Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Chapter 30
Tonight was their official collaring ceremony, and Lia’s emotions had been running the gamut from excited to nervous and back again ever since they’d arrived at The Enclave that evening.
She was with Ellen in the slave quarter bathroom. Because Lucia and Katie, who normally handled hair and makeup for formal Enclave events, were otherwise engaged, Ellen had volunteered to help Lia with preparations.
Ellen was a lovely girl, with shiny brown hair and wide hazel eyes. She had a curvy figure, her breasts full and round, her ass made for spanking.
“It’s like déjà vu, right? Us being together again,” Ellen said. She had returned to The Enclave a few days before to prepare for the upcoming binding auction.
“It is,” Lia agreed, smiling.
Unlike Lia, Ellen exuded natural submissive grace. Also unlike Lia, who had crashed and burned during her aborted training at The Enclave, Ellen had graduated with honors.
As she carefully applied rouge to Lia’s nipples, she said, “I love your piercings.”
“Thanks. Me, too,” Lia agreed with a grin.
They had healed beautifully in the month since Master Beau had pierced her nipples and labia. She loved displaying them proudly when they were in BDSM venues and feeling their sexy secret beneath her clothing while at work or with family.
Hair and makeup completed, Ellen took a step back to examine Lia in the mirror. “You look perfect, Lia.” Her tone grew wistful. “I love collaring ceremonies. They’re like weddings, only better.” Though she smiled as she spoke, her eyes were sad.
Lia placed a light hand on Ellen’s arm. “You’re going to find your Master at the binding auction. I just know it.”
Ellen brightened. “I hope you’re right.” She glanced at the large wall clock. “It’s time.”
Another swoop of anxiety rushed through Lia’s bloodstream. She felt as nervous as a bride, and as excited. “Okay,” she said, gathering her courage. “Let’s do this thing.”
Lucia was waiting for Lia at the entrance to the living room. Everyone was already assembled inside, and Ellen slipped past them to take her place among the guests.
They’d discussed and planned the ceremony in some detail, though they hadn’t gone as far as an actual dress rehearsal. Lia’s only adornments were her nipple and labia jewelry. She’d removed the linen rope collar Beau had made for her back in October in preparation for the new collar he was going to give her at the ceremony. He’d been working on it in secret, not allowing her even a hint of what it might look like. She couldn’t wait to see it, and to wear it, at last.
Now, Lucia eased the loop of a rope leash over Lia’s head.
“You ready, querida?” she asked with a smile.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Lia replied.
Lucia took the other end of the leash and led Lia into the living room. As they entered the space, everyone rose to their feet, just like an actual wedding ceremony when the bride appeared. The room glowed from the light of hundreds of candles, like something out of a fairy tale. The warm smell of vanilla and lavender filled the air. Soft ambient music was playing from hidden speakers.
As Lucia led her to the huge stone fireplace, Lia kept her focus on Master Beau. He stood waiting in black leather, Mark at his side. In lieu of a canopy, they stood beneath a portable rack, a single suspension ring hanging at the ready. Next to the hearth there was a whip rack filled with a variety of impact toys.
Everyone sat again as Lia took her place between the two men. Lucia knelt quietly on Master Beau’s other side. It struck Lia that Lucia and Mark had assumed the positions of matron of honor and best man, BDSM style. The thought made her smile.
Mark was the first to speak. “We are gathered here tonight to witness and celebrate the joining of two souls, two hearts. The collaring of a slave is an important symbolic act that reflects the total power exchange between Master and slave.”
He turned to Lia. “Slave, please present your leash to your Master.”
Praying she’d remember the words she’d practiced, or at least a reasonable approximation, Lia lifted the leash from around her neck. Facing Master Beau, she dropped to her knees and held up the leash on both palms.
“Master Beau,” she said, willing her voice not to quaver, “I offer this leash to you as a symbol of my desire and need to follow your lead, and to allow you to guide, control and protect me on our continuing D/s journey together. I promise to communicate my honest feelings and to listen to your guidance and counsel. I vow to obey your commands and to dedicate myself to serving and pleasing you in all things.”
Master Beau took the leash. “Thank you, slave. I accept the gift of your submission, and all that entails. You have proven yourself over the past months as worthy to serve as my slave, giving your body, heart and soul freely to me. I fully accept my responsibility to keep you safe, while giving you the intensity of experience you crave. I vow to hold, protect and cherish you, love you and listen to you, always putting our relationship above all others.”