Page 11 of Sanctuary After Dark

Following Raven, he pointed out what appeared to be a fire pit with wooden swings around it. "We use that a lot in the fall, and Mister Lincoln and Master Damien bring out their guitars while we all sip on some cider and roast marshmallows and make mountain pies."

I could picture it as they spoke about it. How cozy and comfortable it was by the fire, with maybe a soft blanket to wrap myself in. I found myself wanting to be here when fall came around so that I could experience it. Fall was my favorite season, and I knew with all the trees around here that it would be gorgeous.

Walking past it, Raven pointed towards the back of the yard where I could see two fenced-in areas. One looked like an agility course for dogs with platforms, jumps, hoops, and tunnels, while the other had a dirt terrain rather than grass and what appeared to be jumps for horses. Between the two areas was a small building.

"Those are for the pet play and pony play people. That small building over there is divided in half. One is sort of a barn with a tack room, while the other is more of a grooming salon for all different kinds of human pets." Raven smiled as we walked past the area. I had never really explored pet play, but it was fun to watch. I just wasn't sure I was a puppy, and I definitely wasn't a pony.

"That smaller building off to the side of that is Mister Lincoln's leather workshop. He spends so much time in there, but he makes gorgeous pieces. My Master commissioned my collar from him. Isn't it pretty?" Raven grinned and held his chin up, showing off the leather collar.

"Oh wow. That is really pretty." I smiled and admired the piece and the expert craftsmanship. And the leather looked so soft, too.

It was really nice, though, to see such a diverse representation of kinks already. A lot of communities tended to focus on a few kinks, depending on what most people in the community were into, but here they seemed to cater to as many as possible. From the short description of some of the rooms he had seen, there was a great mix of kinks here.

Next, we came to the edge of the forest, where a trail began, and beside the trailhead stood a wooden cabinet with glass doors. Inside the cabinet were pegs and a small basket filled with green tags you could hang on the pegs.

"These are the trails in the woods. Anyone is welcome to use them, but if you see any green tags hanging in the cabinet here, that's just a sign that there are some primal players in the woods as well. You're still welcome to use the trails during that time, but just be aware that you'll probably see a takedown or hear it." Raven laughed a little and pointed out that there was one green tag in there already. I couldn't help but blush as I saw it. I had never done primal play, but it sounded intriguing, if not terrifying.

"Usually, once a month in the warmer months, we host a community-wide primal night. There's a large space along the trails with a big fire pit and plenty of seating around it. Mister Lincoln will usually bring out his guitar, and I get together with some of the other members to make a big spread of food to cook over the fire. Even if you're not into primal, it's a lot of fun to just come and hang out. There's a calendar online that should be updated soon with all the events we're planning."

I nodded as he spoke, trying to take it all in. There was so much information, and this community was a lot bigger than the previous one I had been in. But everyone seemed to be a lot closer to each other as well. It felt more like a big family. I could see that even though I had just gotten here. Just from walking around and observing everyone. It was nice, but it also made me nervous. I didn't want to seem like I was intruding on anyone.

It didn't take us long to get back to the house, and Raven was leading me towards what I assumed was the living room. The vaulted ceilings made it feel huge, but the beige stone fireplace and the large, comfortable-looking couches and chairs, with all the throw blankets and pillows, made it feel so cozy. Large windows looked out onto the backyard, and a large flat-screen television hung above the fireplace. Along the walls were frames with pictures. As I stepped closer, I noticed that the pictures were of the club's members. Smiling faces peered back at me, while others showed images of different events they had hosted. My eyes ran over the different expressions on the members' faces, and I saw how happy they all looked. It was really nice to see, and I couldn't help but smile.

Especially when I came across one photo of Lincoln and Lucas. They were standing in front of the house, which looked a lot different and a bit more run-down. One had his arm around the other while they both wore huge smiles. A realtor's sign was next to them with a sign over it that said 'Sold'. They both looked so happy, and my smile widened as I looked at the moment where their dream had become a reality. It was obviously such a big thing for them, and walking around, I could tell how much it meant to them.

"Obviously, this is the living room. It's a communal space for everyone to just hang out and relax. Through here is the kitchen. Probably my favorite space in the house. I'm usually in here planning schedules or menus or cooking or baking." Raven winked at me as he led me through to the kitchen.

The stone extended along the walls and to the back of the fireplace, where they installed a pizza oven. The cabinets were black with a dark wood countertop. Beams went across the ceiling, and the entire wall was windows looking out on the backyard and pool. In front of the windows was a long, raw-edged wooden table with chairs around it. A large island stood in the middle of the kitchen, with barstools on one side, and sitting in one of them was Lucas, his chin resting in his hand, a smile on his face, his eyes glinting with humor, while Lincoln rummaged through the cupboards.

Raven sighed and put his hands on his hips. "If you mess up my perfectly organized pantry, there's going to be hell to pay. What are you looking for anyway?"

Lincoln's head poked around the pantry door, and he just stuck his tongue out at Raven before going back to what he was doing. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

I covered my mouth to hide my giggle at how silly he was being and how Raven huffed and stomped over to him, shooing him away, and they started to argue about what Lincoln was looking for.

Once I heard the arguing, the smile slipped from my face. I hoped Raven wasn't going to get in trouble for talking back to Lincoln. Anytime I had talked back, I always got hit, and I really didn't want anything to happen to Raven. They had been so nice to me.

"Hey, little one. Enjoying the tour?"

I blinked and turned to find Lucas smiling at me. He shifted his attention from Lincoln and Raven to me, fully focusing on me. I nodded as I walked over to him and pulled a stool out to sit next to him.

"Yeah. It's really nice so far, and so is Raven. He's been showing me everything."

"They. They're nonbinary."

"Oh! Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know." I felt my face heat with embarrassment at misgendering them. Stupid. I was so stupid! I should have asked what their pronouns were when I first met them. Now I had gone and embarrassed myself. I should have just kept my mouth shut.

Lucas chuckled a little, which surprised me, then just smiled. "It's all right, sweetheart. No one told you. Now you know. No harm, no foul. Although they're fine with using he/him as well. Now that I think about it, I think they're fine with using all pronouns." Lucas laughed and shook his head a little. "But I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself. Have they taken you to see the Rope Haven yet?" His blue eyes sparkled as he mentioned the Rope Haven. I let out a little breath that he wasn't upset over my mistake, but I was still nervous about it.

Shaking my head as I played with the sleeves of my shirt, pulling them down over my fingers and gripping them in my fists. "Not yet."

Lucas hummed thoughtfully for a moment. Looking over at Lincoln and Raven as they continued to argue, he just rolled his eyes before standing up.

"Come on then. I'll give you a personal tour of it since I designed it. These two are going to argue for a while until Raven just kicks Linc out of the kitchen entirely."

I couldn't help but bite my lip nervously as I looked over at Lincoln and Raven bickering. "They won't get into trouble? For talking back?" I knew if I had tried that with Jack, he would have hit me or locked me in the cage for even raising my voice at him. I didn't want Raven to get into trouble. Talking back was bad. You didn't talk back to your superior, and when you did, you were corrected. You got punished.

My hands shook a little as I watched them going back and forth with their words. My fingers come up to pick at my lip. It was a nervous tic I had. I could feel my heart beating a little faster as my anxiety spiked.