As I head into my bedroom with a towel wrapped around my waist, I can’t help thinking about the new girl I’m going to be training today. I’ve heard her name before, I’ve seen her from a distance, but never had the chance to talk to her.

As I get the usual clothes I wear when with my pets, my mind plays back on the day my life changed. I wasn’t ready. I fought against it from the moment I knew what fate had in store for me. The only person I trusted was my best friend. The memory plays in my mind like it happened yesterday.

“Fuck!” Axel stares at me. He’s the only one who knows what I’ve been told to do. “I’m fucking twenty years old. He wants me to start now?” I glare at my best friend, but there’s nothing he can do to fix this. My father is a tough man, and if I refuse, I’ll be in a world of pain. That’s the only thing my father knows how to do—how to inflict pain. Whether it’s on his sons or his daughter, or any of the whores he allows into his bed.

“Kael, man, you need to go. I’ll see you later,” he informs me. I push up from the chair and grab my jacket. He’s right. When I get summoned by the devil himself, I need to make sure I’m there as soon as fucking possible. I was late for a meeting once and he made sure I felt it for days after.

“If you head to the party, let me know. I may need to sink into some pretty girl to get the filth of what I’m about to do off my body.” My frustration is evident in my retort. Heading down the hallway, I hear my best friend’s response.

“You just want pussy. Don’t make excuses.” Axe smirks and nods.

He knows what my father does. What the Wolfe family business is. My Maserati sits waiting for me as I near the parking lot of the bar I just left. A sleek platinum beauty. But before I can escape, I hear my name. “Kael Wolfe, isn’t this a surprise?” I turn to find the familiar bleach blonde, blue-eyed woman staring at me. I can’t remember her name, but I sure as hell remember how she swallowed my dick.

“What do you want?” I pin her with a glare, but she doesn’t even notice. This is my problem. I hate when they cling. Pushing the remote to unlock the car, I pull open the driver’s door, leaning on the frame. Her gaze falters for a second, but she swiftly straightens her posture, offering a smile.

“You didn’t call,” she murmurs. Her attempt at being seductive fails because I see through the tension in her shoulders. Shrugging, I smirk at the insecurity that laces her tone.

“I don’t hit it twice, sugar. I have to go.” With a cocky wink, I slip into the plush leather seat. Once the door is shut, I push the Start button and the engine purrs to life. I fucking love this car.

Before I head onto the main road, I notice she’s still standing there. The pout on her Botox lips causes me to shudder. I must have been wasted when I thought she was beautiful.

I’ve gotten used to my life as it is, no relationships. I’m not allowed to have any commitments because when it comes to my father and his business, there are strict guidelines to follow. No long-term women hanging around. No love. There’s no room for that in my life. His rules are law. I can’t disobey because the path I’m about to follow will lead me straight to hell.

If I wasn’t born into this family, I’d have chosen one without the dark shit that is our legacy. As much as I’d love to walk away, I can’t. The blood that runs through my veins is Wolfe blood—toxic, poisonous—and as it slowly siphons the goodness from my heart, it blackens my soul.

Pulling up to the estate, I wait for the large, ornate metal gates to slide open. The security at the Wolfe compound resembles a prison, just short of giving blood allows you entrance. As the foreboding house comes into view, I inch closer to the nightmare that is Wolfe Enterprises headquarters. My father runs his devilish shit from home. The grounds house the mansion, which is split in two sections: our living quarters, and the East Wing where the girls live. The club is in the same section, and that’s where they’re trained. My older brother, Sam, has taken to this business easily, and I’m afraid he’s going to turn into my father. The change in him has been immediate. His nickname, The Grim Reaper, is not to be taken lightly.

Once I pull into my private garage, I get out and head inside. The kitchen’s always been my favorite place in the house, and as I stroll through it now, the scent of dinner wafts through the air.

“Kael, how are you?” Our chef is a short stout woman in her fifties, and the smile she offers is motherly. Sometimes I wonder what she’s doing in the wolf’s den, but she seems happy enough turning a blind eye to the number of girls who come and go. When my mother died, she looked after the three of us, caring for us in a way that made us feel as if we had the love of a parent, since my father was too interested in his business to care about three kids.

“I’m good, Hesta. It’s been a long day, and Dad has summoned me.” By the look in her eyes, she knows what this means. She’s been through it with my brother, and now me.

“Good luck, Kael,” she murmurs as I head out of the kitchen and through the house. It’s empty, and I wonder where everyone could be. The ground floor is silent, where normally there’d be masses of staff rushing around, preparing for tonight. The sweeping staircase looms before me, and as much as I’d like to rush upstairs and hide out in my wing, I can’t, so I head in the opposite direction. To the basement.

Most may picture a dark dungeon, but the club is far from it. Decked in rich auburn and dark chocolate colors, the place looks like an elite gentleman’s club. My father’s office door is open when I reach it. Before I push it open, I hear him talking. “Yes, we’ll collect her tomorrow. I’m about to talk to Kael.”

Suddenly an ear-piercing scream echoes through the hallway, and I realize my brother must be playing with one of the toys. My brother likes blood. He loves to see the deep crimson seeping over smooth, creamy flesh.

“Come in, Kael. Don’t skulk in the shadows.” My father’s deep, booming voice filters through my thoughts, and I head into the Wolfe’s den.

I shake my head trying to clear my mind of the memory. As much as I try, I can never forget the day I became someone I despise. It was the day my father took me into Caged and showed me what he wanted from me. We’re here to train girls to take punishments. The club is well known for its clients enjoying BDSM. The only thing we’re not allowed to do is fuck the girls, or get personal. The men who frequent the club pay a high price for the pleasure of taking a virgin.

“Brother, I had a taste of your new pet last night.” Sam’s gravely tone crawls over my skin. It’s been six years since I was brought into Caged and told about what lies in my future. My father insisted I become part of the underground world our family started generations ago. As much as I should be used to it, I’m not. My brother however, he’s different. Where I’m less violent, he enjoys the blood and he taunts me every time I get a new girl. He’s never kissed any of them. I wonder what makes this one so different.

I was told she’ll arrive today, and I’m getting ready to meet her in an hour. Apparently, she’s a feisty redhead. When my gaze lands on him, I can tell he drew blood. As if he’s a fucking vampire or something.

“And? Is she sweet?” I’ll play his game if he leaves me to do my job. I’m not stupid. I’ve been doing this for long enough to know that she’s nothing more than a toy. Something to be broken in. Like a dog when first brought home. I wonder if this puppy bites.

“Fucking delectable. The little firebird made me so hard, I almost took her right there in her garden. I bet she’s still a virgin from the way she moaned as I sucked on her tongue.” He smirks, leaning against the doorjamb of my suite and looking overly confident as usual. “Dad was going to gift her to me, but decided otherwise. Also, since you couldn’t be bothered to attend the gala last night, I figured I’d see what the fuss was about with this one.”

“Great, I’m glad you had your fun. Now it’s my turn.” I pull on my black hoodie, covering the mask I wear when I enter the girls’ rooms. Before I’m out of earshot, he utters the words I dread.

“Make her bleed, brother, because if you don’t, I will.”

Dressed in an impeccable suit, his blue eyes chill me and his words slice through me like a sharp blade because I still wish he wouldn’t become the savage he so clearly is. I always wanted my older brother to be someone I could look up to, but I can safely say I’ve lost him to this darkness. Without responding, I head out and leave the venomous snake behind. There’s no love lost between him and me. I used to think he was my hero.

When the realization hit and I saw the sadistic bastard that lies behind the smile, behind the lies he likes to portray, I knew there was no longer anything good inside him. The darkness of our bloodline has taken over, and he’s no longer a man, but an animal.

The hallways are quiet as I stride toward the room where I know she’s waiting. Perhaps patiently, maybe not. The girls will be at work now, so the new pet and I will have the floor to ourselves. Sam said she’s in the room at the end of the hallway, and as I near the bedroom, a soft scent of lemongrass hits me. Reaching for the handle, I push the door, swinging it wide. With a quick glance inside, I find her sitting against the headboard, her legs hugged against her chest and her head on her knees. Fiery red hair hangs like a curtain, shielding her from me.

This room is my favorite. Deep reds, with a touch of silver and black that accentuate the plush furnishings. It’s exquisite, everything a princess could want. Even after six years of walking into one of these rooms, I still get this sinking feeling. All I want to do is escape. But then I remind myself that won’t be happening.

The girl lifts her head when she hears my footfalls, her deep green glare enough to make me smile. I take her in once I close the distance between us and recognize the face I’ve dreamt of for a year now.

Paige Madden.

Her father’s a partner in Wolfe Enterprises. I’m momentarily shocked at how beautiful she is up close, then distracted when she lowers her legs and the blanket she had around her falls open. She’s beautiful. Dressed in a skintight pastel pink top, which hugs a pair of incredible tits. Her fiery red hair is a mass of waves, framing a delicate yet fierce expression.

“Hello, little one.” My voice is a deep rumble, which sends a slight shudder through her which I notice immediately.

Sitting up, she narrows her eyes, shooting daggers at my masked face. “Who are you?” She juts out her chin, regarding me with rage dancing in those orbs that remind me of the finest emeralds.

One word comes to mind when I look at her.

Exquisite.

I’ve never officially met her, but I’ve known of her, seen her from afar. I knew she’d be brought here one day, but the reason why she’s here is what has the guilt threatening to choke me. Not because of what I’m about to do to her, but because her own father is allowing it to happen. I step through the doorway and her sweet perfume invades my senses, taunting me. No wonder my brother was so enamored by her.

“I’m your trainer.” My tone is calm as I near her, but my response earns me a huff. It’s adorable. Her feistiness will need to be snuffed out. She can fight me all she wants. Her strength makes me wonder how long it’s going to take me to climb inside her mind and undo her from the inside out. Her fire burns now, she thinks she won’t break, but she will. I know she’ll bend to my will soon enough, and I’m going to make sure her obedience is rewarded—like the pet she’s meant to be. “On your knees.” The order earns me a glare, and I chuckle. There’s no humor in it, though. I fix her with a rigid glare, and it’s then that she realizes I’m not joking. “I said, on your knees. If I must keep repeating myself, we’re going to have a problem, pet, and you’re not going to like it.” My tone is one of pure dominance. Dripping with hunger to see her body tremble.

“Why do you call me that?” she questions. Her defiance is adorable. It makes me want her, like my brother does.

“Because that’s what you are. What would you prefer I call you?” I question, but it immediately comes to me when she shifts and the light catches the slight golden strands in the bright red of her hair. “Firebird?” The word immediately has her staring at me in shock.

“Samael?” The way she breathes my brother’s name has jealousy coursing through me.

“No.”

“My father—”

“Your father can’t do shit for you now. Get on your fucking knees. I’m not asking again.” Fear licks over her features while her red hair spills down her back. She’s ethereal, innocent, and decadent. So beautiful. It’s like a drug to me, and I’m certain this woman could become an addiction. In this moment, staring at a woman who’s as fiery as she is beautiful makes me want to take her. To have the control over a lithe body and inquisitive mind.

“But why am I here? This isn’t—”

Leaning in with my face close to hers, I inhale her sweet scent. “When I tell you to be quiet, I mean it. I may seem like a nice person, but I’m not. Stop asking fucking questions that you do not want the answers to,” I hiss in her face, and as much as I want her to play the submissive and stay silent, I can see the fire dancing in her emerald eyes. This fiery girl comes across as a fighter. She’s different. She won’t be easy to break, but she will shatter. They all do.

As she drops to her knees, I feel lust course through my veins, heating my blood. My body is an inferno of need. Her perfection seems to overflow from her exquisite form. The supple porcelain skin that is mine to mark as I wish has me licking my lips.

I want her. More than I’ve wanted any other toy.

Her eyes meet mine, strength oozes from her pores like a perfume, and I can’t help but inhale and savor the scent.

“Good girl,” I whisper and goosebumps dot her flesh. Two words that can have any woman submitting. Crouching in front of her, I meet those deep green pools. Our faces are close. Her breath quickens along with her heartbeat. The pulse in her neck is erratic as she watches me. I lift the collar I’m holding and close it around her neck. The small locket is an intricate jewel in the shape of a wolf’s head.

Our family crest.

“I’m not a dog. Don’t treat me like one,” she hisses with anger marring her beautiful face. As I take her in, I see how incredibly intoxicating she is.

Reaching for her face, I stroke her cheek with the pad of my thumb, reveling in the way she shudders. I know it’s more from fear than desire, but the act alone makes me want to see her unravel under my touch. Her skin is smooth, silky to the touch. No blemishes, no make-up, all natural perfection.

“You’re a pet. You’ll be trained by me. If you’re good, I will ensure you’re not hurt. And, trust me, the other trainers aren’t as nice as I am. So I need you to trust me. Okay?” I don’t know why I’m warning her. It’s not something I’ve ever done with any of the other girls.

She doesn’t answer, merely nods.

Don’t get personal.

My father’s words haunt me. I rise, tugging the leash, and she pushes to stand. “Kneel.” Her eyes lift quickly, regarding me in confusion. “You’re a pet. You crawl.”

Realization clouds her features, and I wait for her to fight me. Her mouth opens, but she doesn’t say anything. Her head drops and she moves on all fours. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever fucking seen.

I lead her to the room where I take all my girls, filled with toys of the trade. Most of the girls enjoy it in here. Those are the masochists. They enjoy the pain I bestow on their bodies. I wonder how much pain my little firebird can take.

The slow walk down the hallway is silent, but I can feel the tension radiating from her. Shoving the door open, I pull her inside and shut it behind me. The dim light doesn’t allow her to see what’s hidden in the shadows, and it’s a good thing, because if she could, she’d be running in the opposite direction. “I want to you stand. Raise your arms.” She obeys, and my cock thickens at her submission. I want to look into her eyes, to meet the questioning gaze, but I don’t. Even I can’t see them. Anger and fear ring off her like a melody summoning me to hell. I’ll be there soon enough.

The wall beside us has rope of every color adorning it. I grab the crimson one that’s thin, silk, and soft to the touch. With care, I bind her wrists and she hisses in…frustration? Anger?

Once she’s conditioned to being bound, it will become second nature.

“Can you tell me your name?”

Her question halts me. Confusion clouds my judgment, and I almost tell her.

No other toy has ever asked me my name. They’ve never had the courage to.

“No,” I bite out. I may sound like an asshole, but I can’t have her growing attached. She’ll soon be working, and my time with her will be over. It’s easier that way.

“I’m Paige,” she says, but I don’t stop. I grab a blade and slice through the thin material of her top. As it falls from her slim body, I can’t help my cock growing painfully hard. Her white bra is cupping perky tits that are just about a handful. My mouth waters, and I know I’m going to have to get a taste of them. “I’m eighteen,” she continues, but once again, I ignore her.

Gripping the leash, I lead her over to the bench and sit her down. There’s no time to play nice. I need to get her trained and ready so I can walk away. My heart lurches in my chest as unbidden anger roils through me. I don’t want this girl to be in this world. She sits with her hands in her lap, her head bowed, and her legs pressing tightly together.

The perfect submissive.

Don’t get personal.