Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews. I am so happy that so many of you are enjoying this story. We are going to be introduced to the club for the first time in this chapter. It will be a short intro, but it will be a major character in the story. It will be called "Underworld Gardens" and it will from now on be mentioned as 'the gardens' as a code word. For example 'I am taking Miss Cabot to a dinner and a walk through the lovely gardens.' Thank you, Rae, for the help in beta and the garden idea.

Again, if you have any kinks, ideas, suggestions, or thoughts are always welcome. The point of this story is to show that kink is a good thing and not creepy or weird. We all have them and it is ok as long as love and trust is involved. Enjoy!

Elizabeth raised her head in response to the soft knocking on her door. Looking at her watch, the Bureau chief smirked. 'Alex is a bit early and that is not her usual confident knock. After Olivia's call last night, I am not surprised. She said that Alex was starting to see the light, so to speak. Now is a very important moment, and could back fire in an instant. Now is the time for the youthful attorney to be Alex Cabot and not her mother's little girl.'

"Come in," Liz announced, continuing her paperwork and lowering her head to make Alex think she had been working. She wanted Alex to take the initiative and realize that her problems were important. The young attorney needed to let herself out and build confidence in who she really was, not in the person her parents wanted her to be.

"Chief Donnelly, I finished my assignments." Alex tried to be the confident Cabot she was trained to be. The young blonde held out a file containing the apologies to the Turners, the 1-6, and to the DA's office itself. The second file contained the other homework Elizabeth had demanded from her in order to keep her job.

Taking both files and looking at the apology letters, Elizabeth was impressed. Alex actually showed true emotion and forgiveness, not the bullshit political propaganda that she spat out at their first meeting and like she is doing now.

"First off, Miss Cabot, drop the arrogant, sophisticated attitude and grammar. You don't impress me. If you continue to act as though you are above everyone else, you will lose respect, not gain it. Your intelligence and wealth do not make you an inherently better person. I can't tell you how many times juries have let a criminal off because the prosecutor was more worried about their career then the people. Juries are only human, and they respond to what they see. Which is more influential? A lawyer that acts and talks as though they are superior, lording over everyone else, or a lawyer that actually shows they care?" Alex's face flushed, and she felt ashamed. She recognized herself in Liz's description.

"Your job is to speak for the people of this city in court and on the job, but with me and the rest of our team – that's right, our Team – the 1-6, myself, and this office, you will be yourself. Stop acting and just be, Alex. For God's sake, I am sick of this. Your goal might be the DA's seat, but right now, your duty is to this office and the people of New York. With your last name and money, perhaps you could buy the DA's chair, but I know you. You want to earn it. You represent the law, and you are good. But you could be great. You COULD make a difference. An actual difference, Alexandra. Please just let yourself do that. What's holding you back?"

Elizabeth's heartfelt speech surprised her even as she gave it. Originally, she had wanted to make Alex squirm, but that act was getting old fast, and after the Turner debacle, she knew that the office could not risk another incident. Neither could Alex's career. The young woman needed to be trained now. But Alex needed to take the first step, not be pushed or pulled. The Cabot family had already done that enough for their little girl.

What Alex and most other people failed to realize was that the true purpose of a Domme, of an owner, is to train their Sub to walk on their own two feet, to change their weaknesses into strengths. It was not all about sex. It was about trust, about pushing yourself further then you thought you could go, but under the supervision and love of an owner. Olivia was a perfect example. As a sub, she had learned to grow past her fears and embrace herself for who she was, not limiting herself or defining herself by her background any longer. She was Olivia Benson, and she knew who she was. Now, it was Alex's turn.

Alex was trembling. For the first time, someone had torn down every one of her walls, and she was completely exposed. Tears filled her eyes as she tried to find her voice, the voice her parents and years of schooling had projected through her, but now she could not find it. 'Why has everything gone wrong? Nothing is what I expected. It wasn't part of the plan. I am so tired. I hurt so much. All I seem to do is disappoint the two women that I want to impress so badly. God, her words hurt so much because they're all true.'

"Guilt..." Alex's eyes popped wide open, and so did Elizabeth's. Alex recognized her own voice, but for the first time, it felt like she was the one talking.

"Guilt?" Elizabeth's tone softened. 'It's her. The real Alex. Nice to finally meet you, but now your real journey begins.' The elder blonde rose from her seat and walked toward the younger woman. Liz moved a chair closer to Alex and reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Why do you feel guilty?" She knew why, but she needed Alex to say it. It was the first step to any problem. Admitting it.

Tear-filled blue eyes lifted toward Elizabeth. "Can I trust you?" Alex pleaded.

"Alexandra, I have always been honest with you. You can trust me, and I will keep everything you tell me in confidence to myself unless I think it is dangerous. I promise, my dear." Liz scooted closer to the young woman, trying to show comfort and understanding.

"Okay, Ma'am."

"Now, my dear, why the guilty feelings?" Liz asked.

Closing her eyes, Alex finally admitted to someone else the war going on between her head and heart. "Liz, you know my goals. I do really want to make a difference, but if I let myself be who I want to be and if people found out, I would lose everything. My career, my family, my friends, everything." The young woman looked down, ashamed.

"Alexandra, every person has a few skeletons in their closet. I have mine, Arthur has his, Jack, Abbie, the mayor, every politician, and… Olivia." Elizabeth snuck in the last name to catch Alex in a trap and to let her know that she knew more than the young woman thought.

"Olivia?" Alex looked up with a glimmer in her eyes. She saw Donnelly's smirk and knew immediately she was caught. 'Of course Donnelly would know. My uncle warned me she had a sixth sense about her.' She took a deep breath to compose herself, but the tears still came. "How long have you known?"

"About which part? That you were gay or that you are in love with the detective?" The elder woman asked, giving Alex's hand another comforting squeeze.

"Both." Alex answered in a mixture of pain and relief, finally glad that she was letting out her long held secrets but also the fear of the consequences of doing so.

"I knew almost immediately that you were gay, my dear. We have a good ability to sense one of our own. Haven't you ever heard of 'gaydar'? As for the rest, I only found out for sure right now. I assumed, but you just confirmed it. Remember, I am still a damn good attorney, and if you want to succeed in this office or any other law office, you have to be able to get people to admit what they are hiding," Liz explained.

The young woman's jaw dropped. 'Donnelly is a lesbian? I mean, there were always jokes about why someone like her was single, but no one really thought she was gay. And I just got played like a first year law student in admitting my love for Olivia.'

"You're gay?"

"Well, bisexual, but for the most part, yes. I am gay, Alex. I know the stigma gay people face in politics, and how difficult it is to be a strong, opinionated woman in a field dominated by men. Although I am not officially 'out', a lot of politicians in this city know about it. There is a certain code among the people that know about me because I know things about them. Even if I don't like them or even respect them, I respect the code, and so do they."

Confusion was painted all over Alex's face. "Code? You mean like there is a group of gay, powerful people that don't out each other? Like what, a club? The Masons for gays?" Alex joked to cover up her intense curiosity.

"Although I don't appreciate the joke, we kind of do." Elizabeth glared a bit at Alex, and the young blonde uttered a small apology.

"Alexandra, I respected you and kept my promise, and I will expect you to keep my secret in return. I am going to share some information about this … club. But if you try to use this against me or anyone else that belongs, WE will make sure you never work in this town again. I am not threatening you. I am being honest. Now, do you promise me, Miss Cabot?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I promise." Alex really did mean it, although her head screamed at her to stop and not make promises. Her heart knew that Elizabeth was trying to help, but she had to protect herself as well. The two women have more in common then Alex had thought.

"This club is a place where people go to indulge their fantasies, to be themselves without being judged. They don't hurt anyone. This place is about love, trust, and growth. Do you know why I made you buy those things? The toys, restraints, dvd, and books? You probably assumed that I did it to knock you down a peg and embarrass you out of spite, right?"

"At first, yes. But when I watched the dvd I wondered why you picked that title or knew about it and I thought that maybe you were into kink." Alex admitted to her boss. A dark blush appeared all over her face. 'I can't believe I am talking with my boss about lesbians, a weird club for kinks, and porn.'

"You're right. I am into kink. I am a Domme, just like how Mr. Turner is with his wife. I go to the club to live my fantasies out without being judged and let my guilt, stress, and worries go. A lot of people do these things, Alex. I know you are holding more guilt then just being gay Alex." Elizabeth accused.

Alex could not admit it. She could not believe the two most important women in her life right now other than her mother, her best friend and secret desire Olivia, and her strict bitch of a boss that she nonetheless admired, were gay and into kink. Her boss that taught her more about law in this short time than in her entire time in school, and Olivia had shown Alex that, contrary to her mother's beliefs, the real world wasn't an evil, horrible place.

Sensing that Alex could not admit her secret desires out loud, she decided that the lawyer needed a little push.

"I wanted you to watch that video and look at those items in order to learn about them, to see that they aren't weapons of torture, but just toys. Wanting these things doesn't make you bad. You can indulge in your fantasies as long as they come from a place of love and respect. Alexandra, you strike out so viciously at cases involving any type of kink. Do you feel guilty because you have those same feelings, but were taught that they are evil?"

Alex wanted to answer, but she wasn't strong enough. All she could do was nod her head and squeeze Elizabeth's hand. 'There, it's all out. Another person knows my dark secret. They see the monster I am.' Elizabeth was going to judge her. Even though Liz had the same feelings and desires, Alex was going to be called a hypocrite, and then her boss was going to fire her and make sure she never worked in law again.

"I am not going to tell anyone. You don't have to be scared. I won't break my promise. You have admitted to someone that you are gay and into kink and the world didn't end, did it?"

"No, Ma'am," Alex answered as her boss pulled her into a hug.

"I want to ask you something, my dear. You don't have to if you don't want to, but I think it would be very healthy for you to explore your desires. Before you say no, I told you that I am a Domme. I have trained many submissive people, male and female." The dominant woman smiled to herself. "Some you might be surprised at. I can help you. Again, do not answer now. Take the day and think about it. If you say no, then we will never speak of this again. If you say yes, I can slowly introduce you to your desires. If you hate it, we will stop, but if you enjoy it, we can take another step forward. What do you think, Alexandra?" She would never admit it, but Liz's heart stopped waiting for Alex to answer. Alex had already come so far, but she could so easily fall back behind that ice wall. This was a crucial time. Would Alex let herself be happy and live? Or continue being who she was taught to be, and be miserable surviving?

Unable to control her emotions, Alex pulled Elizabeth into her arms and began crying into her shoulder. She wanted to give in to her wants so badly, even just for a night, but she could not do it. Could she? Realizing that maybe it would be a good idea to think about it, Alex nodded again and pulled herself out of the elder woman's comforting hug. Seeing the smile on her boss's face, she smiled as well for a moment. Walking toward the door, knowing she was excused, the young attorney turned toward the Bureau Chief. "Thank you, Ma'am."

"You are welcome, Alexandra."

The door shut and Elizabeth could not wait to tell Olivia, but first she had a naughty homework assignment to read. Locking her door, shutting the curtains and paging her assistant to say that she was going to be busy on a conference call and couldn't be bothered, the elder Domme took her phone off the hook and picked up the other folder. Slowly unbuttoning her blouse, she pushed a hand into the cup of her bra, feeling for her hardening nipple as she began reading Alex's homework about what she learned and watched in detail. This was a great day. For one thing, she was able to help Alex open up. Second she learned that Alex was in love with Olivia and vice versa. And lastly, she just might get a new sexy pet. Moving her hand from her swollen nipple down into her slacks, Elizabeth flicked her clit as she read.

"Hold on, El." Olivia held up her hand, stopping him as she checked her phone. 'It's Liz; I wonder how here meeting went with Alex? I bet she ripped her a new one and made her feel like a little girl again. I don't know whether to feel bad or be jealous.' Olivia had to admit an angry Donnelly had a certain hotness to her. "Go on ahead, I'll catch up. I gotta take this. Just order me my usual, 'kay?"

"You got it." Elliot walked into the diner leaving his partner to her call.

"Benson," the detective answered just in case this was a business call and not a personal one.

"Hello, Olivia. How are you this fine day?" Donnelly asked.

"Good…You seem to be in a happy mood today? You didn't make our little pet cry and run home like the bully you are, did you?" Olivia knew that one of Elizabeth's favorite pastimes was destroying young lawyers and making them beg for mercy. A part of Liz's Domme personality occasionally slipped into her career.

Laughing at the question, the Bureau Chief was filled with excitement that their so-called "pet project" was moving along faster then she had expected. She wanted to fill the detective in on all the details. Liz made sure to keep her promise and not reveal anything that Alex told her in confidence, particularly about her feelings for the detective, but she had to mention to Olivia that their assumptions were right about Alex being gay and her secret interest in kink.

"Actually, I just had some fun reading our project's homework. The girl is amazing with detail, just so you know," Elizabeth teased.

"I really am not in a private place to have that conversation, Liz, but good to know. But your mood seems too happy to be a result of just self-indulgence."

"You're right, my Detective, Alex admitted everything to me."

"What?" Olivia yelled, earning her a few glances from surprised strangers. She turned from the crowd and whispered, "already? Everything?"

"Yes, Liv. Everything from being a lesbian to being into kink. She said that the reason she was so aggressive toward vilifying kink was because of the guilt she experienced from having those feelings herself. I am also very confident that she will be a perfect pet, especially for you, my dear."

"And if I may ask, Elizabeth, how do you know that?" Donnelly's confession had peaked Olivia's interest.

"I am sorry, Benson, but I promised her I would keep that between us. But it is great news for you. I told her about myself as well."

"Don't you think that was a bit too soon?" Worry filled Olivia's heart. 'Liz has never worked this fast. Me, on the other hand... but it always blew up in my face.'

"I know what I am doing, Olivia. She took it well and promised to keep it secret too. And remember, you admitted first. Everything will work out. I gave her the day to think about indulging in her fantasy. I am sure she will say yes, but you never know. If she does, I want to take her to the gardens as soon as possible."

"Now I know that you are going too fast. I thought you didn't want to scare her away?"

"I don't, and don't worry, my former pet. Alex needs this and she knows it. The Gardens will be good for her. It will let her see other people like herself are into this stuff as well. It will shock her, but she needs it to help lose her guilt. Guilt could destroy her, and the sooner we stop it, the better she will become.

"Okay Liz, I will trust you in this, but what should I do?" Olivia asked.

"Just keep up your good work. Go on your date with Alex and just be there for her. You really don't have anything to worry about, just be your beautiful self and enjoy it. Show her you love her and just live. She will follow suit. Now I need to call Martha to prepare my reservation at the Gardens. Meet me later tonight if you can. Talk to you later, Olivia."

"Thank you, Elizabeth. I will trust you as always and I will let you know if I can make it. See you soon." Olivia hung up her phone.

Olivia sighed in contentment. She had such a wonderful date with Alex. At first the young blonde was very shy, and Olivia was worried that after her breakdown with Liz earlier, it was a mistake to try to start a relationship. So instead of teasing her and calling it a date like last time, she tried to make it feel more like two friends out on the town. After a while, though, Alex got more comfortable and she could feel a weight had lifted from the blonde's shoulders.

The elevator that the detective was waiting in stopped at its destination and the steel doors parted, revealing the Garden to her dark eyes. The designers were smart to put darker lighting in the elevator to prepare you for the lighting at the club. Walking down the hall, the detective passed the bouncer with a wave of acknowledgement. A closet to the side containing the coats and items checked by its members, or in case of the members' pets, their clothes.

Olivia's heeled boots clicked against the marble flooring before meeting up with plush dark carpet. The detective had the worst time getting used to walking on this carpet in heels, she was so used to her bare feet or knees on it. She would never forget that feeling. It was engrained into her. But now she appreciated it, and understanding what a pet goes through helped her become a better owner. She was the type of person that would not order someone to do something unless she was willing to do it herself.

Walking into the main room, Olivia laughed, remembering a time when Elizabeth claimed that it looked gaudy, and since she was a permanent member, her own room in the Gardens was tastefully done in a different style. Olivia, though, who had a fascination with Greek mythology, was awe struck. The Underworld Gardens was designed in the style of the Greek tale of Persephone and her life in the underworld with Hades. The room, if lit up all the way, would show an area filled with marble columns and pedestals. But the columns were shadowed in the dark only a flicker of candle and firelight would show a hint of them. The pedestals, though, were lit up with spotlights, and if ordered by an owner, the pet would become the statue on display in the position desired.

On one end was an elaborate stage framed with carved visages of the Greek Gods. More spotlights lit the stage so that the audience could not be seen, but every inch of the slave and Master would be clearly visible. On either side of the stage was a door. The first one led to a room that contained all the toys, restraints, whips, tables, or any other device requested by the members. The other led to a dressing room and also served as a connection to the halls and private rooms for the Masters and slaves.

Olivia walked to the center of the main room. A large fountain with built in pedestals so the pets could be statues surround the centerpiece that was the symbol of the club, a large pomegranate tree, the one object itself that tempted Persephone herself to lose her freedom for six months of the year. The young goddess had let her desires take control and ate six seeds of a pomegranate fruit. It was a reminder to the members that it was fine to indulge, but that there was both a life in the underworld and a life out of it.

Olivia waved to a few of the patrons. She recognized businessmen and women, political figures, actors, actresses, lawyers, husbands and wives. Any and every kind of person was welcome to the club as long as they were sponsored. Not because the rich wanted to make it a rich club, but for privacy's sake. Careers, lives and families could all be in jeopardy. The Gardens did their best to screen the guests to make sure no criminal activities were taking place. Affairs, violent life threatening scenes, and disrespect were all banned.

The detective walked down the private halls filled with rooms for the full members. On the other side was a hall for members who could not afford their own rooms, so various themed rooms were for rent as long as you followed the guidelines and bylaws of the Gardens. Finding Elizabeth's room, the brunette knocked, waiting to be allowed entrance.

Liz opened the door, smiling at the young woman in front of her. "Come in, Olivia. May I offer you a drink?" The elder woman invited Olivia in and walked over to a built in wet bar.

"Whatever you are having is fine with me." Olivia looked the blonde up and down. Liz was dressed in a silk robe that ended mid-thigh. Her dark red robe was tied loosely, revealing to the detective that she was nude underneath. Liv smirked to herself. 'God, she keeps herself in such great shape. Those legs make my mouth water, but no were near as much as Alex's.'

Pouring two glasses of white wine, the Bureau Chief offered Olivia a seat near the fireplace. A Victorian style bed and décor was Elizabeth's style. Classy, but warm. The bed was a four post with drapes to tie her pets to, but also to hide them both from the world, their own personal space with the drapes to hide them. Sitting across from the detective, Donnelly crossed her legs, letting the fire warm her bare skin. She handed the glass to Olivia and they clink their glasses together before each taking a sip.

"So, Olivia, before we plan our next step, how did your date with Alex go?" Elizabeth needed to know how Alex's mood had been after her confession. If she was reacting badly, then they would need to change tactics and make sure the young woman did not do something stupid.

Olivia took another sip of her drink before talking about her date. "Well…"

I apologize for ending it here, but I originally did not plan to make this chapter this long. I hope I was able to describe the club well enough that you get the idea. If you have any questions or anything, please review or message me.

Next chapter, Olivia tells about her date, battle plans are formed, Alex's decision and the consequences of it.