The Monster Within
2: [on eternity and its productions]
A few days later Clarke lay in bed, alternating between staring at her phone and the ceiling. Blake sat on the couch in the seating area, chain smoking and watching American Dad.
The twitch was back, and Clarke clutched her pillow tightly.
So far no one from the agency had contacted them, but that was usually a good thing. Taking deep breaths Clarke rolled over and more fell out of bed than got out.
"You're the picture of grace as always Agent Griffin." Blake declared as she stumbled over to him, still clad in her breakfast character themed pajama pants.
"Shut up." She grumbled and he threw a cigarette at her, followed by a lighter that just bounced off her useless hands.
"Thanks." Eventually she got her fingers to work and lit it, enjoying the dose of poison. "What is it with me and things that are bad for my health?" She mused aloud, sitting on the floor and staring out at the misty morning.
"Yeah you're such a rebel." Blake rolled his eyes, right in the direction of his side of the room, which was already overflowing with joint papers and empty boxes of Marlboro's.
"...are we going to talk about it?" She asked quietly, looking away.
"Not until we get some solid intel." Blake's reply was short and Clarke sighed.
He opened his mouth to continue but it was then that Clarke's phone rang, closely followed by Blake's. She grabbed hers and dashed out of the room.
"Hello I'm looking for Caroline Forrester?" Clarke recognized Samantha's voice instantly.
"Speaking."
"Good morning. So Ms. Woods has decided-" There was a pause and Clarke wondered how her phone didn't shatter with the vice grip she had on it.
"-that she will take you on as a probate. You and your husband can return when you have time and fill out the initial paperwork."
"Okay, great. Does this afternoon work?" Clarke couldn't help the grin that spread across her face.
"Sure. Have a good one." Samantha signed off and Clarke put her phone down, trembling slightly. Retrieving her tablet from the coffee table she ran back for their bedroom.
"We're in." She announced and Blake looked at her.
"Woop, woop." He replied, giving her a thumbs up, but his eyes were darker than normal.
"Let's take another look at these, then we can head down there." Attempting to put the mission first she pulled up the files.
"This is gunna be hell. Hopefully we catch the bastard quick." Bellamy got up, throwing a shirt and pants on while Clarke brushed up on the layout.
An hour later they found themselves at the gates again, and Clarke swallowed hard. She told herself it was just paperwork, but then she couldn't tell if she was disappointed or happy about the fact. They sidled up to the front desk once they got in and Samantha was ready for them.
"These are the entrance fees and these are the monthly dues." She drawled, handing them each a packet where X marked the very expensive spots.
"Whoa, alright." Blake replied, searching for his wallet.
"Dues at the Yacht Club are much more reasonable, if you'd prefer something cheaper."
"You're not gunna sell me on the Yacht Club Sam." Blake bit out, and she looked taken aback for a moment, then she got the glint in her eye that always appeared when women spent more than a few minutes with Clarke's partner.
"My baby gets what she wants." He continued, putting his arm around Clarke.
"Happy wife, happy life right?" He grinned and Samantha's eyes narrowed.
"Of course. Will that be cash or credit?"
Blake slid his card across the desk, making the face that always inspired Clarke to want to put a fist through it.
"Thanks." He said.
Sam handed them their clipboards and they went through the motions all over again. While they scribbled away Clarke took the chance to scope out the waiting room and the grounds, which stretched on beyond the huge bay windows. There were several other buildings on the property, which amounted to many possible murder sites.
"Happy now Caroline?" Blake asked her pointedly and she smiled.
"Thanks sweetheart." Clarke replied, placing a kiss on one of his hollow cheeks.
"Don't thank me. I expect to be repaid for this, handsomely I might add." He waggled his eyebrows at her and a genuine grin came through.
Finishing up their applications they brought them up and Samantha seemed a little warmer.
"When would you guys like to schedule your weekly meetings with your sponsors?"
Clarke and Blake exchanged a glance, and she spoke up.
"Wednesday afternoon."
"Okay, one second."
Sam disappeared behind her laptop for a few clicks and returned with a smile.
"You're all set."
"Awesome, thank you." Clarke said, relieved at completing their objective without a problem.
"You guys have a great night. Oh, and Caroline, when you're here for your appointment Ms. Woods requests that you sit and wait patiently for her."
"...okay." Clarke's reply was nearly a whisper, her eyes widening.
"Bye." Sam waved them off and Blake waited until they were in the car to turn on his partner. Words materialized in his throat but he couldn't push them out, and just settled for sulking.
Clarke was busy trying to slow her pulse. She knew her reaction was not kosher, but Blake didn't say anything as she drove robotically to their usual spot.
He opened back up again after a long swallow of the monthly craft beer at Howl at the Moon.
"Wednesday night huh? Any particular reason why?"
Clarke took a shot before answering. Sucking on a lime wedge she dropped it into the empty glass and signaled for another.
"I'm assuming it won't be busy at the club. It's the middle of the week so we'll be just bored enough to be hyper-vigilant while we're there, then we get some time to get our shit back together before the next one." She said.
Blake looked surprised.
"That's actually...kind of amazing."
"I have my strokes of brilliance." She pulled her second shot in close.
"To your strokes." Blake winked as he lifted his glass.
"Cheers."
-/-/-/-/-/-/
"Fuck." Clarke woke up the next day with a dry mouth, a pounding head, and the clattering of Blake's ringtone going off. "Blake..." She swatted at his back, interrupting his snoring. "Your phone."
He grunted and rolled over, but didn't wake up.
"Urgh." Groaning, Clarke snatched it off the side table. As the blurry screen focused and the agency's number flashed she groaned even louder.
"Bellamy! It's headquarters." She smacked him again and this time he shot up, taking the phone blindly.
"Blake here."
"Agent, how much agency money did you spend yesterday?" Chief Harris' voice was eerily calm.
"Uhh, I'm not sure exactly...all business related." His voice was hoarse and just the tiniest bit shaky as he stitched together an answer.
"You get me an expense report ASAP. I want everything highlighted and detailed. This isn't Quantico Agent Bellamy, our resources aren't endless."
"Yes sir."
"ASAP means now agent." The chief hung up on him and Blake flopped back onto the bed.
"...alcohol's considered a work related expense right?" He covered his face with a pillow that Clarke immediately took away.
"Somehow I don't think so."
"Be a dear and send him over that report would you?" Blake put on his best death mask but Clarke knew better.
"Not on your life. Get to work."
After that the agents continued their strange code of silence about the investigation, even as Wednesday approached. They both studied up on their tablets, but they kept their conversations easy and empty.
When the time came Clarke stared at herself in the floor length mirror. Blake was still in the shower, and she was free to think about Lexa. She'd tied her hair back a bit, leaving her face mostly bare. Her knees and hands tingled with the memory of their last meeting and her reflection blushed back at her. She didn't want to admit how much she wanted a dose of morphine, but she couldn't deny it either.
"...ready to go?" Blake dragged her out of her reverie, shaved and dressed already.
"Yes."
This time Declan didn't blindfold her as they ascended the staircase and Clarke took in the landing. It was wide and sprawling like the rest of the mansion, with grand doors and antique decor.
He led her to one and opened it, then closed it tightly behind her. Her heart leapt up into her throat and she tried to listen over its frantic thumping. Moving quietly she walked around the room, reading the titles of the books in their case and surveying the paintings on the walls. She shuffled over to the desk and searched for any visible paperwork, but there was none.
A creak of the floor under her feet made her jump, and finally she walked over to an empty chair, layering her clothes on it.
Going to the center of the room she sat to Lexa's standards, and waited.
As the minutes ticked by her mind invariably went to Lexa. Clarke thought of how it might feel to run her hands along Lexa's strong, muscular legs while she lay obediently upon her thigh. Lexa's voice echoed in her head, ghostly and hot.
Her stomach started to burn as she sat there, and the warmth traveled lower fast, picking up in intensity. Taking deep, measured breaths Clarke fought for control.
Her hard work was ultimately for naught as Lexa walked in, wearing what was essentially just strips of leather. They didn't cover anything, and Lexa's form was a sight to behold.
"Welcome back." Kneeling to Clarke's level Lexa stroked her sides, and Clarke's resolve disintegrated.
"This is for you." Lexa produced a pink leather collar with a heart shaped medallion swinging from the front. Clarke made out the word "Princess" as the metal flashed. Lexa fastened it around Clarke's neck, and then held her face in one hand and trailed the other down the length of her body.
"Where are your manners?" Lexa asked softly as she squeezed her sex, and Clarke gasped.
"Thank you." She finally choked out, her entire being coming to a fierce focal point as Lexa rested her thumb against her clit.
"Much better." Lexa abruptly let her go, standing back up. Attaching a thin leash to Clarke's collar Lexa gave it a good tug and the agent flinched.
"Stay." Lexa pulled on it one more time as she gave the command. Clarke stayed put while her sponsor pulled the seat out from behind the desk, placing it square in front. From the drawers she retrieved a few items, and then placed them by the feet of the chair. Going back to Clarke she took her lead.
"Come." She ordered, and a stray beam of sunlight sliced across her face, illuminating her green eyes. Walking Clarke over to the chair she made her sit, then took her place in the chair.
"My boots need to be shined, and I expect them to perfect." Lexa stated.
Hesitantly, Clarke picked up the towel and shoe shine and began her work. Being so close to Lexa's skin was torturous as she brought the knee high boots to a shining polish. As she worked the top of one she pressed her lips to the side of Lexa's knee, and earned herself a light slap in the face for her efforts.
"No." Lexa said firmly but Clarke hadn't had enough yet. She licked her masters thigh and Lexa sucked in a breath, grabbing the back of her head.
"Finish your work, and then you'll be punished." Lexa slapped her again, with a little more force this time, and Clarke's cheek burned as she obeyed. The word "punish" rang in her ears, ruining her focus. It seemed impossible that her heart rate could climb even higher, that her body could buzz any harder, and yet she found herself in new territory as she looked into Lexa's eyes.
Her hands fell, and she rested her reddened face on the bare skin of Lexa's inner thigh.
Entranced, Lexa traced her cheek bones, then ran a finger over her lips. Clarke was no more then, her real life falling away completely as Lexa tangled her hands in the agents hair, tilting her head back.
Clarke kissed the neatly trimmed triangle of brown hair that came towards her, and didn't hesitate.
Lexa's muscles contracted as Clarke swallowed her up, sucking on her clit hungrily. She wanted to fuck her slaves face, to choke and punish her, but she was paralyzed by the clever strokes of Clarke's tongue. She watched her blonde haired, blue eyed, all-American girl eat her out, and it was almost too much for her to bear. She should've pulled away, and re-established control, but instead she came hard onto Clarke's angelic face.
Mad at herself, Lexa pulled Clarke up and over her lap roughly.
"Knees apart." Her voice was hoarse, and Clarke shivered as she followed orders, her knees getting bitten by the carpet. Lexa began with one hard spank and Clarke yelped, taken aback by the pain. She eased up on the intensity after that, bringing Clarke to a nice rhythm with a variety of smacks.
Free from the constraints of a desk, and a badge, and a gun, Clarke appreciated every strike. Lexa's palm was fire against her vulnerable skin, and the office A/C was ice as her thighs got damp. Suspended somewhere between heaven and hell, she embraced it.
Clarke felt Lexa's hand slip around her throat and a moan tumbled from her lips. Lexa squeezed Clarke's airway each time her hand connected with her backside. Clarke's back arched, and Lexa's knee found its way between her legs.
Lexa exhaled sharply, ending the session without warning as her senses overloaded.
Clarke crumpled to the floor while Lexa panicked for a moment.
Breathing hard she ran her hands through her own hair, hoping her eyes weren't wild. Clarke meanwhile found just enough strength to heel properly, breathing Lexa in while she recovered. Everything hurt, but it wasn't the kind she was used to. This pain radiated, warming her as it flooded her system. It wasn't focused on a central place, burning the memory of a punch or a kick in with the bruise, instead it was all consuming, and Clarke loved it.
Lexa leaned down to nip her earlobe, then couldn't get herself to stop. Pulling Clarke into her lap she kissed every tender spot she could reach and Clarke fell into her arms, winding her own around Lexa's shoulders as their lips met.
Pressing her body into Lexa's, Clarke kissed her slowly, marveling at the way their curves met.
Lexa ran her nails down Clarke's spine, then anchored her thumbs in the hollows of her hip bones, grabbing her ass. Clarke pulled back, inhaling as her eyes welled up with tears at the sharp pain and Lexa kissed her hard, pressing her tongue against Clarke's and sucking on her bottom lip.
"Lexa..." Clarke whispered against her mouth.
Giving in, Lexa picked her up and laid her out atop the desk. Clarke made a pathetic sound as the centuries old wood dug into her abraded skin and Lexa struggled not to bruise her with her grip.
Clarke was everywhere, surrounding her. In all her time on the earth Lexa had never known anything like it. The setting sun drenched Clarke in red and burnt orange, her blue eyes sparkling in the wash.
Climbing up on the desk Lexa straddled her, holding her gaze and her hips. Riding her slowly, Lexa let her eyes flutter shut.
Clarke cried out, overwhelmed by the sensation of leather pressing into her sensitive skin, by the slickness that dripped down between her legs and the ache of her sore ass.
Lexa just continued to use her as she pleased, sliding her hands up to Clarke's stomach while she pressed herself down onto Clarke's clit. Clarke had no control over herself as her legs opened wider, and Lexa grabbed one, putting it around her own back while she leaned forward to kiss Clarke. Their bodies merged into one form, and Clarke bit Lexa's shoulder as her clit came flush against her masters.
Lexa felt a twinge, her humanity faltering. The animal within her flickered as she held onto the desk instead of Clarke, trying not to hurt her. Burying her face in Clarke's hair she let it be her guide, reminding her not to let go completely. She got as close she could, rocking Clarke back and forth until they were both crying out.
Clarke came first, and Lexa settled for kissing her gently as the girl came down. She held herself up over Clarke, kissing her cheeks and the sharp line of her jaw. She knew she wouldn't be able to go another round, as much as she wanted to. The last thing the club needed was another scandal.
Underneath Lexa, Clarke had no desire to move. She should've been trying to gather the pieces of her mind that were left, but instead she lay there blissfully.
As usual Lexa pulled away before she wanted her to, getting to her feet only to find them unsteady. Clutching the desk she tried to hide it from Clarke.
"Y-you may get dressed." She announced and Clarke pouted hard. Biting down on a smile Lexa forced a serious expression.
Clarke sighed and sat up, crossing her legs and dropping her hands in her lap, the very picture of a spoiled slave. Lexa did grin then, pulling Clarke forward by her leash and taking her lips in her own once more.
"...are you busy this weekend?" Lexa asked as she ran her fingertips up and down Clarke's torso. Clarke's head snapped up.
"What?" She replied, confusion coloring her tone. Lexa pinched her cheek in response and helped her down from the desk.
"There's an event this weekend if you're interested. It's an overnight affair however."
Clarke swayed as she landed and Lexa caught her easily.
"I'll...uhm, talk to Ethan." She replied, her voice tiny. Lexa nodded, letting her go.
"Be here in the morning on Saturday morning if you'd like to participate." Lexa kept herself emotionless as Clarke put her clothes back on, reaching out to remove the collar and leash.
"You're dismissed." She added when she was done and this time Clarke didn't run for the door.
Instead she slowly walked away, and Lexa watched her go, the hunger building up anew.
Clarke's eyes were heavy as she stumbled down the stairs and into the lobby again. Blake was waiting for her, and offered his arm. She took it, letting him lead her safely past the marble front steps and over to the car. Pulling the keys from her purse Clarke pressed them into his palm.
"...can you drive?" She asked, leaning against the car.
"Yeah. Get in." He opened the passenger door for her and then they drove home with just the sounds of the radio to comfort them.
-/-/-/-/-/-/
tbc
thank you for reading