Page 18

Lena

Our final day at the Ranch had arrived. I was in my bedroom in the suite I’d once shared with Carrie.

I haven’t been here since before the Fire Ritual.

It felt like so much had changed since that day not so long ago.

I remembered thinking Carrie looked so happy and now when I glanced in the mirror, I saw that same happiness reflected back. Only it’s my happily-ever-after.

It was weird being in the suite without Carrie’s things here. Her plants, yoga mat and cards were all gone, leaving a fairly sterile environment. The tiny kitchen that had been overflowing with herbs and spices was almost completely bare, with the exception of a box with my name on it.

I opened the box and saw a letter, and when I took it out, underneath I discovered a deck of cards.

No ordinary cards, of course, but the “ Energy Oracle Deck ,” by Sandra Anne Taylor.

I opened the end and went to tug out the cards, but they tumbled out onto the counter and floor.

I scrambled to pick them up, worried they may get dirty.

As I crawled around on the floor, I noticed the corner of one sticking out from underneath the apartment-sized dishwasher.

This was the only card that landed face up and I took that as a sign that this one’s for me.

It was called “Door To Personal Healing And Happiness”.

This card signals that you’re opening up and changes you’ve been working on are ready to blossom with wonderful results.

I picked up the card only to notice there is another one stuck underneath.

This one is “Happy Family”. A celebration is coming.

Such as a wedding, anniversary, or birthday.

I dropped onto my ass on the floor and held the card in my hand willing it to give me an answer.

It’s the end of July, and my birthday isn’t until February, so it couldn’t mean me.

Ethan said his birthday was in December, so it couldn’t mean him.

We didn’t have an anniversary so that left only one thing, a wedding.

I stood up on shaky legs. Was that the answer, Ethan would officially ask me to marry him?

He’d hinted at something of the sort but hadn’t actually proposed.

Though I’d teased back by stating, “I do,” that didn’t really count.

Then again, if this card meant what I thought it might, I knew my answer wouldn’t change.

Of course, I’d say yes. The collar now bound us together and that act meant more to me than a band around my finger.

He had said he wanted that, his ring on my finger.

Later in bed he’d also said he had a bondage kink, and if I hadn’t been so worn out by the dozens of orgasms he’d already given me, I would have had him demonstrate right then.

Luckily, I’d only had to wait until the next day.

He’d tied me to the bed on my back and forced O’s out of me until I begged him to stop.

After a nap, he’d tied me on my front and spanked and fucked me until I collapsed on the bed.

I should be walking like I’d ridden a horse for too long.

Ethan was quite a bit larger than average with a satiny mushroom head I couldn’t keep out of my mouth.

We fit together perfectly, and in every way imaginable.

I scrambled to my feet and opened the letter from Carrie.

Dear Lena,

I’m going to miss you and our brief time together, but something tells me I’m going to see you soon. Yes, I did a card reading just for that. I want you to know that you are a brave, beautiful woman and our brief but very real friendship means a lot to me.

I can’t wait for you and your Ethan to see us in Seattle. I know my friend, River, another I made at Rawhide, and her man, Cade, would love you and Ethan. Know that I am always here for you.

Your friend,

Carrie

I wiped the tears from my eyes, marveling at how much had changed for me here at Rawhide and the gratitude I felt for being accepted into their new program. My life had completely transformed, and it was because of this magical place I’d come to love.

I placed the cards and letter in my suitcase along with the rest of my items. I’d just finished zipping it up when there was a knock on my door. “Lena, it’s Ethan, may I come in?” Always the gentleman, until he wasn’t. I smirked.

“Good timing, I just finished.” He came around the corner.

“Awesome. My bags are already in the SUV.”

He lifted my suitcase and carry-on luggage off the bed, and I followed him to the door.

I turned around and took in the place one more time, but it was bereft of anything personal, ready for new submissives to start their journey.

My new adventure stood in front of me, ready to fearlessly lead us forward.

I smiled, closing the door and taking Ethan’s extended hand in mine.

He carried both my bags in one hand like they weighed nothing.

I sighed in satisfaction. Lady luck had seen fit to not only give me a man who wants me in every shade, but is strong enough both physically, and mentally to carry us through any storm. I was a very lucky woman.

When we arrived on the next floor down, I told Ethan I wanted to say goodbye to the private room where I’d learned to trust again. He smiled and said he’d put my things in the car and meet me in the lobby.

I said hello to Jaben, the guard on duty today and let him know why I was there. He waved me in and I went to the room where Ethan had stripped me bare of my armor that first time. My fingertips grazed the polished door frame. This is it, where I broke and came back to life.

I walked in slowly. The vases of flowers and feathers were no longer here, just the skeleton of the scene Ethan had created for me. But I can see it, in my memories as my fingers touched all the surfaces that once held my body.

“Say it.” I heard the whisper of his words.

“I’m yours, Master.” He hadn’t requested it of me.

“Because I earned it?”

“No, Master Ethan, because I chose you.”

I held the cherished memory and said goodbye. “I’ll be back,” I said aloud as I closed the door and headed upstairs to join my man.

“You okay?” he asked as soon as I appeared.

“Yeah. I just wanted to thank this place. For holding me when I didn’t know how, and for giving me space to be.”

“We can come back, anytime you want.”

“There you are.” Derek walked over wearing a smile.

“Would you two come with me?” We turned the corner to find the staff that had welcomed us to the Ranch along with the other submissives who’d come to Rawhide with me for their first Summer Submissives Program.

I wasn’t the only one who looked happy, but while I had Ethan, the rest stood alone.

“You are the last two and we couldn’t have a proper farewell without you.” Derek grabbed two glasses of lemonade and handed one to each of us. Then grabbed one for himself.

“To Lena, who arrived quietly, and is leaving out loud. And to Ethan, who somehow talks less than she does now.” Everyone laughed.

I blushed but clink my glass against Ethan’s and then Derek’s. Everyone broke off into little groups and mingled like they had the first day, but Carrie was missing. Then she was bursting through the front door, Andy on her heels.

Sadie was beside Derek, both wearing huge smiles. “Friends are forged through camaraderie and necessity. Carrie wanted to be here for you, Lena,” Sadie said.

I rushed forward, tears in my eyes. “Oh my god, what are you doing here? This is crazy, amazing!” I threw myself into her arms. She hugged me back.

“It didn’t feel right not being here when you left. I assume everything you and Ethan needed to discuss has worked out?” She pulled back, a twinkle of knowing in her eye.

“Oh yeah it has.”

“If I could have your attention,” Derek, called out. All conversation instantly ceased with his command. Then he looked at Ethan. “The floor is yours.”

I was confused. Why did Ethan want the floor?

Carried released me and stood beside Andy, practically vibrating.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Ethan stepped forward and kneeled in front of me.

“Lena Hart, in a very short time, you have become my sun, moon and stars, my everything, the air I breathe, and my reason for living.”

Ethan opened a box to reveal a beautiful infinity-knot engagement ring. “Lena, would you do me the honor of being my everything for the rest of our lives?”

Sadie and Carrie squealed almost in unison, causing a few chuckles and providing me with a second to find my voice.

“Ethan, when I first met you. I was trapped inside, and you set me free and shared every part of yourself when I was ready to receive each one. I was afraid of my feelings, afraid to let go, but then you woke me up inside.”

A few sniffles were heard from those surrounding us.

“I was afraid of what I wanted most, to relinquish control. But you built trust with me and gave me space to be and for that I will be forever grateful to this place for bringing us together. Yes, there is nothing more in the world I want than to be your everything .”

Ethan took the ring from the box and slid it onto my finger. The room erupted in cheers, and we were caught up in hugs of congratulations.

“To Ethan and Lena, and their new chapter.” Derek held his lemonade up and the rest of us followed suit. An hour later and we were finally ready to go. Ethan and Derek clasped hands.

“We may have to come back next summer,” Ethan said.

“I wanted to talk to you two about that,” Derek said.

Sadie sidled up beside her husband, with Andy and Carrie.

“Sadie and I wanted to invite you two couples to return here next summer as part of a mentorship program. It went so well for the submissives program, but we really need to combine them. Both you couples epitomize the Ranch and what it has to offer. We would be honored if you would join us.”

Carrie and I were practically bouncing. We were so excited. “Where Carrie goes, I go,” Andy answered with a smirk. “So, if this is what she wants, we’ll be here.”

“Ditto,” Ethan added. “Lena? Is this something you would like to do? I think you would be an amazing mentor.”

“Yes!” Carrie and I shouted together, causing the rest of our group to laugh.

“You have your answer, Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins. Thank you for the invitation and we’ll look forward to seeing you next year.”

We took our leave with Carrie and Andy. The men shook hands. “Lunch in a week or so?” Andy asked.

“That sounds like a plan.”

Carrie and I hugged. “I’m so excited we’ll be neighbors.”

“Me too,” I answered. “See you in a week.”

They got in their vehicle and waved as they pulled out onto the driveway.

“Are you ready?” Ethan asked.

“To go home with you? Yes, I guess I’ll have to figure out my stuff situation and let my apartment manager know I won’t be back.”

“Already done, my love. Your boxes are on their way to my home in Seattle.”

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“Lena, you don’t have to say anything.” He leaned in and kissed me possessively, making my knees go weak.

“Thank you, Ethan, for liberating me and giving me all I could ever want.”

“No, thank you, sweet girl. You have given me a gift I never imagined I would be worthy of receiving.” He opened my door and buckled me in, then kissed me gently, almost reverently.

“Are you ready to go home?”

Home. Something I’d never really felt I had before and couldn’t wait to now experience with him.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good girl.” He closed my door and got in the driver's seat. We drove down the winding road to the gate. Out on the open road, it no longer felt scary, and I was excited for my new adventure.