The Big Book of Submission

Who is it?” The person I saw through the peephole wasn’t someone I recognized. I didn’t live in the safest area, so I wasn’t about to take a chance and open the door to a complete stranger.

“Ms. Hartley? I’m Samuel. I drive for Mr. Clark. He has sent me to fetch you and I have a package, as well.”

Samuel held up the dark magenta box wrapped with a black bow. My eyes widened, as those were the signature colors of a very specific boutique I enjoyed window-shopping as I walked to work. I had no idea how Mr. Clark had found me, but I was going to give him a piece of my mind. This was crossing a boundary. We weren’t supposed to meet outside the club.

Samuel. I had forgotten he was standing there as the blood rushed through my veins. Even though he couldn’t see me, my face flushed beneath the beauty mask I’d just applied. I opened the door and let him come inside.

“My apologies. Please come in.” My flush deepened as he entered my tiny apartment. It was small, but I didn’t need a roommate and I relished that.

Samuel set the beautiful box down on my little side table near the door. With barely a glance around, he stepped back out into the hall. “Once you are ready, Ms. Hartley, I’ll take you to the location specified by Mr. Clark.”

Confusion reigned as he closed the door behind him, content to wait in the hall as I readied myself. He hadn’t given me a time limit. I hadn’t planned on going out tonight, so I was wearing fuzzy pajama pants and a tank top. A gasp of horror escaped me when I realized I still had on the clay facial mask.

“Crap.” Focusing on being gentle, I untied the ribbon from the box and opened it. On top of the softest silk were a mask, a collar, and shoes. I plucked the envelope out and opened it. The paper was expensive.

Dearest Ms. Hartley,

I meant to discuss this event with you at our last meeting, but we were interrupted. Please forgive me for any offense at finding you. I have not delved any further than to acquire your address. It would be an honor to escort you to the Predators and Prey Ball tonight. You are not to put the collar on as I wish to have that honor.

Warmest Regards,

Mr. Clark

I forgot how to breathe. The Ball was the biggest event of the year. It was held at a local zoo. Dominants dressed as predator animals and chased the submissives, dressed as prey. Only the uncollared, unleashed submissives would be chased. I’d seen the collar. Desire built up inside as I pulled out the costume he’d picked for me.

A beautiful faux-fur bunny outfit greeted me. I pulled out the floppy ears and couldn’t hold in the laughter that bubbled up and out. I knew I couldn’t say no. Laying the costume back down, I opened the door. Samuel stood in the hallway.

“Please let Mr. Clark know that I’ll be joining him this evening. I’ll need a short time to get ready.”

“Yes, Madam.” I closed the door as he pulled out a cell phone, most likely to text or call Mr. Clark.

I flew to the bathroom and started the shower. While the water heated up, I stripped and set out the favorite scented lotion Mr. Clark had gifted me with a few months back for the holiday season. Before long, I was lightly scented and wearing a beautiful floppy-eared bunny costume complete with fuzzy tail. I tucked the collar into a small pouch-purse that I could easily carry without hindering anything my Sir planned.

Upon arrival, I saw many Dominants dressed as predators; lions, tigers, and bears. Oh yes! Mr. Clark was dressed as a wolf. His grin suited the costume perfectly. I lowered my eyes and offered the pouch. Other submissives were uncollared all around me. The prospect of being chased by Mr. Clark sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn’t wait.

“My dear.” Mr. Clark held his arm out for me and I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. We went into the zoo and found the center gathering place. “Would you allow me to be your only Master, Ms. Hartley?”

“It would be my pleasure, Mr. Clark. Sir.” Heat filled me. I had never thought he would be so bold, but it filled me with joy.

“Then I shall hope to catch you, my pet.” I lowered myself to my knees in front of him and before I could lower my eyes as well, he lifted my chin. The heat of a thousand suns fell upon me, and I felt love blossom inside.

An emcee started speaking and we all listened as he welcomed us to the zoo and gave us information about it, the animals, and how our contributions would be used. The rules for the game were stated. My wolf had to catch me, or I’d belong to another this evening. Then the bell rang and the submissives were off like greyhounds.

Moments later the second bell rang and the predators gave chase. I had found a place to hide in some thick shrubbery after outrunning someone dressed, oddly enough, as a cheetah. Listening to her call, “Here bun bun,” did not coax me one bit. I held my breath as she stalked around looking for me. My shades-of-gray pelt blended with the shadows. Animals made noises in the pens nearby, rustling and snuffling, sounding anxious like me.

After she left, I took off the way I’d come only to have a falcon block my way. The feathers on their mask were amazing but before I was forced to take a closer look, I was scooped up and carried off. Struggling, I attempted to slip out of the hold, until I heard Mr. Clark’s soothing voice.

“Calm, my pet. I have you now.” He held me tightly in his arms as if he were afraid I might be taken away at any moment. Mr. Clark headed to the stage and set me down there. It wasn’t long before others joined us and the game ended.

Mr. Clark took the collar from his pocket and I settled on my knees, my eyes lowered, chin pointing up. The collar settled around my neck. It was a simple black strip of leather with a charm in the shape of a floppy-eared bunny just like the one we’d originally bonded over in the pet shop.

That night I went home with Sir. He bathed me and petted me until I begged for more. And, like the teasing Dominant he is, he made me wait as we curled up together for a good night’s sleep, whispering naughty ideas of his plans for me tomorrow and the next day, and the day after that.