Smoldered Flames: Part I of the Edonia Series
Chapter 23

Kamau

Despite marking her as an enemy, I couldn’t deny how good the prisoner looked. The way the leather wraps around perfectly against her curves, the corset enhances her already small waist. Her thigh high boots gave a height advantage. The mask she wears matched her stubbornness. She was superior to the eyes of many, and not for the first time, I wanted to hog tie her and redden that plump behind with my hand.

Queen Esther, my mother, called for our regular last quarter moon updates. She was sorely disappointed that I didn’t have any information regarding the prisoner. The little jailbird became reclusive since the vitality cuffs were placed on her. The fire in her eyes was still present. She followed every command and direction I gave her, albeit with silent disdain. It made my skin crawl with annoyance that she refuses to submit.

Like now, she makes direct eye contact with Gisele -who is a Delta in Bianka’s pod- and doesn’t break it.

The prisoner smirks. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“I thought you learned your lesson from last time.” Gisele hisses.

“Apparently not.”

Gisele begins to make a gesture with her fingers. At this rate, we wouldn’t make any progress tonight. Eros found a way for us to get into Sinful Maestra without any complications. How? I wasn’t sure, and I wasn’t in the mood to replace out.

“Enough.” I say quietly and everyone stills.

A hand touches my arm, as Bianka speaks up. “Kamau is right, Gisele. We don’t have time to entertain gutter scum.”

The prisoner is silent, her eyes staring at Bianka while Jillian laughs obnoxiously, hanging on to Cassius like a lifeline. Cassius rolls his eyes in annoyance. Looking closer, my beta looked a little pale, as if he were sick.

“What’s gotten into you? ”I question him telepathically.

He jumps, looking around. “Shit, kamau! I forgot you could do that too.”

“Again, what is wrong with you? I can’t afford any fuck ups tonight.”

“There won’t be any fucks up, Alpha.” he grumbles.

“See to it there isn’t.”’

“I hate to ruin your little silent conversion, but we should get ready to go.” a voice cuts in. I cut a glare at our newest member.

She shrugs her shoulders. “What? You made it clear that we had to leave at 8 o’clock on the dot. I’m just doing my part.” she then claps her hands together, her eyes held excitement. “Who’s noble steed am I riding tonight?”

Daxter clears his throat. “We aren’t riding there, Val”

Laughter fills the air and if the prisoner didn’t have a mask, I’m sure her face would flare with humiliation.

She straightens her spine and speaks with optimism. “I guess that settles it then! Let’s go!”

Gisele steps into the center of the room and lifts a finger. She whispers an incantation while her finger forms a gigantic oval. Electric green fills the round shape and she steps back admiring her work.

Valeri

Everyone looked stunning tonight. Bianka wears a sequined silver bodycon dress with silver stilettos that could kill, her platinum hair in a high ponytail. She stands near Adeyemi, deeply engrossed in a conversation they were having.

Jillian rocks a strapless emerald green minidress with strappy black heels. Her golden copper tresses are curled around her small frame. Jillian wraps a hand around Cassius’ neck and he leans in while she whispers sweet nothings in his ear. I realized I was openly staring at them when Cassius glared at me. My face is void of emotion when I take in Gisele and Mystique’s attire.

Mystique dons a black leather crop top with leather pants and a choker. Some of her dark locks were bound in a blood red hair clip. Seeing that particular piece itched something in the back of my mind, but I couldn’t quite place the memory… Mystique stands inches apart from Daxter and she looks at me with a forlorn gaze. Daxter avoids my stare like the plague

Gisele wears a slim-fitting black bodysuit with yellow palazzo trousers and sandaled heels. Her beautiful hair is bound in a severe low bun, decorated with yellow and black floral clips. She walks back to Eros.

Adeyemi begins. “Everyone, wear your mask before we enter the portal.”

Everyone wears similar masks of black and gold. The males are more strong and masculine like, while the females are dainty. It seems I stand out amongst our little group.

I was so engrossed with the pods that I realized too late we’re missing one other person. “Where’s Greta?”

Bianka cuts a glare my way. “My pod is of no concern to you, Omega.” she snarls.

“If she is a part of your pod, why isn’t she going on this little mission, alpha?” I snarled back.

Eros walks over to me. “Now, now Valeri. Whether they found Greta worthy of coming to this mission is none of our business. Get your head in the game. The portal will close soon.”

“Eros!” Gisele shrieked.

I was stunned. Not with Eros, but by the fact they didn’t replace Greta worthy of attending the mission.

I turn to each of the Bitch Squad members. “She’s more worthy than each of you combined.”

The silence in the room was deafening until someone clears their throat.

Eros walks towards the portal. “I guess we should head out then.”

I quickly follow suit, fuming. This didn’t feel right. From what I’ve learned, a pod operated like a wolf pack. Everyone had a role to play in order for the pod to succeed, otherwise it would fail. Whatever the outcome, I hope the Bitch Squad doesn’t ruin this mission.

“After you, love.” eros indicates towards the portal with an extended hand.

“So, I just jump in?”

“Yes.” someone groans.

I didn’t turn to see who it was. But it sounded like Cassius. Here goes nothing.

**********

Boisterous music comes from within Sinful Maestra. An anxious buzzing sensation courses through my body as we wait to be let into Sinful Maestra. The club is surrounded by other businesses owned by various Otherworldly beings. The outside appears to have two floors and is square in shape. Black velvet ropes with interwoven gold streaks lead up to the gray stone building, and a masked security guard stands at the entrance.

I stand at the rear of our group-Adeyemi’s orders- and get to hear Gisele and Jillian complaining about how they shouldn’t have to wait in line. People eye us up and down. I sigh quietly, shaking my head.

Eventually the line moves along, and before we know it, we are facing the security guard. His eyes scan us all carefully, and they linger on me the longest. The male says nothing and allows us entry.

When I pass him, he grabs my arm gently. “What are you doing with the likes of them?”

“Huh? Do you know me?” I ask.

He lets me go. “No, I guess not.” he says in disappointment.

I reach for his arm and a jolt comes from the touch. It wasn’t like what I experienced with the males of my pod. It was a feeling of familiarity, of camaraderie; nothing heady or lustful. “No, I need you to answer my question. Do. you. Know. Me?”

The security guard looks deep into my eye as if searching for an answer. “I’m sorry. I was mistaken. Please enjoy your time at Sinful Maestra.”

I didn’t believe him, but I couldn’t linger too long or I’d lose my pod. Like they’d care anyhow.

I enter the club and am amazed by what’s in front of me. Thumping music blares into my ears, making me cringe. The interior of Sinful Maestra was more spacious than what the outside presented. A gigantic half rectangular bar section is on the left side coming in. It faces the dance floor and seats thirty people. The bar void is made of portoro and metal with a glass top.

The club has dark gray stone floors and marble black walls. Floor-to-ceilings are lined with velvety black curtains to -what I assume- is to block out the sun. Traveling farther into the club, you can see an enormous dance floor. It glows with scarlett, onyx, and ivory to the music. I can smell the sweat of humans as they writhe against one another to the beat. A DJ booth is caddy-cornered to the right of the dance floor.

“Burn It to the Ground” by Nickelback plays while I make my way to the bar. A masked blonde bartender of about twenty-five expertly shakes cocktail mixers and a crowd forms when he performs tricks with the drinks. They whoop and holler over the music as the bartender juggles a drink in the air while pouring the other in a fancy glass. Once the other comes back down, he pours it in another glass. The drinks glow faintly as he hands them to a couple of men. They pull out clear cards and tap them on the glass top. So everything is digital.

Technomusic begins to play when I sit in an empty bar stool, waiting until the bartender makes his way towards me. Eventually, he comes in my direction.

“What will it be, love?” his deeply rich accented voice asks.

“I’ll just take a tequila sunrise. Extra tequila.”

The bartender gives a quizzical look before his eyes widen. “Tequila sunrise, coming right up!”

He skillfully measures pineapple juice with golden tequila and grenadine. “Here ya go! It’s on the house!”

“Thanks!” I shout over the music.

“What’s your name sweetheart?”

I wasn’t in the mood for conversation, but he did provide a free drink. “Valeri.”

“What’s a lady like you doing in a place like this?”

I giggled. “I just wanted to get out and enjoy life, I guess.”

He winks at me. “Maybe I could show you around on my break if you’re here long enough tonight.”

Something about that felt wrong. The way he spoke to me was sickening…

“I’ll think about it.”

Someone grabs my arm...again. “You’ll do no such thing.” It was none other than Cassius.

He drags me away from the bar area and through the crowd. I pull my arm out of his grasp and he whirls around angry.

“Who the fuck are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?!” I spat. I threw my drink at him and he didn’t even flinch. “I can speak or fuck with whoever I please. You lost all rights to my body, Cassius!”

He leans down to growl in my ear. “Do you really think I’m going to suffer from your dalliances tonight? Fuck that. You will stay near me at all times, do you understand?”

I gave a lungful laugh. “Who the fuck do you think you think you are, my father? I don’t think so. No, I will enjoy my only night away from that prison called a university while you guys take care of whatever business you are dealing with.”

“You are a part of this pod as well, Valeri.”

“Am I? I’ve been given barely enough information regarding this so-called mission. I had to replace out from Daxter -instead of our lovely Alpha- that people are going missing. What kind of Alpha leads his people blindly? An Alpha like that isn’t worth following. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll grab another drink and dance my ass off.”

I whirl around before he could speak to me again. How dare he? Who the fuck did he think he was to tell me to stay at his side like a trained pup? I am this close to replaceing an ounce of information and I have a feeling I’ll replace something from this place soon. I walk in the direction of the bar but get myself turned around by the writhing crowd. I end up at the back of the club and an elevator suddenly appears. It’s cold metal doors were inviting as they opened to a bronze interior.

Something within pushes me to go inside. I look around to see if anyone else notices, and I replace no familiar eyes watching me, so I decide to step in. When I step inside, the doors immediately close behind me and the elevator quickly ascends to another floor.

The elevator doors reveal a stunning loft. On the right is an open living area that’s decorated in a bohemian-minimalist style. High ceiling windows are lined with light creamed curtains that are gently cupped back. The carpet is a plush light gray. A large pastel green soft sectional couch faces the elevator with a glass table with light golden colored legs. A large mineral specimen with a metallic clawed case sits in the middle of the table. A large rectangular area rug with a round medallion sits at the center of the living area; it’s colored in an amass of swirling greens, yellows, golds, and browns.

A holographic circular projector hangs from the ceiling. Different types of plants are sporadic throughout the living area. On the left side are a set of black metal stairs that lead to a white wooden door. Underneath the stairs reveals a small dining area with an oval shaped glass table and a contemporary luxury compact wine bar. A gigantic framed abstract hangs on a wall behind the dining area.

I walk up to the door and it unlocks at my approach. The size of the bedroom is that of the entire first floor. The interior design of this room is the opposite of the living area. Black plush carpet meets my feet. On the far right is a black leather couch and a low dark mahogany stands in front of it. An Alaskan king sized canopy bed is in the center of the room. Another door is on the left. Probably a closet. Who the hell lives here? They must be loaded to have such luxurious things.

I go to the door on the left and it again opens at my approach. Odd. It reveals a closet filled with clothes for various occasions. From Alt to emo, to leather and seductive, to formal to everyday wear. There is a small compartment filled with toys of pleasure… and a small brown drawstring bag. Something drew me to it. When I reach to grab the bag, I hear a creak from behind. Before I could turn around, something hit me over the head and I crumbled to the ground.

***************

I come to with a throbbing migraine. My body feels warm and wet. It is then that I realize I’m sitting in a bathtub filled with sudsy water. I slosh around in panic until a cold hand grasps my shoulder. I shriek aloud when I see a man behind me. His hollow eyes stare hauntingly back at me, and a toothless grin touches his face.

I whirl around in dread as I notice my clothes and mask are gone. How long have I been out?!

“Where are my clothes?! Who are you? Why did you knock me out?” I exclaim.

He doesn’t answer me right away. He tilts his head, and his eyes have a far away look about them. The stranger then points at my necklace.

“Why should I remove my necklace? Answer my questions.” I responded.

He points to my necklace repeatedly. If you want answers, then you must take off your necklace, is what he seemed to say.

I sigh heavily and remove my necklace. Oddly enough, I don’t feel awkward being naked in front of him. Once I take off the necklace, my head is bombarded with a voice.

“I’m so sorry Mistress! I thought you were an intruder and was deeply mistaken. Please forgive me, Mistress!”

“Mistress? What does that-. Wait, you think I’m your Mistress?” I asked, confused.

“You are my Mistress. I am your servant. Oh, how I’ve missed you!” he says hysterically. “I must bathe you, Mistress.”

He then comes across the large bathtub and begins bathing my body. I wasn’t creeped out in the slightest. It’s as if my body recognizes him. As if he has been a part of my life for the past few years.

“Who do you think I remind you of?” I queried.

“If you don’t remember, then I cannot say, Mistress. I’m bound by oath. An unbreakable oath.” he states quietly.

“Well answer this. Why is it that you can speak via mind, but not by mouth?”

The scrubbing motions slow down. “Yes… it was you. As a form of punishment that I justly deserved.”

“What did I do, exactly?”

“You removed my tongue.”

Cold runs down my spine. “What did you do, for my actions to be so severe?”

“I tried to ruin you.” he mumbles silently.

“I guess it was justly then.” I state matter of factly.

All is silent as I let him continue to wash my body. Time seemed to slow down as my mind went into a lull while he massaged my head. That was, until I forgot I’m on this stupid mission!

I jump up quickly, water sloshes onto the cream marbled floor. “What am I doing? I have to head back!”

My servant tries to stop me, but I push him out of the way.

“Where are my clothes?” I ask.

“Your clothes are on the bed, Mistress. They weren’t damaged.” he answers, handing me a towel.

I quickly dry off and toss the towel back to him. “Thank you.”

“It is my pleasure to serve you, Mistress.” He helps me put my clothes on.

“What is your name, by the way?”

“Stanley, Mistress. But please call me whatever pleases you.”

“Alright Stanley. Thank you. I must take my leave now.”

Stanley suddenly gets on his knees. “Please take me with you, Mistress. I promise to be a good pet.”

I think about it for a second. He was practically malnourished. His bright blue eyes glisten with unshed tears. I don’t know how I’ll bring him with me, but it was worth a shot.

I sigh heavily. “Fine. Grab what you need before we leave.”

Stanley gets up from the floor quickly and runs to the closet. He comes back out with the brown drawstring bag, a leash and a collar, clothes for himself.

“What’s the collar and leash for?”

He gazes at me quizzically. “It’s for me of course, Mistress. I’m to wear this everywhere I go. Your orders.”

I shake my head slightly. Just who the hell was I in the past? “Alright, let’s go.”

He still stands there holding onto the leash and collar as if waiting for my command.

“I order you to put your collar on and come to my side.”

Stanley sighs with relief before placing the studded collar around his thin neck. He hands me the leash and I attach it.

“Stay right here.” I commanded, and he stayed.

I forgot about my necklace in my hurry. When I go into the bathroom, a clock sounds and my body begins to spasm. I let out a guttural scream as something from the inside threatens for release. I feel my ribs crack and my legs break all at once. My hands lengthen and my canines thicken slightly. The pain is unbearable when I feel my scarred eye lift on its own accord.

I rise unsteadily on my feet and two eyes gaze back at me. One is a burning luminescent eye that could outshine the sun. The other is a dark hole. It’s soullessness bears a weight inside of me. My skin is darker than before. It’s almost as dark as midnight. My facial features are what shock me most. The horns on top of my head are fully formed and spiral at the sides of my head. My mouth and nose are cat-like. My jawline is sharp. I look down and let out a panicky whimper. My legs had morphed into that of a black cat’s. I jump slightly when something crawls around my leg. Spinning around, I notice I have a tail. A fucking tail!

A being inside me awakens. It turns me back to the mirror and my mouth opens on its own accord.

“It’s my turn now, love.”

Soon, all goes black.