Seth wasn’t sure about their final destination, only that from what was packed, it would hopefully be warm.
Either that, or the two of them would freeze their asses off because Kaden figured he’d die in the summer.
Somehow, Seth didn’t think that was the answer.
The limo headed north on I-75. It was with no surprise the limo driver turned off at Bee Ridge and headed east.
Toward Tony’s.
Whatever was in store, Seth suspected Kaden had planned this part of the freaky festivities with Tony’s assistance.
Sure enough, there were several cars parked at Tony’s. Ed and Tony met them as the limo pulled up to the house. Seth helped Leah out. He’d given her a hard session at home just before helping her get dressed. She seemed to be handling things okay so far.
With her arm hooked through his for support, Seth led her inside.
There were a few people Seth knew from the club, people Kaden and Leah had known for years. Candles set an intimate tone. Seth cringed when he saw the large TV and DVD player.
Oh boy.
Ed introduced another man. “Seth, this is Judge Donnelly.”
Oh, crap.
Leah managed a wan smile. “Hello, Pat. Nice to see you again.”
Seth breathed a sigh of relief. Kaden’s instructions were to allow her to freely speak to people while they were at this gathering.
Apparently this guy was one of their “loan a whip” kind of friends.
He nodded. “I’m sorry I was out of town the other day and couldn’t make it to the service.”
“That’s okay.”
Folding chairs had been set up in a semicircle around the TV. Ed directed everyone to be seated, Leah and Seth at the front.
Ed consulted with Tony, turned on the TV, and hit play on the DVD remote.
Another of Kaden’s early recordings, again made in his study at his computer, most likely over a year earlier from how healthy he looked. Seth waited for Leah to react, but she held it together.
She was doing better than he was, apparently. Maybe he should let her whale on him for a while with the whips.
“Well, guys, I know this is weird and strange,” Kaden said with a smile, “but you know me. I’m a control freak.”
Leah and Seth both laughed. That apparently gave the rest of the people, fifteen in all, permission to laugh, too.
Kaden continued. “Everyone here knows Seth and Leah. And you guys know me. You were invited here tonight because you are, other than my brother and Seth’s brother, the people I want here. For obvious reasons, I’m not involving them in tonight’s activities.
“Seth, Leah, I love the two of you. You know that. I’ve got something for you. Ed and Tony will give it to you here in a minute. I wanted people as witnesses to this who would understand, who wouldn’t judge. No offense, Pat.” More nervous laughter from those gathered. “I wanted people who would support you and make this day as easy as possible on you.”
Kaden addressed everyone. “For everyone’s information, I’ve left Seth and Leah a very explicit set of instructions to follow. They’ve been following them—I hope—and tonight is part of that. I know I don’t have to explain to you all why it’s important Leah not be without a Master. I don’t have to justify myself, and Leah and Seth don’t owe you all any explanations. I know all of you gathered here will understand and accept and support them. That’s what I wanted. Maybe later they might want to have a public ceremony down the road, but I’m leaving that up to them. Most people won’t even know what’s going on until much later, so that will help them out.
“I don’t want people badmouthing Seth or Leah over this. I’m a lucky bastard that these two people loved me enough to stand by my side when I needed them the most. And I want them to be happy.”
Kaden took his glasses off and wiped his eyes. “Ed, go ahead and take a moment to get them up here and arranged.”
Ed hit pause on a remote control and consulted another index card. “Leah, Seth, I need you up here.” He motioned them up front, near the TV but not blocking it from everyone else’s view.
“Pat, you can stand here.” The judge stood near them.
Ed grabbed a small, rolled-up rug, shook it out, and laid it on the floor between Seth and Leah. Then he consulted his card again, patted his pocket, and motioned to Tony. He leaned in, said something in low tones to him, then handed him something.
Tony and Ed moved into position, flanking Pat. Then Ed hit play again.
“Okay,” Kaden continued. “Let’s begin. Pat’s here more for window dressing than anything.”
Pat laughed.
Kaden smiled. “Sorry, buddy, but you know why.”
That made Pat laugh again, and he shook his head.
Leah even managed a slight smile.
Seth tried not to think about how weird this was.
Kaden continued, his voice turning Master-firm. “Leah, kneel.”
She automatically dropped to her knees in front of Seth and looked up at him.
So that explains the carpet.
“Leah,” Kaden said, “behold your Master. The man who I give you to, in front of these witnesses, the man who will take my place. Take his hands.”
Seth didn’t try to fight back his tears, didn’t care who saw him cry at this point. Fuck, it’s not like it could get too much weirder. Unless Kaden asked him to fuck her in front of people.
He froze. No, Kade wouldn’t do that.
Would he?
Oh, God. Please, no.
Leah reached up to him. He took her hands in his.
“Too bad we can’t call Guinness about this,” Kaden quipped. “How many people can say their husband married them off?” His smile set off another light round of soft, amused laughter from the audience. “Leah, repeat after me. This slave gives herself to You, Master. Completely. Mind, body, heart, and soul. To love and serve You in any way You decide.”
She looked into Seth’s eyes and repeated the vows.
After a moment, Kaden continued. “Seth, repeat after me. As your Master, I vow to love, protect, and care for you, always.”
Seth did.
Kaden wasn’t done. “Tony, the rings. Seth first.”
Tony stepped forward and handed Seth a wedding band.
“Seth,” Kaden said, “place this ring upon the finger of your slave so she never forgets who she belongs to. It’s up to You if You want to keep the other rings on or not.”
With trembling fingers, Seth slipped the ring on Leah’s left ring finger, leaving Kaden’s engagement ring and wedding band on her hand. “I want them both,” he softly told her.
She nodded. “Okay.”
“Now Leah.” Tony handed Leah a ring.
“Leah, place this ring upon the finger of your Master as a symbol of you giving yourself, fully, completely, and forever to Him.”
She did.
“Okay, guys,” Kaden said. “Leah, stand and join hands with Seth.”
Seth helped her to her feet.
“Do you both swear to love, honor, and cherish each other?”
“We do,” they answered.
“Never lie, always be honest. Find a path that works for the two of you. I’m hoping at the end of the year the two of you won’t want to separate.” Kaden wiped his eyes again. “Master, behold Your slave. Slave, serve your Master well. Remember, your actions still reflect upon how I have trained you.”
They nodded.
“Seth, do you take Leah to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
He gently squeezed her hands. “I do.”
“Leah, do you take Seth to be your lawfully wedded husband?”