Faline

When all are at the table again, the males all have their new loincloths and collars. There’s only two females and one will be leaving, the other will be given something else to wear. For now, it will more than likely be the same thing that Trisha and Danica are wearing.

Well, there are two other females, both human and detoxing at the moment. I can always ask later if they want to leave, as I'm sure the lion will be back at some point. Tasha and Kell at least, Elena more than likely won't care one way or the other, since she'll be gone anyway.

Only one to have changed their minds is Chandrika, so Orion has his clutch that will be going with him. Alastor, Skeet, Diego, and now Chandrika say their goodbyes to the others, doing all their well wishes while I watch Avina and Marie come in. The female Werewolf inclines her head to me, then Orion, and goes back to her usual place with the others of the kitchen crew.

The Vampires against the wall are scowling and showing disgust, so I step closer to Orion, mouthing to him to be careful as my eyes flick over to them. Sure he already knows, I just want to be sure. Both he and his nephew nod to me.

Rafael, who'd been watching the whole exchange, stands with Zaaz rising next to him. Both have a few words with their companions before walking over to me and the lions. I raise an eyebrow as they join with those leaving, the cut-up Were winking at me.

With the sun in the process of rising, they won't have to worry about any of them closer to the doors and outside, but up to the front can be a minefield. My head cocks as they all head out, the small fox in the arms of Rika. He’d originally been in the large lion’s but was moved to keep his hands free in case needed.

"You going to be alright?"

I smile at Orion, a mischievous glint in my eyes. He doesn't look very thrilled, but he nods, patting my head before turning and heading out with the others. I swat at his arm, lips pursed as I glare after him. He's not careful he's going to feel the mighty power of the short.

Running hands through my hair to fix it, I turn back to those who’re staying. Only ones left are Milo, Viskal, Kyle, and Thessily. Bobcat Kyle is favoring one of his legs, so I figure it a safe bet that he's done for now. Like Diego, he'd had his legs broken for attempting to run. Leidolf too, of course, is by my side. Refuses to move more than a few feet from me, so seeing him away from me will be the shocker.

"Think you can make it back upstairs Kyle? Have a room I need to look at. Once up and inside it, you're more than welcome to rest. Same with the rest of you; I know only a few hours of sleep wasn't enough for you guys. Milo, you can still look around if you wish, but want you close till we're up there."

They all give me assorted affirmatives while I watch the undead at the end of the room. Making sure Kerry is all set for the day's meals, I follow after Avina to this room that has 'everything I need for my job'. Thessily on one side and Changeling on the other, the three guys are behind me as we troop back up to Lady's wing.

"Are they in there when I'm not?"

Avina looks a little confused at my question.

"The Vamps in the kitchen. Do they hang out in there when I'm not in the room?"

She shrugs as her brow furrows.

"I'm not sure. Those two aren't I don't think, but others come in and stand for a while before leaving. Jasyn tends to hang around a lot. Think he's been trying to catch you when you're in there."

The name means nothing to me since I only know a few Vampires here. Four that I can think of right off the top of my head. Lady, of course, Maddy and Max, then Patrice.

Haven't seen her around since I got back, but I know her. Nicolaus too, if you want to get technical, but he isn't here. Pretty sad when you think about it; I'm a Vampire, but I know more animals and humans than other Vamps.

I make sure to keep Avina going at a steady pace so as not to strain those with lingering injuries, but can tell she's getting impatient. For supposedly being submissive, she sure doesn't act like it at times. We're not going at a snail's pace so she can deal with it.

Back up the stairs I'd come down only a few hours ago, I’ve never counted how many floors the place has. Seems almost endless at times. There isn't a single flight of stairs that reaches every floor, I know that much. Not sure what it's called, but a single staircase will reach through two to three floors, after that you have to go to a different set to go higher or lower. You'll know you're going underground by the difference in texture. Being barefoot comes in handy for more things than collecting dirt.

Most of the ground floor and up staircases are wooden, the ones leading underground are stone. Most of the place is carpeted, but it's an older carpet. No longer thick and plush, so you can feel what's underneath. Can even hear creaking if you listen long enough.

When running around before I left, I'd gone past multiple nooks and crannies. Some so small, it's obvious they weren't meant for larger beings. Kids and small animals maybe, but nothing adult-sized. This place would be amazing for kids to get lost in. Hell, not just kids. Don't know how many times I've managed to get lost.

Sure enough, we're going the exact way to Lady's rooms. The closer we get the more antsy I become to turn around and go back.

"She's not in right now, she had to go elsewhere for business."

Am I that obvious? Avina manages to calm me but I'm still uncomfortable. When we go past her doors my shoulders don't feel so tight. Just hope the others have seen and taken note because you really don't want to be in that woman’s crosshairs.

The next set of doors down is where we stop. Dark wood just like all the others, with brass latches and decor. Nothing to tell this door is different from any other, or who's behind it. I make no move to touch it, so the girl does. She doesn't seem to mind, excited all over again. Glad someone's happy about all this. They open inward, just like the ones at Lady's end.

Inside, once revealed, is much like hers as well. Large picture window, desk with chairs, and bookshelves. This one has a few additions though; file cabinets, large half oval couch with a coffee table, computer with printer, and assorted office supplies that you don't see in her room.

Honestly, it is pretty nifty. As she shuts the door behind us, I head for the desk and motion the others to the curved sofa. Looks pretty comfortable, actually. Aside from the couple of chairs in front of the desk, there's another off to the side.

Behind the large wooden thing, my bag and clothes are set by the swivel chair. On it sits the clipboard I was given and had started making notes in. Clearly, Trisha has been in here, although she gave no warning.

Think she an I need to have a chat about communication.

I am impressed by the setup, but it just enforces the image of a gilded cage in my head. Also hammers in the very large responsibility that I've taken on in caring for all the slaves.

Thessily and the three guys have taken the couch, all fitting on it without crowding each other too much. Leidolf is walking around, looking over the place. Think the part that really draws me is the window.

It looks exactly like the other, just black right now. Have a sick impulsive desire to open the shades, but I'm not that suicidal. I can feel the sun on the other side, even though it's cold to the touch.

No visible wires, the cords are hidden within the desk. Avina is watching me expectantly, so I give her a smile. Think she was expecting a bit more of a reaction but I just can't muster it.

Your attitude tends to change towards things that’re given when all you can think of is the price that will be taken from you. Have to keep reminding myself I'm no longer a prisoner here, but it's starting to feel like it. Not sure how to feel, so I can't manage excitement even to make a friend feel better.

The others are watching me curiously, Viskal looking at the window as well with a little confusion. That, I smile at, looking back to it myself. The ledge in front of it is just wide enough to sit on, but barely.

Wide enough for when I'm in my cat body, so it works for me.

"It's a blackout window. Somewhere around here is a remote that lightens and darkens the shades within the glass. I'd show you, but the sun is up, and I don't care to burn today."

He nods, seeming satisfied. Kyle is rubbing his legs, which isn't surprising. Broken whenever he'd heal. Having eaten and rested, he should heal nicely...when not straining himself.

"Are you still wanting to explore some more, Milo?"

I caught him just as he yawned, the others catching and doing the same. He nods but is clearly tired. Smiling at them, I tell them to shift and rest. I don't get any fussing as each nod, removing their loincloths. Too tired. Thessily is still wrapped in her towel but she removes it to shift as well.

Not much room on the couch to be able to curl up comfortably, not when each is too big when an animal, so they curl up in front of it. I pull out the table so it isn't in the way. When they're all situated, I send Avina off to get an outfit for the clouded leopard.

Nipple clamps are a no-go here, she's going to have the same as what Trisha and Danica have. Loincloth is still there, but a tube-top takes the place of the clamps. Collar is a given as well. Even though she won't be 'on the market', she's still considered a slave here. I can't wait till the new shit comes in so the clothes are different and just all-around better. Not sure what to do with Leidolf, I could technically order him into human form, but all trust will be lost.

Arms wrapping around my middle, I look at him absently. The brown and gray wolf just watches me right back, gold-green eyes intent. Would be nice if he could talk, but sometimes quiet is a good thing.

Sighing, I situate myself at the desk, spending a minute or two raising the seat of the damn chair. If I sit in it like I should with it raised where I want it, my feet touch the wheeled legs instead of the floor. Would usually sit with a leg under me, but the stupid dress I'm in kind of prevents that.

The desk isn't super high, but high enough to make things inconvenient. Possible I'm being anal though. While I rummage through the drawers to see what all I was given, my Changeling sits next to me.

Holds everything any other desk would have, an overabundance almost. Taking a deep breath, I get to work. Occasionally tangling my fingers in the wolf’s scruff.

Getting notes all situated and files made for each slave I already know things about, many get set aside waiting for more complete information. Avina returns just in time, I have her set the outfit down and go back out to fetch Trisha. Again, I need a gopher.

When I get focused enough on what I'm doing, the wolf next to me lays down and rests his head on my toes. Feels kind of good actually, he's warm. Few feet away a serval, bobcat, clouded leopard, and another wolf are all passed out next to each other.

Small snores make up my background noise so it isn't so quiet, which is a good thing. Need a radio in here or something since they won't be in here all the time to make noise for me. Actually, hope I'm not in here long enough to need one.

Would rather be in the kitchen, but with my new task, my time in there will be limited. After everything is set up and running smoothly, I may have time, but that's quite a ways away yet. Have all the submissives to tend to as well as working in the changes I'm wanting to do, and while doing all that, dodging angry Vamps, pissy animals, and time at home.

Had originally planned to make here more of a home base but that depends on how things go. I want to help those here, but if I'm constantly having to deal with Lady's threats, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to. Hard to do anything if I have to constantly watch my back for any who wish me harm in some way or another.

May have my own wolf bodyguard, but he's 'young', was born an animal, and I'm more interested in keeping him safe than letting him protect me. Not sure if Seth will come back, Orion has his own thing, and everyone else is...well...subby.

Plan on getting a few of the males to become more aggressive, but there's no telling if that will work. Also need to get a look at the auction and sale area. The whole time I've been here, I've never actually seen it.

Avina knocks and comes in with Trisha and Danica. They both find the pile of fluff first then look at me. The healer comes forward when I motion for her, showing her what I have out so far.

Leidolf had perked up at the knock, but settles back down when known people come in. Danica looks around curiously before the older woman points her to the bookshelves. As she retrieves a book and sets in for some reading, Avina heads off, having been told by Lady earlier what she was to do after getting me this far.

For the next couple of hours Trisha and I make up a ledger. She knows all the submissives but doesn't know them, so half my information is sketchy at best. I asked her if they've all heard that I'll be who they go to now and she isn't sure. With the gossip train, there's really no telling what's going around.

I let her know that word needs to be spread around, so it'll start things along with them getting used to the idea. Granted they don't have much of a choice but it’ll go smoother if they accept it. Turns out I've only really met maybe a third of the subpopulation.

Also tell her to get it around that I am and will be making some changes. Trisha knows of some of them that I want to do, but I had to stop telling her after she started getting nervous. So there's still much that she doesn't know about.

The young girl, Danica, gets sent out to spread the word. I let her know to tell them that if any problem arises that they’re to bring it to me. Puffed up with self-importance, she darts out and becomes the town crier... Just a quieter version.