EPOV

Bella was asleep in a minute after that. I looked at her serene sleeping form for some time and when I was convinced that she is in deep sleep, I tip toed out of the room and went to the study.

Dad was sitting on one of the couches. "Is she asleep?"

"Yes, soundly. Thanks for taking care of her Dad"

"Edward, what did you do to her?" he asked me directly.

"Dad," I tried to think how to tell him and then decided that direct would be the best way "40 strokes of the leather strap, after that 10 with my hand."

"What!" Dad was livid with anger, "What The Fuck, Edward?" It was the first time I had heard Dad swear. "How could you do this to her? Do you even know what that girl did for you today? You were almost on the verge of having a nervous breakdown, she saved you from that. Did you realize that she stood in between you and that vile creature so that she doesn't harm you in any way?"

I could only nod.

"And this is the reward you give her for her love and loyalty? 40 strokes of the leather strap! Oh my god.. my poor girl, how she would have suffered? And even after that, she tried to save you."

" I don't have words for you Edward, you have disappointed me. The only punishment fit for your crime is to forbid you to even see her face"

"No Dad, please no..I will die. I cannot live without her. I will do anything, anything at all.. but don't take me away from her. "

"Edward, lucky for you – I have promised my daughter that I will not punish you till she gets well. But I promise you the punishment is not going to be light. You have given Bella unbearable pain, and I will make sure you feel even greater pain. That, my son, is not a threat, but a promise"

"I won't have it any other way Dad. Believe me, I look forward to it." I assured him.

"Good. Now tell me, how did you arrive at the magic number of 50? Was there a logic behind it or did you just lose your temper on her?"

"No dad, I did not lose my temper. We actually have pre-decided punishments for each infraction. 20 strokes for not obeying a direct order, 10 strokes for insulting any other dom. Today evening she disobeyed my direct order 2 times and insulted a dom. Hence, 50 strokes of an implement of my choice." I paused to think about what else I wanted to tell him. More importantly, I wanted his help to find out where I had gone wrong so that I never ever repeat this. Dad remained silent, sensing that I have more to tell him.

"When we reached home, I was angry. At that time I thought I was angry at her for defying me. But now I realize I was angry at myself. I should have ended our play time right there. I was not in the right state of mind to be a dom to my sub. But I did not. That was my first mistake, right Dad?" I looked up to him.

'Yes son, you should have removed her collar then. You should have let the wife comfort her husband. Why did you not do that Edward?" he asked me softly.

"I think I was scared Dad, scared to admit to my weakness, scared to let Bella see what a pussy her dom was.'

'Edward, being a dom does not mean you have to be strong and in control always. Even we doms have certain times in our life when we stumble and need our partner to hold us. Today was such a time for you. Do you really think Bella would think any less of you if you leaned on her for support sometimes?" I simply shook my head no. "Edward, you need to remember that Bella is first and foremost your wife, your lover and then your sub. She is your equal in every way, even when she submits to you.'

"I know that Dad, I just forgot at that time" I sighed.

"Go on, what happened next?"

"I asked her to go to the playroom and wait for me on the whipping bench.' I grimaced even speaking out the word loud. "Once she left, I tried to calm down somewhat, had a glass of water and then followed her to the playroom. I then listed down her offences and started administering her punishment. By the time we reached the 30th stroke, Bella was crying and I started getting an uneasy feeling in my gut. That was when I realized for the first time that something was not right, that what I was doing was not correct.'

I paused and looked up to him, "you know very well that punishing Bella is always very difficult for me. But I have never had this uneasy feeling." I sighed, "the idiot that I am, I did not stop even then. I think I was confused but not convinced yet that I was wrong in punishing Bella. At the 40th strike my angel screamed. A scream of extreme pain that really cut through my heart" I shuddered remembering that instant "I think that's when I became convinced."

"What did you do then" Dad coaxed me.

"I immediately threw away the strap and tried to comfort her. I asked her what was her safe word. Stubborn that she is, she said green. I had no other option but to continue and see through the last 10. But simply could not get myself to pick up the strap again. Thats when this thought came to my mind that the strikes have to be with the implement of my choice and I can change my choice any time I want. I think that's the only time my brain worked during the whole episode.' I tried to smile but it was more a grimace, "I decided to use my hand for the remaining 10. And I swear Dad, I was very gentle, I just softly tapped her ass 10 times. " I exhaled, finally the tale was over.

Dad was in deep thought.

"Please Dad, help me understand where I went wrong. I don't want to repeat this mistake ever. I can't stand seeing my Bella in such pain. I have really acted as an animal, my Bella deserves so much better." I pleaded with him.

"OK Edward, lets first go back to the infractions. You said 10 strokes for insulting another dom. Who is this other dom? I don't recall Bella insulting any other dom in the club, except Tanya. And I don't think you can ever consider Tanya as a dom worth respecting."

"You are right Dad, I didn't mean Tanya. You, she insulted you. You asked her to leave, but she did not.'

"Oh Edward, but I am not a dom to her ever."

"I don't understand Dad, you are our mentor…'

'Let me ask you son, if ever you see your mom in a BDSM setting – say the club or a play party that she is attending as my sub - would you want her to sit beneath you, not meet your eyes, call you Sir?"

"Hell no Dad. Of course not, never…." I stammered.

'Why Edward?"

"Because she is my mom Dad, she can never be a sub in my eyes"

"Exactly son. Just as Esme will always be mom to you never a sub, Bella will always be a daughter to me, never a sub. When I interacted with her in the club today, I was trying to reassure my daughter that I will take care of everything, that I will not let any harm come up her most precious possession – you"

"Oh…so those 10 strokes were unnecessary."

'Yes, due to this reason as well as one more. When she stepped up to Tanya, Bella was no longer a submissive – she was a wife protecting her husband. I'm sure that when she is your sub, she will never insult another dom, including me. But when she is your wife, she is not obligated to respect any dom." Dad explained.

I nodded.

"Now to the next part – you said that she disobeyed 2 direct orders. When did this disobeying happen – before Tanya came or after?

"After. I told her two times to leave and wait for me outside, but she did not…." That's when I realized how wrong I was. I gave her 40 strikes that she did not deserve. As Dad pointed out, after Tanya came in, Bella was no longer my sub, but my wife. And as my wife she is not obligated to obey my every order. Hell, I'm not allowed to order her around then.

"Oh my God Dad, I failed her completely. She did not deserve the punishment I gave her at all. I abused her trust, acted rashly, without thinking. God… I deserve the worst punishment possible for causing my girl such unnecessary pain. Dad please…please punish me this instant. I don't deserve to stand here when she is suffering so much for no fault of hers. Please Dad.." I all but begged. The guilt was unbearable. Earlier, I was in despair because she was hurting so much and I had caused that pain. But now, I was beyond distraught – not only was I too harsh on her, but she did not even deserve the punishment I had given her.

"Edward, calm down. Your punishment will definitely come. Don't think even for a second that I will spare you. You will get what you deserve – maybe more than what you deserve because this is my daughter and your wife. But now is not the time for that. For one, you need to take care of Bella first, right now she needs you more than anything. And second, I have promised her that I will not punish you till she gets better. That girl always thinks about you before anything else. Plus, you have to know that whenever you are punished, it is going to be doubly hard on her. And right now, she is not strong enough to endure both your and her own pain.

Moreover, our discussion is not yet over. So you now realize that she did not really commit the infractions for which she was punished. But your sub did make one mistake – for which she deserved to be punished. Do you know what that was?"

I thought for some time. Only 1 thing came to my mind "Before standing up to Tanya, she should have safe worded and ended our play time, so that everyone would be aware that this is my wife asking Tanya to stay away. Right Dad?"

"Absolutely. Not safe wording was her one and only mistake today Edward. Though I understand that given the circumstances, she wouldn't have thought about safe wording. And that's exactly what needed to be corrected – as a sub she should never ever forget that she can and she should use her safe words whenever needed. And she should have been punished for this so that she improves in her submission to you. After all, the only reason we punish our subs is that they improve and become better subs and better persons", I nodded at that. "So, what is your punishment for forgetting to safe word."

"Ten strokes with the implement of the dom's choice"

"So that's what she deserved - 10 strokes with the implement of your choice. And in this particular case, your implement should have been the lightest and the least painful one – your hand. Do you agree Edward?"

I nodded – "Yes Sir, I agree and understand completely."

"Good. Now just one more thing Edward – what should a dom do if his sub actually deserved to receive 50 strokes? Think carefully and then answer."

I took my time and then said – "he should divide the punishment and administer it in parts over a period of time so that the sub does not suffer more than she can handle at a time."

"Correct. Or he can convert some parts of the punishment to emotional punishments like taking away a valued privilege for a definite time period. Or he can try what I use sometimes," he added with a wink.

"What Dad" I asked.

"Divide the punishment between the Dom and the Sub."

I was confused "What do you mean Dad?"

"I mean, son, the dom can administer half of the punishment on the sub and then get the sub to administer the remaining half on himself. After all, as much as the sub's body is the dom's, the dom's body is the sub's." Dad explained, "and believe me, it is the most effective punishment. You would agree with me that our subs will go to any lengths to ensure their doms don't feel the pain."

"I know Dad, I know."

"I need to leave now son. Take care of Bella and call me if you need me. Ahem..one more thing son" Dad hesitated, "I think you should know that your mother…"

Dad was cut off by a loud noise, most probably the front door slamming closed.

"Edward, where are you?"

"Mom…" I looked at Dad bewildered.

"…knows about what happened today, the whole story" Dad completed

"Oh no" I sighed.

"Edward, come out this instant. I need to be sure what Carlisle told me was correct before I skin you alive." Mom roared.

I all but ran out to her. "Mom please, not so loud. Bella has just slept. She will wake up, she really needs her rest right now." I pleaded with her.

"Edward Anthony Cullen, what have you done to my girl now?" mom whisper-shouted at me. "Is it true that you beat her for standing up to Tanya?"

I flinched at her choice of words, but realized that she was correct, I did beat Bella. There is no other way to explain what I did. I just nodded with my eyes down cast.

"Edward, I don't know what to say to you. How could you have done that? How is what Tanya did to you wrong when you did the exact same thing to the girl you supposedly love?"

"I know mom, believe me I know" I said in a dejected voice.

"Edward, son, you know that I love you, but I don't like you very much right now. You are not going to like what I am going to say now, but I will still say that. Because that's how I feel at this point. I am ashamed to call you my son."

This really brought me to my knees, I have never disappointed my mother so much that she was ashamed to call me her son.

"Esme dear, now this is a little harsh love." Dad tried to interject on my behalf.

"Carlisle, you stay out of this and I will stay out when you finally beat the crap out of him for the stunt he pulled today."

Dad just sighed "Ok dear, just one last thing and I will not say anything else after that. For Bella's sake, please don't be too hard on him. Believe me, the only reason he is standing here and not face down on my whipping bench is because Bella needs him right now and begged me to spare him till she is well. I will see you at home."

"Edward, I have left medicines for Bella on the study table. The ointment needs to be applied to the affected area at least 3 times a day, more if you can manage. I am leaving few pain killer injections as well, you can administer them on your own. The pills are for swelling and pain, give me a call when she is up, I will explain the dosage." With that, Dad walked out leaving me alone with Mom.

"Mom please.."

"Stop Edward, I don't want to listen to anything you may have to say. Take me to my daughter now."

"She is sleeping, mom.."

"I know, I just need to see her"

"But, she is in the…the.." I didn't want my mom inside my playroom ever.

"The playroom" Mom completed for me, "Edward, now is not the time to be coy. I know exactly what that room is and what is used for, maybe better than you. It's not that suddenly I am going to look at it and turn into your submissive. I have my own hunk of a dominant, thank you very much."

"Mom please… don't even joke about it" I was beyond mortified and I am sure red as a tomato, "come, I'll take you"

I took mom to the playroom. She went straight to the bed where Bella was, without even a glance at the remaining part of the room. She was right, this was nothing new for her and she definitely had a much better equipped one of her own – both the room and the dominant.

Bella was sound asleep. She looked so peaceful. Mom kissed her on the forehead lightly and then got up. "Ok, I'm feeling better now that I have seen her. I'll go make some broth for her to have when she gets up. Come help me in the kitchen, I still need to talk to you." She said

I wanted so much to sit by Bella and just look at her. But I had to pay my dues with mom first. Reluctantly, I followed her out of the playroom and into the kitchen. She immediately started preparing the broth. Doing that seems to calm her down a bit.

"Edward, what happened dear?" she asked softly, "you are one of the most calm and controlled doms I know. You know more than most people in this lifestyle what are the consequences of losing control while dominating. Hell, you have been through abuse yourself. Moreover I know for sure that you love that girl more than your own life. How did all this happen then son? How did you lose control?"

"I don't know mom, I really don't know. I can't tell you how ashamed, how guilty I am for treating her the way I did. Maybe I am not that good after all, she definitely deserves someone better than me. Someone who wouldn't hurt her ever, someone who would never take out his own frustrations on her, someone who will worship her like deserves to be. Someone..someone who is not me" I broke down completely at that and started crying.

Just then we heard a loud gasp from the doorway. My angel was standing there with tears running down her face. "No Edward… please don't say that. You are all I want, all I need… I don't care about anything, you can't leave me ever. You promised Edward, you promised in front of God and our friends and family. For better or worse, in sickness or health, you will be with me. I don't want anyone else, I want only you, please.."

I was in front of her in two long strides and took her in my arms "Shh… sweetheart, I am not leaving you. I just can't do that ever.. I said you deserved better, that you probably do," I could feel her shaking her head against my chest at that, "not that I can leave you. I'm too selfish and way too weak to be able to do that sweetheart. I need you like air. I know I cannot survive even for a minute without you. Please don't cry baby, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

I held her in my arms, rocking her slowly, with her face buried in my chest and my face buried in her hair. After some time, she looked up at my face.

"Edward Cullen, if you ever say this again, I'm going to kill you"

"I'm sorry sweetheart. I promise I will never leave you. Though I don't know how can you love me or even tolerate me after what I did to you today."

She started to speak, but I stopped her. "Please, hear me out first. Please." She nodded

I looked at mom then - "Mom, would you excuse us for some time please. I know you want to talk to Bella. I promise you will have her back in 10 mins. I just need to do something first."

"Of course sweetheart, go. Don't worry about me, I will be here finishing up the broth. Come get me when you are done"

"Thanks Mom" with that I took Bella to the living room. After getting her situated comfortably on the well cushioned sofa, I kneeled down in front of her.

"Edward, what are you doing?"

"Bella, my love" I started, "today I have broken your trust and possibly your heart. I have treated you even worse than Tanya treated me. After all she never loved me. I can't tell you how sorry I am for what I did today. I just want to say that I will do everything I can to regain your trust, even if it is the last thing I do. Also, I will make sure that this does not go unpunished. I know Dad has promised you that, but I'm promising you sweetheart that I will endure more than what you did today."

"Edward, there is no need. I accept your apology. I know what you must be going through right now – seeing me in pain, caring for my injuries. Don't you think that's punishment enough? Don't you think it's enough to know every time you see me in pain that you caused this?"

"No sweetheart, it's not. Please don't fight me on this. I need to pay my penance." She didn't look too convinced, but after some thought nodded reluctantly. I knew this discussion was not over. I know how she works. She knew she has some time before Dad would have me on his bench and I'm sure she will broach this subject again sometime in near future.

"I have one more thing to do sweetheart" I continued. I stood up and removed her collar from my pocket. I looked up to her uncertainly with the collar in my hand. I was not sure how she would react to it. Last time she wore it had brought her extreme pain – I wouldn't be surprised if she never wanted to wear it again. After my last session with Tanya, I didn't even want to look at the collar I had worn then.

"Isabella, would you.." I asked her hesitantly. And once again my brave little girl surprised me.

"Of course sir" she smiled her dazzling smile and started getting up.

"No no, no need to get up sweet girl." I stopped her.

She gave me a puzzled look but sat down on the sofa. I have never collared her without her kneeling down, but this was a special circumstance. I was not collaring her for any play, I was collaring her just so the dominant could apologize to the submissive, just like the husband had to the wife.

I collared her quickly and then kneeled down in front of her again. Her eyes grew large with astonishment; a dominant kneeling in front of his submissive was simply unheard of. I knew that and that's exactly why I wanted to give her this. I wanted to give her something no other dominant has ever given his submissive.

"Isabella" I started formally, "The way I treated you today was not how a Dom should ever treat a sub. I did not punish you – I actually abused you and that's the truth. I now know that you did not even commit the offences you were punished for. Carlisle made me realize that when you stood up to Tanya in the club, you were no longer my submissive, you were my wife. Our playtime was over the moment Tanya came up to me. So whatever happened after that is of no consequence to Edward the dom and Isabella the sub. Your only mistake today was not safewording." I took a deep breath and continued, "I know as my wife you have forgiven me for today. But I still need to ask for forgiveness from by submissive. That's why I am on my knees. Isabella, please accept my apologies as your dom. I will understand if you cannot forgive me now or ever. And if you never want to wear my collar again. As your husband and your dom, it is my duty to make sure all your needs are met. And I will make sure that you have the best doms should you so desire…"

Bella was on her feet before I could even finish the sentence. "Red" she shouted, her face red with anger.

"Edward Cullen, get up this instant." She commanded. I was not sure what had happened but I got up without a second thought.

"Ok, let me get this straight. You are saying that if I cannot forgive you and don't want to wear your collar again, you will be happy to pass me on to some other dom who can fulfill my so called needs. Is that correct?" she asked with special emphasis on the words happy and needs.

Oh, OH, OHO... "Yes, I mean no.. "I stammered, "I won't be happy, I mean I will be if you were happy…I will not like it very much…I mean to say…Oh Bella, I think I didn't explain it correctly. Let me try once more."

She kept looking at me with blazing eyes waiting for the explanation.

"It will kill me to see you with anyone else, but sweetheart I will do it if it will give you happiness. I will take it as my punishment and endure it without any complain."

"Edward, do you really think I will be happy with someone else, someone who is not you? Do you really think so low of me? Do you really think my love for you is so weak that it will disappear so easily?" Bella asked in a small voice.

"No sweetheart, I didn't mean it that way"

"Then how did you mean it Cullen?" My tigress was back.

"I mean…" I was at a loss of words.

"Ok, let me ask you this. If I refused to wear your collar ever again, will you go and take up another submissive. If not collared, maybe play with one occasionally?"

"No, never. I told you love, you are IT for me. Its either you or no one." I stated heatedly

"Then why do you think it is different for me? Haven't I told you that you are IT for me as well?" she demanded.

"Yes sweetheart, you have, but.."

"No buts Edward. I will tell you once more, and you better listen good because I will not repeat this ever again. YOU. ARE. IT. FOR. ME. You already know that when I came into this lifestyle, I wanted either you as my dom or no one. If today you decide you don't want to make love to me again, I will take the vow of celibacy. If today you decide that you don't want to collar me ever again, I will never step inside a BDSM setting ever. If you are not my master, I will never be a submissive again. Are we clear?"

"Yes ma'm" I replied.

"Edward, I love you with all my heart." Bella sobbed, all the fight gone out of her, "I enjoy our lifestyle only because I do that with you, only you. I have only ever served you and I will never serve any other dom, ever."

"I know sweetheart, I know." I took her in my arms, "I'm sorry love, really sorry. It looks like the only thing I can do today is make you cry. Even when I was trying to apologize to you."

"I forgive you master" she stated simply.

"Thank you Isabella" I said keeping her in my arms, "but I have not forgiven myself. And that is why I'm removing this collar from your neck. Please know that it is being removed not because you have foundered in your submission, but because your master has foundered in his dominance. Please know that this collar is still yours, will always be only yours. I am just requesting you to not wear it till your master forgives himself and learns to be a better master for you. Can you do this for your master baby?" I removed the collar then and dropped it in her arms.

"Yes sir. Your girl believes in her master and will wait for the day when she can wear it around her neck again. Till then, she will wear it on her wrist. Will that be ok sir?" my sweet girl said. Her collar was a platinum strap with diamonds encrusted in it. I had got it made in such a way that it could easily become a double strapped bracelet for times when Bella cannot wear it around her neck.

"Of course sweetheart. Come let me fasten it for you." She sat down on the sofa and I fastened the bracelet on her left wrist. I knew she liked to keep it on her left hand – that way it is closer to her heart.

I brushed away few stray tears still on her face and kissed her on the forehead.

"Are you comfortable sweetheart? Do you need another pain killer?" I asked her.

"I am perfectly fine dear, no pain at all. Dad said the dose will last at least 6 hours." She replied.

"Let me go get mom then, I know she wants to visit with you before she goes home." She nodded at that. I went to the kitchen and saw that mom was done with the broth.

"Hey mom, all yours" I said.

She filled a bowl for Bella and started towards the living room. "Edward.." she paused near me.

" Yes mom"

"Don't blame yourself too much son. Things like these happen, we all make mistakes. You also made one, ok a big one, but still a mistake. That doesn't mean you don't love her or that you are not a good man for her. As long as you both love each, everything else will fall back in place. Understand?"

"Yes mom"

"Don't even think about leaving her. If you do that I promise I will hunt you down and throw you back at her feet."

"Yes mom" I laughed a bit

Mom smiled back and touched my face with her free hand. "Sweetheart, take the punishment you deserve and get it over with. All is forgiven and forgotten once the punishment is endured. That's what you doms tell us submissives, right?" I nodded. "So follow what you preach, ok?"

"Yes mom. Now go cuddle your daughter. I know you are itching for that. I will be in my study if you need me." With that I pushed her lightly towards Bella. "Thanks for everything mom" I added in a quiet voice.

"You are always welcome son"