Chapter 9 #3
Erik shrank back, a snarl curling on his upper lip. “Something. Like come to Earth Two ahead of time to put finishing touches on his bastardized project.”
I nodded, my entire body shaking. What had Steve Forrester done to me?
I’d never considered him my father, although I was certain he would have preferred I used the term.
He’d provided me with food and shelter, education and clothing.
There’d been no love, no caring. “That’s what I believe.
Dr. Forrester was intent on keeping me locked away as I worked on the various experiments.
He told me because the media attention was becoming brutal, fears increasing Earth Two wouldn’t be ready in time. I bought his bullshit.”
“There was no reason you shouldn’t.”
“Dr. Forrester needs me for one final test.”
The words hung in the air.
“I promise you, Cassia, that I will protect you with my life.” His entire body was shaking, the veins in his neck standing at full attention.
His words were stilling, easing the fears that had nearly derailed me. I had no idea what to expect or what would happen, but I did feel safe in his arms, much more so than I’d ever experienced.
“We need to get to the bottom of this soon, Erik.”
Erik closed his eyes briefly, kissing my forehead. “Be careful what you say and who you trust,” he whispered only seconds before Steen took several steps closer.
This time, his words left a cold chill trickling through my system.
“Come. Our people are ready for a celebration,” Steen said, beckoning. “Punishment first.”
I would never understand a male-dominated race, although humans had certainly changed over the last thirty years.
I was still shaking, fearful of everything and everyone, but at least there was some odd sense of comfort building.
Erik would find out what was housed in the warehouse.
He would help me ascertain what was really going on.
I had to believe in him.
I had to believe in his honor.
* * *
I wasn’t wearing the gorgeous silk dress that had been brought to me before.
Instead, the slender silver frock was translucent, barely hiding my nakedness.
Brexin had watched over me as I’d been dressed and prepped by two female aliens, their attention to detail over my preparation as if I was getting married instead of being disciplined.
I’d noticed the way he’d studied me, even though he’d kept his distance. I’d grown fond of him, his mannerisms and the way he treated me. And right now, I needed the comfort he was offering.
I was led into yet another building, the massive design similar to that of an arena, soaring rafters and sweeping views of the city. I expected to see hundreds if not thousands of Galerians, only to find a handful sitting in stiff wooden chairs facing a cross-style apparatus.
“You will be fine,” Brexin said quietly as he walked beside me, remaining by my side as I was positioned in front of the cross.
I’d seen something similar in kinky reference books, BDSM and other dark sex no longer allowed on Earth.
The metal was illuminated by a series of blue lights, all directed toward the apparatus.
Trembling, I tried to find Erik, something reassuring to place my mind at ease.
I had no way of knowing how harsh the punishment would be.
There was no way of preparing, no concept of understanding.
What had occurred with Erik was mild. Of that I had no doubt.
I heard the sound of the same tribal drums as had awakened me, their regular thumping matching the beat of my heart. I clenched my hands together, taking several deep breaths. The ceremonial aspect of everything they did was so unlike civilization on Earth.
A few murmurs could be heard, although there was no way of understanding what they were saying or their emotional status. I knew little about their culture, but my thoughts continued to shift to what Shane had said. They are dangerous and planning on taking over the universe.
Well, not necessarily. I was shivering as Steen approached.
“We are so happy you are with us, Cassia Bloom, but as has been stated before, you are required to follow certain rules. There is no difference in our people versus our guests. You defied us by escaping your quarters. You will be punished in accordance with our laws.”
“Laws?” I asked.
He smiled, pressing his hand on the small of my back. “You will learn in time. I have faith. Prepare her.”
I heard his boots thudding against the tile floor as he walked away then felt the cold hands of two of the women as they untied the single rope holding the flimsy dress together.
When the material slid to the floor, I was mortified, shuddering from absolute humiliation.
My nipples immediately puckered, hardening from the chill in the air.
Liar…
I closed my eyes as I was led to the cross. They pointed at the four corners, expecting that I would follow their directions. And I did. I was shocked how easily I complied, clenching my fists and slamming them against the very cold steel. My legs were splayed out, wider than comfortable.
There was no cheering, no clapping from the audience. Just… silence.
The women took their time shackling my wrists and ankles, moving away quickly as if fearful they would be next.
I wiggled, struggling with the thick leather bindings.
There was no chance of escape, no concept of redemption without punishment.
The lump in my throat remained as I pressed my face against the metal, counting numbers in my head as a calming effort.
One. Two. Three.
Dear God, get this underway. My skin was itching all over, goosebumps a reminder that I was a sinner. I’d misbehaved, something I should be used to.
The thought was riveting, another leftover memory from my life living with Steve Forrester. I was shaken to the core, my hands clammy, more nauseous than I’d ever been. This was so formal, corporal punishment in a room full of my peers, or perhaps my superiors.
When I reached twenty-five, I heard movement. The boots were heavier than Steen’s and more so than Erik’s. I twisted my head, trying to see who would become my disciplinarian. Who was he? I had no way of knowing, my mind reeling in my concept of accepting the upcoming anguish.
“Gentlemen of the Galerian clan, our guest will receive thirty lashes for her contempt of our laws. After this, there will be no one in this room or anyone else in this city who will bring this incident up again.”
“But why can we trust her?”
I heard the question, a husky voice coming from somewhere behind me. I also heard Steen’s intense growl, more barbaric in nature than he’d ever given before. The voice boomed in the expansive space, echoing in a way that actually gave me a smile.
“Because she will mate with members of our clan after this session. She will enable us to go on as a race. She will bear us children.”
The room was once again completely silent. When a few murmurs could be heard, I craned my neck to try to hear what they were saying.
“Enough!” Steen bellowed. “This is my choice as your king. Begin.”
I held my breath, praying that I would be able to tolerate the punishment.
I heard the whooshing sound what seemed like seconds before a single crack.
I was cognizant that whatever strap the disciplinarian was using had struck my bottom, but there was no pain, no blinding sensations.
Yet my body was shoved hard against the steel, the force arching my back. Only a single breath escaped my mouth.
The second whoosh came quickly, another strike slapped against my ass cheeks. This time my skin tingled, but still no pain. By the third, fourth, and fifth, given in rapid succession, anguish bloomed, moving into a screaming agony. “Oh!”