Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sanctuary characters.
Dr. Helen Magnus was having one of those days, a day when everything crazy and strange in the universe decided to behave. She couldn't believe her luck and knew that it wouldn't last. That was okay, she'd rather be on the move taking care of business anyway.
She looked up at the knock on her door and smiled at Henry, who was rocking back and forth impatiently.
"Yes, Henry?"
"Doc, there's somebody here to see you."
Helen frowned. Henry looked rather unnerved and that was hard to do. She pushed back her chair and stood.
"Very well. I was due for a break anyway."
She followed him to the front door and came to an abrupt stop. A surprised laugh escaped her lips before she composed herself.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
"Helen Magnus, as I live and breathe. Yes, it has. Nice place ya have here. 'Sanctuary for all', right?"
"Yes, that is why I started this organization."
"That is good to hear."
"Um, Doc, I hate to be rude, but who is she?"
Helen glanced at Henry and smiled. "Sorry about that. Didn't mean to be rude. Henry, I'd like you to meet Mama Buntah. She's an Abnormal seeker."
"Abnormal seeker?"
"Yes, Wolf child, an Abnormal seeker. I find the lost lambs out there and get them to their correct destination."
"Wait, how did you know...,"
Mama Buntah grinned. Her tanned, weathered face crinkled at the edges as she calmly watched him.
Helen thought it prudent to interrupt before he bombarded her guest with endless questions.
"I know you didn't come for chitchat so how may I be of help?"
Mama Buntah reached into her skirt pocket and withdrew an envelope and held it out.
"Compliments of the owner. I will see you afterward and you can tell me what you think."
Helen frowned as she took the envelope. She opened it and saw two tickets and a note. Her eyes widened and she looked back up, only to find that Mama Buntah was gone.
"Holy...Doc where'd she go?"
"To wherever she's needed next. Better go wake up, Will. Looks like he and I have a date tonight."
Henry chuckled. "Yes, Ma'am."
Helen shook her head and pulled out the note. She read it and headed for the equipment room. Always best to be prepared.
It had taken Lilith four trips to the river before she got all the laundry washed and she was exhausted. Her body ached from the back-breaking work and she was hungry. She knew better than to complain or ask. Either action would land her in trouble. And right now, she had peace and quiet for Master Haddock was nowhere to be found.
Humming softly to herself, she hung the clothes on the drying line and tried to ignore her growling stomach. She was going to have to bear with it. That was the only way. Master was still punishing her for last week's offenses which meant only water and no food. She paused and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She had to think about something other than food lest she go mad. With an aggravated snort, she resumed hanging the laundry.
She was nearly finished when a chill washed over her and she froze, the last shirt gripped tightly in her fingers.
"Have you been behaving, my pet?"
Her heart raced in its familiar rhythm of fear at the sound of her master's voice.
"Yes, Master," she squeaked and instantly felt shame at the pitch of her words. Fear would only encourage her Master's need to humiliate her more.
She heard movement behind her and then his left arm slid around her waist, jerking her backward. She bumped against him, stiffening when she felt his arousal.
"No," she whimpered and pushed against his arm around her waist.
She gasped when his right arm came up and his right hand cupped her jaw. She stilled, her breathing harsh. One wrong move and she would be punished again. She wouldn't be able to handle it. Not so soon after last night's round of beatings.
"Lilith, you are so much better when you behave. Isn't it nice to be held by me rather than having to feel my fists?"
Numbly, she nodded, not trusting herself to speak while he held her captive.
He pulled her closer and she felt his arousal pressing hard against her butt. His menacing laugh rumbled through her body, sending all her senses into overdrive. Her main thought was fleeing but terror gripped her body, locking her limbs into place.
Her master's hot breath against her neck wrung another whimper of fear from her throat. His right hand caressed her cheek before trailing down her jaw and dropping to her breast. She stiffened.
"You have a performance tonight. The invitations have been sent. You can't go out on stage with all these bruises."
"I, I'll use makeup. Philippe can help me."
He stroked her breast before trailing his fingers down, stopping at her navel.
"I don't think so. You will look overly done up and that will ruin the effect. No, I have a faster, more pleasurable way to fix our little problem."
She frantically shook her head no. To have to endure that as well...it was too much! Her need to escape his arms replaced her fear and she struggled. If she could break free...
He chuckled. "So, is that the way we shall play. You want it rough? Fine by me."
Lilith yelped and stumbled as his arms abruptly left her body. She fell, hit the basket and was sent sprawling. She didn't stay down and hastily scrambled to her feet. Her only desire was to run away from her Master. She sprinted toward the far side of the tent they shared. If she made it to the main walkway, he would leave her be.
She didn't look behind her. She focused on escaping. She was almost there when he suddenly appeared before her. She dodged left and flailed as his fingers snagged her wrist and hauled her backward. She tripped and landed on her butt hard. Tears welled up and she let out a hurt whimper. She glanced up, flinching away from the knowing gleam in her master's eyes.
"You really do love to make me chase you. I always enjoy a good hunt. Works up a man's many...appetites."
"Please, don't do this!"
His reply was a lecherous grin as he pulled her upright, tightening his hold on her wrist.
"Your performance is in four hours. Plenty of time to make you fabulous. If you satisfy me, and the audience is wowed by your talent, I may feed you."
He continued walking, dragging her behind him as they entered the tent.
She wanted to eat, but not this way. His way always left bitterness and suffering in its wake. She didn't realize she was mumbling, "no, no, no," until a stinging slap rocked her head. She gasped and focused on her master. She came to a halt, shrinking away from the lust and rage he was directing at her.
"You don't get to say 'no', my pet."
She realized it then, that there was no help for her. Briefly Mama Buntah's words came rushing back and she considered yelling. She lost her chance as Haddock spun her around, disorienting her before punching her hard in the stomach.
She doubled over, wheezing hard and fell to her knees. She turned her head sideways, wanting to keep him in sight.
"Play time," he growled and unbuckled his belt.
Her frightened gaze traveled from his waist and upward. She felt a scream building in her soul. This day was about to get worse.