Chapter 6 ~ A Gift

When that cell door opened, all Bella felt was determination. Determination to survive. She knelt in front of James in the proper position when ordered. She called him 'Master' like a good girl. He had her repeat the rules to him. For forgetting three, she received the paddle, but the strikes did not seem as hard, not as painful.

When she was able to repeat all ten rules perfectly, James brought a box out of his cabinet. Inside was a leather collar. As much as she hated the thing, she managed to stay still as James exchanged the rubber collar for the red leather collar. The smooth fabric felt much better on her neck. She would not dare call the collar comfortable, but it was close to it.

With a new collar around her neck, she was taken to the showers to wash herself and change into a new set of clothes. The underwear, corset, and skirt were the same as before. The corset laces were already laced. All she needed to do was secure the item around her torso, which was easier said than done.

From the shower room, she was taken down hallways until she and her guard arrived stopped at a closed door with a red number 4 painted onto the surface.

"This is where you will stay for the next couple weeks during your training. You are to get along with the other girls or be punished. Understand?" The guard spoke to her for the first time.

"Yes, sir." She said hastily.

Using a card key from his pocket, the guard unlocked the door. He opened it, giving Bella a slight push forward. The moment she was standing far enough into the room. The guard closed the door behind her.

Bella just stood there taking in the room. It was a normal looking bedroom with three twin beds lined up on one wall and a dresser and a desk lined on the other. The only thing missing was a window.

She then took in the two women who were looking at her. One was sitting at the desk. Her hair was straight and blonde. The other woman lay on the bed farthest from the door with her ankles crossed. She had brown eyes and medium length, curly red hair.

Bella soon learned they were Lauren, the blonde, and Victoria. Both were slightly younger than her. Their black skirts also told her that they were more experienced than her. Well, in some departments.

Two weeks has past since then. She learned that Victoria could not cook to save her life. Not that Victoria was ever punished for her bad cooking. She always managed to convince James not to punish her in any way. One of the ways she did that was shameless flirting with the manager of the facility. It made Bella ill thinking about it.

Lauren was even worse than Victoria. She was disobedient, believing that chores were below her. She was more interested in seducing anything male with two legs. However, she could not work her charms on James. He only gave in to Victoria.

Bell, on the other hand, went though the training with flying colors. She obeyed commands, was more than capable of cooking, and would happily do any form of housework if it meant not being punished. James often referred to her as the 'perfect little house slave'. She hoped he was right, because she need to be picked by Masen.

Now the day had come for Masen to receive his gift. She was lying on the bed in-between Victoria and Lauren planning how she would act. She kept telling herself to obey. You need to obey. You need to be picked. You need to get out of here. You will do anything but give up your virtue to the man as long as he picks you.

She just hoped she would have time to escape from the man before he took her to bed. However, after seeing Victoria use her feminine wiles to get out of punishment, maybe she would be able to persuade the man to wait to claim in order to give her time. Then again, maybe she couldn't. Being like Victoria was not an option for her. She was sure she would mess it up anyway. No, she would have to just hope he would wait.

~ TS ~

Three days had pasted since Edward had dinner with Jasper, and his head had still not cleared. If his friend was right, he was about to receive the promotion of his career. The promotion just happened to come with a female slave for his personal use. He did not support slavery, but he knew that declining the promotion or the slave part of the promotion would literally be suicide. He would accept and make the best of it.

The call from Mr. Volturi's personal assistant came the second day he was home. Dinner was scheduled at 7:15pm at one of the finer restaurants in Hamburg. Edward personally did not care for gourmet food and the small but high priced portions of such places, but Volturi seemed to live to dine at such establishments. Edward suspected Volturi liked the opportunity to show off his money. The man was rather arrogant.

It was twenty-minutes until seven. The limo that would pick Edward up was due at the door in five minutes. Edward checked himself in his full-length mirror one last time. His dark gray suit fit him perfectly. He wore a dusk blue shirt underneath it with a coordinating blue tie. After a final tie adjustment, he at least looked ready for the night that was going to change his life.

~ TS ~

Dinner with Aro Volturi was always the same for Edward. It was filled with talk of books, art, and travel. All three were pursuits he and the crime lord had in common. The two talked like a nephew and his uncle. However, Edward knew better than to think their relationship was that of family. He was an employee. Aro was his employer; one that would happily and quickly dispose of Edward if he thought the younger man was longer to be trusted.

The restaurant was a favorite of Aro's. The two had had dinner there many times. The interior of the restaurant oozed sophistication and wealthy. The color palette was warm. Cherry tables and chairs were scattered throughout the decent sized room. A piano sat in the middle of the dining area allowing soft music to fill the dining room.

The plates from the entrees were being taken when the conversation switched from hobbies to business. Like all conversations Aro Volturi held, the change from the current topic, a recent best seller, to work was seamless. One moment, Aro was praising the books author. The next he asked Edward how his last trip had gone.

"Very good, sir. I'm please to say I sold more than we expected." Edward smiled while he picked up his tumbler of Irish whiskey. He normally did not drink anything but a glass on wine during a dinner meeting such as this but having a glass of Jameson with Volturi was a tradition. The drink also reminded Edward of his roots.

"To your success then." Volturi raised his half empty tumbler of Jameson along with Edward. They both took a drink before continuing the conversation.

"You continue to impress me, Edward." Volturi took another drink before replace the glass on the table. A person such as yourself, knowledgeable in his craft yet…charming, is rare. I cannot imagine what I would do without you."

Not sure where this was going, Edward smiled nervously. "I hope you never have to find out, sir. I am quite happy with my job."

"I don't doubt that." Aro leaned back in the high back, leather chair. "Your happiness shows in your performance. No, it is your personal life I worry about, Edward. Should I saw, lack there of."

Edward's face fell. The last time he and Aro had discussed his personal life, the man had offered him a prostitute. He had attempted to politely decline. It took saying he preferred less experienced, more exclusive women in order for Aro to take 'no' for an answer.

"Do not give me that look, boy. I know you will only partake in a…certain type of woman, which is way I have given you time to find one yourself. However, I continue to hear that you do not date or bring any women home. What am I supposed to think, Edward?"

Here I thought this was about a promotion. No, he wants to talk to me about women. Edward finished his drink then asked the waiter for another. He would need it in order to navigate this conversation and get out unscathed.

He thought his best tactic was to deny once again that he needed a woman in his life. However, Aro quickly shot that done.

"Every man needs a least one woman, Edward. It is their purpose to pleasure us and serve us. It is time you embrace that way of thinking. I would hate to think your stubbornness would come in the way of your happiness. I insist on happy employees, Edward. You have been unhappy for to long."

Despite Aro's concerned tone, it was apparent to Edward that his words were a warning and a threat. He needed to conform or he would be made miserable. He had a feeling it was more, conform or your employment will be terminated. Edward had no desire to die. He had decided to go along with accepting Aro's gift already, for the sake of his job. He did not have to be unkind or bring to girl to his bed. However, it was implied that if he did not do as Aro wanted, he would die. This promotion was a test of Edward's commitment. He needed to pass.

~ TS ~

The appearance of the waiter allowed for a break in the tension and a comfortable change in topic to the promotion Aro was giving him.

"I have truly appreciated all the hard work you have put in. To thank you, I am going to make your happiness easy to accomplish. You simply do not have time for the type of woman you are interested in. Therefore, I am promoting you to head of European sales. You will be able to work more from home."

Edward tried to act surprised and succeeded. He also tried to act grateful. The smile he forced achieved that. "I don't know what to say, sir. I am…" He looked down at his glass for a moment, "I am honored, sir. Thank you."

"No need to thank me, Edward. Your work is superb. I do not know what I would do without you." Aro was smiling now. Pleased that his favorite employee was taking his promotion well. "The promotion also comes with a bonus."

Edward figured the man did not mean money, but decided to make the assumption that he did. "A bonus? I really don't need more money, Aro. You pay me quite well enough."

"I don't mean money, Edward." He lightly rotated his wrist so the ice hit the side of his glass. A sip later he continued, "I am talking about the type of bonus your friend Mr. Whitlock received. A bonus of the…feminine variety." He smiled and raised his glass at a passing female patron. She smiled back, but continued to her table.

Edward tried to say he couldn't take such a bonus, but Aro stopped him. "She is part of the promotion; the promotion you deserve. Consider her a gift. I am sure you can find things to occupy her time when you are working. A bachelor like you must have many needs for a woman in the house."

He pretended to mull it over, as if he wasn't already decided as if he had a choice. Edward then went on to share the some of the reasons he had used to convince himself to accept the gift. "Well, I was thinking that a housekeeper would nice. The state my apartment is in when I am busy is shameful."

A smile filled Aro's face. It was almost creepy when he his smile met his eyes. "That is the spirit. I knew you see the value in your gift." He took one last drink before raising his hand for the check. "Let us go see her so you can start enjoying her."

~ TS ~

Her morning had been spent in what passed for an infirmary in the facility. Bella, Lauren, and Victoria were all given one final check up to insure their good health. They were also given the same type of shot. They were not told what it was, only that they would need another in six months. Bella had a suspicion that it was a birth control shot.

She hoped it was. If for some reason she was not able to escape before her virtue was taken, it was reassuring to know that she would not end up pregnant. Perhaps catch an STD from whatever type of man whore I am given to but not become pregnant.

The three women were then given lunch. From there, they were taken to the preparation room. The room was one all of the slaves entered at some time. There they were cleaned, buffed, waxed, and primped to perfection by the older slaves whose charms were no longer in demand.

It had been a while since Bella could afford a mani-pedi or a professional haircut. Both felt wonderful. She could almost enjoy the experience when she closed her eyes, blocking out the view of collars and guards. She had waxed her legs a few times in the past but had decided the pain wasn't for her. Shaving was better. However, she had no choice but to lie down so the woman acting as the waxing tech could do her job. It was when a bikini wax was mentioned that Bella started to panic. She knew she couldn't handle the pain that came from waxing there. She screamed with the pull of each strip.

When that chore was over, she was then given another red corset and white circle skirt to dress in. Her hair trimmed then dried with a round brush to encourage volume. She them rejoined Lauren and Victoria back in their room to wait until Mr. Masen arrived.

Dinner was delivered to them at six pm. Hours later, Bella sitting at the desk wondering if this was really the day they would meet the reason they had been trained. Victoria was pacing, scared of being picked but scared of being left in James's care. Despite her ability to charm the man, he frightened her. Lauren was the only calm one. She sat humming to herself while admiring her manicure.

How can she be calm? Bella thought stealing a glace at Lauren. The woman's behavior just did not make sense to her. Not that Lauren ever makes sense. She still wondered, though. However, before she could find the courage to ask Lauren for an explanation for her calm demeanor, Victoria asked the question.

"How can you be so damn calm? Don't you care that we will either serve many here or whoever this Mr. Masen is. We are going to be raped, Lauren. You are going to be raped." Victoria tried to stress the reality of the situation. Bella didn't really appreciate the reminder but understood the need to stress it to their roommate.

Feeling the need to add something to Victoria's words, Bella said, "Don't you want to be picked? You are acting why too nonchalant about this situation." Not wanting to be picked struck Bella as odd, but like she said, Lauren rarely ever made any sense to her.

Turning her eyes from her nails, Lauren answer that she did want to be picked. "I just don't see the point in worrying about it like you two. After all, he will pick me. I am the most beautiful. No man can resist me. I will simply seduce him." Her confidence was clear in her voice. The woman really did think Mr. Masen was going to choose her.

Is she crazy? Bella thought. When she looked at Victoria, it was clear the red head was thinking the same thing.

Before either of them could verbally commit on their roommates lunacy, the door opened to reveal James along with three guards waiting for them. "It is time ladies. I suggest you be on your best behavior, remembering the rules. I would hate to punish you." The three knew better than to believe that lie. They knew James was a sadist, which is why all three of them wanted to be chosen, in order to get away from him. And know they would know soon which of them was leaving and which two were going to stay under James's sadistic care.

~ TS ~

Most rooms in the facility were unmarked. Those that were marked were the dorm rooms, the kitchen, and the viewing room. The viewing room was marked since it was the most used room by visitors. There the potential buyer or customer could view their merchandise before they purchased. The customer even had two options of viewing. They could enter the viewing room and see the merchandise face to face or they could enter an adjacent room that had a two-way mirror. This is the room where Bella and the other women were taken.

The room had a warehouse feel. The floor was concrete only covered with a layer of black paint. The walls and ceiling were metal, unlike the rest of the building. Lights hung from the ceiling creating circles of light on the concrete. In some places, chains almost seemed to sprout out of the floor waiting to restrain a slave. Five white 'x's were painted in down the center of the room. The girls were each led to one of the marked spots then made to kneel. Bella was in the center with Lauren on her left and Victoria on her right. Each girl had a guard standing behind her.

Bella and Victoria immediately took up their submissive position while Lauren looked around the room as a predator looks for their prey. The action reminded the other two that the blonde believed she could seduce her way out of the situation. Why that would work on Mr. Masen and not James was beyond them, but no matter what, they would not have time to try to convince her otherwise.

The guard watching Lauren slapped her across the face for her stupidity. "You know your place and the rules." He barked at her. He then grabbed her chin to inspect her face. Thankfully for him, he did not leave a mark. Despite this, Lauren did not look discouraged from her plan but did take up the appropriate position of knees spread, eyes down, and hands behind her head.

Bella quickly noticed that James did not accompany them into the room. I guess he went to go get Mr. Masen. Maybe even Mr. Volturi. She thought to herself. She could vaguely remember him telling her that they would see each other again.

What felt like five minutes past. Bella's knees were aching. She knew she was not the only one wondering how much longer they had to kneel. She was so tempted to move from her knees to sitting on her butt. So tempting.

Another few minutes past before the she heard the door to the viewing room open. It sounded like James walked through first. He was telling whoever was with him about the training process. His voice stopped moving in a matter of seconds. The men were now standing in front of the kneeling women.

Bella concentrated on the conversation, waiting for someone else to speak, so she would know if Mr. Volturi was really there. A few second later, she heard his voice telling James how proud he was of his work.

"James is the best trainer I have. Your gift will be very well trained, Edward. I am certain you would find any of the slaves satisfactory."

"Thank you, Mr. Volturi." James said. "Shall I introduce you to your choices, Mr. Masen."

"Yes, please, James." The voice was like velvet. The man sounded smooth, beautiful, and surprisingly kind. At least that is what Bella imagined the owner to be like. Don't swoon, Bella. You can't afford to lose focus. Be picked then escape. Be picked then escape.

She straightened her back a little in determination. She was pretty. She could obey. She had a chance of being the one who Mr. Masen chose.

James started to describe the girls starting with Victoria. He described her as vibrant. "She is not the best cook but is a good housekeeper. Her charms are quite something, and her hands are talented." He reached out to pat Victoria's head. She automatically kept her position, not moving at all, as James had taught them.

Skipping Bella, James walked over to Lauren. "Lauren here is willful and loves to be spoiled." His hand touched her cheek. "If you are looking for a bed warmer primarily, than she is the one. Girl has a naughty mind."

Bella was sure Lauren was smiling at James's words. Leave it to Lauren to be proud of being a slut.

Lauren was smiling, but it quickly fell when James mentioned that she would be heavily disciplined. "A perfect choice if you have a thing for discipline."

"Then I believe I will pass on her." Mr. Masen stated with certainty. I do not have time for a troublesome slave.

"But I will obey you!" Lauren cried out breaking position. "You have to pick me!" Bella saw Lauren try to crawl towards Mr. Masen out of the corner of her eye. What is she doing! Is she trying to get herself killed?" At least, she figured death is what happened when a slave continued to not obey.

The guard and James both grabbed Lauren. Once the guard had a strong hold on the fighting and screaming woman, he pulled her out of the room.

"Put her in isolation 2," James said before the door closed. "I apologize for that, gentleman. I believed she was motivated to find a master. Seems she was too motivated and not focused enough on her actions."

"Don't worry about it, James." Mr. Volturi assured him. "We all make mistakes. Women are a very tricky business after all."

James agreed with him before moving to Bella. She noticed that Mr. Mason did not comment but did not have time to think why before James started to describe her. "Bella her is not only beautiful but is intelligent. The ultimate packages: she cooks, cleans, and is perfectly pure." He smoothed out her hair with reference then drew back his hand "She is also the older of her and Victoria."

"She sounds too good to be true." Mr. Masen commented. "May I examine her?"

"Of course." James stepped back, allowing the other man to be closer to Bella.

She braced herself for the stranger's touch. Please let him not be rough! She repeated in her head when she saw his hand reach out for her cheek.

His hands had a few calluses, but his touch was gentle. Like a loving husband, he ran his the back of his fingers down her face. She found herself wanting to lean into a man's touch for the first time.

"Beautiful." There was something about his voice that calmed her. "Show me your face." She responded quickly and gladly to his command. It was past time for her to see his face in her opinion.

His looks were better than she expected. However, his green eye seemed to hypnotize her. She found herself staring at into them without realizing it. It is not until e said, "I will take her," that the pull she felt ended.

It was over. She had been chosen. She was now the slave to a Mr. Masen.