Main Master

T o those who knew me on the outside world, they’d say I was outgoing. That I was a social butterfly, always around and there for those who needed it. I smiled. I laughed at jokes and was warm to be around. People felt like they could open up and talk to me about the most private details of their life. I was inclusive. Reliable. There were many times I got called to help others because I was the friend everyone could depend on. The one they trusted when presence was important.

Where I was friend; I was foe. Either had me luring them into my web, but their fate depended on not just my need but a need that revolved around the betterment of my elite circle. My loyalties. Myself.

“You were looking at that screen when I was here earlier. It’s been hours. Did you find anything on Melissa and Braddock? You heard the blank slate. Mistress Two forced her way in Braddock’s apartment after he opened the door. She tried to get him to kill his slave. He nearly succeeded. What gets me is Mistress Two didn’t deny being there. Tell me you found something? She’s getting out of control.”

I closed my laptop, not wanting Shane to see that I was watching Melissa in her apartment. I’d already caught up to the last few weeks of footage, not that I’d watched it in real-time. I had appointed guard leaders doing that. So far, nothing incriminating. If Melissa got Braddock to attack his slave, or even if we were fucking on a regular basis, I couldn’t find it. Hell, we didn’t run into each other much at all. When we did, our confrontations didn’t last long.

“The only thing I’ve found are more questions. There’s nothing of substance. Ally’s recount isn’t admissible, as much as I wish it was. It’s all a fucking mess. And of course Melissa and I are having dinner tonight. I’m not sure what’s worse. Dealing with her, or with that spoiled obnoxious son of hers,” I said, trying not to let my lips twist in distaste. “I hate that kid. He shouldn’t even be here.”

Shane laughed. “No one likes him. He’s a spoiled brat. I don’t think even Melissa cares much to be around her own son.”

“She had him in the lab yesterday as I pretended to head to some evaluation. I watched through surveillance as he attempted a transorbital lobotomy.”

“How did that go?”

“It was embarrassing. The kid has no patience. No skill. She mentioned he has interest in this path. It’s not interest that draws him to the mind, it’s motive.”

“Maybe, but what path is she referring to? What you both do in a business sense, or how you two lead at the Gardens?”

“Probably both, but Melissa is no fool. She knows Jett isn’t Garden’s material.”

“Does Jett know that?”

I looked up, laughing.

“I doubt it. He thinks the world revolves around him. If it wasn’t for Melissa’s status, Jett wouldn’t even be here. He’s the perfect candidate with the worst temperament. I knew when I petitioned the Council that they were still going to allow him in. Melissa owns them, just as I always suspected. They wouldn’t have let him in otherwise.”

“We don’t know that. But it makes you think, who doesn’t she own? You saw the footage of their breakfast. How many people snapped their attention to her when she gave the signal? I don’t like this.”

I pushed to stand from my desk. Shane was by the wall-length windows, glancing down into the city below. I shoved my hands into my pant’s pockets as I approached.

“I used to think I wasn’t owned by her, but what sort of fool believes himself unaffected by the lessons of his teacher? Especially in this field. I knew she was helping me. She never lied about altering my personality. And I allowed her. Even encouraged her. I was fascinated by her skill. This was everything I ever wanted. But I was stupid enough to think it ended there. I mean, if anyone could realize they were being manipulated, it would be me, right?”

“Right…but you were so wrong.”

I glared as Shane started laughing.

“It’s not funny.”

“Oh, it’s a little funny, admit it. You’re the victim of?—”

“Nothing,” I growled. “I’m not the victim, I’m the rapist, remember?”

Shane laughed harder. “Now you’re the fool. You don’t believe that stupid story any more than I do. You’re not a rapist. You were being used, my friend. Used and abused .”

I shoved into his shoulder as Shane laughed harder.

“I should stick my probe up your ass and fry you from the inside-out.”

“But you won’t because I’m the one who’s going to save you.”

I gave a sarcastic huff. “Save me from what? This dinner?”

“From her greedy cunt.”

“Fuck off.”

“Soon. Don’t worry. You’ll have Nineteen close by to make up some catastrophe if you need to escape. I have more digging to do. That’s why I stopped by. Everything’s falling into place.”

“Good. Don’t tell me more. The less I know, the better. And I won’t need an excuse to leave, I have plenty on my plate. Hale, Braddock…fuck. Ethan.”

“Have you heard back from Hale? Do you think he’ll become a Master?”

I smiled. “He wants it so bad that he can’t stand it. But he’s angry at what I did. Getting him under my control was vital. It had to happen. He’ll get over it. He already is. Once he steps foot back at the Gardens, he won’t think twice to embrace this life. Hale was meant to be here. He was meant to be at our side.”

“Wow, I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Me either, but you saw what I did. The footage doesn’t lie. The guy got fucked over in the worst way. And he’s always been loyal to those he cares about. I can trust him. I just wish I would have realized this and found out earlier before it got as far as it did.”

“I hear you. The Gardens will help him. We’ll help him .”

“We’re going to do a lot more than that.” I glanced towards my clock. “Which reminds me, we’re going to have to talk to Jack. Do you think his brother is opposed to a new wife?”

Shane threw me a look. “It’s not just the wife that’s the issue; it’s the leadership of the Collins’ line that needs to be changed. Are you opposed to someone new?”

I paused through the surprise of Shane’s question. It was no secret we didn’t care for Lee Collins. He was just as conniving as his wife, and nowhere near as trustworthy. But kill Lee so Jack could step up to run his family? It was treasonous to go after someone in our circle. Forbidden and no different than what Melissa proposed for Braddock. But…it wasn’t any different than what I’d done to Master Five, and this could be worth it. It wasn’t a necessity, but it would give me Jack and Georgie to deal with, and that definitely had its benefits.

“We’ll talk more about this later.”

“Ooh.” He smiled. “You’re tempted. I like that. But we both know there’s no rush. How’s Braddock? Any more episodes?”

“Not since yesterday. I talked to him earlier. He’s doing better. Upset about Ally, but better.”

“Do you think Melissa is after his line? You hinted enough. Jett was interning at Braddock’s building. She called in that favor from Braddock’s board members behind his back.

I met his eyes, turning to stare down into the city.

“Ask me if there’s any footage of his apartment at the time of the incidents. There’s none. Not a single rage episode is recorded. And that’s just on the days we’ve figured out were gone. Hours upon hours are missing. To make matters worse, it makes it impossible to even track Melissa during that time. Video from floors six through twenty are completely gone. Every lounge. Every hall. Every apartment.”

“You’re joking.”

“I wish I was. I’m in the process of taking care of that now so it doesn’t happen again.”

“Did you check the footage for the elevators?”

My mouth parted, but Shane spoke before I could say anymore.

“I’ll do it. You have enough on your plate. Plus, a fresh set of eyes will be good. Finish catching me up. Tell me about Ethan. I’m excited for him. Do you think he’ll sign the contract on the Mallory girl?”

I smiled at the thought of Ethan and Pearl.

“He would have signed days ago. I’ve been making him wait. The impatience is good for him. I’m going to give it a few more days, and then I’ll allow him to sign. Damn good match, right there. I think it’s one of my favorites yet.”

Shane nodded.

“Agreed. It’s all coming together better than we could have hoped.”

“And faster,” I said, glancing back at him. “This was a three-year plan, Shane. Six months and everything is just?—”

“Working out on its own. Don’t stress over the timeline. We obviously can’t control everything that’s happening, but it is going in the direction you planned. The best we can do is ride out the storm and build back... our way . Think about it,” Shane said, lowering his voice. “How can we be blamed when nothing appears to be our fault? It’s genius. A bit suspicious, but perfect.”

My silence had his stare studying me. The way his emotions were transitioning through the multitude of expressions brought my lips tugging back in a slight smile.

“Wait.” Shane walked closer. “It is…curious, right? Or…” He trailed off. “Elec…?” He stopped and seconds drug out. Pressure locked on my shoulder, squeezing. “You’re doing more than you’re admitting.” His head shook. “When I think I know something, I come to see I know nothing at all. Everything I see is what you want me to. Is it that way with Melissa too?” Again, he stopped, letting out a deep breath at my silence. “The less we know. Right. I’m going to go check the elevator footage. You’ll let them know to let me into the system?”

“I’ll make a call. They’ll get ahold of you soon.”

Shane nodded, giving one last squeeze before turning to leave. Only when the door shut did I reach forward and flatten my palm on the glass. A deep breath pushed free and with it, the tops of my fingers pressed in. For a long moment I held it.

Dinner. A test? But whose? The mere thought of Melissa or Jett had me shifting through masks. Through personalities. I could be anyone I wanted. After all, Melissa trained me to mold to my environment. To become whomever I needed, in any situation I was faced with. Her biggest mistake was underestimating her own lessons. Underestimating me .

My arms dropped, and I looked at the clock again, squeezing my eyes shut before forcing myself through my office door. Two guards rested down the end of the small hall, and both stood straighter as I headed towards them and the elevator.

“.”

I nodded in acknowledgement as I passed, heading over and pushing the elevator button. Everything I knew swirled around my mind like a tornado. Actions. Decisions. Secrets. They all collided, sliding into place as the doors opened and I stepped in. Time. I still had a little bit before I needed to go to The Six. I could make my rounds on the floor. It would do everyone good for me to socialize. After all, they needed to trust me. To know I was there if the time ever came and they had to come to me. Not to mention, my hold on them would grow. Most would become more dazzled. More enamored and motivated to be here. My presence would instill their ego for being at the Gardens. I was their mirror, even if they didn’t realize it.

The door opened, and I kept my pace casual. Not too fast. Not too slow. The seventeenth floor was the highest level that held the apartments. I spent most of my time in the lobby and shops, knowing only the highest Masters, Mistresses, and Couples resided within these halls, but I didn’t feel comfort as I neared the lobby area. I slowed as Mistress Two and Jett paused in their conversation. To pretend we hadn’t seen each other wasn’t going to work.

The smile that came was natural. Fake, but most wouldn’t know that.

“.” Melissa beamed back at me, just as much in a role as I was. She wasn’t happy, she was still pissed about our meeting in Braddock’s hospital room. So was I. “Did I get the time wrong?”

“No.” I laughed. “I had to check up on a few things before dinner.” I nodded a greeting towards Jett, taking in his uncomfortable impatience. His mother didn’t seem to notice as she hesitated before speaking.

“I’ve been talking to Hale on the phone. Perhaps after dinner, we might have a private word about that?” Again, she paused. “I wanted to talk to Sebastian as well, but last I heard he was in Chicago.”

I nodded, internally smiling at the mention of my new friend. Sebastian had thought by sending his brother to Melissa, he’d have her wipe out my work with her own. Seb didn’t want Hale as a Master, but I wasn’t leaving either of them a choice in the matter. I needed Hale. Even more now…

“That’s right?—”

Jett cut me off. “I’ll leave you two to talk. I just forgot I had to do something real quick. If you’ll both excuse me.”

He didn’t give me time to respond. He spun, taking off, leaving me alone with his mother.

“Sorry. That was rude of my son. I think he’s been seeing someone here. Jett’s been preoccupied like that for the last few days.”

“It’s fine. What about Hale? You’ve been talking to him on the phone?”

“Yes. Not an hour ago, actually. Elec .” Emotions had her looking down, and her tone turned sad and soft as she continued. “I just wanted you to know, I didn’t step on your toes. I happen to think it’s the right choice, truthfully. Hale Rivers will be an asset to the Gardens. We need him on our side. If you were wondering whether I altered his mindset, I did not. Quite the opposite. I told him to follow you, Elec. I told him to trust you. That if you wanted him here, it was in his best interest.”

The tick of her cheek threw red flags. For seconds I swept Melissa’s overly pleading expression. She peered up at me as if she were every ounce the victim but expecting a gold star. As if, even though submissive, she had just made my life easier. And it would have, if only I believed her. I didn’t. I had no doubts she tried to alter my commands and failed at doing so. The triggers I instilled were new, and I was the only one who could modify the programming.

“I appreciate your understanding. Hale is a perfect addition to the Gardens. I’m glad you see that.”

“I do. Do you know who else I think is a great addition?”

“Who’s that?”

Melissa gestured her head to the lounge area, and I followed, sitting with her at one of the tables.

“Pearl Mallory. I hear in the grapevine that you’ll be offering a contract to Ethan soon. Marriage. I was wondering when he would settle down. I won’t lie when I say that I contemplated arranging something between him and Marian, my daughter, but the risks…” she paused. “They outweigh the benefits, I’m afraid.”

“I agree. Pearl is perfect for Ethan. They will be a fantastic match for the circle.” My lids narrowed. “Who told you about the contract? I don’t recall telling anyone I didn’t trust, and they wouldn’t have breathed a word.”

The side of Melissa’s lips tugged back, and I glanced down as her finger began tapping. The room tilted, fading for the briefest moment. I could feel colors merging and swirling. Time seemed to go in and out. Was she talking? Was I? Words. Words. I am in control of me. Only I control me. I...I…control. A roar filled my ears and before I could realize what I was doing, I latched to her hand, squeezing her digits with a force that had her crying out.

The spinning came to a standstill. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Surprise had her mouth parting as she tried to rip her hand back, but I wouldn’t let go. I pushed to my feet, still feeling off-balance. Still squeezing.

“Elec, that hurts. What am I doing? What are you—” Her lips parted, and her gaze quickly cut to the hand I squeezed. “Oh, God. Oh God. Is that it? Oh no. If I triggered you, I’m so sorry . I didn’t mean to . I have so much on my mind. I wasn’t thinking. Or, I mean, I tap when I think, but I wasn’t doing it deliberately to mess with you.”

The fact that I was even standing couldn’t register. Nothing was. My thoughts were blurring with a deeper-rooted version of my own, and I was a breath away from being under her control. I knew that as I held to her hand with nearly crushing force.

“Break it.”

“Elec, I?—”

“Undo the fucking hook, right now .”

“I’m not sure what—You can’t seriously think—Elec.”

I let go of her hand and withdrew my phone, hitting Nineteen’s number. Melissa tapped three times against the table, her face turning worried but hard. Like water to a flame, I felt the sudden fog dissipate, but not entirely.

“Okay, we see the problem now. You’re influenced by the tapping. Nothing more. It’s a trigger, not a bullet. You’re fine. You’re lucid. Apparently,” she growled, gesturing to the phone I held out before me.

Slowly, I brought it to my ear.

“? , are you okay ?”

I cleared my throat. “Nineteen, I’m okay.”

“I’m on my way. I see you’re in the lobby on the seventeenth floor. I’m on the fourth. I’ll be there soon. I had Jackson call in guards in the vicinity. He’s with me. We’ll be there as quickly as possible.

“I see the guards,” I said, lifting my hand to show them I was okay. They were running, scanning everyone they passed as they kept their focus on me and my surroundings. “I’ll see you shortly.”

I hung up, trying to mask the hatred oozing from my every pore.

“For your own safety, it’s best you get that tapping under control. I have business to take care of before dinner. I can’t promise I’ll make it. You and Jett can feel free to head up. Don’t wait on me.”

Melissa stood, straightening her shoulders.

“You can think what you want. You’re taking the tapping the wrong way. I wasn’t trying to put you under. It was an accident. One I know not to repeat again. I’m sorry this keeps happening between us. It’s one thing after the next and I can’t stand it. I see that friends may not be an option for us after all. Especially after your threat yesterday.” Her eyes lowered as her bottom lip trembled. “I really hope I’m wrong and this passes. I miss you, Elec.”

I didn’t say a word, and Melissa didn’t wait around. She headed for the main hall, but stopped as Jett appeared from there before she could reach it. The elevator door opening had me letting out a deep breath. Nineteen surged into the lobby, taking in the area and pausing on Melissa. He kept walking to me but kept his eyes on her as he did.

“Are you okay, ? What the hell happened?”

“I don’t know. I went under but managed to pull myself out of the trance. I think she was saying something. We were talking about Pearl and Ethan. Fuck . I want that tape right this second. I want to see for myself.”

Nineteen jerked his head at Jackson, one of the guard leaders, but steered us in the opposite direction of the elevator as Mistress Two and Jett headed that way. I watched from over my shoulder as they stopped at the elevator doors, but with as deep as we were going in the opposite hall, I quickly lost sight of them.

“She got me good for a minute. At least, I hope it was only a minute. I’m not sure.”

I looked down at my watch, recalling she’d mentioned the time. My watch. The more seconds that dragged on as I tried to put thoughts together, the blurrier they were becoming. Tap. Tap-tap . Again, I looked at my watch.

“Holy shit.” My fingers fumbled as I unlatched the watch band, letting it fall to the floor.

“Are you okay? What the hell? ?”

My hand lifted but I squeezed my eyes shut. The watch was a trigger. The time. The watch. Moments drug out as I went through my mental exercises to break the hook entirely . I am in control of me. Only I control myself. Longer. The phrases kept repeating in my head but paused as Nineteen whispered to Jackson. Clarity rushed through and I shook my head to try to clear it the rest of the way.

“Sir.” A pause. “, it’s Master Three-sixty-one. There’s an emergency.”

“With Sebastian Rivers?”

I didn’t need him to tell me yes. I jerked up my phone, doing what I should have been doing since I left Melissa. The cameras. Nineteen hesitated as he continued to listen but turned us to head back towards the lobby.

“His slave has been attacked in his home. He’s asking for you. It’s bad. We have to get there fast.”