Terms of Submission ch 10

As his mistress comforted the wolf, who was obviously dealing with some bad memories, Rowan looked at Jaismid. It was not over. "You leave any alive?" he asked the jinn.

He shrugged. "I tried. Humans are fragile."

Rowan listened for heartbeats and breathing. "That one's alive," he said, pointing to a man slumped over a car. "Although not for long, I think."

Jaismid nodded. "We should question him quickly, then." With a gentle touch of his hand, he brought the guy around.

The man opened his eyes. His breathing was harsh. Rowan grasped his chin and forced him to meet his gaze. "Who sent you?"

He shook his head, gasping for air. "I'll never tell."

"It's okay," Rowan purred. "You can tell me."

The human tried to look away. "No... I... I won't betray her."

"Who are you talking about?" Rowan coaxed. "Who is she?"

"The Lady of Roses..." he groaned. "My mistress..."

"Who is your mistress?" Rowan crooned. "You can tell me."

"I don't know her name..." he said. "Or where she is right now. But she wants you... Because you can find... Her. And my lady wants her, for her power."

"Her?" Rowan questioned.

"The Ancient One..." the man gasped. Then he died.

Jaismid sighed. "Well, at least we tried to get useful information."

Rowan frowned at Jaismid. "Tried? I think we got some very useful information."

Jaismid grimaced. "We have no idea who, or where, this mistress of his is. Same for this Ancient One. What kind of a title is that, anyways? Who calls themselves the Ancient One? Or the Lady of Roses, for that matter?"

Rowan grimaced. "I have no idea who the Lady of Roses is, but there's only one Ancient One they could be referring to."

"Alvoran?" guessed Jaismid. "He's pretty old."

"But I didn't know how to find him until a few days ago," Rowan countered. "Besides, the man we questioned said 'her.' The Ancient One is female. There's only one female immortal I know how to find, and it's common knowledge in certain circles that I'm one of the few people she talks to regularly."

"Who?" asked Jaismid.

"Sato Ai," Rowan told him. "The world's oldest living vampire."

*

Gently, Athena drew the sword from Darren's gut. "You're sure this will heal?" she asked anxiously.

He nodded. "Yeah. It'll heal fine."

"I bet it still hurts, though," Athena said. "Want me to ask Jaismid if there's something he can do?"

He shrugged self-consciously. "It's not that bad."

Athena smiled tentatively. "Thank you. You saved my life."

Another self-conscious shrug. "You're my mate. I'd do a lot more to keep you safe than this."

"You may have to soon," said Rowan, walking over from where he'd been questioning one of the men. "This isn't over."

"What isn't over?" Alvoran said, stepping out of thin air. Looking around at the bodies, his lips twitched. "I told you not to get into trouble while I was gone."

Rowan sighed. "I thought you were meeting us at the condo."

Alvoran shrugged. "I changed my mind." He stepped up to one of the bodies, examining it, and sighed. "Which one of you were they after?"

Athena raised a tentative hand. "It, umm, looked like they were after me."

Alvoran's eyes widened. "That's not... I mean, you must be wrong."

Jaismid shook his head solemnly. "They pushed right past us and went for her. Why is that so surprising?"

Alvoran pointed to the body he'd been examining. "Because that's a member of the Society." Looking around, he pointed to three others. "So are those." He shook his head. "The Society wouldn't go after a human."

Rowan examined the bodies more closely. His eyes widened. "You're right!"

Darren spoke. "The one I killed last--the one that stabbed me--I don't think he was a member of the Society. He was a member of the Order of Chronomages." He looked aside, shamefaced. "Or what was left of them."

Rowan frowned. "We managed to question one. He said they were working for someone called the Lady of Roses. That ring any bells?"

Alvoran shook his head. "No." He frowned. "How does she have members of the Society working for her?"

Rowan frowned. "If I had to guess, she subsumed their will somehow. Some sort of magic was resisting my compulsion, and it didn't feel like Society magic."

Alvoran grimaced. "Great. Just great. Any idea why she wants Athena dead?"

Rowan sighed. "She likely wants to subsume my will. I know how to find the eldest vampire." He looked shrewdly at Alvoran. "The last demon would likely be a nice bonus."

Athena frowned. "So she can't control you while I'm alive?"

"My bond protects both of us against all mind magic except its own while active," Alvoran told her. "Rowan's likely does the same."

Rowan nodded. "It does." He looked around. "Jaismid, the spells on the ring counter mind magic, right?"

Jaismid nodded. "Yes."

The three turned to Darren. "I doubt you have any protection," mused Alvoran. "Rowan could fix that."

Darren stepped back, growling. "I don't want you in my head."

Athena touched Darren's shoulder. "You trust me, right?"

Darren nodded. "Of course."

"Well, I control Rowan," Athena told him. "I won't let him hurt you. Not that he wants to. Right, Rowan?"

Rowan nodded. "Right."

Darren sighed. "That is sound logic."

"So you'll let me help you?" asked Rowan.

Darren grimaced. "I would, but... The beast doesn't trust you. And logic won't convince it. It would try to take over and kill you."

"What if I held you?" Athena asked. "That would keep it calm. Plus, while it tries to get me to let go without hurting me, Rowan would have a chance to get away."

Darren blushed. "That, ummm, might work."

Jaismid sighed. "Can we do this somewhere other than a parking lot full of dead bodies? Someone is bound to call the police eventually."

Rowan nodded decisively. "Athena, Alvoran, get in my car. Jaismid, can you drive Darren?"

The argument over who was driving Athena did not take long. As the snarling started, Athena cut it off with an imperious proclamation. "It doesn't matter. We're all going to the same place. And I'm driving myself. Darren, Alvoran, you can ride with me if you like."

This made Rowan happy, because she was using the car he got her. Darren and Alvoran were happy because they got to stay with her. If Jaismid was miffed, he didn't show it.

They arrived at a skyscraper. As the valet parked her car, Athena looked up at it with wide eyes. "Wow."

Rowan, waiting to hand his keys off, smiled. "Emma should be waiting in the lobby."

Athena, Darren, and Alvoran entered. An attractive blonde hurried over to them. "Ms. Johnson, I presume?" she said with a smile.

Athena nodded. "Yeah. You're Emma?"

The woman nodded professionally. "Yes. I am Mr. Black's personal assistant. Is he with you?"

Rowan entered. He smiled warmly. "Emma."

Athena frowned at him. Rowan didn't notice. Alvoran wondered if she was jealous of the pretty woman. "We're waiting for one other."

Emma gave them her professional smile. "Yes. Mr. Jaismid Cadfan. Is he arriving soon?"

Before any of them could answer, Jaismid walked through the door. "Sorry. I'm new to the city, and the GPS wasn't entirely helpful." He scowled.

Emma's pearly whites made another professional appearance. "Ah, good. You're all here. Are you ready to view the condo?"

Darren seemed a bit distracted, but Jaismid murmured an affirmative, Athena and Alvoran nodded, and Rowan said, "Yes, Emma. We would."

She led the five of them to the elevator. When they got in, she scanned a key card, which she immediately handed to Rowan. Then she punched the button labeled "penthouse." "I have key cards for the rest of you, too," she said. "No other copies have been made."

Handing the key cards out, she added, "The security for the building is contracted out to one of Mr. Black's companies, and I have replaced the regular guards with some of Mr. Black's special ones."

Darren looked nervous. "So vampires?"

Alvoran answered before Emma could. "Rowan never makes other vampires. They're blood slaves."

Emma nodded. "Yes, like myself." She smiled adoringly at Rowan. "That reminds me, do you need to feed, Mr. Black?"

Rowan shook his head. "No, but thank you, Emma. What security measures are in place?"

The two were still discussing security when they reached the top. Rowan cut off mid-sentence when Athena gasped. "What?" he asked, brow furrowed with concern. "Is something wrong?"

Athena shook her head. "It's... It's so big!"

Emma covered her mouth with her hand, clearly hiding her amusement. "This is the entryway. Your previous place must have been quite small."

She showed them around the apartment, pointing out the four bedrooms, each of which had an attached bathroom and study, and highlighting the state-of-the-art appliances in the kitchen. "Will Ms. Johnson be requiring a personal chef?"

Athena shook her head dumbly. "I can cook."

Emma gave her a smile that seemed, in Alvoran's opinion, slightly condescending. "Of course. Now, over here we have a room that would be perfect for a library--"

Alvoran hung back, examining the kitchen. Cooking was a passion of his, and he couldn't wait to figure out what Athena's favorite foods were.

Jaismid hung back as well. "I don't like her," he said softly.

Alvoran sighed. "Me neither, but she's a blood slave. She is literally incapable of betraying Rowan."

"Are we sure she's a blood slave?" he asked. "It's possible she's just saying she is in order to gain Rowan's trust."

Alvoran shook his head. "Rowan would know if she were lying about that."

Jaismid nodded. "Good." He frowned. "I still don't like her."

Alvoran shrugged. "You don't have to like her. Just tolerate her enough for Rowan."

Jaismid grimaced. "I don't like Rowan, either." His eyes narrowed. "Or you, for that matter."

There was less venom in both statements than Alvoran had expected. He grinned. "Admit it. I'm growing on you."

Jaismid muttered something obscene, and then hurried to catch up with the group.

Athena looked around in awe at the apartment. It wasn't furnished yet, so there wasn't much to see, but there was so much space! They appeared to have the top floor to themselves.

Emma smiled again. It seemed to be her default expression, like a Barbie doll. "Now, we need to get this place furnished. Please give me your preferences for furniture, and I will find something suitable."

Athena blinked at her. "Ummm..."

"You know, colors, patterns, and the like," encouraged Emma. "Also, what kind of mattress would you prefer?"

Rowan's phone rang. He smiled at Athena. "Excuse me." Then he stepped away. Since Alvoran and Jaismid seemed to have gotten distracted in the kitchen, and Darren had stepped away to use the restroom, this left Athena alone with Emma.

The wattage on her perpetual smile dimmed. "You know, for Mr. Black's kept woman, you don't look like much."

Athena blinked. "Excuse me?"

She yawned. "Just thinking he could definitely do better. Appearance-wise. You're so skinny... Unless you're fantastic in bed, I don't really see the appeal."

Athena wilted. She was right.

She smirked. "So don't get used to the pampering, sister."

As Alvoran and Jaismid entered the room, Emma's smile returned. "So--"

Alvoran cut her off, scowling. "I heard that."

Her smile didn't dim. "Heard what?"

"Don't get used to the pampering, sister?" Alvoran growled. "Didn't hear much before that, but I bet it was rude. If you weren't Rowan's to deal with, I would--" He took a deep breath. "Let's just say my self-control is fraying, and leave it at that."

Jaismid frowned at him. "Can you hold it together?"

Alvoran nodded, tight-lipped.

Rowan reentered the room. "Sorry about that, Athena. I had to--" He noticed the tension. "What is going on?"

Before Athena could intervene, Alvoran told him. Rowan tensed. "Emma. Get out."

Her eyes widened. "But Mr. Black--"

"I am asking you to leave for your own safety," he told her. "I will deal with you later. Now, get out."

Looking nervous, Emma hurried out of the room.

Jaismid looked from Rowan to Alvoran to Athena. "I'll give you some time alone to... settle things." Then he left the room.

Rowan wrapped his arms around Athena, hugging her tight. "She doesn't know the whole story. Athena, you are the only one for me."

Alvoran growled. "You should have--"

"She has served me faithfully for many years," Rowan said. "I am not killing her. And you would understand if you were in your right mind right now."

Athena nodded. "Let's fix that, then. Alvoran, strip, now, then lie down on the floor. Arms spread above your head. Feet together. Don't move your hands or feet unless ordered."

Silently, he obeyed.

Athena looked at Rowan. He smiled. "Seeing you take charge like that is hot."

"What are your kinks?" Athena asked. Might as well take care of this all at once, if she could.

Alvoran sniggered. "Rowan likes being forced to suck cock."

"I didn't ask you," Athena told Alvoran. "Be silent. Unless you need the safeword."

Athena turned to Rowan and prompted again. "Kinks?"

He blushed. "He's, umm, right. Also..." His blush deepened. "Pegging?" It came out as a whisper.

Now that sounded like fun. "You drink blood to eat, and you don't drink a lot," Athena mused. "Does that mean you're clean?"

He nodded. "All the time, mistress." He blushed again. "But I'm a bit out of practice with taking anal."

No way he was taking Alvoran, then. If that was even a thing he'd enjoy. "The safeword is eggplants," Athena told Rowan. "Now, strip."

Alvoran had said Rowan's cock was hairless, Athena remembered. He had been right, she noted as Rowan shucked his pants and underwear. Vaguely, she wondered under what circumstances Alvoran had seen Rowan's cock. Or maybe he had guessed it based on the lack of hair on Rowan's legs, Athena speculated as Rowan completely removed his pants.

He didn't have any chest or underarm hair either, Athena noted as Rowan unbuttoned and removed his top. She wondered if he could even grow a beard. His chin was certainly bare, and her guys hadn't exactly had a lot of time to shave lately. Alvoran and Jaismid both had stubble of varying lengths.

As Rowan finished undressing, Athena pondered what to do with the two guys. She couldn't finger Rowan without lube, as much as she enjoyed the idea of sticking her fingers in his cute ass. She wasn't clean, so she couldn't take them both unless she gave one oral, and she wasn't sure she could maintain her aura of command while sucking cock. She was a switch, after all.

She could do one, and then the other, but that would take too long with Darren and Jaismid waiting. Then she remembered Rowan's two kinks. Pegging was out without the right equipment, but the other kink... Athena smiled.

It didn't take her long to remove her clothing. That done, she lay down perpendicular to Alvoran, with her head on his stomach. "Fuck and suck," she ordered Rowan.

He bowed. "As you wish, mistress."

Athena directed him into the correct position, one similar to missionary but a bit more angled. Then she watched avidly as he took Alvoran in his mouth. Moaning, she felt Rowan moving within her as Alvoran, restrained by her orders, did his best to fuck Rowan in the face. Rowan whimpered, breath heavy, eyelids fluttering.

Rowan was the one who came first. With a gasp, muffled by Alvoran's cock, he froze, cock twitching inside of Athena. The feel of him cumming inside of her, and his cock-gagged whimpers, were enough to set her off. Athena came with a cry. Then Alvoran froze, and she saw Rowan's throat working as he gulped down the demon's cum.

With a satisfied sigh, Athena ordered Rowan, "Get up." Then, sitting up, she ordered Alvoran, "Clean up the mess. With your mouth."

She half expected him to use the safeword, but, as Rowan watched avidly, Alvoran guzzled the vampire's cum from her pussy. His enthusiastic reaction to the taste of Rowan's and Athena's mixed juices, combined with careful attention to her clit, was enough to set her off again.

As Athena shuddered and gasped, she leaned back against Rowan's legs. Looking up, she saw his cock twitch. She wasn't the only one who liked the idea of Alvoran eating cum, she noted. Maybe she could have the guys 69 while she watched at some point... The image in her head made her insides clench. As Alvoran fluttered his tongue against her clit, Athena came a third time.

Alvoran sat up, sighing. "All clean," he told Athena with a grin. "And I feel much more settled."

Rowan helped Athena up, and then began to gather her clothing for her. "Me too," he said, smiling shyly. "Thank you, mistress."

Athena put on the bra he handed her. "Glad to make you both behave," she said with a grin. "Now, let's call Emma back. I have some furniture requests."

*

As Athena described the sex furniture she wanted in her "study," Jaismid tried not to roll his eyes, or, worse, look jealous. However, he couldn't hold back his grin when she said, "Also, a harness and selection of dildos, suitable for anal training." His reaction wasn't a response to her matter-of-fact delivery, though, or even Emma's startled confirmation. It was Rowan's wide eyes that did him in.

Alvoran lifted one ginger eyebrow. "Find something funny?"

Jaismid hurriedly shook his head. "Nope."

He smirked. "Then you enjoy the idea of our mistress in a strap-on?"

Jaismid choked. "What--No! I mean, I'm not--I've never--"

"Would you, though?" prodded Alvoran. His eyes glinted. "I mean, you were smiling at something."

Jaismid glared at him. "No, I wouldn't."

Athena glanced at Jaismid, startled, and he could have slapped himself. The ring allowed her to tell when he was lying. And the truth was, he would. For Athena. He'd be willing to do a lot of things for her.

Alvoran grinned. "Interesting."

Jaismid glanced at him sharply. Could Alvoran also tell he was lying? Or was he just guessing? Either way, Jaismid hated his knowing smile.

Athena rolled her eyes. "Alvoran, quit teasing Jaismid. And Emma--" She turned back to Rowan's secretary. "Make sure the dildos are compatible with the fucking machine."

"Would... I mean, do you have any color preferences? For the, umm, phallic objects?" Emma said, looking overwhelmed.

Athena looked thoughtful. "I want the space to be mostly black and dark purple, with neon and silver highlights. It should, overall, scream kinky sex dungeon. Make sure the dildos match that theme."

Emma nodded. "I'll, um, keep the aesthetics you described in mind. Anything else you want for the, umm, space?"

Athena looked thoughtful, and turned to Rowan. "Do you think making the ceiling one big mirror would be too much?"

He grinned. "I don't think so, and, if it does end up being too much, you could always blindfold me."

Darren blushed.

"This is mostly stuff for me or Alvoran, though," Rowan continued. "You didn't specify any girly toys. We at least need a few vibrators."

Athena shrugged, suddenly looking self-conscious. "I don't need that."

"Yes, you do," Alvoran contradicted. "I mean, Rowan and I may be the ones who have... issues without regular domination, but you need to get off regularly too."

Jaismid suddenly realized it had been a while since he himself had gotten off. Weeks. Maybe he could have a date with his hand after everything was settled... He glanced over at Athena out of the corner of his eye. Or perhaps...