Chapter 4: Treading Water

Making Waves

I hope down the stairs feeling an unusual excitement bubble up inside me. The strapless bikini top stays up as I bounce, a short joyful tune jingling from the steps as I dance down.

At the bottom, Rat stands outside his office. A smirk curls the corner of his mouth. 'Having fun?' he drawls.

I clap my hands, breathless. 'Who am I today?'

He lifts a delicate necklace between two fingers, copper catching the dim light. He beckons me inside. The door shuts behind me with a soft thud. I bend automatically, spreading my legs. It's a ritual by now.

Rat settles into his chair, spanking my bottom affectionately. 'Not today, dewdrop. You've impressed the parents. Word's spread about how you stood up to a client and kept your partner safe. Bold move.'

I straighten up, dropping onto the bench by the wall, heart thudding a little faster. Bold? Me? I shift slightly, the hard wood cool under my bare thighs.

Rat leans forward, the heavy copper collar sliding into his hands. I suck in a sharp breath as the weight lifts from my neck. It feels almost too light. I feel exposed.

His small hands brush against my skin as he fastens the delicate copper necklace, its thin chain settling cold against my collarbone.

'You have a sponsor,' he murmurs, eyes glinting. 'Your duties have changed. Now it's time to play babysitter with the noble brats.'

I finger the pendant lightly, tracing its edges. Raised bumps on the face--my new license. My new collar, just a prettier one.

I close my eyes, focusing hard on Rat.

He chuckles softly, patting my knee. 'Yes, yes, dewdrop. I can still locate you. No running away.'

I ease back, exhaling. 'So... what am I supposed to do?'

Please don't let it be babysitting sticky-fingered little kids. Snotty noses, tantrums, bottles--ugh. I could have stayed home for that, surrounded by a sea of younger cousins.

He scans me over, nodding. 'Love's in the air. The latest crop of nobles is out to prove their worth, but they like to pretend it's all just one big party. That's where you come in. The parents want someone cool to keep an eye on things--make sure their precious cherubs behave, don't take advantage of each other unless that's what's wanted. Keep the mood smooth, keep the play flowing. All. Day. Long.'

I blink. Intrigued. Confused. No idea what he's hinting at.

He grins, sharp and knowing. 'You're a chaperone, dewdrop. But you're expected to play with the kiddies.'

Ah. Oh.

'I don't do minors,' I mutter, wary. Another item on my Taboo list.

Rat snorts, tossing his hands up. 'Neither do they. Everyone's of age, requirement of membership. Seventeen, post-Rite for the girls. The lads--make sure they treat the ladies right. You mother the newbies. Mother the hesitant ones. Help them cross the threshold. They can't become citizens until this phase of their life is done.'

He tosses a towel at me, grin curling again. 'Here's your uniform. Your sponsor's covered your club membership, your open tab, and a week's worth of uniforms. Keep them clean. Rotate daily.'

I unfold the pretty wrap, blinking at the draping fabric, unsure what I'm supposed to do with it.

Rat waves toward the door, holding up a slip of paper. 'Here's the address. Ten-minute walk. But the public won't take kindly to a skimpily clad toys wandering the streets, so twist that thing into a dress or something.'

The door opens. I'm dismissed.

I dash back upstairs, breathless. I know exactly who I'm dragging into this. The newest chick--the human who refuses to come downstairs. She's been itching for a task, something to prove her worth without doing my duties. I've figured it out. She's a whizz with the curling iron, a magician with makeup.

If she can transform me into the next waterproof darling, we both win.

I walk through the pool club to the open enclosed area outside, wrap over one shoulder as I peer over my sunnies. I stop dead. It's like I've crashed a primary school dance. Boys awkwardly clumped on one side of the deck, girls in little giggling huddles on the other. Except--these aren't humans. Fae don't have breasts, so the line between boys and girls blur. They're all lean, glossy-limbed, prancing around in flash little budgie smugglers, laughing too hard, showing off shimmering wings and toned backs.

I take a breath. Right. Babysitter. Chaperone. Party mood. I square my shoulders, flash a grin and wade in.

'Right, Bartender. First round's on me, make everyone's a double. And put in a large order of Pewters, three per head.'

I pause, biting playfully on my sunnies as all eyes swing my way. 'And for gods sakes. Get some better music going. Play Ruinwish followed by Hex and Honey.'

Time to get this party started.

The Shallow End

I stand back a moment to survey my domain. Boys meet girls, couples drift to the privacy cabanas and lock the door, filling the air with moans and groans of awkward first passions. All is right.

Except the three ladies hiding on the sidelines. I fill a tray with fairy cakes and cocktails, strutting over their way to the jamming beat through dancing throngs of fae making out around the pool's edge. My club has become more popular. I don't set rules on who does who.

Equal love and opportunity is our only motto.

That and don't piss me off. No means no. End story.

I listen to the winds, pausing to place my tray down on a table. I use my key and open a locked door, spreading my wings wide.

'No means no.' I lift a guy off by his ponytail. I press the sink crystal against his neck, sucking away his offensive spells. His magical scent wafts over me. I growl deep in my throat as I drag him out of the open door. 'One warning. You're out.'

He scrambles to keep from being dragged as I bring him to a security exit, shoving him through. 'He's banned. Brought his house to shame. Make it known.' I advise the security pixies.

Pea cocks her finger my way, clicking her tongue. 'Gotcha, Boss.'

His clothes float behind the guy as he's forcibly expelled into the street, naked.

I wander back to my tray, checking in on the girl. She presses her body against another guy on the dance floor.

Resilient little fuckers.

With every rejection, my club becomes more popular. Win for me, win for them.

I sit down quietly on a chair in front of the three spinsters, offering my drinks. 'So not into this scene?'

One takes the cake, eating it sullenly. She's a cute little thing--one of those serious types that probably tops all her classes.

'I have to be here until two.' She nibbles at the cake.

She's resentful. But there's more brewing under the surface. Hurt. Pain. Wariness.

I sip my drink, watching her. 'So why stay? Why not just duck down to the library, then swing back here for pickup time?'

I mean, most of my studying was the opposite scenario.

She finishes the cake. 'You don't get it. We have to do this.'

I glance over at the cabanas where the sounds of fumbling bodies fill the air. 'Lose your virginity, maybe?' I mean, with all the bonking going on...

'That was our rite,' she snaps, sharp and defensive. 'This is about fertility.'

Another hisses at me from across the table, crossing her arms and legs tightly. Clear fuck-off vibes.

Oh gods. I draw in a slow breath, glancing around the pool. The whole thing shifts in my mind--it's not just a party

It's a fucking ritual.

Suddenly, a giggly girl tumbles into my lap, draping her arms around my neck. She kisses my cheek, warm breath against my ear. 'We need some help, dewdrop.'

She nips my earlobe, then sucks on my neck.

Ah. That kind of help.

Angsty good girls... or horny couple looking for a third?

I knock back the rest of my drink, stand, and scoop her up in my arms.

'Point the way, Tiger.'

She kisses me hard, laughing as she gestures toward Cabana Two. Show's on.

The Deep End

I glance toward the exit, catching the eyes with the security pixies at the door. I nod. They nod back, predatory grins flashing. All clear. I turn.

'What can I help with?'

The lady on the lounge--Eager, I think of her--lounges back, draped across the cushions. Three guys already stand half-undressed, eager for her attention. She smiles slyly at me.

'I want them all,' she purrs, 'but love only one. That's where you come in.'

She gestures. 'Undress. Help the others.'

I grin, slowly slipping out of my strappy number. Turning, I let my wings flare wide as the strap slides off my arm, flicking a glance over my shoulder as the music pulses. The guys liven up immediately.

Fertility drums through my mind--the raw pull of it, the way it underpins everything here. Kids making kids to earn a place in society. How did it come to this?

I push the thought aside, stepping to the nearest guy, Lips. I kiss him slowly, teasing his bottom lip, feeling him shiver. Then I move to the next, tracing a fingertip down his cheek, his chest, cupping his bottom and pulling him close. He has the deepest blue eyes I've ever seen.

'No need to take turns, Tigers.'

I lower myself between them, drawing them into my rhythm, playful and commanding. Their responses are predictable. I glance back at Lips. 'Heads, or tails?'

Lips already studies my ass, licking his lips. 'Tails.'

I flash Blue a flirty wink. 'Guess you get heads.'

And drop to my hands.

Blue has been around for a few days. He offers himself to me like a gentleman. Our eyes lock as I take him in, running my tongue over the rim of his head. He gasps sharply as I flicker my tongue teasingly along the edge, then blow hot air on the wet. As his balls recoil, I bury his shaft into my warm mouth, pressing hard with my lips at his base.

A nice four incher, he's a big one. I can see why Eager was shy to take him. She's dainty for a fae.

Blue's eyes roll up as he begins to thrust. His hand gently cups my cheeks, he has manners.

Behind me, Lips dips his fingers into my wet slit. 'Oh, she's wet.' He plays around as I groan. Slowly, he teases his head in, keeping it shallow.

Next to us, Eager and her guy kiss and fumble but their eyes remain glued on me.

Just how I like it.

I moan loudly around Blue's shaft, opening my mouth wider to capture his balls. Gently, I draw a whisper of energy from him, his knees buckle as he groans. He pulls out, his balls falling as he thrusts harder into my face.

Hands grasp my horns. 'Pardon me,' he huskily says. The pace becomes faster as his hips slap into my chin. Slap. Bap. Slap. He drills into my mouth, spurred on by his mounting passions.

Lips moans. 'Yeah. Fuck her face. I want to see it.'

Blue shifts sideways, making me have to bend. I catch a sight of Lips' head stretch higher. A 'shifter?

I need to address him next. I draw lightly again from Blue as he pummels my mouth. I suck and lick his shaft as it hits the back of my tongue repeatedly.

He calls out. 'I'm gonna come.'

Boyfriend slides out of the way, Eager spreads her gorgeous legs showing us her wet box. 'Slide on in, just the head.'

Blue holds onto his cock as he slides into Eager, thrusting hard into her a few times before his back arches. He groans as he presses against her, grinding into her clit with his fist. He pumps and presses through his orgasm.

Boyfriend caresses Blue's butt. 'That's it. Get all of it in her.'

I'm so fucking turned on. And now I have a 'shifter to play with. I stand up, towering over him. 'I want you in both holes. Ever heard of undies?'

Lips' grin grows as I lift him up, holding him close to my groin. He shifts, his form ripples, melts and before I know it, he's sliding across my skin like silk.

I laugh under my breath. I literally wear him like a pair of undies. Two shafts press against my needy holes. Less of his body disappears as I feel him widen, deep into me. I lean against the wall. 'Fuck, yeah.'

I settle his form against the side table, and draw back. Burying one of his dicks deep into my ass. I love 'shifters. Dirty little fucks, the lot of them.

He shivers, his groans match mine as I slide forward on his other dick into my slit.

Dripping Wet

Lips moulds himself, anchoring to the table with a wicked grin. 'Fuck me.'

I hold on and take him for a ride. No one moves as they watch.

I bend my knees, rocking my hips back and forward riding both of his poles. I feel cooler air kiss my ass. He smiles lecherously. 'Letting them see the show, dewdrop.'

I don't care. I barely notice as I press my hand against the wall for leverage. I hump and ride his poles as the table rhythmically slaps the wall.

Cheers come up from behind me. Eager and Boyfriend start fucking again.

I press back, feeling the naturally slicked cock bury deep as the front one almost pops out. Lips begins to shimmy, shaking his front against my clit. My knees wobble, my heart racing.

He thrusts faster, driving me closer to the edge--until suddenly, he slips from my grip, sliding down between my legs.

Boyfriend steps back again. Lips mounts Eager, sliding his cock into her hot, juicy box and pumps. Boyfriend rubs Lips' back, his ass, his balls encouraging. 'Give her all you've got.'

Lips grunts, his body tightening. His balls constrict. Eager lifts her hips, clicking her fingers like a queen.

I bite my lip in frustration, sliding a cushion under her hips. She meets my gaze with a sly smile. 'Sit on my face.'

Oh my gods.

I straddle her, facing Boyfriend, just as she commands. Eager's tongue flicks, hungry and relentless. My fingers circle my clit, faster, harder, chasing the surge.

Lips backs away, and Boyfriend slides back in. He keeps his gaze fixed on my clit as he pumps hard, his hips bucking like a hummingbird.

The tongueing. The show I put on, Lips and Blue lounge as they watch. Gods-damned little voyeurs.

Overwhelmed. Heat rising, flooding my body again.

Eager sucks, licks, devours my lips.

The cum of two guys makes Boyfriend squelch with each rapid-fire thrust.

I tease my clit mercilessly, hard friction smoothed by her saliva and my juices. I touch Boyfriend's shoulder, drawing from both of them, just enough to taste their energy--more pure, more charged.

Together, Eager and Boyfriend come. As he thrusts, grinds and groans with her, I tip over the edge. My wings tighten as pleasure courses through me. My muscles clamp down as I grind against Eager's face for my own pleasure.

A smile tugs at my lips as my wings unfurl again.

Her delicate little hand taps me twice, prompting me to jump off the lounge.

Eager wipes her face, looking satisfied. 'The guys can go. I want you to make me come again.'

This is the service I'm building my reputation on. It's starting to make sense.

The guys bow, closing the door behind them as I settle between her raised hips. I pull her to the edge so I can kneel comfortably.

I tease her clit, ignoring the urge to dip into her burnt marshmallow flavoured box.

Fertility?

I draw on her energy and she gasps. I lick her clit and give it a suck. A whisper of energy shifts to me. She groans.

I dare not slurp up Lips' buzz giving jizz. Dark fae.

I rub my fingers over her tiny labia, using some cum to lube my pinky. As I suck hard on her swollen clit, I tease her anal bud lightly. Her sphincter rebels, so I keep the pressure light.

With each suck, energy shifts my way and her pleasure grows. As she builds to a frenzy, I slip most of her energy back. An electric jolt to her clit and she bucks against my face, legs clamping around my neck.

Pressure.

Like she's the boss.

Fertility.

'So why the three different guys?'

She shrugs. 'If I can't prove the father, I get to marry lower than my current station. I'll get to marry my boyfriend when we're ready.'

What kind of sick society requires kids to have kids to become citizens? Another few drinks will numb my feelings.

I have my reputation to build. Maybe that will bring Ruun back to me.