“There must be a way,” Thane insisted, wanting to calm the desperation he saw in Brie’s eyes.
The room was silent for several minutes before Durov spoke up. “We need to make her disappear.”
Wallace’s eyes flashed with excitement. “And we can!”
“How?” Thane asked.
“An American without money or a passport can become a prisoner in certain parts of the world.”
“Yes!” Mary agreed. “It’s happened to countless girls at the TLC.”
“Hmm…” Durov said, pondering the suggestion, “I do know of a few people who would be glad to take her.”
“No, no, no!” Brie cried. “We won’t subject her to the same horrors Tatianna suffered.”
“I would not!” Durov objected. “I may want the creature dead, but I am no monster.”
“What, then?” Thane asked, now encouraged by this new line of thinking.
“In my country, there are establishments that only seek slave labor.”
“But I don’t want her to be abused,” Brie insisted.
“You do understand what she wants to do to you?” Durov asked incredulously.
Brie caressed her stomach. “Rytsar, I can’t help but feel that what we do to her will follow us into the future. I want moye solntse to have a bright and promising future with nothing in our past to taint it.”
“Wallace, I think you have presented us with a valid option,” Thane said. “Do you mind working with Durov to find a suitable arrangement that will meet Brie’s needs and ours?”
“Absolutely,” he answered.
To Durov he said, “I look forward to working with you on this.”
Durov grabbed Wallace by the hand and gave him a hearty handshake. “We will find the dog a new home far, far away.”
To have the beginnings of a plan gave Thane solace. It would be something to hold onto as he fought against the dangerous rage that was building inside him.
Durov stood up. “I am going to visit the creature now.”
“Not in your current state of mind, you’re not,” Thane told him emphatically.
The Russian slammed his fist on the table. “You cannot stop me, moy droog. My wrath must be satisfied.”
“If you insist, then I will be forced to go with you.”
Thane could not take the chance with Durov, but he loathed to see Lilly again.
“Will you take Brie back to the apartment?” he asked Mary.
Brie grabbed onto his arm. “But I want to stay with you.”
“Nyet, radost moya,” Durov growled. “You will not go anywhere near her.”
Brie looked up at Thane in desperation.
“Brie, it is my duty to make sure your wishes are honored concerning Lilly. I need you to trust me when I say you should go home now.”
She stared at both men before falling to her knees and begging. “Please don’t do anything to her.”
Thane wheeled himself over to Durov, and placed his hand on him as reassurance, but noted that his friend was literally shaking with anger.
“We won’t do anything rash,” he told Brie. Then he turned to Durov, “Will we, old friend?”
Durov snarled but dutifully promised Brie, “I will not touch the creature.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Thane held out his hand, helping Brie back to her feet, wishing the nightmare that was Lilly was already a part of their past.
Brie put on a brave face for him, but pleaded, “Please, Sir, don’t be gone long.”
“I promise to be back as soon as possible.”
She kissed him tenderly, and then went over to Durov. Thane noticed his friend visibly relax. when she put her hands on his chest and looked up at him.
The Russian let out an emotional sigh when she placed his hand on her belly. “All I ask is for you to keep moye solntse’s future safe.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “She will have a long and fruitful life—as will you, radost moya.”
Brie smiled as she walked over to Wallace. “Thank you for coming up with a solution we can all live with.”
He looked down at her, smiling warmly. “Funny, but I seem to see things more clearly with one eye.”
She stared at his eye patch in admiration. “You truly are remarkable, Mr. Wallace.”
“In a room of remarkable people,” he answered.
“I’ve never forgotten the day we met—when you introduced yourself to me after saving me from the pavement.”
“You saved me that day, as well, blossom. It was simply fate.”
Brie grinned at him, nodding in agreement.
She turned her attention on Mary last.
“None of the mushy stuff for me, stinky,” Mary warned her.
Brie laughed, and bumped her hip against Mary’s. “You know I love you.”
Mary scowled for a moment, before grabbing Brie and squeezing her tight. “Love you too, stinks.”
Thane noticed Wallace staring at Mary intently and wondered what he was thinking. He requested Wallace stay behind after Brie and Mary left.
“I noticed you watching Miss Wilson just now. Is there a reason for that?”
“Although I realize that my plan for Lilly was a bust, there’s been a real change in Mary. She’s mentioned to Durov on several occasions that the survivor stories she’s shared with Lilly have changed her outlook on life. And, today, she surprised me by opening up to Brie. You don’t know what a huge step that was for her.”
Thane nodded. “I have some idea. However, you’re right, there’s been a change.”
“I’m glad Mary’s finding her way.”
“Enough of this jibber-jabber,” Rytsar growled. “I have a date with the creature.”
“Patience, old friend. I’m not leaving here until I know exactly what you have in mind.”
“Just a simple tune whistled in the middle of the day when it’s least expected.”
“And that’s it?” Thane pressed.
“I give you my solemn promise, comrade.”
It was brilliant. Hearing Durov whistle that tune would strike a fear into Lilly’s heart that nothing else could.
Thane smiled at both men as they left the room and headed down the hallway together.
It was a man’s instinct to act—and to act fast. Anything less felt like chaos.
Before they went their separate ways, Thane stopped Wallace. “Never doubt your instincts. You’ve given Mary a new perspective, and you’ve given me clarity concerning Lilly’s future.”
Wallace nodded his appreciation and told Durov, “Give her hell.”
“Hellish nightmares,” he agreed, letting out the roar of an angry lion ready to fight.
Thane appreciated that Durov had embraced his anger and found a way to express it.
Unfortunately, Thane did not have that ability. Lilly’s threat to his family had set off his primal, protective side. But, with it, came his demons. He would need to keep his anger in check or be completely consumed by it.
Durov had told Brie he was not a monster, but Thane could not make that same claim. He knew that in the darkest part of his soul there lay a monster. All that was needed was the right catalyst, and those ominous whispers had begun their chant…
Thane couldn’t sleep, consumed by thoughts of Lilly. He tried to leave the bed without waking Brie, but was clumsy in his transition from the bed to the wheelchair.
“What do you need, Sir? I can get it…” Brie mumbled in the dark.
“I don’t need anything, babygirl. Go back to sleep.”
Thane wheeled himself out of the room and headed to the living room, looking out the large window at the city before him. He stared at it blindly, too disturbed by the dark thoughts running through his head to be aware of what he saw.
After being confronted by the depths of Lilly’s depravity, his desire for justice had morphed into something dark and repulsive. It went beyond a need to protect Brie and the baby, to something bordering on vicious.
These venomous thoughts and emotions were eating at him like cancer, and he feared that at some point he would either release them on Lilly or they would begin to eat him from the inside out.
The truth was, even though he said he didn’t want to kill Lilly, he couldn’t stop thinking about taking his revenge on her. For every act against Brie, the baby, and himself, Thane wanted to do an equally heinous act against her. He was certain she couldn’t know his pain until she had suffered an equal share of it.
He didn’t just want to get rid of Lilly, he wanted to make her suffer the way he had.
Maybe more.
Unconsciously hitting the arm of the chair repeatedly, Thane was so lost in his own inner battle that he failed to notice the creature creeping up on him until it was too late.
Thane cried out when the black beast landed on his lap. His reflexes took over and he flung the cat through the air before he even registered what it was.
The animal landed on its feet and sat down where it had fallen, staring at him.
“It wasn’t personal,” Thane told him.
The cat narrowed its eyes.
“You startled me. If anything, I should be upset with you. Why jump on me with no warning?”
Thane realized he was talking to the cat, and growled at himself in disgust. “I’m going insane, just like my mother. That’s what this is.”
He pressed his hands against his temples, a feeling of hopelessness washing over him. He had fought his demons ever since his father’s death. He wasn’t sure he had the strength to fight them any longer.
He felt the cat brush up against his leg. Thane dropped his hands and stared at the beast. “What do you want? I’m not the one who feeds you.”
The cat sat on its haunches, looking as if he was preparing to jump.
When Thane didn’t move, the animal took it as a sign of acceptance and leapt onto his lap.
Thane just stared at him, unsure what he was supposed to do. Like the tiny kitten at the hospital, the giant cat turned around several times, then lay down and began to purr.
Its purr seemed to radiate through Thane’s body.
Thane shook his head.
This animal had pretty much ignored him since he’d come home from the hospital. He hadn’t minded, since he wasn’t exactly excited about owning a cat—but he owed the animal for his friend’s life.
Luckily, the black tomcat was smart, keeping Brie company while staying out of his way. It was an agreeable arrangement.
Until tonight.
Thane looked down at him, unsure what this meant.
But its purr was soothing…
He placed a hand on the soft fur and the sound emanating from the animal increased, along with the vibration.
Thane took a deep breath and shut his eyes.
The physical presence of the cat seemed to calm his raging emotions and he could think again.
Thane opened his eyes, staring at the reflection of himself in the window.
The man before him was not a monster—just a man.
A normal, everyday man with a cat sitting on his lap.
He stroked the length of the animal with a new sense of appreciation.
“Shadow, I don’t think I’ve formally introduced myself. My name is Thane, husband and Master to Brie.”
The cat looked up at him briefly and twitched its tail before laying its head back down between its paws.
Thane stared at his reflection again, one thought running through his mind.
I determine my truth.
Mouse Ears
Thane had Brie drive them to the Italian café they’d often visited to enjoy cappuccinos together as a couple. He wanted to ensure, as much as possible, that these last few months before the baby was born were as normal and carefree as possible.
He was speaking with the owner, who had grown up on the same small island as his grandparents. While they were conversing about the recent changes taking place on Isola d’ Elba, he noticed Brie staring out the window with a whimsical look on her face.
After he finished the conversation, he asked Brie, “What do you see out there that’s caught your interest so?”
Brie eyes were sparkling. “There was a little girl walking past the café with her parents. She was so adorable, swinging in both their arms with Mickey Mouse ears on her head.” Brie rested her chin against her hand, smiling at him. “The girl looked to be about the same age I was when I came to see Disneyland.”
“I’ve never been, myself, but the expression on your face lets me know you have good memories of it,” he replied, taking a sip from his cup.
“Oh, I do, Sir!”
“How old were you?”
“Seven. My parents waited until I was old enough to remember the trip, but still young enough to believe in the magic.”
Thane unconsciously did the calculations and felt a chill of providence course through him as he stared at Brie.
She blushed under his scrutiny. “What is it?”
“Tell me, babygirl, do you like Pluto?”
Brie laughed in delight. “I love Pluto! Is that something we have in common?”
Thane shook his head. “No, I have no preference in Disney characters, but I do remember a little girl who couldn’t reach a bottle of catsup at a small diner Brad and I often frequented back in college.”
Brie’s jaw dropped. “Wait…”
Thane smirked. “She was a cute little thing, too. Long brown pigtails and a big smile. I recall that her father was none too pleased when she asked for my help to get that bottle for her.”
She stared at him in shock. “Was that really you?”
He nodded.
“I’ve got goosebumps, Sir,” Brie confessed, brushing her arm with her hand. She glanced at him shyly. “Did you know that you were my very first crush?”
“I was, was I?” he replied with a low growl.
“Of course! You were so handsome and kind.” Brie blushed. “I confess I daydreamed about that college boy being my boyfriend for years.”
Thane chuckled. “I’ve never forgotten how that man stared me down. I guess I have to give your father more credit. Somehow, he instinctually knew what I would be doing to his little girl someday.”
Brie giggled.
Thane took her hand in his. “It seems we were fated for each other, my dear.”
Tears came to her eyes as she nodded. “It really does, Sir.”
Thane had a wild thought and asked, “What would you think if we sent your father Mickey Mouse ears and a bottle of catsup?”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, my goodness, that would be so funny!”
“Do you think he would remember?”
She grinned. “There’s only one way to find out.”
After weeks of contemplation, and being inspired by that fateful encounter, Brie announced she was finally ready to dole out her punishment.
He suggested they move to the sofa, and when she started to kneel, he explained, “It’s better if you sit beside me. When punishing your Dominant, it’s important that you are not in a submissive pose.”
Brie blushed as she took a seat next to him on the couch. She began rubbing her hands on her knees nervously.
“There’s no reason to feel anxious,” he assured her, amused that she found the reversed power exchange uncomfortable.
Brie promptly stuck her hands between her knees to stop from fidgeting.
Thane waited patiently, but she just stared at him, her face growing redder by the moment as if she was afraid to declare his punishment aloud.
It was obvious Brie assumed whatever she had planned would displease him. Since he trusted Brie, and was determined to accept whatever she dished out, he knew he could handle it—no matter the level of discomfort.
“Go on,” he encouraged her.
“I want to take you to a place you’ve never been.”
“As in a mental challenge?” he asked, seeking clarification.
She grinned anxiously. “
It will be, in a way.”
“Very well. Tell me what I must do.”
Brie took in a deep breath before she continued. “To pay homage to fate and my own childhood, I want you to take me to Disneyland.”
Thane furrowed his brow. “I cannot physically complete that task, babygirl.”
“But you can,” she insisted, suddenly exuding confidence now that she had shared it with him. “We won’t be going on the rides. We’ll simply sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a meal together.”
He could tell there was more involved and smirked knowingly. “What must I do? Wear a Mickey Mouse costume or perhaps your favorite—Pluto?”
Brie giggled, shaking her head. “I hadn’t thought of that…”
“Then don’t,” he stated firmly, hoping he hadn’t put a new idea in her head.
“The only thing required of you is to wave at the people, Sir.”
“What?” Her answer had taken him completely by surprise.
“Ever since I rode on the Pirates of the Caribbean as a child, and I saw people waving at me from the restaurant by the river, I dreamed about being one of those people waving back.”
Thane thought over what she’d shared before responding. “You realize this goes against my personality. I’m not a gregarious person.”
Brie took his hand in both of hers. “I know, Sir. Hence the punishment aspect.”
“So you want me waving at tourists?”
“No,” she stated adamantly. “I want you waving at people who love the Disney experience. You will become part of their memories—forever.”
“I have to hand it to you, Brie. This is completely out of my comfort zone.”
“I know, Sir,” she said in a solemn voice, “but I trust you will bear your punishment with a heart full of repentance.”
Thane chuckled. “Do you have a sadistic streak, after all?”
Brie kept her solemn demeanor but he could see the doubt returning in her eyes. “You’ll do it?”
“That was never a question.”
Brie’s smile returned. “Then this is going to be fun.”
It was obvious in her excitement that she had forgotten the reason for the punishment, so he brought the conversation back to the heart of the issue. “I will complete your task because I broke a vital promise to you.”