Chapter 11

Carol admired the beautiful flowers as they drove up the long winding driveway towards the Anderson home.

"How on earth does she get her petunias to grow so large? They are absolutely gorgeous."

"I guarantee you Victoria Anderson has nothing to do with those flowers. I'm sure they have a gardener."

As the house came into view, both Burt and Carol's eyes grew wide.

"Wow. Just...wow. What on earth do you do with a house this big?"

"Apparently you lock your son inside it."

Carol shook her head. "Poor Blaine. He could get lost in a house this big."

"Come on. Let's hope they let us see him."

Burt and Carol stepped out of the car. Burt went to get the trunk, but Carol stopped him. "Leave it. I'm sure they have staff who can lift it out." They approached the huge doors and rang the bell. A small woman dressed in a black and white maid uniform answered.

"Hello. May I help you?"

Burt rarely pulled the, I'm a Congressman card, but this seemed like a good time to do so.

"Hello. I'm Congressman Hummel. We're here to see Blaine."

The woman looked confused. "Blaine?"

"Yes. Blaine Anderson."

The woman shook her head but stepped aside so they could enter. "Wait here please." She disappeared down the hall.

Burt and Carol gave each other a worried look. A tall man wearing a gray suit came towards them.

"Good afternoon. I'm Marvin, the Anderson's house manager. How can I help you?"

"I'm Congressman Hummel and this is Carol. We're here to see Blaine."

"Blaine?"

Burt decided to proceed cautiously. "Yes, Blaine. Last time I spoke to Victoria she said he was home."

Marvin shook his head in confusion. "I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. Blaine hasn't lived here for years. He lives somewhere in New York with his master and they never visit. I might have the masters name and address somewhere. I'd be happy to check."

Burt and Carol glanced at each other and back at Marvin. He appeared to be genuinely confused. He also sounded like he was telling the truth.

"So, Blaine hasn't been here?"

"No. Like I said, he lives with his master in New York. He's been there since graduating high school. Would you like me to see if I can find an address? I'm not sure of his master's name. Something with a C or K, I think."

Burt couldn't believe that Victoria thought so little of both her son and his that her staff didn't even know Kurt's name.

"Is Victoria home?"

"No. She's in California on business. If you give me your card, I'll be happy to let her know you stopped by and I'll ask her to call you regarding Blaine."

Burt thought quickly. If he left his card, Victoria would know that he knew Blaine wasn't there. Was that good or bad? There could be an innocent explanation. He could be with her, but if that was the case why didn't her staff know that?

"No. That's okay. I'll just give her a call. Thanks for your time."

"Of course. Have a good day."

Burt and Carol sat in the car in silence, staring at the house. Finally Carol spoke.

"I don't like this. If he's not here, then where is he? I can't see her dragging him around to business meetings."

"I don't like it either. She travels a lot but this is her home base. Despite all her money, she doesn't own homes or apartments in other cities. She prefers expensive hotels. If she was going to keep Blaine this is where he would be."

Carol looked at him in alarm. "If? What do you mean, if she was going to keep him? You don't think she...gave him to someone...do you?"

Burt shook his head. "I don't know. Kurt worried about that, but...I just...I can't believe she'd do that. I don't wanna believe that. Not after all this time. She has to know that would destroy him. Then again she had no problem taking him. Who knows what she's capable of."

They sat in silence, both thinking the same thing. Finally Carol voiced it.

"What are we going to tell Kurt?"

Kurt stared at his naked reflection in the mirror.

He didn't recognize himself.

He'd lost weight. Too much weight. Too bad he didn't plan to do the show. He wouldn't have to worry about fitting into his costume. Of course, now the costume would hang off him.

After three more days of lying in despair, he'd decided to take Rachel's advice. She was right. Blaine would hate what he was doing to himself. If Blaine walked through the door he wouldn't recognize his master.

When.

When Blaine walked through the door he needed to recognize his master. His Dom.

Kurt had to get his shit together.

He took a shower and styled his hair. He applied concealer to the dark circles and a little bronzer to improve his color. He walked to his closet and chose an outfit. He glanced at Blaine's side. Did Victoria lay his clothes out for him in the morning? Blaine liked having his clothes chosen for him. A very small element of control, but one that fed him. Kurt had spent their first year together learning how to feed Blaine's submission in both small and large ways. Keeping Blaine's submission fed was important. It kept it in check. Balanced. Would Victoria take care of him, or would she just allow his submission to slowly creep back to it's natural, deep, suffocating level, drowning Blaine completely?

Kurt blinked back tears and got dressed. He definitely didn't feel better, but he did feel...clean. He quietly left his bedroom and heard Rachel, Finn, Chandler, Seth and Kevin all talking in the living room. He stayed out of sight so he could listen. Chandler was speaking.

"I think you should really push him to do this. He needs this right now. He can't sit here, day after day, grieving over Blaine. It's not healthy."

"Look, I agree with you. I want him back. I need him back. Tony's good, but he's not Kurt, and many of the investors came on board, in part, on the strength of Kurt's name. Without him the entire show might close before it ever opens, but I don't think he's in any condition to carry a show. His heart's not in it. It's broken. You can't lay something on someone broken."

Rachel was about to burst. "I completely disagree. Art is about drawing on your deepest, most heart-wrenching, and heartfelt emotions, and pouring all those feelings into your character and your performance. This tragic, awful, horrible experience will allow Kurt to give a Tony award winning performance. He's probably in the best acting shape of his life."

As they argued amongst themselves, Kurt noticed Seth sitting quietly next to Chandler. He had his knees pulled up to his chin, his arms wrapped around his legs. His eyes looked sad. Kurt appreciated the sadness. He felt like Seth was the only one who shared his current emotional state.

Kurt entered the room causing everyone to fall silent. He sat down on the couch.

"Oh, don't mind me. Please continue discussing my future. As soon as you've reached agreement just let me know what I'm supposed to do."

Everyone looked slightly embarrassed. "Kurt, what do you want to do?" asked Rachel.

"I wanna focus on getting Blaine back." Seth perked up and nodded. Kurt appreciated him even more.

Chandler frowned. "I hate to say this, but you really shouldn't get your hopes up, Kurt. It was a rescind order. Rescind orders are difficult to overturn and..."

Chandler.

Always the negative, annoying voice of reason.

Kurt was already on the emotional edge.

"...Blaine's mom seems like the type who won't hesitate to report you to the Ministry. You can't take that chance. I know it's hard, but maybe you should leave Blaine alone for a..."

Kurt exploded.

"You know what, Chandler? I'm sick of you! I'm sick of your negative, cowardly, bow down to authority bullshit! You and my father! Follow the rules, Kurt. Do what the Ministry says, Kurt. Well you know what following the rules has gotten me? Nothing! I followed the fucking rules, and the rules screwed me!"

"I just don't want to see you get hurt! You can't just demand that his mother..."

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I don't wanna hear it! You know what Seth, you better hope nothing ever happens to you because if it does, you are ass out! Chandler will be too busy following the damn rules to come save you!"

Chandler looked like he had just been slapped while Rachel, Finn and Kevin were speechless. Seth was rocking back and forth, crying softly. He hated yelling. Chandler stood up.

"I'm out. I'm done. I'm fucking done trying to be your friend. I know you're going through a horrible time, but you...how dare you. I don't need this shit. Come on, Seth."

Seth slowly stood up, tears running down his face. He took a step to follow Chandler and stopped. "Please...please...I...I don't want...we're losing everybody. Please, Chandler? Don't...please Kurt...please be friends." Seth started sobbing. First Blaine. Now Kurt. Everything was falling apart.

Chandler wrapped his arms around Seth. Kurt sat on the couch with his face in his hands. Maybe he should just go back to bed.

Kevin took charge. "All right, look. We're all under stress. This entire thing has been horrible and terrible and very, very stressful. Chandler...you know Kurt didn't mean it. He's just...things are bad and he's taking out his frustration on you because he can't beat the shit out of Blaine's mom. And Kurt, you know Chandler loves you. He just sees the world a little differently, but he's your friend and right now you need your friends. So, let's all just sit down and calm down before Seth has a nervous breakdown. Don't you have some wine around here? We need some alcohol."

Rachel sent Finn to the kitchen for wine and glasses. Chandler sat back down with Seth at his feet, his head resting in Chandler's lap. Chandler looked at Kurt. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just don't want you to get in trouble. You can't..." Chandler stopped himself. He decided to just keep his mouth shut from now on.

Kurt sighed. He felt tired. So very old and tired. "I'm sorry too. I apologize for what I said. I know you'd do anything for Seth."

Finn appeared with two bottles of wine and several glasses.

Amazing what 30 minutes and wine can do.

For the first time in weeks the atmosphere inside the apartment relaxed. Rachel was giggling and swapping theater stories with Kevin, while Chandler was on the floor cuddling with Seth. He was discreetly stroking Seth's dick and whispering promises to whip him until he passed out when they returned home. Finn was sneaking looks at them and wondering why he felt turned on.

Kurt stared at the floor and allowed the voices to float over and around him. He was grateful they weren't trying to force him into conversation. Their presence was enough for now because he knew he would eventually be alone. It reminded him of his mother's death. For the first few weeks there were people in and out of the house, bringing food and checking on him and his dad, but then life went on. People returned to their own lives and he and his dad were forced to find their way forward.

He didn't want to move forward.

Not without Blaine.

At least Blaine was alive and well in California.

Burt didn't have it in him to tell Kurt the truth. At least not until he knew what the truth was.

Instead he told Kurt that Blaine and Victoria were in California. As soon as they returned to Ohio, Burt would deliver the trunk and check on Blaine.

Kurt just hoped Victoria took Blaine to the beach. Blaine liked the beach.

A week later Quinn sat across from Burt in his small office at the tire and lube shop. She was back from spying on Victoria in California.

"Not once?"

Quinn shook her head. "Not one time. He definitely wasn't at the hotel she was staying at. I managed to bribe the concierge to let me in her suite. Blaine wasn't there. There was no sign of him at all. No clothes, no hair gel, nothing. And I never saw him with her. She spent her days in meetings, visiting manufacturing facilities, and at the spa. I never saw Blaine."

Burt sat back. "If he's not with her, and he's not in Westerville, then where the hell is he?"

Quinn shifted in her chair. "Perhaps it's time for us to get some...professional help?"

"Like what?"

"We need someone who does this kind of thing for a living."

"You mean like a private investigator?"

"Yeah...sorta."

Burt rubbed his forehead and thought about it.

"Well I guess it can't hurt. I'll see if some of the security guys know someone."

"Actually..." Quinn blushed and looked a little sheepish. "I might know someone who can help us."

"Really? Who?"

"A friend. Let me make a call and I'll let you know in the next day or two. In the meantime, are you going to tell Kurt the truth, or are you going to keep lying to him?"

Burt sighed. "It sounds so bad when you put it like that. Yes, I'm going to tell him. He deserves to know the truth, I just hate to give him more bad news on top of everything else."

Quinn nodded. "I understand, but he should to know. He still considers himself Blaine's master. He should know what's happening with his slave."

Wednesday evening Kurt was sitting on the couch listening to Kevin's plea for him to return to the show. Rachel was also there, nodding in agreement with everything Kevin said. She wanted to see Kurt back at work because she thought it would be good for him, but she had selfish reasons as well. She missed having Finn with her at rehearsals.

"Look, I know you want to focus on getting Blaine back, but you can't stop living while you do that. You haven't left the apartment in almost a month. That's not good, Kurt. Blaine wanted you to stay in the show. He told me that. He didn't want you to abandon your career. And, forgive me for being honest, but you can't afford to abandon your career. Despite your recent food boycott, you've gotta eat. When Blaine comes home you need to be able to take care of him. You need to work, Kurt."

Kurt knew Kevin was right. Getting Blaine back was going to be harder and take longer than he'd thought. He'd been spending his days researching ways to appeal a rescind order and file for return of a slave. It was an uphill battle and the success rate appeared to be zero. The only slaves ever returned were in cases where the parents decided to do so. All other removals by rescind order remained permanent, especially if there was a question of abuse. The research left Kurt in a haze of depression and sadness. He wanted Blaine home. Now. He missed him and he needed him. Bad. Especially since he was starting to feel something he hadn't experienced in a very long time.

The unfulfilled need to dominate.

Kurt hadn't thought about his need to dominate since high school. Once he claimed Blaine it wasn't a problem. His dominance was constantly fed by Blaine's submission. But now Kurt's dominance was grieving the loss of Blaine and growing hungry. Kurt ignored the gnawing ache deep in the pit of his stomach. He would just have to deal until Blaine came home.

"Kevin...I can't come back to the show. As soon as Blaine is back in Ohio, I'm going to see him."

"You are?"

"Yes. I have to make sure he's okay and I need to talk to Victoria. I have to at least try to convince her to give him back to me."

Rachel frowned. "But Kurt...are you allowed to do that? What makes you think she'll let you see Blaine or even listen to you?"

"I have to try. I have to try everything. I have to get him back. I have to."

Kurt's cell phone rang. His dad.

Kurt stood up and walked to the window. "Hi. How are you? Is Blaine back?"

"I'm fine. Is someone there with you?"

"Kevin, Rachel and Finn are here. Why?"

"I have something to tell you and I don't want you to be alone. Now don't panic. It may not mean anything, but...I think you should know."

Kurt closed his eyes and clenched the phone. How much more could he take? "Okay. What?"

Burt slowly recounted the visit to the Anderson home and Quinn's spying on Victoria.

"So, what are you saying? Are you saying that Victoria...she...she doesn't have him? Has she...did...did she give..." Kurt's head started spinning and he couldn't breathe. He felt darkness swallowing him. His cell phone slid from his fingers and fell to the floor followed by Kurt.

Rachel jumped up. "Kurt! Kurt! Oh, my God! Kurt!" Finn grabbed the phone. "Hello? Burt! Hey, what's..." Finn listened as Rachel and Kevin helped Kurt to the couch. "Yeah...um...okay. Yeah, Kurt's...well, he kinda passed out or something, but he's okay. Um...yeah...okay, yeah. Bye."

"Kurt, what happened? What did he say?"

Kurt shook his head as the tears started to fall.

"He's not in Ohio. They...they don't think she has him...they don't...they don't know where he is. They don't know where he is and they don't think she has him. Where is he? Where is he? Where the hell is he!"

Blaine had no idea how long he'd been on the island. He'd completely lost any sense of days and time. It all just ran together, broken up by eating, swimming, watching movies, playing chess and talking. It was impossible not to have conversations with a person you spent so much time with, especially when they were the only person around. The topics were always chosen by Sebastian. They argued over movies, television, gay rights, and whether or not Maroon 5 would ever get back to their Songs About Jane greatness, but Sebastian was careful to never allow their conversations to drift into the personal. He didn't want to hear about how wonderful Kurt was and how much Blaine missed him, and he refused to answer questions about Tristan or anything else in his past. He also refused to listen to Blaine's pleas to be released. When Blaine brought it up, Sebastian would simply smile and shake his head.

"Just accept it, Blaine. It's me and you. You and me. Now that I finally have you...I'll never let you go."

The look in Sebastian's eyes and the tone of his voice left Blaine nervous, paranoid and frightened.

Especially since he could feel the shifting and reconnecting going on inside him.

His true nature was starting to grow, weakening his strength.

Once a slave has been claimed and dominated on a daily basis, they struggle to live without it. Especially if they had a master who took excellent care of them, going above and beyond to feed their submission. Without Kurt, Blaine was beginning to suffer. Day by day his submission was slowly growing, and with it an acute yearning to be controlled and dominated. The lack of a collar intensified the feeling. As Blaine's submission grew, so did the longing for a master.

And Sebastian was the only master in his presence.

Blaine was determined to fight what was happening. He ignored the slow, deep, boil simmering low in his stomach, while he fought to suppress the submission that grew a little stronger and more persistent every day. He was extra careful not to immediately respond to Sebastian's simple requests like, "hand me the remote," for fear of feeding his submission through obedience to a master. When he could feel Sebastian's presence affecting him, he would shut down his mind and run to the woods. There he would hide and scream at the sky.

"Kuuurrrt! Hurry up and find me! I'm somewhere in Europe! Please find me! Please! I want to obey you, I do! I don't wanna submit, but...it's getting hard! So fucking hard! Please, Kurt! Find me! Please find me!"

But he was sure Kurt had no way of finding him.

So he fought his mind and battled his nature.

And wondered when Sebastian would push him over the edge.

S&B&S&B

Sebastian loved when Blaine went to the woods to scream.

He considered it a sign of progress.

Blaine was starting to crack.

Sebastian pretended not to notice Blaine's struggle, but he knew exactly what was going on. It was what he'd been waiting for. It was what gave him the strength to resist the urge to press Blaine up against a wall, rip his clothes off and fuck him till he begged for mercy.

Sebastian was not a rapist.

No. The slaves always wanted him. Always.

And he wanted Blaine to want him.

To want him in the worst, most desperate way possible. He wanted Blaine a broken, melted, dripping mess of submission and need at his feet. And then, and only then, would Sebastian take him.

He planned to dominate the fuck out of Blaine.

And knowing that gayface Hummel was somewhere crying his eyes out was just icing on the cake.

This wasn't just about Sebastian's desire for Blaine. This was also about revenge. Revenge on Kurt for standing in the way, and taking something Sebastian really wanted. Despite all of his sexual conquests, and the countless slaves who wanted him, Blaine's refusal had cut Sebastian deeply. Something about being so completely denied and unwanted had left him questioning his worth, making it difficult for him to accept love from anyone, no matter how sincere, pure, strong and true.

Like Tristan's love.

But Sebastian didn't blame Blaine. He blamed Kurt. Kurt was the master who ruled over Blaine's mind. Sebastian was convinced that if it hadn't been for Kurt, Blaine would have been his back in high school.

But that was okay.

He could be patient because he always got his way. Always. He'd explained this to Blaine years ago.

It wouldn't be much longer.

Blaine was starting to fall apart. A little more each day, and at night, without realizing it, Blaine was scooting closer to Sebastian in bed. His submission instinctively being drawn closer to Sebastian's masterful presence.

It was just a matter of time.

Burt cautiously glanced around the restaurant and then at Quinn.

"This is where this guy wanted to meet?"

"No, this is where I suggested we meet."

Burt looked around again. "Why? This place is a dump."

Quinn sighed. Despite having been in Congress for several years, Burt sometimes acted like he'd just arrived yesterday.

"Exactly. No one who would recognize the Congressman from the state of Ohio will be here."

Burt nodded. "Right. Who are we meeting again?"

Quinn shifted and tucked her hair behind her ears. "Someone who can circumvent the Ministry and help us track down Blaine."

"I know that, Quinn. What's his name?"

Quinn suddenly looked nervous as her cheeks flushed. Burt took a closer look at her. Quinn was always attractive, but today she seemed even more beautiful. Her hair was down instead of up, and instead of her usual business suit, she was wearing a pretty yellow dress. Her face was a bit more made up than usual.

"Quinn? Exactly who are we..."

Quinn's face lit up before she forced herself to control her expression. Burt turned around.

A tall young man with dark skin and a black mohawk was striding towards them. He was wearing black jeans, a white t-shirt, a black leather jacket and dark sunglasses. He had diamonds in both ears.

He stopped at their table, whipped off his sunglasses and looked down at Quinn.

"Hello Noah."

"Noah? Wow. I haven't been called that in years. Damn Fabray. You're still smoking hot."

"And I haven't been called, smoking hot in years."

"Are those Yale and Capitol Hill boys blind?"

The two stood there staring at each other until Burt cleared his throat.

"Oh, um, Noah, do you remember Kurt's father, Congressman Burt Hummel?"

"Sure. What's up?"

Burt frowned as he looked Noah up and down. "Hello."

Noah dragged a chair over from another table and sat down.

"I saw Beth last month. Shelby mentioned that it's been a while since you stopped by."

Noah slowly nodded. "I have to be careful. There are people out there who can't know about Beth. It's safer for both of them if I stay away, but I see her. Trust me, I see her. Shelby just doesn't know it."

"It would be nice if Beth could see you."

Noah's eyes turned cool. "Is that why you called me?"

Quinn turned businesslike. "No. We need your help. More specifically, Kurt needs your help."

Noah glanced at Burt and cocked an eyebrow. "What could Kurt need help with that a big, bad, powerful congressman can't handle?"

Quinn shook her head. "At this point Burt can't be involved. He's already done too much. It's a rather complicated and delicate matter. We need to be discreet."

"What's the problem?"

"We need to find Kurt's slave, Blaine Anderson."

"Kurt lost his slave?"

"He was taken from him."

"Kidnapped?"

Quinn hesitated for a moment. "Rescind order."

Noah sat back and whistled. "What the hell did Hummel do?"

Burt's anger flared up. "Nothing! He didn't do anything!"

"He must have done something to get a rescind order slapped on his ass."

Burt was about to get going, but Quinn held up her hand to stop him.

"Listen, I can assure that Kurt did nothing wrong. Let me explain."

As Quinn began telling the story of the past two months, Burt tried to remember the relationship between Quinn and Noah. What was the story? Noah... Puckerman. Yeah, Noah Puckerman, usually called Puck. They had a baby girl who they gave up for adoption. Quinn was a master and Noah...well he seemed like a master. How had they had a baby together?

It wasn't until Noah stretched his arms behind his head, that Burt was able to catch a glimpse of his ink stained left wrist. It was a half stain. It didn't go all the way around his wrist. Of course. How could he have forgotten?

While very rare, there were people born with only a half stain on their wrist. While recognized as slaves by the Ministry, half stained slaves had a hard time finding a master. Most masters want a slave who will submit to them completely. Half stained slaves will submit, but only to a certain point. They have just enough dominance inside them to make complete submission impossible. Half stained slaves had a tendency to live by their own rules instead of the Ministry's, much to the Ministry's chagrin.

Once Quinn finished the story, Noah sat quietly for several minutes.

"All right. Let's say I'm willing to help Hummel out. Once I find Blaine, what does he plan to do?"

Quinn spoke carefully. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now we just need to find Blaine."

Noah shook his head. "Uh uh. You're asking me to interfere with a rescind order. That's dangerous shit. Even more dangerous if Kurt plans to contact him or worse, try stealing him back. I need to know what Kurt's plans are."

Burt spoke up. "Kurt doesn't have a plan. He doesn't even know we're doing this. I'd rather not get him involved until we have to."

Noah looked at Quinn. "So, why me?"

"Because I heard you would good."

"Yeah. You do know how good I am, don't you?

Quinn turned slightly pink. "Good at slave tracking...among other things. I did my research, Noah. I know what you've been involved with. Legal and illegal. And I know the Ministry tried to recruit you, but you turned them down, pissing them off further. I figured you'd be willing to help because you don't like the Ministry, and you know Kurt."

"I'm willing to help, but I ain't free. Not even for old friends."

"Of course I'll pay you for your services," said Burt.

"I'm not cheap."

Quinn's voice turned dominant. "Perhaps we can work something out. A discount for old times sake."

Burt watched in surprise as submission flashed in Noah's eyes. His physical demeanor softened slightly as Quinn stared at him.

"Maybe. I'll think about it. In the mean time, I'll start making a few inquiries."

"How?" asked Burt. "The Ministry doesn't answer questions or share details."

Noah's dominance returned. "You just don't know the right people to ask. That's what I'm for, remember?"

Noah stood up. "I'll be in touch." He turned to leave but then turned back.

"You"re still the most beautiful girl in the world, Quinn, and trust me, I've seen plenty."

Quinn's smile lit up the entire restaurant.

Tristan slowly walked home. He was tired, but it was a good tired. An accomplished tired.

Tristan had a job.

Despite having a degree in marketing, Tristan decided to get a job working at a neighborhood grocery store. He didn't want to work in the business world where he would have to deal with masters day in and day out. Especially since he didn't have a collar for protection. For now working at the grocery store was enough. He didn't have to think too hard and he felt safe around his co-workers, all of whom were straight.

Tristan was very aware of his looks. He knew he was considered beautiful. His beauty made him desirable, and being collarless made him even more attractive. He had to be careful. Especially since his need to be dominated was starting to choke him. If he ran into a master with a strong enough presence, it would be over. He knew he would submit immediately, and he didn't want that. He wanted to be claimed.

He wanted Sebastian.

He tried not to think about him. It hurt too much. He still didn't understand why Sebastian released him in such a cold, cruel way. He knew Sebastian was lying when he said he didn't love him. Tristan was sure he was the only person Sebastian had ever loved, but for some reason he couldn't get past his demons and accept Tristan's love in return. Tristan always tried to make Sebastian see that his love for him wasn't tied solely to their master/slave relationship. He loved Sebastian the man as well as the master. He thought Sebastian was finally beginning to accept and believe this when he blindsided him with the unclaiming. It didn't make sense.

So now he was alone and unclaimed in New York City. He had to be careful. He'd decided to stay away from the free clubs, and not because Sebastian told him to. As desperate as he felt, he knew the clubs would only lead to trouble.

Sebastian had sent him a text saying he could stay in the apartment for as long as he wanted, but Tristan didn't trust him. He could live off the money from the job, and save the money Sebastian had given him, just in case he turned up one day to throw him out. After all, it had happened before.

Tristan entered the apartment and locked the door behind him. He put down his bag and took off his shirt. He pulled off the rubber band holding his hair back and allowed it to fall to his shoulders. Maybe he would cut his hair. A fresh start.

He was heading towards the kitchen when there was a knock at the door.

He stood still, listening. He didn't know anyone who would visit him. Maybe he was hearing things.

Another knock.

Tristan's heart leapt. Only one person knew he was here. He ran to the door and flung it open.

"Well hello, Pocahantas."

Royce.

Tristan stepped back as Royce's dominance assaulted his senses, sending his submission into a frenzy.

"What are you doing here?"

"I heard you were in town so I thought I'd stop by."

Royce walked in. Tristan steadied himself as he closed the door. He felt slightly drunk.

Royce stood in the middle of the living room and ran his eyes lustfully up and down Tristan's body. He'd always thought Tristan was far too beautiful for Sebastian.

"So, how ya been?"

Tristan remained by the door. A million alarms were ringing in his head. He'd known Royce for as long as he'd known Sebastian. He knew what Royce was like. What he was capable of. This was dangerous.

"Um, I've been fine."

"Really? You don't look fine. I mean, you look beautiful as always, but...you definitely don't look fine. You look rather...hungry."

Tristan gripped the doorknob tighter.

"Are you, Tristan? Are you hungry?"

Tristan knew he should run, but Royce's dominance was strong and familiar, almost soothing. In part because he'd been around it for years, and in part because Royce was strong like Sebastian.

Royce always wanted what Sebastian had.

"Come here, Tristan."

"Maybe you should leave."

Royce stared into Tristan's eyes, his dominance burning into him. "Come here, Tristan."

Tristan slowly walked towards him. Royce smiled and reached over to twirl a few strands of Tristan's hair around his finger. "Your hair is beautiful, Tristan. You're beautiful. So fucking beautiful." He leaned over and softly kissed Tristan's neck. Tristan shivered.

"Royce...you...you should leave. You can't do this. You don't want to do this. You're Sebastian's best friend."

Royce stared into Tristan's eyes and took pleasure from the confused swirl of desire, need, hatred and fear. "You're not his slave anymore, Tristan. You're free."

Tristan shook his head. He definitely wasn't free. He still loved Sebastian. "Please...don't do this to me. To him. You're his best friend. You're his very best friend."

"All the more reason why it's better that's it me and not someone else."

Royce pushed Tristan up against the wall and pressed his body into his. Tristan groaned brokenly as Royce's dominance collided with his starving submission.

Tristan didn't have a chance.

Royce kept him trapped in the apartment for three days.

He was cruel, sadistic and insatiable.

He fulfilled every fantasy he'd ever had about fucking his best friend's slave.

Tristan hated himself for enjoying it, but he couldn't help it. It felt so good to be brutally dominated and used after months of constant cravings. He simply closed his eyes and pretended it was Sebastian.

When he was finally done, Royce dressed and smiled with sick satisfaction at the sight of Tristan, lying on the floor, naked, wrecked and completely consumed.

"Well, Tristan, I'll be sure to tell Sebastian you're doing well and that he was a fool to get rid of such a delicious fuck."

"W-what? No! No! You can't! You can't tell him about this!"

Royce shrugged. "Why not? You're not his anymore, remember? He unclaimed you, and I'm pretty sure he's moved on. I haven't seen him in weeks which leads me to believe he's busy fucking someone. But don't worry. I'll tell him you managed to say hello between sucking my cock and screaming my name."

"No! Please! Don't tell him! Please! I still love him! Please! He can't ever know! He can't! Please!

Royce smiled. "Bye Tristan."