I gaped at the excuse of an outfit trying to understand where my body is supposed to fit through. The collar was worse with the words 'SLAVE' boldly carved on it. I couldn't bite back my words as they spat out.
"Is this part of the pledge, or are you just trying to humiliate me?"
"Maybe both," Kayden replied, arms crossed with an upturned smirk on his lips.
I was still on my knees, as they surrounded me. I can imagine what someone would think if they peeped through the doors and saw us in this compromising position. A dark, sexy thought crossed my mind and I felt my cheeks flush.
"Put them on." Tavian's voice was sharp, his steel grey eyes piercing.
Rhydian who seemed like the more quiet one just watched me, his eyes full of scorn.
I eyed the collar in my hand. The fact that they had the time to engrave the tag on the collar wasn't even surprising. They waited for this moment.
Scrunching my nose, I held Rhydian's gaze because he was the leader.
"I'm afraid I can't do that."
I needed to prove I wasn't afraid of them, even if my bones quivered in fear.
Kayden chuckled, a deep, dark sound that wrapped around my skin in an icy grip. My spine shot straight when he got closer.
"That tiny smart mouth needs to be tamed," his hand moved down his crotch, "and I have just the right tool for that."
I gasped audibly.
What a fucking pervert.
Rhydian stepped forward, giving off his leader aura as he stood so close to me, his groin at my face. Naughty thoughts tried to pollute my mind, but I shoved them back. He grabbed my chin and my heart plummeted.
His touch left a tingling sensation on my skin as his hand moved down to my neck. My breath grew more My mouth couldn't move as I held his hard gaze, my heart beating wildly.
He grabbed a fistful of my long raven hair, yanking it back so hard that yelped.
Pain shot through my scalp as my head snapped, forcing me to meet his dark gaze.
"Are you going to take your clothes off," his voice was low as he leaned in too close, his eyes flickering to my lips for a second, "Or do you need a hand?"
"Three hands," Kayden cut in, his voice laced with amusement.
Are they being serious right now?
The hungry look in their eyes left no room for doubt. What they were suggesting wasn't something I could bring myself to do. The thought of fighting them off crossed my mind, but who was I kidding? I could barely win against Astrid in a fight, let alone the giants standing before me.
"I'll do it myself," I said, forcing the words out. I tried to sound assertive, but my voice wavered, betraying me. "But you have to look away."
Kayden laughed out loud like I'd just cracked the funniest joke. He tapped Tavian on the shoulder, who scoffed.
Rhydian who wasn't having any of it, tightened his grip and yanked my hair harder.
I groaned, my scalp burning from the violent tug.
I wanted to curse and spit at them… maybe crush their balls, but I knew I was defenseless.
The thing about bullies--you never let them see how much their relentless taunts get to you. So I scowled, keeping my chin high.
"Fine."
Rhydian let go of my hair and backed up a little bit like they had just put on a movie to watch.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I gripped the hem of my hoodie and pulled it over my head. Cold air prickled my bare skin, sending goosebumps down my arms. I didn't falter even as I knelt, stripped down to my bra.
I felt exposed like my skin had been peeled off, yet I didn't let them see how this affected me.
Their eyes roved over my breasts, and the atmosphere shifted to something intense and electric. I could smell their lust, unmistakable… or was it mine?
Despite everything, something about their lustful penetrating gazes sent an unholy heat curling in my stomach.
"All done," I bit out.
"Who would've thought you were hiding all that underneath the hoodie?" Tavian mused, running his tongue along his bottom lip.
"You're not an eyesore after all," Kayden added, nodding as if agreeing to a verdict. I didn't know whether to feel offended or complimented.
"First rule, " Rhydian said, "Don't ever wear a hoodie again."
My hands curled into fists. "Unfortunately, hoodies are all I've got." A lie of course. But I wasn't going to let them dictate my life.
"We'll take care of that," Rhydian said blankly.
I shot him a dirty look.
"Take the pants off too."
I wasn't even shocked by their demands anymore. Without hesitation, I stood and held the hem of my pants.
I was about to pull it off when Rhydian spoke.
"Did I tell you to stand?"
My brows furrowed as my frustration heightened.
"How else was I supposed to take off my pants?" I snapped back.
Tavian tsked as he shook his head. I glanced at the three of them, wondering how their minds worked—if they even had brains to begin with.
"While still on your knees."
"This is unbelievable," I protested.
"For disobeying," Rhydian exchanged looks with Kayden and Tavian who gazed back at me. "Give her a hand."
My stomach lurched. "Wait—"
Before I could think of moving, they pushed me to the ground.
"What the hell!" I protested as I tried to stand, but Tavian gripped my shoulders, his fingers pressing into my skin as he held me in place. Kayden grabbed my pants and yanked it down to my knees, his knuckles grazing my ass roughly.
"Stop!" I yelled as I struggled, kicking my legs to fight them off, but they held me in a tight grip. They held me like a doll while pulling off my pants, leaving me in nothing but my bra and kitten print panties.
I felt naked to the core, as I wrapped my arms around my body, trying to shield myself from these monsters. Tears stinged at my eyes, but I held them back.
They'll never get the satisfaction of seeing me cry… I couldn't let myself appear weak.
They dragged me to my feet, not a hint of remorse on their faces. To make things worse, Rhydian latched a leash to the collar and wore it around my neck.
He pointed to the fabric on the ground without saying a word. I knew what he wanted and I did exactly that. After struggling to fit in the overly tight and short dress, I glared at them.
If only looks could kill… they'd be dead a long time ago.
"Time for your pledge," Rhydian said.
"Haven't you done enough already?" my voice shook.
Kayden scoffed, "Sweetheart… this is just the beginning."
I gulped as a deep wave of anxiety crawled over me and settled in my gut.
"Repeat after me."
"I, Dahlia, pledge to go by the rules of my masters devotedly, for a year," he paused, "If I go against my pledge, I deserve to be punished brutally."
I sealed my lips.
One thing about me… I was a tough one to crack.
Silence hung.
"Hmm," Rhydian said.
A sharp pain erupted through my neck as he pulled on the chains, the collar pulling at my neck. I bit back a cry as my nails dug into my palms.
He repeated the pledge and waited. I thought better, the pain in my neck a reminder of what they'd do to me if I disobeyed.
"I, Dahlia, pledge to go by the rules of my… masters," I paused, the words coming out of my mouth feeling like shards of glass prickling my throat. "If I go against my pledge… I deserve to be punished brutally."
"Good girl."
I bit the inside of my cheek.
"One more thing… Dahlia," Rhydian added and I felt my hatred building. "You belong to us… your body, mind, and soul are ours to taint. Never forget that."
"You can't run from us," Tavian added as he ran his fingers down my neck.
"You can't hide," Kayden whispered in my ear.
I held their gazes and didn't mince my words. "I'll never be yours… one day, I'll have my freedom."
They ignored that.
Rhydian tugged at my chain and I winced.
"Let's show off our new pet."
All the blood drained from my body.
They're not going to do what I think they'll do, right?
But as I was dragged by the leash like an animal, I got my answer.