Hello! I want to apologize for taking so long to update, the holidays and some other things kind of kept me busy.

Goldwolf I'm sorry I couldn't answer any of your questions; the website does not provide a way to answer guest reviews.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 14

Seth woke up to his master's voice caressing his ears and his warm hands grazing his skin as he unlocked the chain. The submissive's reaction was fear and apprehension; he didn't know where he stood regarding his master. He could still feel the warmth and softness of his master lips on his and the blush on his face was more than evident when the memories from the night before played in his mind. The slave desperately wanted to re-create the kiss but wouldn't dare take initiative.

The slave's thoughts went to the moment right after the kiss, that awkward instant in which they both felt like teenagers experimenting with sex, even if they did not realize it. The slave couldn't really feel as a teenager since those years were robbed of him at the same time as his innocence. Jacob had a much easier upbringing but was also forced to grow up fast when the horrors and responsibilities of the new world order caught up with him. After Jacob pulled away from Seth's face he looked confused and lost. Seth wanted to comfort him, to hold him in his arms and tell him everything would be fine. The slave would even promise to forget it ever happened if that made his master happy. Even though that would be an empty promise since nobody forgets their first kiss. For all practical purposes it had been their first kiss, neither one of them had ever experienced love, for different reasons, but at the end the result had been the same.

The slave knelt on his spot waiting for his master to walk away and be able to start his daily tasks, which invariably started with making himself clean and presentable for his dominant. Jacob had to consciously push himself away from the submissive because all he wanted was to savor his lips once more. He took a hesitant step back allowing Seth to walk past him and get to the bathroom. The master caught himself staring at his submissive's small frame until he disappeared behind a closed door.

Jacob went in search of work clothes, that way as soon as he was done with his breakfast he could begin his workday. When Seth went back to the room he found his master fully dressed and waiting for breakfast. "Seth I need to talk to you." Stated the master in his most businesslike tone.

"About last night, what happened, you know… the kiss. Not a word to anyone. I've told you this before but since you're a stupid dog I'll say it again, what happens in this room is nobody's business. You don't go blabbering to anyone, not to Quil, not to Edward, not to Emily, to none of your buddies. I mean it Seth; I showed a lot of restrain and mercy with you yesterday, do not make me regret it. Don't humiliate me in front of anyone, it's not like any of the wolves will believe you but I don't want even the slightest misunderstanding to stain my reputation." Seth wouldn't even dream of telling anybody what transpired between them, all his master needed to do was deny it and the only person who would end up in trouble was himself. Jacob on the other hand regretted every word he said, but he had no choice. In the new world your name and reputation were everything. The name Black granted him numerous benefits and he was not willing to put that at risk. The idea of a dominant harvesting any feeling towards a submissive was considered ridiculous and impossible.

"I won't tell a soul, master." Seth acknowledged how hurt he felt by his master's statement. He had been deluding himself and even dreamt of his master's soft lips on his own as they shared night after night of companionship, friendship and love. His master's words popped the bubble in which his dreams were encased, allowing each one of them to escape.

Jacob rounded his slave's slim waist with his powerful arms and pulled him towards him. Seth's scent was affecting him as usual but the previous night activities made him crave his submissive's body even more. Jacob's arms rested on Seth's old shirt but his hands found a way to be in contact with the slave's skin. "Damn it Seth, it's incredible how you manage to turn me into mush without even trying. You smell so fucking good." The master tried to adjust himself, his pants suddenly uncomfortable. He knew he could've just taken Seth for what he was worth but he didn't want to. He wanted nothing more than to have his member surrounded by Seth's warmth but a better part of him didn't want to hurt the slave.

Sensing his master need and scenting his arousal Seth decided to fulfill his duty and make him feel good. After all that was all he was good for, to give head and get fucked. The slave gently pushed Jacob to a nearby chair and made him sit, then he knelt between his master's legs and without making any type of eye contact proceeded to unfasten the button on Jacob's pants and lifting the little tab on the zipper opened it. Seth knew there was not a man on earth that wouldn't sell his soul for a killer blowjob and the slave knew how to work his magic. A small smile formed on Jacob's lips, but not as a result of anticipating the pleasure he was about to experience. For the first time in his life, he had not taken or demanded a sub's body. Seth was volunteering, even if he did it out of fear or resigned to his bad fortune, in Jacob's eyes it still counted as a volunteer act.

Jacob lifted his behind off the chair to let Seth slide his pants past his hips and scooted down to get comfortable. Without wasting one minute the submissive folded his lips around his teeth and got to work on his master's manhood. The slave would've taken his time teasing his master, progressing slowly form light licks to licking him like an ice cream, ending up bobbing his head up and down. It was not one of those days, Jacob's words had affected Seth more than he would ever know; once again he felt dirty and nothing more than an animal. The moan that escaped the master's lips filled the room and made the submissive feel satisfied with at least being good for one thing.

Almost like an echo of Jake's moan the door opened slowly and Edward walked in carrying a tray with Jacob's and Seth's breakfast. His face contorted into one of anger and disgust when he realized the reason for Jacob's half lidded eyes and heavy deep breathing. From where he stood all he could see was Seth's small body between Jacob's legs, he didn't need to see what he was doing to know it made him livid. Noticing Edward's presence Jacob placed his beefy hands on Seth's bald head to still his movements. The submissive had noticed Edward's presence but that didn't faze him, more than once one dominant had him on his knees while one or more waited for his turn.

"Ed, leave the food there and go." Ordered Jacob.

"With pleasure your majesty" Snarled Edward carelessly dropping the tray on the table.

Jacob became annoyed with Edward's insubordination; he would have to have a few words with the disrespectful wolf sooner than later. When Edward left slamming the door hard enough to make the whole room shake, Jacob had to make an effort not to go after him. Who was he kidding? It had been fairly easy to avoid the confrontation, he placed in a balance picking a fight with Edward versus fucking Seth's mouth. It was no contest, Seth always won.

The heavy head rested on Seth's tongue which expertly tickled the cute flappy thing on the underside of it. The slave hollowed his cheeks to create better suction. As much as he secretly enjoyed tasting his master he wanted to get it over with as fast as he could. Surrounding the bottom of the shaft with his right hand the slave started bobbing his head up and down while using his left hand to play with his master's balls. He made sure to slide the head of his master's cock on the roof of his mouth to create some extra intense sensations. Jacob seemed to like that as he let out a breathy moan. The combined action of Seth's hands and mouth working in sync brought Jacob to completion fast and hard. The master's juices slid down the submissive's throat as Seth held his master's pulsing cock in his mouth until he was done coming.

Like nothing happened Seth stood up and began setting the table for breakfast. He worked quietly and efficiently, after laying all the food before his master he moved to his spot on the floor where he waited for his master to feed him. Jacob motioned for Seth to come forward and filled his bowl with as much food as would fit in it. He made a mental note to tell Edward to give Seth a bigger bowl and to send more food. The submissive looked sickly with hollowed cheekbones and a visible ribcage.

As soon as they were done with their meal Seth picked up everything placing it on the tray to carry it with him to the kitchen. Jake had this nagging feeling on the pit of his stomach that he couldn't quite put a finger on. Guilt maybe? He had been an asshole to Seth and still the slave made sure that he started his day in the best way possible. Jacob could learn a lot from his slave, selflessness being one thing. Being the son of the Aleph granted him many benefits and responsibilities, but also made him selfish and spoiled. He had to shake his head to dissipate the memories of his mother that inevitably flooded to his consciousness. He was her life and she was the best mother until the very end.

"Seth wait!" Called Jacob to stop his slave from leaving the room.

The submissive turned around, still holding the tray and waited. Jacob approached him nervously; he couldn't understand why he was so affected by Seth. The slave made him feel such a wide range of emotions that he never knew where he stood regarding him. Yes, he was the master, the boss, but the man in front of him had a grip on him like no one else. Taking the tray from Seth he placed it beside them on the floor.

"Hum… why are you so good to me?" Whispered Jacob, standing as close as he dared to a trembling Seth. "I'm an asshole on good days, on bad days… well you know." Jacob chuckled humorlessly and added "Can you answer me?"

"It's my duty master, I guess that's what I was put on this earth for, I'm not strong, I'm not particularly smart, I'm just a… dog." Answered Seth sadly.

Jacob's eyebrows furrowed when the sight of the pained look on his sub's face spoke all the words that he wouldn't dare muster. The master softly ran the back of his hand along Seth's chin and lifted his face; even though his eyes remained downcast Jake could see the face of the man who single handedly was knocking down all his defenses. "Seth why do you think so lowly of yourself?"

The question was unexpected for more than one reason. To start with, he could not believe that his master cared or even acknowledged the feelings of a slave. However, the most surprising thing about it was that Seth realized that Jacob really had no idea why. That fact told Seth just how much deep down had Jacob pushed his humanity.

"Years of slavery master; that killed all the fighting spirit I had in me. So many men trampled my soul leaving an empty shell behind it. The day they fitted me with this…" He said pointing to his collar. "I stopped living and started existing. I'm nothing master, not a man nor a beast."

Seth's pain became a living breathing being, it stood in front of Jacob shaking its head from side to side, judging him for being one of the slave's tormentors. The master felt shame for taking advantage of a gentle soul, for being another stain on his already damaged self-esteem. For so many years he had used his anger and rage as a substitution for love, he acted on one of the most primitive emotions using it as a crutch for his damaged psyche. He participated in the abuse, torture and murder of so many of these wretched human beings. In his eyes he and all the other dominants that participated in the use and abuse of submissives were scum.

"Seth listen to me, you'll probably won't believe me but I know that in time you will. I'm more of a dog that you've ever been. You say you're not strong and I beg to differ, dominants twice your size would've succumbed under the abuse you've been subjected to. I'm going to tell you something only a handful of people know, you remember when Paul flogged you?" Seth nodded. "The reason flogging is not permitted in the house is because a long time ago I received more lashes than I could endure, it broke me." It was Seth's turn to furrow his eyebrows as his heart swelled with compassion.

"Since every action has a consequence, my decisions that day had serious consequences. I will not go into detail, just know that not even me could handle everything you have been put through."

Without thinking Seth raised his hands and placed them on each side of Jake's face. "Master I'm sorry that happened to you. I don't know about being strong, maybe I'm just stubborn and refuse to die. Please know that if that happened today I would take your punishment without giving it a second thought."

Jake's face was the picture of surprise. "Are you crazy do... I mean Seth?" He stopped himself before he called Seth dog, if things were going to change it had to start with the simplest thing, no more calling him demeaning names.

"I'm not crazy master; well maybe a little." Both men chuckled lightly. Truth be told Seth didn't know if he was crazy or not. He meant what he said; he would take punishment or even death for his master. He was not afraid of dying, he was afraid of his life not having any meaning. He was afraid of leaving this earth without fulfilling his duty.

"I agree, you might be a little crazy, but for what it's worth, thank you. And about what I said earlier I'm so..." Jacob stopped himself realizing he was about to apologize to a slave. "I will not call you dog anymore, you're not an animal." Stated Jake as matter of factly as he could in an effort to keep face. The master's heart swelled up when a sincere smile appeared on the sub's face. He pulled Seth closer, placing one hand on the back of his head he tilted his head back and kissed him. The kiss was soft and gentle, one of those long lingering kisses made famous on romance novels. They each had the same thoughts racing through their heads, how soft were the other one's lips. How perfectly Seth's petite body would fit against his master's huge frame, it was like the slave had been born to fit right there. Jacob pulled back feeling himself smile when he saw Seth's closed eyes and blissful expression. "I promise things will change Seth, you'll see."

Jacob handed Seth the tray and both men walked out of the room with their minds going a thousand miles a minute. The master didn't trust himself with being able to keep his word; he worried about nothing changing and him hurting his slave again. The slave feared that new strange experience. He was so used to being hurt and used by dominants that the promise of something working out for him was a cause for apprehension and concern. Every few steps Jake would glance at his submissive who as usual walked several steps behind him. Each day he found him more beautiful, with even the slight imperfections of his skin increasing his charm and character.

Billy and Carlisle intercepted the pair as they stumbled into the great room. "Son, we were on our way to see you." Jacob sent Seth on his way before walking out in the company of his father and the doctor.

"What's this I hear about you banishing Felix and James from our land? You were the one who initially convinced me to keep them here so I could keep an eye on them, what changed your mind?" Asked Billy, the interrogation making Jacob very uncomfortable, he debated whether to make up a lie or to come clean about the reason for getting rid of them. At the end he decided on the latter, if he wanted change to happen he had to begin somewhere right?

"They raped Seth." Stated Jacob simply. The older men looked at each other confused and wondering who the heck was this person and what did he do with Jake. They both knew that since his mother was murdered Jacob never cared for anyone but himself.

"And? That's no different than what you do to him every day." Carlisle tone was accusatory, reproach dripping from every word.

"Very true, but Seth is mine." Neither man knew the hidden meaning behind Jacob's words. What was utterly surprising was that Jake didn't deny it, he didn't make excuses. He was called rapist and didn't move a finger to defend himself. That was very odd, even for Jake.

"Are you ok son?" Asked Billy concerned with his son's strange behavior. Jacob's aggressive tendencies were nothing new. He was known for his cruelty and selfishness. His father never fathomed the idea of Jake doing anything that would benefit anyone, especially a sub.

Jacob turned to look intently at his father "I'm fine dad, why do you ask?"

"This doesn't seem like you at all. You throwing out two friends because they hurt a slave, I never thought I'd see the day."

"You are a piece of work dad. You're always on my case about me being inhumane and being embarrassed of who I am and when I do something decent for a change you give me the fifth degree." Jacob was truly annoyed at his father.

"Jacob don't disrespect your father!" Exclaimed Carlisle

"Stay out of this Carlisle; I know you two feed off each other. My father thinks I'm shit and you've never been able to put in a good word for me. All you do is agree with everything my dad says."

"That's because unlike you, your father is a good decent man. You are nothing but a spoiled, abusive jerk."

"Carlisle, mind your own business and stop poisoning my father's mind against me!" yelled Jacob.

"I don't have to poison his mind, you do that all by yourself!" Exclaimed Carlisle even louder.

"Enough!" Stated Billy calmer than the other two but his voice still louder than normal.

"You're right dad, enough. I have better things to do than to stand here arguing with two gossipy hags." Not giving either man a chance to refute, Jacob took off as fast as he could. He was annoyed at Carlisle but chuckled knowing that both men thought they had him all figured out and they couldn't be more wrong.

Billy and Carlisle observed Jacob's retreating form until it disappeared past the tree line. There was something different about Jake but they couldn't put their finger on it. In the last months there had been a change in his demeanor, he seemed mellower and even smiled a little. Billy missed his son's smile; it was so similar to his Sarah's. For years they both hoped that he was leaving all his traumas behind and was growing up but every time he committed another atrocity their hope vanished.

"What do you think is going on with him?" Asked Carlisle.

"I have no idea but something tells me it has something to do with his sub." Answered Billy. "Come with me to the kitchen; I want to take a look at the slave."

Both men entered the kitchen finding Seth beginning to work in some dough. The slave left everything on the counter and knelt before they could reach him. "Stand up submissive" Ordered Carlisle.

Seth stood before the two men who observed him like he was a strange specimen. Billy lifted the slave's face to look for any bruises or signs of abuse. Carlisle lifted the sub's shirt in a quest to find any sign of Jake's usual treatment. "Nothing" Whispered Billy after studying Seth's face for a few minutes.

"Nothing on his body either." Stated Carlisle.

"What's going on Billy?" Asked Edward worried about the Aleph's investigation.

"Edward, the slave comes her three times a week right?" Edward nodded. "When was the last time you saw bruises on him?"

Edward caught on and understood the reason for Billy's and Carlisle's behavior. He wasn't sure if he should tell them the truth but decided to go ahead with it since it was not his habit to lie to the man he respected and cared for. "I think it has been between three weeks and a month." Answered Edward truthfully.

Billy's chest puffed up and an unusual smile adorned his face. Maybe his son was changing. Jacob had never been known for treating his subs well and the little dog in front of him had not been punished in almost a month. Billy looked from Seth to Edward ending up facing Carlisle. For the first time in years he was optimistic, he wanted to believe his son could change. He desperately wanted his little boy back, he was well aware that Jacob was a grown man but that didn't mean he had to stop being a good son. "He is treating him well, not one bruise in sight. Carlisle do you know what this means?"

"Brother, don't get your hopes up, you know Jake can be very unpredictable. Yes he hasn't punished the slave but there are no guarantees. Only time will tell if he is really finding his humanity."

"Damn it Carl, look at him! When was the last time you saw one of Jake's submissives well fed, clean and bruise free?"

"I've never seen that. I don't want to pop your bubble; all I want is to keep it real."

"I wonder if he is…" Billy looked to the side deep in thought. Edward sensed what was in Billy's mind and decided to give him the information he had.

"No luck there Billy, when I went to Jake's room to deliver their breakfast I saw the slave on his knees with his face buried in your son's crotch." Edward couldn't disguise the disgust that Jacob's actions caused in him. Seth felt his face get warmer as the blushing crept up from his neck until his whole face was tinted red.

"I guess it was too good to be true but my son is moving in the right direction. I truly hope he is growing up and letting go of all the hate that has been slowly killing him."

Seth breathed relieved when Billy and Carlisle exited the kitchen. Everybody was well aware of what happened behind closed doors in Jacob's room but to be exposed in front of the Aleph was embarrassing. The slave didn't know where he stood when it came to his master. One minute he is acting like a total douche bag and the next he is being an angel from heaven. It was exhausting trying to keep up with his mood changes.

"Can I ask you something?" The question was redundant since Edward knew very well that Seth couldn't deny anything to a dominant. The slave humored his friend and nodded. "Why isn't Jacob hitting you? Don't take me wrong, I'm ecstatic he is showing a shred of decency, but this is puzzling."

"I don't know sir, maybe he is not as bad as everybody thinks." Stated Seth.

"He is worse than everybody thinks, I've witnessed the condition of the bodies when they are dragged outside to be burnt, it's never pretty." Edward shook his head like trying to disperse all the memories that flooded his brain. Seth felt a shiver run down his spine thinking when would his master get tired of him and end up turning him into another victim of his wrath.

"Then again maybe it's you; there is something wonderfully unique about you."

"With all due respect sir, there is nothing remarkable about me. I'm just a slave who waits until the fates cut the string of his life." There was a mix of anger and resentment in Seth's words.

"I don't agree with that, you're an angel Seth."

"Stop making fun of me!" Screamed Seth, immediately bringing his hands to his mouth afraid of being punished for his disrespect.

"Why do you think I'm making fun of you?" Asked Edward calmly.

"What other reason will any dominant have for giving me any kind of praise? My master insists on calling me special, innocent, even pure. Have you ever heard something more ridiculous? Me, pure? I've been fucked by more men that you've met in your life." In a rare instance Seth was being insolent, he was still brooding from his master's words and Edward paid for it. The slave composed himself and realizing how brazen he was acting knelt before the cook and asked for forgiveness.

"Damn it man, stand up! Never, your hear me, never kneel in front of me. I have no demi-god pretenses, I'm just a man and not worthy of anybody humiliating himself in front of me." Edward was pissed but for different reasons than Seth thought. The whole system that was put into place after the pandemic was based on bigotry and prejudice. The wolves were committing exactly the same mistakes they criticized in the past, when they were the oppressed class robbed of their land and resources by the white man.

"I'm sorry sir." Seth's apology was sincere, he knew his attitude was a recipe for trouble and he had no desire to be flogged or to receive any other kind of punishment.

"No worries. I often ask myself how you can always be polite and calm, even when faced with such abuse as you endure on a daily basis. It's good to know you have blood running through your veins and a little bit of spirit still intact. Who knew, maybe you do have balls after all." Edward offered Seth a smile and a nuggie that made the submissive laugh shyly.

Much welcomed rain poured down the next morning making all the work to come to a halt. The downpour was enough to keep all the wolves indoors, an opportunity that many used to rest while others continued working inside. Jacob used the break to catch up on some paperwork and to enjoy the company of his submissive. Jacob craved the company of his slave, even if he wouldn't admit it. Just being close to him was enough to feel normal and for his anger to be reduced to a whisper in his heart. He was terrified; from experience he knew how unpredictable the future of a sub was. They never knew if they would even make it to the end of the day, but of one thing he was certain, when it came to Seth he couldn't picture his life without him. He would do everything in his power to keep the slave by his side. His intentions may have been selfish but they would work for Seth's benefit.

After breakfast Seth joined his master on his bed where invariably Jacob regardless of how much he tried not to, he always ended up hurting the submissive. For the master the name of the game was strength and power, words that do not go hand in hand with an enjoyable lovemaking experience. The slave stayed immobile biting the pillow to muffle any hissing or groaning. What had changed was the fact that after everything was said and done Jacob felt like he had defiled something sacred. Every day was harder and harder to have a balance between his needs and what he knew was right. As the weak feeble person he was his needs always won and he was transformed into a filthy horrible bug that brought disgust and pestilence to those around him. He knew what others thought of him, it was pretty obvious by everything he saw in their thoughts, but his biggest critics were not his friends or even his father, it was himself.

Time passed slowly in the room where both master and slave engaged in a game of fortuitous looks, tentative smiles, accidental touches and stolen kisses. The heavy rain hitting the glass widows was the perfect background to the small world they were creating in the space they shared. Jacob shamelessly asked the submissive to clean his office while he sat on his desk, that way he could see, hear and smell the object of his fascination. It was obsessive, to many it would be considered a blasphemy but it felt perfectly normal to Jacob. Seth happily accepted, he was not successful at remaining calm and not being afraid of his master but he tried his best for his master not to notice. In several occasions the slave turned on his spot for his eyes to connect with the mysterious brown eyes of his master. In those instances both men will lower their gaze embarrassed of being caught red handed. Jacob chuckled lightly at the absurdity of the situation. Why was he acting like a lovesick puppy? Seth on the other hand had no idea what was going on inside the mind of his master and just wondered what mysteries laid behind his master's cinnamon orbs.

Jacob used every excuse to retrieve items or books from the bookshelf that Seth was currently dusting. In more than one occasion he would stand behind the slave surrounding his petite frame with his powerful arms and nudging him on the neck or claiming his lips like they were the things dreams were made of. "Do you realize that there is no other place in the world where I would rather be than here with you?" Stated Jacob truthfully. Throwing caution to the air, Jacob was becoming more verbal about his feelings, vocalizing what overflowed from his heart. He wouldn't go into specifics, damn if he knew what the specifics were, but he was opening himself to the experience. Seth's only response was a small real smile, even though he saw the change in his master he couldn't help wonder how long it would last. He cringed at the idea of his dominant going back to his old behaviors, starving and hitting him like he was not a human being. Seth mindlessly ran the tip or his index and middle fingers over the raised scar that made up his master's initials. It was a reminder of past nightmares that proved to be very real.

Both men forced their hearts to slow down not wanting to put to notice the other wolf in the room. Seth was almost panting, action that made Jacob inwardly smile while he continued working. A slave as efficient as Seth would've finished that office in no time but he was taking his sweet time. He was enjoying the attention he was getting from his master. To a person who for all practical purposes was invisible and only re-appeared when he was needed, any amount of caring was welcomed. Yes, the master still patted his butt lustily and he kissed him not caring if the submissive wanted it or not. To a regular person that would have been unacceptable but to a slave it was a huge step up from his intended life.

There had been no declarations of love by either man but both men knew that something wonderful was brooding inside their hearts. In a perfect world those lingering looks and shy kisses would grow with a passion both frightening and wonderful. But this world was far from perfect, this was a match made in hell. To Jacob it would mean ridicule, the consequences would be harsher to Seth; to him it would mean death. This frightening thought shook Seth to his core, he turned once more to look at his master taking comfort in a situation that not even in his wildest dreams he envisioned. Unfortunately life always threw curve balls at the slave and as he was turning he knocked down an item that had a place of precedence on the bookshelves.

Seth saw everything moving in slow motion, the small glass angel plummeting towards the unforgiving and hard floor, his hands moving clumsily as he made a monumental effort to catch it, the small symbol of love and sacrifice hitting the floor and ending up in a dozen fragments scattered before him.

"What have you done? You clumsy piece of shit!" Bellowed Jacob so loud his throat hurt.

"That was the last gift my mother gave me, she said that angel would always protect me." Jacob knelt solemnly as his memories took him to that moment right before leaving for the final battle between the two factions. His mother gave him the angel instructing him to every time he would see it to remember her, that even when she was no longer with him that angel would remind him of her love and protection. Her words were an omen to what happened in the next twelve hours. After everything was over, Sarah had left him becoming an angel herself.

Hopelessly leaving the shattered fragments on the floor Jacob stood up and turned towards Seth who was the picture of fear, sorrow and regret. The master roughly grabbed the slave by his tattered shirt lifting him so the slave was on his tippy toes. Jacob closed his fist and gathered all his strength to send his slave to the other world in one swift blow. Knowing his master's intentions Seth lifted his head to take one last look at the man that only a few minutes earlier made his heart beat in tandem with his. Jacob saw the look of utter terror in the small slave's face, his tear filled eyes wide with fear, his shoulders violently shuddering with each unstable breath.

Jacob felt revulsion for the wretched act he was about to commit. The image and voice of his mother was loud and clear in his head, but instead of telling him to dispose of the submissive, it reminded him not to turn into what he hated the most. To not turn into the men that tortured him and killed her. He needed to be strong enough to do what was right and not take the easy way out. He received a mortal wound that day and had been dying slowly all these years. Jacob denied himself too much; every day he punished himself for what they made him do. He condemned himself to a life without real human contact and without love. His guilt turned him into a wild animal.

It was absurd that the only person to ever reach inside him and jump start his heart of ice was the lowest of the low. A person who didn't even exist, who was only an object. But he was not an object, he was a human being. Seth was the only person he knew that was incapable of hating; he knew that because he felt the slave didn't hate him even though he had given him plenty of reasons to do so. Seth made a costly mistake, but it was nothing that would grant him losing his life. Jacob lowered his fist and left the room, but not before ordering Seth to clean the glass and telling him he would be punished upon his return.

Jacob's departure left Seth thankful and extremely confused. He looked down at his feet to the symbol of his master's shattered memories. He began collecting the fragments of different sizes while tears streamed down his face. It was puzzling how Jacob had been able to control his anger but there were no guarantees, he could very well come back and kill him slowly.

Jacob left the house through the back door not wanting to bump into anyone. He ran under the pouring rain to the only place he could seek refuge. Not far from the house was the simple but beautiful mausoleum where his mother's remains rested. He had not visited her since Seth arrived, something that baffled him. Jacob smiled when he saw fresh flowers on the vase, knowing that even after so many years his father still loved and remembered her. In that peaceful place he unburdened his heart and confessed to his mother everything he didn't even dare to think afraid of anyone finding out. The master lost track of time staying there until the sun was very low in the horizon.

When Jacob walked in the room his sensitive ears picked up the sound of Seth's racing heart as it beat wildly inside the slave's chest. Enthralled with the pathetic image of his slave on his knees shaking in fear he didn't notice the item that rested on the dining table. When Seth's eyes wandered to the table the master had to look only to see what was catching his attention. He took the small figurine in his beefy hands inspecting it carefully. It was not perfect, there were small pieces still missing but all things considered it looked pretty good.

"How did you fix it?" Jake asked his slave.

"I borrowed the glue Edward uses to fix the coffee mugs which are always losing their handles." Seth's voice was shaky and thick with the tears he had been spilling and the ones that still trickled down his face.

"You did this to avoid punishment and save your sorry ass didn't you?"

"No master" Answered Seth shaking his head from side to side as to confirm his words. "I did it because I know how much it means to you." With those simple words Seth disarmed Jacob completely and any pretense of punishing him vanished.

Jacob walked towards his submissive towering over him by several feet. "Stand up!" Ordered Jacob. "I had all the intention to punish you greatly; luckily for you I realized that the angel is a material thing. It's a symbol of my mother's love, but the love I have for her and her memories live here and here." He said pointing to his heart and his head.

"I want to change Seth, I want to be the man she would be proud to call son. Thank you for fixing it, I really appreciate it. I'm sorry for scaring you, I know these past few hours must've been torture for you, thinking I would come back to punish you or even worse. I'll tell you…" The master grabbed Seth's hands and the look of pain on his face puzzled Jacob. He inspected the sub's hands only to find many half healed cuts on them.

"What happened to you? Your hands look like you ran them through a grater." Questioned Jacob.

"The glass is very fine and the small pieces imbedded in my skin and I had to dig them out. They will be completely healed in a couple of hours anyway, it's no big deal." Explained Seth.

"It's a big deal to me Seth." Jacob felt naked and self-conscious realizing he was putting his heart on the line; he had to change the subject before he made a bigger fool out of himself. "As I was saying, I'm leaving the day after tomorrow on a month long trip to inspect the posts we have scattered all over the region. I'm taking you with me, it will be a change in your routine and I can use the company." Seth couldn't contain his excitement and like a little kid he started jumping up and down ending up launching himself towards his master surrounding him with his small arms and giving him a hug.

"Thank you master, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Seth was not only grateful for his master forgiving him for breaking his most prized possession. He was also grateful for the opportunity to travel for the first time in his life. His only experience so far had been when he was transported from one master's house to the other but he had a feeling this time it would be different. This time would not end with him adding a new set of painful and humiliating experiences to his repertoire.

Having the submissive so close to him enveloped Jacob in a warm comfortable blanket of love and desire. Seth still clung to his master's neck as he mindlessly repeated a hundred thank you. Feeling the joy that filled his heart he lifted Seth so they were at eye level. From up close he could see just how soft his skin was and how lush his lips looked. Jacob's expression was intense; threatening even. Seth immediately thought his master could be changing his mind and getting angry by his boldness. Before Seth could ponder any longer Jacob covered his mouth with his in a loving and emotional kiss. The slave's mouth was so warm and inviting, Jake would never get tired of kissing him. "No Seth, thank you"