Jack exited the room finding the two guards still standing over the unconscious lupine form, spotting Merrow right next to the door. “Here you go, Row.” Jack said, handing her the potion with a grimace, thinking about how bad those things tasted. He heard a low, menacing growl behind him. The wolf-kin was conscious and had already bashed the two guards into each other.

  “Shit.” Jack muttered as her eyes landed on him. Raising his hands, palms facing her, he spoke as calmly as he could. “Easy there, I’m a slave too.” He said, already seeing she was going to pounce on him. Before she could, a glass vial smacked her in the snout, followed shortly by a mass of angry cat-kin.

  “Row, get off her!” Jack barked, worried that Merrow would get herself hurt or killed when the Wolf-kin figured out what was going on. With a hiss, Merrow lept off her staying between Jack and the now scratched up and even angrier wolf-kin.

  “I won’t let you touch my clowder.” Merrow hissed.

  Jack rubbed his face. “Not helping, Row.” Jack admonished. Though the wolf appeared more confused than angry. Let’s hope she’s willing to listen, now…

  His thought was interrupted by Orion opening the door to his left. “What in Jupiter’s name is going on here?” he grumbled. The sudden addition activated the wolf-kin’s fight or flight, and Jack was seeing she wouldn’t run.

  The world slowed, and Jack moved. He first grabbed the outstretched claw-tipped knife-hand before it pierced Orion’s throat. Jack then used her momentum against her, twisting and throwing her to land on her back. As soon as the wind was knocked out of her, he used the confusion and disorientation to flip her onto her stomach, pinning her arms behind her back.

  It all happened in a matter of moments, but to Jack it felt like a few minutes, if not longer, had passed. Orion stood frozen for a few moments before giving Jack a slow nod, retreating to his sanctuary without a word.

  “Jack, when were you going to tell me you knew how to fight?” Merrow asked, her pawed foot tapping on the floor the extended claws clicking on the hard stone as her tail twitched in agitation.

  “I wasn’t. I don’t need others knowing and sending me to the gladiatorial pits or to the Legion as an auxiliary.” He shot back with a weary sigh.

  Her tail drooped along with her ears. “Oh.” She said. Then opened her mouth to say more when a growl interrupted her. “Let me go, human, and I won’t rip open your guts and feed them to you.” The wolf-kin growled, struggling beneath him.

  Jack sighed and wrenched her arms, wincing in pain as his muscles began to rip from the strain of fighting against a stronger beast-kin. “Stop fighting and I won’t break your arms.” He shot back, using his magic to heal the muscles even as they were being torn apart. Jack wasn’t sure if it was the tone or the fact that he moved her arms higher up her back, but she froze.

  “You wouldn’t. I can’t work the mines with broken arms.” She shot back, though less confident than before.

  “You were brought here to be sold to a brothel, one prepared to drug you into a stupor until you’re unable to do anything but lay in bed waiting for the next customer.” Jack replied coldly.

  “Humans can’t be trusted.” She growled, then yelped as Merrow dug a clawed hand into her jaw, lifting her head painfully so she was looking at her.

  “Jack is more than just a human. He is a member of my clowder, and you will show him respect, or I will tear out your eyes with my claws.” She said the words so coldly Jack shuddered involuntarily. The wolf-kin loosed a pitiful whine followed by Jack feeling a warm, wet sensation on his legs.

  “Row, let her go. You made her piss herself.” Jack groaned. The cat-kin in question gave him an expression he knew equated to, sorry, not sorry.

  “Fine. Wolf-kin, what’s your name?” Jack asked, wanting this to be over with so he could change out of his now piss-soaked trousers.

  “Ingra.” She squeaked.

  “Ok Ingra. If I let you up, will you listen to me?” he asked, keeping an eye on Merrow, knowing she had a better intuition for lies than he did.

  “I’ll listen.” She said quietly.

  “Can you repeat that? My ears aren’t as sensitive as a beast-kin.” He said as Merrow gave him a slight nod.

  “I’ll listen to you, Alpha.” She said a little louder.

  “Good. Now let’s get you checked out by Orion before we both get some new clothes.” Jack said, getting off of her and offering her a hand. Not looking at him in the face, she took his offered hand and let him lead her into Orion’s little infirmary. “Old man. I got her to start listening she needs a quick checkup, and a new tunic if you have one. I could use some new pants as well.”

  Jack called, spotting Rock sitting up, grinning at seeing Jack being the one walking through the door. Only for them to widen when Ingra stepped out from behind him, ears flat and tail tucked. “You are some kind of miracle worker. First Row now this feral wolf.” He grunted.

  Jack was about to answer when he heard Octavian call from the hall. “Where is Jack and what is taking so long?”

  Jack felt Ingra tense, but she made no move when Jack grabbed her arm and squeezed, making her let out a low whine. “I’ll behave, Alpha.” She muttered.

  “Good, now let the good medicus examine you.” Jack said, pulling her forward despite her strength, getting a yelp from the effort as she stumbled forward.

  While he let Orion deal with Ingra, he stepped out of the infirmary, coming face to face with Octavian’s guards, who both had swords drawn and pointed at Merrow. “Dominus Octavian, I apologise for the mess. The wolf-kin woman you brought for sale got the better of these two guards. With Row’s help, I was able to subdue her and convince her to behave.” Jack said, bowing low and trying to ignore the stink from the damp cloth clinging to his shins.

  “I find that hard to believe. She was the least cooperative of the lot. She killed two guards before I had her caged. Even then she found a way to maim three others before I had her kept drugged at all times through… her… food.” He said the words coming slowly as he watched the wolf-kin in question slowly walk into the hall, head bowed, taking position behind Jack’s left side.

  He began laughing at the sight. “I’m glad I had already paid for you. If Euripides had seen this, I would have had to pay double what I did, and it was already an exorbitant sum. Your skill with languages was the only reason I agreed in the end.”

  Jack could practically feel Ingra’s hatred for Octavian flowing off her in waves. “Behave, or I can’t protect you.” Jack muttered under his breath hoping Octavian didn’t notice him speak. He was surprised when he spotted Merrow placing a comforting hand on the other woman’s shoulder out of the corner of his eye.

  “It seems even you haven’t gotten total control yet. It’s good to see even one touched by the gods, as you must be, must still make an effort.” Octavian chuckled.

  Jack bowed. “I am but a servant, Dominus.” Jack said, hoping he could get in Octavian’s good graces through overt humbleness masking sycophancy.

  Octavian pushed through his guards and stopped only a few feet from Jack. The moment the man stopped, Jack felt Ingra begin to move. He turned, grabbing her and picking her up with a grunt. The wolf-kin froze at his quick reaction. Jack had been suspicious of her sudden change in demeanor. Figuring she was faking and was expecting her change of heart.

  Using the momentum he got from her aborted dash, he twisted and slammed her into the ground, straddling her. Not letting the moment pass, Jack landed a punch just below her ribcage, being careful not to use too much strength and risk breaking bones, her’s or his. As soon as the punch landed, she gagged and began wrenching, giving Jack the time he needed to bark an order to Merrow, who grabbed bindings from Orion and helped him quickly tie her up.

  “Forgive me Dominus it seems she is still in need of serious training.” Jack said, head bowed, his knee digging into Ingra’s back between her bound arms. The wolf-kin strained against the bindings even as he continued to put more weight into her upper back.

  Octavian was silent during the entire display, though his guards had quickly hustled him back, their weapons now trained on Jack. Jack’s words broke him from the stupor, and he pushed his guards aside. “Out of my way! This man is definitely divinely favored. He has not only cowed the wolf-kin but demonstrated martial skill beyond a mere scribe. I’m of half a mind to have him replace the pair of you.” He grunted out in irritation. The men in question shared a fearful look before glaring at Jack the moment Octavian looked away.

  “I could never accept such an honor, Dominus. I only know a few methods to subdue an opponent. I do not have the training to do more than what you have seen. Even then I was close and already suspected the danger. I didn’t act at first, hoping she would heed my command and behave, but poised myself in case she attacked.” Jack said, his head still bowed, hoping to derail Octavian from that line of thought.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Octavian sighed. “I will not force one in the gods’ favor.” Regaining his composure, he continued, “However, I am still your Dominus. Should I require you to act as my guard while you perform the duties I purchased you for, you will do so. Understood?”

  “Of course, Dominus.” Jack replied, holding in a groan when he heard Ingra begin to curse both him and Octavian in the bestial language of the wolf-kin.

  Jack, knowing if he did nothing it would be worse for all three of them, grabbed Ingra by the scruff of her neck hard enough to get a yelping whine. “You will remain quiet unless spoken to, especially before the Dominus.” He growled in her lupine ear just loud enough for Octavian to hear.

  She must have gotten the message as her snout snapped shut with a clack and she nodded slightly. “Good, now you will behave while we are being brought to the mine and introduce me to the other troublemakers so I can explain the situation to them. Understood?”

  She nodded again, Jack examining her for a few moments before taking some pressure from her back. “Then you will follow me, and if you are good, I will remove your binds during the journey.” Jack said, waiting for her expected nod, which came after a low growl turned into a whine.

  When Octavian gave him a look, he stood and replied, “I have found that punishment and reward are two sides of the same coin. You must use each when appropriate, or the animal will be either spoiled or disobedient.” Jack explained hating himself for basically saying Merrow and Ingra were animals in need of training, but he couldn’t see another way to word it without alienating the powerful man who would soon own him and his only friend in this world.

  He saw Ingra tense and felt the low rumbling growl building in her chest through the floor. It was Merrow who intervened this time. She grabbed Ingra’s bindings and hauled the larger woman to her feet. “Behave, or I will start with your tongue.” She whispered, using Ingra as a wall to block her words.

  “You are the best purchase I have made in years.” Octavian boasted as he turned and waved for them to follow. “You will ride with me so we may talk about your new position and its responsibilities.” Octavian continued Jovially.

  “I am undeserving of such an honor, Dominus.” Jack said.

  Octavian gave him a glare before saying, “Nonsense. I expect great things from you and want to be sure you are prepared for your coming duties.”

  “Of course, Dominus.” Jack replied instantly knowing he had been pushing his luck and had finally hit the limit.

  ***

  Jack’s mask was nearing the breaking point when the carriage stopped. “Ah, we must be at the Mansio between Primum Castra and my mine. I will have the Caupona ready it’s best room for you and some stalls in the stables for the beasts as long as that mutt has been behaving.” Octavian said.

  “Dominus, I am grateful for your generosity. If I may impose on allowing at least Merrow, and if she has been obedient and continues to listen, Ingra into the room with me.” Jack said, his eyes 0.downcast and tone hopeful yet still deferential.

  Octavian froze partway to the carriage door, thinking over the request. Before Jack could push, claiming his duty to train the beast-kin, Octavian nodded. “I will make the request, though it would be unusual for beasts to sleep in a room rather than the stables.” He said, then gave Jack an inquisitive look, “Unless the beast-kin in question is acting as a pleasure slave.” He said, his voice a mixture of teasing and curious.

  Jack’s mask finally cracked as his face grew red, and he opened and closed his mouth, unable to say anything at the surprising insinuation. Before he could regain his composure, Octavian chuckled, “I don’t care if you take comfort from one of the Kin, as long as you continue to do your duty and keep the other slaves in line.” Jack could only nod and follow his Dominus out of the carriage.

  Jack saw Merrow guiding Ingra out of the caged cart and moved to join them. Merrow spotted him, and he could hear her purring from several yards away. Ingra, on the other hand was struggling not to bare her teeth. He knew the wolf-kin was likely terrified as Ingra’s tail was folded between her legs.

  “How has Ingra been behaving?” He asked Merrow while keeping his gaze on Ingra.

  “She hasn’t tried to break her bonds for the last three hours.” Merrow replied, giving Ingra a pointed look. The wolf-kin in question had a few scratch marks on her snout visible through the muzzle that Merrow must have put on her.

  Feeling Octavian’s gaze on him, he asked, a bit louder than necessary, “So do you think she deserves punishment or reward?”

  Merrow hid a grin, but Jack could tell she was enjoying the theater when she gave him a deliberate slow blink. “Well, the first two hours, she misbehaved, trying to escape and bite me. The next two involved me getting that muzzle on her. After some mild persuasion, I succeeded, and from then on, she has been a model prisoner.”

  Jack allowed himself a grin before looking to Ingra. “I have permission to allow you and Merrow into the same room as me.” Jack said, then took a menacing step forward. In a softer, kinder tone that only Merrow, and Ingra could hear, “This would allow you to sleep on a bed without the muzzle or bindings, or if you would rather you can stay bound and muzzled and be left to sleep on hay in the cage.” He took a step back finishing, If you behave, I will let you stay in the room, otherwise you know what will happen.” Jack said menace in his tone, while his eyes were pleading.

  Ingra looked down and away in a submissive gesture, her ears flat to her head and her tail remaining tucked. Jack wasn’t sure if it was an act or if she hadn’t caught on that he truly didn’t want to act the way he was. “Good, follow me and we will get settled in our room.” Jack said.

  As the trio approached Octavian, Jack kept a hand on the back of Ingra’s neck, waiting for her to either attempt an attack or show some kind of disrespect. When she simply didn’t react, he pushed on her neck, forcing her to bow as he did. “She is behaving, Dominus. With your leave, I would like to retire to the room and make sure these two are settled and fed,” Jack said, seeing Merrow had followed his lead, though with a moment of hesitation.

  “That will be fine. We will be leaving at first light be sure to arrive at the carriage in a timely manner as I do not like to be left waiting.” He said, then gestured to a smaller building next to what reminded Jack of the roman themed hotel in Vegas. The less illustrious building was well built, if with none of the other’s flourishes or amenities. It had two stories, and an attached stable.

  “They have been informed that you will require a large bed fit for three.” Octavian added with a knowing grin.

  Ingra tensed but didn’t react otherwise. “I thank you, Dominus.” Jack said, keeping the bow for a few moments before straightening and moving towards what would soon be their accommodations.

  ***

  A rabbit-kin servant led the trio to a room on the second floor that was not what Jack was expecting. The room was spacious and had what looked like a bronze tub filled with steaming water and the bed that Octavian had promised. A few minutes after the rabbit-kin left while Jack was gawking at the room, Ingra grumbled, “I will never sleep with you, human. I would rather die.”

  The comment broke Jack from his trance, and he shook his head. “I would never force myself on anyone.” Jack muttered as he grabbed the straps holding the muzzle to her snout. “Now I’m going to remove your muzzle. If you try to bite me, I’ll be forced to defend myself, and I don’t think Row will take too kindly to the attempt.” The comment was punctuated by a low hiss from the cat-kin.

  Ingra bared her teeth as Jack removed the muzzle but made no other moves. “Good now if you don’t mind sharing the bed with Row, I will take the floor. I’ll also go to the common room and grab some food for us while the two of you bathe. I will bathe last and promise to knock before I enter.” Jack said as he walked out of the room, Ingra watching him in utter confusion.

  ***

  “Don’t forget to remove her other bindings, Row,” Jack called through the door before his footsteps faded down the hall.

  Merrow glared at the dumb wolf. If she weren’t here, she would have alone time with Jack without him being bogged down with work. Merrow let out a hiss that turned into a sigh. “Stay still and I’ll remove your binds. You can clean yourself, then lay on the bed.” She barked, being careful not to extend her claws in anger as she untied the rope.

  “Why are you so loyal to him?” Ingra asked confused, “He’s a human! All they know how to do is slaughter, rape and enslave!” she exclaimed, her claws digging into her palms, pulling rivulets of blood from the rough pads poking through the furred appendages.

  Merrow wasn’t sure how to answer her at first. The other woman had been belligerent the entire ride on the road. Either complaining about her capture or accusing Jack of being no better than their overseers. She finally decided to tell her how she first met Jack. “First of all. I don’t know if he is really human. He is from beyond the gate and only appeases the other naked apes to improve his life and the lives around him.” She began eventually telling her about how he saved her from a falling crate and began singling her out for easier duties such as helping him with inventory while expecting nothing in return.

  “Are you sure he isn’t just trying to gain your trust to take advantage of you?” Ingra asked uncertainly, rubbing her wrists as Merrow coiled the rope back up, setting it to the side.

  “I’m sure. I truthfully wish he would take advantage of me instead of acting like a scared mouse when I try and convince him otherwise.” She said irritated. “Now strip and get cleaned. I don’t want Jack to be forced to wait outside with the food while you bathe. If I’m in the bath just bring him in, I don’t care if he sees me disrobed, we’re clowder, and things like that don’t matter between us, besides he’s already seen everything.” She said certain she was right.

  “Fine.” Ingra grunted, pulling the tunic off and tossing it to the side before slipping into the tub and using the warm water to clean the road dust, and dried blood from her fur. She was done in moments, and the water had turned from clear to a redish brown.

  With a sigh, Merrow knew she would need to replace the water and was about to pull a rope to summon a servant, an amenity she knew Jack had either not noticed or refused to use. When Ingra raised an eyebrow. “You do know this tub is a magic item, right?” Ingra asked, then pushed a handle hidden within the tub’s ornamentation. The water bubbled for a moment before it began to grow clear. “It will clean itself after each use. I was a servant in one of the aristocratic houses for several months before my clan was sold as laborers.” She explained before looking down and to the side, “They like wolf-kin for some reason.” She muttered.

  Merrow stripped and slipped into the water, ignoring Ingra’s discomfort. “Well, it’s a good thing you knew about that lever.” She cooed then sighed contentedly. Eventually she looked to Ingra and said, “Jack used to ask lots of questions about the Hispanian empire. He seemed to know so much, but there were odd gaps in his knowledge. He claimed that the Hispanians were originally from the other side of the gate. They came from a different empire called Rome and were trapped here. Though if he isn’t lying, their parent empire has been destroyed for almost two thousand years.”

  Ingra shook her head. “The Hispanians have been a great power for only two or three hundred years. If the Elves and Fae are to be believed, they only arrived from the gate around five hundred years ago. There’s no way it’s possible for them to have come from his world.”

  “I’m just telling you what I heard from Jack,” Merrow said with a dismissive wave of her hand. Before either of them could say more, there was a knock on the door.

  “It’s Jack. Can I come in?” He asked.

  With a quick look to Ingra, who was dressed in a fluffy looking robe tied at the waist, she called, “Come in, Jack.”