Page 31 of The Monster's Obsession
“Okay. Care to let me in on it?”
Not that the audience is very full, but they’re getting quite the show. I’ve never seen Saber perform, and I’ve been here a long time.
Vivie leans against my chest as I lower on my tentacles to offer her more support without her needing to extend on her tiptoes.
Saber is fully in control of this scene, but it has nothing to do with the audience and everything to do with helping Vivienne heal.
“See, here’s the thing. Submissives sometimes internalize things that aren’t their fault,” Saber says, keeping his voice low enough that the audience shouldn’t be able to hear. “They think they deserve pain and suffering, even though they’re the victim.” His massive hand smooths down her spine and caresses her ass.
“I owe Laz an apology,” she says, meeting my eyes. “I’m so sorry I freaked out on you that night.”
“Oh, precious.” I caress her cheek, giving her a soft smile. “I know. You don’t need to apologize any more.”
“You can’t control trauma responses,” Saber says. “They just are. You’re not to blame. Whoever caused that reaction is the one who deserves to be served a little justice.” His hand lands loudly on her ass.
Well, that was at odds with his words.
I frown, opening my mouth, but he goes on.
“However, if you need a little pain to help your conscience feel like the slate has been wiped clean, I’m more than happy to provide whatever you need.” He peppers her ass but never stays in the same place for two spanks. “Because this isn’t about what he did to you. This is about whatyouneed to heal from it.” He slides his free hand up her spine and fists her hair while the other claps loudly against her ass. “So revel in the pain. Let it sizzle as your guilt washes away. Once we step off this stage, it’s a fresh slate. Do you understand?”
She tries to nod, struggling against his hold in her hair.
“Verbal answers only.”
“Yes,” she moans.
I soothe my hands over her cheeks and pour all my love and devotion into the touch.
“Perfect,” he growls, leaning over her back. “Gonna bite you now, sweetheart.” His face transforms, and he strikes her shoulder on the opposite side from my bite.
Vivie thrashes, but her contentment fills the bond.
Huh.
Maybe Saber was on to something.
It’s a rough night for the three of us. We’re barely off stage and into one of the recovery rooms before Vivie breaks down, crying as she tells us all about how her mother sold her to someone named Rowan.
I shed a few tears, because my mother taught me that real men aren’t afraid to show emotion or empathy.
And fuck does my heart ache for her.
We make it home in the wee hours of the morning, getting her settled in the bed in the primary suite.
I fall asleep wrapped around her soft body, but Saber wakes me only a few hours later. Although he doesn’t tell me exactly what’s happening, I follow him downstairs.
Someone knocks on the front door, and I pop off the couch, heading over as Saber opens it.
My eyes bug when I see Bane on the other side of the open door.
“Why the fuck am I here at eight in the morning?” he growls.
We don’t know each other well, but I do know he’s a dragon shifter. He’s also in love with Charity, but with everything going on with the wyvern… I’m not sure how all of that will play out.
“Would you like to come in?” Saber asks, stepping back.
“Not in the least,” Bane deadpans, shoving his hands into his front pockets.
