Loyal

• Nadia

Anderson was dead, and thankfully Ethan was unharmed, at least physically. However, it was clear that what had happened scarred everyone psychologically. Nadia concerned herself with Ethan first of all, while Zarina comforted Anna and brought her to her mother. The two then hugged each other and cried. Everyone was very emotional.

It was Nadia, the calmest of them all, who suggested: “Let’s leave here and go someplace else?” And she pointed towards Anderson’s corpse, lying in the hallway. The air tasted like copper and even the light entering from many open doors did little to light up the place.

“We… Uhh… We should go home,” said Anna, hiccuping halfway while squeezing her mother in another hug. “It’s… We have to… We have to bury dad.”

This caused Carmen to wail in pain, like a wounded animal. And mother and daughter held each other tightly, sobbing and consoling each other. Zarina looked lost and Ethan looked… Pained. Suffering by proxy.

Nadia noticed this, and wondered what was the best way to help him, make him feel better. With that in mind she walked to the mother and daughter holding each other in their arms and gently placed her own hand on Anna’s shoulder.

“You’re not to blame,” she said. “You were not yourself. And your owner was a horrible person. You did nothing wrong.”

And Nadia truly believed that, in a way. If someone was threatening Ethan she would do her best to stop them, including **** if it came to that. She knew on some level that this was unnatural to her, she was never like this before being claimed. But being owned by Ethan felt right. It felt good. And the thought of seeing him hurt or being unclaimed? Terrified her.

She also believed Ethan was better than this Anderson. Even if she had to admit that, if Ethan commanded her to help claim all the women here she would do so in a heartbeat. She even idly thought of the best way to do it, isolating them one by one… But no. Ethan would reject that, she was certain. And it would make him unhappy if she suggested it. A shame. More women would mean more people to make him happy, more people to keep him safe.

But regardless of Nadia’s inner thoughts, her words seemed to reach Anna as she smiled through the tears. “Thank you…” She whispered.

Slowly the group filed out of the hallway, Carmen going quickly into the bedroom first before coming out with a simple summer dress, and they all exited Anderson’s house, leaving the old man’s corpse behind. Nadia was glad he had died, that was one less danger to Ethan. He could be so hard to please, sometimes, she thought to herself. Always worrying, anxious and punishing himself with guilt… But to Nadia that only made her want to please him more. A pig like Anderson might be easier to please, but she was loyal to Ethan. And if making him happy was a challenge? Then it was one she would gladly take on.

Nadia smiled to herself, trailing behind Ethan.

The funeral was makeshift and dismal, with everyone pitching in to help dig in the backyard with whatever they had at hand: a shovel, a trowel, even their bare hands. It took almost an hour, but they finally dug a hole deep enough to lay the body, still wrapped in a white sheet. Anna and Carmen hugged the body, wishing their last goodbyes.

It was quiet all around them, except they could still hear the distant sounds of someone having sex, two houses away or so.But thankfully they were undisturbed while they dug and then lowered the body into the grave. Nadia side-hugged Ethan, and felt a surge of joy as he rested his head against her shoulder. And together they listened as Carmen spoke a halting eulogy, of how William was a great man. How they had met 32 years ago, when she was a waitress, and of their many happy memories together.

“And I’m sorry for… the way you went,” she said, stifling a sob. “For the… Awful… Awful way you had to go. You deserved better than that. You… You deserved better than me. I… I betrayed you.”

“Shh! No, mom, you didn’t…” Anna hugged her mother again. “No, you were a great mother, and a great wife. You were with him for thirty two years! Think about that!”

But it was true that she had betrayed her husband, in the end, Nadia thought. But she did not judge Carmen for what she did. If Ethan asked Nadia to betray her family, she would do it in a heartbeat. Not much chance of that, seeing how they were in another continent, but…

Mother and daughter broke their embrace, staring at the grave, now covered in soft earth. There was no headstone.

“I… Can…” Carmen began, before she stopped and swallowed nervously. She turned to the rest of the group and addressed them for the first time. “I’m sorry you all saw… What you saw. And… I want to thank you all. For saving me and my daughter from that… Maldito cochino…! Ugh… I have no words to thank you all.”

“We were just helping Anna.”

“It’s ok.”

The two responded. Nadia said, “I am only following Ethan.” Trying to direct any more praise his way. Anna looked at her with a strange expression that Nadia could not decipher… What was the young girl thinking?

“Let’s… Let’s get inside, where it’s safe, yes?” Said Carmen, looking around, frightened. “And… I would like to talk with you alone a bit, my daughter. Please?”

Anna nodded.

Everyone was now inside, Zarina pacing back and forth while Ethan slumped on the chair, looking at the pistol he still held in his hand. He didn’t take his eyes off it, a sad expression on his face. Occasionally both of them glanced towards the bedroom where Anna and Carmen had gone into, shutting the door closed behind them. Muffled conversation could sometimes be heard from the other side.

Nadia sat beside Ethan and even as she projected a calm exterior, deep inside she was itching for a chance to do something, anything, to make him happier. Her comforting had only done so much, and although she was sure some quick sex would do wonders to ease his frustrations and get his mind off things, there was no way he would accept it given what he had just gone through.

That meant she had to get… Creative. Well, patience might not be one of her strengths, but she didn’t lack tenacity! Nadia got up from the couch and announced to Ethan: “I’m going to check on them, just to make sure they’re ok.”

Ethan opened his mouth, then closed it before nodding. His eyes returned to the gun. Zarina followed Nadia with her eyes as the blonde opened the door and went inside in one smooth motion, shutting it behind her.

“Oh- Nadia?” Anna jumped, surprised. A bit wary, even?

“I came in to ask if you two need anything. Water? Or some other kind of support?” Asked Nadia. “Whatever you two need, I want to make sure you know to count on us.”

“No… We don’t need anything. Thank you,” said Carmen. She was now looking at Nadia with open curiosity. After a moment, she asked. “Are you… Really claimed by the young man, as my daughter said?”

“Yes, I am claimed by him,” said Nadia, she almost mentioned that he was a much better master than Anderson, but bit her tongue. That would be coming off too strong. Instead, she softened her tone. “And… Sorry if I’m interrupting, but can I ask something of you two?”

“What is it?” Asked Anna, again with that strange expression.

“I would like you to, if possible… Say some nice words to Ethan. After you are done talking, of course,” said Nadia. “Only he’s taking the situation hard. He’s obviously never killed anyone before… Although he still did it, to save you. But he feels guilty easily, and I think some kind words from you would mean a lot to him.”

Mother and daughter looked at her, and then at each other, complex emotions swirling in their faces. Carmen was the one to break the silence. “And this… Ethan? Is he a good boy to you? He doesn’t hurt or **** you?”

Nadia’s memory flashed back to last night, in the bathroom, as Ethan fucked her mouth and came down her throat. The memory made her smile, as she said: “He’s a perfect gentleman.”

“You would say that…” Muttered Anna, but she did not sound angry or accusatory. In fact her eyes were cast low as she fidgeted, before looking up at Nadia again. “Listen, Nadia? I… I’m sorry. If I came off as harsh to you before, or…” She went quiet, as if recalling something. Anna sighed. “Once, I thought… That I would rather be killed than be claimed. I… Fuck, that was so insensitive of me. I… I didn’t know. I had no idea how it felt…”

“Oh, my little Anna,” whispered her mother, giving the daughter another hug.

“And even worse is… While I was claimed… While I was his… I…” And Anna couldn’t finish her words. But Nadia could guess what she wanted to say, but couldn’t.

She had enjoyed obeying Anderson. She enjoyed following him, making him happy. It felt natural to her that claimed women should enjoy serving and being used by their man, but she did not voice her thoughts. Her face formed a mask of concern.

“I understand,” said Nadia out loud. “And again, I want to let you know, it’s not your fault. You were just claimed by a horrible man. That’s… One of the dangers unclaimed women now face.” She hesitated, before adding. “I suppose even the way back might be dangerous. But I’m sure we will all make it, with Ethan’s help.” Was it too far? He hoped not.

Anna agreed, fear visible on her face while Carmen looked thoughtful.

“We have more to talk now, me and my daughter,” the older woman said to Nadia, trailing off. “So…”

Nadia smiled, hoping she had made a good impression. “Of course. But remember, we are here to help if you need it.”

“Of course. Thank you so much,” said Carmen. And with a final, small and sad wave she bid goodbye to Nadia as she closed the door behind her and returned to the living room, where she sat back down, waiting for what would happen next. At least, she had done her part.

It was half an hour later when the door opened, but only Anna came out. Her eyes were still red from crying, and she looked tired. But she held the door half-open and called out: “Ethan?”

“Yes?” He replied, taking his eyes off the gun and looking up at them. But he could not hold her gaze long, and his gaze dropped low once more.

Hesitation. “How are you feeling right now?” She asked.

Ethan fidgeted, still avoiding her gaze. “I’m sorry,” he muttered at last, his voice small.

“What?” Anna asked, confused.

“I’m sorry. Anderson… He…” Ethan fidgeted again, struggling to speak. “It was my fault. Should have stopped him before her... I’m so sorry, Anna.”

She frowned “No, don’t… You… Fucking hell, you saved us, Ethan! You and Nadia. And Zarina. You three!”

“But - ”Began Ethan…

But Anna walked across the room and grabbed Ethan by the shoulders. He flinched, but he finally did look at her. Behind Anna, Carmen appeared, looking nervous at the situation and concerned for her daughter.

“Ethan! I was the one that planned to come here!” Said Anna, her voice anguished, full of remorse. “I was the one that put you in danger. And Zarina, and Nadia. I almost got my friends captured! Or killed! I…”

“Oh, Anna…” Said Carmen, approaching behind them, her lower lip trembling.

“Enough!” Anna shouted, louder than she intended. Ethan flinched again, and Anna released his shoulders and straightened her back, taking a deep breath. “Enough. I didn’t come here to look for blame or… Whatever. It’s… Look, we… Me and my mother. We have a very serious request for you, Ethan,” said Anna, ominously. Everyone in the room became more tense, sensing the atmosphere getting heavier and more delicate.

“... What is it?” Asked Ethan.

Anna took a deep breath, before speaking. “Me and my mother talked. And we’ve decided… We don’t want to risk being claimed by a bad person. And with so many evil men out there. We… We don’t want to live in fear of something like what just happened happening again. It’s…” And again Anna paused, and took a deep breath. It took the last of her strength to ask. “Ethan, I want you to claim me and my mother.”

Zarina looked wide-eyed at her friend, then at Ethan, who sat frozen in the sofa clenching his fists. Nadia’s heart thundered with emotion which she did her best to disguise behind a polite smile. Yes! She had tried being subtle, maybe making them think about it, but this? Ethan gaining two more women loyal to him? This was absolutely the best case scenario!

“Are… Are you sure?” Asked Ethan, his voice small, almost pleading her to say no.

But Anna began to sniffle, a stubborn tear appearing in the corner of her eyes and she took another deep breath, fighting tooth and nail to keep herself composed.

“We’re scared, Ethan,” she said. “We’re scared of someone else claiming me, or claiming my mother. Of us ending in the hand of another Anderson, a man that would use us like fucking objects! Or someone that would throw us under the bus to protect themselves! We. Don’t. Want. That!”

She bit her lip. Behind her, Carmen hugged her daughter gently from behind, one hand petting her shoulder gently. She said nothing, but Anna seemed to calm down, wiping her face and looking fiercely at Ethan.

“If you promise not to hurt us. And… Like before, with Nadia and that man with the gun. If you promise to not use us as shields… As things! If, at least, you can promise us this much? Then… Then this might be the best for us.” She took her mother’s hand and gave it one gently squeeze. “At least that way we stay together.”

Carmen let out a small smile. “My daughter told me about you… Sounds like you’re a very fine young man,” she said.

“But Nadia…?” Zarina hesitated. “You and.. Your mom? Together?” She opened her mouth to say more, but couldn’t. Her face flushed red.

Anna didn’t even blink when being confronted. “I know. But I don’t want to be separate from my mom. I…” She turned to look at Carmen. “We talked. Considered one of us being claimed, the other staying free. Looking for a different master. But then… What would we do, if one of us gets ****? If one of us is **** to watch the other… Like today…” And her voice wavered. She shook her head fiercely, as if trying to push away the memories. “No, neither of us wants that. At least if we’re both claimed… Then we’ll face it together. At least… Neither of us has to watch while the other suffers.”

Nadia could feel Ethan struggling to accept this, even as opportunity knocked. He again unclenched and clenched his hands. So she placed a hand on his knees and looked at him. “Ethan? I know it’s a lot for you. But this might be the only way to keep them safe,” said Nadia. “The best way.” Subtle encouragement.

He looked at her, then back at Anna. Finally he got up from the couch, placing the gun gently on the sofa beside him. He looked Anna firmly in the eyes, and then her mother.

“Alright,” he said. “If you want. I’ll do it.”

Anna sighed, and it was as if a crushing weight was released from her shoulders. They slumped down, her whole posture deflated in acceptance, or surrender.

“Thanks,” she said. And Carmen behind her nodded, tears in her eyes as well.

Mother and daughter exchanged one more tearful hug, and Zarina rushed to hug Anna as well, to which she surprisedly returned it.

“Sorry,” said Anna with a weak laugh. “Guess you’ll be the only unclaimed girl… So if it gets awkward…”

But Zarina shook her head. “Don’t worry about that. Just hope it works out for you and your mom. I…” And she broke the hug to wipe her face before giving a nervous laugh of her own. “I’ll make sure Ethan behaves.”

“Yeah, you do that.” Anna smiled. “And thanks. For… For being the best roommate I could hope for.”

“I… I tried my best,” shrugged Zarina, trying to keep a brave face.

Anna smiled, even as she couldn’t quite hide her anxiety. She and her mother hugged tightly, whispering to each other as they embraced, words of comfort and encouragement. After they broke the hug, Anna spoke. “I’ll be the first, I guess.”

Ethan tentatively raised his hand towards Anna, but she spoke up.

“Wait! Before you do it?” She spoke, and he backed away immediately. “I just… Want you to promise to take care of us as best you can. I know it’s hard. This new world is… It’s crazy. But… If you mess this up? If you **** us? I swear to god, I’ll wait until we’re unclaimed and I’ll spit on your corpse. I’ll find a way to fucking haunt you, if I have to! I’ll…!” And she trailed off, unable to find the right threats. Her own words felt hollow. “Just… Take care of us nicely, ok? Especially my mom. Please?”

“I promise,” said Ethan.

He grabbed her arm, gently and looked at her for confirmation. Anna hesitated, closed her eyes, and then finally assented.

“I claim you, Anna.” And as soon as he spoke those words her body relaxed, her eyelashes fluttering before she opened them again, looking at Ethan.

“Hmm…” She moaned softly. “Thank you, Ethan.” Her gaze softened, the now-familiar look of awe creeping across her face, before she looked at her mother. Carmen was looking at Anna nervously. “It’s ok, mom. I’m still me,” she said in a comforting tone, smiling as she patted her shoulder gently. “You next.”

Nadia also tried her best to look calm and comforting, and not show how eager she was. No point in scaring Carmen away, but internally she was gleefully celebrating.

“Okay,” Carmen took a step forward and offered her hand. Ethan took it and glanced at her, like with Anna. Carmen looked at her daughter and said, “I love you, Anna. With all my heart.”

They exchanged smiles, then Carmen nodded at Ethan.

“I claim you,” he said. And like with Anna, Carmen relaxed then smiled at Ethan. She moved forward and quickly wrapped her arms in a tight hug around her new owner.

“Thank you so much, Ethan!” She whispered in a breathy voice.

He awkwardly hugged her back, only for Anna to join the two of them in a group hug. “Yep, thank you so much!”

Nadia behind him just patted his shoulder gently. “You did good, Ethan. Good job,” she said.

And when they broke off, all three women glanced at each other, and there was a knowing smile on their lips. They all knew that they were now together, united in their undying loyalty to their owner. And they looked back at Ethan. He seemed surprised at this show of gratitude, but slightly happy too. And Nadia felt a jolt of pleasure as she saw his timid smile.

“We’re yours now,” said Anna, a touch of eagerness in her voice. “We will do whatever you ask, so don’t be shy! You can… Um, you can treat us like you treat Nadia!” And she gave Nadia a happy smile. Ethan however was less amused, and his smile quickly vanished.

“Of course, we’re all Ethan’s girls, aren’t we?” Said Nadia, trying her best to smooth things over. She understood the girl’s eagerness, but she was risking hurting Ethan by coming on too strong. “And now you and your mother are safe, in Ethan’s hands.”

Anna seemed to realize her blunder and agreed. “Of course. We’re so grateful that you’re the one that claimed us now!”

“You’re the best man I could hope to protect my little girl,” added Carmen. “And the best master I could ever want. Thank you so much for claiming me and my daughter!”

“... Sure,” said Ethan, taking a step back. He cleared his voice. “And my first command is… Carmen? Anna? I want you two to treat each as mother and daughter. With love and respect I…” His expression grew troubled and he looked away. “I don’t want to break apart your family.”

Carmen immediately hugged Anna and the two shared a moment. “Don’t worry, young man. You’re not breaking us apart, you’re keeping us together!” Nadia saw Ethan relax and smile again, releasing another rush of dopamine in her brain. She also noticed the two of them glance at Ethan to see how he reacted, and saw their cheeks flush slightly, their pupils dilated in the shared joy of pleasing their owner.

Then Nadia saw Zarina, looking from afar at this scene, lips pursed tightly and an anxious cast to her body language. “Zarina,” she called out. “If you want, Ethan could also claim you? To keep you safe?”

Zarina was startled at this, and everyone else in the room turned to look at her, which made her fidget in discomfort. “I… No… I don’t think I want it…? Right now?”

Her tone was hesitant, she was at least considering it. Anna chimed in. “You said you wouldn’t mind being claimed if it was someone you were comfortable with, right? Are you not comfortable with Ethan?”

“You can trust him,” added Nadia, eagerly hoping they could claim another girl for him.

“I… I don’t…” Stammered Zarina, but Ethan interrupted her.

“If she doesn’t want to, that’s her choice. Please don’t pressure her.” He asked, looking at each one of his girls. And Nadia felt a sense of shame at displeasing him, even as she felt the pleasure of obedience in agreeing to his command.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“I was trying to help her, sorry,” added Anna, looking down. She glanced at Zarina with an apologetic smile. “I know I’ve been claimed and stuff but… I’m still your roommate, you know? Just want what’s best for you.”

And Nadia smiled, even while knowing that, if Ethan commanded her to, Anna would happily pin down and tie up Zarina right now for Ethan to **** and use as he pleased. And that thought brought a shudder of pleasure to Nadia, even as she maintained her polite smile. Zarina could wait, Ethan now had three loyal women under his command. Three women to protect him, help him and please him.

This was a victory. There was a dominance in Ethan, Nadia felt, straining to burst out. And Nadia would do her best to free it, with the help of Anna and Carmen. Together, they would guide him to who he truly wanted to be.

Nadia could hardly contain herself, her smile widening.