He didn't say a word, just offered his hand and I took it. I noticed that he was barefoot too and I wondered if he was naked under the robe.
We walked down to the basement and for the first time that door marked "Fraternity Business Only" was unlocked. He opened it and I entered the Fraternity Sanctum.
It wasn't a large room. There was a large box-like structure on a slightly raised dais in the center at the end opposite the door. The word "altar" sprang to mind. Three divided rows of what looked like pews salvaged from a church were lined up facing the "altar." The only light was candles in sconces and an elaborate candelabrum on the altar. The six others sat in the front row of the pews, three on each side of the central aisle, and all were dressed in robes like Aaron's, with the hoods up.
It was kind of spooky actually and I stopped, fighting an impulse to run.
Aaron leaned close and said, softly, not quite a whisper "last chance to say no."
I looked at him and shook my head fractionally.
He smiled and offered me his arm in that classic crooked arm position of a gentleman.
I took it and we walked slowly to the altar.
He turned me and I was facing the room.
I wasn't surprised when he reached down and grasped the hem of my shift and slowly lifted it. It seemed natural to lift my arms and he lifted the shift off of me.
And there I was, naked before them.
I could feel my nipples harden and the sudden pressure deep in my belly was undeniable.
"Brothers," Aaron intoned in a stage voice, deep and breathy, "before you, naked and unashamed, stands Rebecca who would join the Order (I noticed that he used the word "Order" rather than "Fraternity" and that seemed a little funny to me). As is done with every Initiate, the decision of the Order must be unanimous." (Each capital letter was clear from his inflection.)
"Now I will call the roll and you will respond with Aye or Nay," he said.
"As always," he went on, "alphabetically."
He paused, again I'm sure for dramatic effect. I stood as still as I could. I have never, before or since, felt as naked, as utterly exposed, as I did right then.
"Andrew," he intoned.
Drew stood, faced Aaron, turned slightly to face me, pushed the hood back, and said "Aye."
"David," he said.
And we went through every one of the six, each saying his "Aye" after pushing back his hood.
"And Aaron, President, also votes "Aye," he said.
"Now Rebecca, turn and face the Table," he said.
I turned.
He took my hands and put them on a wooden rod, a handle, that I hadn't noticed before.
"Membership," he said still in that theatrical breathy voice, "is sealed with pain and tears. Do not release the bar or your initiation will be void."
I was in an awkward position, bent at the waist, my ass out and now I was a little scared.
When he reached under the draping of what I still thought of as the altar and brought out the paddle I almost quit. It was a long thing, probably 3 feet long and easily eight inches across. It looked like it had been cut from a piece of one by eight pine with a handle cut out and then wrapped with leather. A pattern of holes in what was obviously the paddle area made a frightening swishing sound when he gave it a practice swing.
He leaned down and whispered "take it easy Becky. One swat per member. Be thankful we're not all here. Final chance to say no."
I was afraid to speak but I managed to shake my head.
"Alphabetical as always," he intoned and handed the paddle to Drew.
I clenched my ass in anticipation and closed my eyes. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I let it out. And then I relaxed.
SMACK
It was a hard slap, hard enough to sting but nothing I couldn't handle. I breathed a sigh of relief.