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Virtually Real Part 3:

* PM me to read the full chapter*

Sticks remained silent as we walked to the guild hall. I purposely took the long route so that we wouldn't walk past the spot where he'd just been raped. I hoped he was just thinking about the "gift" that I was going to give to the Alpha. At least, I prayed that was what he was thinking about; rather than his loss of freedom or his mate.

We actually spent less time in the hall than on the walk. No one was willing to slow the process considering it was the Shadow's work. Once outside I removed the clubs and handed them to him. He swung them around and then placed them over his shoulders where his own suit clamped them in place.

"From here on you lead and I'll follow."

"But a slave is never to walk in front of his master."

"They instructed you on all the rules but other than the big three you can disregard most of them for now. Besides you're the only one that knows where your mate would likely be."

"Yeah, that's true. Come on." Sticks took off at a brisk jog and I had to really run to catch up.

"Slow down. It won't help him if we're exhausted when we arrive."

Sticks huffed, but slowed to a walk. "I-I don't know what I'm going to say when we find him."

"You'll tell him the truth."

"I know that. I mean, how do I explain that we're no longer mated? I love him, but it would be unfair to make him wait ten years for me to be free again. Especially considering you're keeping me as a sex slave."

"Pleasure slave."

"What's the difference?"

"A sex slave is basically a living object that exists simply to sate his master's carnal desires. A pleasure slave needs to provide much more. He needs to be able to read is master's moods so that he can tell the difference between a bad mood where everyone needs to give him space, stressed and needs a massage, or upset and needs someone to cuddle while talking about his problems. So, while sex is an important component, a pleasure slave develops an emotional attachment to his master."

"How is it possible for a slave to do that?"

"Think about it, you've already started forming emotional attachments with me. After all, you've completely accepted that you will be with me for the next ten years."

"I- I guess you're right. Though it did help that you saved my life."

"There is an upside, the master of a pleasure slave also forms an emotional attachment to his slaves."

"Sticks!"

I spun toward the voice and brought my staff up into a defensive position as a deer charged out of the woods towards us.

"Birch, stop." Sticks stepped between us waving at the deer.

He slid to a stop and glared at me. "Sticks, what's going on? I know your father caught you and dragged you into town. Then he returned alone rather quickly smelling of fear and piss. He washed in the river before returning to the village where he started preparing for a hunt."

"They're going to be hunting you."

"I figured that out on my own. I was just headed for town to find you. What I want to know, is what happened to you and why you're traveling with this man."

"Birch, this is my Master."

"Not for long."

"Birch, don't. He saved my life after the Alpha let Uncle . . ." Sticks trailed off as he stared at the ground.

"What did he do?"

"Sticks was raped and torn up inside. He was hurt so badly if he hadn't become my slave he would have died."

"I'll kill him!" Birch yelled.

"No, you won't. Trust me, after what has been done to Grinder he would thank you for ending his miserable existence. The reason that we're out here is because I promised Sticks that I'd warn you about your life being in danger."

"The day I can't run circles around that pack is the day-"

"Don't! Just don't say it. Not today. I- I want you to leave. Leave this forest, this kingdom, forget about me, and just go. Find a new mate."

I caught Birch's hand before his slap could make contact, but it didn't seem to matter. "You are my mate, the only one I love, and nothing is going to change that."

"I'm going to be a slave for the next ten years and not just any slave but a pleasure slave."

"You, you are going to rape my mate?" Birch said, as he ground his teeth.

"While I won't resort to violence, in effect yes. I'm going to have intercourse with him. Sometimes he will even be topping me; along with a great deal of other sexual acts."

"I'll kill you first." He grabbed the front of my armor and pulled his fist back as if to punch me in the face.

I remained calm and still. "If you do Sticks will be sold and there is no guarantee he'll ever be free. If he tries to run you'll likely both be killed."

Birch fell to his knees and started crying. I was right and he'd been bluffing.

"I- I can't lose him. I love him too much."

"The way I see it you have three choices. One, you accept that you've already lost him."

"Never!"

"Two, you accept that he is my pleasure slave and you wait ten years hoping that you'll both still want each other after so much time."

"I'll wait forever if I have to."

"You say that now, but what about in a year or two when a hot stag catches your eye and you realize you're keeping yourself for someone that has multiple sexual partners. Not to mention the possibility that he could develop feelings for whomever I mate him with."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Sticks asked.

"Sorry Sticks, but all of my slaves have a partner. Bit and Conner are a mated pair as are Shot and Key. We won't know who your mate is until I acquire another slave.

"What is the third option?" Birch asked.

"You voluntarily submit to being my slave for the next ten years. You'll be Sticks' mate, though you'll have to do what I require of you. That includes both topping and bottoming for myself and the other slaves in the house."

"I submit to you."

"Birch, don't, I'm not worth giving up your freedom."

"Too late, he's mine. First we need to go back into town and get him registered and then have his balls removed."

"What!" Birch tried to jump, but only ended up on his back. I dropped down on his chest holding him in place.

"Sticks, lower your weapons. That was a joke. I can't register anyone else today."

*Redacted*

"Now we have one more mission to accomplish before going home. Sticks, take us to your former pack."

"But they'll kill all of us." Sticks whined.

"I doubt it. The Alpha isn't likely to tell the pack that Birch is the one being hunted rather than a feral."

"He also wouldn't mention the reason he wants me killed is because his son is a tail raiser and you're my mate."

"The Alpha is also likely to be very confused when the three of us show up in order to deliver a gift and a message."

"What gift?" Sticks asked.

"What message?" Birched chimed in.

"Sorry boys, but I want you to be as surprised as everyone else in the pack."

We cut off the road and I was surprised that the trail looked well-traveled. As we walked I noticed the way Birch kept staring at Sticks. "Just so you know, he can't bottom for anyone for several days. He needs time to fully heal."

"That's not what I was thinking about."

*Redacted*"Fine, it's not the only thing I was thinking about."

"So let's hear it."

He sighed, "He's your slave, but you have him wearing some sort of armor and carrying weapons."

"That's because I trust he isn't going to try and use them against me."

"That's another thing, he stepped between us and defended you against me."

"I could tell you a lot of things and they wouldn't make you understand, but what it really comes down to is the fact that he knew if I wanted to I could have easily killed you. By stepping in, the way he did, he was protecting you, not me."

"Rather than talking about me, why don't you tell him the positive things about being your slave?"

"You want me to skip all the negatives then?"

"Oh right, like being forced to run around naked, forced to have sex with five other males, having to learn to read and write, and being taught multiple forms of fighting?"

"Those are just the ones you know about. There's also the fact that when you're not sleeping in my bed you'll be forced to share a bed with your mate. You'll get three meals a day, plus access to the garden and orchard for snacks. House is located in another realm making it completely secure from invasion. Part of becoming one of my slaves is a drug that boosts your health so that your lifespan will be much longer. Ten years won't be as great a loss as you might think. Oh, and worst of all you don't have to call me Master, except on the rare occasions we are out in public."

"I didn't know about any of that. How often do we have to take the drug?" Sticks asked.

"Once, except in your case since it was part of your treatment."

"Um, I'm confused. What are the negatives?" Birch asked.

"Basically it comes down to the fact that you have to follow my rules, you're not allowed to lie to me, and you can't refuse any order without having a good reason."

"It sounds more like you think of them as your children rather than slaves."

" *Redacted* If they were my children they would be human like me." I shuddered. "I don't find my own species all that attractive. That's one of the main reasons I spend so much time on this world where humans are exceedingly rare. On my own world humans are the only evolved species."

"Master, we are close enough to the village that they are going to hear you if you continue. We're currently downwind so they haven't smelled us. Unless the Alpha recalled the scouts, for his hunt, he likely already knows we're coming."

"No need to whisper, Sticks. We're here to deliver a message and a gift. So please, escort us into the village as though nothing is out of the ordinary."

We continued on uninterrupted to the edge of the village where Sticks stopped. "We wait here to be greeted and allowed closer."

It was obvious from the stares that we were attracting attention. Eventually a large grey wolf approached.

"Hey Runt, what's with the clothing? I didn't recognize you all covered up like that."

"Beta, I've escorted Lord Lightstripe to the village. He has come to deliver a message and a gift to the Alpha."

The Beta male looked over Birch and huffed. "Not much of a gift, but I'll let the Alpha know that a town Lord is here. You go to your hut and get those stupid clothes off."

"I must remain here."

"Are you challenging me?" The Beta growled.

"No, I'm simply stating the fact that I am required to remain here until my Alpha orders me to leave."

"Have it your way but when the Alpha gets here I'm going to enjoy watching as he puts you in your proper place."

He walked back into the village waving to an even larger black female wolf.

"This is going to be nasty. Lord Alpha, permission to cower behind you."

"Sucks-On-Bones! What have you done to upset your father's Beta?"

I couldn't keep from grinning and Birch actually laughed.

"MoOom, its Gnaws-Sticks now, and I was following my new Alpha's orders."

She nearly stumbled, but turned it into a crouch. She glared at me and started to growl.

"What is going on here? You're threatening our guests?" The Alpha asked, as he approached. I had to admit to myself he did look a bit more intimidating, when he wasn't pissing himself in fear.

"They are not guests." Stick's mother growled.

"Of course they- what the hell are you doing here you little Doe-Bitch!"

"Sticks, and his mate are here with me."

"Our son seems to think this human is his Alpha."

"Lord Lightstripe, is my Alpha now. Dad and Uncle Grinder decided to make me a slave. Worse yet he helped as Grinder raped and nearly killed me."

"He did what!" The she-wolf howled.

"It was better than letting the little tail raiser back in the village. Besides after being taken by a filthy deer I figured he'd be happier with that life."

"Not to interrupt, but I have a message and gift to deliver." I pulled a summoning scroll out of my bag. "This is a summoning scroll, if the seal is broken the King's Shadow will instantly appear. I've been given this scroll for two reasons. The first is to authenticate that the message and gift are from the King's Shadow, and second to ensure that you do as instructed. Trust me, after this afternoon the last thing you want to do is make him angrier. After all, he sent me out here instead, since he couldn't be certain he'd remain calm."

The Alpha was putting on a good show but I could tell by the way his eyes tracked the scroll that he was scared. "First off, you are to take no negative action against Birch's tribe. Sticks and Birch chose to mate without involving others, therefore you will remain uninvolved. Second a Beta and an Omega of your pack must travel into town, learn the full story of the creature formerly known as Grinder, and return to tell the full pack of his crimes and punishment."

I pulled a small package out of my pouch. "Sticks, you must present the gift to the Alpha. Do not drop it. I don't want the Shadow mad at me, or you."

"Yes, Alpha."

I gave the package to Sticks.

"I'm now quoting The King's Shadow 'Alpha, you told Grinder that you wanted your son's balls. You said that you were going to hunt down his mate and force him to choke to death on those balls. I'm sure by now you realize that is not going to happen. However, I have a gift to make up for this loss.' Sticks, he wanted you to open the bag now, take out the contents, and give them to the Alpha. The Shadow continues, 'These are what remains of Grinder's balls. As you can see your son did a fine job of crushing them before I removed them. Now, you have a choice. Either you eat them, or Lord Lightstripe breaks the summoning seal and I force you to eat them as well as your own balls and cock.' So what is it going to be?" I asked glaring at the Alpha.

I had my thumb ready to break the seal even though it was a bluff. The Alpha took the testicles and ate them.

"I'll let the Shadow know that you followed his instructions. Because you have followed these instructions the King has reduced your banishment from town to only two years. If you require anything from town during that time you can send your mate or your Beta."

"Sticks, if there is anything you need to retrieve or goodbyes you wish to say, now is the time."

"Mom, I'll be free again in ten years." He didn't say anything else he just hugged her.

"If you can write, or know someone that can, you can write to each other. I don't have a problem with him keeping in touch with those he loves."

"Hah, he can't write." The Beta scoffed.

I glared at him, really wanting to put him in his place. "He's going to learn how, along with a lot of other things a small minded Beta wouldn't be able to comprehend."

"I'll write, as soon as I can. Alpha, I think it is time to go."

I nodded and started back down the trail. As soon as we were out of sight of the village I summoned a portal. After stepping through we arrived back at House's gates.

"Wow, this place looks bigger than the King's castle."

"I forgot you hadn't seen it from the outside. Now, you need to strip off your armor and place it in this basket. Birch, you need to strip everything off as well. You are here to see how I treat my slaves so you will be expected to be just like them. That means no clothes. Don't worry, if you decide not to become a slave your garment will be returned to you cleaned and undamaged."

"Will you be removing your clothes as well?"

"Eventually, I've got to return to town and report to the Shadow first."

"Dad! You're back, and you brought two new brothers."

"Bit, this is Sticks, everyone else has already met him; and this is his mate Birch. Why don't you take them to meet your other brothers until I get back?"

"You're leaving, again?"

"I won't be long this time. I just have to report on my mission to the King's Shadow and then I'll come right back."

"Promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Come on, we're playing in the orchard."

Watching their tails twitch and wag as they ran only reminded me that I started all this to get off and so far I was getting more adventure and drama than sex. I portaled into town, changed into my Shadow armor and headed for the city jail. When I arrived I found that they seemed to be down too only a couple of stragglers.

It wasn't hard to find the man in charge of Grinder. He was watching the spectacle and slowly stroking himself.

"Not to interrupt but I have a message."

The guard tried to rise to attention but I grasped his shoulder and held him in his chair.

"You're already 'up' to the occasion. I'm just here to let you know that the slave's former pack is sending a Beta and an Omega to learn about Its punishment. I want you to be sure they both get a 'hands on' experience with the prisoner. It is especially important that the Omega mounts and fills it with spunk."

"Understood, Sir."

I walked up to the cell door.

"Slave, I have good news. The one you raped just presented your balls to the Alpha. He accepted your gifts and wolfed them down. You be a good boy now and in ten years I might take you in to be repaired so that you can feel pleasure again."

All he could do is yelp as the dog stuffing his ass knotted him and howled. I returned to House, stripped out of my armor, pulled a robe on, loosely tying it so everything was barely obscured and portalled back out to the gate. I slowly walked down the lane to the fountain and sat on the edge. "House, let the cubs know that I'm back and waiting for them."

The group slowly approached looking rather exhausted.

"Bit, did you tell Shot and Key what to expect when I returned?"

"Yes Daddy, I told them about the medicine that will keep them from getting sick, and the cleaning that they have to go through."

"Did you tell Sticks and Birch when they arrived?"

"Um, no I didn't."

"That's alright. Shot, Key, and Birch, please take a cup of water from the fountain."

"What about Sticks?" Connor asked.

"Alpha told me that I received the drug when I was being healed."

*Redacted*

"What are the negative effects?"

"Daddy told you, you're going to need to go to the toilet and you can't have any sex for a long time."

"A day is not that long a time, Bit."

*Redacted*

"Thank you, Daddy." Bit said practically bouncing with excitement.

"Yeah, thanks Dad, I love you." Conner said, before the two of them raced inside the house.

"Alpha, why am I still here if I've already been cleaned?" Sticks asked.

I passed out the tablets and watched as the three of them took the drug.

"You're still here for the tour and to help your mate get cleaned up. Now leave your cups and follow me."

"Sir, the fountain has changed. There is now a statue of everyone except me." Birch pointed out.

"The fountain generates a statue for everyone living here. You don't have one because you are currently a guest."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense."

I nodded and I started the tour. Unlike with Conner and Bit an appropriate combatant was generated and I was able to hold my own until Shot said that the drug was working. I escorted them to the toilets and then sat in the locker room with Sticks, waiting for them to finish.

"Alpha, why do Conner and Bit refer to you as their father?"

"Probably for the same reason you refer to me as Alpha. They are more comfortable thinking of me that way than as their master. I was actually a bit surprised that it doesn't bother me."

"Um, since I'm going to be your pleasure slave, what things t-turn you on?" He stuttered.

"Worried about what I might be planning on doing to you?"

"N-"

He clamped his muzzle shut and looked away. I waited a minute for him to get his thoughts in order.

*Redacted*

I ruffled the fur between his ears. "No pressure, only pleasure."

"I think, if Birch decides to stay as my mate, I might really like it here, with you as my Alpha."

"I hope you do, since your happiness is just as important as mine."

"Do you really mean that or is it a trick to get us to let our guard down?" Birch asked as he joined us.

"Actually I'd prefer you to remain skeptical. That way, no matter what you decide tomorrow, I'll know you're making a well thought out decision. What you are considering is really quite rare. Ordinarily one becomes a slave because they are forced, whether by a parent, the law, or they are captured by a slave hunter. To consider willingly giving up your freedom just to be with another slave is reckless, foolish, and stupid. You are fortunate that I am Sticks' master, since I will be freeing him when his ten years are finished. Just like I'll be freeing all of my slaves."

"You will free all of us?" Key asked.

"Yes, since there is no stipulation in your paperwork that requires you to remain a slave for life. However, once you are free I hope that you will consider remaining here with me."

"I doubt that is going to happen." Shot said.

"I know, Shot, but I can always dream. Now, since you're all here you need to choose a locker. You can tell which ones are already taken because they already have their owner's symbol on them. To choose simply open the door and close it again."

I wasn't surprised when Birch chose the locker next to Sticks'. It remained gray but it had a brown tribal buck on it, though the nameplate was blank. Shot's locker turned tan with a black rearing horse and Key's was also tan but with a pink bucking horse.

"If I'm just a guest, why is there an image on my locker?"

"I guess House thinks you might decide to stay? I really don't know. Believe it or not, even I don't know everything about House and this world it exists in. Now, if you re-open your lockers you will find a tray of soaps, oils, and brushes you'll need for grooming. Grab your tray and follow me to the showers."

As we entered I immediately noticed that House had changed the shower floor to a non-slip textured surface, likely because of Shot, Key, and Birch's hooves. "This is the shower, think of it like an indoor rain generator where you can use the knobs on the wall to adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting."

I turned the water on and removed the sanitizing shampoo from my tray.

"Once you've adjusted the temperature you need to rinse off, being sure to work the water all the way through your fur to your skin. For the areas you can't reach yourself have your mate help you. Sticks, you can help Birch but you don't need to do much more than get the outer layer of your fur wet. I'll help you two since Birch's fur is much thicker than Shot and Key's hair."

Working together it didn't take long, but still the horses were finished first.

"The next step is the sanitizing shampoo. The chemical will remove any parasites from your fur. However, it has a strong smell and will leave you itching until it is completely washed out. You also need to be careful not to get it into any openings. Now, Birch, as the guest here you get to go first. While you work it into your chest and arms I'll do

*Redacted*

"It won't all rinse out." Birch complained.

"I know that, Birch, but if I'd said anything you wouldn't have let me use it. You and Sticks go help Shot rinse out as much as possible, while I help Key. Then we'll move to the next area where we can get the rest of the chemical out of your fur."

I judged Key to have removed as much as possible so I joined the other two with Shot. He had also pretty much gotten as much off as possible. I led the group into the swimming room and directly into the pool. I explained the use of the different features as they continued to worry at their fur. Rather than join them immediately I walked over to the door. It was dark out and rain had started drizzling down.

"Well, it would appear that I'm going to have to change things up a bit." I slid into the pool and started working my fingers through the fur on Sticks' back.

"As soon as one of you gets to the point where you're no longer itching let me know so that you can move on to the next phase."

"I'm not itching anymore. I think most of it was actually washed out in the shower."

"Alright, Key, I want you to bring your tray over to this raised wood section, climb up, and lay on your stomach while I finish cleaning you. The fur soap I'm using this time isn't as harsh and doesn't have to be worked in as deeply."

*Redacted*

"There, you're done with this part of getting cleaned up. There are towels over on the bench, I want you to go over and begin drying off. Shot, you're next."

He quickly got up and lay on the boards. With no interruptions I quickly finished with Shot and sent him to join Key in drying off.

"Sticks, it's your turn."

"I thought you said I was already clean?"

"You are, but this soap is also to help keep you fur soft and shiny. Plus, just like I did for Shot and Key, I need to apply your ointment to help you heal faster."

"Alright, Alpha."

He climbed up on the boards and lay down.

*Redacted*

"I take it back, he likely has more experience than everyone combined."

"So what should Bit and I do now? Our movie is over and it's raining outside." Conner asked.

*Redacted*

"Well, normally at this point we'd all go out on the sun deck and finish drying off, however that isn't an option this evening so you're going to learn about the dryer earlier than I'd planned. To prove that there is nothing to worry about I'll go first."

I led the group to the back corner and opened the door to what looked like a large shower stall.

"A warm wind blows up from the floor while you shake and run your fingers through your fur to make sure you're completely dry."

I stepped inside and closed the glass door and the unit started automatically. I made sure to run my fingers over my body to demonstrate what they were to do. The cycle ended and I stepped out.

"Now, I don't want any of you to be surprised when you're in there longer. The unit can tell when you are dry and because you have fur it is going to take longer. So who's next?"

Key stepped in, but his cycle was even shorter than mine.

"I'm next." Birch volunteered.

I was surprised at Birch's enthusiasm as Key stepped out.

"I thought it was supposed to take longer?" Shot said.

"Key's had the most time to dry off so that's why his time was so short. Key, retrieve your bath tray and wait for the next step."

We waited for several minutes until Birch was finished and then Shot took his turn. His cycle was just slightly longer than mine and finally it was Sticks turn.

"I- Can't I just slow dry naturally?"

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"He doesn't like wind." Birch said.

"Birch!" Sticks yelled.

"I don't want you getting in trouble for something you have no control over."

"Sticks, tell me why you don't like the wind."

He whimpered and looked like he was on the verge of tears. I hugged him and we sat on a bench near the chamber.

"I don't want to force you to tell me, but I do need to know. Can Birch tell me?"

He continued to whimper, but he nodded his head.

"I'm not sure if I know the full story, but when he was a cub there was a really bad storm. The wind ended up uprooting a tree that crushed his lodge and he was trapped inside until after the storm had passed."

I could tell that there had to be more to it than just being trapped. "Were you all alone?" I asked.

"N-no, my older brother and sister were there."

Birch gasped.

"They- didn't make it. I think Sis was killed immediately but Follows-Alpha was- was- He kept telling me that everything was fine and that the pack would save us. After the storm the pack found him but he was already gone. Uncle got Follows and Sis' bodies out. It wasn't until that night when Alpha and Mom finally made it back from their hunt that anyone thought about me."

I growled. Not a very human thing to do, but when I get mad it just happens.

"When Mom pulled me out Alpha was crying over Follows and cursing the Gods for taking his heir from him. From that night on, when the wind returned, he put me in a shelter alone in case the Gods wanted me as well."

I took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "You're safe here. Just let the Gods try to take you. They'll have a real fight on their hands."

"Alpha, a mortal can't challenge the Gods."

"There's a little smile, and who says I'm mortal? I may not have magical powers but with House and the King's Shadow on my side it is rather close. Plus, if they want to take you they will have to come to this world and as far as I can tell House may be some sort of God like entity."

"You like running. Instead of thinking of the dryer as wind think of it like the air flowing through your fur when you run. It isn't really much more powerful than that and it feels sort of the same."

"I- I'll try." Sticks got up, entered the dryer. The sequence started automatically.

I could tell he was still really upset but not to the point of having a panic attack. "Birch, I hope you do decide to stay, not for me, but because Sticks needs you in his life. Oh, and all of you, control yourselves when Sticks steps out. The fur dryer tends to make some species fur stand on end until it is combed out." The cycle ended and a very poufy Stick stepped out.

"It really wasn't that bad. Why is everyone looking at me that way?" Sticks asked.

"It's nothing that a good brushing won't cure."

"Do you have to brush him? He can be my giant fluffy woofy pillow!"

"Daddy, will that happen to Conner? Because I want a giant foxy pillow." Bit asked.

"Yes, I have to comb his fur. Yes, that will happen to Connor and you as well, Bit. No you can't try it out. Everyone grab your bathing kit and follow me. The last step is oiling and combing your fur back into order."

Everyone quickly fell into line. I pointed out the shooting range and the armory as we made our way into the pool viewing room.

"House, close the safety shutter. We wouldn't want to risk a lightning strike. Also lower the TV and start up Walking with Dinosaurs. Sticks, grab a pillow, come over here, and climb up on this table. I'll get you combed out while you relax and watch the show. Birch, come here and help me."

I started brushing Sticks, showing Birch what to do and then set up a second table.

"Shot, Key, please come here so that I can get you two started."

Shot got up on the table and I demonstrated how to curry his hair for Key. Then I set up a rhythm of moving between the two tables helping brush where needed. Shot, with his shorter hair was finished first and I had him switch with Key. Once again I demonstrated what to do, and after his own brushing he easily got to work.

I returned to Sticks and started brushing out his tail. I had to help Key a couple of times, but Shot's brushing was completed about the same time as Birch and I finished up Sticks.

"Damn, talk about a high maintenance mate." Birch complained.

"Your fur isn't going to be much better. Now get up on the table."

"Maybe, but I don't have a big fluffy tail." Birch pointed out.

"While we're on the subject of anatomy I need to tell you that if you decide to stay I'll be blunting your horns. Before you get too upset I'll just be rounding the ends so they are a bit less dangerous. You will still be able to do a great deal of damage with them. You already have a mate so it's not like you need them for fighting. I'm just thinking of everyone's safety."

"So it would just be the tips and not my whole rack, right?"

"That's right and it will only be after you shed the velvet. After all, I'd prefer having a virile young stag rather than a doe in my harem."

"I suppose it's just one more thing to think about."

"Just so long as you also consider how good it feels to have your mate brushing out your fur, and the fact that if you don't stay it might never happen again." Sticks pointed out.

I smiled and winked at Sticks. I'd been wondering how long it would take before he would start trying to make sure Birch would stay.

"Yes, a lot to consider."

*Redacted*

"House, cancel movie program and run the current news."

"More information is required."

"My home universe, current date, run the story overview of international and national news."

It was the same as always. Reports on the war in the Middle East. Another bombing, this time in Rome, in a crowded piazza just outside Vatican City. A Russian missile test that allegedly went astray dropping in the middle of the Gobi Desert. China condemned the test and warned that any future tests would have dire consequences.

In national news the President was still off in his own little world, as usual. Hate crimes had gotten worse with the first neo-Nazi drive-by shootings of a LGTB rally in California, a refugee center in Michigan, and the Black History Museum in Washington D.C. coordinated to take place within minutes of each other.

"Enough, I don't need to see my local area garbage."

Everyone just stared at me.

*Redacted*

"Is that really what it's like on your world?"

"Yes and no, it is just a quick overview of the worst events of the day. If I would have watched an entire show they usually have one or two segments that have a positive spin to them. In reality for most people one day just blends into another like life on any world."

"I don't understand, why were they killing each other? They all looked like humans." Sticks asked.

"They are all humans. However, they hate each other because of their skin color, the language they speak, the country they were born in, the amount of money they have or don't have, the person they love, the God they worship, and hundreds of other petty little things that are just as important in their own mind. Is it any wonder that I prefer staying here in this world instead? Well, best not to dwell on that for too long. Let's all go have dinner and then we'll call it a night. You all look rather tired. Conner and Bit, lead the way to the dining room."

As I pulled the door shut I noticed Birch had stopped and was staring at the cells.

"What are these for?" He asked.

"To hold prisoners."

"What sort of prisoners?"

"The sort that need to be caged like feral animals. From time to time the King and his Shadow are guests and there have been times when the cells have been used."

"What about your slaves?" Birch asked.

"Why would I need to place any of them in these cells? Unless you want to be caged, or you become a threat to everyone's safety, none of you will ever be locked up down here."

"How do I know that you won't lock me up if I decide to leave tomorrow?" Birch asked.

"Honestly, you don't. However, what would it accomplish if I did? Sticks would hate me, I would never be able to release you, and everyone else wouldn't trust me anymore. All you have is my word of honor that if you decide to leave you will be able to, right up to the moment you are registered as my slave."

"I'm here now so I guess I'll just have to wait and see."

"All a man truly has is his word of honor and I'm not going to play myself false just to get under your tail or to see just how long you can go before you have to stop. Now come on, I'm pretty sure the others have made it through the pantry and up to the kitchen."

Of course I was wrong. They were all grouped around Sticks at the bottom of the stairs. Conner looked at me and pointed up to the door. It was rattling slightly from the wind and an occasional flash of lightning could be seen.

"Sticks, take my hand. We're not going outside. We are going to walk up these steps, turn left, and enter the kitchen. You'll walk behind me up the steps with Birch behind you. When we get to the top I'll stay in front of the door. Now, I know it's not easy but watch as the others go up first so that you can see where to go." I nodded to Conner and he ran to the top of the stairs.

"See Sticks, there is another door right here that leads into the kitchen."

The others followed Conner's example, in order to get out of the way.

"Now it's our turn. If there was another way we'd take it, but all the other ways up would be just as bad as or worse than this way. Now get up." I was afraid that he wouldn't be able to stand considering he was so petrified. "Good, now I want you to only look at my back, and concentrate on walking up the stairs."

We slowly ascended one step at a time. His grip on my hand increased with each step and I could feel his claws starting to sink in.

"House, I want all the dining room windows shuttered."

As we reached the top of the stairs he released my hand and darted into the kitchen ducking down behind the island as though a velociraptor was chasing him. I was able to turn the sudden laugh, at the idea, into a cough at the last second. I grabbed a dish towel and wrapped it around my hand, then seeing a second blood trail leading to Birch I grabbed a second towel.

"Everyone, we'll be eating in the dining room tonight, please go to the sink and wash your hands. Conner, make sure everyone is seated. House's Chef will prepare something suitable for each of us. If you have a favorite food let him know when he comes in. Key and Shot, once you've washed, help Sticks get into the dining room. Basically use your size to block his view of the windows in here. Birch, come with me. We have a matter to take care of privately before we eat."

The others made their way to the sink as I walked over to a puzzled looking Birch.

"What are you up to now?" He asked.

I wrapped the second towel around his injured hand and led him into the hall.

"I didn't want Sticks seeing us like this. Now keep pressure on that wound. From the amount of blood on the floor I'm worried he may have nicked an artery. Follow me, we need to get to the infirmary and back before anyone suspects anything."

I was right about Birch's injury, but it was quickly repaired and wrapped along with my own. When we got back Sticks was doing better and he apologized for hurting us. Birch waved it off as nothing more than a little scratch and I decided to allow the white lie, though I pointed out that I was going to file Sticks nails down just to be safe.

Dinner was a rather somber affair. I thought maybe the realization that they were now slaves was kicking in.

"Um, Dad?"

"Yes Key?"

"Will we be eating like this all the time?"

"Well, no you'll probably eat breakfast in the kitchen as you get up. Lunch will be the same but considering most of you are herbivores, plant eaters, you'll probably just pick something in the garden Sticks and Conner will likely have lunch in the kitchen. However, yes we'll likely have dinner here in the dining room every evening."

"Oh, it's just that we were wondering if all of this was just because you're trying to convince Birch to become your slave." Shot said.

"Honestly, I never even considered the possibility it could be seen that way."

"Bit and I tried to tell them that this is normal." Connor said.

I sighed, "Really at this point I'm not sure what can be considered normal. Yesterday I went to the slave auction looking for an exotic pleasure slave. I was hoping for a dragon or a kangaroo, though I would have been just as happy with an otter. Instead I ended up with a malnourished fox kit and what I thought was a runt bunny destined to be eaten by a predator."

Everyone looked at Conner and then at Bit.

"I felt sorry for them, so with no real plan I made sure that I was the highest bidder. It really wasn't until I got back here that I realized that not only did I not get a pleasure slave but I now had two children I was responsible for. It wasn't until after a nap that I discovered that Bit was already well trained in the art of pleasuring other males."

"Next I learned that Conner had some business that needed to be taken care of. So today we went into town for that reason. Part of it had to do with trying to find where his mother had been sold. That led me to the Slave Guild office. Of course a certain herd master was making a scene so I settled it by taking Shot and Key off his hands. However, considering what hot studs they are I have no regrets about that decision. Besides he wanted them gelded and that would just be a waste."

"Yeah, I can't wait until I get to try their milk." Bit said.

Both colts blushed at Bit's comment, and I considered changing Bit's levels even lower.

"Finally, tomorrow I've got to take Birch back into town either to leave or register as a slave. As eventful as the last two days have been there is no telling what tomorrow will bring."

I thought back over the events of the day.

*Redacted*

"Oh, thanks." Birch said, as he rolled his eyes.

"Don't take that tone, in hindsight I should have held off until I knew what you were wielding. Honestly, you have a lot more there than I was really ready for. Now, any other questions?"

"Um, how are we going to get to the bedroom?" Bit asked.

"Bit's right, the stairs on this side are outside and then there are all the windows in the entrance." Conner pointed out.

"Is everyone finished with their dinner?"

Everyone but Sticks nodded.

"Conner, you and Bit take Key and Shot upstairs using the main stairs in the entryway. We'll join you shortly."

"Come on guys let's go." Conner said, as he stood up and turned toward the door.

Once they were gone I sighed and looked at the remaining teens.

"There are two ways we can do this. First I need to know if either of you have a problem with being in a confined space about the size of the drying unit, but without windows? It would only be for about a minute or two and it would be well lit." Both of them shook their heads. "Now the next part will be the difficult bit. Sticks, do you think you could make it back down the stairs into the basement? The only other option would be to drug you and carry you upstairs."

"NO! I couldn't handle that. Please, please don't drug me."

"So, can you be brave enough to get back down stairs? I'll stand in front of the door the whole time blocking the view and doing my best to keep it from rattling."

"I- I'll try."

Once at the stairs he tried to rush down them but Birch held him back to keep him from hurting himself. I followed them down and then let them back into the viewing room. I walked to the back and opened the door to the elevator.

"Alright, just step inside and we'll travel up to the third floor."

They entered and I pressed the up button. Both of them grabbed the railing as the lift started and quickly jumped out when the door opened.

"What is that?"

"Have either of you gotten water out of a well?"

They both nodded.

"This is the same type of thing only on a much larger and more complicated scale."

"Why did we have to go down stairs to enter it?"

"Because, Birch, the lifts are inside two of the columns outside the entrance. Now follow me to the bedroom. It's late so I'll show everyone around tomorrow before taking you back into town."

We walked into the bedroom just as Conner finished showing the colts the bathroom. I walked across the room and closed the drapes to conceal the door and windows out onto the deck.

"Ordinarily I'd have the two newest members of the household sleep in my bed with me, but considering that there are four of you and I'm sure Conner and Bit will want to snuggle up due to the storm-"

"Actually we discussed that on the way up. I've been sleeping out on the street so a little storm isn't going to bother me." Conner pointed out.

"And I'll have Conner to snuggle with." Bit added.

"So we'll spend the night in our own bed." Connor finished.

"Key and I will also sleep in the bed provided." Shot said.

"We felt that tonight should be about Sticks and Birch, and we'd just get in the way."

"Fine, but tomorrow night will be about you two. Just remember no more sex until tomorrow afternoon. Since Conner showed you the bathroom I'm sure he told you that if you need to use it you don't need permission. Also there are cups on the sink if you need a drink."

"Yeah, I even got a drink to show them how and that it was safe." Conner said.

"Good job, now if you will feel more comfortable there are night clothes in your wardrobes that you can wear when you are sleeping in your own bed. I'm mentioning it in case you need the extra layer of covering to behave yourselves. Bit, that goes for you and Conner as well. It would be rude to play around when Shot and Key can't, understood?"

They both sighed but nodded.

"Good, now off to bed with you."

As they ran up the stairs, I sighed.

"Something tells me that all four of them are going to have an active night even if they can't have sex."

"You don't have a problem with that?" Birch asked.

"As long as they don't exchange any fluid, other than a bit of saliva, I don't have a problem. If they get too loud I might yell at them. Now follow me and I'll show you the bathroom."

We did a quick walk-through and then I waited as each of them took a turn using the facilities. Surprisingly as each came out they held up their hands to show that they remembered to wash them. I immediately took Sticks paw and led him back into the bathroom.

"I forgot that I needed to trim and file your claws."

He didn't say a word just held out his right hand and I got to work.

"That isn't the best but it will do for tonight."

Sticks didn't say anything he just nodded. It hadn't escaped my notice that he hadn't made a sound since begging not to be drugged. I led both of them up to my sleeping area and pulled back the light covers.

"Now, normally I'd take the middle, but seeing as this is a unique situation Sticks, you crawl in and get comfortable. Birch go around and climb in on the other side."

We crawled in and snuggled up. I pulled the cover up and then rubbed behind Stick's ear.

"You've been really quiet are you alright?"

"I- I'm just afraid that this is some cruel dream where I wake up to find that the Alpha drugged me again and I'm back in the shelter where he'd stick me during storms."

"I promise this isn't a dream. From now on you will always have someone there to hold you when there's a storm. I can't guarantee that it will always be me, or Birch, but one of your brothers will always be there and soon so will whoever you end up mated with."

"He's my mate." Birch said before yawning.

I smiled as Sticks pulled Birch closer. I was pretty sure the deer wasn't even fully awake anymore but it didn't matter since it helped Sticks feel better.