Chapter Three

 

 

The bond auctions were a secret, but they were also why Fiona had been tested so early.

It had taken her three weeks in her etiquette and language class, but she had finally gotten it out of her tutor. A human had been an ideal bondservant for a Hmrain, and that was a very big deal. The Hmrain didn’t just own businesses or mines, they owned star systems.

Fiona’s test had shown that she had the same capability for sensuality. She wasn’t keen on that idea, but she had been assured that she was not going to be a whore. If she were a sexual bondservant, it would be to a single patron. The counselling that she had gotten over the last few weeks had allowed her to make peace with that. She would have a place as a companion to her patron, see the stars, and enjoy herself until her contract was up.

If she did catch the eye of one of the rare Hmrain, she would have to deal with it, just as she would any other patron.

Oddly enough, she was not too worried about the likelihood of a Hmrain. The one that had gotten the first human was a fluke, and there were so few of the species that folks were lucky to see one in a lifetime.

Her tutor tapped on the desk. “Demonstrate the pour.”

Fiona came out of her deep thoughts and poured the tea equally into the five cups, pouring once per cup and making each pour equal.

“Excellent. Do you have dance class after this?”

Fiona nodded. “Yes. And defense class after that.”

“Good. The next bond auction is in two days. Will you be ready?”

Fiona shrugged. “I don’t know. I will be as ready as I can be.”

“That is a very sensible answer. I am pleased with your progress, but keep your focus. The Hmrain are huge, powerful, and dangerous.”

Fiona smiled as she tidied up the tea implements. “It is doubtful that one of them will appear if one of their kind has already been and gone.”

Her instructor smiled. “A sensible conclusion.”

Fiona got the feeling that she was being humoured. But really, what were the odds?

 

Fiona was hustled to the groomer a day early. She was taken out of her dance class and run through the scrubbing, bathing, oiling, and brushing with bizarrely intense haste.

No one would tell her what was going on, which was not unusual, but it was extremely annoying.

The soft blue gown wrapped across her breasts, snugged along her ribs, and then flowed loose. Underwear was not an option, but after a month at the base, she wasn’t fixated on it anymore. Her periods had been halted, and with the shift, she had gotten used to the draft.

The dress flowed around her ankles, and the new slippers matched it precisely. With her hair pinned up away from her face and flowing down her back, she felt like everything was as under control as she could manage. Control was an illusion at this point. Nothing was happening as it should.

One of her guards collected her and gave her a small nod. “Your potential patron has requested that you join him for dinner.”

“Um... okay.” She looked around. “Where am I going?”

“Your escort is on the way. They will take you to the private chamber, and they will bring you back. At no time are you to engage in any intimacy with the Hmrain.”

Fiona blinked. “It is not on my list of planned activities.”

“Good. You will be given a full set of scans when you return to make sure that he did not overstep this privilege.”

She inclined her head. “Of course.”

“Remember your etiquette and training. Do not look at him unless he demands it.”

“Right.” She folded her hands in front of her and turned to face the guards that had arrived to take her to her dinner date.

Eight men and women of Grorian extraction were waiting. She stepped forward, and they surrounded her in a seven-foot wall of bodies. She had no idea where they were taking her, but they were doing it in state.

The Grorians were used around the base for the most exotic and important visitors. She had never heard of them being used for a trainee bondservant before.

The Grorians never failed to draw a crowd, but their retractable spikes generally kept the onlookers at a safe distance. Fiona felt very safe but very conspicuous.

The guards slowed, and she slowed her steps. Without a word, they parted, and she was left with one exit and one exit only.

Fiona stepped forward, and a host bowed low, motioning her to follow him through a private hall and to a large door. The door opened, and she stepped inside, joining the only other occupant in the space large enough for twenty.

“Well, you are quite lovely. That much matches the other one of your kind. Turn around, please.”

She blinked, and her gaze slammed into his. Molten silver was the only colour that she could imagine. It was a high contrast to his rich green skin and complemented by the white of his hair and eyebrows. His wings were the same brilliant green, and she had to ask, “What did you say?”

He smiled slightly. “Turn around. I have never seen one of your species before, and I don’t want surprises. If you have a tail, I would like to know now.”

She turned slowly and felt a blush heat her skin. When the turn was finished, she resumed her submissive posture.

He chuckled. “Why do I think that that posture doesn’t suit you?”

She flicked another glance at him. “I don’t know. How much do you rely on instinct?”

He grinned. “I can observe, and what I observe is that being quiet and demure gets on your nerves.”

She tried to look down again. “I have no comment.”

He sighed and got to his feet. “Come here, little one.”

His height was near to seven feet, and his wings arched above him, making him look taller. She tried to keep her gaze on his feet, but his torso was bare, with the exception of some glowing tattoos, and it was hard to look away.

“I am Aarak. What is your name?”

He took her hands in his and simply held them, letting the feel of callouses and rough skin sink in.

“Fiona.”

He asked, “Would you care for a meal, Fiona?”

She blinked. “Yes, please.”

“Allow me.” He pulled her by the hands, and when she was near the end of the table where he had set up residence, he held a chair out for her.

She smoothed the gown around her backside and sat down. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for joining me, though I am aware that you didn’t have an option. I confess to extreme curiosity.”

Fiona watched as he settled on a tall stool that left his wings free and clear. “Curious about what?”

He grinned. “About your species. I have taken the liberty of ordering for you.”

“Thank you. I am still not accustomed to the variety of foods available here.” She folded her hands in her lap again and looked down. All of the etiquette that had focused on meeting a nearly mythical species was suddenly making sense.

“While you are with me, I would ask that you look at me.”

“It goes against protocol, sir.”

“Aarak.” He leaned toward her, and she could swear that he had the most interesting scent. She had shut her senses down, and her time on the station was helping, but he was the first male she was aware of.

She looked into his molten silver eyes and whispered, “Aarak.”

“Better. Ah, here is your meal.”

She turned and was shocked as half a dozen servers came in, each carrying a tray and eating utensils.

“Please, say I am not supposed to eat all of it.”

Aarak chuckled. “No, but you must taste each one. I am trying to get a lock on your senses. Taste is the easiest calibration.”

“I thought that this was just to interview me.”

He cocked his head. “The interview was the light contact with your hands. Your body has tremendous potential, as does your mind. You simply need to feel secure enough to let yourself go.”

She stared at the array of food that was arranged around her position in a semi-circle. “I have not been given the opportunity to give; the taking has always come first.”

“Ah, yes. Your file indicated that you were used as currency.”

She went pale. “Yes.”

“That will not be the case in my service. If you are my intimate bondservant, you are mine alone. Your time will be yours when I do not require you. You may educate yourself, learn dance, art, language, or administration. You have a star system’s worth of knowledge at your command.” He smiled slightly. “When you are my bondservant.”

She was stunned.

“Eat, eat.”

She looked at the wide bowl she had been given and took a portion of everything, settling the food in an attractive manner before she took her first bite. She fought the smile. It reminded her of her favourite Indian takeout.

She ate a few more bites of two unimpressive offerings and then struck on something fun. A quick glance at her host showed that he was watching her idly, and there was a small smile on his lips.

“Why isn’t my history an issue for you? Most males wouldn’t want a female who had been handed around. I am damaged. Mentally, if not physically... anymore.”

“They hurt you?” He frowned.

“Some of them. I was something to be used. Simply a convenience that they rented.”

He nodded. “That will not be the case in our situation, just so that you are aware. Yes, there is a strong sexual element but nothing deviant, and your pleasure is paramount.”

She paused. “Why are you telling me all this? Don’t you just bid on me tomorrow and then see if you are the highest bidder?”

Aarak smiled. “I wanted you to know that you have nothing to fear, and I wished to clear up a few things that were obfuscated in your file.”

“Like my sexual history?”

“Like your ability to still feel pleasure. Based on your file, I wasn’t sure if it was possible, though your assessment said it was.”

She blinked. “Is that what that was about?”

“Yes. Sensuality level determines your ability to be an intimate bondservant. Your level is exceptionally high.”

“So, I have been told.” She sighed.

Aarak reached out and took her hand. The warmth from his fingers enveloped her and ran along her nerves.

To Fiona’s shock, she started to get wet. Her pulse picked up, and she shifted in place. She looked at him in surprise, and he smiled.

“Eat your dinner, Fiona, and while you do so, tell me what wonders you would like to see.”

She thought about what she wanted, and for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel desperate when she did so. As she ate, she told Aarak of her dreams of seeing the stars and learning what was out there.

When she had completed dinner, he helped her to her feet, kissed her cheek, and sent her back to her special quarters with her honour guard around her.

If he didn’t bid on her after that, she was going to be pissed.