’m not much for singing.”

Selix’s shoulders sank and he returned his gaze to the floor.

“Perhaps a story though. I’ve always favored myths.”

Selix beamed brightly and nodded. Thought crossed over his face for a moment before he selected the perfect tale. His voice came smoothly, with the airiness of youth over the scent of coffee and the faint smell of his perfumed scent wafting up to Mikhael.
“Once, long before the beginning of the great Banpo Empire, a young noble, Orianto was borned unto a pair of nobles. On the day of his birth his destined match, decided by the gods while they both were still spirits, Epheus followed him into life’s fire. From their first meeting, the two were connected like parallel threads in the great tapestry of fate. The peace and joy of their childhood could not last forever, and tragedy befell the kingdom. Terrible invaders set on the land terrorizing the people and banishing the happiness.

‘The kingdom overtaken, the servants freed, Orianto, orphaned and stripped of his land and rights, traveled out of civilization to live or die in the hands of the gods. Epheus followed, for his home was with his Master. Orianto was left without money or possession but Epheus followed him, for his fulfillment came from Orianto’s joy. Even stripped of his clothing, Epheus gave Him his own, for he was not naked so long as his Master was clothed.

‘Into the darkness of the woods they traveled with only what little food and water Epheus could scrounge up. At last Orianto hungered, and Epheus fed him their food and water, for his Master was full so he was not hungry. The traveled deep into the night and Orianto’s feet tired, and Epheus carried him, for as long as his Master was not walking, Epheus’s feet were not sore. At last when they could travel no more Epheus gathered all the leaves he could find to build a bed for his Master, for as long as his Master did not lay on the forest floor, the ground was not hard.

‘The night waned on and Orianto was cold. With no more clothing to give, and nothing to build a fire, Epheus lay his long hair across his Master’s body, curling his body around Orianto’s feet so as to keep him warm, for as long as Orianto was warm, the night was not cold.

‘The gods saw this great deed, and Lias, god of the stars came down to the servant and bid him abandon his Master to serve him instead. Epheus refused, wanting to serve Orianto for all his life. Angered by the refusal the god took him and flung him into the stars, tearing him from his beloved Master. Epheus wept, knowing that without his guidance his Master would be lost.

‘Orianto awoke the next night, and could not find Epheus. He looked up to the stars, and there he found his servant. In his last great moment, Epheus guided him once again, one arm outstretched to the west, where he hoped to lead his Master to safety. We remember him in these humble and proud lyrics.

‘The constellations of the faithful servant,
To his fated Master true guidance lent,
His hair a blanket for his Master’s body,
His voice, in the night, a gentle melody,
His arm to the promise land directed,
To the great Banpo, his Master, he led. “

Selix’s voice gently quieted to a hum in his chest. The words well memorized, the melody sung in beautiful chords. There was a long moment of quiet, and a beautiful and gentle peace on his face.

Connor wanted to scream when he first heard Selix’s telling of Epheus. For a moment, when the boy began to sing, he saw what he’d seen in the eyes of Anna so often. He saw hope and belief in reason and in goodness. As much as he couldn’t stand the brutalized version of the tale of Epheus, he couldn’t bring himself to take that happiness from Selix.

Darius clapped politely.

The gentle hand in Selix’s hair told him he’d made his Master proud. He smiled up at Mikhael, ecstatic he’d done something right.

“Why don’t you retire for the night Connor. I’ll call for you later.” Darius enjoyed a long sip of his coffee. A red blush went over Connor’s face but Darius wasn’t sure if it was embarrassment or rage.

Another angry glare and Connor left the room, happy to be free of the bullshit and pomp.

“I think I’ll be going as well. I have reports to go over.” Darius stood up and set down his cup. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, General Vesperian.” Selix smiled brightly.

“Goodnight.” Mikhael mumbled at the not so subtle attempt to leave the two of them alone.

Selix enjoyed the silence, resting his head against Master’s knee. The smell of the coffee still lingered, but this close to Master, he smelled Master Vesperian’s masculine scent. Like a mixture of gunpowder, the earth and brandy. Master smelled warm and dry at the same time. It made him want to crawl into the larger man’s lap and busy his nose in Master’s neck. He sighed lazily and nuzzled the knee against his head. A hesitant hand came down to stroke his head.

“Selix.” It was almost a whisper against the quiet of the room.

“Mmm. Yes Master.” Selix sighed his reply leaning into his Master’s touch.

“Perhaps you should go to bed as well.”

“Can I stay with you for a while?” Immediately after the sleepy words left his mouth he sat up straight. “I’m sorry Master. I forgot myself for a moment. I’ll go to bed.” Selix stood up in a flurry of silken cloth and rushed to the door, his cheeks red.

“Selix.”

Selix spun around quickly, the cloth following him and floating around him for a moment before swishing into place. “Yes Master.”

“It wasn’t an order. I thought you might be tired.” Mikhael looked at Selix’s confused face. He spoke as gently as possible, as if afraid to spoke Selix with person decision. “That wasn’t an order. You can stay if you like.”

“If I like?” Selix cocked his head to oneside.

Mikhael nearly laughed at how much the boy looked like a confused dog. “Yes. What would you like.”

There was another moment of thought behind those bright smoky eyes and then a grin spread over his lips. “Anything I like?”

“Depending on what it is you want.” Mikhael answered carefully.

Selix slinked toward him again. Finding that same heat that came with his first kiss, he moved with the weight in his stomach. It pulled him toward Master.

Mikhael watched much like a deer in the headlight, a position he wasn’t accustomed to.

Selix moved into Master’s lap, one arm coming around his Master’s neck. That warm spicy smell overpowered him and as the hot breath of his Master came out in a slight exhale, he smelled the sweet brandy on his breath. Without thinking, he just did wha his body demanding.

Those sweet lips were pressed against his own, tasting almost overwhelmingly sweet from his dinner of fruit. The coolness of Selixs mouth against his own, demanded that Mikhael drink him down like a glass of water on a hot summer patrol. His tongue found the seam of this plush lips and parted them earning a low moan from the younger man in his lap.

A million thoughts were racing through Selix’s mind: all the stories from the other pets at training, the tales of hot sticky bodies, the heat in his stomach, the arousal that pulsed in his groin with a life he’d never known. The strong hands of Master, pulling him closer and forcing him to straddle those large powerful thighs brought a moan from his lips. He couldn’t breathe. He didn’t want to.

Mikhael broke contact for a moment, Pressing his forehead against Selix’s. Eyes closed he panted his own passion, his pants far too tight.

“Master.”

The panted word made him open his eyes. He knew he should tell Selix to get off him. He knew he should leave the room and sleep off his arousal. That flushed face came closer to his own and parted lips met his own with another groan. He couldn’t find the thoughts.

Selix saw the doubt in his Master’s eyes, but he just couldn’t bear to leave without one more kiss. He kissed Master again, this time his lips parted on their own pressing against Master’s. His tongue was caressed by Masters and he moaned again. His fingers sought purchase against Master’s shirt and in his hair. He pressed himself closer, his eyes snapping open at the brilliance of the newfound friction. “OH.” Selix Moaned in surprise against Master’s lips.

Mikhael stopped Selix, one hand on either side of his face, caressing his cheeks. “Selix.” He whispered hotly.

“Yes Master.” Selix smiled, his face flush with newfound passion.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“Do what, Master.” Selix stared into Master’s eyes catching the desire there, feeling himself grow harder.

“This isn’t what I want from you.”

The words were like ice water. The flushed smile disappeared from Selix’s face and he sat up. Suddenly feeling ridiculous in Master Vesperian’s lap.

Mikhael helped steady the wobbly boy as he seemed to look around for something. He tried to capture those bright green eyes with his own, but they seemed to look everywhere but at him.

“I’m sorry, Master.” It came as a mumbled word and Selix stood on weak knees. His mind still spinning, he attempted to find words. Master didn’t want him. It was just like last time. Master didn’t want him. Masters wanted pet’s like Connor… but they didn’t want him. Master Vesperian said he was beautiful. He’d kissed him. He’d touched him. Why didn’t Master want him.

MIkhael stood up and held Selix at the elbows trying to help steady the bow. He could see the conflict over his face. “Selix.” Bright eyes shot up at him, pleading and desperate.

“Perhaps I should go to bed after all.”

Mikhael nodded, concern on his face.

Selix’s eyes widened. He’d seen that look before. He’d seen it that night when Master Cruz sent him away. Then he’d been relieved. He wasn’t proud to admit it, but he had been. Now… now he just felt hollow. He felt hollow, and dirty and small. “Goodnight, Master Vesperian.” He forced a smile.

“Goodnight.” Mikhael said but it seemed as if he was the only one that heard them. The click of the door sounded loud in the room. He collapsed back into his chair and took a long drink of his brandy.

. . .


Darius sat going over the reports on his desk. A light tap came at the door to his private entrance. “Yes.”

The answer from the groomer came through the heavy door “General Vesperian, I’ve come to deliver Connor.”

The General nearly laughed when he thought of Connor’s reaction to that particular phrasing. He stood as the door swung out slightly. All speech left him when Connor, practically shoved into the room, stumbled to a stop in front of him. Connor stood before him like some wild god. His brown hair flowed lightly and orderly over his face. Makeup fanned lightly from his eyes. The dark green night robe tied tightly at this waist accenting the tan strength in his large shoulders. A pale blush over the boys cheeks could have been makeup.

One moment, Connor stood in the hall, the next he practically flew forward, stumbling in the awkward outfit that ridiculous groomer forced him into. For a moment he thought the general may have forgotten way he’d called him to the room but the cold look washed over his face again.

Feel free to go wash in the bathroom. There is a heavier robe in there if you’re uncomfortable in your current dress, as I imagine you are.

Connor pushed past Vesperian without a word, wiping the makeup away with his hands, eager to be rid of the ridiculously thin garment. He looked in the large reflective mirror at his own reflection. He didn’t look like himself. He looked like what they said, a pet. Large and muscled for a pet, but a pet none the less. He washed away all evidence of his submission. When he entered the bedroom again Vesperian was nowhere to be seen. “Vesperian?”

He peeked around the corner and didn’t see anyone at the desk.

“I’m over here.”

Connor looked into the room with the couches and found Vesperian reading a stack of papers.

“You’re free to take the bed. I’ll be sleeping in here tonight.”

Connor nodded and moved away to the bed. It was warm and smelled of lavender. His heavy frame sunk into the bed into the feathery pallet. Comfortable and sleek, but he’d bet anyone that the general spent more time in a tent or in that side room than on the bed. For a moment he felt guilty about sleeping on the bed, but when he moved and felt the scabs forming on his wrists stretch terribly he let that guilt go. Sleep refused to come as it did most nights.

Darius sighed as he finished the current report he was reading. He picked up the three thick reports that together formed the full accounts of what happened in Kirotikri.