Beasts and Burdens

Kitty cat

As far as who had purchased me well, it could have been worse. She had at least asked my consent before petting me, I snorted, petting me of all things. I hadn’t expected this small woman to be so fierce, informing me I was HER snow leopard, we would see about that. I belonged to no one, collar or not my spirit wasn’t one that would be broken. She certainly could touch me when she wanted, hopefully though she continued to be polite at least. At least I wasn’t being beaten, but instead she looked at me with excitement and wonder, her hands combing through my thick fur as we walked. I stayed next to her obediently, unable to shift back due to the drugs, waiting to see how she was before giving anything away. She was a small and slender woman, with silvery white hair and bright violet eyes; but she had an air of control about her. Jake, he said his name was, had told me he was going to take me to the dragons; which had my fur on end. Apparently what I gathered from Jake was that he had lucked into his position and exclusively worked for the dragon clan, bringing them only the best Alpha and Beta shifters, and when he wasn’t doing that he worked in the security department. He was a lion shifter himself, but I was surprised to see a man in this position, however it seemed he had clawed his way up and had been recognized by their leader, Winter. Which was who I was padding behind now, my big paws hardly making a sound as I followed behind her.

Her hips swayed in time with her long hair as we walked the halls, I took in my surroundings. Clearly I was in the lap of luxury here, and it was obvious this woman was in charge. People looked at me curiously but no one questioned her, the power practically rolled off her, and I wondered just how much she wielded. We got on an elevator and she pressed the top button, a jolt sent us flying upward to the top of the building and I flattened my body to the ground slightly in an attempt to steady myself.

“If you are curious we are going to my place. I’m not one to keep a man in the house but for you it seems I’m willing to make an exception.” I narrowed my eyes on her and she continued. “You will have one purpose and that is me” she grinned down at me, “you will be more than a bed warmer though, can’t waste such a pretty face.” The doors dinged open and she stepped off and crossed the hall to another elevator, which scanned her eyes and opened for her. I obediently followed, becoming more and more intrigued by her. So a bed warmer? Well, that didn’t suck as much as other things but I was going to be more than just a s*x toy? This was interesting. My looks were a blessing and a curse as I had primarily been used for pleasure by my owners, many wanting me to put a snow leopard baby in their bellies, joke was on them as I did everything in my power to prevent such a thing. Which was exactly why I had been sold yet again, failing to make my previous owner pregnant. This woman didn’t seem to want a baby, just d**k; which worked for me. She was quite attractive so it wouldn’t be a chore but I was wondering what she meant by me being more; guess I’d find out. The doors opened and I was staring at the very large, very minimalist room.

“Unfortunately I have other business to attend to, but make yourself at home. Heather will be up shortly to show you around.” She actually looked a bit annoyed that she couldn’t stay, which I took as a good sign. I laid down on the floor, stretching my paws out and laying my head on them. I knew the drugs would wear off shortly, but it looked like my intriguing new owner had to be off. She threw me one last look before exiting, once she was gone I rolled over on my back and stared at the ceiling. While this woman had an air of confidence about her and was in charge I sensed there was more to her than her cold and prickly exterior; something was lurking there and it was a weakness I intended to exploit.

“There you are,” a light voice came from the doorway and I knew it was Heather, the assistant. I got to my feet and shook myself, feeling the drug's effects beginning to wane. It wasn’t a long lasting thing, but long enough.

“They should wear off soon right? Let me show you your room, and I’ll wait until you are human again before showing you around ok?” She smiled kindly at me, and I felt myself immediately distrust her. Not that I had any reason to, but I didn’t trust anyone; when you are bought and sold as a piece of meat that is just how it goes. She led me down through the kitchen area that was adjacent to the den where Winter had left me, a few doors down we stopped and she swung it open. The room was modest, but well laid out. A bed to the far side by a window, with a love seat on the wall across and a dresser on the wall by the door, with another door at the far side which I assumed was the bathroom. I stretched across the floor as I felt the telling signs of the change coming.

“There are clothes in there, not sure about your size but you should be able to find something for the moment. I’ll be waiting for you in the living room area once you are finished.” She closed the door softly behind her and I was left blissfully alone. My body morphed back into that of a man slower than usual thanks to the drugs, I couldn’t really hold it against Jake. I was ornery and didn’t like being told what to do; much less shifting on demand, but damn would I bite him if I ever got the chance for this s**t. I rummaged through the drawers until I found something that looked like it may go together, the pants a bit too big, the shirt a bit too small; but it was what it was. I slid my feet into some flip flops and walked out to where Heather was waiting, she heard me approach and looked up from her tablet where she was frowning at something fiercely.

“Trouble in paradise?” I asked flippantly, and was shocked when she replied with a simple yes. I raised a brow but she didn’t go into it further, standing up and smoothing down her skirt she gestured for me to follow.

“This is Winter’s area, the whole top floor is hers, accessible only by fingerprint. Which means you will always have to come and go with someone who has clearance.” I grimaced at that, I was not one to be kept in a cage. Though, as we crossed over the floor it was quite spacious and well thought out, the care obviously taken to utilize the space to its maximum potential. Along the way Heather pointed out several elevators, all nestled into the walls of the common areas. I noted the layout, and tried to commit it to memory as she pointed things out to me before arriving at the other side of the floor, and the elevator.

My tour of the building was fairly quick, with the first few floors being the main hub of activity and slowly lessening as we ascended. It was clear the dragons knew how to treat their employees. There was a dining floor, I would say cafeteria but that wasn’t the case. The floor was essentially small restaurants where employees could grab anything to eat, from fast food to expensive fine dining. The food smelled delicious and Heather had laughed when I requested to sample things. She obliged and took me to the fanciest restaurant there where I got an exquisite prime rib meal, when we simply got up to leave I shot her a quizzical look.

“Winter takes care of her people.” Was all she said, and something about her tone made me not want to press her further. There was another floor that was a spa area, with saunas and massage areas as well as other relaxation spots. Heather stated some will choose to come up here and use the facilities before or after work, and some grab a quick bite to eat and then relax. Then a whole floor of gym equipment as well as a class workout schedule with varying options from yoga to cardio to weights; there was something for everyone. I was getting really curious now, as it wasn’t uncommon for workplaces to have some of these things in small quantities; but to this degree? Absolutely not. Then we went to the final community floor, and I felt my jaw pop open as I drank it in. Bright colors adorned the walls, with walls jutting out, neatly dividing the rooms into smaller sections. We walked further in and the noises of happy children reached my ears.

“This is the childcare area, the kids are served lunch and two snacks while their parents work if they aren’t of school age. This way if the parent wants to have a moment alone to work out or relax they can do so knowing their kid is safe.” She grinned at me, her sharp canines so much like mine, showing. We walked slowly around, taking in the joy of the children and she stopped to talk to some of the workers before we headed out.

“The next two floors are guest and living quarters. The guest rooms are all on one floor, then above that are the dragon's quarters. Not that many stay here, but if needed we have them for the clan.Then Winter’s quarters, where you will stay is above that.” She turned to face me as we got into the elevator and she pressed the 2nd floor button.

“Are we not going back up?” I asked, my eyebrow raised.

“No, we are going to go over your contract.” She smiled serenely at me.

“Contract?!” I said, surprised.

“Of course. I realize you are bought property but Winter insists on having contracts for anyone in a position such as yourself.”

“And what exactly is my position?” I asked, curious as I knew it was more than just for s*x, but that was the only hint I had gotten.

“Once we get settled I will go over it in excruciatingly boring detail with you.” She said as the elevator dinged, the silver doors opening to a massive hallway.