He pets my head, his hand sliding over the pink ears of the headband, and I lean into his touch. It’s so easy to let go, to let him take control.

But then his hands move lower, his fingers brushing against my nipples, and I gasp. He works them slowly, teasing them until they harden, l the heat building, the pleasure coiling in my stomach. When he finally applies the clamps, the sharp pinch makes me cry out, but it’s mixed with pleasure, a strange, intoxicating combination.

I’m on the edge, my body trembling, the orgasm building, but his voice stops me.

“Not yet, Pet,” he says, his tone firm but gentle. “You don’t have my permission.”

I nod, biting my lip to hold back the moan that threatens to escape. I’m desperate, aching, but I want to be good for him. I want to obey.

The collar clicks shut around my neck, the cool metal pressing against my skin. I can feel the weight of it, the slight tug as Lanz adjusts the leash. My heart races, and I t shiver with anticipation. The ball gag slips into my mouth, the leather straps tightening behind my head. I can’t speak, can’t do anything but obey, and the thought sends a rush of heat through me.

Lanz tugs on the leash, and I follow him out of the playroom, my bare feet padding softly against the hardwood floor. The living room is dimly lit, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the city below.. The cool air brushes against my skin, a, the plug still vibrating faintly inside me.

We step out onto the balcony, the night air cool against my skin. The city stretches out below us, the lights twinkling like stars. I know no one can see us up here, but the thought that someone might sends a thrill through me. I feel like an animal, completely at Lanz’s mercy, and I love it.

“You’ve been a very good pet,” Lanz says. He ties the leash to the balcony railing, the metal clinking softly. “And good pets deserve rewards.”

I turn around as he commands, my hands gripping the railing for support. I can feel his presence behind me, his body heat radiating against my skin. His claws dig into my hips, and I gasp, the sensation sending a jolt of electricity through me.

He thrusts into me hard, his scaled cock filling me completely. The plug vibrates in time with his movements, the dual sensations driving me insane. I can’t speak, can’t do anything but moan around the gag, the sound muffled but desperate.

“Cum, little Pet,” he commands, his voice rough with desire.

I scream around the gag, my body convulsing as the most intense orgasm of my life crashes over me. I can feel him filling me with his seed, the heat of it sending me over the edge again.I writhe against the railing, lost in the throes of ecstasy, my body trembling with pleasure.

Lanz slowly sets me free, his hands gentle as he removes the gag and collar. I collapse against him, my body still shaking, and he holds me close, his arms strong and reassuring.

“You’re perfect, Tyler.”

I smile, my heart swelling with affection. I feel safe, loved, and completely his.

CHAPTER 24

LANZ

Ilean back in my chair, the leather creaking under my weight, and stare at the holographic report floating above my desk. Dead Bobs. Dozens of them. Each one a perfect replica, each one a dead end. My jaw tightens, the scales along my neck bristling. I hate loose ends. They itch like a splinter under my skin, and I’m not the kind of Vakutan to let an itch go unscratched.

I flick the report to the side, and it dissolves into a shower of pixels. My fingers drum against the desk, the sound sharp and impatient. I need answers, and I’m not getting them sitting here. I activate the holocom, and Pyke’s face materializes in front of me, his red scales catching the light, his expression as unreadable as ever.

“Pyke,” I say. “I need permission to go after Bob. I need to confirm if he’s dead or not.”

Pyke raises an eyebrow, his golden eyes narrowing. “Denied.”

I lean forward, my claws digging into the edge of the desk. “Why not?”

He tilts his head, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “You really want to know?”

“I’m asking, aren’t I?” My voice rises, the frustration bubbling over.

Pyke chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that only makes my scales itch more. “I think you and your jalshagar should have a talk before you go cavorting around the world looking for a man who may already be dead.”

The holocom blinks out before I can respond, leaving me staring at empty air. My fist slams into the desk, the wood splintering under the force. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I mutter to myself.

I push back from the desk and stalk across the room, my tail flicking in irritation. Pyke’s words echo in my head, and I can’t shake the feeling that he’s holding something back. Something important. I stop in front of the window, the city sprawling out below me, and let out a growl.

“Talk to Tyler,” I mutter, repeating Pyke’s words. “What does she have to do with this?”

I turn on my heel and head for the door, my mind racing. If Pyke thinks Tyler has something to say, then I’ll hear it. But I’m not waiting around for answers. I’ll get them myself, one way or another.