My Wild Pet (Whispers from the Imperial Cage #2)

Chapter 51

CHAPTER 51

Briar

The purple uniform Aefre has chosen for me today clings to my skin, it’s different from yesterday’s as it’s light and streamlined for maximum mobility. I run my hands over it, trying to steady my trembling fingers.

I turn slightly, inspecting my tail, expertly braided so it won’t hinder me. My fucking tail. A cruel reminder of how far I’ve been molded into this version of myself that isn’t truly me.

My gaze travels over the thick bush of blonde and pink pubic hair spreading wildly down my thighs and creeping up my backside. I swear Kaelin must have slipped something into my water to make it grow even bushier. But what would be the point of mentioning it? My opinions about my own appearance don’t matter. Even the simplest bodily autonomy, like using the bathroom alone, is a luxury I’m not allowed. With the touch of my trainers’ rings they can make me pee and poop at the same time. Not even that bodily function is my own.

I run my hands over my braided hair that match my tail and take a deep breath trying to calm myself. Today is about survival. Precision. Performance. I’ve run the simulations with Gabriel so many times I could do them in my sleep, but this is no simulation. This is the real thing. Judges, audiences, competitors…

If we fail today… Or if I fail… what will happen?

What if I die on the obstacle course?

Pets have already died today. Fallen off the course and that was it. There’s no safety net at the Grand Championships.

I glance in the mirror again. I look tired. I have shadows under my eyes. Gabriel and I can’t resist talking when we’re alone together. Just the two of us, and in those moments, I can pretend this alien pet life, isn’t our life at all. Instead, I picture us on Earth, in a home that’s ours. Then the chastity belts chime and bring us back to reality. But still Gabriel holds me through the nights and I feel safe with him.

However, I’m not in the sanctuary of his arms now. This is the arena at the Grand Championships in the Celestial Spire, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

I force myself to breathe. In. Out.

My hands are trembling again, and I make them into fists, willing the shakes will stop. I stare into my own eyes, hardening my expression, locking away the fear.

Today, I’m a competitor. I don’t want to think it, but my mind has already thought the word. Pet. Not set. Not bet. Pet. The memory of Rebecca mouthing that word to me over and over again through the orange forcefield runs through my mind.

What would you tell me now Rebecca? I smile with dark humor, “Save your soul. Walk out the airlock.” And part of me wants to do just that. I haven’t thought about God much in my adult life, but one thing I know for certain, I don’t think He’s here with me among these aliens, letting humans be treated like this. Or if he is, I’ve failed miserably because there’s a part of me that enjoys the sexiness of this life.

I hear my name, “Ash from Earth, Master Aefre’s Pet,” and I leave the female warm-up room. It’s time.