Disclaimer: All characters, while revised are the property of Stephenie Meyer, author of The Twilight Saga. No infringement is intended. This story is about BDSM. If you are not 18 please go elsewhere. There will be some scenes in this story that will be dark and hard to read. If you are interested in BDSM please do proper research before partaking. If preformed without proper education it can be dangerous. THIS STORY IS NOT A MANUAL TO THE LIFE OF BDSM.

A/N: This story was inspired by arianawhitlock's Punishment. Go over to her profile and check out the story. The prequel, Delayed Gratification, is in the works and is awesome! You can find her and all of her works under my Favorites Lists.

Also much and many thanks to my wonderful beta Clglover . . . If you are interested in a different Bella pairing check out Run With Me and its in-progress sequel, Stay With Me.


Chapter 1

Old Habits

(Seth POV)

I've been like this for hours. My mind can't figure out what I am being punished for. I haven't cum without permission in weeks. I've been on time for every session. So why am I being punished to no ends? My Master has only said three words to me since I arrived: "Get in position."

I immediately stripped, leaving my clothes at the door of "The Room" and kneeled before him. He snatched me by my hair dragging me to the reverse "Y" bar, tightly securing my wrist and ankles.

"You better not cum!" He yelled just before he commences to suck me off.

His mouth was so warm and I hadn't had ANY release in months. No matter how good I had been, my master had not rewarded me. Yet I held firm, going into my deepest submissive state. I had to hope that if I pleased him he would grant my satisfaction this time.

After what seemed like eternity, Master Felix stopped his assault only to walk out of the room, leaving me to suffer through blue balls. That had been hours ago, I could only gauge time by the irritation of my wrist. I've been bound enough to know that first came the irritation, followed by the pain. Pain was then followed by a severe numbness that in itself carries its own mild irritation. Finally came the jellied feeling. Your wrist fells like as if it could melt its way out of the hand straps. So I'm guessing at least two hours I've been held this way. In two hours you go from human to Jelly Fish. I closed my eyes trying to fight back the desire to cry, call out to my master, or cum. I didn't hear him enter the room.

"Seth, you always were my best and brightest," my Master said standing in front of me.

"Permission to speak, Master?" I said through closed eyes and clenched teeth. I was afraid if I opened my mouth too wide I would surly scream.

"Now Seth, I complement you and you forget the rules the next moment. You know there is no talking while on the racks."

"Please Master," I begged.

"Fine," he says walking to the rear of the instrument that held me. With the click of a single button the entire bar released all my restraints, sending me crashing to the floor.

My numb arms did not respond to my brain waves to prepare for impact with the padded floor, causing me to land face first. I managed to role to my back. My wrist and shoulders hurt like hell but I was more worried with removing the pressure from my standing length. I worked hard not to brush across the floor, causing much needed friction, afraid my un-permitted cum would anger him again and I would find myself back on the racks.

"Speak," Master said, sounding quite agitated.

"Why am I being punished, Master?"

"Honestly, because I fucking felt like it," he said with no humor in his voice. "I'm moving to St. Louis, Seth. This will be your last session." And as if he had simply told me it was raining outside, he began to walk away.

I was speechless. I'd been down this road before. It surprised and hurt every time. I had been with Felix for over two years. I had learned so much and he always pushed me. He was often times cruel when it wasn't warranted, but when I was rewarded it was spectacular. I was certain I loved him and I couldn't just let him leave.

"But Master," I called to him before he stepped out of the room, "you can't leave me. I am nothing with out you. I love you."

The feeling and sensation was slowly coming back into my arm, just in enough time to feel him grab me and forcibly push me into the wall. This was not uncommon for him. I had just as many marks from his hand tightly wound on my wrist, or door handles pressed into my back, as I did of canes, floggers, and whips. Despite being tossed around I kept my eyes chained to the floor.

"Don't you ever fucking say that again. This isn't about love." He released my arm but did not back away from the awkward corner he had me coward in. My back was screaming at its new injury. "I would never have you. I would never love you. No one will ever love you." His voice was dripping with fury and disgust. He swiftly unsnapped my worn out, black collar and tossed it to the side, never taking his eyes off me. I didn't know how I continued to breath as the action surely ripped my heart from my chest.

Now I had a new reason not to look up at his face, I needed to hide the tears. He wasn't the first one to tell me such a thing but that didn't make it burn less. I knew I was unwanted but hearing it was gut wrenching. Having your collar snatched from its rightful place and discarded as it was trash cut deeper than the lick of any whip. My Master finally walked away from my horrified stance.

"Put on your clothes and get the hell out of my room and house," he said never looking back at me.

I quickly dressed and drove home, absent mindlessly. I had been released from my Master and without a doubt I was torn. No more scars to hide. No more calling into work because I was just too sore. But it also meant no more paddle, no more cosmic orgasms from finally being released to my delayed gratification. Was I happy to be released or was I already missing the feel of the Master's cane?

No, I would need another master and soon. My body already felt rejected.

I walked into bedroom immediately reaching for the black and red chain necklace Felix had given me as a second "collar" that now hung from my mirror. I wore it anytime I wasn't in "The Room" and wearing my actual collar. I slowly placed the cold metal on my neck. The tears returned and slowly began rolling down my cheeks, landing on the cursive "F" that now hung from my neck; where it had been every day for the last eighteen months.

Felix may have released me but he would forever be apart of me. I removed the memento and carefully placed it in my top drawer, tucked between my last two T-shirts. There it would stay.

Protected.

~xXx~

Three months. It had been three months since I heard the satisfying crack of a whip. It's been three months since I felt the wonderful sting of a paddle. I should have been grateful for being free of restraints of a master but that was misleading. Yeah, I allowed myself release whenever I wanted or needed it, but it wasn't the same. Given permission was so much better, hotter, and gratifying even. I have been under a master since I was nineteen years old. No orgasm before that could even compare to the delayed gratification of the world of bondage, discipline, and S&M.

Six years, three masters and it was the time between them that was the hardest. In the beginning of my master-less stages I could hardly get a hard on with out the feel of leather wrapped around my wrist. Release was almost impossible but slowly the sensation of a throbbing member would return and when it did it came back with a vengeance. The breeze blowing a particular way as it brushed across the front at my slack would cause me to tent. I've had to painfully release myself in the men's bathroom at the bank I worked at countless times. That was the first sign that it was time to get a new Master.

The pain of rubbing my cock to a burn was not the same as the burn of a perfectly placed cock ring. Constant hard on and repeated yanking was causing serious irritation, since I had to rub it out more often to get the reward. Once the hot seed was spilling in my hands, the toilet, or where ever, the sensation wouldn't last long enough. Hours later I would be back at it again; mere hours of harmony versus days when brought on by a master's skillful torture. God, I missed it. This was the second sign that I had to find a Master.

I didn't want to appear untrained. Six years of training was slowly going out the door as I would jezz just from the sight of some fuck hot guy standing in my teller lines. I stained many a pair of khaki pants as I purposely spilled coffee on my front to mask the wet stains of my orgasm. If I didn't fix this soon, I would have to start all over with my physical training. It took me year to master my deep submissive state. Besides, the more I pleased my master, the sooner he would reward me. I lived for the rewards.

So here I am out at Midnight Sunwith Quil, my childhood best friend and his boyfriend, and Master, Sam. While I loved my play brother and his hottie boyfriend, I would be lying to say I wasn't jealous.

Quil and Sam had been together for five years. They started out just as Sam being Quil's Dom, but after two years of much Playroom fun they transitioned to an actual relationship. Now Quil has the best of both worlds: a sexy hot Master and an ultra caring boyfriend.

With the mention of one word, Sam could go from the perfect boyfriend to the perfect Master. Sam had offered to be my Master during my down months on a couple occasions, but I had to decline. It was bad enough that Quil and I once slept together after a night of reminiscing, wine, and declaration of how sexy we thought each other were. It would have never worked out, but that was enough connection between two friends to add a shared master in the mix.

Yeah, I was without a doubt jealous. I would give anything to have a relationship such as theirs. Not that anyone would ever love me. Master Felix was right. I wasn't worthy of such a gift. So I settled for a Master, a hard Master, who would push me. I may never feel the arms of a man wrapped around me as I look upon his smiling face but I could feel his cane and his commands. Then, during those deep submissive moments I can pretend. Then, I can fantasize that we are together in every possible way. He would return my love.

Midnight Sun was packed as usual. I hadn't been here in months, as Felix and mine's contract stated I only attend clubs with him. He never came with me but would meet me there and always stayed yards away. He was permitted to dance, flirt, and drink. I was not. Once I was released of my master I hadn't returned; old habits are hard to break.

Quil, Sam, and I took a seat at the last empty table after we retrieved our drinks from the bar.

"To Seth's freedom from the warden," Quil said as he raised his glass. Quil made it publicly known he didn't like Felix. The announcement of his departure was celebrated many days over with Quil.

We all raised our glasses to the inappropriate toast and I instantly downed the entire tonic in one shot. The burn was good, it was what was needed to hold off saying anything to Quil or start crying. I had many drinks that night to ward off mood swings, anger and loneliness.

Hours and many drinks in, I was finally lose enough and began swaying to the beat of the music. The lightness brought on by the alcohol could be felt through my entire body, making my touch extra sensitive.

I felt his presence on my back and his hand around my waist first. He leaned his face into the crock of my neck as I felt him inhale deeply. I took the opportunity to lean my head back and take on his scent. He smelled of the smoke filled bar but there was a hint of cologne and leather. Good, rich leather. The smell of the familiar material immediately tented my pants and I could not stop the moan that slid from my lips. My eyes, which were closed with the buzzing alcohol, sprang open; I wanted him. As I attempted to turn to face him, I felt his grip grow tighter on my waist.

"Now, now, gorgeous. Some one is excited," he said pressing his lips to my ear and grabbing my hardening cock. Another moaned escaped me. "I can take care of that if you like." He slowly began stroking the front of my jeans as I felt his own length behind me.

The only clear thought was my need for release. "God yes, please," I uttered as his hands began to roam the reminder of my body.

"Follow," he commanded.

I never fucked in the back rooms or the dark, dank ally way, even when I didn't have a master. The thought of it always made me feel so cheap and dirty. The smell of stretched worn leather had ignited every submissive gene in me and there was no turning it off. So, I was quite surprised when he led me past the forbidden rooms and no where near the back door. Instead we began to climb stairs covered in red velvet carpet. As we got closer to the top, the lighting changed from non-existent to soft florescent. With each step I could make out a little bit more of him.

Quarter of the way up I could see his tall frame and his average build. He wasn't muscular but his broad shoulders led me to believe that beneath that chocolate brown button up laid the body of a god. A few more steps up revealed his straight platinum blond hair. The taught straight out hung just below his eyes, a place his hair quite often chose to be. I would later learn that pulling on those unruly straight ends were the sign of my extensive and sever punishment.

Just before opening the door to our destination, my escort turned his eyes in my direction. They were pristine blue and almost glowed. Just above his shoulder I could make out the corner of his smile. As his lips curled on the end, his eyes flashed with instance of more than lust, danger perhaps. But I continued on, following him through the door.

I didn't have time to make out the room as I was instantly pushed against the wall by his full weight. As the gorgeous man kissed me deeply I closed my eyes only thinking of the desired aroma permeating off his body. He slowly kissed his way down my jaw line and neck. His swift hands made no work of my pants and boxers. Never giving me the chance to refuse, even if I wanted too. His hot tongue trailed licks down my throats as his hands found presence on my body, stirring my lust. As his mouth made the journey down my trail his hands lingered on my slightly exposed "V" just as he pulled my length from its own prison.

"Absolutely beautiful," he said just before licking me from base to tip and circling me with his tongue. I fought of the desire to cum.

"Oh my god." I couldn't call out his name. The name he never shared with me. I let some one jump me off and I didn't know his name and he didn't know mind.

"Caius, baby," he said looking up from his position before me.

"Seth," I responded choosing the worst time to complete formalities. "Caius that fells so damn good. Please don't stop."

"Didn't plan on it, baby." He took my entire length in. The warmth was exceptional. The sensation was intensified by my previous alcohol induced buzz.

"Yes, oh . . . may I cum." As if I had spoken the unforgivable he stopped his assault and erected himself.

My eyes opened instantly as fear rushed through me. Of old habit my eyes instantly felled to the floor. I bent at my knees, unable to kneel properly before him, but to signify the gesture at least. I did not know if I was in the presence of a Master but old habit die never. Already brimming on the edge of ecstasy, I fought back my desire to go over the edge.

"Well, well, well. Look at my luck. I stumbled upon a well trained sub." Caius began pacing in front of me, noticeably examining me as if he had never looked upon me before now. "Who is your Master? Speak." He stopped before me.

With my new space I positioned myself properly on my knees before him. "I am without one as mine released me three months ago," I stated.

"Why would he do such a thing? You appear to be well acquainted to the rules. Are you looking for a new sire?" Dare I say his voice sounded hopeful?

"He moved to another state and refused to let me follow," I fought back my tears of my lost love. "I am anxiously searching for a new Master."

Caius had pulled a chair up to my kneeled position. "Well I am also searching for a new sub. Of course I must examine you first, but would you like to be considered for the position."

There was nothing to think about. I was overly anxious to be back under the thumb of a Master but I didn't want to appear so to Caius.

"May I ask what your contract is sir," wanting to show immediate respect. I already knew I would accept.

"We will discuss all that in due time. We will first start with a trial weekend. Learn each other. If you accept, then eyes forward."

Slowly I lifted my eyes. Finally looking into this gorgeous face, I was awe struck by his beauty.

"Well then," he said letting out a breath as if he had held it for a while, "this will be fun." He stood pushing the chair back with his legs and adjusting his clothing.

"Stand!" I obeyed and was rewarded as he ran his hands through my black hair. "You will not cum tonight . . . but soon."

He walked towards a desk that had went unnoticed in the room and pulled out a card, quickly writing on the back. "Be here tomorrow night, eight o'clock sharp. The first thing you need to learn about me is that I don't tolerate tardiness."

I lowered my eyes again and accepted the card, "Yes, sir."

"You are excused," he said as he turned his back to me.

I slowly stalked back down the velvet stairs, partly excited, partly in pain, and even more bewildered. I normally found my master through a contact over a lunch or dinner date. This was . . . different.

I made my way back to my table with Sam and Quil. I could only imagine the look on my face.

"Dude, where you been?" Quil said after swallowing his drink as I unexpectedly and suddenly plopped down in my chair.

"I think I just found a new dom?" It came out sounding more like a question.

"What?" Sam and Quil questioned unanimously. I felt no need to repeat myself. "Where is he?" Sam asked as they looked around the club from their seats.

"He's not around." No one said anything else but Quil face was plastered with concern and Sam's mirrored his lover. I tried not to appear fazed by the events but I was failing.

We sipped our refreshed drinks. Sam and Quil danced. I was still lost in the events of the night.

There are moments in your life when instincts kick in unexpectedly and at that moment mine was screaming, "DISTROY THE CARD!" There are also moments when your body wars against itself. Your physical plays tug of war with your mental. Only one can win. In hind sight I should have listened to my mental.

Hind sight is always 20/20.


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