Chapter 69 - 69

"Is it an actual collar?"

"Sometimes, but more often enough since Masters hate them being taken off, we save the leather collars for here or at home. Usually, it's more just a symbolic piece of jewelry, like a necklace," he explained.

"So, when you decollar someone, it's like breaking that contract and you two go your separate ways. For a sub, this can be a very hard thing to handle especially if they don't have someone else to lean on afterward.”

I felt a ping of sympathy for Nina suddenly. Her Master was going to just send her packing and she had no one to help her get through it. I brushed it away as she probably would have had someone there if she had not been such a complete and utter bitch. I erased all thoughts of her out of my head and snuggled closer to Reed, all that mattered now was Reed was here and he was free.

"I'd like to do that with you, Mia," he said quietly in my ear.

"What do you mean?" I said frightened.

Did he want to break our contract? Was he planning on leaving me after all we had been through together?

"I want to collar you leaving no doubt in everyone's head that you are mine," Reed explained.

He stood up and pulled me across the room. I followed him out of instinct since my mind had stalled on his words. He led me to a staging area with a St. Andrews cross in the background and a microphone in the front. I felt butterflies creep into my stomach as my mind began to whirl with the possibilities of what could happen. As soon as Reed stepped up onto the stage, I could see all the activity in this place stop. He left me back by the steps up to the stage as he approached the microphone.

"Thank you all for this welcome home party," Reed said in a greeting.

The crowd cheered and whistled obviously he was well-loved here. My eyes flew to his face, and I felt my jaw hit the ground when I realized this had been planned. Reed just smiled a mischievous smile and sent a wink my way.

"Nothing this evening went as planned but I hope the same results come out of it," he said as he continued to address the crowd that snickered right along with him.

Reed reached back for me, and I slipped my hand in his without hesitation allowing him to pull me forward. My gut tightened as I looked out among the crowd and searched it for Lizzie, wanting desperately to see a familiar face. I saw her in the far back with Jordan and Jack and I noticed a look of utter panic on her face as she fingered her choker obsessively. If it wasn't for Reed's arm around me, I would have jumped off the stage and ran to her. Reed must have sensed my dilemma because he tightened his arm around me. My eyes returned to his and he just shook his head, warning me to leave it alone, and then addressed the crowd again.

"This is Mia Johnson, everyone. She's new to our lifestyle so be nice to her," Reed introduced then winked at me. "But not too nice. Wouldn't want her to think she can get away with anything just because she's new."

I blushed and looked down at my feet with that reminder of Jordan's little punishment flowing through my head.

"Mia is my sub and in front of everyone tonight I'd like to make it permanent," he proclaimed.

He reached into his pocket and pulled a long black jewelry box out of it. Once opened it held a chain choker like the one that Lizzie had been wearing, however instead of two hearts and a key, it held a nameplate that simply said 'Mine' on it.

"Collaring a sub usually doesn't happen this soon, but over the last week, I've come to realize I can't stand the thought of letting you go or another man touching you. When my P.I. called me this morning with the news that my marriage was in fact over, I raced to the airport and got here as soon as I could. Not wanting to wait another moment to see my collar on you. All the binding contracts are in place and all that's left now is your consent to allow me to collar you. If the answer is no, you are free to leave. But know this, we end there. I will no longer be in your life or make any demands on your time. If the answer is yes, come kneel at my feet of your own free will and know you will never find a more caring, nurturing, loving Master than I.”

His emphasis on the word 'loving' left no doubt about the meaning.

Tears filled my eyes as I realized while I was unsure about him, he had been planning this, this absolute proof of his commitment to me. I knew the love I had for him shone in my eyes. It was in stark contrast to the nervousness and insecurity that crossed his eyes and I realized I was not moving.

I slowly walked up to him and knelt at his feet and bowed my head.

"Yes, Master. I wish to wear your collar and in doing so I pledge my obedience, my pain, my pleasure, and my now and future happiness to the Master who's already taken my heart," I said.

I watched with a full heart as the joy spread across his face. He leaned down and gently hooked the choker around my neck, then he reached his hand down and bid me to stand. I did not even try to hide the tears especially since they were tears of joy. He pulled me to him and kissed me once again, this time I felt the love and tenderness. I knew that my life had taken a different path than I would have predicted. But somehow, I didn't care. I was finally in the arms of the one man who could show me happiness and fulfillment.

I would bow to his every command and be pleased to do so.

Cover- Can Stock Photo Inc. /Mark2121