“There has already been at least one attempt to steal a human pet. She is safe. No permanent harm was done, but that’s why extra security has been added. We will never leave this building without guards. A guard is positioned outside my door at all times. When we go upstairs to enjoy the patio, there will be a guard with us.”
I’m shocked. He mentioned the guards before, but I didn’t realize how serious the problem was. Now, I’m kind of scared.
He taps my collar. “There is a tracking device in your collar. There are also hooks.” He tugs on one, pulling me forward. “I can use these to secure you to me or any other object. I will do so for your safety when necessary.”
My breath hitches, and I nearly shout, “A leash?”
He narrows his gaze. “Do not raise your voice at Daddy. Ever.”
“But… But I’m not an animal, Daddy. I’m a human. You can’t put a leash on me.”
“I can, Little pet, and I will. In fact, it’s something I will do this morning. It’s time for you to start getting used to the feel of it so it becomes second nature to you. Eventually, you’ll associate any chain you’re attached to with safety and security. When I clasp you to me or to an eyehook in the floor, you’ll be reminded how much I value you. Don’t think of your chains and collar as existing for the sole purpose of amusing me. They are for your protection and my peace of mind.”
I bite my bottom lip, trying not to cry. This new development isnotmaking me happy. It’s like there was one step forward and two steps back. I’ll die if he puts a leash on me.
Defeated, I lower my head toward my lap.
Daddy wraps his arm around me and pulls me against his chest. He kisses the top of my head. “You are mine, Little pet. I purchased you for my amusement. You will learn that I’m a generous owner. I intend to pamper you and treat you like a prized possession, because that’s exactly what you are. The injection you were given binds us in a way that would make our separation physically painful. I’m sure you’ve recognized the anxiety you feel when you wake up and I’m not next to you. Your heart rate eases when I’m nearby, and you can only fully relax if I’m touching you. These are facts that can’t be ignored.
“Try to accept and embrace your new life, Little pet. You don’t have options. If you insist on fighting me, you will be sad and lonely. As will I. You’ll learn that the harshest punishment I can dole out will be separation from me. I can and will put you in a kennel and leave you alone in a dark corner in an empty room for as long as necessary if you insist on misbehaving.”
A stupid tear escapes my eye, and I reach up to wipe it away.
Daddy holds me closer. “I know you mourn the life you had on the space station, but it’s part of your past, Little pet. This is your future. Here with me. I will make you happy. I promise, but you will learn that it’s in your best interest to obey me at all times. No amount of nagging will cause me to change my mind.”
He’s petting me. His hand runs through my messy hair over and over. It feels so good. It also makes me feel like the pet hesays I am. It’s hard for me to imagine how he’s planning to make me happy if he intends to keep me locked up and treat me like a cross between an infant and a puppy.
At the same time, I’m so calm and happy when he’s holding me. His fingers threading in my hair soothe me. I could sit here for hours and let him stroke me.
I think of the other women who’ve been brought here. “Can I see my friends soon? Do they live close by?”
He gives a gentle tug on my hair. “The other pets who have been purchased live in this general vicinity, but you may not see any of them. Perhaps in the future, I’ll speak to other owners. We may decide to permit visits, but not soon. It wouldn’t be prudent. You are all adjusting to your new lives. The rules in each home are not the same. We won’t have you girls comparing your situations and grumbling. You’ll focus on me and me alone. Understood?”
“Yes, Sir.” I’m deflated, though. “Will everyone on the space station be kidnapped and sold as slaves?”
“I’m not fond of your wording, but I assume eventually, yes.”
Another consideration is that he hasn’t mentioned me working. I toiled long hours every day of my life on the space station. Since arriving on this planet, I have not lifted a finger.
“Will I be assigned a job?” I ask.
He tips me, so I’m cradled in his arms again, and looks me in the eyes. “Assigned a job? No, Little pet.”
“I’ve never been idle before,” I tell him. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Won’t I get bored?
“I’ll provide you with entertainment, Zoey. I’ve already been accumulating various toys for you.”
“Toys?” My voice rises. I have to stop myself from continuing at that volume. “Toys are for children. I’m an adult.”
He chuckles. “Adults can play with toys, too. Obviously, youwouldn’t be entertained by building a tower of blocks, but I bet you’d like to have an electronic device on which you could read or play games.” He lifts a brow.
That does sound heavenly. “How can I read? Does your planet have books written in English?”
“No, Little pet. But they don’t need to be. For one thing, I can download any or all the books you had on the space station. But also, as is the case in many things, our technology is far more advanced than what you’re used to. Any reading material we have from Venkoria or any other planet can be translated into your language in seconds.”
That’s certainly cool.
“The universe is at your fingertips, Zoey.” He lifts a section of my tangled hair. “How about I brush out these gorgeous locks and braid your hair so it’s not in your face. Then we can go outside.”
