Chapter 247: On VacationJackie Walker Fox glanced over at her children peering eagerly out the window as their Air Canada flight touched down in Tampa. Eight-year-old Grant and six-year-old Emma had chattered excitedly during the entire three-hour flight from Toronto. Seeing them so happy thrilled Jackie. Grant and Emma were generally happy children, truthfully, despite the fact that their father had left the three of them a few years earlier. David Fox hadn't appreciated the remoteness of Lake Miranda Lodge, the family-run northern Ontario guest lodge where Jackie and her brother Blake had been raised. Of course, both Jackie and Blake had grown up and left Lake Miranda, going their own ways. But when their father Jim had suffered a stroke, Jackie had volunteered to return to run the place, so their parents could retire to Florida. She and her now-ex-husband David had made it work for a while, but he'd missed his suburban life…and his girlfriend, she'd found out later.Fierce
Chapter 248: ConfidentialA smile played on Jackie's lips as she watched Grant and Emma scamper at the water's edge. She let out a deep, gratifying sigh. "How is the business, sweetie?" her mother asked. Jackie stretched out her right leg, extending her toes beyond the circle of shade created by the huge red and blue umbrella her father had erected over their trio of beach chairs. "It's going really well," she smiled. "Blake and I are working on sprucing up the place a bit, you know, painting and that. And the remote cabins are very popular. We get lots of repeat business.""But you've closed down for six weeks?" her father asked."Yes, and no." Jackie frowned slightly. "We have a guest who has rented out the whole place for six weeks. Paid three times what we would have taken in, had the entire place been booked for the same time.""One guest?" Jim asked.Jackie nodded. "Yep."Ann shook her head. "But that's just…well, who on earth would do that?"Pursing her lips, Jack
Chapter 249: At the ClubIf you didn't know what it was, you'd never guess the nondescript building in downtown Toronto was a BDSM club. It was just any other mid-century brick and glass box, neither tall nor short, and it was within walking distance of Scott's studio apartment. Which was one of the deciding factors when he'd leased the tiny abode, a place to leave his things when he was working in the wilderness, a place to lay his head when he was in the city.He hadn't been to the club in several months, and he looked forward to blowing off some steam with a willing submissive. Or two. Unlike Blake, who was a confirmed Daddy Dom, Scott vacillated between types of submissives he liked to play with.He could be a Daddy, but truthfully, littles were exhausting. More power to Blake, though, he thought.He could be a Master to a slave, but that was also not exactly his preference either. He enjoyed impact play as much as the next Dom, but he just didn't have it in him to be a sadis
Chapter 250: PlayroomScott gazed down at Jade, bound face down on a spanking bench. The wooden piece had a black leather padded top that tilted down slightly toward the head. Head down, ass up, Scott thought, smiling to himself.Jade's wrists were cuffed to padded armrests, and her ankles to padded kneelers that angled out, offering access to her intimate spaces. Had Jade been his personal submissive, Scott might have stripped her naked, but given the fact that they didn't actually know each other, he opted to leave her clothes on. He could always move aside her thong to fuck her, which he fully intended to do, but not before meting out some 'punishment'. Not that she'd done anything truly punishment-worthy. But according to Jade's list, she liked pain. Which he'd deliver. This is why I don't prefer a slave, Scott mused. But tonight, he was a Master. "You earned punishment tonight, slave," he said to Jade. He crossed to a rack of implements and chose a black leather crop
Chapter 251: Feeling RestlessBack in his apartment, Scott unfastened his hair, allowing it to fall loosely around his shoulders. From a cupboard, he retrieved a bottle of Crown Royal and a glass, pouring the amber liquid over a couple of ice cubes. He wandered to the window and looked out over the city lights as he swirled the drink in his glass. His mood was quiet, contemplative.He'd enjoyed his session with the slave. And he'd achieved the sexual release he'd hoped for. But still… But still, maybe he was getting too old for meaningless, anonymous sex, just like he was getting too old for dealing with juvenile offenders day in and day out. Maybe it was time to consider a serious change. The next day, before he headed back to Crossroads, Scott took advantage of his building's laundry facility. He couldn't help feeling upbeat. He'd be out on the trail for two weeks, then he'd be free. He had just returned to his apartment with a basket full of clean laundry when his phon
Chapter 252: Disneyworld AdventureGrant and Emma hugged their grandparents tightly, then clambered into the back seat of the rented Chevrolet Cruze. Jackie winced again at the metallic orange hatchback. We're going to look like a piece of fruit rolling down the highway, she thought."You all have a wonderful time in Orlando," Ann said, leaning into the window for one more kiss."We will!" the children chorused."Thank Grandma and Grandpa again for the money," Jackie prompted. Her parents had pressed a crisp twenty-dollar bill into each child's hand at breakfast that morning."Thank you for the money!" they sang."You're welcome," Jim answered. "Spend it on something you want."Jackie turned to hug her parents one last time. "Thank you for having us. Thank you for everything.""Oh, sweetie, you know you're welcome here anytime." Her mother hugged her fiercely. "We're so proud of you.""I love you!" Choking back the lump in her throat, she kissed her father's cheek and got into
Chapter 253: Princesses and CastlesPrincess makeover completed, Emma now wore a sparkly blue Cinderella dress and genuine clear plastic glass slippers. Her hair had been styled into a neat blonde bun, and with Jackie's okay, a bit of makeup had been applied. Emma couldn't stop staring at her glittery pink fingernails. For his part, Grant had been patient while waiting for his sister to complete her transformation. The fact that video games had been available in the salon's lobby probably played a huge part in his generous nature.Following their visit to the salon, Daphne had guided them to a reserved table overlooking the Magic Kingdom's Main Street, where they enjoyed snacks and cold drinks before they checked into their castle room for the night.A light breeze ruffling her long dark hair, Jackie grinned to herself as she dialed her brother and handed her phone to the kids."Hi, Uncle Blake! Guess where we are?" Grant's voice squeaked with excitement."Yeah, Uncle Blake, gue
Chapter 254: Jackie's 'Me Time'Perched on a rattan bar stool at Trader Sam's, Jackie sighed contentedly as she sipped an ice-cold fruity rum concoction and considered her day.With the children in Daphne's capable hands, she'd relished her time at the spa, enjoying a two-hour massage, a complete mani-pedi, and a couple of other treatments she'd never heard of before. By the time she'd left, her hair and make-up had also been done.She'd entered the hotel suite feeling like a completely new Jackie. Seated at the table making their own glow-in-the-dark play dough, the children had oohed and ahhed appreciatively."Oh, Mommy, you look beautiful!" Emma had scanned her up and down. "But they didn't give you a princess dress?""Nope. I'll just have to wear my own dress.""We're going to pop popcorn and watch a movie," Grant had informed her. "And, we're going to watch the boat parade from our balcony."Jackie had smiled at Daphne. "That sounds amazing!""Your mum is going to have lots
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg