by Ivy Barrett
“I won’t ask when you sampled her DNA,” Lorelle interrupted his thoughts with a gentle smile. “I have the image in my mind. What do I do now?”
“Don’t attempt an actual shift. Even if you managed to take on her form, you wouldn’t be able to maintain it for as long as you’ll need the disguise. Concentrate on the color of her skin and the shape of her eyes.”
He watched her face, ignoring the impulse to assist her. She needed to figure it out for herself. Her hair darkened first, losing any hint of brown and taking on a faint blue sheen. Next color spread across her smooth skin, faint at first then deepening with a sudden surge.
“Back it off, sweetheart. You’re going for a subtle tint, not glossy paint.”
A quick smile parted her lips then she pressed them together as her concentration turned inward. The sapphire brightness faded, mellowing by degrees until only a powder blue haze remained. Her lips were darker than her skin, taking on a dusky gray-blue shade.
“Very good. Now take several deep breaths and imprint this feeling on your memory.”
“I want to see what I look like.”
“Not yet. Release the transformation then reform it.” As if she’d been performing partial shifts for years, she returned her coloring to normal then recalled the Gehinna hue. “Perfect. Now reshape your eyes and darken the color to match the image I sent you.” Her eyelashes took on a midnight blue sheen as they fluttered open. The outer corners of her eyes tilted up and the irises glowed with rich blue fire. “Now you can look at yourself.”
“There’s a mirror in the bathroom.” Fane pointed to a door on her right.
“I still look too much like me.” She sounded disappointed and frustrated.
Mal Ton stood in the doorway and studied the result. “You weren’t trying to become her. You were trying to mimic her coloring and you’ve done that beautifully. You are a sensuous, desirable Gehinna female.”
“Are you going to turn blue too?” Her teeth appeared especially white framed by her dark blue smile.
“You wouldn’t want me to impersonate a Gehinna male. They are true barbarians.” He traced her lips with his index finger and lowered his voice. “This color is perfect for your nipples and your pussy. Don’t forget to adjust the color of all your hair.”
She turned her head and looked into the mirror. “I thought the objective of this transformation was to get us through the door. I have no intention of screwing around at a sex club while Brianna’s life hangs in the balance.”
He tangled his fingers in the back of her hair. “Look at me.” She met his gaze in the mirror instead of turning around. “How far are you willing to go? We already know they’re not at the main club. We have to attract the attention of one of the trainers and secure an invitation to the Autumn Den. Brianna’s life hangs in the balance. What are you willing to do?”
* * *
Lorelle stared at Mal Ton’s reflection while uncertainty and dread assailed her calm. Could she bare her body and let strangers touch her? Was she willing to fuck someone to secure Brianna’s freedom? Would she fuck more than one?
“It’s just sex,” she whispered as her insides clenched. “She’s my sister. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
A predatory smile curved his lips and tingles skittered down her spine. “Do you honestly believe I’d let someone else fuck you? There is no way it will go that far.”
Her breath released in a thankful whoosh. “But it’s likely we’ll get naked?”
“Very likely.”
“Will the trainers touch us?”
“Possibly.”
“Will we be expected to touch them?”
“We won’t rush into this blindly.” He took her shoulder and guided her around. His other hand still grasped her hair. “We’ll understand the rules before we agree to play their games.”
“But the more willing we are, the more likely it is that we’ll be invited to the next level.”
“Yes.” His gaze caressed her face, the teal gleaming with warmth and protectiveness.
Fane cleared his throat, reminding them that they weren’t alone. “She’ll need something to wear. And I need to arrange for backup. You’re not going to attempt this alone.”
“Who did you have in mind? Max chose these people for a reason. I wouldn’t be surprised if many, if not all of the trainers are mutants. Anyone who accompanies us has to be a strong shielder. We don’t want our abilities to give us away.”
“I’m going to head the other team. I thought I’d take Sean and perhaps one of the other shifters with me.”
Mal Ton shook his head. “It’s not smart for both of us to go on any mission.”
“Smart hasn’t gotten us any closer to unmasking Max.” Fane waved away his concern and headed for the door. “It’s time for rash and reckless.”
The door shut behind Fane and Mal Ton turned back to Lorelle. “I know sexuality isn’t a weapon you’re used to wielding, but we will be all the more convincing because of your vulnerability.”
“It will be worth it if—”
He placed his fingers on her lips. “No effort is wasted. Even if we fail or Brianna isn’t being held at the Autumn Den we need to do this.”
“I know.”
His lips brushed over hers and his warm, spicy scent made her tingle. “Pretending to want you is going to be the easiest role I’ve ever played.” He wrapped his arms around her and the distinct ridge of his erection reinforced his claim.
She held him tight and abandoned herself to the kiss. Knowing the stolen moment was destined to pass only made the embrace sweeter.
* * *
“Have you ever been to one of my classes before?” Mistress Effie assessed them with wide, heavily lined brown eyes. Her skin bore the bronze tint of a highborn Protarian while the utter perfection of her features hinted at surgical assistance.
“We haven’t had the pleasure, but we’ve heard nothing but rave reviews.” Mal Ton’s voice rumbled in his chest. He’d followed the same advice he’d given Lorelle and chosen a form not far removed from his natural appearance. The less energy he had to devote to maintaining his shift, the more he could channel into finding the humans.
“Your companion is obviously Gehinna, but your appearance is less distinct. Which races combined to create you?” Her emotions were muted, yet he couldn’t be sure if mutant abilities augmented her control or she had simply had years of practice maintaining her composure.
“My mother was Protarian. My father was half Mimossa and half human.”
“Human?” She scooted to the edge of her chair and crossed her long, toned legs. “I had never heard of the race until earlier this week.”
“Few humans interact with this star system. Perhaps I know your other clients.”
A sly smile bowed her pouty lips and still she emanated only faint twinges of emotion. “Information regarding my clients is strictly confidential.”
“Of course. I apologize.”
“How much do you know about my programs?”
“This is a training facility, not an entertainment club. Each exercise has been designed with a specific purpose.” He glanced at Lorelle to see how she was holding up. She sat beside him, her deep blue gaze fixed on Mistress Effie. Her emotions were so carefully guarded he had to touch her mind to assure himself she was all right.
She glanced at him, obviously sensing his increased presence in her mind. The faster we pass inspection, the sooner we can start earning an invitation to the Autumn Den. Her telepathic response was tentative even though he’d assured her their private link was well shielded.
“I need to know a bit about you.” Mistress Effie’s gaze narrowed just a bit. Had she sensed Lorelle’s transmission or was she just responding to the sudden hush? “It’s important that I place you in the program that will benefit you the most.”
“The application was detailed. What else do you need to know?” With so little time to plan, t
hey’d had to keep their story generic. He didn’t want to suggest a situation she would attempt to verify.
“How did you meet?” she addressed the question to Lorelle.
“I danced in a bar.” Lorelle shrugged, appearing bored and indifferent. “He enjoyed my act and was less obnoxious than most of the guys, so we eventually got together. This is his idea, not mine. I don’t need some namby-pamby school teaching me how to fuck.”
Mistress Effie chuckled, eyeing Lorelle with more interest. “What about him? Perhaps his skills could use some refining.”
“If you saw the size of his dick, you’d understand why this is a waste of time.”
“Is a large penis all it takes to satisfy you?”
“It sure as hell doesn’t hurt.”
Mistress Effie turned back to Mal Ton. “Why did you bring her here?”
“She’s impatient. She has the most amazing body, but she won’t let me enjoy it. As soon as she gets wet, she wants me to shove it in and get it over with.”
“Fascinating.” She turned back to Lorelle. “How often do you orgasm?”
“Often enough. Fucking is fucking. Insert tab A into slot B and slide back and forth. I don’t need a trainer to tell me that.”
Mal Ton made a distressed sound and swept his hand toward Lorelle. “You see the problem? She has no idea what she’s missing.”
“Have you ever tied her up?”
“I’ve been tempted, but she can be a real hellion when she’s riled.”
Lorelle scoffed, slapping her knee with one hand. “It would take more than one man to tie me up.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.” Mistress Effie stood and smiled down at Lorelle. “You’re lucky your lover understands that there is far more to fucking than you’ve allowed him to demonstrate.” Mistress Effie depressed a trigger on the control pad strapped to her wrist then looked at Mal Ton. “Are you ready?”
“I can’t wait to begin.”
A door on the far side of the reception area slid open and two tall, burly men stepped into the room.
“Escort this couple to training room three and prepare the female for Master Amadi.”
Mal Ton stood and held out his hand toward Lorelle. Great job, sweetheart. The uncertainty in her gaze increased his need to touch her. He slipped his arm around her waist as they followed their escorts into the corridor. We’re on our way.
* * *
On our way to what? Lorelle carefully hid the thought from Mal Ton. The roles they’d devised gave her an outlet for her anxiety. She could argue and resist without seeming suspicious. Still, she didn’t want Mal Ton to realize how disconcerting she found the situation. The more turbulent her emotions became, the harder it would be for her to hold the shift. She was far more comfortable with overt aggression than deception.
Fane and his team were monitoring the situation. At the first hint of danger they’d storm the facility and rush Mal Ton and Lorelle to safety. Mal Ton had assured her they wouldn’t actually watch, but she wasn’t sure it mattered. They all knew what was going on inside the training center.
One of Effie’s thugs opened a door and motioned them inside. No sooner had they entered the room than the other brute grabbed her upper arms.
“Get your paws off me!” A slow, taunting smile was his only response as she jerked against his restraining hands.
“We are only here to assist you, sir,” Thug One told Mal Ton.
“Good. It distresses me to see others handling my female.” Thug Two held her arms so she kicked out at Mal Ton. “Stop that. It will do no good to fight us. You brought this on yourself.”
She gasped. “How do you figure that?”
His current appearance was far less striking than his natural shape, which was the main reason he’d chosen the form. Brown hair flowed away from his face in wide waves. He was shorter now, his build stocky as opposed to fluidly muscled. Mutant fire flashed for an instant within his light brown eyes.
“I’ve tried to show you the pleasures waiting us beyond basic fucking. You won’t allow me to be creative.” His deft fingers unbuttoned the front of her blouse and parted the sides, revealing her simple undergarment. “You are capable of so much more. I’m no longer willing to be compromised by your impatience.” He rubbed his thumbs over her nipples, watching them tighten beneath the clingy fabric of her undershirt.
Her ragged breathing increased the pressure of his thumbs and heightened the sensations created by his light caress. “I’ll slow down, I promise. You don’t need to tie me up.”
He chuckled and shifted his gaze to the fastenings at the front of her pants. “It’s too late for compromises, love. You are going to be trained.” Thug One removed her shoes while Mal Ton pulled off her pants. She twisted and kicked, but the men easily avoided her flailing feet. “This will probably take all three of us.” Mal Ton drew her undershirt up and Thug One pulled it off over her head. She jerked one arm free and launched herself forward. Mal Ton caught her and pressed her back into Thug One’s waiting hands. Her panties soon followed and the thugs dragged her backward.
She couldn’t see where they were taking her, but the lustful gleam in Mal Ton’s eyes made her renew her struggles.
“They won’t hurt you if you stop fighting them.” Mal Ton matched them step for step, his hot gaze every bit as tangible as their hands.
“They won’t hurt her unless they’re ordered to.” The deep male voice drew her attention to the doorway.
“Master,” the thugs greeted in unison.
Amadi had a boyish charm that seemed incongruous with his title. Wildly curling blond hair framed his handsome face. Prominent cheekbones and a straight nose led her gaze to his mouth. His bottom lip was fuller than the top and dimples added to his youthful appeal.
“Carry on,” he told the thugs, amusement dancing in his baby blue eyes. “Mistress Effie warned me this would require all my skills.”
Lorelle forgot her sarcastic response as Thug One pivoted and she saw their destination. It looked like an oversized shower base—except for the shackles! She wiggled and yelled, kicking out at Thug Two.
“I’d heard Gehinna women were spirited.” Amadi stood beside Mal Ton, obviously enjoying the show. “Is she always like this?”
“You have no idea.”
Thug One closed a shackle around her wrist with an intimidating snap while Thug Two wrestled her feet into position. As soon as her arms were secured above her head, Thug One bound her ankles. Her legs were drawn apart until her pussy lips parted, her body open and helpless. Her breath caught in her throat as she waited for them to take advantage of her obscene position.
“Will there be anything else?” Thug One asked Amadi, and Lorelle exhaled.
“Not right now. Thank you.”
Emboldened by their departure, Lorelle tugged against one side and then the other. “This isn’t funny! Open these things right now.” She sent a fresh wave of energy through her body, reinforcing her shift.
“Undress and join her,” Amadi directed.
Mal Ton immediately moved to obey. Lorelle turned the full force of her indignation on Amadi. “You perverted little prick! I won’t stand for this.”
In an instant, his humor evaporated and his gaze turned to ice. He approached her with purposeful steps and curved his fingers around her chin. “You agreed to acquire these skills when you signed your application. Disobedience will be punished and cooperation rewarded. You are now involved in a barter where the only commodity is pleasure. You will receive pleasure thankfully and give pleasure without hesitation. Do you understand?”
“I understand that you’re deluded. Unfasten these cuffs!”
Mal Ton moved up beside Amadi and possessively cupped her breast. Despite his altered appearance, she recognized the unyielding intensity of his gaze. “This has been a long time coming, sweetheart. The sooner you surrender and allow yourself to learn, the sooner we can move on to other lessons.”
He looked at Amadi while his hand subtly staked his claim. “How would you like me to begin?”
Before Amadi could answer, Lorelle spit in his face.
Mal Ton gasped, his shock obvious and genuine. Take it easy. He could make me whip you.
A perverse thrill tingled down her spine. The thought of being whipped wasn’t nearly as terrifying as it should have been. Mal Ton would never hurt her. No, that wasn’t quite true. She obviously needed a hint of pain mixed in with her pleasure. Still, he’d never cause her intentional harm. She was safe to explore even her dark fantasies as long as she explored them with her mate.
“I apologize, sir. She isn’t usually this bad.”
“She’s frightened.” Amadi wiped his face on his sleeve, his outward composure unruffled. “However, she was warned. Actions have consequences and legitimate masters don’t make idle threats. She has earned a sound spanking, and I do mean sound.” His blue gaze shifted to Lorelle and his lips pressed into a disapproving line. “Have you been spanked before?”
It was all she could do not to grin like a spoiled child. Now that she’d discovered this element of her personality, she couldn’t seem to get enough. Rather than trusting her voice not to betray her, she just glared at the trainer in mutinous silence.
Amadi motioned Mal Ton toward her. “Proceed.”
One corner of Mal Ton’s mouth quirked as he approached her. “You’ve embarrassed me and disgraced yourself. This is more than deserved.” He rotated her to the side, allowing Amadi to see what he was doing.
“If you hit me I will never—” His first swat forced a gasp from her throat. His second made her scream. “I will not be punished like a—”
He ignored her protests and warmed her ass cheeks with well-placed spanks. Each impact sent a pulse of pleasure through her pussy, tightening her inner muscles and making her clit twitch. She licked her lips and felt her eyelids droop as an orgasm crept ever closer.
