Page 6

Sweat formed on her brow as she exerted herself in time with the music.

Her nose wrinkled when it registered Durelians and Frexxians in the audience.

She kept a small smile on her face even as her costume rode up her ass again.

She closed her eyes when the song changed to a slower beat and pretended she was back at the Manor House on Earth.

For a brief time, she savored the illusion of freedom and choice.

The finale had her spreadeagled in the silks with them wrapped around her wrists and ankles.

She held the position as the other discs rose before hers lifted to meet her body and she rested in an uncomfortable split.

The tension in the silks relaxed. The lights focused on her and dimmed the higher she went.

Breathing heavily and disengaging from the fabric when she was no longer visible to the audience, she pulled herself into a more comfortable position.

She rapidly blinked to keep the sweat from her eyes. At the top, Faith waited with a towel.

Morgan smiled tiredly at her friend as she wiped her face and adjusted her leotard…again.

“You gave them their money’s worth tonight, sweetie.”

“Yeah, I love to serve.” Morgan pursed her lips.

Faith’s forehead wrinkled.

“Slovis sent me to tell you to put on a slinky dress after you clean up and meet him downstairs. It sounds like he’s got a John for you.”

“Dammit.” Morgan’s face hardened.

Faith shook her head.

“I tried to make the case that you’re exhausted from training the dancers and choreographing routines for everyone, not to mention performing. We’re making him credits hand over fist and he still wants more from you.”

Morgan blew out a breath and tilted her head back as she stretched.

“I was hoping he’d lose interest. It’s been almost three months since the last one.”

“I feel guilty that he’s not pushing me to do the same.”

“Don’t. Don’t feel guilty. If any of us can avoid it, it’s a good thing, Faith. Besides, you’re doing a phenomenal job running this place. You’ve got a gift for managing people. Fortunately, he sees that.”

“How much longer until you earn your freedom?”

“At this rate, without the Johns, I estimate another decade or so.” Morgan huffed in disgust. “Unfortunately, humans cost more because we’re so fucking desirable as slaves. At least he’s not taking any offers from any who’ve tried to buy us from him.”

“Better the devil we know.” Faith waved her hand. “The whole situation sucks, but he’s far from the worst owner we could have.”

“I wish I could hate the slimy bastard more.” Morgan grabbed her discarded shoes and walked barefoot toward the dressing room. She tossed the towel into a refresher and headed to the showers. At least we designed it so we could have individual stalls.

“Want me to pick something out while you get cleaned up?”

“If you have time, that would be great. Any idea of what species I’m meeting?”

“No, he was pretty tight-lipped.”

Morgan sighed.

“I guess I’ll be surprised.”

Damn, I hate being a slave.

Morgan checked her appearance in the viewer.

Long auburn hair in a messy bun and scattered curls framed the hard blue eyes in her tired face.

A light dusting of glittery powder highlighted her cheekbones while raspberry-colored gloss stained her lips.

Tiny hoop earrings shimmered above her gold slave collar.

She centered the stone of the collar over her throat.

A cleverly hidden panic button, she could press it if she felt her life was in danger.

If a client attempted to strangle her, he would set it off unknowingly, too.

She believed the panic buttons were installed more to protect her owner’s investments rather than any serious concern about each of them as individuals.

She smoothed the strapless navy-blue cocktail dress over her hips. Somehow the clothing Slovis provided lifted and supported breasts comfortably. Although, as usual, the material seems thinner over the nipples. Fucking pervert.

Sheer stockings topped with white ruffled fake garters peeked out under the short hemline when she walked in another pair of skyscraper heels.

Her small bag contained several capsules of the lubricating gel.

She didn’t know how it worked, but the small amounts expanded after insertion to provide copious amounts to protect her innards.

Pulling out a small tube similar to a lipstick, she applied the unscented substance under her nose.

Whoever invented this smell-blocking shit was a genius.

Puking on a John because of his body odor would probably not go over well.

She sighed when she saw Tarqel appear behind her.

“I’m ready.”

The Ladortan gestured for her to precede him to a hidden lift. They rode in silence to the second floor. He indicated she should turn right when the doors opened. Her heels tapped lightly on the tile. Then she waited outside Slovis’ office until Tarqel nodded.

“Morgan, you look stunning as usual.” Slovis’ eye traversed her from head to toe.

“Thank you.”

“You’ll be entertaining two Svesti at their hotel this evening. They were quite interested in you. Upon your return in the morning and confirmation that they have no complaints, I will apply additional credits to your outstanding balance.”

Morgan breath hitched.

“Two? All night?”

His red eye narrowed and two of his tentacles waved menacingly.

“Is there a problem?”

“Not exactly. You rarely allow any of us to leave your establishments, let alone in the company of multiple males. I’ve never serviced more than one at a time. Perhaps someone else would be better suited for these clients.”

“They were very specific that you were the one they wanted. In fact, they questioned me about your ability to handle larger species.”

Oh, that doesn’t make me feel safe at all. Especially if they are Svesti going against their Goddess’ teachings. Fuck.

“If I am working all night, I will be too tired to train the newer females tomorrow.”

“That’s fine. I’ll ensure you have an adequate rest period. Tarqel will accompany you.”

Morgan suppressed a sigh and gave a short nod. At least Tarqel will remain nearby, just in case.

After a short flitter ride to a nearby hotel, she waited silently next to the Ladortan as he activated the chime to the room. Morgan pasted a pleasant smile on her face, but when she saw the reddish bronze Svesti opening the door, her eyes widened slightly. Holy shit, he’s big.

The Svesti smiled gently revealing his white fangs.

“Lady Morgan. My name is Prixo Naxxar, and this is my colleague, Boriv Ristan. We thank you for attending this evening.” Prixo motioned for them to enter. Morgan stepped over the threshold hoping she looked more confident than she felt. A drop of sweat trickled down her spine.

Tarqel held his position and stared at the Svesti males.

“I will be nearby. The female is not to be harmed.”

Boriv, a golden bronze male with lavender eyes, bristled.

“We do not harm females. Ever.”

“See that you don’t.” Tarqel dipped his chin at Morgan. “I will pick you up at first light.”

“I’ll be ready, Tarqel,” Morgan said softly. The door closed.

“Please, Lady Morgan, have a seat. Would you like some refreshment?” Boriv gestured to a small table with four chairs. A variety of fruits, pastries, along with pitchers of juice and water, sat in the center.

She sat and dropped her bag on the table. The males took seats across from her. Prixo picked up a pitcher and poured liquid into a glass before holding it out to her.

“Water? Or would you prefer something else?”

Morgan took the glass and sniffed. Smells fine.

“I assure you, Lady Morgan, it is only water.” Prixo poured himself some and drank.

She nodded and took a sip. Inhaling deeply, she decided to find out their expectations early.

“How is this going to work? One at a time? Both together? If so, how?’

Brown and lavender eyes widened in shock.

“No, no. We do not want to have sex, Lady Morgan.” Boriv sat back and sighed. “We should have clarified that immediately.”

“You don’t? Then why am I here?” Her hand shook slightly.

“Prixo? Perhaps you can begin.”

“What do you know about Svesti?”

“Only that you worship a Goddess and I have never seen any in Slovis’ establishments.”

“We dislike slavery, and the thought of females being forced to attend us sexually is deeply abhorrent to us. While we may meet our physical needs in erotica establishments, we only visit those where females choose the profession.”

Morgan tilted her head.

“Then why me?”

Prixo sighed heavily.

“Almost three decades ago, the Zuvgran released a deadly virus on Costonia, our home world. It killed eighty percent of our females and those who survived are infertile. Our race will die out if we do not find a solution.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your troubles.”

Boriv leaned forward, resting his clasped hands together.

“Prixo and I are scientists. We have been visiting brothels all over Delizas gathering data in the hopes of finding compatible species. While we were aware humans existed, we had never met any and had limited data available to us. We heard Slovis owned human slaves and that led us to you.”

“What do you want with me?” Silently, her foot tapped on the carpeting.

Prixo’s cheeks darkened.

“At this point, mostly asking questions. Then, if the answers suggest further research, request blood and other samples.”

She frowned and grabbed a pastry before relaxing.

“Ask your questions, but I reserve the right to refuse to respond.”

Boriv withdrew a tablet from his pocket and began asking increasingly uncomfortable questions.

Prixo took notes on his tablet. Morgan tried to be as honest as possible in between eating the food provided.

Hell, they paid for the time, and as weird as this is, it’s better than having to have sex on demand.

When they finished, the males looked at each other. Prixo left the room briefly and returned with a small device.

“Would you be willing to provide a small DNA sample for us to test? It is painless.”

“What are you looking for?”

“Several DNA strands that may indicate species compatibility. If it comes back negative, then we will know that more comprehensive testing would be futile.”

Morgan nodded and followed his instructions. The three of them sat in silence as they waited for the device to provide results. Again, their eyes widened and Boriv took out his comm.

A hologram of an older Svesti female with long silver hair appeared above the table.

“Naxxar. Ristan. How is your research coming along?”

“Lady Narilla, please allow us to introduce Lady Morgan of Earth. Lady Morgan, this is Lady Narilla Rivezt of House Yula.”

“Lady Morgan, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Uh, you as well, Lady Narilla.” Morgan shifted in her chair.

“Lady Narilla is the Main Medical Advisor to the throne on Costonia.”

The Svesti female looked down.

“I see the initial DNA results you transmitted. Interesting.” She looked up her blue eyes lighting with excitement. “Lady Morgan, how would you like to visit Costonia?”

Morgan snorted. “I somehow doubt my owner will allow me a vacation.”

“I will be honest. Your initial results are the most hopeful we’ve seen. If you would agree to further testing, it could be just the break we need.”

“Again, my owner is unlikely to let me leave.”

“If we purchased your contract, we could arrange for your transport.”

“So, I would be your slave and you could experiment me as you like? I don’t think so.”

Lady Narilla shook her head, her hair glinting in the light.

“No, you misunderstand me. Svesti don’t own slaves, and no testing would occur without your permission.

Once you’ve left Delizas, we would register the paperwork to free you.

In return, you help us with our research.

Once it’s complete, you may remain on Costonia, or you can choose to go to a colony elsewhere.

We would give you enough credits to begin a new life of your choosing. ”

“How long are we talking about?”

“It’s difficult to say, as we have not reached such a point before. I estimate a minimum of six lunars and hope we would have our answers within two solars .”

“What if you discover humans are compatible? Will you be invading Earth and taking women?” Morgan crossed her arms.

“I’ve known King Sovex all his life. While I can’t guarantee what he would ultimately decide, historically his preferred method of addressing issues is negotiation and consensus, not force and might.”

“I need time to think about it.”

“Of course. Naxxar, please provide Lady Morgan with a tablet with Svesti history for the past century, as well as general information, such as Costonian geography, customs, food, and similar things that she might find helpful in her determination.”

“As you wish.”

“Lady Morgan, I look forward to your decision.”

“Wait. Could you purchase my other human friends, too?”

A sad look crossed the female’s faded bronze features.

“Unfortunately, we cannot at this time. If we discover humans are compatible, then I can make the case to the King and Council that we should make efforts to retrieve any humans in danger, but without such assurances, I doubt I would be authorized the credits to do so.”

“I understand.” I don’t like it, but I get it.