Master's Inspection

Ferrara

"Your highness, are you sure about this?" Samuel asked worriedly. The curtain fell after the she-wolf was being dragged through it backstage. I glanced up at the grand balcony, frowning as I saw Jax's retreating back. If I hurried, I could catch up with him before he entered his limo. But there was no need for that. I had ironically won this round. There was no need to confront him until I gathered enough evidence to take him out myself or report him to the Volturi.

"I know what I'm doing, Samuel," I assure him. The throng of vamps at the entrance parted as we approached. I could hear their whispers and subtle ruminations about my decision to have the she-wolf. Not everyone was pleased I'd bought her, but again, not everyone would be pleased with everything I did no matter how good. "I feel like Jax has something to do with the latest assassination conspiracy. The she-wolf is his bait."

Samuel's aqua-colored irises widened. I could feel the mental clocks clogging the puzzle into place. "No wonder he was pressing you so bad to attend this. He wants you to purchase the she-wolf."

"And she'd be the one to execute his dirty deeds. If I die, my death would be blamed on her and she'd be turned in to the Volturi while he takes over as king."

"You'd think he'd given up after the beating and sanctions he received from you and the Volturi the last time he was caught spearheading an assassination attempt against you."

"A chameleon has one too many colors." I shrugged, turning to find Mary shuffling her feet uncomfortably. "Hey. You've been standing here for a while?"

She shot me a smile, gesturing to my paddle. I handed her my paddle and debit card and she disappeared back inside. I signaled at my two most trusted guards to come forward, whispering in their ears to ensure my recent purchase was well protected. There was no telling what could happen.

"Jax really does have eyes. The she-wolf is beautiful." Samuel said, a faraway look on his face. He licked his lips unconsciously, and an overwhelming feeling of possessiveness came over me.

"Don't get any funny ideas," I growled. He shook his head as though to shake off the bad thoughts and smirked. "She's mine."

"Quite the contrary, Sir. She works for Jax, so she's bad news."

"I know what I'm doing, alright. I haven't lost my head. The deal is to beat them both at their own game."

"Understandable."

Mary returned with my card. "Would you like me to get your pet anything? She's almost ready."

"Yes," I suddenly remembered that her red dress was ripped apart by the hooligans onstage. Two hefty men against a little woman, and she handled them with such expertise...I didn't want her to feel threatened or hurt anymore. I still had Angel's favorite yellow dress in the trunk of my car. I bought it as a present for her birthday which was the same day she died. I waved a hand and a bodyguard trailed after us to the limo where I gave the dress to Mary. "Here, see that she wears this. It should be the right fit."

Mary hummed, raising it for inspection. "It's perfect. She'll love it."

She dashed off towards the dressing room. Vampires trooped out to congratulate me on my excellent selection. I engage in a few small talks with them, Samuel prodding nonstop about how I had a schedule to keep to.

"You have a meeting with Mr. Schafer by noon, concerning the vamp gangs wreaking havoc downtown."

"I'd like to take the day off, Sam. I've got to play with my new pet."

His eyes darkened in disbelief, a protest rising in his throat. "But – "

I waved him off dismissively, and he relented. There was a silver lining in this, after all. I owned the she-wolf now, body, mind, and soul and I could do whatever I wanted with her. I knew it was dangerous, and I could get attached but I honestly couldn't miss the fun.

It was about to go down.

Seline

I peered subtly at the strange guards that surrounded me, their poise, hardened face, and fixed stance making me shudder. With gaits like that, it wouldn't be easy for me if I wanted to take them down. They weren't ill-trained like the ones from the Academy. I clutched the hem of the silky red dress, twisting it between my fingers like I always did whenever I was nervous. Where was my master, the Vampire King? Could he be the one who sent these men to watch over me?

In answer to my question, Ferrara breezed in briskly and the men straightened. They bent their heads forward in respect, shooting me a glance to do the same. I stood up slowly, taking in the tall, handsome vampire in front of me. His hair was inky black like the darkest night – his facial features austere and extremely attractive. He was more built than Jax but had an air of quiet authority that made anyone around him vulnerable unlike Jax's. He'd looked more stern and formal in the pictures Jax had shown me, but standing before him, in reality, had a completely different feel to it. I lowered my gaze, feeling intimidated. His aura sizzled in the atmosphere - serene and condescending.

It was such a shame that along with being a projector of power and civility, his heart was filled with so much evil. It dampened his appeal to my senses.

His eyes raked over my outfit – the brightest hazel I'd ever seen and they stood out in contrast to his dark hair and neat stubble on his chin. His tux is polished, and still smelt new. Jax had told me that he'd started ruling as soon as he was born. He was born a ruler in his human days. And became a ruthless monster when he became a vamp.

My knees trembled, ready to kneel and submit my all. I couldn't take my eyes up to meet his. He scrutinized me with so much neutral intensity, that it was hard to tell what his opinion was about me. Was he pleased? Did he suddenly find me unworthy? I'd give a penny for each of his disgusting thoughts.

Remember, Seline. In whatever you don't look him straight in the eyes for long. Jax's warning rang through my brain. Vampires are superior creatures. They've got a lot of magic and abilities even more than shifters. Ferrara can control you with just a look. He's done it to me before, and he uses it to get people to submit to him if he finds them stubborn.

I focused on his jugular instead. His neck is large and solid, with well-structured veins running up the smooth length. My stare hardened at the spot I'd chosen to drive the stake in. Jax had made me practice how to stake a vampire countless times. That particular training took most of my morning hours for three months, and afterward, he made me perfect the skill by first staking dummies and tree trunks. Then actual vampires. They were trespassers he'd caught on the Academy grounds or those teenage vamps he'd kidnapped from their families. He often had nothing less than five fresh victims in line for me to stake every morning. I'd staked, beheaded, and burnt so many heads that Ferrara's would just be a worthy addition to crown my efforts.

My toes curled, and the spot between my legs dampened with arousal caused by his aura. I'd never been turned on by any vampire. It was so infuriating that the man I was going to kill was the first to have such an effect on me.

The auctioneer stepped out of a corner, grinning from ear to ear and rubbing his potbelly. He bowed to Ferrara curtly, saying. "We're so pleased with your selection today, Your Highness. Fifteen million! That's more than enough money to splash on a worthy prize. She's a phenomenal girl."

Ferrara doesn't even spare him a glance. He consulted his watch just as another vampire with emerald eyes and black hair walked in to stand beside him. "Is the car ready?" he asked the vampire, who affirmed, his gaze settling on me.

I tightened my fists.

The auctioneer began to babble. "But, why are you in a hurry, your highness? This room's off-limits so you can inspect and do with your purchase whichever thing you like. I'm sure she's already dying to have your hands – "

"Don't you have a show to get to?" Ferrara frowned, raising a brow at him. His expression was neutral, but I could see the heavy irritation in his eyes. The auctioneer mumbled an awkward apology and exited the room promptly. Ferrara exhaled, and the vampire who was at his side brought a chair for him to sit on. He seemed to be an assistant to the Vampire King.

He watched me silently, and for some reason, my heartbeat picked up. The energy between us is different from everything I'd been taught that I would encounter. The way he looked at me wasn't condescending or scathing. His eyes bore holes into my soul, stripping me bare and vulnerable, unveiling everything unexplored in my body. It was the first time a vampire, or man was looking at me like a woman, not an object, not a pawn to meet their selfish needs. And it was both thrilling and scary at once. Blood came up my neck and heated my cheeks and I felt wild and alive. Goosebumps dotted my skin all over, my breathing hoarse and rattling.

"Sit." He boomed, his eyes falling to the floor. I flinched at his cold tone, took a few steps forward, and kneeled before him. The dress covered the floor around me. I felt safe in it. it felt like extra skin.

"Now, come closer." He ordered a hint of satisfaction in his voice. I obeyed him wordlessly, crawling forward. "Good girl. What s your name?"

I hesitated, forgetting my name temporarily. He cocked his head. "Are you deaf? Didn't you hear me?"

"S-Seline." I shuddered, the voice sounding bitter on my tongue.

"Seline." He repeated slowly, a small smile dancing on his lips. There's a flicker of something I couldn't decipher in his eyes. Maybe he knew someone who answered the same name or at least something remotely similar.

"You're as beautiful as your name, Seline. You may call me Master or Sir. I own you from this moment henceforth."

"Yes, Master." I nodded. It was nothing new. Jax had briefed me on the titles Vampire masters would love to be called.

"The Vampire Academy trained you, right?"

"Yes Sir. Sir Jax mentored me."

He hummed, bobbing his head. "Yes. Jax was your former master. Do you know this?" He signaled, pointing two fingers to the floor in a V-shape.

I parted my legs in answer, and he smirked, lowering his eyes. "I need them to be wider. Raise your chin and chest and put your arms behind you."

I did as he commanded, moaning as he shoved the foot of his black-leathered shoe between my thighs. He licked his lips. "Like that, pet?"

"Y-Yes, Master." I rasped, desire clouding my mind. I whimpered when he pulled his shoe back and rolled up his sleeves, exposing strong forearms dusted with dark hair. My mouth went dry at how perfect and muscular he was. He twisted his finger in a circle and I follow his orders, wondering how he could be turned on when I was in a dress like this.

"Is this your first time at an auction? Were you brought out last year?"

"Yes, Master. This is my first auction. I wasn't among the editions bidden for last year." I trained my gaze on his breast pocket.

"Look at me, Seline."

I snapped my eyes up to meet his. His eyes shimmered; two golden pools that I fall into without thinking.

"That's better," he rasped. "I bet you're even more beautiful when you shift. Can you do that for me?"

I nodded, taking off the yellow dress and standing up. Arms before me, I shifted quickly – my fur reddish and soft. I sat at his foot, wagging my tail like an obedient dog.

"Perfection." He breathed, massaging my back. "Now shift back to your human form."

I yowled, shrinking back to normalcy. His eyes danced on my skin as I pulled the yellow dress back on. "I'm impressed."

"Thank you...Master." My voice wobbled. I always felt vulnerable when naked, and he seemed to notice that.

"Don't be scared, little pet. I'm not going to hurt you."

No. I am going to be the one to hurt you. "T-thank you."

He moved closer, tracing a long finger down my temple to my cheek. My body melted to his touch, much to my distaste. "You're so pure. So...naïve and untouched."

I wanted to laugh. Naïve? I was anything but naïve. He was playing with fire.

"Are you really a virgin?"

I nodded, fighting to swallow. I couldn't move. "Yes, Master."

"You haven't been fed on? Not even once?"

I gave up trying to move, shaking my head. He tilted my head to the side, the sight of his sharp fangs making my stomach lurch. I closed my eyes, my heart racing as I waited for him to sink them into my neck.

Moments passed by and I didn't feel anything. I peeled my eyes open. He was staring, wide-eyed as though he'd seen a ghost. He brought up his fingers to my neck. "How is this possible? Since when...did you get this mark?"

I exhaled in relief, thrilled to see him less composed than normal. The mark in question had been there since birth. Before my parents died I'd asked them about it, but they'd refused to divulge the meaning behind it. "Since I was a baby, Sir." He blinked in disbelief.

"Your parents...who were they? Where are they?"

A stark feeling of revulsion surged up my chest. Something flashed in his eyes—terror, and I composed myself. Was he seriously asking me about my parents when he'd been the one to kill them? Did he think I was foolish?

He cocked his head to the side. "I asked a question, pet." He was visibly annoyed.

I bunched my hands into fists. "They're gone."

"Gone?"

I nodded. "Yes. Gone. Dead."

His eyes softened. "I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand that this is a sensitive topic for you, but did they ever tell you the meaning behind this birthmark? Are you the only one in your family with it?"

He was agitated, and I suspected that perhaps he'd seen the mark before. On someone he loved. It had to be. "Yes Sir. I'm the only one with the mark."

"This is impossible." He muttered after a brief pause. The vampire that'd strolled in earlier and sat behind him came in just then, running a hand through his dark hair. His face was troubled as he whispered something in Ferrara's ears. I tried not to listen but my supersonic hearing picked up a few words that sounded like, 'I couldn't find him and 'He's gone.’ They were searching for someone.

The vampire left and Ferrara's face returned to its cold impassive state. He sat back on the chair and made a sign with his finger. I went down on my knees first, then on all fours.

"Turn around, pet." He said. I obeyed, slowly crawling to face away from him. I lowered my chest to the carpet, waiting breathlessly with my head resting on my arms.

"Raise your dress."

I pulled the thin material up, cold air whipping my exposed butt. He nudged the inside of my right knee with his shoe and I spread them wider so he could see everything.

I was his property, and I never felt that word any more than that moment. I sucked my bottom lip as his hand ghosted up the surface of my butt, down to the back of my thighs. He wasn't touching but I felt it. The hairs on my body were all at attention.

I inhaled and exhaled. Inhaled and exhaled.

"Go lower, pet," I pressed my chest further down the carpet so my butt is hiked up high in the air for his perusal. I was a toy, undergoing an intensive inspection.

The price I had to pay to bring justice to my family.

"Lovely," He breathed, his voice rocking my core. I tried not to moan. "You're rare. A fucking masterpiece...wet for me."

I pressed my lip together, feeling moist down there. Nothing prepared me for the next moment when he inserted a finger between my labia.

I shuddered.

"Easy, sweetheart," he murmured as he began to stroke my wet slit, turning his fingers in circles. My body betrayed me and I pushed slightly into his touch, pleasure pooling in my stomach, tightening into a hard knot and spiraling uncontrollably. A moan escaped my lips just as he retrieved his finger.

The sensation faded and I was left dazed and hungry for more.

I turned my face slightly to find him licking the finger that'd just been in my clit. The sight was hot, especially when I caught sight of his beautiful fangs. He beamed.

"You taste perfect."

It shouldn't have but his statement made me feel warm. I colored instantly, confused about why I felt so happy. I was sour and bitter, and sweet words normally didn't have any effect on me no matter what. What made Ferrara any different from anyone else?

The answer was right in front of me. I'd never known any man's touch but his.

His voice startled me, pulling me from ruminating further. "Stand."

I raised myself off the ground and arranged my dress.

"The auctioneer didn't lie. You're a virgin as he claimed, and I'm looking forward to training you further."

Mental images of what the training entailed rushed through my mind. I felt the moisture between my legs increase. Oh god, I couldn't let my body get in the way of this mission. He seemed to have me under a spell already.

His assistant returned and announced that it was time to leave. I was flushed and giddy. I was happy to leave the Academy for the first time since I was brought here.

"Come on now, pet." Ferrara brought out a red leash and fastened it to my collar, his dark eyes flashing as our gazes locked.

The corner of his lips turned up in a smirk. I was more bothered about how those hot lips of his would feel down in my clit.

He held me close as we strode outside. Men in casual wear that I suspected to be guards undercover trailed behind us. The auction had started again so no one was outside to witness our procession to his car. I didn't have any shoes. I had a leash around my neck. I was nothing but a slave pet.