Hello there! Thanks to all of you who favorite and alerted the story. I have to say I have the best reviewers, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Please feel free to contact me with any questions; I love to hear from you.

Disclaimer 1: I do not own Twilight, its plot or any of its characters.

Disclaimer 2: Please be warned that this story will include physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I DO NOT promote, condone or accept abuse in any shape or form. This is a fictional work with fictional characters and I present it as such.

Chapter 8

Shaken to the core Seth kneeled next to the bed feeling as cum dribbled between his thighs. Panic was etched in Embry's features, he knew this could happen, he sensed the change in Jacob's disposition but never in a million years had he thought he would be punished or even killed for following orders. The two subs were at the mercy of a deranged being with no soul.

Jacob roughly threaded his fingers on Embry's hair pulling so hard that the sub's head tilted backwards and Jake was left with a clump of hair entangled on his fingers. Embry's angled his head trying to evade Jacob's first affront. In that position he could see Seth's tortured face and the tears that were forming in the corners of his eyes.

"Don't look at him!" Barked Jacob, all he wanted was to kill the insignificant creature in front of him. There had only been a few times when he loathed a person more than he hated Embry. The worse thing about it was that he really didn't understand why he felt such hatred towards Sam's sub. All he knew was that the sub made Seth radiate joy and fulfillment from every pore and he fucking hated it.

Jacob turned his head to look at Seth getting to see a lonely tear as it escaped and slid down his agonized face. Instantly he felt a satisfaction that should've been enough, he didn't need to punish his sub, watching his friend suffer was going to be punishment enough. But that satisfaction was only on the surface, deep inside him, in the place that not even his spirit dared to look, he felt guilty. He knew what cruelty was, he lived it; he suffered it at the hands of the bastards that killed his mother. Even at such a young age he was able to understand their reasoning, there are only a few crueler ways of torture than to use the one you love against you. The moment his mother's spirit left her body he swore never to love, to become a hollow being, to exist but never live. Loving was weakness, feeling were overrated; they were a waste of space inside any person, especially himself.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Jacob raised his arm as he readied himself to land a potentially fatal blow on Embry. A soft whimper escaped the sub's lips as he squeezed his eyes shut not wanting to see what was coming. He though that at least his last memory wouldn't be of Jacob's hand coming towards him.

The blow didn't come; he was not hurt, more importantly he was still breathing. Slowly Embry opened his eyes only to witness something so impossible it couldn't be real. Jacob's arm was being held in the air by a trembling Seth, his face red with the effort. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Asked Jacob, his tone was one of surprise and indignation.

"Please master, don't hurt him." Begged Seth.

"Why shouldn't I? Please enlighten me." Sneered Jacob sarcastically.

"Because he didn't do anything wrong." Jacob was perplexed with Seth boldness; never before any submissive have dared to question his motives.

"I beg to differ." In no way Jacob was trying to reason with Seth, this was all a game to him. The subs were only the game pieces he moved as he pleased.

"Master, he was only doing what you ordered; if somebody is at fault it's me. I'm the one who acted like a two cent whore. I know you need to punish us, all I ask is that you give me both punishments." Seth spoke as fast as he could knowing very well his master would understand him, he needed to get his plead out. He knew the only reason why Jacob's arm remained still was because he was barely presenting Seth with any resistance, it was like part of him wanted to be stopped.

"Let me see if I understand, you want me to punish you and let him go?" Seth nodded in response. An audible gasp escaped Embry's lips as he tried to understand Seth's actions. He had no intention of allowing Seth to die for him; he needed to figure out how to avoid that. Maybe if he attacked Jacob he would be pushed into making him pay and not Seth.

"Even if I'm planning to kill him?" Again, Seth nodded, accepting any fate that his master saw fit. Jacob thought Seth would falter in his intention but he was deadly wrong, the little sub had more guts in his little finger than Jacob had in his entire body.

Worried that his message was not getting through Seth took it one step farther. He placed one knee on the soft bed and got closer to his master. Moving his hand towards Jacob's hand he kissed it softly as heavy droplets fell from his eyes on the bed below. Neither one of them understood what Seth's kiss meant. Was he trying to romance Jacob into changing his mind? Was he saying goodbye? He bared his neck to his master and placed his master's hand on his vulnerable neck, in a silent request for his master to snap his neck and appease his anger.

Seth's actions completely disarmed Jacob; He had been challenged in a level that was utterly foreign to him. The softness of the sub's lips on his hand presented a sharp contrast with the shiver that ran down his spine when Seth gave his neck in payment for a crime he didn't commit.

Embry tried to move, to do anything to get Jacob's attention away from his friend, but he was held in place by Seth's small hand. "Please don't, my time was up a long time ago, I guess I only waited for a moment when it would make a difference."

Jacob's hand trembled against the slightly colder skin of his sub. He didn't want to lose face in front of the subs but he couldn't bring himself to break Seth's neck. Neither one of them did anything wrong, actually they did exactly what he asked of them, they entertained him. Then again he couldn't let this slide; Seth had been downright disrespectful, even daring to touch him without permission.

"Please sir, the strong man is the one who does the right thing, you know what that is and killing Seth is not it" Pleaded Embry, he had to try, even if Jacob killed him for speaking without permission. Jacob grew up believing submissives were stupid creatures without reasoning. How was it possible that the two small dogs in front of him were able to read him like a book? How did they know what was torturing him? What insecurities rested beneath his skin?

"To hell with it!" Pushing Seth backwards Jacob jumped off the bed. Embry and Seth looked at each other in total disbelief, they wouldn't dare move, and they didn't know what to do. A few minutes later Jacob emerged from his dressing room wearing only a pair of basketball shorts.

"Clean up that mess!" He ordered pointing towards the bed "I'll be back in a few hours; you better not do anything stupid.

Seth and Embry stood like two statues, only moving after a couple of minutes passed and Jacob was not back. They allowed themselves to breath as their hearts regained their normal rhythm. Seth curled himself to Embry who was still lying on the bed and wept inconsolably on his friend's shoulder.

"I couldn't let him kill you Embry, I couldn't" Seth's words were mixed with sad little sobs as he began to calm down.

"You shouldn't have put your life on the line for me; maybe it was my number the one that was up. Anyway I don't know what happened here but I'm just happy that he still has a shred of humanity in the barbed wire that makes up his heart." Embry held his friend close trying to comfort him and in turn have some peace himself. After the wonderful moment they shared Jacob had to go and ruin it for them, it was not fair. Why couldn't they have a minute of peace?

"I'm ok now, c'mon Embry we need to change the bed linens and shower." Seth crawled off the bed and pulled Embry to his feet. Before he went to get clean linens Seth placed his arms around Embry's upper body with his hands resting on his upper back. Embry responded to this action by wrapping himself on Seth and giving him a chaste kiss on the lips.

"We'll be fine Seth; I can't tell you how I know. I just feel it in my gut." Embry had a sincere smile on his face that put Seth's mind at ease.

They had to take turns showering since the shower was so small but in no time they were dressed and more than ready to put they day behind them. They laid down together on the floor, Seth didn't know whether to attach the chain to himself or to Embry so he left it for his master to decide. Embry laid down on his side, Seth flush behind him basically spooning him. It felt so good to have somebody next to him, even if they were lying down on the cold hard floor the company was just perfect.

Embry fell asleep immediately but Seth wanted to enjoy the moment a little bit longer. He nestled closer inhaling deeply and filling his lungs with air impregnated in Embry's scent. It smelled like soft amber with a crisp citric undertone. He didn't know for how long he would have his friend next to him and decided to make every second count. Allowing each one of his senses to become stimulated by the wonderful man in front of him made the moment magical on itself. It was very soothing to lose himself in the moment, ignoring the heartache of his daily life.

Seth felt his face get warmer with embarrassment when he found himself yearning for a much different scent. His master's musky scent could only be compared to the intensity of his dominance and this dominance was only exceeded by his lust and his anger. He had to stop and think what was the driving force behind all the abuse to which he subjected his submissives. Seth thought about it many times before, his master's actions earlier making him rack his mind looking for answers. Jacob was never mean to his pack, he was strict but never abusive. Could it be because he was nothing but a bully who preyed on the weak not knowing he was weaker than any sub? Realizing it was all futile he decided to sleep before his master returned with God only knew what ideas.

Several hours later Jacob walked back in his room, the only light coming from a small lamp. His body was covered with a layer of sweat from the four hour run it took for him to gather his thoughts. He was mad at himself for letting everything come down to the decision to kill a sub that didn't even belong to him or his own sub who he wouldn't more than he couldn't kill. Following the sound of the soft snores of the subs he approached the two sleeping forms curled onto each other on the floor. Neither one of them was chained to the wall and he didn't know if he should bother to do that at all. Once again he felt his skin crawl when he saw Seth's arm over Embry's body, why did he even care? He debated for a few minutes whether or not to drag Seth to his bed and fuck him until he couldn't walk, but no, he didn't want to do that. Jacob was tired of hurting his sub and then feeling like shit for doing so. It was like he was torturing himself, punishing himself and the sub for what others did. Instead he walked to the bathroom to shower before calling it a night.

The next morning the subs woke up before the master. Seth pulled Embry towards the bathroom where Embry got some extra sleep time sitting on the floor waiting for Seth to shower. As they walked out of the bathroom Edward was setting the breakfast on the table. He looked at the subs with pity and concern before turning in his heels and walking out without saying a word. Edward didn't know Embry, for all practical purposes Sam or any other dominant could be using him as a spy. His many years in the military taught Edward to be distrustful.

Jacob stirred on his bed looking to his left to see if his breakfast had arrived. Wobbly and with sleep still stuck in his eyes he walked to the table where he plopped himself on a chair, naked as the day he was born. The submissives knelt behind him waiting to be fed. Without turning Jacob called Seth who quickly approached him and observed as his master gave him an amount of food that was barely enough for one person.

The subs shared the pancake and the one sausage Jacob had given them. The dominant turned on his chair to observe as the two subs divided the food equally, neither one of them even daring to take more than their fair share. The same went on during lunch with Jacob wondering what made these little dogs so thoughtful and considerate with each other. He had many friends but none that would be willing to share with him table scraps if that was the case. After lunch Jacob told Embry to clean the sitting room and after closing the room divider he took Seth to the bed where he took him for the first time that day. Seth had been wondering if there was something going on with his master, since first arriving at the Blacks there hadn't been one day in which his master allowed so much time to pass between their sexual encounters.

Laying face down on the bed, Seth pondered about the fact that his master wasn't being even half as brutal as he usually was. Maybe he wanted to seem as a good guy in front of Embry, then again why would he care what a sub thinks of him?

As nighttime loomed, the subs became increasingly nervous thinking about what twisted idea Jacob would come up with. Thankfully it was nothing out of the ordinary; they had dinner after which Seth was taken once again by his master. This time Embry was told to sit by Seth's chain were he turned his back to the bed not wanting to witness what was happening even though he could hear Jacob's cursing and groaning.

Three days passed before it was time for Embry to be returned to his owner. Since Jacob needed to meet with Sam to get the report about his trip he was going to walk Embry back home. The subs melted in an embrace as they said good bye. Neither one of them knew when nor if they would see each other again and that fact hurt their already bleeding hearts. They smiled sadly at each other while wiping each other's tears. Getting impatient Jacob rushed Embry out; the subs shared one last innocent kiss before saying their final goodbye.

Seth ran to the window to observe the retreating forms of his master and his best friend. They removed their clothes and after Jacob took off Embry's collar they both phased and started running in the direction of Sam's estate. Seth sighed deeply and after saying a short prayer for his friend got busy with his daily chores. After stripping the bed and collecting the used towels Seth got ready to leave everything out on the hallway, that is, until he noticed the time. Too busy with his goodbyes he lost track of time and didn't set out the dirty laundry. He knew it would be hell to pay when his master noticed the laundry had accumulated. Determined on not getting punished for that, Seth grabbed the basket to take it to the laundry room himself. Hopefully he would not bump into the perverts again today but he had never been lucky.

It was going to be an hour before they would reach the outer edge of Sam's estate. Embry was trying to keep his thoughts shielded from the dominant running beside him but his own emotions betrayed him. Shielding your thoughts was not easy it took practice; usually the subs would be much better at it seeing that many times their survival depended on their capability for being discreet. Emotions were almost impossible to hide and those were revealing Embry's true state of mind. It had only been minutes but he already missed Seth, the few days they spent together had been the happiest Embry had experienced in a long time. He feared the possibility of never seeing his friend again. Observing Jacob's treatment of Seth, Embry realized that his best friend definitely had the worst deal of them both. Even though Sam had a perverse and dark fascination with testing Embry's healing abilities he had more self-control when it came to the sex. Sam was a horn dog, there was no doubt about that, but it was nothing compared to Jacob.

Will you stop the fucking grumbling you're getting me depressed! Boomed Jacob making Embry flinch when the dom's voice blasted in his head. "What's the big deal? You're going to miss your fuck buddy?" scoffed Jacob.

Damn it! Answer me! If it was possible his mental voice became even louder.

I'm going to miss him, I already do. He is my only friend. Even is his head Embry's voice was barely a whisper, just slightly louder than a sigh.

Jacob tried to think of a witty comeback to mock the sub even further but was unable to come up with anything even remotely satisfying. He took a sideways glance at the small wolf besides him and saw his head hanging low and what he could've sworn was a tear sliding down the fur of his face. Jacob didn't know whether to comfort the sub or beat the crap out of him for reminding him of his own pathetic life.

He had a father who lived embarrassed of having him as a son. There was a time long ago in which Jake had been the pride and joy of his father but after his son was proven to be a coward all those feelings where locked inside a box and thrown into the bottom of the ocean. Jake had a pack that was nothing more than subordinates, they had stopped trying to be his friend after he pushed them away one too many times. Finally he had Seth; the small sub was more a cause for confusion than anything else. Yes he was a great fuck, eternally tight and more than skilled in the art of fellatio. He was a great housekeeper; Jake's room had never been so clean. Seth had almost a sixth sense when it came to recognizing his master's needs and seeing they were fulfilled. His sub was perfect.

Seth's eternally youthful face came to his thoughts, like a picture that begins garbled until it clears up to reveal the beauty hidden inside. His steel grey eyes were unlike any others, a combination of sadness and mysticism. His skin was radiant and the most perfect shade. Everything about him was in perfect balance, from his high cheekbones and button nose to his pink thin lips. Seth's beauty was unique and impossible to match. Realizing his thoughts could be seen by anyone he shook his head trying to erase the sub's image from his thoughts. Jacob huffed in frustration feeling himself exposed to the world.

Lost in their own thoughts which they were carefully shielding, time passed quickly and before either one of them realized it they were in front of Sam's house. They phased and after putting Embry's collar back on they got dressed and walked inside. Jacob didn't need to knock; after all, he had known Sam since they were pups. As soon as Embry recognized his master's scent as he was approaching them he sank to his knees in respect. He was roughly pulled up by Sam who planted a sloppy kiss on his sub's lips, while kneading his ass.

"Damn it Sam keep that in the bedroom." Groused Jacob, annoyed and embarrassed at the obvious display of… whatever, he had no idea.

"What? I haven't fucked anything in three days, I'm freaking horny."

"Why? Couldn't find any goats on your way back?"

"Shut up Jake, you know I prefer sheep, goats are your thing, not mine."

"Shit Sam that's disgusting." Jacob pretended to gag laughing heartily soon after.

"Let's go to my office I have a few things to report. I got to tell you I'm getting worried, this situation is getting more volatile every day." Sam led his friend to his office but not before telling Embry to go to their room, wash up and wait for him.

After their meeting Jacob left to go back home and inform his father of Sam's findings which were disturbing to say the least. Every day the pack from the west was getting more daring, breaching the border, stealing food and even equipment, basically creating havoc in an already delicate balance of power. One of Jacob's informants had been found dead, his remains were spread over a vast field as a warning that they were unto them and to discourage any wolf from even trying to betray them. Treason had become a crime punishable with a slow painful death. There were two sides to every story and this was not the exception. According to the pack from the east they had won the war and the right to claim the majority of the land and the cattle. The pack from the west insisted the east fought dirty and had no honor. They claimed themselves victor without having earned that distinction.

Entering his room Sam found Embry submitting to him just the way he liked it. He was already naked kneeling beside the bed waiting for his master. He stood before his sub immediately dropping trou and pulling Embry's face toward his crotch. The instant his sub's lips were wrapped around his cock he sighed with the relaxing effect his sub's able mouth around his member had on him. In a few short minutes he exploded into his sub's mouth, Sam usually didn't have such a short fuse but his need for release was just too great.

After lying down on his bed Sam motioned for Embry to climb up to which he complied instantly. "Get to work, make me hard again." The sub put his mouth to work licking, sucking and nibbling unabashedly his master cock and balls. He knew everything Sam liked; his actions were directed at giving his master pleasure and keeping him happy so he wouldn't see the need to hurt him.

"So, how many times did Jacob fuck you? Answer." Sam asked between light moans.

Embry pulled Sam's limp cock out of his mouth but continued stroking it while he answered "He didn't fuck me master" Sam arched an eyebrow questioningly, his expression darkened and in a blink of an eye he grabbed a clump of Embry's hair making him yelp in pain. "Don't fucking lie to me!"

Sam smacked his sub across the face making his head sway backwards. "Let's try this again, how many times did Jacob put his dick in your mouth or in your ass? Answer!"

"Master I'm not lying, he didn't touch me, he asked me to fuck his sub while he watched us." Sam's dark expression changed to one of amusement.

"What's his problem, can't he get it up?" Asked Sam mockingly.

"He fucks his sub two or three times per day, but he didn't lay a finger on me." Stated Embry, knowing very well not to add to his master contemptuous comment.

"I'll be darn; the wolf is full of surprises." Sam smiled content and satisfied with Embry's statement. He did find it hard to believe but Embry had never lied to him and there was no reason for him to protect Jacob. A loud moan escaped the dominant's lips when his dick became hard again thanks to Embry skillful mouth.

Sam pulled Embry over him and they kissed deeply and slowly. The dominant was in a good mood which was always good news for Embry; he would most likely finish the night without any injuries. They started grinding their hips together, the sub concentrated on the sensation to be able to get hard. His master enjoyed the sex a lot more if Embry at least pretended to like it.

Between moans and sighs Sam continued his interrogation; Embry was confused at his master's odd behavior. "Tell me, did you hear anything about the cold war that's brewing between east and west?"

"No master, he never talks to his sub and much less to me. Seth told me his pack usually meets in his office but while I was there they didn't meet. I'm sorry I don't have any information."

"You're so useless Embry, serves me right for sending a sub to do a wolf's work." Scorned Sam.

"After we are finished make yourself useful and run your hands over me, my muscles ache from all the fucking running. I'm getting so tired of the Black's shit; I'm nothing more than a newspaper boy for them." With anger peeking inside Sam rammed into the sub's body without any consideration or concern. He didn't care if he hurt him and he knew Embry most likely would heal before he could even finish the thought. The main reason for Embry still being alive was his gift. His super enhanced healing came very much handy and his dominant had gotten very used to Embry's healing touch as he named it. He didn't understand it was his gift seeing that a wolf having any type of special power was unheard of, much less a sub.

Relaxed and sated Sam laid down on the bed while Embry ran his soft hands over his master's body. It was a routine they were both used to. Sam loved Embry's rubdowns. Between knowing Billy would not get him a new sub, Embry's ability and the massages, Sam was determined not to lose Embry. He never cared for any submissive and he didn't care about Embry either, but he was a user, he used people to his advantage and the sub had proved to be very useful.

The touch was very intimate to say the least and in many occasions it was a prelude to sex. Embry had become very skilled with his previous owner. He loved that man so much and was deeply hurt when he just tossed him aside like a used tissue. To anyone the idea of falling in love with your owner would be preposterous but to Embry was as normal as breathing. Even though his owner was not necessarily nice to him Embry hoped that one day he would notice how much he loved him and return his feelings. Time passed and the sex was just sex, an act even an animal could perform. His punishments had never been extreme but they were always there hovering over their heads. As expected his owner never developed any feelings for him and why would he? Embry was nothing more than a submissive slave, the lowest of the low, a being disgusting on everyone's eyes.

Living with Sam was no picnic; with him Embry learned the meaning of the word pain. His master had a sadistic streak that couldn't be satisfied with anything. The only time Sam would talk to him was to give him instructions or orders. At least since Embry started giving him massages his master had mellowed out enough to make his life bearable. He knew that at any moment his master could decide to dispose of him but he was resigned there was nothing to do except wish for one more day.

After discussing with his father Sam's findings Jacob walked to his room for a much needed session with Seth. Jacob was a horny goat and his submissive provided him with much needed release. Walking inside his room the first thing he noticed was the total darkness. He thought that maybe Seth was already sleeping but it was only nine o'clock and Seth knew very well his master would take him before sleeping. Something was wrong; scenting the air Jacob confirmed his suspicions. Seth's scent was faint; he was not in the room.

Jacob felt the anger rising deep inside him. If Seth had escaped he would find him and the little sub would wish to have never been born. Jacob turned on all the lights and searched his office and the bathroom. He couldn't believe his sub was so stupid as to try something so pointless and risky. Like a raging bull the alpha walked out of the room ready to kill anyone in his path. He needed to find his stupid dog.

After searching the kitchen Jacob strode in the direction of the great room, the floor vibrated with his heavy steps, he wanted blood. He was pissed beyond belief, way more than he had been in years. Distracted with his thought it didn't even register when one of the wolves talked to him. "Jake" No answer.

"Jake!" yelled Paul frustrated with his alpha's lack of attention.

"Not now Paul, I'm busy" Jacob's face carried all the fury that poisoned his hearth. His expression was one of pure rage, his eyebrows flexed, eyes closed into slits, nostrils flared and his mouth quivering. His words came out almost unintelligible.

Everybody knew to give him wide berth when he was angry, he could become violent at any moment and regardless of the fact they could heal fast nobody enjoyed getting their noses broken for the simple reason of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. His hands were ready for an assault, closed in tight fists. It would be unwise to get in his way, but even then Paul insisted on getting his attention.

"Jake, I need to talk to you; it's about your sub." The last word Paul emitted caught Jacob's attention and he stopped in his tracks turning his head in the direction the voice was coming from.

"What about him? You know where he is?" Jacob couldn't keep the nervous anxiety away from his voice. He was not only angry, he was scared and sad. He didn't want to lose Seth and even though he didn't deserve any loyalty, he felt betrayed by his submissive.

"Yes I do, I threw him in the hole after punishing him for trying to escape."

"I knew it!" Exclaimed Jacob.

"Yeah I found him lurking around the service area, he said he was coming from the laundry room but I didn't believe him. I'm well aware of the routine and your clothes are always the first ones to be picked up in the morning."

"You are right Paul; I think that little bitch has been asking for it long enough" Jake was almost convulsing with rage, he had been a loose cannon for a long time and Seth was going to be his next victim.

Jacob descended through the narrow stairs followed closely by Paul. The stench from the dungeons reached them while they were still some distance away. But they were not going to the dungeons; they were going even deeper, to the very pits of hell. The hole was nothing more than just that, a hole in the ground where they threw the worst of the worst. Even for someone as small as Seth it was a very constrictive space, one in which the person was not able to stand or lay down. The prisoner basically sat on a pool of their own waste waiting for death to have pity on them. Most times any wolf that was sentenced to it would only leave it after he was dead; there were only a handful of criminals to survive the torture box.

Reaching the God forsaken place Jacob ordered Paul to unlock the door on the floor that provided the only access. The harsh cry of the rusty hinges made the wolves' ears hurt, and that was them who were on the outside, they couldn't even begin to fathom how bad it was for the wolf inside. The door fell open to the side and the vaporous stench rose like a green cloud of nastiness. Inside the scared eyes of the submissive connected those of his master for a fraction of a second. Jacob reached inside and grabbing Seth's arm he yanked him outside forcefully.

The minute he was out, Seth dropped to his knees holding himself up with his hands to avoid falling flat on his face. Jacob's eyes widened at the sight in front of him, his anger slightly dissipating. He didn't know who to kill first, his submissive or his beta. If Paul's accusations proved right he would have no choice but to dispose of Seth. But his beta wasn't without fault; he had broken a very basic house rule. Flogging was strictly forbidden in the Black household.

Seth's back looked like it had been run through a grater; it was a collection of horizontal gashes and exposed flesh. The skin was mostly absent with some pieces of tissue hanging loosely from some of the wounds. Some of it was already healing but most wounds were still open and bloody. The moisture and dirt interfered with the healing thus prolonging Seth's agony.

"Paul I want to know something, how did you punish him?" Snarled Jacob through clenched teeth.

"Thirty lashes." Paul answered smugly. Jacob felt a cold streak run from the base of his head down his back and ending up in his feet. Flogging was the only kind of punishment the alpha would never use on anyone.

"Did you forget a small detail or do you just not care about the rules?" Hissed Jacob, the edges of his body beginning to blur.

"I'm afraid I don't follow Jake."

Forgetting about the small wolf for a moment Jacob stalked towards his beta. Paul retreated slowly realizing his mistake and resigned to accept his punishment. "You know better than anyone that flogging is strictly forbidden in this house!" Barked Jacob making droplets of saliva to rain on his beta's face.

The breath got caught in Paul's throat knowing he had been caught. He exercised very poor judgment, it was not like he needed to impress his alpha, he already had the highest position in the house, surpassed only by Billy and Jake. "I'm sorry Jacob but I think the crime required a very harsh punishment. Why are you arguing with me instead of settling matters with the dog?"

"I'll get to him when I get to him; you don't tell me what to do!" Roared Jacob making the beta and the sub flinch.

"Paul I'm very tempted to demote you to omega, I know there are plenty of wolves who will love to have your position and will respect our rules. Fuck Paul we have a few simple rules and you couldn't even follow one?"

"Jake I'm sorry I didn't think…" Jake interrupted his beta. "You're right about that, you didn't think. Do you need me to give you the play by play as to why flogging is not permitted?" Jacob inched toward his beta who retreated slowly into a corner.

"No I don't" Mumbled Paul, eyes downcast, slumped shoulders and a wave of regret attacking him at the memory of torture and death he witnessed more than once in the alpha's memories.

Walking back to where the sub still rested on his hands and knees Jacob called his attention. "Seth what the hell were you doing down here? Speak!"

"I was returning from dropping off the dirty clothes master, I forgot to place the laundry baskets outside this morning and had to bring them down myself." Seth's voice was hoarse from screaming during his lashing and not being allowed to drink any water. Jacob spirit stirred inside him trying to wake up a part of him that had been asleep for many years. The part of his soul he decided to hide inside him unable to completely get rid of it. It was the part of him where his compassion resided.

Jacob turned his attention once more to his beta. "Paul did you ask the laundry staff if this was true?"

"I didn't need to Jake, he is obviously lying."

"You caused me all this aggravation and you're not one hundred percent sure?!"

"I'm almost positive."

"Almost is not good enough, go find out before I do something I might regret!" Leaving in a hurry, the master and his sub could hear Paul's rushed steps as he ran upstairs toward the laundry area.

"Give me a good reason not to kill you." Jacob was not completely being sarcastic; a big part of him didn't want to get rid of his sub. It was not just the sex, or his housekeeping abilities, it was something else, something important and unique.

"Master if you kill me you'll have on your hands the blood of an innocent man. I didn't do anything but tend to my duties" Explained the sub in an eerily calm voice. That was hardly a good reason; Jacob's hands were stained with the blood of many subs before Seth, many of which were also innocent men.

Jacob looked the other way waiting for Paul's return with the information that would determine the fate of his sub. He silently prayed that Seth was telling the truth, even if he didn't want to he would still have to take matters into his hand, failing to do that would make him look weak to his pack. The sub's breathing was labored because of the crippling pain originating on his back. He slowly sat down, every movement intensifying the pain. The master approached him and without even thinking ran the back of his hand on the side of the sub's face. He couldn't remember when was the last time he acted halfway decent toward anyone but his body remembered.

Paul's steps echoed on the stairway making Jacob retreat back to a corner in an effort to seem completely detached from the situation. "So, what's the verdict, beta?" Asked Jacob curtly.

"The dog was telling the truth." Groaned Paul without making eye contact with his alpha.

Inside him Jacob breathed a sigh of relief; he almost got carried away by Paul's accusations and thanked his lucky star he decided to give the sub the benefit of the doubt. Once more the little dog escaped certain death; he really had more lives than cat. How many lives could've been spared if Jacob had the same amount of self-control with previous slaves? Things would be different, he wouldn't be disgusted by his actions and his father wouldn't hate him. Then again Jake could always find reasons to hate himself.

"So Mr. Lahote, you just earned yourself a one way ticket to double shifts for the rest of the week and no days off for two weeks. And before you say anything, if Emily has a problem with my decision tell her to come talk to me I will be more than happy to tell her the degree of stupidity of her husband." No words escaped Paul's lips; he just turned around and began walking towards the door. "Paul, consider yourself lucky, you're getting away with a slap on the wrist, if there is ever a next time you can say goodbye to your position, your status and the comfort it entails"

After Paul left and his steps couldn't be heard by the wolves in the room Jacob addressed Seth once more "Unless you want to spend the night here come with me, you need to get those wounds cleaned so they will heal" Seth stood up with difficulty and walked behind his master in the direction of his room. The fact that he was parading himself naked didn't even faze him; he was in too much pain to care.

"Get in the shower and rinse your back with warm water. Don't use hot water, that would hurt like a bitch." As always Seth obeyed without questioning his master for one second. That was until he realized how much the water would sting, he had gone through enough pain for one day. All he wanted was to go to sleep and put that whole horrible day behind him. He stood outside the shower debating what to do, he knew he was filthy; he was covered in muck belonging to him and to God only knew how many men before him. But he was tired of the pain, it seemed to always follow him around, looking for a chance to attack him and bring him to his knees.

"Seth just looking at the water will not help, I know how much it will hurt, believe me I do, but you need to get your wounds cleaned or they will not heal." Jacob's voice had a softness that Seth didn't recognize, it was soft and almost melodic. The master tried to give his sub a nudge to make him get in the shower but couldn't find a portion of healthy skin on his back.

Seth's steps were unsteady as he walked inside the shower feeling a shudder when his body hit the lukewarm water since to him it felt like ice. Taking the soap he cleaned the front of his body while summoning the courage to turn his back to the water. Taking the bull by the horns he turned around and felt like the skin was once more being stripped from his body. His cry of pain reached the ears of his master who was sitting in his office trying to avoid hearing the shrieks that he surely knew were coming. Jacob covered his ears desperately trying to block out the piercing screams coming from the bathroom. Feeling his legs give under him Seth kneeled on the floor of the shower while water and blood pooled around him.

Stepping out of the shower he tried to grab hold of his old scratchy towel, but instead stopped in his tracks at the sight of his master standing by the door. "Turn around" Ordered Jacob. Seth soundless scream was the only proof of the pain and anger inside him. Even after all he had been through this monster was going to take him. What kind of callous bastard would do something like that? Not even the most dangerous predator could behave in such a way. Bracing himself for the burning pain as his master impaled him he was surprised when instead he felt something very soft and fluffy patting dry his back. His master had taken one of his own towels and ever so softly was drying his back.

For the first time in years Seth felt compassion being directed at him and even felt guilty for thinking so lowly of his master just a few minutes before. After the alpha was done on his back he handed Seth the towel so he could finish the rest. "Don't get dressed, the clothes will stick to your wounds and when you go take them off you will peel your skin off again. Bring the towel out with you and put it on the floor, that way if you move during the night your back will lay against something soft. I'll go find something to eat, don't go to sleep I'll feed you when I come back."

Not even glancing in Seth's direction Jacob walked out of the small bathroom. Seth heard the click of the door as his master closed it behind him. On his return Jake found his submissive kneeling on the floor naked and cold. He offered the sub a piece of bread, cheese, an apple and a glass of milk. It was not much but Seth was grateful nonetheless. After finishing his meal Seth rinsed the dishes and set them on the table where Edward would surely pick them the next day. The submissive felt his master's eyes burning his skin as he skimmed his naked form from head to toe.

Seth laid down on the towel on the floor praying his master wouldn't hurt him, he was too tired and in too much pain. His prayers were not heard since his master approached him and knelt beside him. Seth sat up resigned to the plans his master had for him. Instead he felt the cold metal on his neck and realized Jacob was placing his collar back in place after Paul took it off to prevent him from phasing while wearing it when he was being punished. "Sleep now, you need to rest for your healing to pick up"

Feeling daring Seth shyly spoke up "Thank you master"

"For what submissive?"

"For taking care of me."

"You're welcome" Jacob's lips threatened to curl up but instead he pressed his lips together and walked away. Why couldn't he even give that unfortunate soul a smile?

Both master and slave welcomed the much needed rest. They needed to escape to a better world even if it was for a few hours. To visit a realm where there was no pain, no injustice and no hate. To the kind of place they dreamt their children would grow up. Even if it was only for a few hours, they would not be a master and a slave; they would only be two men living a life of joy.