Page 85 of Mated to the Vikings

The others backed away, undressing in silence. She watched, her eyes darting back and forth between all of us. I’d never seen such intense lust in her eyes and the way her lower lip quivered was sexy as hell. Only when they were naked did she proceed to ease first one then the other strap from her shoulder, shimmying until the dress was able to slide to the floor.

I studied the box and her eyes followed mine. I could tell she was intrigued, inching closer.

“A gift?” she asked in her most provocative manner.

“A symbol,” I answered for all of us. There was no reason for the level of anxiety I felt, but perhaps my mind realized this was finally moving on, leaving the wretched life I’d had behind me. The new beginning that was touted to me on several occasions. After almost being consumed by the disease, my mind had reclaimed many more of the memories, many I wished could be left forgotten. Samuel Winter had recruited me, his brutal tactics ones I would never forget.

What she didn’t know was that I’d been cognizant enough to realize who she’d shot in defense. Perhaps the beast living beside my humanity could smell his deceit, his utter stench. Satisfaction didn’t come easy, but at least he was out of my life. I eased the box into my hand, fingering the lid before advancing. “Cassia Bloom. We’ve forged a life together, the four of us.”

“Yes,” she whispered. “What I know will be a wonderful life.”

“With children,” Brexin added, grinning as he moved closer.

“And prosperity, a life free of danger,” David breathed.

She nodded, a single tear slipping past her long and seductive eyelashes.

“I’m not a man of God, nor do I believe in a deity, but what God has formed, may no man put asunder.” As I opened the box, I had no concept of her reaction.

She narrowed her eyes, darting them toward each of us, unable to stop the tears. “You did this?”

“A symbol of our undying love,” Brexin whispered.

“Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.” I took her hand into mine, sliding the ring on her finger. Then I lifted an eyebrow, leaning down. “A symbol of your requirement to obey us.”

“To serve our every pleasure,” David chortled. “No matter what we ask.”

She wrinkled her nose as if deciding until I swatted her on the bottom. “I do!” After gazing at her ring, she glanced around my arm. “What’s in the second box?”

“Oh, you’re ready to see your other present?” I snagged it off the table, my fingers remaining wrapped around it. “This is to help you with obedience. We want you to wear this every day, unless we are together. Do you understand?”

A warm blush crept up from her neck, sliding across her beautiful cheeks. “Yes, sir.” She hesitated before lifting the lid, groaning and rolling her eyes. “An ass plug?”

“An ass plug. This will remind you that you belong to us,” I answered.

“But I already know that,” she insisted, holding the thick silver piece in the air, the jeweled end sparkling in the dim lighting.

“If you’re not careful, we’ll make you wear it tonight,” David huffed.

“I’ll be your obedient little slave.” She fingered the plug before shoving it back into the box, quickly dropping it on the table. “What other rules do I need to follow?”

“Simple,” Brexin began. “You obey our rules. You will never leave the city without an escort. You will always be naked in our house. You will succumb to discipline as necessary and you will suck our cocks when commanded.”

Cassia placed her hand on her hip. “Maybe.”

“There is no maybe,” Brexin stated. “Now, you’re going to be punished again.”

“Why?” she asked, her eyes opening wide.

“You certainly didn’t follow Brexin’s commands while David and I were ill. Now, did you?” I asked, giving her a stern look.

“And you know why,” she retorted, biting her lower lip. “I was saving your life.”

“While putting your health in jeopardy,” David said quietly. “You disobeyed. Didn’t you?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Yes, I did.”

“Then you deserve a spanking.” David retrieved a cane, swatting it several times in the air. “This will do nicely.”