The New Dom
He’s a mystery
I’m the first to arrive at class that night. I nod to Mr. Onassis as I sit down, exceedingly pleased with myself. Not only did I successfully complete my first bondage scene with Leōn last night, but earlier today I had the chance for real closure with Noah, which I sorely needed.
It’s an enormous relief to know that I’ll never have to waste another minute of my life thinking about that loser and what he did to me. Noah is officially a part of my past that I will never have to visit again.
As soon as everyone arrives, Mr. Onassis begins the lesson by asking, “How many of you can define the term ‘power exchange’ as it relates to BDSM?”
Although it’s uncomfortable to be the only one who does not raise their hand, I keep my hands in my lap and my gaze on Mr. Onassis, who nods at me in approval.
“Who would like to tell me what power exchange means?”
Michelle pops her hand up and grins when he calls on her.
“It’s when the Dominant takes control of the scene and gives the submissive orders they must obey to please the Dominant.
” When Mr. Onassis tilts his head questioningly, she rushes to add, “Except when the submissive calls their safeword, of course!”
“Many people would agree, but it is a far more nuanced exchange.”
She blushes, looking at him sheepishly.
Addressing the entire class, he states, “I encourage you to ask questions during tonight’s lecture. I plan to challenge your understanding of the power exchange dynamic between a Dominant and submissive.”
I open my notebook, determined to take detailed notes so I can answer that question should he ever ask it again.
“Most people assume that the Dominant holds the power in the scene. That’s simply not the case. The reality is that the Dominant only holds the illusion of power.”
Miss Robinson frowns and holds up her hand. “Can you explain what you mean?”
Sounding as if he does not agree with Mr. Onassis, Nash mutters, “Yeah, I’d sure like to know.”
“I’m happy to, Miss Robinson. During a scene, the Dominant is in charge, but the person who ultimately holds the control is the submissive.”
Nash snorts at that.
Mr. Onassis furrows his brow. “Do you have something you want to add, Mr. Nash?”
It’s painfully obvious that Nash doesn’t agree with him and looks around for support from the other male submissives. When there is no support to be had, he looks back at Mr. Onassis and shakes his head, slumping down in his chair.
“You are welcome to question me, but I will not tolerate disrespect.”
Nash straightens up in his seat and lets out a pained sigh. “I don’t know any other way to say it, but you’re wrong. My Domme has complete control over me when we scene together. I’m quick to obey because I’ll get severely punished if I don’t.”
Mr. Onassis raises an eyebrow. “I maintain you are still the one in control. You decide how far you allow the scene to go, including your punishment.”
Nash growls in frustration. “You’re so wrong that it’s not even funny. My Mistress has absolute control over the scene.”
“Are you insinuating that you haven’t established a safeword with your Domme?”
“No, but I’ve never used it,” he states proudly.
“Then the illusion you’ve accepted is that you will be severely punished for disobeying. However, it is still your choice whether you continue the scene to receive your punishment.”
Nash looks confused and shakes his head as if he’s trying to process what Mr. Onassis just said.
But it makes perfect sense to me. Having a safeword gives me the ultimate control.
Turning to the rest of us, Mr. Onassis continues, “Submission is a precious gift to give someone. Your Dominant needs to respect and value it as such. Unfortunately, there are those out there who claim that they are Dominants but who fail to understand the true nature of the BDSM power exchange. Which is why we insist that you always establish a safeword with a new partner.”
I write in my notebook, *Safewords give submissives power.
“When you understand the full power you possess as a submissive, the act of surrendering your will at your Dominant’s feet becomes far more meaningful.”
I stare at Mr. Onassis, wondering if he might be speaking from personal experience as a Dom.
He flashes a rare smile and adds, “You may even find that the more power you give over, the more powerful you will feel.”
I blush, feeling certain he must have a submissive at home.
As I copy down his statement, a chill travels down my spine. I can’t imagine that ever being the case for me. While I do enjoy the physical challenges of impact play, I have zero interest in giving over any power beyond that.
“I want you to keep in mind that your submission is a gift. You should only offer it to those who are worthy of it.”
I nod, appreciating the thoughtful advice.
Unfortunately, he notices and asks, “Is there something you’d like to add, Miss Lane?”
My heart begins to race the moment he addresses me.
After our conversation from the day before, I don’t feel like I can get away with saying nothing.
He’s certain to call me on it after class if I do.
So, I blurt out the only question I can think of.
“If you call your safeword, is that the end of the scene, or can you start up again?”
He looks impressed. “That is an excellent question, Miss Lane. Calling your safeword immediately stops the scene. But, after talking it through together, if both parties agree on how to proceed and wish to continue, then it is perfectly acceptable.”
I smile, foolishly proud to have asked a worthy question.
Mr. Onassis scans the room. “If submission is a gift, you may wonder what the Dom gives back in return.”
He pauses to let us think that over before continuing.
“They are not only responsible for caring for the submissive’s needs, but also infusing their creativity and expertise into the scene.
While the submissive longs to please, the Dominant seeks to arouse the submissive and aid in their growth.
A successful scene requires skill and careful planning, but is well worth the effort involved. ”
He waits a moment to allow us to catch up with our notes.
“The connection and trust created in a healthy power exchange is uniquely intense. And the excitement of experiencing something new with your partner is like nothing else you will experience.”
I find Mr. Onassis’s description of the power exchange empowering. During a scene, I thought the submissive was helpless and at the mercy of their Dom. But after listening to his lecture, I’m beginning to understand how powerful and in control they really are.
I remember my conversation with Brianna Bennett leading up to my decision to join the Training Center. She specifically mentioned that the submissive ultimately held the power in the Dom/sub dynamic. I didn’t understand what she meant back then, but I’m beginning to now.
When we enter the room for our first practicum, I’m startled to see a new person sitting at the trainers’ table. The striking man sitting at the end has dark hair, a rich tan, and intense brown eyes. Unlike the other trainers’ more formal dress, he is wearing a black T-shirt and black sweats.
To the left of the table is a huge metal tripod frame that almost touches the ceiling.
“We have a special guest tonight. I would like to introduce you to Socrates,” Headmaster Wallace tells us. “He has come to familiarize you with various kinds of equipment used in Shibari.”
I notice that Socrates is staring straight ahead at Pixie Girl, who blushes profusely under his gaze. I can’t help but wonder if the two of them have scened together before.
Keeping his gaze centered at Pixie Girl, the new Dominant smiles. “It’s a privilege to be asked here tonight. Shibari is the perfect balance of beauty and functionality. But before we start, I want to go over some basic terminology.”
His smile grows wider as he tells us, “When I perform Shibari, I take on the role of the Rigger, otherwise known as a Rope Top. Those submissives who engage in Shibari refer to themselves as either Rope Bunnies or Rope Bottoms, depending on their preference.”
He looks to the left and gestures to the tall tripod frame. “For this practicum, I will be demonstrating both floor work and suspension.”
I swallow hard, realizing I’m about to witness a suspension scene up close and personal. I’m relieved when he turns back and continues staring at Pixie Girl.
At least I don’t have to worry about being the one called up for the scene.
Lord Murray asks, “Who would like to volunteer?”
Naturally, Pixie Girl is the first to raise her hand, but she lets out a disappointed sigh when Lord Murray calls out “Ms. Prescott.”
Socrates stands up and takes a few steps toward the structure, stating, “As the first, you get to choose between floor work and suspension.”
Socrates stands up and takes a few steps toward the structure, stating, “As the first, you get to choose between floor work or suspension.”
“Floor work, please,” Amethyst answers.
He turns his head toward Amethyst and nods. “Very well.”
Picking up a length of shimmering purple rope from a box on the table, he drapes it over the back of his neck to free up his hands. He then grabs a pair of surgical shears from the box. With his free hand, he pulls out his chair and sets it where all of us can see it.
“Take a seat, Miss Prescott. I will need you to take off your stockings and shoes and set them to the right of the chair,” he instructs.
“Yes, Socrates,” Amethyst replies, her voice trembling with excitement as she walks up to him and sits down.
All I can think is: Better you than me!
She hurries to follow his instructions while Socrates stands behind with his hands resting on the back of the chair. After she sets the items to the side, he moves to her left and kneels to the floor.
His hand movements are quick and precise as he binds her ankles together, then crisscrosses the rope and slides it in between both of her pinkie toes. She starts giggling when he drags the rope over the sensitive area between her toes and crisscrosses the rope again.
Socrates repeats the same decorative pattern for each toe, and I notice he doesn’t even bother looking at the rope as his hands glide over her skin. He continues weaving a beautiful web-like pattern over her feet, to the sounds of her delighted laughter.
Once every toe has been bound in the purple rope, he finishes by wrapping the ends behind her ankles and tucking them out of sight.
Socrates then stands up and faces us. “This is called a Foot Web—for obvious reasons.”
When everyone starts to clap, I feel compelled to join in as I stare at Amethyst’s intricately tied rope bondage. It is both beautiful and terrifying to me. As pretty as she looks, I cannot get past the fact that Amethyst is helpless tied up like that.
However, her pleased expression makes it clear that she is enjoying the experience.
“Wallace, would you mind taking a picture for Amethyst before I undo the rope?” Socrates asks.
“Of course,” our Headmaster answers, getting up from the table to take several photos of the artistic rope work with his phone.
After Socrates unties her, he stands and holds out his hand to help her to her feet.
“That was incredible! Thank you, Socrates,” Amethyst gushes as she bows to him.
I notice he doesn’t meet her gaze when he replies, “It was my pleasure.”
After Amethyst joins the rest of us, Lord Murray calls out, “Who would like to be suspended?”
This time, Pixie Girl raises her hand and waves it, letting out a cute squeak to draw attention to herself. But that doesn’t work, and Lord Murray calls Carlisle’s name instead.
She lets out a frustrated sigh and makes a pouty face, looking to Socrates for support. But his gaze remains fixed ahead, and he takes no notice of her.
Mistress Kim speaks up, “Ms. Foster, such childish behavior will not be tolerated.”
To be honest, I’m just as surprised as Pixie Girl. As a self-proclaimed Rope Bunny, I thought for certain she would be chosen to scene with the Dom.
Clearly devastated at not being picked, Pixie Girl dutifully lowers her head and mutters, “Yes, Mistress Kim.”
My attention turns to Carlisle, and I watch him walk up to Socrates with a confidence I haven’t seen from him before.
But I start feeling queasy about the scene the moment Socrates orders him to remove his shirt, socks, and shoes.
While Carlisle performs a partial striptease, Socrates turns his attention to the group, explaining, “To create photo-worthy ties, Riggers often use nylon rope because of its variety of colors and soft feel.”
Gesturing to the metal frame behind him, he adds, “But Shibari is not limited to rope. The Tetruss Rig is a portable unit that can be used both indoors and outdoors for safe suspension.”
Although I’m not part of the scene, my heart starts to race knowing that Carlisle is about to be suspended from that frame and a wave of anxiety washes over me.
Socrates reaches out his hand as he walks up to the frame. When he stops short after his fingers touch one of the metal poles, I suck in my breath, suddenly realizing the truth that has evaded me until this moment.
Socrates is blind.