To Collar and Keep
A Total-E-Bound Publication
www.total-e-bound.com
To Collar and Keep
ISBN #
978-0-85715-283-1
©Copyright Stella and Audra Price 2010
Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright September 2010
Edited by Andrea Grimm
Total-E-Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank,
Ruston Way
,
Lincoln
,
United Kingdom
.
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated
Total-e-burning.
American Satyrs
TO COLLAR AND KEEP
Stella and Audra Price
Dedication
To Bear, Minx and Larissa. This one is for you guys.
Trademarks Acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction:
Jessica Rabbit: Disney/Amblin
Prologue
Harlequin Donahue’s desk was strewn with textbooks, legal pads and highlighters, and he sneered at it. His father, Boris Donahue, clan leader of the Rummer Satyr house, barked into the phone as he kept it away from his ear. He might be a Satyr, but his hearing was as precious to him as any normal person.
“Harlequin, you
will
be at the Olanis gathering early. The Grecian contingent is coming three days before and you must be present, no exceptions.”
He winced at the mention of his full name, rolled his eyes and sighed. While it wasn’t a problem for him to meet his future female, he did have other responsibilities he had to tend to. As a Rummer prince, he was charged with becoming a leading force in the scientific community, as all the rest of the clan elders before him. His area of expertise was physics, and while still young compared to most getting their doctorate, Harley was driven by the need to be the best and most powerful Satyr of the Rummer clan. That meant taking over the scientific department of Rummer International, his clan’s defence and aerospace firm, something he was more than prepared to do. Granted he got his degree. The fact that the Olanis celebrations were less than two weeks away and his finals were this week, the stress was unbelievable. Throw on top of that, meeting his intended, and he was stressed, pent up and pissed off. Who had time to fuck when they were trying to create the perfect future?
“Father, there isn’t a shot in hell of me not making the celebrations, let alone getting there late. But I do have a few things I need to close out before I get there, and I do have finals.”
“You’re a Satyr!” his father bellowed. “Do what you do best, fuck the grades outta them and get your ass there.”
“Would that it were possible, but even I have standards, and I’m not getting bound to any one of those buzzards, not to mention two of my professors are guys.” At his words Karina, his flavour of the year, sauntered in nude and came to kneel at his feet, smiling up at him.
She was beautiful, and very comely, but she wasn’t special enough to truly be a Satyr prince’s property. Lower Satyr maybe. Sure, she was tall with russet coloured hair, big hazel eyes, a perfect body and breasts, a mouth and lips made for sucking cock, not a mark on her latte coloured skin and a mind to rival half of the world’s Nobel Prize winners, but she wasn’t Beloved material for a prince such as he. No, Harley, like those before him, would have a Beloved, and wouldn’t settle for less than royalty. Which was probably why he agreed to the match with Arabella.
There was a possibility that he would bring Karina with him to the gathering, and pass her off to the congregation the first night of the celebrations. She would enjoy it, she was fully integrated as a pet, and he had cultivated her over the year just as an experiment. It wasn’t that he needed to, but the fact that he
could
was his driving force.
It wouldn’t be the first time a prince brought a living present for someone to master. He petted her hair and nodded, needing the distraction, and she quickly opened his pants and set to work sucking sweetly on his cock. She was good, and this was the limit on what he was allowing himself. He had no time to engage in his normal menu of carnal desires, so this would have to do. It was a damn good thing she sucked cock like a pro. He sighed and affected his bored expression, careful not to give her any form of praise, and turned his attention back to his father, who was still raving about his prior commitments.
“Harlequin, I don’t care what you have to do, get your ass to
New York
in five days’ time!”
“Can do, Father. Where are we meeting?”
His father sighed. “Olanis this year is not at
Belvedere
Castle
. After the summit and the issues that came up once Esben and Minerva left,
Milton
decided we would use Site B, so you will escort the contingent to New Paltz,
New York
, to Mohonk Mountain House. Arturo and his people will be meeting you at the Waldorf Astoria on Saturday afternoon, and you will be gracious and accommodating. Everything has been set up by way of transportation, just get them from the city to the hotel upstate so you can claim your place.”
Harley was rather aware of the bullshit that had transpired months before during the convergence summit with Esben and his Beloved, Minerva. He had heard Esben rail and complain about his now father-in-law’s arrogance for quite a while.
Milton
was a jerk, and Esben had been plotting against the old codger ever since he and Minerva had left the summit early. Esben really hated
Milton
, mostly for his assumptions and arrogance, which was amusing considering Esben’s own monster ego. No doubt word had gotten out to the European Satyrs, and they smelled dissention within the American clans, especially with the Olanis celebrations pushed to the spring months, and Harley knew his father did not want the alliance he and Arturo had been cultivating for the better part of twenty-five years compromised by
Milton
’s nefarious plans.
“Understood. Now if you don’t mind, I have something here that requires my attention.”
“Better be someone and not something, Harlequin,” Boris growled with frustration. He always thought Harley spent more time between the pages of a book than between the legs of a willing woman.
His father hung up, and Harley closed his eyes enjoying the soft suction from his pet servicing him.
Yes,
he thought.
Her talents shouldn’t go to waste. She will have to come with me.
This was going to be tight. If he timed it just right, he would be able to finish his last exam and get him and Karina on the family jet before Friday. He was going to make it by the skin of his teeth, but nothing worth it was easy.
Chapter One
The Waldorf Astoria was a stuffy and pretentious hotel on
Fifth Avenue
in
New York City
, and it was the one place that Harley would rather not be. Not because of who he was going to meet, but because of what the place represented.
Unlike others in Satyr society, he wasn’t all about excess. Decadence? Yes. Opulence? Hell, yes, but the unadulterated excess the Waldorf Astoria exuded was too much. Humans who felt it was their privilege to be waited on hand and foot, built this place, and all because of the freedom money seemed to give them.
Well, Harley and the rest of the Rummer clan weren’t as pretentious. No, they believed in wealth and privilege, but excess just because it was there? No. Everything had a place and a reason. Women especially.
Like Karina, who was already up at the hotel in New Paltz. He had sent her along early to indulge her in some pampering. He wasn’t going to give her over to anyone if she wasn’t perfect. Not to mention he needed to focus on dealing with Arturo, his soon to be father-in–law. Knowing Karina was with them, while it wouldn’t be frowned upon by the Greek contingent, wasn’t something he wanted to start his relationship with his in-laws with. No, she would stay hidden till he needed her, and he would pass her on. It was only fair. He was getting his promised princess; Karina should be with someone that would appreciate her talents.
He sat in the ridiculously expensive leather smoking chair in the lobby and checked his watch for the fourth time. The Grecian contingent was late. His entourage was late as well, though he couldn’t fault him. His cousin, Esben Chambers, Ben to his friends, was a new father and had just moved to the city with his Beloved, the princess of the Arcane clan, Minerva. It was one of the reasons why Olanis celebrations had been put off.
With Ben bringing Clan Tempest back, they had allowed a reprieve to the celebrations, mostly because Ben had had leads to where his wayward clan might have ended up. They proved fruitless, but in the interim Minerva had had Jared, and Harley had helped Ben to set himself up as Tempest.
While Ben and Mina were now living in the Tempest stronghold in
Missouri
, Ben did feel they needed places around the country. So he chose a brownstone in the Tribeca area of the city, and to Harley’s knowledge Minerva was busy decorating and taking care of the new Tempest clan prince.
Jared was a deeply special child. Not only was he the product of the joining of two of the most powerful clans of Satyr during a solar convergence, but he also had demon blood and was the next stage in Satyr evolution.
Harley had seen his cousin the night before, making sure he was still coming to stand with him as his second, a spot that would normally have been the duty of a brother. The Europeans did things differently, relying on the traditions of royalty passed through the ages. As Harlequin was an only child, that honour was bestowed on Ben, as they had become close as brothers since they met some months before at the convergence summit, where Ben had collared Minerva.
Ben was an arrogant Satyr, and Harley would have it no other way. As the Tempest clan’s only living descendant, he had a lot to live up to, and an entire clan to repopulate. Harley enjoyed his cousin’s company, which was more then he could say for a lot of the people he knew, and that included a lot of who were his clan-mates.
Nerves gnawed at him. It wasn’t about meeting the woman who had been promised to him since her birth, but because this wasn’t something that a Satyr normally went through alone. The joining of Harley and the Greek princess would bring countless riches and influence to his clan worldwide, and word had it that she was the true beauty of the European Satyr society. Not that he knew first-hand or would until she was presented to him at Olanis. These ‘sight unseen’ matings were a bitch and a half that was for damn sure.
At first he had been pissed about the celebrations being pushed back, but then realised it was a blessing in disguise. In the months that it had been pushed back, he had trained Karina to perfection and made a stable place for himself in his clan. As the prince, things were expected of him, and he was glad for the extra, precious time to make sure that when Arabella wore his collar, there would be no issues he needed to tend to.
He looked up and smirked seeing his cousin walk in, his cocky swagger gaining the interest of every woman in the lobby. Ben didn’t disappoint, checking each of the ladies out and smiling where applicable. He traversed the marble floor in a few strides, and Harley stood as his cousin stopped before him.
“Cousin, I swear you would think you’re a porn star the way you walk.” He smirked. “How’s the prince?”
“Starting out as he means to go on.” Ben smiled proudly, as he often did when talking about his son. “Causing hell for his mother and I.”
“Indeed. I would expect nothing else from your child. So is
Milton
sniffing about? I understand he’s had Ellen asking my mother what she knows about Jared’s development, seeing as how you have forbidden Minerva from telling her mother anything about the child,” he said about Minerva’s parents, the baby’s grandparents.
He looked down at his watch again. Fuck, the Greeks were seriously late.
“
Milton
can go to hell for all I care.” Ben shrugged and grinned at him noticing his unease. “You think they’ve bailed? Maybe she got a look at you and turned tail and ran,” he teased lightly.
“Right. Except she doesn’t have a choice either way. I’m glad they are late, you cousin are far late as well. Fuck knows what kinda time they are keeping.” He sighed and shook his head. “Oh, and why the hell did
Milton
change the celebrations to some out of the way hotel in upstate? I mean honestly? The fucking mountains?”
Ben glared at him. “Like I have some innate line tapped into that bastard’s ass? I don’t give a fuck why he moved it. Besides I like mountains, reminds me of home.”
Ah. Ben and his love of the Afterverse. He had since been reaccepted into demon society, now that his cousin Murphy was king, and it suited him well. Harley had never been to the Afterverse, but from what he had heard of the place, it was surreal and unfathomable. The lands there that Ben and his demon side of the family called home were quite mountainous, the Strigo Plateau an almost closed off part of the Afterverse, so much that the other houses had underestimated their power set. Their lands were lush, green and ever growing from what Minerva told him, and explained that it was because the Strigo kept their lands in suspended animation, or in sections where time was slower. The mechanics of it always made Harley’s inner scientist itch to visit and take readings.
“What the hell do I know. Maybe Minerva mentioned something. You know Ellen can’t keep her mouth shut.” Harley grinned. “So are you’re prepared to take this ride upstate with me? Did you send Minerva and the boy on already, or are they meeting us here?”
“They’ve gone up already. We’re meeting them there. I was going to blink through the lines. It’s a much more convenient way of travelling. You’re welcome to come unless you’re in the mood for a
road trip
?”
Harley frowned. “I don’t think you can blink everyone at once, I don’t give a fuck how powerful you are cousin. And the idea was that I spend the time with my would-be father-in–law. Arturo is a prominent part of my father’s plans for the future. You would do well to stick around as well, seeing as you are the Head of Tempest and all. Might give you an edge with the festivities.”
“I wasn’t planning on taking everyone,” he sighed. “But you’re right, sticking around might be fun. So do you know what she looks like yet? What will you do if she’s as fugly as the Toloose princesses?”
Harley grinned. “I told you. She’s reportedly the great beauty of the European Satyr congregation. Her house, Stereopes, has produced beauties since the dawn of time. She will be no exception. And I’m not to see her until Olanis. I’m to be gifted her. It’s all very proper, and after she’s mine, that’s where proper ends.” He smirked to himself. “Now shall I give you a crash course? I’m surprised Minerva didn’t, though with the little one about I’m sure she has no time.”
“A
crash course
?”
Harley nodded. “On the houses of the Europeans. I understand all four will be here for Olanis this year because of the gift to me. They will want to meet you, especially since your clan is traditionally our skin industry and all. As I understand it, Tempest were the ones that would provide all the entertainment when your parents were around.”
“So
Milton
said.” Ben screwed up his face showing just what he thought of his father-in-law. “But it’s best to hear some info from someone I trust.”
“Tempest rule all of us sexually. They bring the choice women in, they cater to the debauchery. Since they have been gone, it’s been slim pickings. We will have to revive the old companies. Hell, I’ll even help till I can take over with my own house’s interests.” He grinned. “You do realise that if you repopulate the clan, you will rule over Arcane, right?”
“Indeed.” He smiled wryly. “Though repopulating the entire clan might be something of a stretch even for me.”
“Well yes, and longer than anyone has to wait, seeing as you have a Beloved. But no, I was thinking about the Olanis celebrations. See, I swear you need a goddamn tutor.” He shook his head. “Not that you listened at all during the convergence.”
“Me? A tutor?” Ben scoffed. “I rather think I did quite well. You try being thrown into the deep end of a world you didn’t know existed. Now I could show you a thing or two about being a demon.”
“Now that I don’t doubt.” He smirked. “But you failed to ask the pertinent question of why would you be thinking about Olanis. The answer is because Olanis is a time of coming together for all Satyrs from around the world. Young Satyrs can petition other clans in order to join and change their fortunes. Because you are the only Tempest, this should go far for helping you and pissing
Milton
off even more. See? Aren’t you glad you stayed? So riding up with us would be beneficial, cousin. You might be tipped off to some new clan members from Stereopes or the other three clans of the Europeans.”
He watched Ben closely, seeing the penny drop in his eyes.
“Well that could prove interesting.”
“Now you get it.” He smirked, then looked up. “So a crash course before they get here? We won’t have much more time then to tell you who is who.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Well Arturo’s clan is the Stereopes, which you know. Then there’s the Harmin from
Austria
, the Bourchest from
Romania
and the LeFleur from
France
. There’re others, but these are the four that rival ours in standing and wealth.”
“Okay, I’m listening. What else do you have?”
“My father has told me that they will all be at the celebrations, as well as two smaller houses that are trying to make the European congregation accept them as noble houses, Linoge from
Belgium
and Estales from
Spain
. All of them have an abundance of youth, like us, who won’t go very far because the elders of these clans don’t like to give up power. So you are in a unique position, you get me?”
“I do.” Ben smiled.
“Good. I would watch this week and take any appointments or meetings people ask of you.” He stood quickly as three men and two collared women walked up, dressed to the nines and smiling. First to approach were Arturo, and his main concubine and Arabella’s mother, Ellen. Behind Arturo was his brother, Davin, and his concubine,
Georgina
, and their son, Steno.
Harley nodded to them and smiled. “Greetings, Regent Arturo.”
“Harlequin! It’s been ages!” the larger Greek man said and embraced him.
“Indeed, Regent, many years. I would like to introduce my cousin, and my second, Esben Chambers, Head of Tempest.” He nodded to Ben.
“Greeting.” Ben smiled, nodding his head. “I trust your journey was pleasant?”
Arturo nodded and shook his hand, hand-to-elbow style. “Indeed. The ride across the
Atlantic
was smooth.” He looked at Ben with ever-growing scrutiny, and smiled. “You look much like your father and mother. I had the good fortune to meet them both years ago. Shame about what happened, though you are a welcome sight.” He turned back to Harley. “Harlequin? I take it we are late to begin travel upstate?”
“Not at all, Regent. If this is all there is…?” he hedged, hoping that his intended concubine would be along.
Arturo grinned. “Yes, my boy, indeed. Arabella went with her maids to the hotel along with three of my other concubines and our luggage. We must observe proprieties you know.”
Harley nodded. “Indeed, and I regret that my father couldn’t be here, but he did ask me to tell you all that he would be meeting you upon our arrival for cigars and port.”
“Well then, let’s make way, shall we?”
Harley nodded. “I have a limo waiting just outside, if you will follow me?” He started off, and Ben fell in step with him, a wry smile on his face. “What?” he asked his cousin.
“I think I rather know what you’d like to do with his proprieties.”
