AnEllora‟sCaveRomanticaPublication
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Calder
ISBN9781419923654
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CalderCopyright©2009AllysonJames
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CALDER
AllysonJames
ChapterOne
DNAmocompound,BorNarga
“Igotwordfromthedirectors.”Aman‟svoicecutthroughCalder‟sfogofpain.
“Thespecimenistobeterminated.”
Theroomwentquietexceptforthefaintbeepofmachines.InthedarknessofCalder‟sbrain,hisscreams
wentonandon.
“JustwhatIneed,”asecondmansaid.“Directorsinterferingwithmyresearch.”
“He‟sgottobeinexcruciatingpain.Itwillbekindertohim.”Thesecondmangrowled,“Yes,butthe
wholepointistoseewhathecanstand.Ican‟tdothatiftheyterminatehim,nowcanI?”
“Well,he‟snotmuchofaShareemanymore,”thefirstvoicesaid.“Thecompanywon‟tmakeanymoney
offhimlikethis.”
“Hecanstillprovidevaluabledataonhowtheybehaveinhigh-stresssituations.
Wecanaddittothecodeforthenewbatch.”
“Maybe,butiftheylosemoney,I‟llgiveyouthreeguesseswhosesalaryitwillcomeoutof.”
Thesecondmansighed.“Damnit.Oh,allright,givemethehypo.”Calderdraggedhiseyesopen.The
painofthetinymovementnearlykilledhim.
Hecouldseenothingbutagrayhazeandlumpsofdarkergray.Hesummonedalltheairinhislungsand
forcedhislipstoformwords.
“Fuckyou.”
Twodimblursfroze.“Gods,”thefirstonesaid.“He‟sconscious.Howcanhebeconscious?”
BecauseIhavebiggerballsthanyou.
“Hewon‟tbeforlong.”Calderfeltatouchonhisarm.“You‟llbeoutofpainsoon,Shareem.Justrelax.”
“Stop!”Afemalevoicecutthroughthequietroomlikeaknifeonglass.“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”
Thefirstmananswered,“Obeyingorders.He‟sawrite-off.”
“Getawayfromhim.Now!”
Heelsclickedswiftlyacrosstheroom.Calderheardthesoundofatrayfallingandthecrunchofaplastic
hypounderastilettoheel.Hewouldhavesmiledifhecould.
“Angelica…”thefirstmanbegan.
“Don‟tyou„Angelica‟me.He‟sinthisstatebecauseofyou.NowgetthehelloutofmywaysoIcan
savehislife.”
“Why?”thesecondmanasked.“He‟satotalloss.Shareemaresupposedtoattractwomen.He’llscare
themaway.”
“Hehasapoint,”thefirstscientistsaid.“Evenifyousavehim,hewon‟tbeusefulforanythingbutstress
experiments.”
“Ifweletpeoplelivebasedontheirusefulness,youtwowouldhavebeenputdownalongtimeago.Now
getoutandletmework.”
“Thisisourlab,”thesecondmansaidpetulantly.
“AndI‟mcommandeeringit.Gowhineatthedirectors.Itwillprobablytakeyouthreedaystogetinto
seethem.”
Thefirstmanheavedasigh.“Allright.It‟syourfuneral.”Thesecondwasmoreputout.“Thisisn‟tover,
Dr.Laas.”
“Don‟tforgettoclosethedooronyourwayout,”shesnapped.
Calderstartedtochuckle.Ithurtlikehell,hisburnedandruinedskinpullingandcracking.Allthemale
scientistsatDNAmowereintimidatedbythepetitegeniusofDr.AngelicaLaas.
Heheardthedoorslideclosed.Acoolhandtouchedhim.
“Calder,”shewhispered.“Ohgods,whatdidtheydotoyou?”Caldertriedtoformareply.“Fucking
experiments.”
“No,don‟ttalk.You‟lldamagethevocalcordsevenmore.I‟mgoingtofixyou.
Doyouunderstandme?Itwillhurt,butI‟mgoingtofixyou.I‟llnotletyoudie.”Caldertouchedherhand
withhistwogoodfingers.Asheclosedhiseyes,sheburstintotears.
Great.HereIam,burnedandbroken,andtheverybestDNAscientistinthegalaxyiscryingbecause
sheknowsshecannevermakemewholeagain.
HecalmedherwithhisShareempheromones,lettingthembrushoverherbody.
Atleastthatpartofhimstillworked.
*****
Twentyyearslater
Asoftchimesounded.
“Time,”Caldersaid.
Heliftedhimselfoffthewrithingwoman,hiscockdeflating,hisbodycoolingrapidly.
Sheclutchedathimandmoaned.“No.Notyet.”
Calderbackedawayandfadedintotheshadows.Thewomanonthefloorwhimpered.“No,please.Come
back.Ihavemoney.I‟llpayyoutwiceasmuch.
Please.Ineedyou!”
Hedidn‟tanswer.Hisbreathingcalming,Calderexitedthroughahiddendoorthatnoiselesslyslidshut
behindhim.
Thewomanwoulddowhattheothersdid,pleadforawhilethenswearathimandthreatenhim.
Eventuallyshewouldpullonherclothesandquietlydepart.He‟dneverseeheragain.
Caldermadehiswaythroughthelongbackhalltohisownapartment,farfromhislair.Thelightscameon
inhistinybedroomwhenheenteredit.
Inhisbathroom,hestrippedoff,avoidedlookingintothemirrorandsteppedintothecoolingstreamofhis
watershower.Calderhadamoreexpensivesterilizer,buthelikedthefeelofwateronhisskin.Itwas
especiallyniceafterunsatisfactoryencountersliketheonehe‟djusthad.
Fuckingstupidwaytolive.ButtherewerefewoptionsforShareem.
Calderhadanotherappointmentinahalf-hourstimebutnotwithahighbornladywhowantedto
experienceTheBeast.Everysixmonths,Shareemhadtosubmittoanexamandgetaninoculationthat
preventedbothconceptionanddisease.ThathadbeenthepriceleviedonallShareemtwentyyearsago
forbeingallowedtostayalive.AnyShareemwhomissedhisinoculationwasarrestedandterminated.
Caldervisitedthesamemediceachtime,inabackstreetclinicrunbytheMinistryofHealth.Dr.Mareesh
hadreachedhercenturymarkanddidn‟tcareaboutthegeneticallyenhancedShareemandtheirpowers
overwomen.She‟dsilentlyrollbackCalder‟ssleeve,administerthecocktailofvaccinationsand
contraceptivesintohisarm,slamherthumbprintonherhandheldanddismisshimwithasournod.
Mareeshsawnoneedtostriphimdowntobescanned,forwhichCalderwassilentlygrateful.Hisweight
andheightneverchanged,andShareembodiesdeterioratedtwiceasslowlyasanormalhuman‟s.The
scanwouldsaythesamethingeachtime,sowhybother?
Calderdressedinablackleatherbodysuitthathideveryinchofskin.Hepulledsun-blockingcloths
aroundhisheadandfaceandfixedhissungogglesinplace.Heslidontheblackglovesthathidhishands
andsteppedfromhishouseintotheharshBorNargansun.
Peopleinthisneighborhoodwereusedtoseeingthesix-foot-eight,black-cladgiantwalkingthroughthe
streets.Evenso,theydidn‟tgreethim,andmostturnedhurriedlyawaywhenhetrainedthoseblank
gogglesonthem.
TheclinicCaldersoughtwasfourblocksaway.ThiswastheheartofPasCity,thebiggestslumofBor
Narga.Thestreetswerecrowdedwithvendorssellingeverythingfromuselessrobotpartstocolorful
sweets,frombrightclothtoquestionablemeatonskewers.Peopleswarmedeverywheredespitetheheat,
PasCityalwaysalive.
Calderduckedundertherustedmetalentranceoftheclinic.Theplacemostlycateredtojunkieswho
couldaffordaquickdryout,ortowomenwithtoomanychildrenwhobulliedtheirhusbandsintocoming
inforsterilization.
ThereceptionistgaveCalderanervouslookwhenhesteppedintothecrowdedwaitingroomand
immediatelyusheredhimintotheback.SoonCalderfoundhimselfsittingonametaltableinthefamiliar
examinationroom.Hepeeledoffonegloveashewaited.
Thedooropenedandayoungwomanglidedin.Sheworethebaggysilktunicandcoloredleggingsof
womenofthemedicalprofessionandanopaqueveilacrossthelowerhalfofherface.Afewcurlsof
lightbrownhairtrickledfromtheveildrapedoverherheadandshoulders.Thecolorandpatternofthe
veilstoldtheworldthatshewasupperclassandunmarried.Thatsheworeafaceveiltoldhimshe
wantedtoholdherselfalooffromtheunwashedmasses.
Mareeshneverbotheredwithveils.Herseamedfacehadalwaysbeenbareforalltosee.
“I‟mDr.d‟Arnal.”Theyoungwomanglancedquicklyathim,revealingbrowneyesandthick,black
lashes.Shesetdownahandheldcomputerandaplainmetalbox,whichsheopened,revealingtheusual
hypo.“Pleaseundressbehindthescreen.”
Calderdidn‟tmove.“Where‟sMareesh?”Hisvoicegrated,hisvocalchordsneverhavingproperly
healed.
Theyoungwoman‟snervousnessscreamedtoCalder,whocouldsmellfear,tasteitontheair.Toobad,
becausewhathecouldseeoverthehalfveilwaspretty.
Morethanpretty.Lushandsexy.Thoseeyelasheswouldfeelgoodagainsthisballs.
“Dr.Mareeshretired,”shesaid.“Amonthago.”
Damn.
“Sheleftmehernotes.I‟llgetaquickscanandtheninjectyou.I‟msureyouknowtheroutine.”Shetried
tosoundmatter-of-fact,buthervoicequavered.
Caldershovedhissleeveuphisarm,baringsixinchesofburnscars.“Givemethehypo,thenIgo.No
scanning.”
“ButtheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeFormsrequires—”
“FucktheMinistry.Givemethedamnhypo.”
Uncertaintythenangerflashedthroughhereyes.“I‟msorry,butthat‟snotwhatIwastoldtodo.”
“ThisyourfirsttimewithaShareem?”
“Yes.”
Calderleanedforward.He‟dremovedhisgogglesbutkepthisfaceclothtuckedaroundtheleftsideofhis
face,theruinedside.
“Idon‟tundress,”hesaid.“Idon‟tgetscanned.That‟sthewayitis.Mareeshknew.”
Dr.d‟Arnalmethisgaze.Shehadlovelyeyes,warmandfleckedwithgold.HisShareemimaginationput
heronthefloorunderhim,thoseeyeshotwithpassion.
“I‟mnotDr.Mareesh,”shesaid.
“No,you‟reyoungandnaïve.”Caldergrabbedthehypooutoftheboxandpressedittohisarm.
Shetriedtosnatchitthenstoppedasthoughfearingshe‟dhurthim.FearingtohurtaShareem.Gods,
whataninnocent.
Calderliftedthehandheld,seizedherfrozenhandandjabbedherthumbontothethumbprintpad.“There.
Done.”
“Youcan‟tdothat.”
“Ijustdid.”
Shegapedathim.“Icouldlosemyjobforthat.”
“Thendon‟ttellanyone.”
Calderrosefromthetable,toweringoverthewomanbyagoodfoot.She‟dsnugglenicelyunderhischin.
Thatis,ifsheeverremovedthestickfromherbutt.
Herchestroseandfell,ashapelybosomwaitingunderthelayersofgarments.
He‟dlovetopeelbackthecloths,lowerhisheadtooneofhertighteningnipples,rubhistongueoverthe
firmbud.
No.
Calderdidn‟tgettohavesweetfantasieswithsweetwomen.Hispurposewastofulfillrough,nasty,dirty
fantasiesforwomenwhocouldaffordit.Whatevertheywantedforwhateveramountoftimetheypaid
for,nosafetywordsandnostopping.
ThewomensignedconsentformsbeforearrivingthatsaidCaldercoulddotothemanythinghewanted.
Anythinghedeemednecessary.
“I‟llbebackinsixmonths,”hesaid.
HegaveDr.d‟Arnal‟scurvedassaslapandwalkedout.Hewasn‟tallowedtotouchwomenwithout
theirpermission,butCalderlikedtobendtheruleswhenhecould,andherasswassoveryspankable.
Heheardhergaspofoutrageashewentandpermittedhimselfonelittlechuckle.
*****
Katarinad‟Arnalhadnoideahowlongshe‟dstoodwithherhandheldtoherchestandhermouthopen.
He‟dtouchedher.TheShareemhadtouchedahighbornwomanwithoutpermission.Andthewayhe‟d
touchedher…
Shefeltatingleonherbacksidetheexactsizeandshapeofhishand.Whatwoulditfeelliketohavehim
smoothhishandthereinstead?
Itwasforbidden.He‟dbrokenalltherules—notallowinghimselftobescanned,grabbingthehypoand
inoculatinghimself.
Whathadsheexpected?AgratefulShareem,happythatshe‟dtriedtohelphimnotspreaddiseaseor
fatherchildren?
KatarinahadalwaysfeltsorryformenonBorNarga,relegatedtolesserjobsbecauseitwasthoughtthey
didn‟thavetheintellectualcapacityforbusinessorgovernment.MenintheslumsofPasCityoftendidn‟t
getgoodhealthcarebecausetheirwomenwouldn‟tpayforit.HenceKatarina‟svolunteerworkinthis
clinic.Shewantedtohelpmeninneed.
MenofPasCityincludedShareem.Theclinic‟sdirector,whodidn‟tthinkmuchofKatarina‟ssoftheart,
hadsaid,“Ifyoulovemalessomuch,youcanhavetheShareem.One‟scominginattwo.”Thewoman
hadsneeredwhenshe‟dsaidit.
DoingaShareemcheckwasconsideredacrapjob.
HisnamewasCalder,theappointmentrostersaid.ThefirstShareemKatarinahadeverseenintheflesh.
AndwhataShareem.Themanwashuge.She‟dneverseenamanwithaslargeabody,withsuchpower
whenhemoved.Everypartofhimwasgigantic.
Everypart,hercursoryresearchonShareemhadsaid.
Hiseyes,shadowedbyhisheadcloths,haddrawnherin.No,suckedherin,asifshe‟dbecomeapuppet
onstringstheminutehe‟dlookedather.She‟ddonewhathe‟dsaidwithonlytokenprotest.
Shareemblue,she‟dheardthecolorcalled.Shareemeyeswerelargerthanthoseofanormalman,the
irisesabitwider.
Buttherewassomethingwrongwithhim.Hisbaredarmhadbeencoveredwithropesofscarsand
mottledflesh.Sherecognizedthathe‟dbeenburnedsodeeplythatskingraftshadn‟tcompletelyrepaired
him.Therepairshadbeencompetentlydone,butthefleshwouldneverbewhole.
Hisvoicewasgravellyandbroken,probablyanothersouvenirofwhateverhadburnedhim.Butwhen
he‟dspokentoher,she‟dswornthatjustforamomentanothersmooth,richvoicehadwhisperedinher
mind.
Tellmewhatyouwant,Katarina.Whatyouwantdeepinsideyourself.
Ridiculous.Katarinaslammedthehypobackintotheboxandsnappedthelidshut.
Shehadeverythingshewanted—acareer,afinehousehermotherhadleftherintheSerestineQuarter,
plentyoffriends.
Loneliness.
Katarinapunchedherhandheldandsweptfromtheroomtoseehernextpatient.Sometimesthelittle
voicesinsideherneededtoshutup.
*****
Dr.Laasflickedoffherscreenandgrinned.AcuriousyoungwomanhadbeensiftingthroughtheShareem
databaseattheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeForms,diggingthroughforinformationononeparticular
Shareem.
Calder.
“Baine,bringupalltheinformationyoucanononeDr.Katarinad‟Arnal.”Dr.Laas‟computer,soultra-
superiorthatithadacomplexaboutit,whirredandhummed.“Heresheis,madam,”Bainesaid,hisvoice
accentedlikeanoldEarthbutler‟s.“Dr.Katarinad‟Arnal.Theusualsortofhighbornwoman.”She
wasn‟tthough,Dr.Laasthoughtassheskimmedtheinformation.Katarinad‟Arnalhadnotyetmarried.
HermotherhadbeenprominentinBorNarga‟ssocialsphere,butbothmotherandfatherhadbeenkilled
inanaccidentinahovertrain,leavingahouseandfortunetoKatarina.
Aftergrieving,Katarinahadenteredmedicalschool.Whenshefinished,she‟dvolunteeredinaclinicin
PasCity,sayingthatshewantedtohelptheunderprivileged,especiallymales,whosehealthcarewastoo
neglected.
Theyounginnocent.Dr.Laaschuckled.IfKatarinad‟Arnalwantedtodogood,shecouldlearnon
someonewhoreallyneededit.
Shesmiled,pulledherbarefeetuponthesofathatwasmassagingherback,andtoldBainetobringupa
datacodethatwasdeadlysecretexcepttothoseintheknow.
ShekeyeduptheencodedapplicationtoenterCalder‟sprivatesexualparadiseand,withonefinger,
typed“Katarinad‟Arnal.”
ChapterTwo
“Areyousurethisisright?”
Katarinastudiedthesand-scouredfaceofthebuildinginfrontofher.Herhandheldtoldherthestreet
vendorsheneededtotreatlivedhere,butthisplacelookedlikeadisusedwarehouse.
ThewomanwhodrovethecableanedouttheopenwindowandgaveKatarinaanoddlook.“385Barkelo
Street,ma‟am.Yousurethisiswhereyouwanttogetto?
Youdon‟tlookthetype.”
Whateverthatmeant.“Imightnotlookthetype,butIhaveajobtodo.”Thewomanraisedherbrows,
chargedKatarina‟screditslip,closedthewindowandroaredoffdownthestreetinachokingcloudof
sand.
Katarinawavedawaythedustandturnedtothedoor.Rust-streakedandpeelingfromdryrot,thedoor
wasalmostasunprepossessingastherestofthebuilding.Inthecenterofthedoor,aperfectlygood,
modern,cleanthumbprintpadawaitedtherightperson‟stouch.
Shefoundnodoorchime,nowaytoindicateshe‟darrived.Thethumbprintpadwouldbekeyedtothe
owner,nother.
Annoyed,shepresseditanyway—thensteppedbackinsurprisewhenthedoorrolledopen.
Adimcorridorcoatedwithathinfilmofsandstretchedawayfromher.
Katarinasteppedinsidethenjumpedwhenthedoorslammedshutbehindher.
“Hello?”shecalledtotheemptycorridor.“Someoneherecalledamedic?”Noanswer.Sandgritted
underherbootsasshewalkedalong,butnoonegreetedherorcametomeether.
WhenKatarinareachedadoorattheendofthehall,itobedientlyopenedforher.Unlikethefrontdoor,
thisoneslidbacksmoothlyandquietly.Katarinasteppedthroughitintoaplaceofamazingbeauty.
Amosaic-tiledwalkwaytwistedbeforeher,leadingthewaythroughlushgreenery.Thelightoverhead
wassoft,theceilingtwilightblue,bafflingtheeyeastohowhighitwas.Acool,natural-feelingbreeze
ruffledKatarina‟shairandtranquilizingcalmstoleoverher,asthougharelaxationscentwasbeing
pumpedintotheair.
Shemovedcuriouslydownthepath.Thewalkwaywasmazelike,bendingaroundgreeneryand
latticeworkwallslacedwithexoticflowers.Fountainstrickledandtheflowers‟scentsfilledtheair.The
gardenwasamasterwork,atoncelovely,peacefulanddisorienting.Alotofmoneyhadbeenspent
transformingthiswarehouseintoaparadise.
Themosaicwalkendedatanotherdoor,thisoneopen.Katarinasteppedthroughintoaroomabouttwenty
feetsquare,paintedblack,withthesamedark,cool-airceiling.Mutedlightskepteverythingdimand
candlesplacedinafewtallstandscreatedwaveringshadows.
Areflectivecoppersheetranfromfloortoceilingatoneendoftheroomandwaterquietlyshimmered
downit.Aplatformabouttenfeetsquareandthreefeethighroseinthemiddleoftheroom.Itwas
coveredwithblack,whiteandredcushions,andabundleofroseslayinthemiddleofit.
Katarinawanderedtotheplatformandtouchedarosepetalinwonder.Theywerereal,heady-smelling
Earthroses,blood-red.
“Katarina.”
Thevoicerolledthroughemptyair,lowandmale,smoothanddeep.
Herbreathstopped.Itwasthevoiceshe‟dheardinherheadwhentheShareemCalderhadcometothe
clinicfivedaysago.
Everynightsince,she‟ddreamedofhisvoice,wakingwithherhandunderhernightgown,fingers
betweenherlegs.Asadoctor,sheknewthat,technically,thearousedvulvaswelledandopenedto
receivethepenis,thensqueezedtoencouragethepenistoreleaseitslife-givingseed.Technically.
She‟dneverfeltahardeningclitoris,neverexperiencedstabbingneedbetweenherlegs.Aloneinbed,
shehadrubbedherselfuntilshe‟dgroanedandreleasedcreamalloverherhand.Everynight.
SomeoneattheclinicmusthavetrickedherheretoseeCalderagain.
“Ihavetogo.”Katarinaswungaround,seekingthedoortothewalkwayandthepathout.Butwherethe
entrancetothegreengardenhadbeen,ablackwallnowstood,solid,sealingherin.
“Openthis,”shesaid,hervoiceshaking.
“Notyet.”Hisvoiceflowed,sendingwarmthdownherspine.
Shewantedtobeatonthewall,demandheletherout.Hehadnorighttokeepherhere,sheahighborn
ladyofBorNarga,heamereShareem.Howdarehe?
Andwhydidshebuzzwithexcitement,wonderingwhathewoulddo?HerresearchonShareemtoldher
theycouldn‟ttouchherwithoutpermission.Ithadbeenbuiltintotheirgeneticprogramming.
Calderwasn‟ttouchingher,hewastalking,watching.Hewasn‟tevenintheroomwithher,asfarasshe
couldsee.
Adoorinthewallnexttoherhissedopen,revealingacloset.Insidewasashortdressofbrightred
suppleleatherandblackbootswiththehighestheelsshe‟deverseen.
“Removeyourclothing,”Caldersaid.“Andputonwhatyoufindinthere.”Herheartbeatfaster.“Whyon
earthwouldyouwantmetowearthat?”
“Putthemon.”Thevoicebrookednoargument.
Katarinasuddenlythoughtsheunderstoodwhatwasgoingon.Herfellowmedicsweretestingher.
KatarinahadbeenputinchargeofinoculatingShareem,andhercolleagueswantedtoseeifshe‟dbe
afraidofthem.
Wouldn‟ttheylovethat?Thehighborndoctorwho‟dcondescendedtoworkintheslumsrunninghomeat
thefirstchallenge?They‟dridiculeher,sayshedidn‟thavetheguts.Andthey‟dberight.
Calder‟svoicerumbledthroughtheroom.“Takeoffyourclothesforme,Katarina.”
“Why?”shesaidtotheair.“Youwouldn‟ttakeyoursoffforme.”Alaughfloatedtoher,deepanddark.
“Toomanyeyesatyourclinic.Here,wearealone.Nooneelsewillcome.”
Katarinaclosedhereyes.Deargods,shewantedthis.Shewantedtoslidehertunicandleggingsfromher
bodyandlethimseeher.Shewantedtofacehimandopenherarms,askhimifhethoughtherpretty.
Whatonearthwasshethinking?
Sherememberedsuddenlythescarsonhisarms,hisharshvoicesharpeningwhenhetoldherhewouldn‟t
disrobe.
Becausehewasashamed.
CompassionmadeKatarinadowhatlustcouldn‟t.Sheundidtheclaspthatheldhertunicandloweredthe
thickmaterialtoherwaist.Herbreaststumbledout,unfettered.
She‟dwokenfromanotherdreamofhimlastnight,hernipplestight,andshe‟dpinchedthebudstoease
theache.Thenippleswereagainashardaslittlepebbles.
“Youarelovely,”Caldersaid.
Katarinadrewherthumbsacrossherareolas,marvelingatthetinglingsensation.Sheknewhelikedher
doingthis,eventhoughhesaidnothingfrombehindthewalls.
“Nowtherest,”hesaid.“Letmeseeyou.”
Katarinatoedoffhersandbootsand,beforeshecouldthinkaboutit,letherpantsslithertoherankles.
Sheassumedshe‟dbemoreembarrassedonceshe‟dshedherclothes,butthecoolairtouchingherskin
madeherfeelcuriouslyfree.Shelikedthesensationofstandingnakedinthisblackroomwhileher
unseenwatcherobservedher.Shemovedherlegsapart,enjoyingthefeelofthetileonherbarefeet.
“Katarina.”
Shelovedhowhesaidhername,alllongvowelsseparatedbysmoothconsonants.“Yes?”
“YouareevenmorebeautifulthanIexpected.”
“Expected?Whatdidyouexpect?”
“Isawyourpictureonyourconsentform,withyourfaceunveiled.”Hisvoicedippedlower.“Igrewhard
justlookingatyou.”
Katarina‟sbreathpouredbackintoherlungs,herskinsuddenlycold.“Consentform?”
“Ittoldmeallaboutyou.YouareKatarinad‟Arnal.Youaretwenty-sevenyearsold,unmarriedandrich.
YouhavetakenajobinPasCitytoseek…Whathaveyoucometoseek?”
“Peace.Ithink.”
“Fulfillment.”
Shehesitated.“Maybe.Maybethat‟swhatIwant,Idon‟tknow.”
“Withme,youwilltrulyfindoutwhatyouwant.Iwillshowyoueverystepoftheway,withmyown
hands,whatyouwant.”
Herheartpounded.Withoutthinkingaboutit,shetouchedthecurlsathercleft.
“HowcanyoupossiblyknowwhenIdon‟t?”
Itseemedeasytotalktohimwhenshecouldn‟tseehim,avoicelessentitywhoserichtoneswove
magicalstringsaroundhermind.
“Iknow.Iwillgiveittoyou.”
Katarina‟sownfingerscalmedher,musclesrelaxingasshetouchedherself.
“Youcanrunifyouwant,”hesaid.“Iwillfindyouandcatchyou,butyoucanalwaystrytogetaway.”
“Run?”Sheglancedatthedarkwallsthatshutherin.“Runwhere?”
“Awayfromme.”
“I‟mnotrunninganywhere.Especiallynotwithoutmyclothes.”Calderlaughedagain,thesoundlowand
soft.“Putonthegarmentsyoufoundinthewardrobe.Ihadthemmadeforyou.”
Katarinaturnedbacktotheclosetandtookouttheredleatherdress.Itwassoftandsupple.Andtiny.The
kindofdressshe‟dneverdreamofwearing,eveninprivate.
Feelingsuddenlydaring,sheslippeditoverherhead.Shewonderedhowtofastenit,butassoonasit
settledonhertorso,amechanismkickedinthattightenedittoeverycurveofherbody.
Thereshestood,coveredfromhernipplestojustbelowherbuttocksintightredleather.Farfrom
confining,thesmalldressfeltsurprisinglycomfortable.
Shesatdownontheplatformwiththeboots,wellawarethatCalderwatched.
Sheknewhecouldseebetweenherlegswherethedressparted,couldseehernipplespressagainstthe
tightleather.
Katarinaawkwardlydrewthebootsontoherfeetandupherthighsthenshestood,tryingtogether
balanceintheimpossiblyhighheels.“IhavegottoseewhatIlooklikeinthis.”
Calderdidn‟tanswer.Silencereignedasshetotteredtothecopperfountainandobservedherselfinthe
reflectivesheet.
Thecopperwaspolishedtoamirrorsheen,reflectingherevenwiththewaterrunningdownit.Katarina
peeredatherselfandlaughed.
Shecertainlydidlookdifferent.Theleatherdressbaredmostofherbodyandthebootsreachedhalfway
upherthighs.Herhoneybrownhairwasmussedfromremovingherveils,andthebrowneyesthatlooked
backatherheldbothanxietyandcuriosity.
Thebootheelsmadeherlegslongandshapelyandthedresscomplementedherbody,buildingupher
chestwhileslimmingherwaist.She‟dalwaysconsideredherselfashadetooplump,butthisdressmade
herlookcurvyandsexy.Bold.Shesmiledinwonder.
Thedimlightssuddenlywentout,leavingnothingbuttheflickeringofthefewcandles.Thetiny,distant
flamesreflectedonthecoppersheetandthinstreamofwaterlikewaveringfireflies.
“Don‟tturnfromthefountain.”
Hisvoicecameoutofthedarkness,intheroomnow,notoveraspeaker.
Katarinatriedtopeerintothereflectionandfindhim,butthedarknesshidhim.
“Whereareyou?Iwanttoseeyou.”
“Putyourhandsonthecopperandleavethemthere.”Thevoicewasnotassmoothasithadbeenoverthe
speaker—hemusthaveaprogramthattookofftheroughedges.Katarinathoughtshelikeditbetter
withoutthesmoothness.
Sheleanedforward,balancingcarefullyonthestiltheels,andtouchedherpalmstothecopperwall.The
thinsheetofwaterslidgentlyaroundherfingers.
ApricklingbetweenhershoulderbladestoldherCalderstillwatched,butshedidn‟tknowfromwhere.
Didshehearsoftfootfallsrightbehindher,orweretheyacrosstheroom?
Thenhewasthere,hisbodycurvingoverhers.“Don‟tturnaround,”hewhispered.Hischesttouchedher
backasheleanedoverherandrestedhisfistonthecopper—andalargebulgeofcockpressedagainst
herbuttocks.
Hisbreathburnedherbareneck,thencamethefeelingofvelvetonherskin—aglove?Thenlips,justas
softbutsmoothandfirm,onherneck.
HotsensationsflowedthroughKatarina‟sbody,alongwithaneedshe‟dneverexperienced.Atrickleof
liquidtouchedherthighs.
“Pleaseletmeseeyou,”shebegged.
Teethnippedherear.“DonotspeakuntilIallowit.”
“Yes,but—Ow!”
Thenipturnedtoasharpbite.“NotuntilIallowit.”Katarinafocusedherattentiononthewall.Shecould
seeherselfinthecopperbuthewasonlyashadow,dressedallinblack,hooded,hisfacehiddenbehinda
mask.
Hishandmovedonherthigh,thefeelingofvelvetagain.Hisfingersslidunderthehemofthedress,
tantalizinglybrushingthecreasebetweenthighandtorso.
Caldermovedhishandtoherbreast.Shesawitinthemirror,blackandlarge,cuppingherinthered
leather.Hercleavagemadeasatisfactorypictureandhenippedherneck,seemingtolikewhathesaw.
Thehandnowslidtoherabdomen,kneadingherstomach,histouchwarmandsoothing.
“YouwillkneelwhenItellyouto,”hesaid.
Katarinanodded.Anything,aslongashecontinuedtomakeherfeellikethis.
“Whynotresist?”hewhispered.Heglidedhishand,velvetwarm,uptoherthroat,overherchinand
face.Sheclosedhereyes,drinkinginthefeeling.
“Idon‟twanttoresist.”
“Youarenotafraid?”
“Didyoudrugme?”Thatwastheonlyexplanationforthisacceptanceofhisintimatetouch.
“Whatyoufeel,youaredoingtoyourself.Iamonlyacatalyst.”
“YourShareempheromones,”shesaid,understanding.“Ireadaboutthem.”Hisbreathscaldedherear.“I
willofferagaintoletyourunifyouwantto.ButIwillcatchyouintheend,rememberthat.”
Katarina‟sheartbeatfasterassheimaginedfleeingthroughthedarkwithhimbehindher,hearinghim
closethedistance,knowingshecouldn‟toutrunhim.Whenhecaughther…Shecouldimaginehislarge
handsclosingaroundher,hisweightbearinghertotheground,hisfingersjerkingopenherclothes.
Sheswallowed.“Icouldn‟tpossiblyrunanywhereintheseheels.”
“ThenIamyourcaptor.Youwerebroughtheretobemyslave.”Histouchcalmedhershaking,andshe
feltwarmandloose.“IthoughtI‟dcometotreatsomeone.Theytrickedme.”
Hismouthfoundherneckagain,bitingharder,thepainmakingherwet.“Kneelformenow,Katarina.”
Shetriedbutherkneeslockedasshelostherbalanceontheheels.Sheclutchedatthewetcopper,trying
nottofall.
Calder‟shandsmovedtoherupperarms,gripimpossiblystrong.Heeasedherdownuntilshewasonher
kneesonthefloor,hishugebodytoweringoverher.
“Iwillhavetopunishyou,Katarina,fornotobeyingrightaway.”Ashiverpulsedthroughher.“Icouldn‟t
figureouthowto.”
“Andagain,foransweringwhenIdidnotallowit.”
Shedrewabreath,readytoargue,thenstopped.Perhapsshe‟dbetterfindoutwhatthese“punishments”
werebeforesheearnedmore.
“Youlearnquickly.”Heknelt,theleatherstretchingoverhisthighsasheputhiskneesoneithersideof
her.“Imightgoeasywithyou.”Hisbighandsstrokedheragain,runningoverherabdomenandbreasts.
Sheclosedhereyes,enjoyingit.
Whenhisglovedhandpressedherclit,shegasped.Thevelvetfeltodd,butgood.
“Choose,”hesaid.Hemovedhisfingersslowly,firstteasingthelipsofheropeningthenbrushingher
clit,nowwetandswollen.“Whichpunishmentwouldyoulikefirst?”
Katarina‟sbreathcaught.“Whataremychoices?”
“Youcanhavethelash.”Calder‟svoicecaressedtheword,andKatarinaenvisionedherselfnakedon
handsandkneeswhiletheshadowofhimstoodoverher.Shecouldalreadyfeelthestingofleatheronher
backsideashewhippedher.
“Or?”
“Mybarehand,spankingyourassuntilit‟sred.OryoucanplaywithatoyIhavedevised.Youbring
yourselfoffwithitwhileIwatch,butyoucannotstopuntilI‟msatisfied.”
Katarinawonderedverymuchwhatthistoywasandwhatitdid.“IthinkI‟dpreferthespanking,”she
saidinarush.
“Makesure.”Hisfingersmovedonher.“Iwillbeharderonyouaswegoalong.
Ifyouhavethelashnow,itwon‟tbesobadasitwilllater.”Therewouldn‟tbealaterbecauseshe‟d
findawaytomakehimunderstandthatshe‟dbeenduped,thatshe‟dneverfilledouthisconsentform,
whateverthatwas.
Thatitwasallamistake.
Andthenthisbeautifuldreamwouldbeover.
“Iwantthespanking,”sherepeated.
Hebitherear,gentlythistime.“Say,„Pleasespankme.‟”
“Um…pleasespankme.”
“Say,„Please,Calder,disciplineme.Ideserveit.‟”Hisfingersmovedfaster,andshegasped.“Please,
Calder,disciplineme.Ideserveit.”
Hisfingersmovedagain,smearingherowncreamalloverher,herclithotandaching.Shefeltherself
windingtowardclimax,wantingit,reachingforit…
Calderwithdrewhishandandthesensationdied.Shewhimpered.“Couldyoudothatalittlelonger?”
“No.”Hestrippedofftheglove.Thehandhebaredwashuge,bronze-coloredfleshtightagainstsinew.
Katarinarealizedtoolatethataspankingwiththatpowerfulhandwouldbenolesspainfulthanonewith
alash.
“Pullupyourdress,”hesaid.“Bareyourassforme.”Handsshaking,Katarinacaughtthehemthathugged
herbuttocksandjerkeditupward.Shefelthishands,onebare,onevelvet-covered,bothstrokingher
gently.
“Youhaveafineass.Sobeautiful.Didyouknowthat,Katarina?”Katarinaclosedhereyes.“Noone‟s
eversaidsuchathingtome.”
“WhatI‟mgoingtodowiththisbeautifulassisspankituntilit‟scherryred.
ThenI‟mgoingtoputmytongueinsideit.”
Katarinadrewasharpbreath.Sheimaginedhiswarm,wettonguedelvingintoher,somethingshe‟dnever
feltinherlife.Heatsqueezedherbody.
“Later,”hewenton,“itwilltakemycock.”
Shethoughtofthehuge,hardthingthathadrubbedherbackside,andshegulped.“I‟veneverdonethat
before.”
“Mmm.”Hebrushedherbuttocks,softvelvetcontrastingwithcallousedfingers.
“Imightbesweettoyouandshowyouhow,slowly.”Heputhislipstoherear.“Butyouhavetobevery,
verygood.”
“Iwillbe,”shebabbled.
“Idon‟tbelieveyou.Butwe‟llsee.”Hemovedfromher,takingawayhisbeautifultouch.“Bendovermy
knee,Katarina.”
Sheglancedbehindher.Hewaswaiting,stillonthefloor,onekneebent,hisbarehandpaleinthe
shadows.Histhighswerelargeandstrongintightleather,hisfacecompletelyhiddenbehindablack
hood.
Suddenlywhatthepeopleatherclinicthoughtofherdidn‟tmatter.Sowhatifthemedicshadsenther
heretoplayajokeonher?Shenolongercared.Whatshecaredaboutwashowthismanmadeherfeel.
Sexy.Beautiful.Wanted.
Takingadeepbreath,Katarinaturnedaroundandloweredherselffacedownacrosshisthigh.
ChapterThree
TheleatherofCalder‟sleggingswascoolonKatarina‟shalf-baredchest.Shefeltthewarmpowerofhis
thighbeneaththefabric,smelledleatherandhissharpmusk.
Hecircledhispalmoverherass,smoothingherskin.
Thenhespankedheronce.
Katarinayelped.Shewasright,hewasstrong.Buttheinstantshefeltthesting,heplacedhisglovedpalm
onherskinandthestingturnedtoatingleofvastpleasure.Shegroaned.
“RemainquietuntilIsay.”
Katarinasuckedinherbreath.Anotherswatonherass,anothercaress,thepainsegueingtopleasureinan
instant.Shewriggled,wantingmore.
Hegaveittoher.Hespankedherthoroughly,hishandspracticed,andyetwhatmighthavehurtonlygave
herdeepestpleasure.Hehadhersquealingandlaughing,despitehiscommandtokeepquiet.
Caldermadeacircularmotionwithhisglovedhandonherskinandleanedoverher.“Doyouneedto
come?”
“Yes,”shegasped.“Ithinkso.Yes.”
“Imightletyou…intime.”
“Ohno,please,”shebegged.“Now.Please.”
Hisvoiceturnedthoughtful.“Isthatwhyyouareheretoday?”
“What?No.Ididn‟tmeantobehereatall.”
“Getonyourknees,Katarina.”
Hedidn‟tbelieveher.Shewastoooutofbreathtotellhimthewholestory,andsheknewshedidn‟twant
toanymore.
Sheeasedoffhisleg,downtoherknees,herbutttinglingastheleatherdressslitheredoveritagain.
Calderunfoldedhisbigbodyandstood,plantinghisfeetoneithersideofher.
Katarinafoundherselflookingstraightatthefrontofhisleatherleggings.
Thefabricmoldedtotheincrediblebulgeofhiscock,outliningitfrombasetotip.Itwashuge,atleast
twelveinchesinlength,rigidandwide.
Hebrushedahandoverit.“Doyouwantthis,Katarina?”
“Yes.”Katarinatoucheditwithhesitantfingers.“You‟rebig.Wouldithurtme?”
“Itwillonlyhurtifyouwantitto.Itcanbeallsweetpleasureoritcanhurt.
Whicheveryouwant.”
“Why?”Katarinalookedupathisfaceswathedinblack.“WhyonlywhatIwant?”
Heshiftedslightlyasthoughherquestionsurprisedhim.“IamShareem.”Itwasaflatstatement.
“Whathasthattodowithanything?”
Againhismusclescontractedthetiniestbit.“Idecidethegamesinthisroom,notyou.”
“Games?”
Hereturnedtohiskneesnexttoher,leaningbacktositonhisheels.“Bendover.”
“What?”
“Now.”
Theharshwordmadehersqueak.Hecaughtthebackofherneckandleanedheroverhisthighs.He
spankedher,notsoftlythistime.Hisbarehandstungheradozentimesandonlythendidheusehisgloved
handtosootheherskin.
“Doyouunderstandnow?”heasked.
“Notreally.”
Calderletherup.KatarinasurreptitiouslyrubbedherbacksidewhileCalderpositionedhimselfonhis
feetinfrontofheragain.
“YouaskedwhatIwant,”hesaidinagratingvoice.“Iwilltellyou.Iwanttofeelyourfacepressed
againstmycock.Iwantyouexploringit,learningit.”Katarinatouchedthecockinfrontofher,theleather
sotightshecouldfeeleveryinch,includingthebumpoftheflangeandtheroundtipofitshead.
Sheknewwhatapenislookedlike,havingstudiedthemindetailduringhermedicaltraining.Itwasan
appendagejuttingfromthemalebody,smallwhenflaccid,extendedandhardwhenengorgedandreadyto
penetrateawoman.MostBorNarganmengotinjectionstokeeptheirpenisessoft,tonotbedistractedby
theinconvenienceofhormonallust.
Katarinaknewallthisclinically.She‟dstudieddiagramsandreadlongtreatises.
Butchartsanddiagramsdidn‟tprepareherfortherealthing,especiallynotoneattachedtoaShareem.
Sheleanedforwardandnuzzleditthroughtheleather.
AsmallnoiseescapedCalder‟sthroat.Sohecouldfeel.Shenuzzledthetipagainthentheshaftbeneath
it.
Caldergrowled,andhisbarehandsnakedthroughherhair.Hisotherhand,stillgloved,balledintoafist.
Katarinanuzzledsomemore,enjoyingthefeelofthecoolleatherandthehard,hotfleshbehindit.She
actedathiscommand,butwhatshediddisarmedhim.
“Ilikeit,”shemurmured.“Sobigandthick.”
Herownwordsstartledher.She‟dneverhavedreamedofsayingthatoutloud.
Butitseemedtobeallrighttosayittohim,herfacelesscaptor.
“Liedownonyourback.”
Katarinalookedup.“ButIthought—”
Heputhisglovedhandoverherface.“Liedown.”
Katarina‟sentirebodytingledandsheletherselfmoreorlessfalltothefloor.
Sheshiveredwhenhislarge,darkbodycoveredhers,sowarm.Hewassowonderfullywarm.
“Iwanttoseeyou,”shesaid.“Whywon‟tyoushowmeyourface?”Calderdidn‟tanswer.Hejerkedher
skirtupward,baringhergroin,buthedidn‟ttouchher.Instead,hepressedhisleather-coveredcockright
againstherclit.
“Gods,”shewhispered.
Theburningsensationasherubbedhiscockagainsthermadeherwanttoscream.Shereacheduptotouch
hisfacebutheturnedhishead,andherhandfellonaswathofvelvet.
“Please,”sherepeated.“Iwanttolookatyou.”
“No.”
“YouknowwhatIlooklike.”Shestifledagroanashiscockrubbedherswollenclit.“Highbornwomen
don‟tliketoshowtheirfaces,butIshowedyoumine.Andsomuchmore.It‟snotfair.”
“Youdidnotcomehereformetobefair.Youcameheretogiveyourselftome.”Sensationsclawedfor
attention,theburninginherclit,thehottinglingalloverherbody.“It‟sonlyalittlething,”she
whimpered.
Heputhisfaceclosetohers,butshecouldonlyseevelvetandtheglitterofhiseyes.“Comeformeand
I‟llshowyou.”
Come.Climax.Thewoman’svulvasqueezestheman’spenis,helpingtostrokethemanintoreleasing
hisseed…
Katarina‟smedicalmanualsnevermentionedthedarkpowerofit,thescreamingneed.Howbeautifulit
felt.Howshe‟dneverwanttostop.
Withoutrealizingshedidit,KatarinasnakedherlegsaroundCalder‟sthighsandliftedherselftohim.She
rockedherhips,wantinghiminsideher,needinghiminsideher.
She‟dneverbeabletotakehim,andatthesametime,shewanteditmorethananythingintheworld.
“Showme,”sheshouted.“Please.Now!”
“Idon‟tliketobecommanded.”
“Please.Ohplease,”shebabbled,toohappytocarewhatshesaid.
Shecame.Katarinagaspedforbreathaswavesofmadpleasurepouredoverher.
Thiswasahundredtimesbetterthanwhenshebroughtherselfoffwithherownhandatnight.
Hehadtostop—shedidn‟twanthimtoeverstop.Itwastoomuch.Itwasnotenough.
Calderreleasedherandshefellbackagainstthefloor,panting.Herclittingled,stillwantinghistouch,
andanachestartedinherheart.
“Please,Iknowyouwereburned.I‟mnotafraidtolookatyou.”Hisvoicewentrawwithfury.“Getup
onyourkneesoryouwillhavetobegharderthanthatformercy.”
“Ijustwanttoseeyourface.Totouchit.”
Calderliftedhimselfawayfromher,hiswarmthdisappearing.Katarinascrambledtoherfeetandreached
forhim,sighinginpleasurewhenherhandsclosedonhiswarm,tallbody.
Calderturnedabruptlyaway.Atthelastminute,Katarinamanagedtograbthemaskandyankitoff.
Shadowycandlelightfellonhisface—andshegasped.
TherightsideofCalder‟sfacewashandsomeassin,sculptedperfectionarounddeepblueeyes,ahard
jaw,afirmmouth.
Theleftsidewasacompleteruin.
Scarsoverlappedscarsthattwistedoverhischeekboneanddownhisneck.Theleftsideofhismouthwas
pulledintoaperpetualfrown,theskinarounditmottledandugly.Hislefteyewasuntouched,butscars
streakedthebrowandeyelid.
Katarinabitherlipasshetouchedhischeek,fingertipsfindingthesmoothseamsofthescars.
Theburninghadhappenedalongtimeago,shecouldtell,butthepainofitlingeredinhisveryblueeyes.
“Thismusthavehurtyousomuch,”shewhispered.
Caldersnarledandjerkedaway.
“Calder…”
“No,”hegrowled,hisvoiceharshlikeithadbeenintheclinic.“Idon‟twantthiswithyou.”
Heswungaround,blackclothesswirling,anddisappearedintothedarknessbeyondthecandles.
“Wait!”Katarinatriedtorunafterhimbutthestupidhighheelsimpededher.
Silence.Thefeelingofhispresencedissipated,thesoothingcalm,theexcitement,thepeace,allgone.
TearsstungKatarina‟seyes.“Please.Calder,don‟tleaveme.”Asifinanswer,lightswentonintheroom
andasuddenwhooshofairextinguishedthecandles.Katarinafoundherselfstandinginasquareroom
withaplatformbed,awallfountainandsmoking,gutteringcandles.
Itlookedsoordinary,themagicofthedarknessandtheflickeringlightgone.Shesawthecamerasnow,
dark,shininglensesallovertheceilingandwalls,surveyingtheroomateveryangle.Hemusthave
watchedherthroughthesebeforehe‟dentered.
KatarinalookedforahiddendoorthroughwhichCaldermusthaveexitedbutshefoundonlyseamless
blackwalls.Afterafewcircuitsoftheroom,shegaveupandplunkedonthebed.
Shetuggedoffthebootsandthrewofftheleatherdress,notcaringthatshewasmother-nakedinabright
roomwithcamerasalloverit.Lethimwatch.
Katarinaputonhertunicandpantsandgrabbedhersun-blockingrobes,veilsandbreathmask.“I‟m
going,”shesaidtotheair.
Theentrancetothegreenery-linedwalkwayshotopen.Katarinaplungedintothegardenshe‟dthoughtso
beautiful,nowfindingitoverlyexotic,thescentoftheflowerstoostrong.
Soonshewasrunningthroughthedoorthatledtothedingyhall.Theoutsidedooropenedforherasshe
hurriedtowardit,heatblastingherbeforesheevenmadeitoutside.
Katarinaslitheredintosun-blockingrobesandveils,gratefulfortheabilitytohideherface.Behindher
thedoorslammedshutwithfinality,therustingmetalasunyieldingasithadbeenwhenshe‟darrived.
Blinkingbacktears,Katarinapulledherveilsoverherfacethenwalkedintothestreetinsearchofa
hovercab.
ChapterFour
Fuck.
Calder,pent-upandfurious,pacedthesmallquartersofhisapartment.He‟dalwayslikedthecontrastof
hisfunctional,minimallivingspacewiththeexoticdécorofhislair,buttodayhewishedhehadmore
roomtopace.
Damnher.Theminuteshe‟dwalkedin,hisplantoshowthenervousmedicwhataShareemtrulywas
evaporated.Sheandhercondescendinghighbornattitudeweresupposedtocrumblelikedust—shewas
supposedtolearnthatCalderwouldhavetheupperhandthenexttimehehadtovisitherclinic.
Hisplanhadgonealltohell.Hencehisfrenziedpacing,likeananimalinacage.
Shareemweremadeforsex;theyneededsex.AnywomancouldgetCalderhard,hisbodybuilttoreact
instantlyandstronglytoawoman‟spheromones.
Ifshewantedit,hisbodywantedittoo.
Butthatwasasimplechemicalreaction.WhatrarelyhappenedwasCalderlookingatawomanand
wantingtofuckherbecauseofher,forthepurejoyofit.
Thiswoman…
Calderslammedhisfistsintothewhitewall.HisShareemchemicalshadshotallkindsofjoythrough
him,andhe‟dwantedtotoucheveryinchofher.
Ifshehadn‟tbeensodamncurioushecouldstillbeinthere,maybewithheronthepaddedplatform,her
legsaroundhishipswhileheenjoyedagoodfuck.
Whyhadsherippedthemaskfromhisfaceandruinedeverything?
Womenhadseenhimbefore—sometimeshedecidedtheyneededtoseewhatkindofbeingtheycravedto
bewith.They‟dscreaminhorror,thosehighborn,face-sculptedwomen,forwhomphysicalbeautywas
easilypurchased,andrunfromhim.He‟dhuntthemdownandtakethem,whichwaswhattheywanted.
Thatwasthefantasy,toberavishedbyTheBeast.
Idon’twantthiswithyou,he‟dsaidtoKatarina.
Hewantedtobewithher,andnotthroughthestupidgameofpredatorandprey.
Well,allright,hewouldn‟tmindalittlepredatorandpreyfantasywithher,buthewantedtheplayingto
bemutual.Hewantedtohunther,andwhenhecaughther,haveherlaughandkisshimandbehappytobe
caught.
Hewantedittobereal.
Whatthefuckisthematterwithme?
Calderstrodetohissparselyfurnishedbedroomandslidbackawallpaneltorevealafull-lengthmirror.
Barelyglancingatit,hebegantoremovehisclothes.
“She‟sjustawomanwhowantedTheBeast,”hesaidoutloudasheshuckedhisglovesandskin-tight
tunic.“That‟swhyshecame.Nootherreason.”Therecouldhavebeennootherreason.WhatCalder
offeredwasuniqueanddangerousandspoketoneedswomendidn‟twanttoexaminetooclosely.
Calderdidn‟taskwomentoexaminetheirneeds.Hesimplyofferedawaytoletthemputasidetaboos
andgivein.Iftheydidn‟tgivein,hetaughtthemto.
Hetouchedprimalfearsandprimalneeds,andwomenflockedtohimforit.
Someleftterrified,othersmoresatedthenthey‟deverbeenintheirlives.Buthe‟dneverhadone
complaint,neverathreatofarrestortermination.Nooneevertalkedaboutwhathappenedinthelairof
TheBeast.
He‟dnever,everstoppedthegameandfled,leavingawomanbewilderedandcallingafterhim.
Stupid,cock-brainedasshole.
Calderpulledoffhislinenundertunic,hiseyesonthemirror.Hisflatabdomenwastightwithmuscle,his
chestmassive,wideningtobroad,strongshoulders.Abodymadeforpowerandpleasure.
TheleftsideofCalder‟storsowasamazeofscars,withaconcaveindentationbelowhisribcage
coveredwithunnaturallysmoothskin.Therestofhisbodywasmottledwithpuckersofscartissue.
Beneaththatlaybonesthathadbeencrushedandrebuiltmoleculebymolecule.
Therightsideofhisbodywasnotasbadastheleft,butrowsofscarslacedhisskinfromcollarboneto
ankle.
Someoftheskingraftshadcomefromtherightsideofhisbody,Dr.Laasdesperatelyharvestingeverybit
ofhealthyskin.Repairinghimhadbeentrickybusiness.Theboneshadbeeneasiest,pinnedtogetherand
lefttoShareemmetabolismtoheal.
Theorganshadtakenmuchmoretimeandmuchmorepain.Dr.Laashadrebuilteverysingleone,and
nowtheyfunctionedastheyweresupposeto.Calderhadconvalescedforadamnlongtime,duringwhich
he‟dsometimeswishedshewouldjustlethimdie.
Hehadhealed,butthescarring,despiteDr.Laas‟work,remained.Helookedadamnsightbetterthan
whenhe‟dfirstbeenrolledoutoftheplasmafire,andhe‟dalwaysbegratefulforthat.Buteven
techniquesthathadevolvedinthetwentyyearssincehadn‟thelped.Thedamagewassimplytoo
extensive.
Dr.LaashadoncesuggestedcyberreplacementsbutCalderhadsnarledsoviciouslythatshe‟dnever
broughtupthesubjectagain.Hedidn‟twanttobeadamncyborg,halfman,halfmachine.Itwasbad
enoughbeingShareem.
Calderpulledopentheflyofhisleggingsandkickedthemoff.Hislegshadtakentheworstoftheburning,
bothmangledandtwisteduntilthey‟dalmostdisintegrated.Dr.Laashadpainstakinglypiecedthemback
together,ignoringherfellowscientistswhopredictedhe‟dneverwalkagain.
She‟dfixedhimsothatnotonlycouldhewalk,buthismuscleshealedandregainedmostoftheirstrength.
Nowhislegsweretautandstrong,thoughtheskinwasruinedbeyondrepair.
Avainmanwouldhavegottenridofthemirror.Calderkeptitsohe‟dnevertakehimselfforgranted.
Whathecouldnowofferawomanwasnotabodytogazeat,ahandsomesmiletomakeherwetinan
instant.Heofferedatechnique,anexperiencetheywouldneverforget.
Calderfacedhisnakedbody,rememberingtheheatofKatarina‟spussythroughtheleather.
Hisalready-hardcocktightened.Therewerenoscarsonit,thankthegods,exceptafewattheverybase.
He‟dmovedhisthighoveritintimewhenhe‟dfallen.
TheDNAmoscientistshadjokedthatofcourseaShareemwouldprotecthisgreatestasset.
Nowthecockrosetofullerection,astandardfootlong.HishandwenttoitasherememberedKatarina
pressingherfaceagainstit.She‟dkissedandexploredit,beggedtoseeit.
Heimaginedherbeautifullipsclosingoveritandhestifledagroan.Hegrabbedatubefromhisbedside
table,openedit,dribbledlubeontohishand.
Hesmoothedinthegel,bitinghisliptokeephimselffromgrowling.IfithadbeenKatarina‟shand
slatheringlubealloverhim,herhandgrippinghim,he‟dhavecomealready.
Heclosedhishandtightlyanddrewhisfistupthelength,hispalmmakingasnappingnoiseasitcame
togetherattheend.Heslidhishanddownforasecondstroke,andathird,buildingupspeed.
HisShareemiriseswideneduntilhiseyeswerenothingbutblue.Hefeltthepulsingatthebaseofhis
ballsveryquickly—he‟dwantedtocomeeversinceKatarinad‟Arnalhadwalkedintohishouseof
pleasure.
Fasterandfaster.Thesoundofhishandwasloudinthesilentroom.Hishipsrockedwiththerhythm,his
legsmoving.Calderstudiedhisuglybodyinthemirrorashishandgaveasmuchpleasureasitcould.
HethoughtaboutKatarina,howsexyshelookedinthattightreddressandthehigh-heeledboots.How
she‟dputherhandsonherhipsandsmiledatherselfinthemirror.Everythingaboutherwasinnocence
andwarmth.
Hishandburned,thelubesoothedandhiscomesquirtedoutofhimtothewaitingtowel.
“Katarina!”heshouted,thewordfallingflatagainstthewallsofhistinybedroom.“Katarina,”Calder
repeatedsoftlyashisfrustrationeasedtheslightestbit.
Butnotenough.Hiscockwasstillhardandhot,wantingmore.Hewipedoffhishandsanddribbled
anotherdoseoflubeonhisstubborn,needycock.
Fuck.
*****
KatarinaglaredatCalder‟srustydooronBarkeloStreetthenextafternoonasthesunslowlyroastedher.
Herthumbprintwouldn‟topenthedoorandtherewasnoresponsetoherknocking.
Ofcoursehewouldhavechangedthethumbprintcode.Thatwasprobablyhisstandardprocedure.
Sohereshewas,standingforlornlyonthestreetlikeafool,wanting—needing—
toseehimagain.Damn.
Passersbyeyedherinsuspicion.Herhighbornrobesmadeherstandoutonthisbackstreet,apersonwho
clearlydidn‟tbelonghere.
Faceheating,Katarinamovedaway.
Sheturnedthecorner,headingbacktowardtheclinic.She‟dtakenahovercabtoCalder‟sstreet,
dismissingitbeforeshe‟dapproachedthedoor.Butshewastoorestlessnowtohuntanother,and
besides,sheneededtowalk.
Thestreetheldamarketoftentsandmetalawnings,temporarystructuresthatcouldquicklybepulledup
incaseofoneofBorNarga‟sdeadlysandstorms.
Katarinaglancedattheboxesofcolorfulfruits,brightcloth,pilesofrobotandcomputerparts,andtables
upontablesofcheap,gaudyjewelry.Everythingforsale,nothingthatheldherinterest.
Shewasn‟tsurewhyCalder‟srefusaltoanswerhisdoorcuthersomuch.HewasonlyaShareem,after
all.
InBorNarga‟scarefullystriatedculture,Shareemwerepersonanongrata.Theywerelessthanthe
lowestworkersbecausetheycontributednothingtoasocietythathadabandonedcarnality.Childrenwere
conceivedoutsidethebodybymixingDNAfromcarefullychosenpartners.Sexwasnolongerneeded
andconsideredunnecessary,evengauche.
Eonsago,BorNargahadbeenabarbaricplacewherewomenservedmen—thewomenontheirbacks
andontheirknees.Neveragain,saidthewomenwhonowcontrolledtheplanet.Neveragain.
Shareemwerecreatedatatimewhensexualpleasurehadbeenaformofentertainment,aguiltypleasure.
DNAmo,ageneticscompanyalreadysuccessfulatcreatingtheperfectservants,hadcomeupwiththe
ultimatemaleforpleasuringwomen.
DNAmobecamefamousthroughoutthegalaxyfortheircreationsandhadexportedShareemtomany
planets—beforetheShareemweredeemeddangeroustowomen‟ssafety.TheBorNargangovernment
shutdownthecompany.TherulingcouncilthenhadtodecidewhattodowiththeleftoverShareem,now
taboo.Thegovernmentdidn‟twanttospendthemoneytransportingtherestofthecreaturesoffworld—if
theycouldevenfindaplanetthatwantedtherefugees—nordidtheywanttheShareemtoremainonBor
Narga.
ThehighbornwomenwhoruledBorNargadebatedalongtimewhethertosimplyterminatethesubjects.
Shareemweren‟ttrulyhuman,theyreasoned,soitwouldn‟tbemurder.
Intheend,someonepointedoutthatwholesaleslaughteroftheShareemmightmakeBorNargalook
barbarictootherworldswithwhichtheytraded.BorNargacouldn‟taffordtolosetradeoverahundred
Shareem.
SoShareemweregrantedastayofexecution.Thosewho‟dhiddenthemselveswhenDNAmoshutdown
wererequiredtoturnthemselvesintotheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeForms.AllShareemweretobe
scannedandregistered.
Shareemhadtoagreetovisitapprovedclinicseverysixmonthsfortherestoftheirlivestoreceive
inoculationsthatwouldpreventsexualdiseasesandprocreation.Thepenaltyfornotsubmittingwas
termination.DNAmohadclaimedthatthey‟dbredallaggressionoutofthem,makingthemunabletotouch
awomanwithoutherpermission.AndsotheShareemweretamed,controlled.
Intheory.
KatarinahadstartedresearchingShareemafterCalderhadcometotheclinic,goingthroughtheMinistry
ofNon-HumanLifeForms‟datafiles.She‟ddiscoveredthateachShareemwasoneofthree“levels”.
Levelone—puresensualpleasure.
Leveltwo—funandgames.Levelthree—dangerousfantasiesandbondage.
TheShareemcalledCalder,forwhomtherecordwassketchy,wasalevelthree.
Katarinashivered.Dangerousfantasydescribedhimwell.
TherestofCalder‟sfileheldlittle,noholopic,nomentionofwhyorhowhe‟dbeenburned.Itnoted
wherehelivedandlistedthedatesofhissix-monthinoculations,includingtheoneKatarinahaddonethe
weekbefore.
Katarinashivered.Calderhadcommandedthesessionintheclinic,andhe‟dmorethancommandedher
inhiswarehouse.She‟dneverbeentreatedlikethatbyamanbefore.Shewashighbornandfemale.Men
weredeferentialtoher,always.
IfanyoneintheMinistryfoundoutwhatCalderhaddonetoKatarinayesterday—orevendiscoveredthat
he‟drefusedthescanningprocessintheclinic—
he‟dbearrested.
Arrested,confined.Terminated.Calder,thetall,commandingmalewho‟dmadeherfeelsexyforthefirst
timeinherlife,woulddie.
Herbloodwentcold.
“Lady,yougonnaorderorblocktheway?”
Katarinajumped.She‟dslowedtoahaltinfrontofatentthatservedcoffeeandpastries,andthewoman
vendorbehindthetablewasglaringather.Thethickaromaofburnedcoffeefilledtheair.
“Sorry.”Katarinasteppedoutofthewayasamanpassedhertogettothetent.
Shestoppedinshock.
ThemanwasShareem.Hehadlongblackhaircaughtinaponytailandworetightblackleatherleggings
andashort-sleevedgraytunic.Athinblackchainencircledhisrightbiceps,andhisskinwasbronze-
colored,thesameasCalder‟s.Infact,hisresemblancetoCalder,minusthescars,wasuncanny.
“Theusual,”hesaidtothevendor,hissmooth,darkvoicemakingitsoundlikeaninvitationtobed.
Thesourvendorsuddenlygrinned.“Hello,Braden.How‟veyoubeen?”
“AllbetternowthatI‟veseenyou.”
“Liar,”thewomansaid,butshelookedhappy.
TheShareemreachedforthepastryandcoffeethevendorheldouttohim,paidwithacreditslipthen
turnedaway,nearlyrunningintoagapingKatarina.
Heskimmedhisgazeinaflatteringpassoverherbodythenhesmiled.“Hello.”Hissmilecouldmelt
butterattenpaces.Hisvoicecouldsopupwhatwasleft.
“What‟syourname,prettylady?”Heliftedhisthumbfromthepastryandlickedawayadropofhoney.
Katarinafollowedthestrokeofhistongue,watchedtheformofhislipsashesucked.
“Whoareyou?”sheblurted.
“CallmeBraden,sweetheart.Whoareyou?”
HiseyeswerethesameblueasCalder‟s—sheerazurebluethatglowedevenundertheshadowofthe
canopies.
Herheartpoundedinherthroat.“MayI…MayItalktoyou?”
“Sure,”hesaid,stillsmiling.“TellmewhereyouliveandI‟llmakearrangementstocomethere,noone
thewiser.”
“No,Imeanrightnow.AndItrulymeantalk.”
Hisbrowsrose.“AhighbornwomanwantingtotalktoaShareem?Willwondersnevercease?”
“Please.”
“Suityourself.”
Bradenledhertoaclusterofstoolsandtablesundercanopies.AllthetableswerefilledbutBraden
lookedmeaningfullyattwoscruffymen,whoimmediatelyvacatedandscuttledaway.
BradensethispastyandcoffeeonthetablethenhelpedKatarinatoastoolwithawarmhandonherarm.
“Havesomepastry.Dillahasasharptonguebutshe‟dadamnfinebaker.”
Katarinadeclined.Bradenshruggedashesatdown,thenbrokeoffachunkofpastyandputitinhis
mouth.Heclosedhiseyesashechewed,slowlysavoringit.
Heswallowedthenhistonguecameouttoslideeverystraycrumbfromhislips.Awomancouldgetwet
watchinghimeat.
“Younevertoldmeyourname,”Bradensaid,openinghiseyesagain.
“Katarinad‟Arnal.”Itdidn‟tmatterifheknewhername—he‟dseeherintheclinicsoonerorlater.“I
metsomeone,anotherShareem.Youlooklikehim.Doyouhaveabrother?”
Bradenshrugged,powerfulmusclesrippling.“OnlyifhecameoutofVat23.”Whateverthatmeant.“His
nameisCalder.Doyouknowhim?”Bradenfrozeintheactofliftinganotherpieceofpastrytohismouth.
“YoumetCalder?”
“Hecametomyclinicforhisinoculations.”
Braden‟ssmiledimmed.“Waitaminute.You‟reoneofthosewomenwhousehyposonShareem?”
“Ijuststarted.Calderwasmyfirst.”
“Yeah?”Hesoundedwary.
Katarinabittheinsideofhermouththencontinuedherconfession.“Yesterday,IwenttoCalder‟s…
place.”
Thatbroughtbackhissurprise.“Youhadanappointmentwithhim?”Katarinaopenedhermouthtosayno,
butthewordwouldn‟tform.SherememberedthefloodoffeelingswhenCaldertouchedher,theamazing
excitementofherclimax,thestingofhishandonherbuttocks.Herlipsnumbedandshecouldn‟tsaya
word.
“Ah.”Bradengrinned,hiswarylookvanishing.“Youcouldn‟tresistoldCalder.
Igiveyoupointsforcourage.”
Katarinahadn‟tfeltbraveintheslightest.“Hesentmeawayandtodayhewon‟tanswerthedoor.”
“Well,hewouldn‟t,wouldhe?YounevergetasecondappointmentwithCalder.”Braden‟slookgrew
sinful.“Butnoworries,sweetheart.I‟mnotaone-timedeal.Youcantalktomewheneverandwherever
youwant,foraslongasyouwant,asoftenasyouwant.Calder‟sloss.”
Katarinapressedherpalmstothetable.“Youdon‟tunderstand.Idon‟twanttomakeanappointment.I
onlywanttotalktohim.”
“Calderdoesn‟ttalk.That‟snotwhathe‟sfor,sweetheart.”Heleanedforward.
“Me,Idon‟tmindaheart-to-heart.”
HisbreathonhercheeksmelledofhoneyandKatarinawonderedwhetherhislipstastedofittoo.
Sherealizedinthenextinstanthewantedhertowonderthat.HerresearchtoldherthataShareemcould
projectdeep-seatedlongingontoawoman.Shareemneededwomentowantthem—always—because
Shareemhadtokeepthemselvessatedinordertostayalive.
“Whathappenedtohisface?”Katarinaasked,tryingtoshutoutwhatBradenwasdoingtoher.“Howwas
heburned?”
Bradensatupagain,surpriseslowinghisoutpouringofpheromones.“Heshowedyouhisface?The
wholething?”
“Itmusthavebeenawfulforhim.Couldn‟tregenerativesurgeryhelp?”
“Calderhadthebestplasticandgeneticsurgeonintheuniverseworkonhim.Itwastheverybestshe
coulddo.Youshouldhaveseenhimbeforeshewenttowork.”
“Howwasheinjured?”
Bradentookanotherbiteofpastry.“Ishouldshutupnow.IfCalderwantsyoutoknow,he‟lltellyou.”
“Howcanhetellmeifhewon‟tletmeseehim?Idon‟twanttowaituntilhecomesbacktotheclinicin
sixmonths.”
Bradenfoldedthepaperovertheremainsofhispastryandlickedhoneyfromhisfingers.“Tellmeabout
you.You‟reamedic,yousaid.Doyouwanttodoexperimentsonhim,tryto„cure‟himtofurther
scientificresearch?Forgetit.That‟sbeentried.”Hispheromonesdiedawayandshefelthischillanger.
Shareemweren‟tsupposedtofeelanger,thedatafileshadsaid.Katarinasuddenlywonderedifwhoever
hadmadethosefileshadeveractuallymetaShareem.
Bradenwenton.“We‟vehadenoughofscientificexperiments,honey,Caldermostofall.Ifthat‟swhat
youwant,runbacktoyourclinicandleaveusthehellalone.”
Katarinastaredathim.“No.That‟snotwhatImeant.”
“Thenwhydoyouwanttoseehim?Ohwait,Iremember,totalk.”
“Really,that‟sall.”
“Ifyouwantedaconversation,whydidyoumakeanappointmentwithhim?
Youmusthaveknownhedidn‟tletyouintohislairtogetchatty.”
“Ididn‟tmakeanappointmentexactly.”
Katarinablushedasshetoldhimwhatshethought,thatthemedicsattheclinichadmadetherequeston
Katarina‟sbehalfasapracticaljoke.Noneofthemhadbetrayedanygleewhenshe‟dwalkedinthis
morning,andshedidn‟tdarebringitup,butshewasstillsureithadbeenoneofthem.
WhenKatarinaexplainedshethoughtshe‟dbeensenttodoctorahurtstreetvendor,Bradenburstout
laughing.Womenthroughoutthemarketturnedandsearchedlonginglyforthesourceofthatincredible
laugh.
“Ohgods,that‟spriceless.Youthoughtyouweregoingtouseahypoonanailingvendor,andthen
Calder…”
“It‟snotfunny.Irealizedmymistakeveryquickly.”Bradenheldhisbrawnyarmsacrosshisstomach.
“Man,IwishIcouldhaveseenthat.”Helaughedalittlelongerthenwipedhiseyes.“Tellmemore,
Katarina.Youinterestme.Whyareyou,aprettyhighbornlady,workinginaslumclinicinPasCity?”
Katarinahesitatedbutitseemedfinetoopenuptohim,tolethimdrawthewordsoutofher.Shetoldhim
thatshewantedtodorealgoodwithhermedicaldegree,notsimplydoctorwomenworriedaboutgetting
toomanywrinkles.“Ihadn‟trealizedI‟dbeinoculatingShareemthough.”
“Luckyus.Mosthighbornwomenwon‟ttouchus.Forbiddenfruit.”Hewinkedather,hissmilesinful—
andsuddenlyKatarinawantedhim.
HerinterestinCalderwasnolessstrong,butshehadtheabrupt,overwhelmingdesiretocrawlunderthe
table,unlaceBraden‟sleggingsandputhermouthoverhiscock.
Shewantedhimtobendheroverthetableandscrewherrightthere,nomatterhowmanypeoplewatched.
Itwasnotanemotionallonging,itwaspurephysicalneed.Lustinitsrawestform.
Theblueofhiseyeswidened,swallowingthewhite.Needcrawledthroughher,hotterthantheBor
Nargansun,makingherjustassweaty.
“Yousee?”Bradenasked,voicesoft.“Youlookatus,youwantus,andwehavenoproblemfulfillingour
function.”
Katarinapressedherthighstightlytogether,herbodycravingclimax.“Please,stopdoingthat.”
“I‟mnotdoingathing.Youdoittoyourself.I‟malevelthree—likeCalder—
whichmeansI‟dliketotieyoudownandhaveyoubeatruesubmissivetome.
That‟sCalder‟sspecialtytoo.Womenareterrifiedofhimandbeghimforitatthesametime.”
Tighter,tighter.Katarinadrewasharpbreathasexcitementlacedthroughher,followedbyawarm
sensationandthefeelofcreambetweenherlegs.
“Careful,”Bradensaid,glancingoverhisshoulder.“Don‟tletthepatrollersthinkyou‟reenjoying
yourself.Imightgetarrested.”Katarinalookeduptoseetwowomenwearingsand-coloredoverallsand
carryingstunpistols,watchingBradenwithnarrowedeyes.
“Whywouldtheyarrestyou?”sheasked,tryingtocatchherbreath.“You‟reunnervingme,butthat‟snot
illegal.Isit?”
“Allyouhavetodoiscallforhelpandthey‟llcomerunningtothrowmeintothecells.They‟dlovetodo
it.”
“That‟sterrible,”Katarinasaid.
“It‟slifeonBorNarga.Homesweethome.”Bradengrinnedatthepatrollersandgavethemacheerful
wave.Theyreturnedthelookgrimly.
“I‟msorry,Ishouldgothen.Idon‟twanttogetyouintotrouble.”Bradengaveashortlaugh.
“ApologizingtoShareem.Nowomandoesthat,unlessshe‟sinbondageatthetime.”Hegaveheranother
alloverlookthatsaidhe‟dlovetoseeherinthepositiontoapologizetohim.“Don‟tgoyet,baby.I‟m
fascinatedbyyourneedtotalktoCalder.”
“Doyouthinkhewouldseemeifyouaskedhim?It‟sveryimportant.”
“Idon‟tknow.Calderiswithawomanonceandonceonly.Youlethimdowhathewantsthenyou‟re
done.It‟sinhisconsentform.”Bradenchuckled.“He‟stheonlyShareemIknowwithaconsentform.”
KatarinarememberingCaldermentioningit.“Consentform?”
“Calderwon‟tallowaladytowalkthroughhisdoorwithoutsigninghisform.
Thatwayheknowsshe‟salreadygivenhimpermission,andthenhedoesanythinghewants.Didn‟tyou
signit?”
Katarinashookherhead.Hercolleaguesmusthavedonethatforher,laughing.
“It‟sabeautifulidea,”Bradensaid.“Butnotforme.Isuckatpaperwork.Calderspendswaytoomuch
timealone,comesupwithallthesedifferentandexoticscenarios.Me,Ijustgetoutthemanacles.”
“Whydoesn‟theseealadytwice?Iwouldthinkhe‟dbemuchindemand.”
“BecausewhenladiesarewithCalder,theylayeverythingoutforhim.Theyofferupeverythingthey
have,andbelieveme,hetakesit.Besides,youfeelitmoredon‟tyou,whenyouknowit‟sonlyonceand
neveragain?”
“Iwouldn‟tknow,”Katarinasaid.“Hesentmeaway.Wedidn‟tdomuch.”Bradenstared.“Noshit?”
Sheshookherhead.“Noshit.”
“Huh.”Bradenswallowedthedregsofhiscoffee,athoughtfullookonhisface.
“Willyoutakemetoseehim,Braden?Ifit‟smoneyyouwant,I‟llgiveyouasmuchasyouask—”
Hehelduphishand.“Ithasnothingtodowithmoney.ForgetaboutCalder,sweetheart.He‟s…Well,
whenhegotburnedhewenttoabadplace,andIdon‟tmeantheDNAmolab.Heneverreallyrecovered.
There‟sadarknesstohimthataprettyladylikeyoudoesn‟tneedtotouch.He‟stakenlevelthreetoa
heightevenIdon‟tunderstand,andI‟mprettybadass.”
“Ithasnothingtodowiththat.”
Hetookherhand,hisShareempheromonesfloodingheragain.“Whydon‟tyouspendtherestofyour
afternoonwithme?I‟llgiveyouwhatCalderwouldhave,andwe‟llfigureoutwhatyoureallyneed.All
right?Sayyouwill.”Helookedslightlydistressed,whitepatchespullingatthesidesofhisblueeyes.
“Ihavetoseehim.”KatarinagentlydisengagedherhandfromBraden‟s.“I‟msorry,IhopeIdon‟thurt
yourfeelings.”
Hestaredatherinamazement.“Hurtmyfeelings?Sweetie,youarethestrangestladyI‟veevermet.
You‟renotsupposedtoworryaboutaShareem‟sfeelings.”
“Soeveryonekeepstellingme.”
Bradenshookhishead,chuckling,histensionsuddenlygone.“Ihavetoseethis.
He‟llkillme,but…”
Heslidoffthestool,crumpledthecoffeecupandtosseditatapassinggarbagebot.Thebot‟smetalclaw
caughtthecupandsnakeditbackintoitsbody.
“I‟lltakeyoutoCalder‟splaceandI‟llgetyouintothesameroomwithhim.
Afterthat,it‟suptohimwhethertotalkorthrowyourassout.”Katarinaexhaledinrelief.“Thankyou.”
“Ifhedoesn‟tcooperate,you‟llconsidermyoffer,right?You‟readorable.Wecouldtearupthistown.”
KatarinadraggedBradendowntoherandkissedhischeek.Theconnectionofherlipswithhisskinsent
anotherriverofwarmththroughher,butitwasnothingcomparedtothevolcanoCalderhadgivenher.
“I‟llconsiderit,”shesaidwithasmile.
“Godsgivemeluck.”
HegaveKatarina‟sbacksideaShareemswat,winkedattheoutragedpatrollersandledKatarinabackto
BarkeloStreet.
ChapterFive
Caldersensedsomethingwrongassoonashesteppedintothecoolwhitenessofhislivingquarters.The
airfeltcharged,fresher,asthoughanionizerhadchangedthestalemolecules.
Hesetdowntheboxofsupplieshe‟dgoneouttobuy,unwoundthesun-blockingclothsfromhisface,and
tossedhisrobesandbreathmasktotheirhooks.
Strippingoffhisgloves,hestrodeintohisfrontroomandstopped.
“Hell,”hesaid.
BradenloungedonCalder‟ssquaresofa,hisleather-cladlegsproppedonthetable.He‟dfoldedhis
brawnyarmsbehindhisheadandaspillofblackhairfelloverhisshouldertohislap.
“Nicetoseeyoutoo.”
BradenwastheclosestthingCalderhadtoafriend,butCalderwasnotinthemoodforBraden‟ssenseof
humorrightnow.
Bradenmaintainedacasualapproachtolifeanddidn‟tcarewhodidn‟tlikeit.
HethoughtCaldertooanalandCalderthoughtBradentoocareless.Usuallytheygotalongfine.
“IknewIshouldhavechangedthelocks,”Caldergrowled.“Ihaveaclientcoming.Whateveritis,make
itquick.”
“She‟snotcoming.”
Calderhaltedintheactofgoingbackforhissupplies.Hisleather-cladbodycreakedasheturnedaround.
“Whatdoyoumean?Howdoyouknow?”
“Ifoundherinyourcomputer.Isentheramessagethatsaidyou‟dbeendelayedandwillcallherlater.”
Calder‟sragewarredwithrelief.TheclientwasawomanfromDelta-Terra,ahigh-handedbitchwho‟d
senthimmessagesspecifyingwhatsheexpectedhimtodotoher.Womensometimestriedtocommand
him—andthenCaldertaughtthemthattheirdictatesdidn‟tmeanshit.Itwasonemorewayheturnedtheir
poweragainstthem.
Hehadn‟treallywantedtoseethewomantoday,butthenagainhedid,toexpungewhathadhappened
yesterdaywithKatarina.Agoodhunt,followedbyagoodfuck,andhe‟dbeallrightagain.
HeswungtowardhisterminalbutBraden‟snextwordsstoppedhim.
“Ibroughtsomeoneelsetoseeyou.”
Thedoortohiskitchenslidopen,andKatarinad‟Arnal,dressedinasoftsilktunicandpants,withno
faceveil,pausedonthethreshold.Sheregardedhimintrepidation,asthoughshewasn‟tsureBraden‟s
ideaofbringingherhadbeenagoodone.
Shewasrightaboutthat.
Calderwatchedhergivehimaonce-over,takinginhisblackclothesandhisnakedface.Hiscockwas
alreadyhardeningasthosebeautifulbrowneyesrovedoverhisbody.Henevercoveredhisfacewhenhe
wasalone,soshesawhisscarsinalltheirglory.
HeglaredatBraden.“Takeherout.”
Katarinatookastepforward.“Ineedtotalktoyou.”
“Bookanappointment.Don‟taskmyfriendstosneakyouintomyhouse.”
“Atleasttalktoher,”Bradensaid,bringinghisfeettothefloor.“Whatwillithurt?”
Braden,theidiot,couldn‟tknowhowitwouldhurt.UsuallyCalderdidn‟tcareaboutawoman‟s
fascinationwithTheBeast,butwithKatarinahedid.She‟dwantwhattheyallwanted—totouchhimand
lickhim,havehimpretendtooverpowerher.
“Thentalk,”hesaidtightlytoKatarina.
Katarinawetherlips,makingthemlusciousandred.“Istillneedtoscanyou.”Calderstared.Ofallthe
thingsshecouldhavesaid,hewasn‟texpectingthat.
“Youthumbprintedtheexam.It‟sfinished.”
“Becauseyouforcedme.”
Braden‟sblackbrowsrose.“Heforcedyou?”
“Hegrabbedmythumbandpresseditonthehandheld.”
“Calder,youshithead.”
“Idon‟tneedtobescanned,”Caldersaid.“Youalreadyhaverecordsofmybody.Ithasn‟tchanged.”
“Butthosearen‟ttherules.”
“Fucktherules.”
Damnit,hiscontrolwasslipping—again.Whatdidthiswomandotohim?
“IfIreportedyou—”
Calderwasacrosstheroom,pinninghertothedoorframebeforeshecouldcompletethesentence.
“Areyouthreateningme?”hegrowled.
“I‟msayingthatifsomeonefoundout,ifthey‟dseenyoudothat,youcouldgetintotrouble.”
Bradenreturnedhisbootedfeettothetable.“Shehasapoint.”Calderreleasedher.Shesmelledtoogood
whenhestoodclosetoher.Hiscockdanced.
“Whatdoyouwant,Katarina?”
“Itoldyou.Toscanyou.”
“AndifIdon‟twantyourunningyourwandovermynakedbody?”Gods,Ishouldn’thaveputitlike
that.“WillyoureportwhatIdidtoyouinmypleasurerooms?”
Shereddened.“No.”
Calderrememberedhowpinkherothercheekshadgottenwhenhe‟dspankedher.He‟dwantedtogether
readytotakehiminherass,somethingthatwouldbeasunfamiliartoherasflappingherarmsandflying.
He‟dknownKatarinahadneverbeenfucked,notproperlyfuckedinherpussy.
Ahighbornwomangotherhymenremovedataclinicwhenshecameofage.
Womenmadeabigdealaboutit,pretendingthatlosingthehymentaughtthemallthemysteriesof
womanhood.Theyforsooksweetcock-in-pussyfuckingsotheycouldstudyphilosophyandlearnhowto
createchildrenwithouttouchingamale.
“Thenwhatwillyoudo?”heasked.
“Nothing.”Shefoldedherarms,whichpushedherbreastsintolusciousmounds.“I‟llscanyouprivately
andenterthedata.Afterthat,noonecanaccuseyouofbreakingtherules.”
Shewasserious.Herprettyeyesregardedhimworriedly.
Calderleanedoverher.Helikedthewayherbreathsmelled,spicyandsweet.
Hewantedtoputhistongueinhermouth.
“No,”hesaid.
“Iknowyourbodyhasbeenburned.Idon‟tmindseeingthat.”Oldrageboiledupinsidehim,theragethat
hadkepthimalivewhenthescientistsinthelabthoughthewasawrite-off.“ButImind.”
“I‟mnottryingtohumiliateyou.”
Calderstraightenedup.“Bradentakeherhome.”
Bradengrinnedfromthesofaanddidn‟tmove.“Nah.She‟sright.HowcomeIhavetogetscannedand
youdon‟t?”
“Whatyoudowhenyougototheclinicisyourbusiness,”Caldersaid.
“Ithinkyou‟remissingafineopportunityhere,myfriend.Maybeyoutwocanstrikeabargain.”
CalderlookedbackatKatarina.Shestoodstill,foldedarmsshuttinghimout.
Buthefeltherpheromones,double-strengthalmost,herwantingpouringfromher.Hisownbodycouldn‟t
helpreacting.Hewantedtorubhiscockagainsther,firstonherpussythenherbareass.
Straddleme,he‟dsay.Rideme,sweetheart.
Bradenwashere,butCalderdidn‟tmindhimwatching.HavingBraden‟shungryeyesonhermightturn
Katarinaon.
Helethisvoicegrowdangerous.“You‟reright,Braden.”Katarinalookedatthemnervously.“Whatare
youtalkingabout?”
“WhatkindofbargaincanImakewithher?”Calderasked,lookingatKatarina.
“Whatdoyouthink,Braden?”
“Ithinkifyoudon‟twanther,I‟lltakeher.”
Katarinabrokein.“WouldyoutwopleasenottalkaboutmelikeI‟mnothere?”
“Ooo,”Bradenchuckled.“Shehasatempertoo.”
Katarinastuckhertongueoutathim.
“Bringthatoverhere,baby.Ihaveafewthingsyoucanlick.”Bradensmiledashespoke,theblueofhis
eyesgettingwidereverysecond.Hiscockshowedhardathiscrotch,andheunashamedlyadjustedit
undertheleather.
“Notwithoutmypermission.”ThetugofpossessivenesssurprisedCalder,butnowaywouldhelet
Bradensimplyhaveher.
BradenswitchedhisgazetoCalder.“Ilikethatidea.Willyouorderhertopleasureme?Prettyplease?”
CaldersensedKatarina‟sheighteningpheromones,couldtastethemontheair.
Bradenturnedheron,didhe?Calderwasn‟tsurewhetherthetwingeinhisheartwasjealousyor
excitement.
HeputhishandsonKatarina‟sshouldersandleanedtowardher.Herlovelyscentmadeithardforhimto
rememberhowtospeak.“YouagreetodowhatItellyounowandI‟llsubmittoyourscan.”
“ForhowlongamIagreeingtodowhatyoutellme?”
Fortherestofmylife.
“Fortheafternoon.”
“Andthenyou‟llcomebacktotheclinicforyourscan?”
“Yes.”Fuckthat.BythetimehewasdonewithDr.Katarinad‟Arnal,herthoughtswouldbefarfromher
clinic.He‟dfinishwhatheshouldhaveyesterdayandshe‟dneverwanttoseehimagain.
Hehadnoideawhyhisheartconstrictedinthatannoyingwaywhenhethoughtofneverseeingheragain.
“Allright.”Katarinadrewabreaththatpushedherbreaststowardhim.“Iagree.”
Calderstraightenedup.Hisheartpounded.“Goonthen.PleasureBraden.Suckhiscockforme.”
Katarinastared,mouthopen,herbodytemperatureclimbing.“But—”
“Doit,”hesaid.“Iwantyouto.”
Bradenclosedhisfist.“Yesss!”Hestartedunhookinghisleggings.“Thecarpet‟ssoft.We‟regood.”
KatarinamovedtohimwoodenlyandCalderwatched,holdinghisbreath.
Wouldshedoit?WouldsheandBradengetsoturned-onbyeachotherthatthey‟dgoawayandleavehim
alone?Thenhewouldn‟thavetothinkaboutheranymore.
No,cameavoiceinhishead.Mine.
Bradenpaused,hishandonhisfly.“Youwanttodothis?”heaskedKatarina.
“Makesure.Ihavetohaveyourpermission,likeItoldyou.Ifyousayno…I‟llprobablydierighthere,
buthey,nopressure.”
“WhataboutCalder?DoIhavetogivehimpermission?”
“Yousignedtheconsentforms,”Calderremindedher.
“Ididn‟t.Someoneforgedmyprint.”
Bradenlaughed.Atleastsomeonethoughtallthiswasfunny.
Calderstrodetohisterminal,loadedablankformintohishandheldandbroughtittoher.Heslidhisarm
aroundherwaistandthrustthehandheldunderhernose.
“It‟sallhere.YouagreetoletmedotoyouanythingIwant,includingtellingyoutopleasureBradenora
woodenpoleorwhateverIthinkof.YouagreetoobeymeandacceptwhateverpunishmentIdishoutif
youdisobey.InreturnI‟llvisittheclinic.”Heleanedcloser.“Yesterday,Idecidedtobenicetoyou
becauseyou‟recute.
Today,I‟vechangedmymind.”
Bradenutteredasmallmoan.Hethrusthishanddownhishalf-openleggings.
“Hurryup.You‟rekillingme.”
“Decide,”Caldersaid,ignoringhim.“Goandneverseekmeoutagain,orstayandIdowhateverIwant.”
Sheturnedherhead,herhairbrushinghisnose.“Iwanttostay.”
“Thankthegods,”Bradenbreathed.
“Good.”ThewordbrushedCalder‟slipsagainsthersbuthedidnotkissher.Hehelduptheform.
“Thumbprint.”
Katarinaraisedashakinghandandpressedherthumbtothelightedpad.
ChapterSix
Katarinacouldn‟tbelieveshewasdoingthis.ShewatchedBradenhurriedlypullopenhisleggingsas
Caldertossedthehandheldaside.
Calderloweredhertoherknees.Ashehadyesterday,hedidn‟texactlypushher,buthisgriploosened
herlegsuntilsheglideddownwherehewantedher.Hedroppedtoonekneenexttoher,thighplanted
firmlybehindherback.
Bradensighedwithreliefashiscocksprangout,hardandneedy.Itwasdarkred,theengorgedtipalmost
purple.
“Takeitinyourhand,”Caldersaid.“Gettoknowit.Hedoesn‟tmind.”Bradenspreadhisarmsoverthe
backofthecouchandpartedhislegs.“Nope.
Don‟tmindintheleast.”
Katarinareachedoutashakinghand.Againshereflectedthatshe‟dseenplentyofholoimagesofpenises
inhermedicalstudies,couldnamealltheparts,insideandout.Butthathadbeentheoryonly.
Braden‟sswollencockwasnotheory.Calder‟sbreathbrushedKatarina‟sneckasshetouchedBraden‟s
tip.
“Gods,”Bradengroaned.“Don‟tletmecometoosoon.”
“Didyouhearhim?”Calderaskedinherear.“Don‟tlethimcometoosoon,orIwillhavetopunishyou.”
Katrinanodded.She‟dneverbeensoawareoffeelings—thesilkofherownhaironherneck,theheatof
Calder‟sbreath,thesoftrugbeneathherknees,thebloodpoundingthroughthecockunderherhand.
“Holdontoit,”Calderordered.“Squeezeitinyourfist.”Shegrippedtentatively.Thecockheadmoved
upwardandBraden‟sskintightenedaroundit.Bradenclosedhiseyes,makingasoundofpleasure.
“Strokeit,”Caldersaid.
Katarina‟shandmovedallthewaydowntoBraden‟sscrotumthenbackupthelengthtohistip.And
again.
“Strokehisballs.”Caldertouchedthesoftringletsagainstherneck.“Putyourfingeraroundthem,like
this.”Hehelduphisforefingerandthumb,makingaring.
KatarinamovedherhanddowntoBraden‟sscrotumandtriedtodoasCalderinstructed,butherfingers
wereclumsy.Caldermovedherhandintotherightposition,makingherringBraden‟sballswithfinger
andthumb.
Braden‟seyeswerehalfclosed,hischeekbonesflushed.Hekepthisarmsstretchedacrossthebackofthe
sofabutwatchedKatarinaintently.Hewashavingthetimeofhislife.
FuckBraden.Calderwantedher,ofcoursehedid,whatmanwouldn‟t?Buthewasn‟tabouttoripopen
hisflyandbeghertorubherhandsandtonguealloverhim.Nomatterhowmuchhewantedto.
That‟snotwhatCalderdid.Hecontrolledthesituationandlettheladyhaveonlywhathewantedtogive
her.
“I‟mgoingtocome,”Bradensaid.“Damnit,Idon‟twantto,notyet.”
“Don‟tlethimcome,”Caldergrowled.
“HowdoIstopit?”
Bradenmovedhislargehandtothebaseofhisscrotum.“Holdmehere.Pinchit.”
KatarinakepttheringofherthumbandfingeronBraden‟stesticleandusedherotherhandtopinchwhere
Bradenshowedher.Hiscockstooduponitsown,sotightitmusthurthim.
Calder‟sowncockpounded,buthedidn‟tdaretouchhimself.Heknewhe‟dsquirtalloverinsidehis
clothesifhedid,anddamnedifhewouldletherknowthat.
“Lickit,”Caldersaid,continuingtofingerKatarina‟swarmbrownhair.“Lickhishead,suckitintoyour
mouth.Tasteit.”
“Gods,you‟reevil,”Bradensaid.
ButBradenmadenoobjectionasKatarina,movinghesitantly,leaneddownandcurledhermoutharound
theheadofhiscock.
CalderrubbedhiserectionagainstKatarina‟sbody,suckinginabreathatthewildtingletheaction
generated.
“Whatdoeshetastelike?”heaskedher.
Katarinalookedathim,herhandsstillfirmonBraden‟sballs.“Smooth.Kindofsharpatthesametime.”
“Biteit.Alittlenibble,aroundtheflange.”
Katarinamovedherheadbackdown,suckingtheheadbetweenherlips.Bradenbroughtonehanddown
tostrokeherhair,eyesclosed.Heswayedonthecouch,murmuring,“Fuck,fuck,fuck.”
SuddenlyCaldercouldn‟ttakeitanymore.HewasasShareemasBraden,whichmeanthewasas
desperate.Hehadtoeitherstrokehimselfofforhaveherdoitforhim,didn‟tmatter,heneededrelease
now.
Hemadehimselfcalmlyunfastenhisleggings.Norippingthemopen,nothrustingthemdownandbegging
forher.
Calderhaddesignedhisclothessothathiscockalonecouldbereleasedbuthisscarredthighswould
remainhidden.Hepulledtheleggingsopen.
“Suckthisonetoo.”
Katarinaflushedthensheleaneddownandclosedherwetmouthoverhiscock.
Mistake.KatarinatracedCalder‟sflangewithhertongue,suckingandbitingtheheadashe‟dorderedher
todotoBraden.HewasamazedBraden‟scomewasn‟talloverherbynow.Themanhadmorecontrol
thanCalderthought.
“Slowly,”hegrowled.“Makeitlastforme.”
Katarinatoneddownthesucklingbuttheslowtastingdidn‟tmakeCalderanylessneedy.
“Hey,”Bradensaidpetulantly,eyesopeningaslit.“Whataboutmyneeds?”
“Suckhimtoo.”Calderedgedtowardhimsoshewouldn‟thavetoturnasfar.
“Suckbothofus.”
KatarinatookBraden‟scockintohermouthagain,cheeksmovingasshesucked.
ShereleasedBraden‟scockanddidthesametoCalder.
Gods,whowasincontrolhere?CalderandBraden,gettingmoreandmoreturned-oneverysecond,their
Shareembloodpoundingfire-hot…orthelovelywenchlickingandsuckingtwoShareemcocks?
Bradenclutchedthebackofthecouch,hipsrocking,jawclenched.Caldercouldn‟tcomebeforeBraden
did.Bradenwouldneverlethimheartheendofit.
Calderwastheonewithrock-hardcontrol,right?
WhileKatarinaslatheredhertonguealloverBradenagain,Caldermovedtothecouch.Henudged
Bradenwithhisknee,andBradengottheideaevenwithoutopeninghiseyes.
HeslidoversoCaldercouldgetinnexthim,sittingBradenalmostonhislap,legsspreadsoCalder‟s
cockjuttedoutbesidehisfriend‟s.
CalderhadtocradleBradenagainsthim,armaroundhisback,buthewastooexcitedtocare.Calder‟s
skinwasroastingandheneededrelease.
“Takeusboth.Together.”
KatarinagaveCalderastartledlookthenshebentherheadandstudiedthetwococks,tipstogether.
Caldercouldn‟tfaultherbravery.Sheopenedhermouthwideandtookinasmuchofthetwococksasshe
could.
“Shit,”Bradensaid.HethrewhisheadbackonCalder‟sshoulderandCalderclosedhiseyes,feelingthe
roughnessofBraden‟scheekagainsthis.
Katarina‟smouthwasahot,moist,tightplace.HiscockcrushedagainstBraden‟sandthewallofher
cheek.Hertongueflickedoverhim,sharpteethscrapinghisskin.Calder‟shipsroseoftheirownaccord.
Bradenjumped,groaninghard.HeyankeduphistunicatthesametimehepulledoutofKatarina‟smouth
andslidawayfromCalder.Graspinghiscock,hecameagainsthisabdomen,pumpinggobsofwhite
creamontohissun-darkenedskin.
CalderstayedinKatarina‟smouthandshetransferredallherattentiontohim.
Helethimselfcomehardintohermouth,handscurlingintofists.Theonlynoisehemadewasatight
grunt,andthenhefilledher.
Bradenlaybackandletoutalongbreath.“Youknow,whenIgotupthismorning,Ineverdreamedmyday
wouldbethisgood.”
Calderignoredhim.Katarinatookhiscome,sweetlady,andlookedalmostdisappointedwhenheslowly
withdrewfromhermouth.Sheswallowedandwipedherlipswiththetipsofherfingers.
Calderhauledherontothecouchwithhim.Heshouldn‟tdothis,noholding,notenderness,buthe
couldn‟thelphimself.Hepressedherheadtohisshoulder,strokingherhair,brushingitwithhislips.
HelookeduptofindBradenwatchinghim.BradenpretendednonchalancewhenCaldermethisgaze.
“Showertime,”Bradensaid.“Youtwowanttojoinme?”Calderthoughtofhisnarrow,utilitarianshower
jammedintoacornerofhisbathroom.“Notinhere.”
Bradencaughtonandhisgrinwidened.“Ohnow,I‟vealwayswantedtodothat.Seenit.Nothadthe
pleasure.”
Katarinaraisedherhead,herlipssmellingofcome.“Dowhat?”Bradenlaughed.“You‟llsee,darlin‟.
Calderisamanofgreatimaginationandthecreditstogowithit.”
Calder‟scockthrobbed,alreadystiffeningagaininanticipation.“Followme,Katarina.Timetogetwet.”
*****
AssoonasCalderledherthroughanarrowdoortohishugepleasureroom,Katarinasawhowhe‟dbeen
abletoeludeherthedaybefore.Thedoorslidseamlesslyintotheblackwall,leavingnocrackwhen
closed.Apersonwouldhavetoknowexactlywhereitwastofindit.
Calderhaddimmedthelightsagain,renderingtheroomseductive,itsblackwallsandshadowyceiling
confusingtheeye.
Bradenshruggedoutofhistunicandleatherpants,tossingthemaside.Naked,hewastallandbeautiful,
everymusclesculptedandsmooth.Theblackchainonhisbicepsmovedwithhisarm,madetoflexwith
itperfectly.
Calderkepthisclotheson.Katarinabitbackdisappointment.Shewantedtoseewhetherhisbodywasas
firmandtightasBraden‟s,wantedtorubherfingersoverhisroundbicepsandtheridgesofhisabdomen.
SherememberedwhatBradenhadsaidaboutShareemchemistryrenderingawomanpliabletotheir
suggestionsandwonderedifthathadhappenedtoherinCalder‟slivingroom.Twomengazingather
withblueeyes,theirarousedstateplaintosee,hadgivenherastrangefeelingofpower.
Calder‟ssmellwasalloverherandshetastedhimonherlips.Shethoughtofthebeautifulfeelingofthe
twococksunderhertongue,eachofthemdifferent.Braden‟shadbeensharpandtangy,Calder‟ssmooth
andmellow.
Twomenhadbaredtheircocksforher,hadjammedthemselvestogetherbeggingforher.Calderhadcome
straightintohermouthasthoughhehadarightto,andshe‟dnotturnedawayindisgust.She‟dliked
tastinghim.
“Ready?”Calderasked.Hestoodalittleawayfromthem,aslightsmileonhislips.Thedimlightmasked
hisscarsabit.Hisfacewashardandperfectlyshaped,hishair,loosenow,hanginglikeariverofblack
tohiswaist.
“Ready,”Bradensaid.“Goforit.”
Readyforwhat?
Itstartedtorain.Morethanrain—adownpour.Watercascadedfromhiddenjetsabove,warmlikea
summerraininthemountains.DropletssheetedoverKatarina‟sfaceandraninrivuletsdownhertunic.
Bradenlaughedandthrewbackhishead,lettingthewaterflowoverhim.“Thisisgreat!”heshoutedover
therain.“Youhuntthroughthis?”
“Yes,”Caldersaid.
ThatwaswhenKatarinanoticedthatCalderwasnotgettingwet.Hestoodinaprecisespotwherenorain
fell.Itpatteredanddrummedinafullcirclearoundhim,butwherehestood,notonedropstruckhim.
“Hey,”shesaid,puttingherhandsonherwethips.“That‟snotfair.”Bradenglancedoverandsawwhat
shemeant.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Isaywegethim.”
KatarinajoinedBradenasherushedCalderandpushedhimoutofhissafespot.
Instantly,therainceased.
Bradenstopped,panting.“He‟sgotthecontrolsonhim,thebastard.”Caldersteppedcalmlyoutoftheir
reachtoanotherprecisespotandtherainfellintorrentsagain.Katarinascreamed,startled,andBraden
laughed.Hepushedhislonghairfromhisface.
“Damn,thisfeelsgood,”Bradenshouted.“Youspikedit.”
“Spiked?”Katarinaasked.
“Withpheromones.”Bradenopenedhismouthandlickedtherainfromhislips.
“Tasty.”
Katarina‟shairplastereditselfinringletstoherface.Shestuckouthertongueandcaughttherain.It
tastedofwater,butBradenwasright.Itmadeherfeelvitalandexcited.
“Iwanttohunt,”Bradensaid.
HepinnedhisgazeonKatarina,hisaffablelookreplacedwithoneofhunger.
Therainwasturninghimontoo,sherealized,butinadifferentway.
SheglancedatCalderandstopped,herheartfluttering.Bradenlookedhungry,butCaldergaveherthe
lookofabeastsizingupitsprey.Abeastwhowasn‟tabouttoletsaidpreygetaway.
“Waitaminute,”shesaid,brushingwaterfromhereyes.“Youbroughtmeoutheretohuntme?Ithought
Shareemcouldn‟tdothingslikethat.”Bradengrinned,thesmileferal.“Yousignedtheforms,
sweetheart.”Katarinathoughtofthemazeofgreenerythatbeganontheothersideofthevastblackroom.
She‟dthoughtithadbeenmeanttosoothe,butnowsherealizedithadbeendesignedtotwistandconfuse,
tobeajungleforthehunterandthehunted.
“Ohgods,”shesaid.
Shelookedatthepairofthemwatchingherinthesameway,Bradenwithhishandsonhisbarehips,
Calderwitharmsfolded,headtiltedtoonesideasthoughtryingtocatchherscent.
Theywouldn‟treallyhurtheriftheycaughther.Wouldthey?
Wouldthey?
ShesuddenlyunderstoodthecompleteappealofShareem,whywomenwouldpayfortunesforan
appointmentwithCalder.
Shareemwoulddoanythinginthenameofpleasure.Andtherewasahintofuncertaintyabouthowfar
theywouldgo.
BradentookasteptowardKatarina,movinglikeapredator.Calderwaited,hiseyesintenseandblue.
KatarinahadsignedtheconsentforminCalder‟sroom.Withherthumbprint,she‟dgiventhempermission
todoanythingtheywantedtoher.
“Crap,”shesaid,andstartedtorun.
Theydidn‟tfollow.Shereachedthemazeofgreeneryandplungedintoitwithouthearingtheirfootsteps
behindher.
Theraincontinuedhere,coatingtheplantsandgivingoffafreshsmell,waterchanneledintotroughson
thefloor.Thiswasbetterthanaholoroombecauseitwasallreal,thebranchesslappingatherface,the
flowersbrightredandasbigasherhead,andtheinchofwatersoakinghershoes.
Butthereseemedtobemoreplantsandvinesthanyesterday,orelseshe‟dplungedintoapartshehadn‟t
seenbefore.Thebrancheswerethick,thepathnarrow,andinsomeplacesthegreeneryclosedoverthe
pathandshehadtopushherwaythrough.
Hersoggyclothesslowedherdown.Shewastemptedtoremovethembutresisted,realizingthat‟swhat
theywantedhertodo.Runthroughthisplacenakedforthem.
Sheshivered.Afewmomentsagothewaterfeltcleansingandarousing.Nowitwasdistractingand
heightenedthesenseofdanger.Sheonlyknewthatshehadtorun,tohidebeforetheycaughther.
Sheranon.Somewherewasafountain,sheremembered.Itwasalabaster,withaglitteringmosaic-tiled
bowl.Whyshethoughtshe‟dbesafethere,shehadnoidea,butshebecameobsessedwithfindingit.She
keptgoing,hopingdesperatelytofindthefountainaroundeverytightturn.Itwaslikeadream,pushing
throughunfamiliargroundinthehalf-light,therainmakingeverystepprecarious.
Katarinashovedasideabranch—andtheblackformofCalderloomedoverher,tallandmenacing.
Shescreamedandswungaround.NearlyastepbehindherwasBraden,naked,watergleamingonevery
muscleandflatteningthecurlsonhischest.
Bradensmiledlikeawolfbaringitsteeth.“Decidewhoyou‟llrunto,Katarina.
Whowillyoutrusttosaveyoufromtheother?”
Katarinaknewherchoice.Therewasonlyone.ShewhirledaroundandranstraightintoCalder‟sstrong
arms.
Shefelthimstartashegatheredheragainsthim,blackleatherwarmthroughherrain-soakedclothes.He
nuzzledhercheekandshestartedtorelax,tofeelsafe.
“Wrongchoice,sweetheart,”hewhispered.
ChapterSeven
No,Katarinathought,lookingupatCalder‟sdark,hardface.Imadetherightone.
“Bradenmighthavesavedyoufromme,”Calderpurred.“Iwon‟tsaveyoufromhim.Orme.”
“Imademychoice.”
Caldergaveheranoddlook,eyesglittering,thenhismouthhardened.Heslidhishandsdownherbackto
herbuttocksandcuppedherass,separatinghercheeksthroughtherain-soakedleggings.Shefelttheheat
ofBraden‟sbodybehindher,hishandswarmonherwaist.
“Bradenlovestotongue-fuck,”Caldersaid.“He‟sknownforit.”
“Aw,andhereIwastryingnottogetabadreputation.”Braden‟swordsburnedthenapeofherneck.
KatarinaknewthatCalderwashopingtofrightenher,butshefeltanythingbutfrightenedinthecircleof
hisarms.Hiswordstoldheronething—thathe‟dlethisfriendhunther—buthisbodylanguagetoldher
another.He‟dprotecther.
Daringly,KatarinaroseontiptoeandbrushedakisstoCalder‟slips.
Hejumpedasifasparkhadsprungfromhermouthtohis.BeforeKatarinacoulddrawabreath,heseized
thenapeofherneckinhisbighandandslantedhismouthfullyacrosshers.
Katarina‟sworldstopped.EventhesensationofBraden‟shandsonherbodyfadedtonothing.
Calderplungedhistonguebetweenherlips,forcinghermouthopen.Katarinahadneverkissedaman
before.Sheclumsilyfithermouthtohis,tryingtolethisbigtonguetakehers,butherteethbumpedhis
lips,unpracticed.
Hebrokethekissandstareddownather,hisbreathcomingfast.Katarinareachedforhimagain.Ifshe
practicedkissinghim,maybeshe‟dgetbetteratit.
Caldershovedherawayandinasuddenmovement,grabbedhertunicandyankeditfromherbody.
Katarinastoodinathinsilkundertunic,whichwaswetandplasteredtohertorso.Calder‟sgazemoved
toherbreasts,whichmusthavebeenalmostcompletelyvisiblethroughthewhitefabric.
Bradenbroughthishandsuptocupherbreasts.Hispalmswerecomfortingagainsthercoldskinbutshe
lookedupatCalder.
“No,Iwantyou.”
Bradennippedherearlobe.“Aw,sweetie,youbreakmyheart.”Hedidn‟tsoundheartbroken.Hesounded
amusedanddelighted.
Calder‟smouthhardened.“Whatyousayyouwantdoesn‟tmatter,becauseyouwillwantwhatItell
you.”
“You‟reverysureaboutthat,”Katarinasaid.
Bradenchuckled.
“BecauseIknowwhatyoureallywant.”CaldertouchedKatarina‟stemple.“Inhere,Iknowwhatyou
trulycrave,whatyouwantdeepinsideyourself.”Histouchwaswarm,soothing,melting.She‟dloveto
falltoherkneesandtellhimshelongedtoobeyhim.Butsomehowsheknewhewantedhertodothat.He
wasusinghisShareempheromonesonher,ortryingto.
“No,Idon‟tthinkyoudo,”shesaid.
Calder‟sbrowswentuptheslightestbit,theonlybetrayalofhissurprise.
Otherwisehestoodlikearock.
BradenlaughedandletKatarinago.“Ithinkyou‟vemetyourmatch,myfriend.”
CalderyankedKatarinatohimagain,hismouthcomingdownonhers.Sherealizedtheirlastkisshad
beengentle.Thisonewasbrutal,demanding,Caldernotcaringthatshedidn‟tknowhowtokisshim
back.
Hisunshavedwhiskersburnedherface,hishandbruisedherneck.Hestrokedhistonguethroughher
mouth,commandingcompletesurrender.She‟dtakenhiscockintohermouth,swallowedhissemen,but
thatwasnothingtothispowerfulkiss.
Katarinatouchedhisface.Theleftsidewassmoothwithscarsandskingrafts,therightsidealmost
normal.
Calderpulledback,hisbrowsjammingtogether.Katarinacaressedhisruinedcheek,wantingtopullhis
headdownandholdhimagainsther.
“Tieherhands,”CaldergrowledatBraden.“Idon‟twanthertouchingme.”
“Nah.”Braden‟svoicehadrecededbehindher.“It‟smorefuntowatchyousquirm.”
“Thengetout.”TheharshcommandwasdirectedatBraden.
Katarinadidn‟thearBradenleave.Shewantedtoturnandlookathim,butshewastoomesmerizedby
Calder‟seyes.Sheagainranherfingertipsacrosshisface.
“Thisismyhouse,Braden.”
“Yourlair,youmean.IthinkI‟llstayandmakesuretheladyisallright.”
“Whywouldn‟tshebe?”
“Becauseyoucangetalittle…exotic.She‟snotreadyforexotic,andshe‟stoocutetobebrokenbyyou.”
KatarinafeltCalder‟sfurymount.“DoyouthinkI‟deverhurther?”
“IknowwhatJudithtoldme,”Bradensaid.
Calder‟smouthflattened.“IknewwhatJudithwanted.”DismaylancedthroughKatarina‟sdelight.Who
isJudith?
“IthinkI‟llstayaslongasKatarinadoes,”Bradensaid.
Bradensoundedworried,butstrangely,Katarinadidn‟tfeelworriedintheslightest.Wasitbecauseofthe
soothingShareemchemicalsorbecauseshebelievedCaldertrulywouldn‟thurther?
She‟dbelievedinhimyesterday,evenwithallhe‟ddonetoher.She‟dbeenthoroughlypleasuredandnot
hurtatall.Excited,notafraid.
“It‟sallright,Braden,”shesaid,stillcaressingCalder‟sface.“Youdon‟thavetostaywithme.”
Shelikedthecontrastbetweenthewarmsmoothnessofthescarredside,theroughwhiskersoftheother.
Bothwerestrongwithmuscle,hischeekboneshardandeven.
“ThisisCalder,sweetheart,”Bradensaid.“Oneofthebestlevelthreesevermade.Meanshe‟sgentleas
akittenoneminute,dangerousasadeserttigerthenext.
Youneverknowwhathe‟sgoingtodo.”
Butthatmadehimmoreexciting.“Idon‟tmind.”
CalderclosedhishandsaroundKatarina‟swrists,hisgriplikesteelmanacles.
“Takeherandgo.”
Katarinachilledbuthernipplesweretight,herheartbeatinghardandfast.“Idon‟twanttogo.”
“Wearefinished.”CaldermovedhishotbluegazetoBraden.“Don‟tlethercomeback.”
“Calder,don‟tbeastupidfuck,”Bradengrowled.
“Idon‟twantyouhere,either.”ThelightthathadbeentrainedonCalderwentout,andhedisappeared
intodeepshadow.
Katarinaranforward,reachingforhim,butfoundnothingbutanotherseamlessblackwall.Calderhad
usedthetricksofhislairtoeludeheryetagain.
“Toolate,healreadyisastupidfuck,”Bradensaid.
Katarinashivered,suddenlybereft.Calderwasgone.
SheturnedtofindBradennexttoher,stark-naked.Hisbodywasperfectlyformed,hisblackhairflowing
overwell-muscledshoulders,hiseyesintenseShareemblue.She‟dtouchedthisman,takenhimintoher
mouth.
Andyetshedidn‟trespondtohimlikeshedidtoCalder,notevenwhenheputhisarmaroundher.
“Myclothesarewet,”Katarinasaid,bitingherlipagainstthetearsthatfilledhereyes.Shecouldn‟t
leaveinwetclothes.Howstupidthatthispracticaldetailmadehercry.
“It‟sallright.Hekeepsspares.”
Braden‟svoicewascomfortingbutwhathesaidmadeKatarina‟stearsspillout.
FoolishKatarina.Ofcourseshewasonlyoneofdozensofwomenwho‟dfallenunderCalder‟sspell.
Whatmadeherthinkshe‟dbespecialtohim?
“Poorsweetie.”Bradenpulledheragainsthiswarm,wetbody,strokingherhair.
“Forgetabouthim,love.It‟sthebestway.”
Damnit,whywasBradensonice?HewasaShareem,abeingmeanttobeshunned,amanwholivedfor
onlyonething.
Herehewas,nakedandaroused,comfortingherbecausehisfriendhadrejectedher.AndallKatarina
coulddowascryonhim.
*****
KatarinatriedtotakeBraden‟sadviceandforgetaboutCalder.Afterall,she‟dlivedtwenty-sevenyears
withoutknowingthemanexisted.ShecouldreturntolifebeforeCalderandcontinueherjob.
Calderwouldlikelyfindadifferentclinicforhisnextsix-monthcheckup,andshe‟dneverseehimagain.
Shareemcouldgotoanyclinicbecauseinformationontheirscansandinoculationswasfedfromthe
medic‟shandheldtothecentralizedMinistryofNon-HumanLifeFormscomputer.Itdidn‟tmatterwhich
clinicdidtheactualcheckup.
ThepracticalsideofKatarina‟smindtoldherthat.ButeverytimeaShareementeredtheclinic,herheart
beatwildlyinhope.
BradenhadspreadthewordthatDr.Katarinad‟ArnalwasamedicnicetoShareem,andsoShareemhad
startedcomingtoher.
KatarinaseemedtohaveaShareemineveryweek.Somecamefortheirsix-monthscansandinoculations,
butsomereturnedforhertotreattheireveryminorcut,scrapeandbruise.Whenshepointedoutthat
Shareemwereamazinglyhealthyanddidn‟tneedmuchmedicalattention,theysaidtheycamebecause
theylikedplayingdoctorwithher.They‟dlaugh—charming,seductivelaughter.
Katarinafoundthatshelikedtheirattention.Shemetlevelones,whosmiledlazilyandturnedevery
medicalexamintoastriptease.Leveltwoslikedtotellcrudejokesandpromiseanightofunforgettable
funifshewouldjustcomeoutwiththem.
Levelthreesconfusedherabit.Theydidn‟tteaseandtheyweren‟tplayful.Theytoldher,blatantly,what
theyenvisioneddoingwithher,notcaringwhenshesquirmed.
Shewouldsmileandturndowntheoffersfromallofthem.Shewonderedatherself,knowingshecould
havenightafternightofamazingsexualexperiences.
AndfoolishKatarinaonlycravedCalder.
Katarinaneversawhim.Calderdidn‟tcomein,sheneversawhimwhenshewalkedfromherflattothe
clinic,andshedidn‟tseehimwhenshepurposelylingeredinthemarketnearhiswarehouse.
She‟dasktheotherShareem,casually,ifthey‟dspokentohim,buttheyalwayssaidtheyhadn‟t.Someof
themhadneverevenmethim,althoughthey‟dheardofhimandhispleasurepalace.
Katarinaalsometafewwomenwho‟dbecomethepermanentloversofShareem.
TwoShareem,alevelonecalledAidenandalevelthreecalledKy,visitedfortheirsix-monthatthe
sametime,accompaniedbyalovelyyoungwoman.
“Ihavetocomeinwiththembecausethey‟reshy,”thewomantoldKatarinaasallthreeofthemsqueezed
intotheexamroom.Thenshelaughed.
“Right,Brianne,baby,”saidtheblondone,Aiden.“Ky‟saboutasshyasarock.”Dark-hairedKy
growled,“Fuckinglevelones.”
Hebeganstrippingoffwithoutembarrassment,asthoughbeingnakedweremorecomfortableforhimthan
beingclothed.Katarinasupposeditwas,sinceShareembodytemperaturewashigherthananormal
human‟sandBorNargawasahotplace.
“Hey,youlikefuckinglevelones,”Aidensaid.
“Asshole.”
“Exactly.Mine.”
Katarinakeptherfaceavertedduringthiscrudeexchange.She‟dgottenmoreusedtoShareem,buttheir
casualapproachtoeverythingsometimescaughtheroff-guard.
“Getonwithit,”Briannesaid.“Dr.d‟Arnaldoesn‟thaveallday.”AidensmoothedBrianne‟shairand
gaveheratongue-filledkiss.“Surething,sweetbaby.Iknowyoulikeitwhenwegetnaked.”
Brianneblushedrosyredbutshedidn‟tlookunhappy.Kyfinishedstrippinghispowerfullybuiltbodyand
stoodunderKatarina‟sscanner.Hekeptmutteringaboutfuckingexams,fuckingMinistry,fuckingclinics.
Aidenlaughedathimasheslowlyshedhisclothes,consciousofhisaudience.
KatarinakepthereyesavertedbutBriannewatchedwithenjoyment.
BrianneunnervedKatarinaevenmorethandidhertwoShareem.Brianned‟Arothwasnotonlya
highbornwomanbutamemberoftherulingfamilyofBorNarga.Lastyearshe‟dbrokenupwithher
fiancé,forsakenherluxuriouslifestyleandmovedinwithnotone,buttwoShareemintheslumsofPas
City.
She‟dmadeanofficialstatementthatshe‟ddoneittolookintothewayShareemweretreatedonBor
Narga.Theyweresecond-classcitizens,andshe‟dsetouttodisprovesomemythsaboutthem.
Ithadbeenthescandalofthedecade.Brianned‟Aroth‟snamewasn‟tmentionedanymoreinhighborn
ladies‟circles.Hypocrites,Katarinathought.ThesameladieswhowenttoShareeminsecretshunned
womenwhoopenlysoughtthem.
StudyingBrianne,Katarinadecidedthattheladyhadn‟tmovedinwithherShareemsimplytoprovea
point.Shewasbesottedwiththem.Bothofthem.
“BradentoldmeyoumetCalder,”Briannesaid.
Katarinajumped,nearlydroppingthehyposhewaspreparingforKy.“Yes.Idid.”
“Morethanmethim,”Aidensaidsuggestively.“BradensaysyouspentsometimeinCalder‟slairand
thenwentbackformore.Interesting.”
“Bradentalkstoodamnmuch,”Kysaid.“Leaveheralone.”Aidenignoredhim.“Calderneverletsa
womanintwice,Ihear.NotevenJudith.Buthedidyou.”
Judithagain.Whowasthiswoman?
Kygrowled.“CanwestoptalkingaboutCalderandfinishmyexambeforeIfreezemyballsoff?”
KatarinaturnedonthefullbodyscannerandwatchedthereadoutstokeepfromlookingatKy‟smuscled
torso.
BrianneregardedKatarinathoughtfullyasshefinishedthescansofAidenandKyandinoculatedthem
both.WhenKatarinawenttohercubbyholeofanofficetofinishthereport,Briannefollowedher.
“I‟vemetCalder,”Briannesaid.Behindher,AidenandKyweredressing,theirgorgeousShareemvoices
rumbling.
“Haveyou?”
“Notasaclient,”Briannesaidquickly.“HehelpedmewhenKywasintrouble.
Hedidn‟ttrustmeatall,buthewaswillingtohelpforKy‟ssake.Ihaveasoftspotforhimforthat.
Calder‟shadadifficulttime.”
“Howdidhegetburned?”
Brianneshookherhead.“Idon‟tknow.TheonlyonewhoknowsisCalderhimselfandawomannamed
Dr.Laas,whohealedhim.Dr.Laasisastrangewomanbutshe‟sgoodtotheShareem.”
“I‟mgladsomeoneis.”
“You‟regoodtothemtoo.”BrianneputacoolhandonKatarina‟sshoulder.
“WhydoyouthinkKycameheretoday?Hehatestheclinics,buthewaswillingtocometothisone.Your
reputationfornottreatingtheShareemlikeinsectshasspread.”
Katarinafeltherselfblush.“Ijustdomyjob.”
“No,youtreatthemlikethey‟rehumanbeings,givethemtheirdignity.I‟mtryingtochangethelawsthat
saytheyaren‟thuman,butit‟sslowgoing.Fearsandprejudicesdiehard.”
“I‟mnotasbraveasyouare,”Katarinasaid.“Bradenaskedmetomoveinwithhim,butItoldhimno.”
“Couragehasnothingtodowithit.IlivewithAidenandKybecauseIlovethem,andIneedtobewith
them.”Briannegrinned.“Besides,I‟veseenhowBradenkeepshisrooms.Iwouldn‟tlivethereeither.”
AfterAidenandKyleft,Briannesandwichedbetweenthem,Katarinafeltabitdepressed.Briannehad
sacrificedheroldlifeandreputationtobewithShareem,andAidenandKyshowedeveryindicationof
beingbesottedwithher.
CalderhadpushedKatarinaaway.Shehadn‟tseenhiminweeks.Howmany
“clients”hadheentertainedsincethen?
Katarina‟sheartburned.
Angerandjealousywasn‟tgettingheranywhere.Sheneededtoact.Sheneededhelp—andsheknewjust
wheretogetit.
ChapterEight
Calderslammedoutofhisapartmentforhisnightlyprowl.
Thestreetswerecrowded.PasCitycamealiveaftertheheatofthedaywasdone.Lightsglaredbuthe
couldstillfindshadowstowalkin,movinglikedarknessitself.
Heachedwithneed.He‟dputhisservicesonhold,notwantingtotouchanotherwoman,leastofallthe
sillycowswhopaidtobechasedandravishedbyTheBeast.
Gods,didtheyhavenothingbettertodo?AfterlisteningtoKatarina‟slaughterintheartificialrain,he
couldn‟tstandthethoughtoflettinganotherwomanintothelair.
Idiot.Itwillkillyou.
Shareemneededtoreleaseeveryday,severaltimesaday.Iftheydidn‟t,theirbodytemperaturesroseto
unbearablelevels,theirmetabolismsspiraledoutofcontrolandtheydied.
Theever-resourcefulShareemhadinventedallkindsofpleasuretoysforthosedayswhenawoman
wasn‟tavailable.ButtoysandCalder‟sownstrokingcouldonlysatisfyforsolong.Heneededrelief.
Judith‟sbarwasfulltonight,withpatronsspillingoutontothestreetaroundit.
Calderstrodeintothenoisycrowd,makinghiswaytowardhisusualtableinadarkcorner.
Someonehadalreadyclaimedit,anotherShareemcalledRees.OnRees‟lapwastheprettyred-haired
womanwhohadconsentedtobehislifemate,Taland‟Urvey.
Calderdidn‟tmindRees,theonlyotherShareemwhounderstoodwhatCalderhadgonethroughat
DNAmo.ReeshadbeencreatedtobetheultimateShareem,allthelevelsrolledintoone.Unpredictable,
uncontrollable.He‟dbeenseparatedfromotherShareematDNAmoandtestedandtortured.
ReeshadbeentheonlyShareemwho‟dmanagedtoescapeDNAmobeforethecompanywentunder,and
somesaidDNAmohadbeenshutdownbecausethey‟dcreatedRees.Hewassmart,resourceful,
dangerousandmysterious.Thepint-sizedredheadonhislaplovedhimtopieces.
ReeslookedupasCalderslidontohisstoolinthecorner.Reeshadblondhair,whichheworegathered
intoaponytailatthebaseofhisneck.Hisiriseswerewideandblue,aShareemaroused.Afternodding
onceatCalder,hewentbacktonibblingonTalan‟sneck.
TalangentlyelbowedRees.“Becivil,wehavecompany.”
“Calderlikestobeignored,”Reessaid,transferringhisteethtoTalan‟searlobe.
Reeswasright,butCaldermadehimselfnodtoTalan.“Ladyd‟Urvey.”
“Howareyou?”Talanaskedhim.
“Thirsty.”Caldersignaledaharassed-lookingwaitressandtappedtheemptytableinfrontofhim.The
waitressjumpedwhenshesawwhohewas,thenfadedbacktowardthebar.
TalancontinuedtostudyCalderwithherwarmbrowneyes,alittlesmilehoveringonhermouth.Calder
triedtoignoreherbutitwaslikebeingstaredatbyapuppy.Adeterminedpuppy.
“What?”hegrowled.
“Youhaven‟theard,then.”
“Talan,”Reessaidinaverysoftvoice.
Talanignoredhim.“Yourmedic,Dr.d‟Arnal.She‟smovedinwithBraden.”
“What?Likehell.”
“Acoupleofdaysago.He‟sbeenpesteringhertodoitforawhile,andshefinallygavein.”
Calder‟sheartpounded,furymakinghimhot.Atthatmoment,adrippingmetalmugofaleslidinfrontof
him,placedtherebyJudith,thebar‟sowner.
Judithalsohadredhair,acommoncolorforBorNarganfemales.Hereyesweredeepbrown,andshe
revealedlusciouscurvesbywearingherone-piecepantsuitopentothenavel.
“Longtimesinceyou‟vedarkenedmycorner,Calder.”
Once,aboutayearago,CalderhadgivenJudithatasteofwhathedidinhispleasurepalace.He‟dmade
herclosethebarandthey‟ddoneithere—onthefloor,onthetables,onthebaritself.Hehadn‟tmadeher
makeanappointmentorsigntheconsentform.He‟ddoneitasafavorforawomanwhowasgoodto
Shareem.
EverytimeCalderhadcometothebarsince,Judithhadgivenhimahopefullook.Shewanteditagain,
butCaldernevercapitulated.
Now,withhisfurymountingandhisneedtoolongunfulfilled,hewantedtograbJudithbythehairand
dragherupstairs.
Hecaughthereye.Juditharchedherbrows,understandingwhathemeant.
Fuck,whathaveIjustdone?Hedidn‟twantJudith,hewantedKatarina,damnhercutelittleass.
JudithstudiedCalderamomentthenshesmiledandshookherhead.“Thanks,butnothanks.”
Reesjerkedhisheadup.“DidIhearright?JudithturneddownCalder?Havethedesertsandsturnedto
water?”
JudithskimmedherhandacrossCalder‟sshoulders.“Hehassomeoneelseonhismind.Idon‟twantto
beasubstitute.”
“IjusttoldhimthatKatarinamovedinwithBraden,”Talansaid.
Reesleanedintoher.“Talan,baby,Ineedtotakeyouhomeandmakeyourasscherryred.”
Talandidn‟tseemintimidatedbyhisthreat.“Heneedstoknow.”Calderpouredcoldaleintohismouth
butitdidn‟tcoolhimdown.Judithgavehimawinkandasmileandsashayedaway.AnotherShareem
slidhisarmaroundherandJudithfellhappilyintohisembrace.
“Leavehimalone,sweetheart,”ReestoldTalaninasoftvoice.
Gods,theypitiedhim.Calderdrankmoreale,pretendinghedidn‟tcare.Whyshouldhecareaboutwhat
Katarinadid?He‟dtoldhertogoaway,andshe‟dgone.
Reesunderstood.Hisblueeyeswereshrewd,butatleastReesknewwhentoshutthefuckup.
Talandidn‟t.“WhenIfellinlovewithRees,hedidn‟tbelieveme.HethoughtIwasrespondingto
Shareempheromones,nothingmore.IttookmeawhiletoconvincehimthatImeantit.”
ReesgaveCalderalookthatsaid,Humorher.
Caldertookanothernonchalantdrinkofale.“Yeah?”
“Ididmeanit.Ifellinlovewithhim.Withhim,notjustbecausehewasShareem.
Notjustbecausehewasanexperimentalmodel.IloveRees,theman.”
“LuckyRees.”
“Luckymethathefinallybelievedme,”Talansaid.“Thinkonit.”CalderswitchedhisgazetoRees.He
woreatighttunicthatbaredhisarmsandemphasizedhisbroadshouldersandstrongchest.Hisskinwas
wholeandsmooth,normal.Nowreckofamanlingeredbeneathhisclothes.
“She‟samedic,”CaldersaidtoTalan.“Medicsalwayswanttostudyme.
Notme,butthishunkofruinedflesh.IthappenseverytimeImeetanewone.Theyallthinkthey‟re
unsunggeniuses.Iftheyfixme,theyrisetoprominence.Sorry,I‟mtiredofbeinganinsectundera
scope.”
“Ican‟tblamehim,”Reessaid.
“Youaren‟thelping,mylove.IthinkDr.d‟Arnal‟sinterestgoesbeyondinsects.”
“Womenfindmefascinating,”Caldersaid.“Theyalldo,evenyou.”Hedidn‟tboast—itwastrue,andhe
hatedthatitwastrue.
“Well,yes,becauseyou‟redifferent.”
“BecauseI‟mlikeRees.ThescientistsatDNAmofuckedReesupontheinsideandfuckedmeuponthe
outside.That‟sirresistibletowomenwhowanttofixeverything,tomakeitallbetter.”
TalanstartedtoanswerbutReesinterrupted.
“He‟sright,baby.Don‟tshovehimatDr.d‟Arnalbeforeyouknowwhatshereallywants.Ithurtswhen
yourealizetheydon‟treallycare.”
“Icare.”
“That‟sbecauseyou‟reaspeciallady.Youconvincedme.Calderhastoworkthisoutforhimself.”
Talanscowled.“Men.”
“YoumeanShareem,”Calderrumbled.
“Males,then.Idon‟tcarewhatyoucallyourselves.I‟msurefemaletortoisesgetjustaspissedoffat
maletortoises.”
Reesrockedwithlaughter.HeturnedTalantohimandgaveheralongkiss.
Calderwatchedtheminenvy.Theyweresoeasytogether,aShareemandhislady,friends,lovers,
lifemates.
AndnowBradenhadmadehismoveonKatarina.Why?Tomakeheralifemate?
Bradenlikedwomen,everywoman.Katarinahadasoftheart—obviously,orshe‟dhavereportedCalder
thedayhe‟dswattedherassintheclinic,nottomentiondoingitmorethoroughlyinhislair.
BradenwouldmakeKatarinabelievehelikedher.Thenhe‟dmoveontothenextwomanhepassed,
leavingKatarinabereftandhurt.
Caldershouldbegladofthat.KatarinaneededtolearntoleaveShareemalone.
Nicethatshewantedtohelpthemattheclinics,butinherpersonallife,sheneededtobackoff.
Gladnesswasnotwhathefelt.HewantedtobreakBraden‟sneck.
Hegottohisfeet.TalanandReeslookedupathim.“Yougoing?”Reesasked.
“Havethingstodo.”Caldertossedacreditstriponthetable.“TellJudithtokeepthechange.”
Hestrodeout.Hecouldn‟thelpnoticingthatasheleftthetable,Rees‟lookturnedcautious,Talan‟s
smug.
*****
“Calder.”
Katarina‟spulseracedwithdelightassheopenedBraden‟sdoortofindCalderonthedoorstep.
He‟dmuffledhimselfallinblackagain,sun-blockingclothcoveringtheleftsideofhisface,eventhough
itwasdarkoutside.Hepushedhiswayin,brushingKatarina‟sbodyashepassed.
“Where‟sBraden?”
“Out.”Katarinatriedtokeepthedisappointmentfromhervoice.Calderhadn‟tcometoseeher.
Calderswungaround.Theapartmentond‟EnelaStreetwastiny,andCalder‟spresencedwarfedthefront
room.“Outwhere?”
“Idon‟tknow.Hedidn‟tsay.”
CalderslammedopenthedoortoBraden‟sbedroomandlookedinside.Heswungtotheoppositedoor
andopenedittoo.
Katarinasteppedinfrontofhimbeforehecouldenterthesecondroom.“Doyoumind?IknowIsneaked
intoyourapartment,butIneverinvadedyourbedroom.”
“Lightson,”Caldersaidtothebedroom.Hestudiedtheneatlymadebed,thecleanhandsterilizer,the
barewallthatconcealedstorage.“Thisisyourroom?”
“Yes.Braden‟sismuchmessier.DidyouthinkIwassleepingintherewithhim?”
“Yes.”Calderturnedhishalf-maskedfacetoher.“He‟sShareem.”
“AndShareemareirresistible?”
“Shareemarehorny.”Calder‟svoicewentharsh.“He‟lltrytoseduceyoueverysecond.”
“Yes,butShareemcan‟ttouchawomanifshesaysno.That‟sprobablywhyhe‟sout.Ikeepsayingno.”
Calder‟svisibleeyenarrowed.“Sohehastriedtoseduceyou.”
“Likeyousaid,he‟sShareem.Hehastohavesex,oratleastrelease,orhe‟lldie.”Katarinahadlearned
totalkaboutitwithoutblushing.“Hegoesoutforthat.”Calder‟sstarepinnedher.Sheshivered,rubbing
herhandsupanddownherarms.“Whydoyouwearthat?”sheasked.
Hisscowldeepened.“Wearwhat?”
“Thefacecloth.Iknowwhatyoulooklike.Ididn‟trunawayscreamingbeforeandIprobablywon‟t
now.”
CalderwentverystillandKatarina‟schillincreased.Sheknewhewasdangerous—hewaslevelthree
andBradenhadtoldherthathewasscarierthanevenmostlevelthrees.Butshewasn‟tabouttolethim
seeherfearorlethimuseitagainsther.
Heyankedoffthefacecloth.Katarinasmiled,thinkinghisfacehardandhandsomedespitethescarring.
Bothblueeyespinnedhernow,andherheartflutteredwithsomethingbesidesfear.
Katarinareacheduptowardhischeekbuthecaughtherwrist.
“Therulesare,youdon‟ttouchme,”hegrated.
“Whoserules?”
“Mine.”
Katarinasmiledahotsmile.“Inyourplace,maybe.Thisismyplace.”
“ThisisaShareemapartment.ItusedtobeRio‟s.It‟sgotthestinkofShareempheromonesalloverit,
anddon‟ttellmeyoudon‟tfeelit.”
“Well.”Katarinaadmittedtoherselfthatshewenttosleepeverynightwarmandaroused,especially
whenthinkingaboutCalderandwhathe‟ddonetoherinhispleasurepalace.
“Itmakesyouwet,”Caldersaid.“You‟rewetnow,aren‟tyou?”Katarinashifted.Hercleftwas
uncomfortablyhot.“HowcanIhelpit?You’rehere.”
“Showme.”
“Pardon?”
“Putyourfingersonyourpussyandshowme.”
Katarinastaredathimforseveralheartbeats.Afewmonthsago,she‟dhavebeenoutragedatsucha
command—no,afewmonthsagoshe‟dneverdreamedanyonewouldevengivehersuchacommand.
Nowherhearthammered,andshefoundherselfunfasteningherleggingsanddippingherfingersinside
them.Shesankfingersintothewetnessbetweenherlegsthendrewherhandout,fingertipssparklingwith
dew.
Caldercaughtherwrist,drewherhandtohismouth,lickedherfingertips.
Katarinadippedherotherhandinandhelditup.“Look,”shewhispered.“I‟mstillwet.”
Caldertooktheofferedhand,kissedherpalmandclosedhismouthoverafinger.
Katarina‟skneesweakened.Shewantedtomeltintoapuddle,ormaybefalltoherkneesandrubherface
onthearousalbehindhisleggings,likeshe‟ddoneinhislair.
Helickedherfingersfrombasetotipthenkissedherpalmagain.“Ididn‟ttellyoutotouchyourself
twice.”
“Icouldn‟thelpit.”
“Idon‟tlikedisobedience.Takedownyourpants.”
Katarinastaredathim.“Why?”
Hiseyesfilledwithblue.“Youknowwhy.”
Katarinaletgoofherloosewaistbandandhersilkleggingspooledaroundherankles.Calderwrapped
hisarmaroundherwaist,pulledhertheshortdistancetothebed,satdownandbentheroverhisknees.
Shestillworeunderwear,butCalderyankeditdown.Helightlycaressedherbuttockswithhisgloved
handthenhepulledbackandstartedspankingher.
Katarinasquealedandsquirmed.Itdidn‟thurtexactly,notevenasmuchaswhenhe‟ddonethisinhis
lair.Herainedquickspanksdownonher,eachonebarelystingingbutfeelingsogood.Shestartedto
laugh.
“I‟mpunishingyou,”Caldersaid.“Stoplaughing.”
Katarinacouldn‟t.ShescreamedsomemoreasCalder‟sspankingincreased,butthefunofitandthejoy
ofhavinghimheremadeherlaughagain.
Calderliftedherfromhislapanddepositedherfacedownonthebed.“Yourassisred.”
“Itfeelslikeit,”Katarinasaid,huggingherpillow.“Areyougoingtomakeitfeelbetter,likeyoudid
before?”
“No,I‟mgoingtopunishyousomemore.”
Beforeshecouldaskhow,Calderseizedheranklesanddraggedherlegsapart.
Shefelthisweightbehindher,thewarmthofhim,thecooloftheleather.
Hejerkedherhipsupthenburiedhisfacebetweenherlegs.
Ohgods.
Calderlickedheropening,partingthelips,kissinghertherethesamewayhekissedhermouth.He
plungedhistongueintoher,ahot,wet,probing,beautifultongue.
Iwanttodielikethis.Katarinawasn‟tsurewhethershethoughtthewordsorscreamedthem.Please
don’tstop.Ever.
Calderlethistonguetraveloverherclit,caressing,stroking,suckling.Heranhistonguearoundherlabia
againandplungedbackinsideher.
Katarina‟smindwhirledwiththoughtssheneverdreamedshe‟dhave.Shewantedhimtopullouthis
cock,likehe‟ddoneinhisapartment.Shewantedtoseeit,touchit,tasteit.Shewanteditinsideher.
Histonguekeptmoving,alloverherpussyandbetweenherbuttocks.Shewantedhimtowetherthen
shovehiscockin.Shewantedhimtoslapherasswhileherodeher,wantedtoscreamasshefound
beautifulclimax.
“Calder,”shemoaned.“Please.Willyou…”
Calderliftedhishead.Herolledheroveronthesmallbedthenpartedherlegsagainandpressedhis
largebodybetweenthem.“WillIwhat?”Hewassostrong,soheavy,andyethedidn‟tcrushher.His
handspinningherwristsweregentle.
Shelookedintohisface,hiseyes,whichwereblueandenormous.“Willyouhaveintercoursewithme?”
Calderstilled.“Intercourse.”
“Yes.I‟mready.Please.”
“Youmeanfucking.”
Katarinahadgrownusedtocrudespeechenoughthatthewell-bredladyinsideherflinchedonlyslightly.
“Yes.Please.”
“Sayit,then.Askmeto.”
Katarinalongedtotouchhimbutheheldherwristsagainstthemattress.
“Please,Calder,willyoufuckme?”
“Whydoyouwantmeto?”
“BecauseIwanttofeelit.Tofeelyou.”
“Feelwhat?”
Katarinaswallowed.“Yourcock.Yourhard,long,beautifulcock.Fuckingme.”
“Isthatwhatyoutrulywant,Katarina?”
“Yes.”
Calder‟shandwenttoherclit,massaging,stroking.Katarinarockedwithhistouch,wordsdyinginher
mouth.Histhumbteased,hispalmsoothed—thenheinsertedtwohardfingersintoherpussy.
Katarinagroaned.Calderstrokedthroughhercream,hisfingersopeningherinawayshe‟dneverbeen
openedbefore.She‟dtouchedherselfaftershe‟dmetCalderthefirsttime,stilldidwhenshethoughtof
himatnight,butshe‟dneverputherfingersinsideherself.
ShewassowetthatCalder‟sfingerswentallthewayinwithoutrestraint,andhispalmpressedhard
againstherclit.Katarinaarchedtorubagainsthishand,lovingtheburningfriction.Afterafewminutes,a
thirdfingerjoinedthefirsttwo,andthesensationsspiraled.
Calder‟sgazeonherwasintense.Hisjawlockedashestrokedher,asthoughheputeverybitofthought
intowhathedid.Shesmelledhissweatandleather,felttheheatofhisbody.Hisgroinbumpedherthigh,
hiscockhotandhardthoughhisclothes.
CalderwantedherasmuchasKatarinawantedhim—hiseyesandcockbetrayedthat.Hisbreathcame
faster,scaldinghercheek.Sheturnedherheadtofacehimasherpussysqueezedhisfingers.
“Calder.”
Veryslowly,hekissedher.Thedeliberate,leisurelyheatofhismouthmadeherpussyclampdownagain.
Shefoundherselfsucklinghistongue,harder,faster,andhisfingersmovedinresponse.
Shewasstillsucklingwhenherclimaxcame.Hereleasedherwristsandshelatchedfingersontohis
shoulders,herhipspumpingoftheirownaccord.ThehotfeelingwentonandonuntilKatarinacouldn‟t
see,couldn‟thearanddidn‟tcare.Shedidn‟tknowwhatwordssheshoutedorhowhardsheclutched
him,butshecouldn‟tstop,couldn‟tletgo.
Calder‟seyeshadfilledentirelywithblue,hisbodytemperaturenowhigherthanahumancouldsurvive.
AShareemfullyaroused.
Katarinaliftedtohim,catchinghislipsbetweenhersinlittlekisses.“Please,fuckme,Calder.Fuckme
now.Ineedyouto.”
Calderdrewbackalittlethenheleanedtowardher,hissatin-smoothlipsbrushinghers.“No.”
“Wha…?”
Caldersmoothedherpussyonemoretimethenslowlywithdrewhisfingers.
Katarinafellbacktothebed,gaspingandfloodedwithdisappointment.Shewantedtoweep.“Whynot?”
Calderliftedhisfingerstohislipsandunhurriedlylickedthemclean.“HasBradenfuckedyou?”
“No.”
“HasanyotherShareemfuckedyou?”
“No.”Katrinatookadeepbreath,tryingtogatherherwits.Hervoicewasgratingandtired.“I‟mnota
whore,Calder,thankyouverymuch.”Notthatshehadn‟tjustlethimlickherpussyandherassandbring
heroffwithhisfingers.
“ThenIwon‟tfuckyou.Ifyou‟veneverbeenwithShareem,youaren‟tready.Icouldhurtyou.I‟mway
toobigforyourpussy.Haveyoueverevendoneahumanman?”
“No,”shesaid,hervoiceweakening.
“Youshouldn‟tstartonShareem.Getyourselfahumanmaleandgetusedtoit.”Katarinastruggledtosit
up.Herbodyburnedalloverandfeltwonderfulatthesametime.Hiseyeswerestillfilledwithblue,his
cockrampantagainsthisleggings.
Hewantedsex,thatwascertain.“Idon‟twantanotherman,Calder.Iwantyou.”
“Thatwouldbelikefallingintoverydeepwaterbeforeyou‟dlearnedtoswim.”
“Idon‟twanttohavesexjustfortheexperience.”
“No?Whythehellelsewouldyouwantit?”
WhenCalderscowled,itpulledatthescarsaroundhiseyes.Whatwoulditbelikeifhesmiled?He‟dbe
beautifulthen.
“Iwanttobewithyou.Notjustforsex.Foryou.”Calderdrewback.“Somanywomenwanttobewith
me.”Inheranger,Katarinareachedforwordsshe‟dheardBradenuse.“Youarrogantshit.Gobewith
themthen!”
“That‟sthewrongreaction,kitten.You‟resupposedtothreatentoscratchtheireyesout.Ormine.”
Katarinafoldedherarms,tryingtomakeherbodycalmdownandstopwantinghim.“Youdon‟tcarewhat
Ithinkanyway.WhyshouldIdemeanmyselfbybeingjealous?”
Hestudiedherasthoughhewasn‟tsurehowtorespond—andsherealizedinaflashthatCalderdidn‟t
havemuchexperiencewithwomen.
Yes,he‟dhadplentyofwomensubmittingtohislevel-threedominance,butnoexperiencewithsimple
conversation.Calderknewexactlywhatthewomenwhocravedhimwanted,buthelookedatKatarinaas
thoughshespokeanalienlanguage.
“Whydidyoucomeheretonight?”sheaskedhim.“Whydidyou,really?”
“TotellBradentoleaveyouthehellalone.”
“Ifyoudon‟twantme,whyshouldn‟tIgotohim?”
Calder‟sfacewenthard.“BecauseIknowhim.He‟lluseyouthenforgetaboutyouinthespaceofaday.
Shareemslutsknowthisandacceptit,butyou…”Katarinabrushedhisscarredcheekwithherfingertips
andhedidn‟tjerkaway.
“Youthinkhe‟llhurtme.”
“Youdon‟tunderstandShareem,nomatterhowmuchyouexaminetheminyourclinic.”
“TheonlyShareemwhocanhurtmeisyou.”
Calderregardedherinsilence,againprobablynotknowinghowtorespond.
Whenhespoke,hisvoicewaslowandhalting.“Ican‟thurtyou.Icanonlydoasmuchasyoutellmeto.”
“Ididn‟tmeanphysically,”shesaid.
“SomewomenweepwhenItellthemtheirtimeisup.”
Cows.“Becausetheydon‟twantthepleasuretostop.That‟sdifferent.”Calderpulledaway.“Don‟tmake
yourselfbelieveyoucareforme.Don‟tconfuseobsessionwithcaring.”
“Don‟tconfusecaringwithpity.”
Theystaredateachother.Caldersnarledandgotoffthebed.
“Wait.”Katarinareachedforhim.“Don‟tgoyet.Let‟snotargue.I‟dratherplay,likewewere.”
Calderleaneddown,envelopingherwithhisbody.“Idon‟twantgameswithyou.WhatIwantwillbe
realandrawandmorethanyoucanhandle.”Katarinaranonefingeralonghisjaw.“Tryme.”
“I‟mlevelthree.Youaren‟tevenreadyforlevelone.”Hejerkedtohisfeetagain,pivotedandstrodeout
oftheroom.
Katarinascrambledfromthebed.“Calder.”
Bythetimeshegotherleggingsonagain,he‟dopenedthefrontdoor.Hotnightairpouredintothefront
room,competingwiththefaultycoolingsystem.
“Whereareyougoing?”sheasked.
“Ihavethingstodo.”
“Wait.”Katarinagrabbedhisarm.Helookedatherhandontheblackleatherbutshedidn‟tletgo.“Ifyou
reallydon‟twantme,Calder,I‟llstop.Can‟tweatleastbefriends?”
“Friends.”
“Youknow,sayhellotoeachotherwhenwepassonthestreet,talksometimes.
Gossipaboutourotherfriends.”
Calder‟sfacecloudedoverandhepulledhisclothbackintoplace.“Idon‟twanttobefriendswithyou.”
Heturnedonhisheelandstrodeoffintothenight.
*****
Bradenmadesurehewassatedtothegillsbeforeheventuredbackhometod‟EnelaStreet.Helikedthe
apartmenthe‟dboughtfromRiowhenRiohadleftBorNargatobewithhishoney,butlatelybeingthere
drovehimcrazy.
He‟dthoughtitagoodideatoinvitelonelyKatarinatosharetheapartmentwithhim.He‟dgettolookat
aprettywomaneveryday,foronething,anditmightbootCalder‟sassintogear,foranother.
Butlivingwithawomanhedidn‟tfuckwasprovingtobedifficult.BradenwasShareem,afterall.Every
dayhesmelledKatarina‟sneed,everynighthetastedherlongingontheair.Shewasindireneedof
sating,andshedidn‟twantBradentosateher.
DamnCalder.IftheidiotwouldgetoffhisassandscrewKatarinasenseless,thesizzleintheairwould
easeandBradencouldsleep.
TheonlysolutionwasforBradentogoouteverynightandscrewasmuchashecould.Tonighthe‟d
foundtwowomenfromAriel,onshoreleavefromanorbitingfreighter.Afterhaulingcargoallday,they
thoughttheywouldn‟tfindmuchfunonbackwaterBorNarga.Bradenhadenjoyedprovingthemwrong.
Whenhewalkedintotheapartment,thescentofKatarina‟sheightenedarousalstruckhim.Damnit.His
cock,whichhe‟dthoughthe‟dcalmedforthenight,startedtoriseagain.
Katarinasatatthekitchentable,herelbowsproppedonit.Abarelytouchedmeallayinfrontofherand
hereyeslookedsuspiciouslyred.
Bradencouldrun,makehiswaythroughthestreetssearchingformorehornyfemalesuntilhecouldn‟t
standup.InsteadhedroppedintothechairoppositeKatarina.“What‟swrong,honey?”
Shescowledupathim.“Ihatethem.”
“Hatewho?”
Katarinathrewdownherfork.“ThewomenwhogotoCalder.WomenwhowanthimtobeTheBeast.”
Shesatback.“Ihavenobusinesscaring.Hedoesn‟twantmeandIshouldletitgo.”
“Calderwasheretonight.”
“Yes,howdidyouknow?”
Bradentappedhisnose.“Ismellyouallwet,andIsmellShareemonyoutoo.
Whathappened?”
KatarinatoldhimaheartbreakingstoryofCaldervisiting,pleasuringherandthenabruptlyleaving.She
wasn‟tspecificaboutthepleasuring,butBradenhadagoodimagination.
“Wantmetotalktohim?”Bradenoffered.
HeknewhecouldneverunderstandallthatCalderhadgonethrough,butBradengrewsuddenlyangry
withhim.Themantriedtoohardtopusheveryoneaway.HecontinuallytriedtopushBradenaway,and
Bradenwouldlaughbutgivehimspaceforawhile.Calderneededfriends.
“No,”Katarinaanswered.“WhatIwantistoforgetabouthim.”Bradenreachedforherhand.“I‟ve
offeredtohelpyoudothat.”Sheshookherhead.“AsmadasIamatCalder,he‟srightaboutacoupleof
things.One,IhavenobusinesswantingtohaveintercoursewithaShareem,andtwo,youflitfromwoman
towomanwithoutthought.”
“Hesaidthat?”Bradenasked,stung,thenhehadtoswallowhispride.“It‟struethatIdon‟thavea
historyofbeingaone-womanguy.Andifyou‟restillavirgin,Imighthurtyouwithoutmeaningto.Level
threesgetrough.Wedon‟tknowhownottobe.”
Herblushtoldhimshedidn‟tfindthatasfrighteningassheshould.“Ineverevenwantedintercoursewith
ahuman.Ineverwantedtomarry.”
“Never?Highbornwomenaresupposedtopickoutmenwithgoodgenetichistoriesandmakemore
highbornbabies.”
Painenteredhereyes.“MaybeImeanInevermetamanIwantedtomarry.IwantmorethanwhatIsee
myfriendshave.Theirhusbandsspendalltheirmoneyandhangaroundlikelapdogs.”
Bradenhadaswiftvisionofpale,wimpyhighbornmenincollarscurleduponcushions,whining.He
burstoutlaughing.
“You‟dratherhaveaShareemonyourleash,wouldyou,sweetie?”
“Ishouldn‟thaveanyoneatall.TheonlyreasonI‟minterestedinShareemistomakesurethey‟retreated
wellattheclinic.”Hereyeswidenedandsheglancedatthedigitalreadoutonthewall.“Ohcrud,I‟m
supposedtobeattheclinicintenminutes.”Shejumpedtoherfeetandrushedtoherroomforherrobes.
“It‟sthemiddleofthenight,”Bradenpointedoutwhensheemerged.
“Ihavethenightshiftthisweek.Peoplegetsickaroundtheclock.”Shethrewontherobesandveil,
maskingherprettybodyandface.“I‟lltrynottomaketoomuchnoisewhenIcomeback.”
Bradengothimselfoutofthechair.“You‟renotwalkingtotheclinicbyyourself,”hesaid.“Thisisn‟tthe
safestneighborhood.”Shegavehimastartledlookoverherveilbutdidn‟targue.
Theydidn‟tspeakmuchastheywalkedthefewblockstotheclinic.Bradengaveheratighthugbeforehe
leftheratthedoorthenmadehiswaybacktoJudith‟sbar.
“Rees,”hesangoutashemovedthroughthecrowd.“JusttheShareemIwanttosee.”Heslidintotheseat
oppositeReesandwinkedatTalan.“Youstillgoodatmessingupcomputers,myfriend?”
Reesgavehimanod.“Ikeepmyhandin.”
AtDNAmo,Reeshaddrivenhiscreatorscrazybyfutzingcomputersandfryingdoorlocksand
surveillanceequipment,turningthetablesontheresearcherswhotriedtocontainandmonitorhim.
Sometimestheresearcherswouldfindthemselvesathismercy,anddidn‟tthatscaretheshitoutofthem?
“Calderhasaprettysophisticatedsystem,”Bradensaid.“Iwanttobreakintoit.”Hewinked.“Iwantto
doafriendafavor.”
Reessaidnothing,butTalangavehimabigsmile.Shewasbeautiful,andReeswasoneluckybastard.
“Yes,”Talansaid.“Ithinkthat‟sawonderfulidea.”ChapterNine
Katarinayawned,hershiftalmostover.Shestartedsterilizingandstowingherequipmenttobereadyfor
thenextmedicandthenextpatient.
Sheheardthenightreceptionistsayinpanic,“Youcan‟tgointhere,”rightbeforethedoortotheexam
roomslammedopenandCalderstormedinside.
Katarinamaskedhergladnesstoseehim.“Youknowshecancallthepatrollersandhaveyouarrested.”
“Tellhernotto.”
Hewasmuffledtohiseyeballsasbefore,thefaceclothcuttingouteverythingbuthishardblueeyes.No
wonderthereceptionistsoundedterrified.
Katarinaduckedpasthim.“It‟sallright.He‟shereforme.”Thereceptionistgaveherastartledlook.
“Areyousure,mylady?Thepatrollerscanbehereinafewminutes.”
Katarinaknewtherewasabuttonunderthereceptionist‟sdeskthatrangthepatrolstationattheendofthe
block.Becausetheclinicwasopenallnightanddealtwiththelowestofthelow,sometimesitwas
necessary.
“It‟sfine.Don‟tworry.”Katarinawentbackintotheexamroom,closedthedoorandglaredatCalder.“It
isfine,right?Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Whoseideawasit?YoursorBraden‟s?”
“SinceIdon‟tknowwhatyou‟retalkingabout,Ican‟ttellyou.”Herheartbeatswiftly,adrenalinemixed
withneed.ShewasthrilledthatCalderhadcometoher,angrythatheshoutedather,worriedaboutwhat
waswrong.
Calder‟seyesblazed.“Theentiredatabase.Wiped.Clientspastandfuture.
Gone.”
Katarina‟smouthdroppedopen.“Database?”
“Myclientdatabase,”Caldersaid,annunciatingeveryword.“It‟sbeensabotaged.Everynamegone,and
allthebackupsconvenientlyerased.”Katarinafoughttheimpulsetosmileinjoy.“Youmeanthelistof
womenwholiketobepleasuredbyyou?”
“Yes.Didyoudoit?Don‟tlietome.”
Katarinaplacedhersterilizedhyposcarefullybackintotheirslots.“I‟mgoodwiththehumanbodyand
howtofixit,verybadwithcomputers.Icanusethem,butIcan‟tchangethemortamperwiththem.I
don‟tknowhow.”
“Youcouldalwaysfindsomeonetodoitforyou.”
“Icouldhave,butitneveroccurredtome.”Shepushedthetrayofhyposbackintothewall.“Iwishit
had.”
“Why?Soyoucouldscrewmeover?”
“Becauseyouwereright.Iamjealousofthosewomenwhocometoyou,andIdowanttoscratchtheir
eyesout.”
“Soyoudiditbyerasingthedatabase.”
“Ididn‟t.I‟mhappysomeoneelsedid,butIdidn‟taskthemto.I‟vebeenhereallnight,examining
patients.”
Caldereasedbackfromher.Hishugefistswereclenched,hiseyesfilledwithfury.Katarinahadthe
feelingthatifthescientistswhothoughtthey‟dprogrammedallemotionoutofShareemcouldseeCalder
now,they‟dbehidingunderthenearesttable.
“Bradendidthis,”hesaid.
“Idon‟tknow.Ihaven‟tseenBradensinceIgotheretonight.Hedidn‟tmentionrunningofftowipeyour
database.”
“Whydidyoumoveinwithhim?”
Katarinawenttothesterilizerandletitswarmbeamflowoverherhands.“Ifeltsaferlivingdownhere
withhim.PlusIwantedtoseeifyou‟dbejealous.”Whensheturnedaround,Calderwasstillstaringat
her,butnowhelookedmorestunnedthanangry.
“Shareemdon‟tgetjealous,”hesaid.
“Orangryorhurtordepressed.Sorry,I‟veseenallthoseemotionsinShareemsinceIstartedworking
here.Tryanothertactic.”
“Shareemdon‟tgetjealous,”herepeatedinastubbornvoice.“Wedon‟tbecausewedon‟tcareabout
sex.Weneedsextosurvive.Wedon‟tmuchcarewhatwomanwehaveitwithorwhetherweshareher
withothers.”Katarinalookedintothesmallmirrortostraightenherveil.“Sure,Calder.Whatabout
BrianneandAidenandKy?Theycaredeeplyforeachother.AndTalanandRees?”Shecockedherhead.
“DoBrianneandAidenandKyhavesextogetheratthesametime?Ordotheytaketurnsor…”
Calderseizedherwrist.“Comehomewithme.”
“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Ifyouwantmesomuch,comehomewithmenow.I‟llshowyouwhyyoudon‟twanttobewithme.”
Katarinawasgladofherveilbecauseithidthewayherlipstrembled.“Ifyoudragmeoutofhere,the
receptionistreallywillcallthepatrollers.”Calderlethergo.Shealmostwhimperedatthelossofhis
strength.
“It‟syourchoice.Comewithmenowandyou‟lllearneverything.Orstayandneverseekmeagain.”
Heatflaredthroughher.Shewasn‟tcertainexactlywhathemeanttoteachherandhow,butsheknew
she‟dhateherselfforeverifshedidn‟taccepthisoffer.
“Allright,”shesaidsoftly.“Justletmesignout.”
*****
Shewastoodamntrusting.Calderwouldhavetocureherofthattoo.
Hetookherbacktohiscompound—tohisapartment,notthelair.Thistimeitwouldn‟tbeafantasyinhis
exoticplayground.Thiswouldbereal.She‟dlearntherealityofCalder.
Caldertowedherintohissmallbedroomandslidopenthepanelstorevealthemirrors.“Strip.Let‟sget
thisoverwith.”
Katarinapausedintheactofunwrappingherveils.“Getthisoverwith?Don‟tstintwiththeflattery,
Calder.”
“Ihaveahard-onbiggerthanatentpolefromwatchingyoursweetassswayingthroughthestreets.Iwant
tofuckyounow.Sostrip.”Herhandtrembledasshereachedfortheveilsagain.“Youcouldn‟thaveseen
mybacksidethroughmysunrobes,youknow.”
“Irememberit,allroundandpertandbeggingformyhand.Stripnow.”Hermouthset.“Youarethemost
arrogantmaleI‟veevermet.”
“Andyouarethemoststubbornfemale.Youwantme.Hereweareinmybedroom.Decidewhatyou‟re
goingtodo.”
Katarinapulledoffherrobesthenstoppedattheclaspofhertunic.“Whyaren‟tyoustripping?”
“Iwill,ifyouhurry.OrImightjustgetboredandleave.”Heturnedaround.
“Allright,”shesaidhastily.
Katarinayankedopenhertunicandletitdroptothefloor.Sheworeplainerclothesnow,andfewerof
them,havingsettledintoherroleasmedicinabackstreetclinic.Noneedforelaborategarbintheslums
ofPasCity.
Katarina‟sleggingsfollowed,thenherthinunderwear.Atlastshestoodbeforehim,lovelyandnaked.
Deargods.
Hecouldstandhereallnightanddrinkherin,ifhisbodywouldlethim.
Katarinawassimplybeautiful,herbeautylikealancestraightthroughhisheart.Shewasanartworkbuta
hundredtimesbetter,becauseshewasreal.
Katarinahadn‟ttriedtomakeherselfartificiallyslimlikesomehighbornwomen,thankthegods.Shewas
asmallwoman,butherbreastshungfirmandroundunderstrongshoulders,herwaistasmoothcurve
aboveherhips.Calderhadseenhernakedinthelair,butthathadbeenundermutedlightinganddeep
shadows.Herehisharsh,utilitarianlightsshowedeverycurve,everyline,everysoftcrease.
Therosytipsofherbreaststightenedtodarkpointsunderhisscrutiny.He‟dseentheareolasthroughher
drenchedundertunicinhislair,thenipplesfirmlypokingthefabric.Atthetime,Calderhadwantedto
takeabudbetweenhisteeth,feelingthelittlepointthroughthesilk.
Herlegsweren‟tlong,buttheywereshapely,strong.Heimaginedthemwrappedaroundhisneck.
Calderresistedtheurgetogodownononekneeandlickherfromthightoabdomen,stoppingatthe
beautifulpussyinbetween.Thebeautifulbarepussyinbetween.
“Youshaved,”Caldersaid,puttingonefingeronit.“You‟dbetternottellmeBradendiditforyou.”
Sheshookherhead.“Iwenttoahighbornladies‟clinicandhadthemuseadepilatory.ItoldthemI
neededitdoneforhealthreasons.”
“Healthreasons?”
“BecauseIworkinaslumclinic.Theyboughtit.”
Calderstrokedagain,lovingthebare,pinkclitandlips.Heleaneddownandpressedabriefkisstothem.
Herscentwasheady,makinghiscockriseevenmore.
“Whydidyoureallydoit?”
Sheshrugged.“BriannetoldmethatAidenandKylikeherbare.Shesuggestedtheclinic—ifIcouldn‟t
getyoutodoitforme.”
“Youdidn‟taskme.”
“WhendidIhavethechance?”
Shehadapoint.HisladywasgettingusedtoShareem,notafraidtotakeadvicefromtheirladies,not
afraidofherownbody.
“Doyoushaveyourself?”sheasked.
“No.”Butthenhedidn‟tneedto.Hishairhadnevergrownbackaftertheaccident.Thefactthathehad
haironhisheadhadbeenduetoDr.Laas‟miraculoustechniques.She‟dapparentlyseennoreasontoput
itbackonhisscrotum.Caldersupposedshelikedhermenbaretoo.
“Showme?”Katarinalaydownonhisbed.Theplainsheetslookedsomuchbetterwithheronthem.Her
honeybrownhairtrickledacrosshispillowsandherdarknipplesbeckonedhim.
Katarinapartedherlegsandslidherhanddowntocupherbarepussy.“Please,”shewhispered.
Calderhesitatedthenhedrewonhisangertoseehimthrough.Sheaskedforit.Nowshe’llgetit.Be
carefulwhatyouwishfor,sweetie.
Heunfastenedhisleathertunicandleggings,pullingthemoffbeforehecouldthinkaboutwhathewas
doing.Katarina‟seyesstilledasCalder‟sclothescameoff,untilhestoodnakedbeforeher.
Nothingbetweenhimselfandher.Nobarrier,noshield.Calder—whathetrulylookedlike.
Hespreadhisarms.“BeholdTheBeast.”
“Calder.”Thewordwassoft.Itdidn‟tthrobwithdisgust,buthedidhearthepity.“OhCalder,what
happenedtoyou?”
“Plasmafire.Notpretty.”
“How?”Katarinasatupandclaspedherarmsaroundherknees,shuttingherselfofffromhimagain.
“Noneofyourfriendswilltellmewhathappened.”Damnthem.Calderdidn‟tlikethemtalkingaboutit
butnowhewishedthey‟dspilledthetale,becausehedidn‟twantto.Ithurttoomuchtoremember,andhe
didn‟twanttoseeKatarina‟sfacewhensheheardthestory.
“I‟dratherfuck,”hesaid.
“Iwanttoknow.”
Damnher,damnhisfriends,damnthewholerackofscientistsatDNAmo.
They‟dnotonlyburnedhim—theentirestupidfireaccidenthadbeentheirfault—
butnowhehadtostandhereandrelatehispaintothiswomaninsteadofburyinghimselfinherand
forgetting.HishatredofDNAmomovedupanotch.
“Itwasanexperiment.Stupidandsimple.Iwaswithtwowomen.”Katarinaflickedhergazeaway,
guessinghowhewaswiththetwowomen.“Theresearchteamstartedafire.Ihadtimetorescueonly
one.WhowouldIchoose?”
“Choose?”Katrinaasked,outraged.“Howcouldtheydothat?”
“Itwassupposedtobe„safe‟forbothwomen,preplanned.Ididn‟tknowwhatwasgoingon,ofcourse.I
thoughttheemergencywasreal.Ididn‟tchoose.Igotonewomanoutandwentbackfortheother.Butthe
assholeslostcontrolofthefire.Ibarelyreachedthesecondwomanintime.Igothertothedoor,threw
heroutandthentheroomcollapsedonme.Itroastedmealive.”
Katarina‟smouthhungopen.“Deargods,howdidyouescape?”
“Ididn‟t.Whentheyfinallygotthefireoutandcleanedup,onlythendidtheydragoutmybody.They
thoughtIwasdead.TheyweregoingtoharvestwhatwasleftofmeandputitbackintotheDNAvat.
TheywerestunnedwhentheyrealizedIwasstillalive.Theywouldstillhavekilledme,butDr.Laas—
shewasageneticistthere—decidedtosaveme.I‟mstillnotsurewhetherI‟mgratefultoherornot.”
“Iam.”Katarinagotoffthebedandcametohim.“I‟mgladshesavedyouandthatImetyou.”
Sheslidherarmsaroundhimandleanedintohim,herwarmthlikeagentletouch.
Calderstilled.Thelastwomantowhomhe‟drevealedhistruebodyhadrubbedherselfagainsthimand
purred—Gods,you’resohideousyoumakemewanttocome.IfKatarinastarteddoingthathewasn‟t
surewhathe‟ddo.Throwherout?Oruseherneedtosatehisown?
Katarinalookedupathim,hereyeswet.“Ihatethemfordoingthistoyou.”Caldercouldn‟tanswer.
Wordsstuckinhisthroat.Katarinaranherhandsdownhisbody,findingthesmoothscarsthatcoatedhis
torso.Theywereevenscars,graftsthatDr.Laashadlaiddownincarefulsuccession.
HelikedthefeelingofKatarina‟shandsonhim.Herfingertipswerecool,lightlyexploring.Calder
wantedtofuckher—hishard-onwashavingahard-on—buthedidn‟twanttostopherplay.
Katarinaliftedherfingertipsawaytoreplacethemwithherlips.Herhairtickledhismassivecockasshe
leanedtokisshisscars.
Thencamehertongue.Shelickedacrosshisabdomen,pausingtoplayathisnavelthenmovingdownto
hiscock.Hethoughtofthewayshe‟dtakenhiminhermouththedayBradenhadbroughtherhere,andhis
penisstretchedtowardher,wantingthathotwetnessarounditagain.
ButKatarinatookherlipsawayandtouchedhistip.“Noscarsthere.”Heballedhisfists.“Igotlucky.”
Katarinamovedherhandtohisballs,hertouchuncertain.“It‟snotsobad.”
“What,mycock?I‟mgladyouthinkso.”
“Imeantyourscars.”Shedrewherhandacrosshispectorals.“Iknowofsometechniquesthatmight
reducethescarring…”
Caldergrabbedherwrist.“No.I‟vegonethroughthattimeandagain.Nomore.
I‟mnotafuckinglabrat.”
Shelookedstartled.“Ididn‟tmean—”
“Getonthebed.”WhenKatarinakeptstaringathim,Calderpickedherupandtossedheronherbackon
thebed.“Spread.”
Katrina‟seyeswentwidebutshekeptherthighsclosed.
“Thisiswhatyouget,”hegrowled.“Thisisallme.Idon‟twantyoutofixmeorcryoverme.Iwantyou
toeitherbedisgustedandrunaway,orIwantyoutocraveTheBeast.Whichisitgoingtobe?”
Katarinahalfsatup,eyesflashing.“I‟mnotoneofyourhighbornwomen,wantingtobewithsome
terrifyingcreature.Iwantyou.Calder.”
“Openyourthighsandyou‟vegotme.”
Herlookremainedstubborn.Shit,hewasgoingtocomealloverherbeforeheeventouchedher.No
womanhadeverhadthiskindofpoweroverhim.Calderwasalwaysincontrol.
Katarinawasmakinghimloseeveryounceofcontrolhe‟deverhad.
“IwantyoutobeCalder,”shesaid.“NotTheBeast.Notthelevel-threeShareem.You.”
“Level-threeShareemiswhatyou‟llget,honey.Andwhenwe‟redonehere,I‟llwhipyourassforbeing
sodisobedient.”
Calderexpectedhertogrowfrightened,tobegtoleave,butshe‟dobviouslygottenusedtoShareem.
“Promise?”sheasked,hersmilecoy.
Caldergaveuptryingtocontainhimself.Heclimbedoverherandyankedherlegsapart.
“You‟remylady,”hesaidashepositionedhiscockatheropening.Hetookahandfulofherhair.“Mine.
NotfuckingBraden‟s.NotanyotherShareem‟s.Mine.”
“Ifyouinsist.”
Hekissedhertostophertalking.Shewaswetandslippery,noneedforlube,thoughheknewshewasa
virgin.Atleast,she‟dtoldhimso.ThethoughtthatsomeotherShareemmighthavetastedherfirstmade
himangry.
“AmIthefirst?”heasked.
Katarinadraggedinabreath.“Itoldyou.Yes.”
“Don‟tlietome.I‟llknow.”
“You‟rethefirst,Calder.I‟veneverhadanyone.Willyoubelievemethistime?”
“We‟llfindout.”Hewantedtothrustinfast,buthestoppedhimselfintime.
Don’thurther.
Hehidagroanofreleaseasheslidin,slowlybutfirmly,pouringhispheromonesoverhertosoftenany
painhecaused.Shewassotight,squeezinghimsodamnhard.She‟dtoldthetruth—Calderwasherfirst.
“AmIhurtingyou,baby?”
“No.”
“Good.”Hekissedherface,strokedherhair.“Idon‟twanttohurtyou.Ever.I‟llmakeitsweet,
Katarina.”
Helovedsayinghername.Hesaiditagainasheburiedhimselftohisballs.
Shesmelledgood,hercomewettinghispenisandhisthighs.Helikedthesounditmade,thewhisperof
creamagainstflesh.
“Thisisfucking,”hemurmured.“Thisisgood.”
Shenodded,hereyeshalfclosing,herfacesoftening.
Calderhadneverfeltapussylikehers.Becauseshewasavirgin?OrbecauseshewasKatarina?
Didn‟tmatter.Hesuckedinhisbreathassheclampedhimlikewetsilk,squeezinghimhard.Herbreasts
pressedagainsthischest,thosebeautifulnipplesfirmagainsthisskin.
Heshouldmakeitslow,sweetandgood.Ifhewaslevelone,hecould.Buthewaslevelthree,builttodo
itrough.Builttomakehisladyscream.
Don’thurther.
Hisbodyhadotherideas.Hethrustintoherasecondtime,thenathird.Sherockeduptomeethim,the
littlesoundsinherthroatintoxicating.Hebitherneck,thenlickedit,thenbititagain.
HealmostcamewhenKatarinabithim,herteethpointsofpainonhisshoulder.
“Vixen,”hegrowled.
Shelaughedathim.Laughing.AtTheBeast.
Calderliftedherlegsandwrappedthemaroundhiships.Thatopenedherwide,sohecouldfuckher
harder,deeper,faster.
Shewasasoft,sweetarmful,lookingupathimwiththattrustingsmile.HewasTheBeast,thescarred,
hideouscreaturewhocoulddoanythingtoher.AndKatarinasmiled.
Calderfeltherfingertipstracingthescarsonhisarmsandback.Sheliftedherhandtohisfacebutshe
studiedhiseyes,notthewreckofhisskin.Thecaressesdidn‟tfeellikefascinationwithhisruinedface—
shewascaressinghim.
Damnyou,woman.Whyareyoumakingmefeel?
Hegrowled.NothingexistedbutKatarina‟stouch,herpussyclampedaroundhiscock,hersmoothlegs
enclosinghis.
“Gods,”hemoaned.“Katarina,whatareyoudoingtome?”Shekepttouchinghim,herbreathcoming
faster,andCaldercouldn‟tstophisthrusts.Thiswasheaven,herentirebodywrappedaroundhis,
dissolvinghimselfinthiswomanwhowantedtobewithhim.
Herodeherforalongtimewhilehisbedmovedunderhisonslaughtandshesmiled,orgroaned,or
whisperedhisnamelikeshelovedthesoundofit.Ithadneverbeenlikethisbefore,ever.Neverwitha
womanhehadn‟tbeenpaidtopleasure,neverfuckingherbecausehesimplywantedtobewithher.
Katarina‟sgroanswoundhigherandsodidhis,untilshecriedoutinjoy.Calderheardhisownvoicejoin
hersandtheneverythingblurred.Hewascoming,greatgobsofitshootingintoher.Hisjuicesblended
withhers,scaldingwheretheyjoined.
Hekeptridingher,feelinghersheathpulsearoundhiscock,drawingeverylastbitofcomehehad.
Greedybitch.Helovedit.
Katarinafellbackfromhim,pantingandsmiling.Herbrownhairfannedoutonthepillowliketanglesof
silk.
Calderrestedhisweightonhishands,stillinsideher.“Doyouthinkwe‟redone,sweetheart?”heasked,
tryingtocatchhisbreath.
“Aren‟twe?”Katarinaranherhandthroughhisdamphair.“Youcame.SodidI.”
“Doyoustillfeelme?”
Hersmilewidened.“Yes.”
“Youwantmorefucking.Youwantmetokeepfuckingyouuntilyoufallasleepwithmehardinsideyou.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”
Shelookedsodamnsweet.Calderpulledouthalfway,theskinonhisthighstenderwherehe‟drubbed
hersraw.Katarina‟sforeheadwaswetwithsweat,andsweatslickedherbreastsagainsthischest.
“I‟mCalder,sweetheart.Iknowwhatyouwant.”
Shetouchedhim.“Doyoureadmindsorsomething?”
“Ireadfacesandscentsandpheromones.Iknow.”
“AndIknowthatyouwanttokeepon.Youwanttocomeagainandagain,butyou‟reafraidofhurting
me.”
Shetouchedhimagain.Damn,whywasshesogentle?Hewasn‟tworththat.
Hekissedher.Katarinatriedtokissbackbutshecouldbarelymoveherlips.
“DidIhurtyou?”heasked.Hebrushedthehairbackfromherface,knowinghe‟dneverfeltsoincredibly
tenderashedidlookingdownathernow.
“No.I‟mresilient.”
“Good.”Heslowlythrustintoheragain,readytoscrewherallnight.He‟dneversatehimselfonher,
never.Buthe‟dhaveadamngoodtimetrying.
Heslidhishandbetweenthem,workingherclituntilsheliftedherhipsagain.
Herodeher,fasterthistime,alittleharder,butconsciousthatshewasstillnewatthis.Katarinaheldhim,
herclimaxsendinghotshiversthroughherbody.
Justashecame,shoutingwithit,Katarinapulledhimclose.
“Iloveyou,”shemurmured.
SomethingcoldshotthroughhimandthenafeelingsoterrifyingCalderdidn‟twanttotouchit.Hemight
shatterit,shatterher.
Hewithdrewfromher,whichwasphysicallyeasybecausetheywerebothsowet.Helookeddownather
alongtimewhileshesmiled,kissedthecornerofhismouthandclosedhereyes.Shewasreadytosleep,
spentbytheirlovemaking.Heneededtolethersleep.
Hisemotionsrolledoverhimoneaftertheother,culminatinginstarkterror.
WhothehellsaidShareemdidn‟thaveemotions?Theyweredrivinghiminsanerightnow.
Calderfinallyslidnexttoheranddrewablanketuptocoverboththeirbodies.
Katarinasmiledagainthendriftedtosleep,buthestayedawake,watchingher,somethinginhimbreaking
andfallingaway.
ChapterTen
“Whereisshe?”
Braden‟sbaritonewokeKatarinafromasoundsleep.Calder‟sbedroomwasdark,butthatdidn‟tmeanit
wasstillnight.Hehadnowindows.Hedidn‟thaveaclockeither,thatshecouldsee.Sheaskedforlights
andadimoneobliginglycameon.
Calderwasn‟tinbedwithher,andneitherhenorBradenwereintheroom.
Katarina‟sclotheslayneatlyfoldedoverachair.Shehadn‟tdonethat.
SheheardCalderrumblefromtheouterroomandthenBraden‟svoiceagain.
“Biteme.Shedidn‟tcomehomewhenshewassupposedto.Iwasworried.”Katarinapulledonhertunic
andpantsandopenedthedoor.“I‟mhere,Braden.”Braden‟sdiatribeshutoff.“SoCaldersaid.”
Calderleanedagainsttheendofhissofa,pissedashell.Heworenothingbutaloincloth,hislong
ponytaildripping.HemusthavebeenintheshowerwhenBradencamepoundingonthedoor.
Katarinahadseenhimbarelastnight,butshe‟dbeenwoundupwithneed.Plushispheromoneshad
pouredoverher.Plushe‟dbeenrock-hard,verytasty.
NowKatarinacouldseehowthescarsonhisbodywereofonepiece,asthoughagiantclawhadraked
diagonallyuphisbody.Beneaththeskin,hismusclesbulged,firmandstrong,exceptforhisabdomen,
whereheboreaconcavegougeinhisleftside.
Hisnarrowhipslookednormal—well,normalforafinelybuilt,hard-bodiedman.Katarinacouldattest
tohowfirmhisbuttockswere—she‟dsqueezedthemenoughlastnight.Buttheskinhadbeencompletely
tattered,shredded,removedandreplaced.
BradenlookedatKatarinaandshereadworryinhiseyes,alongwithshock,compassionandsorrow.Had
heneverseenCalder‟sscars,then?
“Whattimeisit?”sheasked.
Calderstoodlikeastone,soBradenanswered.“Almostsundown.”Katarinaputherhandtohermussed
hair.“Crap.”
“Whenyoudidn‟tcomeinafteryourshift,Iwalkedtotheclinic,”Bradensaid.
“Whenyouweren‟tthereIgotreallyworried.Thereceptionistsaidyou‟dleftwithaShareem,andshe
didn‟tlookhappytoseeme.”
“I‟msorry,Braden.Ishouldhavesentword.”
“Motherhen,”Calderrumbled.
“Hey,thisisabadpartoftownforhighbornladies.”
“It‟snicethathecares,”Katarinasaid.
CalderglaredatBraden.“IfyouthinkI‟dletanythinghappentoher,you‟reanidiot.”
“HowcouldIknow?”Bradenshotback.“Yourefusetotalktoherforweeksandholeyourselfuphere
anddon‟tcomeout.HowcouldIguessthatyouwerewithher?Shecouldhavebeenback-alleyfodder.”
“She‟llneverbethat.I‟vebeenmakingsureofit.”
Katarinaputherhandsonherhips.“Areyousayingyou‟vebeenfollowingme?”
“Notfollowing.Lookingoutforyou.”
“What‟sthedifference?”
Calderstood,hisfacedarkwithanger.“Bradenisrightthatyoudon‟tbelongdownhere.I‟vebeen
watchingtomakesureyoumakeithomefromyourclinic,becauseBradenneverdoes.Youwouldn‟t
believethescumwhotrytofollowyou.”
“Youmeanbesidesyou?”
Bradenbarkedalaugh.Calderignoredhim.HisblueeyesburnedKatarinaacrosstheroom.
“AfraidIhavetogowithCalderonthis,babe,”Bradensaid.
“SothepairofyouthinksIoughttorunhometotheSerestineQuarter?Tomyluxurioushouseand
sequestermyselflikeagoodhighbornwomanshould?”Bradenrubbedhislip.“Ididn‟tsaythat.Ikindof
likehavingaprettyladysharingmydigs.”
“Keepyourfuckinghandsoffher,Braden.”
BradensmiledatCalder.“Idon‟tknow.Itwillbeachallenge.”
“Stopit,”Katarinasaid.“Bothofyou.”Theirarrogantposturingangeredher—
asdidherownfoolishnessinblurtingouttoCalderthatshelovedhim.Gods,shewasnobetterthanthe
sex-starvedwomenwhohiredhimtofulfilltheirfantasies.
Herfaceburned.“Ihavetogo,Calder.I‟msupposedtobeattheclinicinafewhours.I‟llhirea
bodyguardsoyouwon‟thavetowastetimefollowingmeanymore.”
Shefastenedthelastclasponhertunicandsweptoutoftheapartment.
Calderdidn‟ttrytostopher.Hissilence,thefactthathedidn‟tdemandshestaywhereshewas,hurther
morethanshewantedtoacknowledge.Shesteppedquicklyintothestreettoletthelastburningraysof
sundryhertears.
*****
“Ididn‟tknowitwasthatbad.”
KatarinahadnoideawhatBradenmeant,andforthemoment,shedidn‟tcare.
ThetwoofthementeredBraden‟sapartmenttogether—Bradenhadracedafterher,declaringoncemore
thatthestreetsweren‟tsafe.
“HowmuchIdidn‟twanttoleavehim?”KatarinarakedherhandsthroughhertangledhairasBraden
slammedthedooragainsttheheat.
“Imeant,howbadhisinjuriesmusthavebeen.”
“Didn‟tyouliveatDNAmowhenithappened?”
“Idid,butCalderwaskeptinaseparatewingandIreallyonlymethimafterDNAmoclosed.Iknew
he‟dbeenburnedinsomedamnexperiment,andIknewitwasbadbut…”
“Hesawyoupityinghim.Hedidn‟tlikeit.”
“Sweetbaby,thefactIsawhimunclothedatallisamajorbreakthrough.Andhewassoworriedabout
you,hedidn‟tgivearat‟sassaboutmyreaction.”Katarinaploppedontoachairandburiedherfacein
herhands.“Gods,Braden,itwassowonderfultobewithhim.I‟veneverfeltanythinglikethatinmy
life.”Hertearsreturned,slidingsilentlydownherface.Herbodywastender,herpussystretchedand
aching.Thefeelingofhistouch,ofhiscock,wasstillimprintedonher,asthoughshecouldopenhereyes
andfindhiminherarmsagain.
“It‟sover,isn‟tit?”shesaid.“He‟sonlywithaladyonceandwon‟thavethemback,nomatterhowhard
theybegorhowmuchtheyoffertopay.”Bradencrouchedinfrontofher,restinghishandsonherthighs.
“Wantmetomakeitbetter?”Hebrushedhercheekwiththeballofhisthumb.
“No.I‟mstupid.IwantCalder.”Katarinaclosedhereyes.“I‟msorry.”
“I‟llwait.Whenyouforgetabouttheshit,I‟llbehere.”Shetriedtolaughbutitcameoutacroak.“Sure,
ifyou‟renotoffchasingotherladies.Thanks,butnothanks.”
Bradenleanedtowardher.Hishairsmelledlikesoapandsunshine.“IwishIcouldsay,„Oh,he‟llcome
around,givehimtime‟,butIdon‟tthinkhewill.Calder‟salltwistedupinside,andthewaywomenreact
tohimhasmadeitworse.”
“Bitches.”
“Nowyou‟regettingit.”BradenslidhisarmsaroundKatarinaandheldherclose.“I‟lldowhatIcanfor
you,Ipromise.AndifCalderwon‟tcomearound,I‟llthrowovereveryladyinthistowntogetyouinmy
manacles.”Katarinaliftedherhead,laughtermixingwithhertears.“You‟reashit,Braden,”shesaid,
thensheletherselfcryonhimagain.
*****
Calderlethisclientdatabasego.AfterKatarinastormedoutwithBraden,hetoyedwiththeideaoftrying
tobuilditagainbuthe‟dlostthetasteforit.
Hisclientsweren‟tsohappy.ThewomanfromDelta-Terra,LadyDemata,whoseappointmentBraden
hadbrokenforhim,wasstillonBorNarga.SheinsistedthatCalderhonortheengagement.Calder
returnedhermoneybuteverymorninghefoundnastymessagesfromherthathestarteddeletingwithout
reading.Womenlikeher,whofledhiminhislabyrinththenshudderedinpleasurewhenhecaughtand
fuckedthem,nowfilledhimwithdisgust.
They‟dalwaysdisgustedhim,heforcedhimselftoadmit.BeingwithKatarinahadopenedCalder‟seyes
aboutalotofthings.
Katarinalookedathim—athim—andtouchedhim,unafraid.Notrepulsed.Notfascinated.Shewantedto
understandhispain,totalkaboutitasifhewereanormalhumanbeing.Whichhe‟dneverbe.
OnlyDr.Laashadevertreatedhimlikethat,butevenDr.LaastendedtolookatCalderlikehewasa
preciousexperiment.Katarina,ontheotherhand,haddrawnCalderintoherarms,kissedhim,touched
him,wantedhim.
TheotherwomenwantedTheBeast.KatarinawantedCalder.
Katarina—who‟dgonehomewiththesmugBraden,damnhisass.
TheproblemwithlettingthedatabasegowasCalder‟sShareemmetabolism,whichdemandedconstant
sating.Anoptionwouldbetoseekoutthelevel-threelairthatBradentalkedalotabout.Ithadstartedas
aplaceforwomenwhopreferredlevelthrees,butnowShareemofalllevelsgravitatedthere.
Bradenhadtoldhimthattherewasaroomkeptdarksoyoucouldscrewwhateverwomenyoufoundthere
incompleteanonymity.Somewomenlikedtoenterthedarkroomatthebeginningoftheeveningandstay
untildawn,gettingscrewedbyadozendifferentShareem.
Caldercouldvisitthislights-freeroom,getouthisneedsandgohome.Justawet,waitingpussy,nothing
more.
Gods,washethatdesperate?Evenwiththehighbornwomenwhopaidhimtoravishthem,hepreferred
somelight,knowledge,contact.Hemightaswellstayhomewithhishand.
Calderballedhisfistandpunchedthewall.Themirrorontheotherside,inhisbedroom,slidfromthe
wallandshattered.
Fine.Calderwassickoflookingathiswreckedbodyanyway.
*****
Threedayslater—threelonelydaysfromhell—CalderansweredhisdoorchimetofindReesonthe
threshold.
“What?”
Reesliftedhisbrowsandsteppedintotheapartment‟sfrontroom.“Yep,youhaveallthesigns.Flushed
face,nervoussweats,cantankerousattitude.WehaveabetonatJudith‟sthatyouaren‟tgettingany.IsayI
win.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”
ReeshadnevercometovisitCalderbefore.Smart-assedRiohadbeenRees‟
preferredShareemcompanionbeforeRiohadmovedoffplanetwithhislady.Rio,muchlikeBraden,was
ashitwithaloveforjokes.CaldersupposedthatbothheandReesneededalaid-backfriendwholooked
attheworldadifferentwaythantheydid.
CalderandReeshadfartoomuchincommontobecomeclosefriends.Reeshadbeenscrewedup
deliberately,notbyaccidentlikeCalder,butbothofthemhaddarksidestotheirnaturefromwhichthey
neededrelief.Together,they‟dcombust.
ProbablywhyKy,anotherscrewed-uplevelthree,hadgonesofarastotakethesunny-naturedlevelone
Aidenasalover.
“Thatprettymedicyou‟vebeenseeing,Katarinad‟Arnal,”Reessaid.Hestopped,sniffingtheair.“Shit,
youhaven‟thadawomaninhereindays.”
“WhataboutKatarinad‟Arnal?”
“She‟sintrouble.”
OneofthepeskyemotionsCalderwasn‟tsupposedtohave—fear—swoopedinandfrozehisblood.
“Trouble?Why?Whereisshe?”
ReesconsideredhimwitheyesmoreintenselybluethananyotherShareem‟s.
“Comewithme.”
Caldergrabbedhissun-blockingrobes.He‟dtakentocoveringhisbodyagain,thebriefmomentofbeing
nakedandunashamedinfrontofKatarinaafadingmemory.
ReesledhimquicklythroughthestreetstowardKatarina‟sclinic.Suncutatthemthroughoverhangs,
patchesofburningheatthatmadetheshadeseemblissfullycool.
Theyendedupattheclinic‟sdoorandReesduckedinside.“She‟sexpectingus,”hesaidtothestartled
receptionist.
CalderchargedintoKatarina‟sexamroom—andshelookedupcalmlyfromatray.
Caldernearlysaggedinrelief.Shewaswhole,unhurt,beautiful.She‟dtuckedherhairintoabun,with
curlsstragglingfromittoherneck.HerbrowneyestookinReesthenCalder,andshesmiled.
“Thankyou,Rees.”
Calderspunaround.Rees,theasshole,grinned.“Noproblem.I‟lltellTalanyousaidhello.”
BeforeCaldercouldsnarlaquestion,Reeswalkedout.Theautomaticdoorslidshutbehindhim,the
mechanismgrating.
“Whatthehellisthis?”CalderaskedKatarina.
“Ineedtotalktoyou.Ihadthefeelingyouwouldn‟topenyourdoortome,andit‟seasiertomeethere
anyway.”
“SoyousentReestotrickmehere?”
Katarinasmiled.Soinnocent.Darling,youaresogoingtopayforthis.
“Iknewyou‟dneverbelieveBraden.He‟snotverygoodatlying.SoIaskedRees.Hewashappyto
assist.”
“Myfriendsmusthavenothingbettertodo.”
“Thanhelpeachother?Ilikeyourfriends.Leavethemalone.”Calderhadtogetoutofthere,fast.
StandingnearKatarinashothisadrenalinehighandhisheartbegantopumplikehe‟dbeenrunning.He
eitherhadtoleavenowortakeheronthemetaltable.
“Whatdoyouwant?”hegrowled.“I‟mbusy.”Hewassuchafuckingliar.
“I‟vebeendoingalotofreading.Andresearch.”Sheturnedaway,liftedsomethingfromatray.“Medics
dothat—havetoinordertokeepupwiththelatesttechniques.”
“So?”
“You‟regrouchytoday.”Katarinaturnedaroundagain,asmileonherlips.“Ohwait,you‟reusuallylike
this.Anyway,I‟vebeenreadingaboutsomenewtechniquesdevelopedforskingrafting,withexcellent
results.Ithoughtyoumightbeinterestedinhearingaboutthem.”
Caldertookastepback,icydisappointmentfloodinghim.“Katarina,I‟vebeenthrougheverytechnique
dreamedup,backwhenIwasfirsthurtupuntillastmonth.Dr.Laascontactsmeallthetimetotry
somethingnew.Iusedtoletsurgeonsscrewwithme,buttheydidexperimentsandtossedmeout.Nothing
everworks.
Mybodyisthewayitis,andthat‟sthewayitstays.”
“Itcan‟thurttotry.”
“Itcan.I‟vebeensubjectedtoeverythingfromstrangeinjectionstohavingtheskinpeeledoffmeandput
back.Mycellsdiedalongtimeago,endofstory.Anddon‟tthinkabouttryingtofuseplastictomelike
I‟mafuckingandroid.I‟mnotthatdesperate.”
“Noplastic,Ipromise.It‟satechniquedevelopedonAriel,andit‟shideouslyexpensive.Ifitwilleven
workonyou,whichitmightnot.”
“AndyouthinkIcanaffordit?IuseallthemoneyIgetforbeingawhoretohelpotherShareemandto
makemylifecomfortable.Idon‟thaveittospare.”Katarina‟slipsflattened.“Idon‟twantyourmoney,
Calder.Iwantaskinsample.”
“No.”
“Itwon‟thurtyou.Onelittlestripofskinthatnevergotburned,that‟sallIneed.
Youhavesomeofthat.Isawit.”
Calderstraightenedupinahurry.“Andyou‟renotputtingaknifeanywherenearmycock.”
“Don‟tbestupid.I‟lltakeitfromyourside,underyourrightarm.Ionlyneedalittle.”
“Whatfor?”
“Totest.I‟mcurious.”
“Ican‟ttellyouhowsickIamofbeingalabrat.”
“EvenmorethanbeingTheBeast?I‟mamedic,Calder.I‟mtryingtolearn.Givemeonelittlepieceof
skinandI‟llleaveyoualone.”Calderstopped.Shewatchedhimintensely,herearnestnessradiatingfrom
her.
ShewantedtoHelpwithacapitalH.
“That‟snotwhatwomenusuallyaskfromaShareem,”hesaid.
“It‟swhatI‟masking.”
Whatthehell?Caldershuckedhissun-blockingrobesandpulledoffhistunic.Hewassweatingbeneath,
hisruinedskingleamingwithmoisture.
Katarinastartedtowardhimwithatesttube.Whenshereachedforhisside,Caldercaughtherandheld
herback.“Youdon‟tgetthisforfree,darling.”
“Thenwhatdoyouwant?”
Good.Shehadalittletremorinhervoice,hercockinesswavering.
Calderleanedtoher.“Iwantyou—goingdownonmesohard,workingmeupsobad,thatIcomeinfive
minutes.Alloveryourprettyface.”Herbreathcaught,hercheeksgoingrosy.“Icandothat.”Calder
straightened,afiercesmilebreakingthroughhisagony.“I‟mgladtohearit.”
“Myshiftendsinafewhours.Doyouwantmetocometoyourplace?”Helaughed,agratingsound.“No,
you‟regoingtodoitrighthere.”Katarina‟seyeswidened.“Here?Whatifsomeonecomesin?”
“Whatiftheydo?”
“Itwouldbe…”Shewentredder,andhescentedherpheromonesontheair.
Hot,ready,smellingsogood.Shewaswet.Hesmelledthattoo.
Calderwrappedhishandthroughherhairandpulledherheadback.“Itwouldbeexciting.Youwantto
getcaught,don‟tyou?HaveeveryoneknowyouletShareemfuckyou?”
“Notreally.”Thewordsweresofainttheyweren‟tconvincing.
“Righthere.Rightnow.Ornosamples.”
Katarinaturnedtheemptytesttubeoverinherfinger.Athin-bladedknife,coveredwithaguard,
protrudedfromit.Gods,Calderhatedknives.
Katarinagentlysetthetesttubebackonthetray.“Allright,”shesaid.
ChapterEleven
OnceagainKatarinawasdoingthingsshe‟dneverhavedreamedofinherlife.
ShefoundherselfonherkneesinfrontofCalderwhileheunlacedhisleggings.
Hiscocktumbledout,long,hard,darkwithblood.MoistureglintedonthetipandKatarinalickedit.
Tothinkthatafewweeksagoshehadneverseenacockintheflesh.Nowshe‟dseentwo,Calder‟sand
Braden‟s.Notonlyseenthembuttouchedthem,tastedthem.
Calder‟scocktookherbreathaway.Onestandardfoot,itgleamedwithsweat,theballsatitsbasetight
andsmooth.
Katarinalickedtheshaft.Caldermovedslightly,hishandclosinginherhair.
Shesmiledwithherpowerandlickedsomemore.
“Suckit,”Caldersaid.“Suckme.”
Katarinakeptlicking.Sheranhertonguearoundtheflangeandagainacrosshistip.
Hetuggedherhair.“Suckme,Katarina.OrIpunishyou.”Excitementwarmedher.Sheremembered
Calder‟shandonherbackside,thestingthatopenedherpussyandmadeherbegforhim.
“Suck,”herepeated.
Shelickedagainandhedrewinabreath.“Damnyou,Katarina.You‟remakingyourpunishmentworseby
theminute,andIdon‟twanttohurtyou.”Katarina‟sheartpoundedsohardshecouldhardlybreathe.She
rubbedherfaceonhiscock,nuzzlingit,playingwithitwithherlipsbeforeshefinallyopenedhermouth
wideandtookitinside.
“Gods,”Calderwhispered.Heclosedhisotherhandonherhairandrockedhishipsforward.
Calder,thebigShareemwiththehideousscars,whohidbehindhisfacecloths,wasmurmuringhisjoyat
Katarina‟splaying.Shelovedhiscock,everylonginchofit.Sheloveditstasteanditsscent,thehot
smoothnessunderhertongue.
Shegotthecockverywetandrubbedherfaceonitagain.Shelikedthefeelofthetipagainsthernose,the
smellofhim.
“Itoldyou,youhavefiveminutestomakemecome.Timeismarching.”Fiveminutes?Katarinawould
gladlykneelhereforanhour,licking,suckling,fondlinghimuntilhermouthwasraw.
Butsomeonemightcomein.Appointmentswouldpileup,thereceptionistornursewouldcometosee
whatwaswrong.
Katarinatookhimintohermouthagain,andthistimeshesuckled.Hard,fast,movinghertonguebackand
forth.Hepulledherhairbutshebarelynoticedthepain.Hegroundhishipsforwardasifhewerefucking
her,andhisbreathcameinstrangledgrunts.
Itonlytookthreeminutes,byKatarina‟scalculation.Calderwhispered,“Fuck,”andthenawashofcome
rushedintohermouth.
Calderkeptpumpinghiships,sendingmoreandmoreinsideher.Ittastedsmooth,likecreamwithalittle
biteofsalt.CaldersaidhernameoverandoverwhileKatarinasavoredhiscomeandswallowedit
down.
Calderpulledhertoherfeet.Hispupilsspreadblackthroughhisirises,whichhadwidenedtoblotout
thewhite.Shareemeyes,whichchangedwhentheywerearoused.
Hegaveheraferallook,scarsdistortinghisface.BeforeKatarinacouldsayanything,heshovedherback
ontotheexamtable,rippeddownherleggingsandpressedhismouthtoherclit.
Calder‟stongueslidthroughtheriverofcreambetweenherlegsthenhesucked,lickedandteasedher
swollenclit.Katarinabuckedonthetable,herfistpressedintohermouthtostifleherscreams.
Histeethabradedher,histongue‟sfrictionmadehercrazy.Shecamefast,herhipsundulating,heels
kickingthemetaltable.Calderdidn‟tstop.Hekeptlappingherclitandherpussy,holdingherhipsopen
whenshewantedtoclose,tosqueeze.
Theyhadtostopnow.Surelyhe‟dcease,backaway,letcoolairtouchhertoo-hotopening.
No.Calderdidbackaway,butonlytoslidestrongarmsunderherandturnherover.Heleanedontopof
her,hisskinhotthroughherthincottontunic.
“Youdisobeyedme,”hesaidinherear.“Youdidn‟ttakemycomeonyourface.”
Katarinasmiled.She‟ddrunkitdown,whichhadbeensomuchbetter.“Youdidn‟tpulloutofmymouth.”
“ItoldyouwhatI‟ddo.”
“Nothere,”Katarinahissed.
“Righthere.Youneedtolearntoobey.”
Hishandcamedownonherbackside.Likeinthelair,heslappedthensoothedthehurtaway.Hishand
camedownagain.Sting.Otherhand.Soothe.
Eachslapmadeherjerkherclitagainstthetableandbeforeshecouldstopherself,shewascomingagain.
Shemovedherhipsdesperately,rubbingthesterilesheetbeneathher.Herbodywantedtofuck,soit
fuckedthetable.
Calderkeptgoing,knowingwhathewasdoing.Herclimaxtookherintoaplaceofnothing—nolight,no
sound,justthefeelofCalder‟shandonherbacksideandthetablegratingonherclit.
Shescreamedintothesheet,somepartofherknowingsheneededtomufflethesound.Asshecollapsed
againstthetable,sobbinginjoy,Calderceased.
Heliftedheringentlearmsandcradledheragainsthischest.Hekissedher,hismouthhotandwet.She
tastedhimandherselfmixedtogether,triedtomatchhiskisseswithherown.
Caldersetherbackdownonthetable.Katarinaputherhandtoherhair,tryingtocatchherbreath.She
mustlookamess.Butonlyapartofhercared.Therestofhersang,hummed,gloriedintheecstasyshe
felt.
“Calder.”
Hedidn‟tlookather.Calderclosedhisleggingsandtookuphertesttube.
Workingoutthestopper,hescrapedtheunscarredpartofhisskinwiththeknifethenputthestopperonthe
tubeagain.
HehandedittoKatarinawithoutaword,slidonhistunic,grabbeduphisrobeandbangedoutofthe
examroom.
Katarinaletoutherbreath.Sheliftedthetubetoeyelevel,thoughshecouldbarelyseethetinyscraping
ofskininside.
Perfect.
*****
Calder‟slifeofficiallybecamehell.
HeneededKatarina.Heneededherwitheverybreath.
He‟dlethimselfbecometheDomwithher,thinkingifheputherinherplace,he‟dviewherashedid
everyothersub.Needyupper-classwomenwhocravedsexcametohimbutonlyletthemselveshaveitif
theywerepunishedatthesametime.
Itwasamazinghowmanyofthembeggedforpunishment.
Butthepheromonesintheexamroom,mixedwiththesmellofhercomeandhis,haddrivenhimoutofhis
mind.He‟dbeenhottothepointofdanger.
He‟dtriedtocooloffinthepoolatthebathinghouseJudithhadsetupforShareem,butithadn‟thelped
much.Itdidn‟thelpthatBradenhadbeentheretogloatthatKatarinahadgottenherway.Asshole.
Calder‟sclientscontinuedbugginghim.Withthedatabasewiped,there‟dbeennowayforhimtocancel
theappointments.They‟darriveattheirtimeandpushthedoorbuzzerforanhourbeforefinally
understandingthathewasn‟topen.ThedamnwomanfromDelta-Terrahadherlackeysbangonhisdoor
foranentireday.
ThespurnedladiesjoinedLadyDematainrantingmessagesuntilCalderstoppedreadinghismail
altogether.Hisfriendsfiguredoutthatiftheywantedtotalktohim,theyhadtoleaveamessagewith
Judithandhopeheshowedupatthebarsometime.Hewasn‟tansweringhisdoorforthemeither.
CaldernowhadaquarterofthehighbornwomeninBorNargaandplentyfromoffworldpissedashellat
him.Butwhatcouldtheydo?TheBorNarganladiescouldn‟tverywelladmitthatthey‟dmadean
appointmentwithTheBeast,andtheoff-worlderswhocomplainedgotlittlesympathyfromthepatrollers.
IfyouwanttomesswithforbiddenShareem,yourdisappointmentisyourownfault,wasthepatrollers‟
attitude.UnlessaShareemwascommittingrape—athingShareemweresupposedtobeincapableof
anyway—thepatrollersdidn‟tcare.
ButtheveryworstthingthathappenedinCalder‟sworldwasthatKatarinad‟ArnalquitthePasCity
clinicandretreatedtohermansionintheSerestineQuarter.
Shewasfinishedwiththeslums,Bradenreported.Tiredofthedregsofsociety,tiredofthedirt.She‟d
gonebackhometobecleanandwell-bredagain.
Fuckallhighbornfuckingbitches.
Calderbecamesurlyandwithdrawn—Howcanyoutellthedifferencefromthewayheusuallyacts?
CalderheardKyaskBradenoneday.CalderdrankatJudith‟sbar,butnoamountofale,noamountof
consolationbyhisShareemfriendscouldtakeawaytheemptinessinsidehim.
He‟dfalleninlove.
Whichwasastupid-assthingforhimtodo.
He‟dlethisfriends‟happinesslullhimintothinkingitmighthappenforhimtoo.Katarinadidn‟tmindhis
scars.Shelikedhim.He‟dallowedhimselftobelievethatlikinghimmightmeansomething.
Damnit,heshouldjustrebuildhisdatabase,announcetotheladiesthathewasopenforbusinessagain
andgoforit.ShowthemwhatTheBeasttrulycoulddo.
Somehow,hecouldnevermakehimselfgetaroundtoit.
ThedaycamewhenCaldercouldn‟tstanditanylonger.HecalledRees.
“Yeah?”Rees,onthemonitor,lookedtousled,tiredandsmuglysatisfied.Sixguessesastowhathe‟d
beendoing.
“IwanttotalktoTalan.”
Rees‟eyesnarrowed.“Why?”
“DoIdetectsuspicionandjealousy?EmotionstohavebeenprogrammedoutofShareem?”Calder
mouthedthescientists‟litaniesatDNAmo.“Iwanttoaskheraquestion.”
“Fine.”
Talancameonthescreen,alsolookingtousled,tiredandsmuglysatisfied.Thesetwohadbeentogether
forseveralyearsnow.Couldn‟ttheygetenough?Calderhopednot.
Calderaskedhisquestion,andTalangavehimtheanswerwithdelight.
*****
Twohourslater,CalderexitedtheSerestineQuartertrainstationonthemansion-studdedhillabovePas
City.Noonewalkedthesestreetsbutservants,whodressedinhouseholdliveries.Theyeyedhim
curiously.Hoverchairsandhovercarsmovedpasthiminwell-bredsilence,buthefeltwatchersbehind
theirblackglass.
Didhelookoutofplaceorsomething?Anearlyseven-foot-tallmaninblackleatherandsun-blocking
robes,faceclothsanddarkgoggles?
Calderstoppedatasetofsolidmetalgatesinthemiddleofasolidstonewall.
Thiswasthehousehewaslookingfor,buthe‟dneverhaveknownwithoutTalan‟sdirections.Rich
peopledidn‟tadvertisewhattheyhadinside.
Thegates,however,screamedthatCalderwasnolongerintheslums.Themetaldidn‟thaveaspeckof
rustordryrotonitandsandhadn‟tstainedthewalls.Inacitythroughwhichsandstormsrolledatleast
onceeverytwoweeks,cleanwallswereamiracle.
Peopleherepaidtohavetheirwallswashedaftereverystorm.Crazy.
Caldereyedthegate,debating.Whatwouldhappenwhenhepressedthebuzzer?Wouldsheadmithim
withjoy?Orhaveoneofherservantssendhimaway?
Humiliatingchoice.
“Well,well.”
ThesneeringvoiceofapatrollerdidnotimproveCalder‟stemper.Heturnedtofindthreeofthembehind
him,tallwomeninspotlessuniforms.Likethehouses,thedifferencebetweenSerestinepatrollersandPas
Citypatrollerswastheircleanliness.
Theannoyingcondescensionthatborderedonbrutalitywasthesame.
“AShareem,”theleadercontinued.“Onthehill.”
“Asyousee.”Calderfixedhiseye-hidinggogglesonthepatroller.
Shedrewbacktheslightestbit.“Identcard.”
“I‟mCalder.”
“Idon‟tcareifyou‟rethegodofsingingspheres.Givemeyouridentcard.”Takinghistime,Calder
slowlypartedhissun-blockingrobesandpulledastripfromhisbelt.Hehelditoutandshetookit,being
carefulnottotouchhisfingers.
Thepatrollerpoppedthecardintoherhandheldandscannedthereadout.
“You‟realongwayfromhome.”
Caldertookthestripbackfromheranddidn‟tanswer.Patrollerswerethedregsoflawenforcement,sent
outtoannoypeople,especiallyShareem,onthestreets.
“Whatareyoudoinguphere?”theleaderwenton.Shemustnothavemetherharassmentquotaforthe
day.
“Visitingafriend.”
Theleaderlaughed.Sherockedbackonherheels.“Thisisthed‟Arnalhouse.
They‟rewaytoorichandrespectabletobefriendswiththelikesofyou.”Calderpushedthedoorbuzzer,
pretendinghewasn‟tsweatinginsidehisrobes.
Thepatrollerstoodontiptoetolookoverhisshoulderasamonitorscreenslidintoview.
“Yes?”abored-lookingwomanasked.
“CaldertoseeDr.d‟Arnal.”
“Onemoment.”
Damnit,Katarina,don’tpickthismomenttodumpme.Theseladieswillslapmeinacellforeven
touchingyourgate.
Theboredwomanflickedonthescreenagain.“Welcome,Calder.Dr.d‟Arnalwillmeetyouinthemain
hall.”
Thescreendisappearedandthegatesslidnoiselesslyopen,nogratingondust.
Caldersketchedamock-salutetothepatrollersandstrolledinside,feelingsatisfactionasthegatesclosed
ontheirstunnedfaces.
ChapterTwelve
Calderwasgladofthesun-blockingclothsoverhisfacebecausehewasgapinglikeafoolbehindthem.
Thegateledhimnotintoahousebutintoatree-linedgarden.
Trees.InthemiddleoftheflatBorNargandesert.Eventhehillthemansionsresidedonwasartificial,
builtupcenturiesagosotherichwouldn‟thavetowalkonthesamelevelasthepoor.
Theseweretoweringtrees,alientothisplanet,smellingofrichwood.Theycouldn‟tbereal,couldthey?
Holoroomshadgottensophisticated—Calderusedthemhimself—andtherichmustbeabletoaffordthe
best.Hepulledoffhisgloveandtouchedatree,feelingtheroughofrealbark.
Amazing.
Helookedupthroughthecanopyofleavestobrightbluesky.Theremustbeshieldingoverheadbecause
nowaycouldthesetreessurviveBorNarga‟sharshsunotherwise,nottomentionthesandstorms.
Itwascoolinhere,pleasant.Astrangesensation.
Thewalkwayledhimtoagiganticstoneandmarblehouse,completewithcolumnsandlongwindows.
Thewholeplacedefinitelymustbeshielded.Nooneturnedarealwindowtotheweather.
Thetall,archedfrontdooropenedasheapproached,andCaldersteppedintoamassivefoyer.Walls
soaredabovehim,punctuatedwithfan-lightedwindows.Astaircasespilledfromabovelikeamarble
waterfall.
Katarinaskimmeddownthisstaircase,handonthewroughtironbanister,thesilksheathsheworehugging
everycurve.
“Calder.”
Atthesoundofhervoice,hiswholebodycamealive.Hecouldonlythinkofhersweettonesbegginghim
ashelaidherbackontheexamtableinheroffice,hernoisesofpleasure.
Hiserectionstrainedathistightleggings.Hewantedtotakeherhere,onthestairs,inthiscool,
otherworldlyluxury.
“Youlivehere?”heasked.
“Thisismyhouse,yes.”
“Shit.”
Calderthoughtofhismodestapartment,whichwouldfitinacornerofthishall.
“Isthatwhyyoucame?”Katarinaremainedpoisedonthelaststep,herhandontherailing,asthough
reluctanttostepdowntohislevel.Justlikethehousesonthehillheldthemselvesalooffromtheslumsof
PasCity.
“Icametoaskyouwherethehellyou‟vebeen.”
“Here.Working.”
“You‟vepissedoffhalftheShareeminPasCity,”hegrowled.“Thebastardslikebeingexaminedby
you.”
“I‟vebeenbusy.”
Toobusytocallorsendamessage?Gods,hewaspathetic.“Whatever.”
“ThelasttimeIsawyou,yougavemetheimpressionyouwouldn‟tcareifIleft.”
“Baby,thelasttimeIsawyou,Isuckedyouraw.Idon‟tdothattowomenIneverwanttoseeagain.”
Sheshrugged,thesilkmovingonherbody.“Youwereangry.”
“Youwantedapieceofmyskin.Idon‟tlikebeingtreatedlikeanexperiment.Igotenoughofthatat
DNAmo.”
“Iwastryingtohelpyou.”
“Theyalltrytohelp.Everymedic,everydoctorI‟veeverseen.Theyallthinktheyhavethemiraclecure.
Noneofthemdo.Theirtechniquesimprovebutmybodydoesn‟t,andIrefusetobecomeacyborg.”
“Idon‟twantyoutobecomeoneeither.”
“Thenleavemethehellalone.”
Katarinafinallysteppedoffthelaststairandflowedtohim.“Isthatwhyyoucameallthewayuphere?
Totellmetoleaveyoualone?”Iwasworriedaboutyou.IthoughtI’dneverseeyouagain.
“Icamehere…Shit,Idon‟tknowwhyIcamehere.”
Calderswungaway.Thedoorwasstillopen,lettinginthecoolbreezefromthegarden.Everythinghere
wasunreal.MaybeKatarinawastoo.Maybeeverythinghefeltforherwasunreal.
Ifthatwastrue,whydidithurtsodamnmuch?
“Calder,wait.”
Calderstoppedonthethreshold.Heheardhermovetowardhimbutshestoppedtoofaraway.
Hiscockached.Herehewas,alevel-threeShareem,closetofallingonhiskneesandpleadingherto
fuckhim.Rightnow,righthereinherbeautifulfronthallwiththebreezeandtree-scentwaftingin.
Please,love.Havepityonme.
“I‟mgladyoucame,”shesaid.“Iplannedtocometoyourapartment,butitwillbebetterhere.Myhouse
ismorecomfortable.”
Calderturned.Shestoodafootawayfromhim,herscent,herpheromonespouringoverhim.Thesilk
sheathwasthin,hernipplessharplittlepointsbehindit.
Hepicturedhimselflounginginalarge,white-sheetedbed,aboytoyforarichlady.Notabadscenario.
EspeciallywhentherichladywasKatarinad‟Arnal.
“Willyoustay?”sheasked.
“Yes.”
Calderreachedforher.Katarinasteppedforward,raisingherhand.
Hesawthehypotoolate.Caldergrowledandtwistedaway,butshe‟dalreadytouchedthepadtohis
neckandinjectedherconcoction.
Calder‟sglarecouldhavecrumbledherbighouseandthevastgardensbeyondintodust.Katarina
recoiledfromhislookofnearhatred.
“Whatthehelldidyoujustdo?”
“Thiswillwork,Calder.Iswearitwill.”Shebitherlip.“I‟mprettysureitwill.”Thenano-protein
combinationstartedquickly.SweatpoureddownCalder‟sfaceandheclawedathisclothes.“Whatthe
fuck?”Heflunghistunicandleggingsfromhim,thenhisloincloth.Hisscarswerestarkandangryinthe
softlightofherhall.Hedidn‟tbelonghere,agiantofaman,rough-hewnlikedesertrocksinherhouseof
elegantsoftness.Calderrakedhishandsthroughhishairandshuddered,bodygleamingwithsweat.
Katarinadartedforward,anotherhyporaised.Calderswungaway,hisragecutting.“Stayawayfromme!”
“Thiswilleasethepain.”
“Itdoesn‟thurt…Aw,fuck.”Heshiveredsuddenly,violently,hisfacelosingcolor.Calderjerkedherto
him,grabbedthehypoandinjectedhimself.
Afterasecondortwothetightlinesaroundhiseyesrelaxed,butheclenchedthedelicatehyposohardit
broke.
Katarinatouchedhisface.“Iloveyou,Calder.Iknowyouhatemerightnow,butIwantyoutoknowhow
muchIloveyou.”
“Idon‟thateyou,”hegrowled.Hisshiveringescalated,hiseyesclosinginagony.Hislipsformed
anotherfuck—thenhewentdown.
Thecrashonherfloorbroughttheservantsrunning.Katarinafelltoherkneesbesidehim,anxiously
checkinghisvitals.Hisheartracedandhisskinwashot,butnotmorethannormalforaShareem.She
kissedhisdampforeheadthengottoherfeetandorderedherservantstogethimupstairstooneofher
sparebedrooms.
*****
Forthenextfewdays,Katarinadidn‟tleavehisside.Calderswaminandoutofconsciousness,buthe
wasnevercoherent.Katarinahookedhimuptomachinestokeephimhydratedandfed,checkinghis
vitalseveryhour.
She‟dhiredtheequipment,thinkingshe‟dhavetotransportitdowntohisplaceinPasCity.He‟dsaved
herastepbycominguphere,lookingforher.
Whyhadhe?Calderhadmadeitclearhowangryhewas,howmuchhedidn‟twantKatarinatryingto
curehim.Howmuchhedidn‟twanther,period.
Buthe‟dbravedSerestinepatrollerstocometoherhouseandasktoseeher.
Why?Andwhenhewokeup,wouldhestillwanttoseeher?
Itdidn‟tmatter.Katarinadidn‟twanttohealCaldersohe‟dbegratefulandpatheticbutbecauseshe
wantedtomakehislifebetter.HewasShareem,soitwouldbeonlysomuchbetter,butatleasthe
wouldn‟thavetohidehisbodyanymore.Ifherregeneratingtechniqueworked,he‟dlethimselfwearthe
lightclothingofhisShareemfriendsandlaughandtalkwiththem.He‟dnolongerkeeptotheshadows.
Whetherthisworkedornot,ifhedidn‟twanttoseeKatarinaanymore,she‟dlethimgo.Shepromised
herselfthis.
SheunderstoodnowwhyBradenhadtoldherthatallwomenwantedCalder.
CalderfocusedhisShareem-blueeyesonawomanandmadeherfeellikeshealoneexisted.Hedelved
intoherfantasiesandlaidherbare.Whenhewasdone,therewasn‟tasecretinherheadshehadn‟t
trustedhimwith.
Hiswomenweptwhenitwasover.Katarinawouldtoo,butshe‟dlethimgo.Itwasmoreimportantto
herthathewasalive,wholeandhappy.
Sherepeatedthisbravelitanyallthroughhervigil.Butwhenshewashonestwithherselfinthedark
hoursofthenight,thethoughtoflosinghimforgoodmadethemiserycome.
*****
Calderwokewithajolt.
Hewasalone,flatonhisbackonabed.Tubessnakedfromamachineinthewalldownintohisarms,and
acoolsheetrestedlightlyonhislegs.
Abodyonaslab.Again.
Helayinalargeroompaintedacoolshadeofgreenwithgoldmosaicpatternsrunningalongthetopsof
thewalls.Whitecurtainsbillowedatawindow,whichwasopentosoftair.
Everythingspokeofluxuryandtaste,includingthemattressbeneathhim.HemuststillbeinKatarina‟s
house,buthowlonghe‟dbeenherehedidn‟tknow.
Hesatupslowly,hislimbssore,butonlyfrombeingimmobile.Asecondlater,herealizedthathis
burningpainhadcompletelyvanished.
Calderpulledthetubesfromhisarms,slidingthemoutquicklysohewouldn‟tbleed.He‟dlearnedhow.
Hethrewbackthesheetandstoodup.Hislegsshookalittle,butnottoomuch.
Alookoutthewindowshowedhimtreesmovinginafaintbreeze.Thecanopysurroundingthehousemust
allowforartificialweather.Itfeltlikesweet,coolspringtime,nottheperpetualsummerofthebone-hard
desert.
Mustbenicetobesostinkingrich.CalderhadmoneyafteryearsofbeingTheBeast,butShareem
wouldn‟tbeallowedtosetupinsomethingsonice.Hestashedawayhismoneysohewouldn‟thaveto
worryaboutsurvival,andtohelphisfriends.LettheBorNarganrulingfamilythinkShareemwerejust
thissideofbroke.
Asheturnedawayfromthewindow,hescratchedhisarm.WhateverKatarinahadshotintohimmadehim
itchalittle.
Assoonashestoppedscratching,theitchcameback,stronger.Hislegsstartedtotingleandthensuddenly
theskinalloverhisbodywasoneburning,massiveitch.
Calderletoutagrowl,rubbinghispalmsacrosshisarmsandtorso—whichwerestillscarred,bythe
way.Stupidcuredidn‟twork,andhe‟dknownitwouldn‟t.
Hekeptrubbingbuttheitchingincreased.“Damnit!”ThedoorslidopenandKatarinaranin.Partofhim
enjoyedwatchinghersilkenclothesmovewithherbody,partofhimwantedtothrowhertotheground
andscrewhersenseless.Partofhimdidn‟twanthertoseehim.
“Whatareyoudoingoutofbed?”shedemanded.
“Itchinglikecrazy.Whatthehelldidyoudotome,woman?”Katarinasmiled.“Thatmeansit‟sworking.”
“It‟skillingme.Shit.”
“Comewithme.”
Katarinatookhishandandledhimout.Shetookhimintoanotherroom,againwithwindowsoverlooking
thegarden.Thisonehadasquaremarbletubinthemiddleofthefloorandbenchesforloungingaroundit.
Thetubwasfull,andCalderjumpedstraightin.
Hisskinburnedlikeathousandneedlesjabbedhim,andhethrewbackhisheadandshoutedhisagony.
Katarinawatched,handstouchinghermouth,eyesworried.
Afterafewminutesofhorrificburningsensation,thefeelinglessened.Andthenlessenedagain.“Thank
thegods,”Calderbreathed.
“It‟shealing,”Katarinasaid.“Theitchingmeanshealing.Thisiswhat‟ssupposedtohappen.”She
soundedrelievedandhappy.
“Warnmenexttime.”
Katarinalookeddownathiminthetub,asmileonherface.WaterblotchedherskirtswhereCalderhad
splashedthemjumpingintothewater,andthebreezefromthewindowliftedherhemtoshowhershapely
legs.
Caldersuddenlyhadthebiggesthard-onhe‟dhadinyears.
Hereachedupandgrabbedherankle.“Comeinhere.”
“Ishouldn‟t.Theservants.”
Calderrose,wrappedhiswetarmaroundherwaistanddraggedherintothewaterwithhim.Sheshrieked
asherdressquicklybecamesodden.
“Youshould,”hesaid.
Caldereasilypriedoffhersilkdressanddroppedthesoggymassontheedgeofthetub.Sloshingmore
waterfromthetub,Calderliftedherintohisarms,wrappedherlegsaroundhishipsandslidherontohis
waitingcock.
Thesexwasswiftandbrutal.CalderusedthebuoyancyinthewatertothrusthardintoKatarina,andshe
clungtohim,hernoisesofpleasuredrivinghimon.
Hefinishedwithhimontopofherbesidethetub.Noelegance,justhimspreadingherandshovinginside
untilheshothisseed.Shemadeafrustratednoisewhenhewithdrewthatmadehimharderthanever.
“Notfinished,wereyou?”heasked.
“Iwas.Butitwas…awfullyfast.”
“Thatwasmetakingtheedgeoff.Ifyouwantslowsex,Katarina,I‟lldoyoutherestoftheafternoonand
allnight.”Hekissedherswollenlips,thebridgeofhernose.“Wouldyoulikethat?”
“Ithinkso.”
“You‟dbetterbesure.OnceIstart,Iwon‟tstop.I‟mShareem.Ihavetogiveyouthatwarning.”
Katarinasmiledandlacedherarmsaroundhisneck.“Ibelieveyouhavemysignedconsentform.”
“Baby.”Calderkissedherlipsagain.“I‟mgoingtomakeyouregretlookingsosweetwhensayingthat.”
*****
Calderknewsomeamazingthings.ButKatarinarefusedtoregretanythingasshebecamehiswillingslave
forthenight.
Hecarriedherintothebedroomandlaidheronherbed,whichwasacushionofpressurizedairinstead
ofamattress.Whenthebedwascoveredwithquiltsandpillows,itlookedlikeanold-fashionedfour-
poster,butapersoncouldsleepfloatingoradjustthepressuretomakeitafirmsurface.Katarinahad
alwaysfoundherbedrelaxingbutCalderuseditinwaysnewtoher.
He‟dbroughtsomeinterestingthingswithhim,tuckedawayintothepocketsofhistunic.Shewonderedif
healwayscarriedsuchthingsaboutorifhe‟dbroughtthemespeciallyforher.
Firsthepartedherlegsandexaminedherpussy,shakinghisheadwhenhe‟dseenshe‟dletthehairstart
growingback.
“Youshouldhavehaditdonepermanently.”
Katarinawonderedhowhecouldbesocalmwhileshewassoexcited.Allhehadtodowaslookather
andhercreambegantoflow.“Ididn‟tknowwhetheryouwouldlikemebarebeforeImadeitpermanent.
AndthenIdidn‟tseeyouagain,soIdidn‟tthinktherewasmuchpoint.”
“Well,Idolikeit.”Calderbroughtoutasmallshaverthathestrappedtohisfirsttwofingersandusedit
toremovethehairthathadaccumulated.Theshaverwaswarm,thevibrationofitstimulating.
“Gobacktoyourclinicandgetitpermanentlygone.”Hegaveheradarklook.
“Unlessyouwantmeshavingyouallthetime.”
Hmm,whichwouldshechoose?Acolddepilatoryaloneinacoldroomattheclinic,orCalder‟shot
handsmovingonherpussy?
Calderputawaytheshaverandsoothedherskinwithacream.Moreoilfollowed,hisfingersdipping
intohervaginaandthen,surprisingher,intoheranus.
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Gettingyouready.”
Shegulped.“Forwhat?”
“ForTheBeast,Katarina.Hewantstoplay.”
“Isee.”
“No,youdon‟t.Butyouwill.”
Hestrappedontoherasmallpadthatformeditselftoherclitbutleftherpussyopen.Calderwarmedher
withhishandswhilehefittedthedevice,thenheactivatedit.
“Oh!”Ittickledherclitlikehistongueorhisfinger.Katarinaliftedherhips,tighteningagainstthe
sensation.
“Don‟tfightit.Relax.Gowithit.”
Hisvoicelulledher.Shefeltherlimbseasing,goinglimp.Andthenitfeltwonderful.
“That‟sright.I‟mShareem,sweetie.Madeforyourpleasure.”
“Yes.”Katarinastretched.Thevibrationonherclitmadeherhipsrock.“Iloveit.”
Calderreachedbeneathherandpressedsomethingwarmtotheopeningofheranus.Shegasped,tensing,
thenrelaxedagainashecalmedher.
She‟dreadthatShareemcouldsoothewithhandsandvoicesotheladywasopen,pliant,gamefor
anything.SowhenCalderslidadeviceinsideheranus,shebarelytightenedhermuscles.
“Whatisthat?”
“Aplug.Foryourass.Itwillopenyou,makeyoufeelgood.”
“Italreadydoes.”
Sheneverthoughtshe‟dlikesuchastrangesensation.Itwasahot,tightfeeling,andmadeherfeel
wicked.ShelovedthepleasureandlovedthatCalderstretchedoutnexttoher,hisbodyprotective.
Katarinatriedtoseewhetherhisskinhadhealed,butthelightwasdimandsheadmittedshe‟dstopped
payingattention.
“Whatareyoudoingtome?”Pleasurebuiltandbuilt,andshejerkedback,startingtocome…
Calderroseoverher,partedherlegsandslidhimselfinsideher.Hemadeanexcitednoiseashiscock
connectedwiththevibrationoverherclit.
Katarinacriedoutagainstthewavesofpurefeelingthatpouredoverher.Thethingstimulatingherclit,
Calderinsideher,hisweightonherbody,hernipplessohard,thehotpluginherass…Shescreamed.
Caldercaughtherscreamsinhismouth.Hethrustintoher,herpussysowetthatevenhishugelength
glidedinandoutwithoutconstriction.
“Ican‟tstandit,”shesobbed.“Calder.”
“Yes,youcan.You‟restrong,myKatarina.”
“Ican‟t.Ihavetostop.”
“ButyougaveTheBeastpermissiontodowhateverhewants.”
“No.”
“Thisiswhathewants.You,screaminginpleasure.”
Katarinaarchedback,criesleavingherthroat.Calder‟swordsdwindledtosoundsandherodeherfaster
thanever.Justwhenshewassureshe‟ddieofwhathedidtoher,Caldercame.
Hisseedshotinsideherandhekeptthrusting,sayinghername.Thegameofravishingbeastdissolved,
andshewassimplyawomanbeinglovedbyahot-bodiedman.
“Iloveyou!”shecried.“Calder,Iloveyousomuch.”Hefurrowedherhairwithhisfingers,headbowed,
eyesclosed,jawclenchedasherodeouthisclimax.
“Shit,”hewhisperedashestartedtoslow.Heopenedhiseyes.“Whatdidyousay?”
“IsaidIlove—”
Calderputhishandonhermouth.“Theword„love‟isnotallowedinthisbed.
I‟llhavetopaddleyourassifyousayitagain.”
Wickedjoyshotthroughherandshelaughed.“Love,”shebabbled.“Love,love,love,love.”
Calderwithdrew,caughtheranklesandturnedherover.Hishothandcoveredherbuttocks.“Andwhata
niceassitis.Withtheplugin,stilltightandsafe.”
“Gods,”Katarinawhispered.Theaircushionedher,Calderwarmedherandhispalm,makingcircleson
herbutt,madeherwanttocomeagain.
Thenhistouchwentaway.Sheheardanoiseintheair—andthenthestingofleatherslashedacrossher
ass.“Ow!”
Shetriedtositup,indignant,buthisstronghandonherbackkeptherdown.Hesmackedherfivemore
timeswithhisstrapthenhishandscamedowntosootheher.
Calderhadn‟tfinishedwiththeequipmenthe‟dbroughtwithhim.Herolledheroveragainandfitted
small,paddedclampstohernipples,eachonepinchingjustenoughtostimulatebutnothurt.Alittlechain
hungbetweenthem.
Hetookawaythesoftvibrator—sadness—andreplaceditwithasimilarclamponherclit.Heleaned
downandflickedtheclampwithhistongue.
Katarinathoughtshecouldn‟thavemorecream,butoutitcame.Calderlickedherclean.
Heturnedheroveragain,herbodyfloatinginthethickbutpermissiveair,andtetheredherwristsand
anklestothefourbedposts.
Katarinaturnedherheadtolookbackathim.“Youjusthappenedtohavemanaclesandawhipwith
you?”
“Ibroughtthemforyou.Iwascomingtoseeyouforapurpose.”
“Whatpurpose?”
“Topunishyoufordisappearingandnottellingmewhereyouweregoing.”
“Ididn‟tthinkyouwouldcare.”
“OhKatarina,youtrulyneedtobespanked.”
Sohedidit.
*****
Muchlater—afterhe‟dchastisedherthenliftedherhipsandfuckedheragainthenpliedhistongueall
overherpussy,clitandass—hegentlyworkedouttheplug.
Katarinarelaxedandgotexcitedatthesametime.“Areyougoingtoentermethere?”
“AmIgoingtowhat?”
“Enterme.”Herfacegrewhot.“Fuckme.Inmyass.”Caldersoothedherskin.“Notyet,baby.Youwon‟t
bereadyforalittlewhile.Idon‟twanttohurtyou.”
“IthoughtTheBeastdidn‟tcare.”
Heleaneddown,hisbodyhotonherback.“TheBeasthasgoneaway,sweetheart.He‟sleftyoutied
downandexhaustedfromsex,foranyonetofind.”
“Areyouleaving?”sheaskedindisappointment.
“Ididn‟tsaythat.”Calderdrewhistonguedownherspine,allthewaytoherbuttocks.Hedipped
betweenthemandinside.
Katarinasquirmedatthehot,wetfeeling.Shewantedit,shewantedhim.
Heliftedhishead,takinghiswonderfultongueaway.“IcouldcallBradentocomeuphereandfindyou
likethis.Wouldyoulikethat?HimfindingyouanddoingwhateverhewantedtoyouwhileIwatched?”
KatarinaindulgedherselfintheenticingvisionofBradensmilingwickedly,touchingherbackandsaying,
“Now,whathavewehere?”Calderwouldwatch,hiserectionevident.Shethoughtshe‟dfallthroughthe
bedifshesquirmedanymore.
Butsheknewwhatshewanted.“Notrightnow.Iwantjustyouandme.”
“MeaningyoumightwantBradenlater?”
“Onlyifyouwould.Ifitgaveyoupleasuretoo.”
“WhyshouldyoucarewhetherIgetpleasurefromit?”Hisvoicewassuddenlyveryquiet.“I‟m
Shareem.”
“Itoldyouwhy.”
Calderlookedatherforalongtime,hiseyesglitteringinthedarkness.
Hestoodupabruptlyandslappedherass.“I‟mcallingBraden,”hesaidthenstrodeawayfromthebed.
ChapterThirteen
Whydidshemakeeverythingsocomplicated?Caldergrabbedhisundertunicashelefttheroom,hisheart
beatingsoharditmadehimsick.
Whycouldn‟tshekeepthisaboutCalderpleasuringher,thewayshe‟dwantedhimtowhenshe‟dcome
tohislairinthefirstplace?LetherhaveTheBeast,andletCaldertheShareemremaindistant.
KatarinastartedtalkingaboutloveandCalder‟sbrainturnedsoft.Hedidn‟tknowwhattodo,howto
answer.
Becauseheknewhelovedherback.
Hewalkedpasttheopenbathroomdoor,pullinghistunicoverhishead.
Movementcaughthiseyeinthedarknessandhestopped.
Braden?Whatthehellwashedoinghere?Maybeshe‟dalreadyaskedhimtocomeuphereandsaveher
fromTheBeast.
Asecondlookshowedthathe‟dglimpsedhisownbodyinthemirroredwallofthebathroomashe‟d
swiftlypassed.“Lights,”hesaidashewalkedin.“Lightsfull.”Thelightscameon,brightbutnotharsh.
Thiswas,afterall,thehouseofarichwoman,andeventheoverheadlightswereelegant.
ThemirrorreflectedatallShareemwithbroadshoulders,squarefaceandmussedblackhair.Hehad
Shareemeyes,andhisarmswerebrownandstrong,cordedwithmuscle.
Calderrippedthetunicfromhisbody.Hesawachestcarvedwithmuscle—
prominentpecsandtight,rippedabdomen.Alongcockhungbetweenmuscledthighs.Blackhaircurled
acrosshischestanddownhisarms,withahintofitbetweenhislegs.
Itching.Notjusthealing,thehairhurriedlygrowingfromcellsdormantfortwentyyears.
Hehadn‟tpaidattentiontohisskinwhilehe‟dpleasuredKatarina,havingseenitscarredwhenhefirst
gotup.He‟dawakenedaftersurgerytoomanytimesinthepastwithlittlechangetobelieveitwould
work.
TheShareemwholookedbackathimfromthemirrorwashealthyandwhole.Afewlightscarsremained
overtheplaceswhereDr.Laashadreplacedhisorgans,buttherestofhisskinboreonlyalittlepinkness.
Calderlookedbackatabodyhe‟dnotseenintwentyyears.Anarrogantshit,butamanwho‟dknownno
pain,nodarknessinhissoul.
Katarinahadgiventhatbacktohim.
Calderbenthisheadandcoveredhisfacewithhishands.
*****
KatarinafoundCalderinfrontofherbathroommirror,headbowed,theheelsofhishandspressedtohis
eyes.
“Calder?”
Heraisedhishead.Hishardgazemethersinthemirror,andatthesametime,tearsstreakeddownhis
face.
“Whatdidyoudo?”hedemanded.“Whatdidyoudo?”
“It‟sanewprocedurethatIlearnedaboutafterIstartedtreatingShareem,”sheanswered.“Nano-biology
andgrowthhormones.IplayedwithitsoitcouldbeboostedbytheincrediblemetabolismofShareem.
Shareembodiesareexcellentatconvertingintakeintoenergyandthenburningitoffslowly,likevery
efficientfuel.
It‟swhyyouragingprocessissoslow,andwhyyouneedsomuchsex—lettingoffsteam,asitwere.
Fromyourskinsample,IwasabletomarrythemetaboliccodesinyourDNAwiththenano-technology
andtheninjectitbackintoyou.”Caldersaidnothing.ThesilencepressedandKatarinatwistedherhands
together.
“Morethanyouwantedtoknow?Truthtotell,Iwasn‟tsureitwouldwork.”
“Youweren‟tsure.”Hisvoice,insteadofbeingcrackedandharsh,cameoutsmoothandvelvet,asithad
overtheenhancedvocalsysteminhislair.
“Iknewyouwouldn‟tsitstillwhileItesteditonyou,soIgaveyouthewholedoseatonce,”shesaid.
“I‟dplannedtotrackyoudowninPasCity,butwhenyouturnedupatmygate,Isawmyopportunity.”
“Whatwereyougoingtodo,sneakupbehindmeandemptyahypointomyneck?”
“Somethinglikethat.”
Calderturned,hisgazeburning.She‟dneverfeltanythinglikethatheavystare,eventhoughhisfacewas
stillwetwithtears.
Thenhestartedtolaugh.
Laughterechoedacrossthebathroomandboomedintothehall.CaldersweptKatarinaintohisarmsand
spunheraroundandaround,laughinglikeamaniac.
“Youcrazy,stubborn,insanewoman.Whythehelldoyouwastesomuchtimeonawrecklikeme?”
Katarinalookedathimuncertainly.Hewaslaughingandcryingandtellinghershewasnutsfortryingto
helphim.“Doesthatmeanyou‟rehappyIdidthis?”
“YouhavetobethecraziestwomanI‟veevermet.”HeslowedthespinningandcuppedKatarina‟sface
withonehand.“Withthemostbeautifuleyesandthesexiestsmile.AndafinelittleassIalwayswantto
spank.”Hetouchedherforeheadwithhis.“Why,Katarina?WhywastesomuchonaShareem?”
“IthinkI‟vetoldyouwhy.”
Caldersetherdown,caughtherfaceinhishandsandkissedher.Thekissturnedbrutal,andKatarina
didn‟tcare.
Hisskinwashot,thecurestillworkingonhim.Anyoneelsewouldbeflatontheirback,groaning.Calder
smiled,kissedher,laughed.
Katarinasteppedbacktoadmireherwork.HisbodywasaswholeandsleekasBraden‟s,butCalder
wasalittletallerthanBraden,alittlebroaderofshoulder.Agiantofaman.Afewscarsremainedwhere
he‟dbeenrebuilt,organsoutward,buttherestofhisskinwastightandstrong.
Hisface—itwasincredible.He‟dpulledhishairoutoftheway,revealingstrongbonestructure,thelift
ofhischeekbones,theentiretyofhisslowsmile.She‟dbeenright—hissmilemadehimbeautiful,sexy,
amazing.
Katarinathoughthe‟dwanttostayhereinthebathroomlookingathisnew,restoredself,butCalder
laughedagain,yankedheroffherfeetandcarriedherintothebedroom.Fortherestoftheeveningandall
throughthenight,heshowedherthatwhathe‟ddonebeforeasTheBeastwasnothingtowhathecoulddo
forpurejoy.
*****
BradenwalkedintoJudith‟sbar,fightingahangover.Katarina‟sdeparturehadmadetheapartmentfeel
empty,sohe‟dfillediteverynightwithsex.Onewoman,two,three—he‟denticewhoeverhecouldback
homewithhimandgoatitallnight.
Asaresult,theapartmentwasamessandhisheadhurtlikehell.
JudithgaveBradenawarmsmileashecrossedthethresholdandcroakedarequestforwater.Judith
lookedassexyasevertonight.Maybeafterhisheadstoppedpounding,he‟dtakeherupstairs.
AShareemhedidn‟tknowsatatthetableinthecorner.He‟dtakenthechairagainstthewall,theone
reservedfortheraretimesCaldershowedup.
Whatanarrogantasshole.Heleanedback,watchingBradenwithwaitingeyes.
Heworeasimplewhite,tighttunicthatbaredhisarms,typicalformanyShareem.
Thetunicemphasizedthathewasbigandbuilt.Aidenwouldprobablygivethemanaonce-over,ifonly
tomakeKyjealous.
Bradenrubbedhisforehead,willingtheheadachetodie.“Hey,Judith,who‟sthis?”
JudithgrinnedasshesetBraden‟smugofwateronthetableacrossfromtheotherShareem.Hereyes
heldexcitement.MaybetheShareemshithadalreadycoercedJudithupstairs.Bastard.
“Don‟tyouknow?”Judithaskedhim.
BradenpeeredattheShareem,wishinghisheaddidn‟thurtsomuch.Hegulpedwater,blinkingawaythe
bleariness.
“Hehasahangover,”thestrangeShareemsaid.Thevoicewaswarmandrich,somehowfamiliar.“How
manywomenwasitlastnight,Braden?Yourrecordisfive.Howdrunkdidyouhavetogetthem?”
“Hey,friend,whothehell—”
Hisfingerswentcoldandthemugcrashedtothefloor.TheShareemsmiledathim,somethingBradenhad
neverseenonthatparticularShareem‟sface.Butheknewtheeyesthatgazedathimsosardonically,the
mockingtoneofvoice.
“Calder?”
“Braden.”
“Calder,whatthefuck?”
“Youactlikeyou‟veneverseenmebefore.”
“Ihaven‟t.”Bradenlookedthemanupanddown,tryingnottolethisjawdrop.
TheonlytimeBradenhadseenCalder‟sfullbody—weeksagowhenBradenhadgoneafterKatarina—it
hadbeenpink-whitefleshruinedwithscars.Hisfeatureshadbeenpulledanddistorted,hisbodywrong.
ThismanlookedlikeanyShareembornoutofaDNAmovat.Strongbody,brownskin,clearblueeyes.
Evenhishairlookedsleeker,healthier.
“Shit,”Bradensaid.“Shedidit.Katarinadidthis,didn‟tshe?”
“Didyouknowaboutit?”
“No.Butshe‟safuckinggenius.Whereisshe?”
“Atmyapartment.Shewantedmetocomeherealone,toseeifyou‟drecognizeme.Youfailedthetest.”
“Youbastard.”Bradenwantedtolaughandlaugh.Calderhadfooledhimallright,theshithead.He‟d
beenfriendswithCalderforyears,anditalwaysbotheredhimthathecouldn‟thelptheman,thatdeeply
fucked-upShareem.
AlongcomescutelittleKatarinad‟Arnal,andweekslaterCalderissittinghere,wholeandstrongand
happy.
“Iwanttokissher,”Bradensaid.Heslidintohisseat,gladlypickingupthealethatJudithdepositedin
frontofhim.Hisheadachehadsuddenlyfled.
Calderlosthissmile.“Youtouchher,you‟redead.”
Bradenlaughed,feelinggood.“It‟slikethat,isit?Youpoorsonofabitch.”
“Who‟sapoorsonofabitch?”avoicegrowledbehindhim.ItwasKy,wanderingintoJudith‟sinmuch
thesamestateBradenhadbeen.
Bradenstartedtoanswerthenshutup.NowonderJudithhadgrinnedsohardathim.Thiswasfun.
Aiden‟sbodywarmedBraden‟ssideasthetalllevel-oneShareemslidintotheseatbesidehim.“Who‟s
yourfriend?”
BradenburiedhismouthinaleasAidenranhisgazeoverCalder‟sbody.KytookaseatonBraden‟s
otherside,pullingprettyBrianned‟Arothontohislap.Themandidn‟ttakechanceswhenthereweretoo
manyotherShareemnearby,especiallyoneshedidn‟tknow.
Brianne,smarterthaneitherofherlovers,gotitatonce.Hereyeslitupbutshesaidnothing.
CaldergaveAidenacoolstare.“Ifyoudon‟tstoplookingatmelikethat,Aiden,yourfacemeetsthe
table.”
“Hey,Ican‟thelpadmiringaprettyShareem.Ky‟snotprettyatall.”
“Face,”Calderrepeated.“Table.”
Briannebleatedalaugh.KylookedatCalder…trulylookedathim.“Holyfuck.
Whathappenedtoyou?”
Aidenwasthelasttocatchon.Hegotoutofhisseatsofastheknockeditover.
“Calder?”
“That‟swhatIsaid,”Bradenchortled.
“Shareemareslow,”Briannesaid,smiling.“Lookathiseyes.Lookathim.It‟sCalder.”
BradenslidhisarmaroundJudith‟swaistasshecamebackwithmoreale.“Didyourecognizehim,
Judith?”
“Nottheminutehewalkedin.IthoughthewasjustaShareemIhadn‟tmet.
ThenIthoughtabouthowoddthatwas—aShareemIdidn‟tknow?Butthewayhemoved,thewayhe
lookedatme.Iknew.”
“Womenaremoreperceptive,”Brianneagreed.
Kysnorted.“WomenstareatShareemmorethanotherShareemdo.ExceptAiden.”
Aidenliftedhishands.“Cured.I‟mallyours,Ky.”
“Oh,luckyme.”
“Where‟sKatarina?”Brianneasked.“She‟sresponsibleforthenewyou,isn‟tshe?”
“Sheis.”
Caldersethisglassofaledowncarefullyandrose.Nomorehidinginshadows,nomorewatchingthe
othersfrombehindface-concealingcloths,nomoreshieldinghisbody.Histunicreachedmid-thigh,
baringlegstothesoftsandalsmostShareemfavored.Helooked—normal.ForaShareem.
Hepickeduphissun-blockingrobesbutdrapedthemoverhisarmashesaunteredpastthem.
“Katarinaiswaitingforme,gentlemen.Ihaveanappointmentwithher.”
“Thecome-to-my-lair-pretty-ladykindofappointment?”Bradenasked.Hisbodygothotthinkingabout
thelasttimehe‟dseenKatarinainCalder‟slair.
“Yes.”Calder‟ssmilewasquiet.“Andno,Braden,you‟renotinvited.”
“Selfishasshole.”
“Yougotthatright.”
Caldergavethemallanothersmuggrin,turnedhisbackandwalkedout.Heslidonhissun-blocking
robesashewent,andBradensawhimstrollingdownthestreet,lookingaroundinwonder,likeaprisoner
finallyfreed.
*****
Katarinafinishedlightingthecandles,givingtheroomadelicateglow.Sheextinguishedthelightingstick
andsetitaside,rememberinghowintriguedandfrightenedshe‟dbeenthefirsttimeshe‟dcomehere.
WaterskimmeddownthecoppersheetCalderhadmadeherface,herhandsintheliquid.He‟dplayed
withher,madeherfeelwildandwickedforthefirsttimeinherlife.
Heretoohe‟dmadeherwearthetiny,tightleatherdress,andhe‟dintroducedhertodiscipline.Katarina
hadneverknownshe‟dlikeamanslappingherrear,butshedid.Shelikeditwithhishand,andshe‟d
likeditwithhisleatherstrap.
Calderhadtoldhertocomehereandwaitforhim.Hewouldn‟tsayhowlonghe‟dbeawayorwhen
he‟darrive.Heexpectedhertoobey.
Katarinashivered.Whatthey‟ddoneinherhouse,beforehe‟ddiscoveredhishealedskin,hadtakenher
placesshe‟dnevergone.
Afterward,he‟dtakenherevenmoreplaces.He‟dgivenheratruetasteofwhatwomenhadwillingly
comehereforhimtodo.Calderhadbeenhermaster,andshe‟dbeggedhimtodoanythinghewanted.
Whatwouldhedotoday?
Heropeningtightenedinanticipation.He‟dtoldhertoputonnewclotheshe‟dboughther,atightblack
corset,nopanties,gartersandstockings.
Katarinalookedatherselfinthereflectivesheetingofthewaterfallandsmiled.
Shewassexyashell.
Sheslidherfingersbetweenherlegs,findingherselfwarmandwet.Caldercouldkeepherwaitingalong
time,butatleasthe‟dtaughthertorelievesomeofherowntension.
Katarinaclosedherthighsoverherfingers,squeezinghard.Shegroanedwiththebeginningsofclimax
justasadoorchimerang.
“Blast.”Katarinajerkedherfingersfreethenshequiveredinexcitement.
Calder?Orsomeonedeliveringmail?ShemadeherwaythroughthesecretpaneltoCalder‟sapartment,
pulledonsun-blockingrobesfromthehooksnearthebackdoortocoverherselfandopenedthedoor.
Awomanstoodthere,notapatrolleroradeliveryperson.Hergownandshieldingrobeslookedcostly,
butshewasn‟tBorNargan.Herforeheadwastoohigh,hereyestoolarge,andshedidn‟tcoverherface.
“WhereistheShareemnamedCalder?”
“Nothere.”
ThewomanpushedKatarinaasidewithsurprisingstrengthandlookedaround.
“Isaid,Calderisn‟there,”Katarinarepeated.“CanItakeamessage?”ThewomanfocusedonKatarina
again,hergazesharpening.“Don‟tyouknowwhoIam?”
Arude,pushybitch?“Sorry,no.”
“IamLadyDematafromDelta-Terra.Sufficetosay,I‟mtherichestwomaninfoursectors—andImade
myselfthatway.I‟mnotaccustomedtomenwhodon‟tkeepappointmentsandthenmakemewait.”
“Caldercanceledallhisappointments.”Orsohe‟dsaid.
“Why?”SheglaredatKatarina.“Areyouhiserrandgirl?Benicetome,sweetie.
Imightaskhimtocallyouintohelp.Maybewecanbothuseyourservices.Orjustuseyou.”
Katarinadrewbackindistaste.Calderhadsaidthatmanyofthewomenwho‟dcometohimdisgusted
him,andshenowunderstoodwhy.
“Calderisclosedforbusiness,”Katarinasaidinacrispvoice.“Youcanleavenow.”
“Ididn‟ttravelseveraldozenlightyearsandtendustymilestobeturnedawaybyalackey.Healready
putmeofftwice.”Shereachedbehindherandslammedthedoorthenpulledapistoloutofherrobesand
pointeditatKatarina.“Letmeintothislairofhis,now.”
ChapterFourteen
Calderknewsomethingwaswrongtheminuteheenteredhisapartment.Hesmelledanalienperfumethat
wasn‟tKatarina‟s,feltacoldnessintheair.
Katarina.
He‟dwalkedbackhomefilledwithanticipation.Katarinawaitedforhim,readytoplay.He‟dhadno
doubtshe‟dwearwhatheleftforher;thatshe‟dputitonandgrowexcitedasshewaited.
Calderwonderedifshe‟dstartedtouchingherself,unabletoresisttheurge.Hegothardpicturingher
stretchedoutontheblacksheets,herlegsspread,herhandsworking,hereyesclosedinpleasure.
Butwhenhewalkedintohisapartmenthefroze,everyenhancedsensetellinghimKatarinawasindanger.
Quietlyheslippedoffhisrobesandcrossedtothesmallcontrolroomwherehecouldseeallpartsofhis
lairwithoutbeingseen.Fromhere,heusedtotalktothewaitingladies,instructthem,watchthemincams
thatsenthimfeedsfromeachcorner.
Hedidn‟tneedallthecamstoseeLadyDemata,thewomanwho‟dbeenharassinghimmorethanany
other—holdingapistolonKatarina.
Shit.
HisfirstimpulsewastoscreamatthewomantogetthehellawayfromKatarina.Buthemadehimself
remainsilent,fearinghe‟dstartleherintoshooting.
Makingnonoise,helefttheoverviewroomandslidbackthesectionofwallthatledtothelair.He‟d
reachthewoman,disarmherandthrowthebitchout.
“IfCaldertoldyouherefundedyourmoney,thenhedid,”Katarinawassaying.
“Gobackhomeandfindit.”
“Itwon‟tbeenoughtocompensateme,”thewomansnapped.“Iwanthim.”
“Foryourtwistedfantasy?”
Calder‟sheartpounded.HelovedthatKatarinawassobrave,butnowwasnotthetimeforcourage.
“Yourtwistedfantasyisthathe‟sinlovewithyou,isn‟tit?”LadyDematarantedasCaldermadehis
quietwaytowardthem.“Youbelieveyou‟vetamedhim,butIhavenews,darling.Iknowmuchabout
Calder.He‟sservicedfriendsofmine.Hefiguresoutwhatyouwantandthenhegivesittoyou.That‟s
thebeautyofhim.
That‟swhyeveryonewantshim.IhavesomeveryinterestingfantasiesIwanttoplayout.They‟dshock
you.”
“Calderisdifferentnow.”
“I‟msureeverywomanhopesso.Doyoureallythinkhe‟dfallinlovewithyou?
Iwonderhowhe‟llusethatfantasytotortureyou.”
“Becauseyou‟releaving,you‟llneverknow.”
LadyDemata‟smouthset.“Bitch!”Sheshotoneofthecandles,whichexplodedintowaxandflame.“I‟m
goingtolethimdotomewhatnomanhaseverdone.Doyouwanttowatch?Maybethatwillcureyouof
thinkinghe‟sdomesticated.”KatarinastartedtoanswerbutLadyDematashotagain.Calderleaptat
Demataandgrabbedherarm,andtheshotwentwide.Anetofenergyslammedoutofthepistol,frying
partoftheroofandsearingshutthedoortohisapartment.
“Shit!”Caldershouted.“Katarina,getoutofhere!”
HehitthegroundasLadyDematashotagain,lightningforkingacrosstheroom.
“Whothehellareyou?”shedemanded.“IwantTheBeast.”
“He‟snothome.”CaldergotswiftlytohisfeetatthesametimeKatarinahitthewomanintheback.
LadyDematastumbledandwentdownbutbeforeCaldercouldreachforher,sheswungherarmaround
andshotatKatarina.
Katarinadove,butalashofenergycaughtherside.Shescreamed,landedonthefloor…andlaystill.
ThesoundthatcamefromCalder‟sthroatwasprimevalandsavage.LadyDematashotwildly,nottrying
tokillCalder,herealized,buttryingtodestroyhislair.Payback.
Thepolishedcopperwaterfallexplodedintoshardsofhotmetal.Thenextshotmadethebedburstinto
flame,thethirdsentthecandlesrocketingaroundtheroominlittlecombustions.
Caldertackledthewoman.ShewantedTheBeast,she‟dgethim.
TherealBeast—theonewhoprotectedthewomanheloved.
Anothershotsearedopenthewall,baringwiringandpipes.Anexplosionshookthebuilding.Calder
yankedthepistolawayfromLadyDemata,poweringitdown.
Helockedhisarmaroundherwaistanddraggedhertothedoortothegreenmaze,shovingherthrough.
“Getout!”hescreamed.
LadyDemata,lookingscarednow,gatheredherrobesandfled.
Calderturnedback.
Hislairwasengulfedinflames.Theyspilledfromthewallsandceilingwheretheenergypistolhad
rippedopenthelight,heatingandcoolingsystems.Therainspoutssprangtolifebutdidlittletodampen
thefirefedbythefuelinthepipes.
Katarinalayunmovingontheothersideofthewallofflames—andhesawaflamecrawlontoherrobes.
“Bloodyfuckinghell!”
Thefirebrigadewouldnevergetthereontime.Wouldtheyevenhurrywhentheydiscovereditwasa
Shareemresidencethattriggeredthecityalarm?Theymightmovetosavethebuildingsoneitherside,but
itwouldbetoolatefortheShareem‟sdwelling,andnoonewouldmuchcare.
TheintenseheattransportedCalderbacktwentyyears.Heheardagainthescreamsofthetwowomen
trappedinsidetheroomthatwassupposedtobesafeforthem.Hesmelledtheflames,theacridstenchof
burningflesh,thechokingsmellofplasticandwiring.
Memoriesofpainflashedthroughhimsointenselyitmadehimsick.Hesawagainthefireengulfhisbody
ashegrabbedeachwomanandflunghertosafety.Herememberedliftinghishandsandseeingthefire
burninghim,consuminghim,greedilyeatinghimalive.
He‟dfallenonhisside,thighflungoverhisbarecock,curlinginonhimselfininstinctivepreservation.
Thenhe‟dfeltaweightonhisbody,agonyscreamingthroughhim,thennothing.
Untilhe‟dwoken,awreckofamaninhellaciouspainwhileresearcherscoollytalkedaboutkillinghim.
Ittookasplitsecondforthistoflashthroughhismind.InthenextinstanthesawKatarina,hershylook
whenhe‟dfirstcometoherclinic,herneedtohelphimpouringfromher.
Thenherwonderwhenshe‟dcometohislair,hercompassionwhenshetouchedhisface.Thismusthave
hurtyousomuch.Hergenerosityinfiguringoutawaytohealhisskin,nomatterhowmuchitcostherin
timeandresources.Shehadn‟tdoneitforthesakeofexperimentationortoadvanceresearch.
She‟ddoneitforhim.
ForTheBeast.
ForCalder.
Calderdovethroughtheflames.HeliftedKatarinainhisarmsandranbackthroughthefire,feelingit
catchhishair,histunic,hisskin.Sheworethicksun-blockingrobes,thankthegods,andthoughflames
hadcaughtthem,they‟dprotectherfromtheworstofit.
SheopenedhereyesandstaredatCalderinhorror.Caldershovedherdownontothetilefloorinthe
maze,rollingherawayfromhim.Theflamesinherrobesextinguishedandshescrambledtoherfeet,
startingbackforhim.
“Getout!”hetriedtoshout.
Hisownbodywasalreadyburning,hisfacemelting—justlikelasttime—andhisvoicewouldn‟twork.
HeliftedhishandsandsawtheflamesconsumingthebeautifulskinKatarinahadjustgivenhim.Hergift.
Becauseshelovedhim.
Calderthrewhimselfontothefloor,rolling,tryingtoputthefireout.Hesmotheredsomeoftheflamesbut
theburningroomexplodedoutward,engulfinghimandthegreeneryhe‟dfilledtheplacewith.Itwas
dyingwithhim.
“Iloveyou,Katarina,”hesaid.
Itcameoutacroak.Thenaweightfellonhim,andallwasdarkness.
*****
“He‟sconscious,”amalevoicewhispered.“Gods,howcanhebeconscious?”Calderdraggedhiseyes
open.Thepainofthetinymovementnearlykilledhim.
Hecouldseenothingbutagrayhazeandlumpsofdarkergray.Hesummonedalltheairinhislungsand
forcedhislipstoformwords.
“Fuckyou,Braden.”
“Whew,”Bradensaid.“Atleasthe‟snotcrazy.”
“Calder.”
Katarina‟swarmvoicewasthemostbeautifulthingintheworld.ToobadCalderwasn‟t.Herehewas
again,ablackhuskofamanstretchedoutonaslab.
Hestartedtolaugh,aharsh,uglysound.
“Don‟t.”Somethingcooltouchedhisface.“Don‟tmoveatall.I‟mgoingtogiveyousomethingforthe
painandsomethingtomakeyousleep.ThenDr.LaasandIaregoingtofixyou.”
“Don‟twanttosleep.”Ifheslept,hemightneverwakeagain,neverseeKatarinaagain.
“Foolishboy.”Dr.Laas‟clearvoice,rifewithcynicalintelligence,reachedhisears.“Ican‟trebuildyou
whileyou‟retwitchingandmoaning.Youreallymuststoplettingburningbuildingsfallonyou.”
“Biteme,Doc.”
Heheardasquirtofairandthenhisbodyrelaxed,hisalready-blurredvisiongoingblack.
Butthistimethingsweredifferent.Thistimehisfriendswerearoundhim—hesensedBradenandthe
tallermassofRees,withRees‟trueloveTalanhoveringnearby.HesmelledJudith‟sperfume.Overlaid
withthat,theoilsAidenlikedtouseonKyandBrianne.Sothatthreesomehadshoweduptoo.
Hisfriendshadcometohim,hadbroughtDr.Laas,awomanwhowouldbearrestedandprobably
terminatedonsight.She‟driskedherlifetocomehere—ortohavehimbroughttoher.Hedidn‟tknow
wherethehellhewas.
Bestofall,Katarinawasthere.Calderfeltherbreathtouchhisface,smelledhersweetscent.
Thelasttimehe‟dbeendying,he‟dbeensurroundedbycoldresearchers,interestedinhimonlyfortheir
DNAsamples.Thistimehehadfriendswhocaredforhim.AndKatarina.
“Katarina,”hewhispered,lovingthefeelofhername.
“Shh.Sleepnow.”
Hemanagedtomovehislipstoformonemoresentence.“Iloveyou.”Hesensedherbendingforwardto
catchhiswords,heardthelittlesobinherthroat.“Iloveyoutoo,Calder.”
Theworldwasafineplace.
*****
“Calder.”
Hourslater,KatarinalethertearsfallonCalder‟shand,bandagedandcoatedwithhealingoils.
Hisoneunbandagedeyeopenedandhislipstwitched.“Hey,baby.”Sheexhaledinrelief.Hewasn‟t
angryormorose.Hesmiledlikehehadn‟tbeensohappyinhislife.
“You‟regoingtobefine,”shesaidinherbestdoctormanner.“Iinjectedyouwithmynano-Shareemcure
again.”Shebitherlip.“Itmighthurtalittle.”
“It‟sexcruciating,”Caldersaid.
Alarmed,shereachedtothetubessnakingoutofmachinesabovehim.Hecaughtherarminsurprisingly
strongfingers.“No.Iwanttostayawake.Tolookatyou.”
Katarinaletgoofthepainkillerlineandsankbackdown.
“IthoughtI‟dlostyouinthere,”hesaid,hisvoicelikegravel.
“IthoughtI‟dlostyou.”Shecaressedhisfingerswheretheywerewhole.“TheyarrestedthatLady
Demata.Fornegligencewithafirearm.”
“Yeah?”
“Theylethergothough,sinceshewasfromDelta-TerraandnoonewantstoangerDelta-Terrantraders.
Besides,thepatrollerssaidtheonlydamagewastoaShareemandhishome.Shewasescortedtoher
transport,butthat‟sit.”
“Figures.”
“BrianneandTalanarefurious.Theyfiledaformalprotest.”
“That‟snice.”
“I‟msorryaboutyourlair.It‟sprettymuchdestroyed.”
“Idon‟tgivearat‟sassaboutmylair.ButIwanttostranglethewomanforhurtingyou.LetBrianneand
Talandotheirworst.”
“Butshedidn‟thurtme.Igotonlyatouchoftheblast,andmyrobesprotectedmeforthemostpart.”
Calder‟seyenarrowedashestudiedherface.Heletgoofherhandtotracetheburnscarthatranfrom
hercheekanddownherneck.“Yougotburned.”
“Alittle.Fromthefire.”
“Didn‟tithealright?Iwantithealed.”
“Itdoesn‟thurtanymore.Dr.Laashelped.”
“Thenwhyisthescarstillthere?You‟renotShareem,andyou‟rerich.You‟reallowedtohavethebest
humanskinreplacementinthegalaxy.”
“Ididn‟twanttohealit.”
Caldertracedthepathagain,hisfingerswarm.“Whynot?”
“BecauseIwanttoknowalittlebithowyoufeel.Howyoufelt.Disfigured—
thoughIknowthisisnowherenearwhathappenedtoyou.”
“Sweetheart,youdon‟twanttoknowthat.”
“ButIdo.Itmakesmefeelclosertoyou.”
“Whythehellwouldyouwanttobeclosetome?I‟mamess.Idon‟tmeanmybody.Imeaninhere.”He
tappedhishead.“Theymademecrazy.”
“BecauseIloveyou.”Katarinawasn‟tafraidtosaythewordsanymore,whetherhewantedtohearthem
ornot.“Ifyoudon‟twantmetostaywithyou,ifyouwantmetosendyouhomewhenyou‟rebetterand
neverseeyouagain,that‟sfine.ButI‟llalwaysloveyou.”Shetouchedthescaronhercheek.“And
throughthis,I‟llrememberyou.”
“Don‟ttalkbullshit.”
“Youcanshutmeoutofyourlifeifyouwant.Buttoobad,youcan‟tshutmeoutofmyownthoughts.”
“Imeantit‟sbullshitthatI‟dneverwanttoseeyouagain.Iwanttoseeyoualways.Everyday.IfIheal,I
wantyouwhereIcantouchyouanytimeIwant.”Sheswallowed,herthroattight.“You‟llheal.I
promise.”
“Thenyou‟llstaywithme.”Hishandclampeddownonhersagain.
“Understand?BecauseIloveyou,Katarina.I‟veneverlovedanyonebefore,butIknowIloveyou.I‟m
notlettingyougo.Allright?”
Katarinacouldn‟tstophersmile,thoughtearsslidfromhereyesatthesametime.“Allright.”Shekissed
hislips.“Icanlivewiththat.”
“Soyou‟llstay?”
“Ikindofhaveto.Thisismyhouse.”
“Good.”Calderlethiseyeclose,hisbodyandthedrugsdrawinghimbackintohealingsleep.“Becauseif
youwanttoleaveme,I‟llhavetospankyou.”Katarina‟sheartsped,herentirebodytinglingin
anticipation.“Spankmeanyway,”shewhispered.“I‟mlookingforwardtoit.”
Epilogue
Sixmonthslater
“Behold,thewomanwhotamedTheBeast.”
BradenslidintohisplaceatJudith‟sbarandgrinnedacrossthetableatCalderandKatarina.Calderheld
Katarinaalittlecloser,likingthefeelofherbacksideonhislap.
Ithadtakenalongtimeforhimtocompletelyheal,buthisskinwasmostlyinplaceandmostlywhole.He
stillhadafewburnscarsonhisfaceandacouplesnakingdownhisneckandhisarms,buthehadceased
tocoverthemup.Lettheworldseewhathe‟ddonetosavethewomanheloved.
Thenightwashotandthepatronssatlanguidly,sippingcooldrinks.Judithflirtedwithahumanspace
captainwhosatatthebar,themanflickingcuriousglancesattheShareem.
“TheBeastisgone,”CaldersaidtoBraden.
“That‟swhatImean,”Bradensaid.“Toobadthough,eh,Katarina?Nomonsterravishingyouinhislair.”
Katarinastretched,whichpressedherbreastsenticinglyintoCalder‟sside.“Idon‟tknow.Wemanageto
havealotoffunathome.”
CalderlivedwithKatarinanow,despitetheshockofherneighbors.He‟dlethiswreckedplacego
withoutqualm,rescuingtheveryfewbelongingshetreasured.
Katarinawastheonlytreasurehewanted.
“I‟llbet.”Braden‟slookturnedwistful.“Tellmealittle?”KatarinagaveCalderaninquiringlook,and
heansweredwithanod.LetBradeneathisheartout.
“Iliketherestraints,”shesaid.“Calderhasallkindsofthem.Idon‟tknowwherehegetsthem.”
Braden‟sgazewentglassy.“Certainvendorscatertolevelthrees.”
“Yesterday,hedismissedalltheservantsandtiedmetotherailingsonmystaircase.ThereIwasonthe
stairs,face-up,nakedandspread-eagled,unabletomove.Anyonecouldhavecomeoverandseenmelike
that.Anddonewhatevertheywantedtome.”
Bradenmadeastranglednoiseinhisthroat.
Calderrecalledthe“lesson”he‟dtaughtKatarina.He‟dleftthehouseentirelyandreturnedahalf-hour
later,cominguponherasthoughhewereavisitorwho‟dfoundadelectablewomandisplayedforhisuse.
Herememberedthathe‟dmeanttowanderthecityforanhourorsobeforereturning,butthethoughtof
herwaitingforhimdrasticallycutthetime.Hehadtohaveherbeforehedied.
Katarinahadbeggedhimtobegoodtoher.Calderhadn‟tlistened.He‟dtakenoutthelevel-threetoys
he‟dpurchasedonhisoutingandfuckedherwitheverysingleoneofthem.Then,thinkinghewasaboutto
explode,he‟dturnedheroverandfuckedherhimself.
Calderwasalreadyhard,andhewatchedBraden‟sskinflushasKatarinacontinued.“Calderhastaught
metotakeitintheass.Hetaughtmegentlyatfirst,butnowI‟mlearningtotakeitrough.”
CalderfollowedtheswallowdownBraden‟sthroat.“Really?”themancroaked.
“HesaysIshouldbereadytotaketwococksverysoon.”Bradennearlyknockedoverthetablegettingup.
“Howaboutnow?”KatarinalookedatCalder,hereyestwinkling.Hisbad,wickedbaby—he‟dtaught
herwell.He‟ddaredhertogetBradenworkedupiftheysawhimtoday,andshe‟ddoneitinthirty
secondsflat.
“Wantto?”heaskedher.
Katarina‟seyeswidened.Hehadn‟ttoldherthatpart.
“I…”ShelookedbackatBraden,whowasbeggingforitwithhiswholebody.“IthinkIwould.Ifit‟sall
rightwithyou.”
Caldernuzzledherear.“Youaskpermissionnice,sweetheart.Ithinkyou‟rereadyfortwoShareem.I
wantyoutohavethat.Iwanttohearyouscreaminpleasure.”
“IthinkI‟dlikethattoo.”
“Socanwego?”Bradenasked.Hemustnothavereleasedtoday—helookedlikehewasreadytodrag
Katarinaacrossthetableandscrewherrightthere.He‟dnevermakeittoherhouseuponthehill.
Caldertookpityonhim.“Judith.”Hegesturedtothedoorthatledtoherstairwell.“Maywe?”
Judithlookedupfromherpilot,absorbedenoughinhimtonotasktojointhem.
“Goahead.Don‟tleaveitawreck.”
“Wewon‟t,”Katarinasaid.Shewouldn‟t.Katarinawasanincrediblytidyperson,eventhoughshehad
allthoseservantstocleanupafterher.
Bradenheadedupthestairswithoutwaiting.CaldergaveKatarinaadeepkissandledherupafterhim.
*****
Judithhadaroomupstairssetupforsex.CalderhadneverbeeninitbutBradenobviouslyhad,because
heledthemtoitimmediatelyandseemedtoknowhiswayaroundit.Judithhadplannedwell—in
additiontoabed,shehadaverticalpaddedracktowhichapersoncouldbetetheredforeitherseriousor
playfulbondage.Shedidn‟tstockfloggersandmanaclesandthelikebecausemostShareembroughttheir
own,eachknowingtheirsextoysaswellasmusiciansknewtheirinstruments.
AsKatarinastoodgapingatthesetup,Calderorderedhertostrip.
Helovedthispart,CalderthoughtasKatarina‟sclothesslidfromherbody.Helovedwatchingher
breastsemergefromtheconfiningsilk,nipplestighteningashisgazetrainedonthem,loveditwhenshe
bentovertoslideoffherleggings.Herroundbacksidebeckonedhiscock,andusuallyhewasupagainst
herassoonastheclothfelltothefloor.
Todayheletherfinishwithouttouchingher,notmissinghowBraden‟sbodywentrigidatthesight.
JealousytouchedhimbutBradenhadbeenbroughtalongforKatarina‟spleasure,nothingmore.Braden
wasthesextoytoday.
BradenremovedhisownclotheswithouttakinghiseyesoffKatarina.Themanmovedlikearobot,entire
bodystiffexceptforhiswideningblueeyes.
Calderstoodcomfortablyinthesleevelesstuniche‟dtakentowearing.Theblackchainonhisarm,
identicaltoBraden‟s,indicatedwhathewas—Shareem,stillenslaved.Buthe‟dneverbeensohappyto
showoffhischains.HewasenslavedtoKatarinanow,andthatwasallthatmattered.
“Whatwouldturnmeon,”hesaidtoKatarina,hisladylove,“istoseeyourockingontopofBraden,
takinghimdeepinside.”
“Yeah,thatwouldturnmeontoo.”Bradenmovedquicklytothebed,spreadhimselfonitandpressedhis
thumbbehindhisrock-hardcock.“Don‟thesitateonmyaccount.”
KatarinaslantedCalderaglance.“Areyousure?”
“Obeyme,Katarina.That‟swhatIwantorpunishmentfollows.”
“I‟mhavingmypunishmentnow,”Bradensaid.“Please,I‟mdyingoverhere.”Katarinasmiled.Itwasa
hotsmile,fullofwickednessbutalsoexcitementandtrust.SheknewwhyCalderwantedtosharewith
Braden,whatCalderplannedtodo.He‟dtalkedaboutitanddescribedit,butthiswasthefirstdayhe‟d
saidshewasready.
Katarinaapproachedthebed—wiseJudithhadalteredittobelowenoughforawomantoeasilymounta
man—andputherhandsonBraden‟schest.
Calderheldhisbreath,hisbloodhot,hiscockpounding,asKatarinaslidherthighoverBraden‟ships.
BradencaughtherarmsandhelpedheronthenKatarina,withalittlesigh,loweredherselfontohiscock.
Braden‟sheadwentback.“Thankyou,myfriend.Oh,that‟snice.”Katarinastartedtorock,impaledon
Braden,hereyesclosed,lostinthefeeling.
Herpheromonesfloodedtheroom,Calder‟sladylearninghowtoletgoandtakepleasurewhenitwas
offered.OnlywithCalderthereofcourse.Withhispermissionandwithhimwatching.
KatarinaopenedhereyesandsmiledoverhershoulderatCalder.Ohyes,thewomanbelongedtohim,
andCalderbelongedtoher.She‟dropedandtiedhimwithherloveandCalderdidn‟tmindinthe
slightest.
Bradenclosedhisfists.“Gods,herpussyistight.Andsodamnwet.Youareagenerousman.”
“Youhelpedus,myfriend,”Caldersaid.IfBradenhadn‟tmadesostubbornlysurethatKatarinastayedin
Calder‟slife,Calderwouldstillbealone,broken,ruined.
TheBeast.Nothingmore.
Katarinahadclosedhereyesagain,silentlyriding.Herroundhipsmovedbackandforth,sweatshining
onherskin.
Caldercouldn‟ttakeitanymore.Hepulledoffhistunicandloincloth,freeinghiscock,whichsprangout
withrelief.HeclimbedontothebedbehindKatarinaandshecurledbackintohischestasheputhisarms
aroundher.
“Liedownonhim,”Caldersaidinherear.“Raiseyourhips,likeIshowedyou.”Katarinanodded.She
loweredherselftoBraden‟schest,positioningherselftotakeCalder‟scock.
Calder‟sheartthumped.He‟dtaughthersomuchthislastmonth,usingwandsandplugsuntilshewas
readytotakehislengthinherass.Nowtheyfuckedlikethatalmosteverynight,Katarinablushingly
sayingsheloveditbothways.
She‟dneverhadtwococksthough.Thiswouldbeafirst.
Calderlookeddownatthelovelybacksidewaitingforhimandcouldn‟tresistgivingitafewspanks.
Katarinasquealedthenlaughed.
Nextcamethelube.CalderhadaskedAiden,themasterofsensualoils,tomixabatchforhim,something
thatKatarinawouldlove.Theresultwasasmoothconcoctionofwarm-scentedlube,smellingalittleof
rosesandsandalwood.Theodorfilledtheroom,andKatarinasmiled.
“Mmm,myfavorite,”shemurmured.
Calderslickedhisfingersandworkedthemintoherass,gentlysofteningandopeningher.Shecouldrelax
muchfasternow,usedtohiscaressesandanticipatingwhatwouldcome.
KatarinamadeahappynoisewhenCalderpartedhercheeks.Heglidedhiscockinslowly,moving
deeperthemoresherelaxed.
Thenhereyespoppedopen.“Oh.”
Bradensmoothedhishandsdownherarms.“Youallright,sweetheart?Calder‟sbig.”
“Icanfeelyouboth.Insideme.Icanfeelyoupressingme.Gods.”Bradengrinned.“Yeah,Shareemare
prettymuchgods.”
“Shutup,”Caldersaid.Histeethclenchedanditwasallhecoulddonottopump.HefeltBradentoo,at
leastthepressureofhimthroughherwalls.“Canyoutakeus,baby?”
“Yes.”Katarina‟swordscameoutbetweengasps.“Yes,Ican.Iwantto.”
“Good.”Veryslowly,Calderbeganhisthrusts.
Bradenknewhowitwasdone.HetimedhisownslidesinandoutwithCalder‟s,sothatKatarinahada
cockinheratalltimes.Shewasmoaning,incoherent,hereyesclosed,headlollingagainstCalder.
Theyrodeher,fuckedheruntilshescreamed.
Calderclosedhishandaroundherbreast.“Doyouwantustostop,love?”
“No!”Hershoutrangagainsttheceiling.Goodthingthebarwasfulltonight,althoughCaldersuspected
thatJudithhadsoundproofedhersexroom.
“That‟smygirl.”Caldersmiledandkissedhercheek.
Herscentsurroundedhim,coupledwithsandalwoodandroses,herwarmthandherlove.Helovedhow
shemadehimfeel,lovedbringinghertoultimatepleasurelikethis.
BradengrabbedCalder‟sshoulders.Hiseyeswerewide,thebluefillingthemcompletely.Hesaid,
“Fuck,”andcame.
Amomentlater,Katarinagyratedinyetanotherorgasm,butCalderheldon.Hewantedthistolast
forever,himinsideKatarina‟ssweetass,hervoicefillinghisears,herhairlikesilkunderhislips.
Buthehadonlysomuchstamina.Caldergroanedloudashishipspumpedwithouthispermission,and
thenhewasspillinghisseedandfallingagainsthisbeloved,whowassupportedbythestrongarmsofhis
bestfriend.KatarinaturnedherheadandkissedCaldersleepily,andCalder‟sheartswelledandwarmed.
Bradenletoutabreaththenlaughedlikehewashappy.“Well,thatwasgood,”hesaid,andclosedhis
eyes.
Calderdidn‟tanswer,contenttobeburiedinKatarina‟sbeautiful,tightass.
“Iloveyou,”hemurmured.“Loveyousomuch.”
“Loveyoutoo.”Katarina‟svoicewashoarsefromallherscreaming.ShesmiledathimandCalder
kissedheragain.
“Thankyou,”hewhispered.
Hersmileturnedsuddenlysly.“CanTheBeastcomeouttoplay?”Calderstilled.Shewasslickwithlube
andsqueezinghimtight,buthisheartbeatinnewexcitement.
Hescrapedherhairbackfromherfaceandbittheshellofherear.“OhKatarina.
Youaskedforit.”
“Idid.”
“TheBeastisallyours,love.Andhe‟sgoingtofuckyouuntilyoucan‟tstandup.”
“That‟swhatIwashoping.”
Caldergrowled,hisexcitementgrowing.Braden,stillinsideher,openedhiseyesagain.“Hey,canIplay
too?”
Caldernodded—thenheandBradendidthingstoKatarinathatwouldmakeCaldercomejust
rememberingthemlater.
ButwhentheyfellasleepthatnightinKatarina‟sownhouse,KatarinanestledintoCalder‟sarmsand
gavehimasmilethatwashisalone…meltingTheBeast‟sheart.
TheEnd
AbouttheAuthor
AllysonJameswritesromances,mysteries,eroticromanceandmainstreamfictionunderseveral
pseudonyms.ShehasmadetheUSATodaybestsellerlist,haswonseveralRomanticTimesReviewer‟s
Choiceawards,andwonRWA‟sRITAaward.HerbookshaveearnedstarredreviewsinBooklistand
TopPickreviewsinRomanticTimesBookReviewsmagazine.
Allysonlovestowrite,read,hikeandbuilddollhouses.Shemethersoulmatewhenshewaseighteen,
traveledtheworldwithhim,andsettleddownwithhimandtwocatsinthedesertsouthwest.
Allysonwelcomescommentsfromreaders.Youcanfindherwebsiteandemailaddressonherauthorbio
pageatwww.ellorascave.com.
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Ellora‟sCavemen:SeasonsofSeductionIanthologyHowlin‟
TalesoftheShareem1:Rees
TalesoftheShareem2:MaiaandRylan
TalesoftheShareem3:Rio
TalesoftheShareem4:AidenandKy
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