Hard Choice Road
Chapter Two: The Three of Us
Wren could not imagine any suite being more luxurious than the one they had entered. Opulent yet tasteful and more extensive than their townhome. Malcolm insisted the couple sit together on the sofa. In contrast, he sat on the overstuffed leather chair across from the pair.
The elevator ride to the suite was done in near silence. Eric looked like a schoolboy being sent to the Headmaster's office, the agonizing 42 floors. Wren, meanwhile, took the journey with a mixture of anger and excitement. How could Eric discuss their personal life with Amber? On the other hand, he was right; she was not happy in their relationship. At the very least, he had the guts to do something about it. Now sitting next to him, she accepted that she was equally to blame for her unhappiness. They could have discussed it instead of letting it fester, which was on both of them.
"I know the impromptu nature of this meeting is unusual. The group finds it best if prospective members do not rehearse their initial meeting." Malcolm began.
"It is rather sudden," Wren responded, giving her husband a scolding gaze.
Malcolm poured each a glass of expensive French wine before settling back into his chair. Wren observed how the man could dominate without saying a thing. Did she need to take notes? She might have set this all to memory if not for the fact that he brought out her submissiveness in spades. A knot tightened in her stomach. This path was wrong, and yet she felt powerless to stop it, not that she wanted to in the least. Malcolm was an alpha and knew it; no sense for anyone in the room to deny that fact. She had to be cautious; her marriage could hang in the balance.
He spent a few moments in silence observing the two before speaking. "Do either of you have any questions?"
Eric spoke, "When do we begin, that is when do we start the process? Assuming that both Wren and I agree to join."
"It began when you replied via your email," Malcolm responded.
"Seriously?" Eric exclaimed.
"Yes, the group does not offer membership lightly."
"I assumed it was just an informational inquiry."
"The background checks have been completed. The selection committee reviewed your qualification and voted for approval. We have had very few new members who have yet to work out. We want this process to work so everyone is satisfied and happy with the outcome.
The one sticking point, Eric, is that you should have informed and discussed the application with Wren. That certainly is a failure on the group's part as well. Perhaps our initial go-between's inebriated state or the sponsors themselves failed. Either way, it was unfortunate. It has happened before, though rarely. Some haste on both sides led to a misunderstanding. For that, I apologize."
"So now what?"
"That depends on Wren."
"Me?" A startled Wren replied.
"Yes, naturally, if you do not wish to join, the offer is rescinded."
Wren pondered, thinking about the possibilities.
"We can choose to leave at any time?
"Yes, no one is ever forced to continue in the group against their will whenever and wherever that may be."
"I could be both dominant and submissive at times of my choosing?"
"Within reason, of course."
"I could paddle Eric's bum until he screams like a little girl. Then later, I get paddled myself?" Wren said, almost adding "by you," a strong, sexy, irresistible man. She caught herself before uttering those words.
Malcolm laughed and looked at Wren. "The perfect angel with the sliest evil streak running inside. Wren, you have true potential. The answer to your question is yes."
"What about limits?"
"Each member is required to fill out an extensive questionnaire regarding their preferences. Senior members, including myself, review it. It is then entered into a database accessible by all members. As we progress, I will instruct you on the details and other necessary information. Members engaged in exclusive play with each other are expected to comply with all limits at all times. It is all a part of my responsibilities to you as your host sponsor."
"Do we have time to think this over?"
"In reality, at this stage, acceptance is typically assumed. Your case warrants a different approach. My observation suggests you have already decided, Wren."
"You know me that well, Malcolm?"
"The look of a strong-willed woman is unmistakable, no matter how she may try to hide it under an innocent, unassuming look. You decided in the bar Wren; we both know that."
Wren felt a blush across her face as her heart skipped a beat. The intensity of the emotional attraction surged over her.
Malcolm was spot on. Her mother's free-spirited and adventure-loving gene broke loose and ran wild; she nodded. At that moment, she felt the nature versus nurture part of herself take over."
"I need to hear you say the words, Wren."
"Yes, I ..., we agree," Wren answered with a tinge of authority.
Wren certainly had a submissive side, notwithstanding her dominant self never took a backseat. Malcolm both admired and enjoyed that side of Wren. He could not help noticing the correction to "we" in her acceptance.
"Excellent! I will own you both during the initiation period. Submission to me will be total. You two will give yourself to me, and I, in turn, will guide you. I will never push either of you farther than you can handle, but I will push. Boundaries will always be respected and tested."
For Wren, everything the man said sounded dangerous and exciting. She loved it and should know better.
"Always remember your safe word," Malcolm added casually.
"Which is?" Wren asked.
"Hey, Siri, Malcolm responded, the smile on his lips that seemed to acknowledge he knew Wren was the one with accurate understanding.
"Two words, actually, but clever," Wren smirked.
"It is subject to change at your discretion. The rules, of course, only apply when we are in private and playing. On that note, you will free up one night a week and every other weekend for the initiation and evaluation period. During this time, you will be dedicated to me. You will also engage with the group at times."
"The evaluation period is how long?" Wren inquired.
"Typically three months, no longer than five."
"That is some dedication."
"It is to ensure all involved understand and are happy going forward. Later this week, you will receive instructions and details about the society."
"Eric, I understand you have some experience with partners other than Wren?"
"Yes, some."
"Eric, you will address me as Master and use complete sentences when addressing me."
"Yes, I have been involved with different people and have some experience." Eric said before quickly, including, "Master."
Malcolm turned his attention to Wren. "Fine, Wren, you will address me as Sir. Now I understand your experience is mostly bedroom play. Is that correct?"
Wren shot Eric a look of umbrage, wondering how much he told others about their intimate life. "Yes, only what Eric and I have done. What you call 'play,' Sir." Wren emphasized the word 'Sir' for effect.
Malcolm ignored the haughty inflection in her voice for the moment. "Submission fantasies are just that; conversely, actual submission can only be achieved through experience. You will obey any command I give immediately. That goes for both of you, do you understand?"
The question was immediately followed by a "Yes, Master and Yes, Sir" in perfect unison.
"Eric, no doubt you have some feeling of superiority over Wren. That perception is inaccurate. Not in terms of dominance, naturally. In particular, of an upper hand in being submissive. It is natural with your experience beyond bedroom play. For Wren, being a woman in a man's world means bowing to the patriarchy every moment of her life. It is not fair or just, and it is the state of the world. Wren no doubt has learned there is a great deal of power in the act of submission. So, beware of what this may hold for you.
You both are strong individuals, and this opportunity will test your relationship. Can you face that, Eric?" Malcolm said, looking directly at Eric as he spoke the words.
"Yes, Master, I can; it will not be an issue."
Once more, Wren felt a nagging worry creep over her soul.
"Truthfully, I disagree; Wren has a far better handle on how this will affect you. She knows what this will mean going forward and how it will change the dynamics of your relationship. It is going to be especially difficult for you, Eric. However, I am confident in you both, and it will only strengthen your bond over time." Malcolm let his words linger before continuing, "Eric, you enjoy humiliation?"
Again Wren was left wondering just how much information Eric had presented about them or if Malcolm was indeed that perceptive. She had always suspected Eric enjoyed humiliation. She was uncomfortable administering degradation, with Eric finding that form of domination in relationships outside of theirs.
"Yes, Master, I enjoy humiliation," Eric said.
Malcolm paused briefly before continuing, "Some advice, submit fully. Surrender everything with no hesitation. Accept all the pain and humiliation heaped upon you, not only by me and others but also by Wren. Though I know she has the fortitude, it will be difficult for her, and you must also be strong. Total submission is exhilarating, and you will no doubt find it fulfilling."
