Second Set of Transformations and a Tearful Kiss

As the Q&A came to a close, Delilah let the group enjoy the beach for a bit, not that many were particularly in good spirits. Heather had grabbed one of the beach chairs and moved it away from the others so she could have some space. When she sat on it, she pulled her knees up against her chest as she stared out over the ocean.

Piper and Caroline had moved away slightly from the cabana and were having a discussion, and Piper was clearly not pleased about something.

Melinda turned to the three remaining people near the bar. “Any of you want something to drink?” She walked over to the bar and told Pita, “Could I get another Long Island?”

Zach and Lynn both went ahead and got a drink, but Xin shook her head as she sat down next to Zach. Xin Said, “I’m totally not twenty-one yet.”

Melinda burst out laughing. “Oh, oh God, that’s funny. Not twenty-one yet. You’re in Hell, and worried about the drinking laws of your home country. Pita, can you get her a—”

Zach put a hand on Melinda’s outstretched arm and said, “How about we don’t pressure her into anything right now? Especially with her intelligence being lower and the transformations incoming. I’m not going to stop her from having a drink, but don’t push it.”

Melinda put down her hand. “Okay. Not a problem.”

Lynn then asked, “So Melinda…”

Melinda immediately let out a frustrated groan, knowing that whatever Lynn was about to say was going to be annoying at best.

Lynn continued as if Melinda hadn’t responded yet, “Do you really not know what Delilah is talking about when she says you’ve taken payment for sex?”

“How exactly is that any of your business?” Melinda replied harshly.

“Let’s think… you’re going to be sleeping with my boyfriend at some point.” Lynn scowled at the thought, but it vanished as she reveled in the ability to call Zach her boyfriend and have it be true. “I also have to find a niche for you with him. Knowing your sexual history is not only prudent since we’ll be sleeping with the same person, but it would also be helpful to know what direction to push you in.”

Melinda replied, “My sexual history is none of your business. I’m clean, and that’s all that matters in that department. As for the question about taking payment… not really. I’ve definitely never offered sex in exchange for something. The closest thing I can imagine counting is that there were a few guys who offered to buy me dinner, whom I probably wouldn’t have given a chance if I didn’t have issues with money while going through nursing school. But I didn’t sleep with them because they bought me dinner. Most were either funnier or more interesting than I gave them credit for. Occasionally I just needed a good lay to work off some stress.”

Melinda glanced towards Zach, who didn’t really seem to be paying attention to the conversation; instead, he was staring into his drink.

Melinda asked Zachary, “Could you get her to lay off me?”

Zachary gave her a brief glance and drank a bit, then said, “Lynn, not now, please. I know you feel the need, but please just wait until later. Everyone’s stressed right now, and we don’t need more of it.”

Zachary tensed as two red hands began massaging his shoulders. Delilah said, “He’s soooo right. It wouldn’t do for the Master to be stressing about his bitches. Don’t worry, the votes will be in soon, and your bitches will be improved for you.”

Zachary really wanted to brush Delilah’s hands from his shoulders but didn’t for two reasons. First, he was slightly worried that Delilah might use it as an excuse to say he hit her and punish him or one of the girls. Second, and he hated to admit it to himself, Delilah’s hands were melting away the tension in his shoulders. The women at the bar were all alarmed at Delilah suddenly joining them.

Delilah continued, “Any moment now and the votes will be in. Any options you are really looking forward to? I bet you’d just love to reprogram Piper, wouldn’t you? Come now, Zachary, this is a safe place… well, for you at least. Be honest with me, and I might even be kind enough to use my veto benevolently.”

Zachary grumbled as he really doubted she’d use it benevolently for such a low price, but he realized the implied threat of refusing, where she would use it maliciously instead. “I guess there’s one or two options I would particularly enjoy. Like either of the competitive options with Melinda.”

Delilah smiled, not that Zachary could see, as he refused to turn around to face the demoness. “I’ll keep that in mind, especially with such interesting results that have just come in.” Delilah raised her voice so everyone could clearly hear her. “Alright, everyone, back to your seats; the fun is about to begin.”

Everyone trudged back over to their seats, with Caroline going over to Heather and bringing her back. Heather’s eyes were a little red, but she did her best to look composed.

Delilah did a quick swish of her scepter towards the television, and the results of the Best Girl poll were displayed.

1. Xin +6000 BP
2. Piper +5000BP
3. Melinda +4000BP
4. Heather +3000BP
5. Lynn +2000BP
6. Caroline +1000BP

Delilah said, “Well, well, well, would you look at that. Xin, it looks like it wasn’t just pity that you placed first last time. The audience actually likes you. As for the cow and Lynn, I must say it must suck to be disliked more than the cheating skank.”

Lynn clenched her hands into fists, trying to remain calm. Heather! FUCKING HEATHER? How the fuck is she more popular than me?

Caroline just rolled her eyes as she really didn’t care that she wasn’t popular.

Delilah continued, “Just so no one gets overconfident, though, the top half and bottom half of the poll were extremely narrow, with a wide gap between 3rd and 4th. Also, before we get to the results of the transformation polls, I’d like to remind you all that I have the power to veto them and replace the results with whatever I choose. Like, if I personally really liked the last-place result, I could still give it to you, especially if I think it would be funny to punish you for not getting with the program. Now, speaking of last place…” Delilah strode over to Caroline, sat down on her lap, put an arm around her shoulder, and held her scepter like a microphone. “We’ll start with our last-place cow. Caroline, despite clearly being the least liked individual here, I’m sure you will be glad to learn that the Audience listened to your plea and voted for you to keep your memories of your dead husband.”

The way Delilah was talking, with glee in her voice, and her having just given that pointed reminder about her veto caused Caroline to dread every word Delilah spoke.

Delilah said, “Now what does the cow say?” Delilah tilted her scepter towards Caroline as if she was interviewing the woman.

Caroline scowled and knew exactly what Delilah wanted. She quietly said, “Moo.” The scepter actually worked like a microphone right then and amplified her voice throughout the cabana.

Delilah beamed, “So glad you’re getting with the program, Caroline. It’s a shame, really… I was sooo looking forward to taking corrective measures.” Delilah got up and resumed her spot near Zachary. “Oh, I almost forgot…” Delilah waved the scepter, and the bar stool that Zachary was sitting in was replaced by his obsidian throne.

Zachary glared at her. “Seriously? Is this necessary?”

Delilah ignored the question. “Now, as you might have guessed, Caroline and Piper are going to start their journey to becoming magnificent hucows.” The winning transformation appeared on the television screen behind the bar.

Mammary Inflation Lactation Flow: Caroline’s Breasts will slowly swell with milk, causing them to expand unless milked. As they grow in size, they will leak more frequently, slowing and eventually stopping their further growth. [MILF] (Physical)

Caroline and Piper both immediately felt their breasts swell several sizes. They also felt wetness forming on their breasts.

Piper complained, “I thought it was supposed to swell with milk slowly! OH GOD! Can someone please help me with the zipper on this? It didn’t expand with my chest. This is really tight!” Piper was struggling to get the zipper over her new bust. Heather reached over and yanked a few times, managing to finally get it past them, and Piper’s breasts popped right out of the suit for everyone to see.

+1 VP Show Breasts (1x Repeat Penalty Included) (Piper)

Delilah said, “Generally, it will be slow, but I decided to fill you both up to the point where you will just start leaking a little so we can properly display the transformation.” Delilah saw Piper squeeze her breasts, trying to expel some of the milk. Delilah tutted. “Piper, have you ever seen a cow milk itself? If you want the milk gone you best find someone to milk you or suckle your teat. Zachary, would you care to do the honors?”

Zachary looked at Piper questioningly, then glanced towards Caroline, and shook his head. “No.”

Heather offered to do it for Piper, but she declined. Caroline kept a silent composure but was rather grateful that Zachary had declined to do anything with Piper in front of her.

Delilah frowned. “Very well. Zachary, I’d like to remind you that this means you get an extra 10% of Piper’s stats to reallocate. I’d also like to draw your attention to something you might not have noticed.” Delilah pointed her scepter at Caroline. “Caroline went up a bit more than four cup sizes before she started leaking, while Piper only went up around two. I thought I’d mention that before you decided to reduce Piper’s bust size considerably to compensate for her new growth. Then again, if you’d like her constantly leaking milk, that’s your call. Now this didn’t matter last time, but Deliberate Wardrobe Malfunction took second again. I’m not going to have the same option appearing over and over again. So Caroline won’t have a roll over next time. Instead, any transformation that takes second twice will go to the BP store with the other losers, but will be at a 50% discount for anyone to buy. The audience clearly wanted it, so I want to make it more accessible.”

Several people frowned as they realized that things might not stay amicable between everyone after what happened in the challenge.

Delilah pressed forward, “Next up is our Master’s personal favorite, even if she really shouldn’t be. So Lynn, any guesses as to what the Audience picked for you, my darling delusional damsel?”

Lynn frowned. “Not really, but I’m guessing, by the way you’re talking, that they picked the stalked option?”

“In fact, you too will be glad to know that the audience voted that down hard. Even if I personally would have found it poetic to give you that one. Your second place option was also your rollover from last time, so just like with Caroline’s, it too will go to the BP store at a 50% discount.”

Lynn was pleasantly surprised by that and was hoping that Cuddle Slut was the winner of the remaining two options; she was slightly disappointed to learn that it wasn’t.

Bitch Trainer: As his Bottom Bitch, she has a responsibility to train the rest of his bitches to be good, productive bitches. Lynn will go out of her way to attempt to train the others sexually for Zachary’s benefit. Any training session that earns the trainee VP will earn Lynn BP, as will any training judged to be sufficiently significant that is used to gain VP at a later time. [Bottom Bitch]

Lynn shrugged. “Not great, but this is just another way for me to stay in first place and earn that wish.”

Delilah was hoping for more of a reaction but didn’t get one from Zachary at all. She sighed and moved on. “Next up is Heather. I’ll be honest, I’m really tempted to use my veto here and give you all four options.” Heather immediately paled. “But I won’t be doing that, lucky you. In fact, I’m sure you’ll find your new purpose in life quite pleasurable, as A Tidy Home took first place.

A Tidy Home: Heather has been given a new purpose, and begrudgingly finding satisfaction in fulfilling it. It’s such a shame, though, that she’s not also getting pleasure from the act. Now whenever Heather cooks, cleans, or does any other household chore, she’ll feel a pleasant tingling sensation run through her body, so she can wet, waiting, and willing for when her husband gets home. [Housewife]

Heather let out a disappointed sigh. I was really hoping it would have been one of the other ones. She had already resigned herself to the result likely being unpleasant. She didn’t immediately notice a difference, unlike last time.

Delilah said, “Now, unfortunately, we can’t really demonstrate—” Delilah deliberately knocked her mojito over and onto the floor. “Oops, Heather, be a dear and clean up that mess.”

Heather started moving almost automatically, as she noticed the drink was getting close to pooling at Zachary’s feet. She went around behind the bar, found several towels, and started cleaning up the spill. As soon as the towels started to absorb the liquid, she felt a pleasant tingling sensation between her legs. God fucking damnit! That feels good. It was like a vibrator set on the lowest possible setting was barely pressed up against her crotch. Heather closed her eyes for a moment as she continued to wipe up the spill. At this rate, I really will be conditioned to enjoy being his servant. She very deliberately did not look up at Zachary while she was on her hands and knees in front of him.

As Heather finished her task, she felt a stronger jolt of pleasure go through her for a job well done.

Delilah beamed as Heather took her seat again. “We here at Harem Hotel believe that a happy wife leads to a happy life. I’m sure this will lead to that, or maybe turn you into a compliant little maid willing to do whatever her Master commands. One or the other, I’m sure. Now, Cucked took second place and will come back next time, with the other two options heading to the BP store. I’d like to remind you that these options are purchasable by anyone for anyone else. In case you’d like to make someone else completely reliant on Zachary for sexual release from now on.” Delilah was pointedly looking at Lynn, though everyone couldn’t tell if Delilah was trying to encourage Lynn to act or for someone to act against Lynn.

Zachary scowled at Delilah until he realized that once again she was getting sexual gratification from him doing so, as a shudder ran through her body.

“Oh, yes, my dear sweet Zachary… let the hate flow through you.” Delilah beamed in satisfaction. “Now, Melinda…” Delilah looked slightly annoyed while staring at the nurse. A look that worried everyone. “I’m a bit peeved about the results of your vote. Actually, no, peeved isn’t the right word.” Delilah erupted in flames, causing everyone to jerk away from her as the roof of the cabana caught on fire. “I’M FURIOUS!” Delilah took a moment to compose herself. “Sorry, sorry, it’s not your fault.” Pita flew up to the roof and started to put out the fire, but a hole was already forming in the cabana roof. “I’m just pissed that I practically need to use my veto here, because the Audience was a bunch of indecisive bitches. Your vote resulted in an exact four-way tie. As much as I’d love to just give you all of them, that would likely be a bit too much. Instead, I threw them all in the blender, and this is what you’ll be getting.”

Competition Induced Semen Deficiency: Melinda is quite competitive; why should that just include Zachary? Any time someone who has more VP than Melinda gains VP, she’ll need to have an equivalent amount of CCs of Zachary’s semen injected into her, or start suffering progressive symptoms. The severity or benefit of these symptoms will depend on her position on an internal scoreboard where she knows whether she’s ahead or behind. Any win by Zachary or any harem member with more VP than her will push her behind, and her victory over them will push her ahead. Any orgasms between her and Zachary count as a victory for the other one. Semen injected into her pussy is twice as effective as all other holes, and her mouth is half as effective. Because of the unbalanced competition, she’ll receive three free sabotages from the BP store each round, which she can use only on those with equal or more VP than her, unless she is in first place, at which point she can use them on anyone. Any unused sabotage will be used on her the following round to keep her properly competitive.

At first, Melinda grew concerned when Delilah blew up, which grew when she said she was using her veto, especially after she said it had been a four-way tie. That concern didn’t really lessen as she read through the new transformation.

Melinda hesitantly asked, “So, I just want to check on a few things. This doesn’t say it’s retroactive, is that correct?”

“That’s mostly going to be true, as I didn’t want to be bothered figuring out exactly what VP the others earned would cause you to need an injection. I will be counting anything from the start of the challenge onward, though.” Delilah explained.

Melinda nodded. Okay, I guess that’s actually a good thing, as I feel a little bit ahead. I’ll have to monitor the VP scores a lot more… great. At least only Lynn is ahead of me in VP right now. “Okay, so the orgasm thing only applies between me and Zach and those ahead of me gaining VP doesn’t count as a loss?”

“Both correct; your penalty for them getting further ahead is needing more semen,” Delilah confirmed.

“Last question for now: it says beneficial symptoms if I’m ahead; can you give an example?”

Delilah nodded. “Enhanced orgasms, greater pleasure, shorter recovery time, those sorts of things.”

“Well… I guess it could be worse. I think this is better than having all four of them individually.” Melinda furrowed her brow as she reread the transformation, not completely sure if it was better or not.

Delilah turned to Zachary. “What does our Master think? You did say you liked the competitive options, so I made that the foundation and incorporated the aspects of the others into them.”

“You couldn’t have just picked the competitive options instead?” Zachary asked, clearly annoyed.

“And deny half the audience? As much as I love not giving people what they want, I’m a professional, and my job is to give the audience as a whole what they want.”

Zach grumbled, “I guess it isn’t as horrible as it could be. I don’t like the sabotages being included, but I’m certain that’s your favorite part. Is Melinda going to get to choose what those are, or are you choosing that?”

Delilah waved a hand dismissively. “And take away her agency, to cause her own trouble? Hell forbid. Now, if she doesn’t use them, I’ll be giving Pita the job to use them. At least for now.”

Pita let out a delighted giggle and clapped her hands together rapidly, making a quiet sound.

Melinda was slightly relieved it wasn’t going to be Delilah deciding how they were going to be used, but wasn’t sure how much better Pita would be.

Delilah said, “Well then, on to our runner-up in the popularity poll.” Delilah was still partially on fire, and the flames seemed to grow slightly as she spoke. “Your vote also ended in a tie. Gatekeeping will be rolling over to the next round of transformations.”

Piper asked, “So which two am I getting then?”

Delilah continued to smolder, “I didn’t say you were getting two. I said it was a tie. I wouldn’t mind a two-way tie. That’s great, but three-way ties don’t make the audience happy most of the time. They make the audience feel like their vote didn’t really count.” Delilah then muttered under her breath. “Also, if one of you is going to get a mess of transformations, I want to be the one responsible for doing it.”

Zachary looked at the demoness and realized that the reason she was pissed was that the audience had essentially cucked her by making her do her job and use her veto responsibly instead of using it to cause chaos. He burst out laughing, which caused everyone but Delilah and Pita to look at him funny. Piper and Caroline especially didn’t appreciate his reaction, as they thought he found it amusing that Piper got the other three transformations that had just appeared on the screen.

Command Line Functions: Zachary will be given a short list of command-line functions he can input into any Harem Hotel device. Piper will be forced to execute the functions. Zachary can discover additional commands on his own. [Programmable] (Non-Physical/Physical)

Pavlov’s Bitch: Just like in the study, Piper will find she’s now particularly susceptible to behavioral conditioning by Zach and one contestant secretly chosen each round. [Programmable] (Non-Physical)

A Libido to Match: Piper is a massive pervert, but has very little sex drive or experience. This will help fix one of those things. Whenever Piper encounters her kinks, her libido will change to match how much she likes that kink. If encountering multiple different kinks, her libido will default to the highest possible setting. [Pervert] (Physical)

Caroline said, “Zachary, this isn’t funny. This is our lives.”

Zachary couldn’t help himself, but he tried to compose himself. “Sorry. Really. I wasn’t finding the results themselves funny. I was laughing because of something else. Something I think is better not explicitly said.” Zachary’s eyes flicked towards Delilah. “As for the transformations. Yeah, it would have been nice if there were fewer, but the only one I find particularly worrisome is the conditioning one.”

Piper’s expression softened a little when she saw Zach indicate that he found something about Delilah’s anger being funny, and not her predicament. She also agreed for the most part that the biggest issue was the conditioning, at least for her. Her mom probably wouldn’t like the libido one. Come to think of it, doesn’t this mean she’s going to know whenever I’m horny? Oh GOD! This is just fantastic! She thought sarcastically.

Piper asked, “So does that mean Zach gets another 20% of my points to respec? Since two of them are physical?” Delilah gave a curt nod. “Okay, I guess none of these really have a way to show them off. So who’s got the privilege of being able to condition me this round?”

Delilah clicked her tongue as she wagged her finger. “Nope, sorry, but that won’t work. One of your fellow bitches knows they can do this, but they will be prevented from admitting it, even if commanded by Zachary to do so.”

Zachary was tempted to try and outsmart Delilah by using a command on everyone, and then it would be obvious who it was by who wouldn’t answer him, except he had already ordered Heather and Lynn today, so he couldn’t make them answer.

Delilah glanced at Zachary, assuming he was going to try something, and was pleasantly surprised when he didn’t. “Here I thought you were going to be dumb and order them to tell you the truth, to see who won’t reply.”

Zachary frowned as that likely meant she had put some sort of countermeasure in place.

Delilah continued, “As the TF says, it is a secret; it wouldn’t be very fun if you could just force them to admit it. But for the audience’s information, the name of the bitch will appear on the screen, but be censored for the Master and his bitches.” (Caroline)

Pita let out a snort of laughter. “Oh, that’s going to be hilarious! I can’t wait to see what—”

Delilah said through gritted teeth, “PITA! I swear to Lucifer if you reveal who it is, you’ll wish I hadn’t shared that info with you.”

Pita clamped her mouth shut and mimed zipping it, locking it, and tossing away the key.

Caroline had wanted to say something the moment she realized she would have this power, but she couldn’t even pointedly look at Piper to try and signal to her that it was her. It isn’t like I’m going to use it, but I bet she’ll be paranoid all round, because she doesn’t know who it is.

Piper frowned. “Okay… so how susceptible am I exactly?”

Delilah grinned maliciously. “Particularly susceptible.”

Piper noticed Pita nodding vigorously behind Delilah, quite excited. Hmmm, maybe I can go pump Pita for some info in a bit. “Whatever… I have two more questions if you don’t mind, before we move on.” Delilah shrugged, so Piper continued, “For Command Line Functions, what commands is Zachary getting by default, and for his ability to respec my points, how long does he have to decide on that?”

Delilah didn’t seem to mind the questions at all. “For the first question, find out from Zach later, assuming he wants to tell you that is. As for your second question, I’ll give him until tomorrow evening to decide. After that, your currently invested points will be locked in for the round. Now that we are done with the rabble, my darling little Xin. Are you prepared?”

Xin meekly said, “Not really. Not like that would matter anyway. It isn’t like you’d give me more time if I asked for it, would you?”

“Not particularly,” Delilah confirmed. “I probably would let you move to sit on Zachary’s lap if you would like to, though.”

Xin shook her head. “No. I feel like that’s totally a trap anyway. I bet Erotic Innocence won, and you just wanted to, like, show it off, didn’t you?”

Delilah pretended to be offended as she put a hand on her chest. “I’m shocked you would think so poorly of me, to lay such a spurious accusation at my feet. It’s downright scandalous, I tell you!” Delilah paused for dramatic effect and then returned to her normal demeanor. “Okay, fair enough, I would totally do that if Erotic Innocence had won, but it didn’t, and it isn’t even rolling over. In fact, nothing is rolling over, as Sexual Naivete took second. So if anyone wants to blast away someone else’s sexual history and knowledge as revenge, you can now do it for half price.”

Xin gulped, and her hand went to her throat. “Please tell me it isn’t my voice.”

“Alas, no, you’ll not become his little songbird. Instead you’ll be everyone’s little sister, but not all at once.”

Sorority Sister: Xin will randomly be assigned one of the other contestants as her big sister each day. Much like a typical Little, Xin will follow them around, emulate them, and follow their instructions. The Big will find themselves more willing to tolerate her, instruct her, and order her about, especially if it happens to be the Big’s date night, which will almost certainly involve them bringing Xin up to the Master’s suite with them for a proper initiation, [Student]

“FOR FUCK’S SAKE!” Xin shouted as she felt who her Big for the day was.

Heather realized it was her, too, and was actively trying to shrink into her seat.

Caroline frowned at Xin’s language but didn’t reproach her like she would Piper.

Xin turned to Heather and said, “If you even think about ordering me around, I’m going to buy a sabotage for you the second you aren’t my Big anymore.”

Heather nodded and refused to make further eye contact with Xin as she crossed her arms uncomfortably. Xin absentmindedly found herself mimicking Heather’s arm cross as she looked away too.

Zachary said, “I feel like this should go without saying, but just in case, if you try to mess with Xin using this, I will not be pleased.”

Piper immediately said, “Zach, before you go off half-cocked on someone, remember that transformation affects the Big as well. Apparently more so if it happens to be that person’s date night. It sounds like it lowers our scruples about some things regarding her specifically. Honestly, I expect Lynn to train her sexually for you all day the first time she becomes her Big. Between this, Lynn’s need to find a niche for all of us, and Lynn being compelled to go out of her way to sexually train us, no way it doesn’t happen. So unless you plan on punishing her for that, really consider things before coming after the rest of us… please.”

Zach frowned, realizing that Piper was likely correct. “That’s a good point. I’ll try at least.”

Delilah shrugged. “Or don’t. You’re their Master, and owe them nothing. They are your bitches to do with as you please. They dance to your whims, or they suffer. Now to Zachary. Next time, you won’t be getting a roll over either, as Acts of Contrition took second place again. And, yes, ladies, if you want to, you can buy it for Zachary at a 50% discount. As for the victor? Well, I hope you’re ready to slide on out into the cold, as we have a tie!”

Everyone, including Zach, groaned.

Slippery Slope: Two girls getting married will lead to sex with ducks. Sounds crazy, RIGHT!? While bestiality isn’t on the table, when Zachary makes a slippery slope argument, his bitches will be more likely to accept it as true. (Hidden from Contestant/Master: Zachary will also find himself making such arguments more often for what he views as the natural progression of things) [Corruption]

Just-Ice: When Zachary thinks his bitches have done wrong, they’ll find their surroundings constantly cold for a while, to the point that their nipples will be rock hard. It gets worse because the more his bitches cover up, the colder it will feel when this occurs. They’ll either have to wait out in the cold, earn his forgiveness, or press their body tightly against someone else for warmth. This final choice will share and lessen the sensation with whoever they are touching, but only direct skin-to-skin contact will work. [Justice]

Zach asked, “How long does the cold last, and what is the Slippery Slope going to count as a qualified argument?”

Delilah replied, “The cold will last based upon how much you think they have done wrong. This one, unlike Acts of Contrition, is based upon your perception of their actions. If you think it was a really minor screw-up, then maybe a couple of seconds. If, for instance, you think it was something really big, like, say, cheating on you with one of your students to deliberately hurt you? Well… I’m certain they will be glad to know that no physical harm will be caused by long-term exposure to this cold. Luckily for Heather, this doesn’t take into account old harms you already know about; only new actions or discoveries will trigger this.”

Heather breathed out a sigh of relief hearing that, as she figured she’d be out in the cold for a very long time otherwise.

Delilah said, “As for Slippery Slope. It will be pretty much anything that you frame as A will eventually lead to B or Z. The more you connect it, and the clearer the connection, the easier it will be to convince them. It isn’t like if you said ‘if we have sex, that will lead to you becoming my sex slave,’ that will result in them immediately becoming your sex slave, but if you go far enough, I’m quite certain you could get them to accept that argument.”

Zachary frowned, not pleased to hear that, and vowed to himself to watch what he said a bit more.

Delilah continued without missing a beat, “Now for the new rooms and room assignments. The Gilded Cage will be the sole room remaining. I’m sure Gopher will be thrilled. The replacement rooms will be Sealed Bondage and Subliminal Messaging.”

Heather and Piper were both relieved to hear the Tentacle Pit was going away.

Xin was rather worried about the Gilded Cage staying around as she remembered Pita mentioning that Gopher would take vengeance on her.

Delilah saw the terrified look on Xin’s face and chuckled. “Now, Xin, as fun as it would be to give you over to Gopher, I did say that your actions in the show would help determine which rooms you got. In this case, I’m using the popularity polls and letting people pick their rooms in order, but no consulting with the others. So, Xin, which of the three do you want?”

Xin considered her choices, as did everyone else.

Xin hesitated, and after several seconds of indecision, she saw Delilah was getting impatient. “Um… I…” Xin looked towards Heather for guidance, and then she smacked herself for doing that. “I guess the bondage option?”

“Intriguing, and you, Piper?” Delilah asked.

Piper knew which one she sort of wanted but was afraid to admit it. Unfortunately for her, she suddenly felt very eager for sex, both because of the room she had been considering and because Zachary had increased her bondage kink. Oh… I guess I can use that as a cover. “Umm… I don’t think I want to deal with the ghost butler, and the bondage room… would be problematic thanks to Zachary’s changes to me. So I’ll go with the subliminal room.”

Piper realized she wasn’t going to fool Zachary, but she hoped to fool her mom at least partially.

Melinda replied, “I’ll take the Gilded Cage.” She did not offer any further explanation.

Heather was conflicted between all the rooms. I really don’t want the subliminal room. Holy Crap is that a bad idea, and what is Piper thinking, picking that room after getting that conditioning transformation? I don’t really like the idea of the Gilded Cage either, but that would mean rooming with Xin all round… As she considered rooming with Xin, she felt a nudge in her thoughts. I guess I do need to teach her, and maybe it won’t be such a bad idea, considering we have to be in each other’s lives forever now… However, before she could voice her opinion, Delilah interrupted her train of thought.

The demoness said, “Okay, thank you, top half, for your selections. Bottom half, you get no say. Caroline, you will be rooming with Piper. Heather with Xin, and Lynn, you’ll be with Melinda in the Gilded Cage.”

Heather silently blew out a sigh of relief as now she was off the hook for what was likely to tick off Xin even more if she had actually picked it herself.

Caroline was also relieved to be with her daughter for the round, even if she was confused about why Piper didn’t pick the Gilded Cage.

Delilah continued, “For your date nights, the order will be Lynn, Caroline, Melinda, Piper, Xin, and finally, Heather. Tonight, however, Zachary, you may either choose to invite no one up to your suite for a night alone or command one entire room up to your suite. What’ll it be?”

Zachary looked over the options. Piper and Caroline together are out. No way. Heather and Xin? That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. “I’ll invite Lynn and Melinda to join me if they want.”

“You misunderstand Zachary.” Delilah chastised him. “You decide whether they sleep in their room or your bed; they get no say or opinion in the matter, and you’ll find them both silent on the matter until you make your choice.”

Zach scowled at Delilah until he once again remembered she got off on that. “Fine, I want them to come up to my suite. I have things I need to talk with Lynn about, and Melinda is a good choice to start that conversation with as well.”

Delilah looked at Lynn and Melinda. “Both of you are to be up in the Master suite by curfew, or else. Now for the remainder of the day, you are free to do whatever you want. Enjoy the beach; the audience loves a good beach episode.” Delilah then turned to Pita, “When the Master is ready to return, teleport him, and only him, back to the hotel.”

Piper immediately asked, “What about the rest of us? How are we supposed to get back?”

Delilah pointed down the beach. “The hotel is right there.”

Everyone looked where Delilah was pointing and had to squint to see the structure off in the distance.

Piper exclaimed, “That’s got to be like ten miles away!”

Delilah smiled, “Thirteen point one, actually.” Then she vanished in a puff of brimstone, causing everyone but Pita to start coughing from the cloud.

Piper swore, “God DAMNIT!”

Caroline said, “Piper! Language!”

Piper looked a little guilty being chastised by her mom.

Caroline wasn’t sure, but she thought Piper looked more guilty than normal, and then it hit her. Oh, this is just perfect… Caroline was not pleased. So if I chastised her repeatedly about her language… I guess that is behavioral conditioning sort of… I guess I could use this as a chance to clean up her foul language. Caroline frowned, thinking that. No. I’ll just have to do my best to avoid criticizing her choices this round, at least in a repetitive manner.

Melinda said, “Caroline, I think in this case it’s warranted. We should probably start heading back now, as that’s going to take several hours walking, which I wouldn’t want to do after spending several hours on the beach.”

Heather turned to Pita. “How long will this cabana be open?”

Pita replied, “It doesn’t disappear. It does occasionally move, but only up and down the beach a bit. It won’t move for the rest of the day today, though. I’ll be leaving as soon as Zachary decides to return to the hotel.”

Zachary asked, “If I want to walk back with them, is that an issue?”

Pita considered it. “Umm… yeah, probably. Delilah isn’t in a great mood right now, and would probably punish me if I didn’t teleport you back when you decided to leave. So if I think you’re leaving, I will teleport you back.”

Zachary said, “Well, if anyone wants to stay, I’ll hang around for a while at least.”

Heather plopped down on a stool at the bar.

Lynn asked Melinda, “You really think we couldn’t stay for a little bit? I mean, it should still only be a couple of hours back to the hotel.”

Melinda nodded. “It’s a thirteen mile hike across sand. I don’t see a boardwalk anywhere. Melinda pointed towards the dunes blocking their view inland. “Pita, there isn’t something over the large dunes that would let us get back to the hotel faster, is there? Like a sidewalk or something?”

Pita shook her head. “No, and I would actively suggest you not cross the dunes. The beach is Harem Hotel property; the other side of the dunes is not. You don’t want to be on the other side of the dunes; I wouldn’t even climb them if I were in your position. Not if you value your sanity.”

Melinda said, “Then I suggest everyone head back now. The sand is going to be worse than you realize. We should all have a glass of water or two before we go, and maybe even get a bottle or two each for the trip, assuming we’re allowed them. I would guess it’s going to be between five and six hours to get back. Meaning it will be like four or five in the afternoon.

Heather was already sipping on something while Melinda explained. Melinda walked over to Heather and grabbed her hand, stopping her from drinking. Melinda said, “And we really should avoid alcohol. Do you really want to find out what happens if you aren’t in your room by curfew?”

Melinda turned to Zach. “This might be a case where you should order anyone who won’t go back on their own back.”

Heather said, “He can’t do that to me, as he already ordered me today. Same with Lynn.”

Melinda threw up her hands. “Fine! Whatever. I tried. Pita, can I get two large glasses of water and a few water bottles to go?”

Pita happily provided the requested fluids.

Piper, Caroline, and Xin immediately followed suit.

Lynn looked to Zachary and quietly asked, “Are you really going to stay behind with her?”

Zach nodded. “If she wants to stay, she might want to talk. So yes.”

Lynn frowned. “Would you like me to stay?”

Zach looked towards Heather and shook his head. “I’ll be fine, but if you could try to slow-walk the initial part of your trip back, I have a feeling that Heather isn’t going to stick around too long.”

Lynn nodded, hugged Zach, and started hydrating with everyone else. The five women walked down to the shoreline, where the sand was a bit firmer soon after, and started their trek back to the hotel.

Zach sat down next to Heather and ordered another amaretto sour, then said, “I assume you stuck around because you wanted to talk with me?”

“Yeah… thank you… for sticking around to hear me out… but more importantly, for helping me survive the challenge.”

“You didn’t need my help to survive it.”

Heather weakly nodded. “Maybe… maybe not. I could see the Audience trying to pile on if I only had one point before they voted. I certainly would have gotten a worse transformation option put up for a vote, and seeing how bad Caroline’s bottom tier option was… I’d hate to find out what that would have been for me.”

Zach replied, “You’re welcome, but honestly, I didn’t help you because of you. I did it because of me, and because Lynn asked me to.” Heather looked at Zach curiously when he said that. He continued to nurse his drink while he spoke. “I don’t want to become a monster because of this place… but caring about what happens to you… It hurts to let myself care.”

Heather stared into her drink, having stopped drinking shortly after their conversation had begun. “Where do we stand right now? Before you said if the belt came off, I’d have to buy that transformation?”

“Hmm… For the belt, it will be your choice; same with the transformation, but either would certainly make me trust you a lot more if you choose to go with it. As for where we stand… That’s tough.”

Heather said, “Earlier… during the competition… when I said… when I said, I’d do whatever you desired.”

“You mean whatever your Master desires?” He said the title facetiously.

Heather tried her best not to grimace at the term she had actually used. She was also fairly certain, by Zach’s tone, that he wasn’t correcting her exactly. She sighed, “Yes… that. I… I was mostly serious. If… if making it so only you can provide me with sexual release would help heal what I broke, or get you to trust me more, I’ll do it. If that’s what you really want.”

Zach raised an eyebrow. “What changed?”

“I was scared shitless this morning. I was so scared I literally begged Lynn for help. The whole maid routine was her call. I guess I didn’t have to follow it, but I also thought she might have told you what she was having me do, though it didn’t go exactly like she had planned either.”

“What did she want you to do?”

“I’d have blown you in front of everyone. And… and swallowed your cum, but she told me to make a show of it.”

Zach asked, “So you got scared, and now what? You’re just going to get with the program? You really expect me to believe that? You are one of the most determined and stubborn women I’ve ever met.”

Heather finished her drink and asked Pita for some water. “Zach, I see four paths for me at this point. The first two result in me being eliminated, and I become a literal thing, or maid of some sort, that simply cooks, cleans, and takes care of chores for you. The third path is that I manage to survive without going all in on fixing things with you. I maintain a small measure of independence, but still wind up effectively being your live-in maid at best. Fourth, I accept that I’m yours to do with however you please. I try to make you happy and maybe one day earn your forgiveness.”

Heather had tears forming in her eyes, and they slowly fell as she continued talking. “That, despite how horrible all this is, I can make something out of the broken pieces of my life that doesn’t leave me miserable. I haven’t been happy in a long time, and I hate that when I cook for you now I feel happy, that when I cleaned up that mess Delilah made, it made my entire body shudder with pleasure because it stopped it from reaching your feet.”

Heather drank her water and breathed slowly while wiping her tears. “I hate it because it’s forced, and I hate it because it’s what my parents always wanted me to be. The good little housewife. I know I betrayed you, but when I called you the love of my life on our night together, I meant it. I… I still love you, and… while I hate a lot of this situation… I don’t hate seeing you happy. I don’t hate trying to make you happy.”

Zachary looked at her contemplatively. “It’s your call.”

“Thank you.” Heather said, “But is it what you want from me? Would it help?”

“It would.” Zach nodded.

“Then I’ll get it when I have the chance.”

Pita, having overheard the entire conversation despite keeping a respectful distance, floated over to the two of them and said, “I’m essentially the BP store. If you really want to buy the transformation, Heather, I’d be happy to let you do that now.”

Heather was surprised, and being put on the spot like that caused her heart to start pounding. “I… yes, if you can do that.” Heather was resolved and was going to see this through.

Zach was truly surprised she said that as he heard the notification chime on his phone. He pulled his phone out of his swim trunks and checked the notification. As he expected it was an approval of purchase request, since Heather now needed his approval to spend money. He read it and saw that if he approved the purchase, it would go through immediately, and Heather couldn’t even withdraw the purchase request, but it would expire in twenty-four hours. Zachary declined the request. Heather got a notification chime on her phone, but she didn’t check it.

Heather said, “So that’s it. I’m now yours.” She didn’t sound sad, just resigned. Zach didn’t tell her that he had declined her purchase as she continued speaking. “I figured I’d have felt different afterwards.”

Pita couldn’t help herself. “Master Blackstone, are you really not going to say anything? That’s sort of mean.”

Zachary gave Pita a look that indicated he wanted her to go away. Pita obliged, but was annoyed.

Heather asked, “What did she mean by that?”

“Maybe you should check your notifications.” Was all Zach said in response.

Heather furrowed her brow and did so. She looked at it in shock and then bewilderment. “What? But why!? It was just a test?”

Zachary shook his head. “No. It was definitely a test, but it wasn’t just a test. I was serious that it would likely reassure me that you can’t be with anyone else. But you’re drunk, today was stressful, and while it might reassure me, there are drawbacks to it as well. I want you to take a few days to think about it. Especially about the drawbacks, since I don’t think you took into account that the pleasure you felt cleaning would cause arousal instead of pleasure. I’m not sure it’s for the best anymore. It still meant a lot to me that you were willing to get it, though. Your reaction to thinking you had it even more so.” Zach looked off towards the hotel and saw the others making their way back. “You really should probably head back. You can probably catch up with the others if you jog for a bit.”

“I think I’d prefer to stay for a bit.”

Zach let out a frustrated groan. “Heather, I would prefer you go back now, as I’m concerned something will happen to you. I even asked Lynn to try to dawdle because I didn’t want you walking back alone. So please, get some water and go join the others.”

Heather’s mouth was hanging open slightly in surprise. “Okay. Pita, some waters please.”

Pita happily provided them.

Heather wiped her eyes as she downed a glass of water. She grabbed the two water bottles as she stood and was about to leave before turning and placing both bottles back on the bar. She faced Zach. “Thank you.” She hesitantly held her hands out towards Zach. “May… may I kiss you?”

Zach nodded, and Heather reached out to grab his face and gently kissed him on the lips, and was surprised to find him holding her face as he kissed her back. It wasn’t a long kiss and not particularly passionate, but it was nice, and a first step. Heather wordlessly left after grabbing her water and jogged to catch up with the others while wiping away tears from her eyes. Maybe this isn’t hopeless…

+1 VP Kiss the Master