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Chapter IV: Drawing Lots

Daniel spent the next few days at home with David. The dog was jumpy and nervous and required careful handling on David's part. The physical injuries were quick to heal: the scratches weren't serious, and time spent with an ice pack had reduced the swelling around his eye. Despite that David still flinched occasionally when Daniel touched him, whether it was an intentional pat or an accidental brushing against him. It tore Daniel up to see the formerly happy and optimistic canine so down and fearful. When people came to fix the back door and deliver replacements for the stolen items, David was visibly nervous around the strangers and couldn't be alone in the same room as them. It was trying for Daniel, but he bore it well. He couldn't get mad at the pup. David was 19, but he had a childish way of acting sometimes. Daniel hoped David could recover that playfulness and innocence at least in part. In the meantime Daniel tried to reassure his slave and reacclimate him to another's touch. If David panicked every time someone happened to brush against him, Daniel couldn't take him to any public place. Fortunately, David wasn't violent. He never lashed out at Daniel except for the time in the bathtub. Instead, he would close up or shy away. It was hardly ideal, but Daniel was saved from having more bruises to worry about. The blow to the jaw had remained sore the entire morning after the incident and was sensitive for even longer. It was fine now, and David had started going into Daniel's bedroom again, so things were on the mend. In the back of his mind, Daniel was constantly aware of the need to find another slave. He couldn't stay off work indefinitely. Although his boss was understanding of his situation, Daniel knew that they needed the IT department running at one hundred percent what with the switch in programs. However, David's separation anxiety was worse than before, and Daniel didn't think he could leave him alone long enough to go and buy another. Fortunately, the weekend started tomorrow, so Daniel could go to the auction house without missing work. He still needed someone to look after David, though. With that in mind, Daniel picked up the phone. "Hello?" a feminine voice answered. "Hi, Alana. How are you?" "Hey, little brother! I'm fine. How are you?" "I've been better. We had a break-in a few days ago." "Oh, no! Are you all right?" "I'm fine. I wasn't here when it happened. David was, though, and he's pretty shaken up." "That's too bad." "Yeah, tell me about it. Could you do me a favour?" "Probably. What d'ya need?" "Well, I've been meaning to get another slave to stay with Daniel for a while now, and since the break-in he's been a little worse, understandably. Could you or Alex come over tomorrow so I can slip off to the auction house?" "Um, half a sec. Let me check the calender." Daniel tapped a tattoo on his leg for about fifteen seconds before she came back on the phone. "Alex is meeting with his band tomorrow, but that'll be here, so he can watch the little rascals. When do you need me there?" "Around--Good question. Well, the auction house opens at nine and closes at five, and I'd prefer to be there sooner rather than later. Could you be here sometime before ten thirty?" "Yeah, that's easy enough. I'll probably leave around ten to nine and show up around nine thirty. Got a ballpark for how long it'll take?" "Hopefully I can buy the first one I see and be back by ten thirty. I'm not going to stay past one thirty, I think. I'll be home by two o'clock at the latest. Does that work for you?" "Yeah. It'll be good to get out of the house for a while. Do I need to make sure David does anything in particular?" "Not really. He really just needs some company. And if anyone comes to the door, you had better answer it. He's a little jumpy around strangers." "Okay." "I'll probably leave a list for him. You can do whatever while you're here. Invite some of your city friends over if you want." "I might at that." "Thanks a lot, Alana. You're a lifesaver." "Don't I know it. And you're welcome. Anything for my kit-brother. Besides I could use an excuse to come to the city." "I'm not a kit anymore, Alana." "You are to me." David sighed exasperatedly into the receiver. Alana heard it as a burst of static. "You're worse than Mom was. I'll see you tomorrow." "Definitely." Daniel could practically hear her sly grin over the phone. "Talk to you later, Danny boy." "Bye," Daniel said, shaking his head as he hung up. Now that song would be stuck in his head for at least an hour. Alana knew that, so she liked calling him Danny boy. He could get her back tomorrow, though. He turned to face the rest of the den and saw David standing at the kitchen railing, looking at him. David's gaze was a little sorrowful, and Daniel suddenly wondered how long David had been listening. "Sorry, Master," the dog said contritely. "I'm causing problems, aren't I?" "No, you're not," Daniel said reassuringly, going up into the kitchen. "But you need to call your sister to look after me. And you need to buy another slave because of me." "David--" "I could try being alone." "David," Daniel said more forcefully. The dog was looking at his feet. "David, look at me." The jaguar gently raised the canine's muzzle. "You're not a problem. I've been looking for another slave for a while now, and Alana likes to come visit. It's fine. I'd be jumpy, too, if I had been here at the time. It'll just take a little time to readjust, and everything will be normal again." David still looked sad, so Daniel decided to try a different tactic. "Come on, give me a smile. That's an order, slave." David's smile was a little forced, but it was a smile, and Daniel was happy to see it. "You've finished the dusting?" he asked. "Yes, Master." "Okay, let's relax for a while. Do you want to watch TV, watch a movie, play a game?..." "Can we play cards, Master? I still need to beat you at Rummy." "Sure," Daniel smiled. "Let's play some Rummy."

Daniel scowled at his sandwich. He had once again spent hours watching fur after fur be sold without one striking him as suitable. Now, he was taking a break for lunch. The auction house conveniently had fast food places inside, but they were as overpriced as airport food. He hoped he would find a slave soon. It was 12:25, and he was running out of time. Alana, true to her word, had pounded on the door at nine thirty. She had been equal parts amused and annoyed to find that Daniel and David had been sleeping at the time. Daniel had finally gotten to the auction house at ten after ten and had still been watching slaves go by two hours later. He was tired and irritated and just wanted to go home. He didn't want to have to come back, though, so he would stay for another hour and hope for the best. Most of Daniel's time had been spent watching canine slaves. He figured it would be easiest for David to accustom himself to a species similar to his own. Dogs, foxes, wolves, coyotes: all had passed in front of Daniel and had been rejected. Some seemed too timid, others too defiant. Some were sold for hard labour, others for sex. None seemed to suit either Daniel's or David's needs. He wished he could just give up, but he needed a second slave now. David could not be left alone, and Alana couldn't come down to watch him all the time. It would be easier if Alana lived in the city and David could go there while Daniel was gone, but even that wouldn't be ideal. David would need to be around the house to do chores and whatnot, and Daniel didn't want him doing that the whole time he was around. So, Daniel was forced to sit through endless sales, praying for a good one to come along. He finished his sandwich and went back to the room where canines were being sold. At the door he picked up a listing of what was being sold over the next couple of hours and flipped through until the page matched the current lot, a small and wiry coyote. The poor thing looked absolutely terrified, so Daniel paid it no more attention and glanced ahead in the listing. He was still there thirty minutes later. It was getting to the point when he would have to leave so he would be back home when he promised Alana. However, the next item in the listing had potential. Wolf, 5'8", 110 lbs, black and white fur. Independent, average intelligence, calm, methodical. There were a few warnings, though. Multiple escape attempts, lack of respect, potential for violence under duress. The last one could work in Daniel's favour in the event of another break-in or attack. He would have to be careful so the wolf wouldn't attack him, though. He looked up as the gavel hit the table and the auctioneer, a fairly attractive lioness, sold a fox to a leopard. He turned his attention to the door where the slaves entered. Maybe he would buy one today. "Lot 666, then: a Northern Rocky Mountains Wolf, canis lupus irremotus. Showing here." As the wolf was lead in on a lead and collar, Daniel had the odd feeling that he had seen the lupine before. Then, the wolf turned to look at the crowd, and his eyes were bright as he observed his potential buyers. Daniel felt a bolt of recognition and looked more closely. His hair was black now, though just as long, and his eyes had lost some of their selfassuredness, but there was no mistaking him: it was the wolf from the bar.

"Lot 666, then: a Northern Rocky Mountains Wolf, canis lupus irremotus. Showing here." The canis lupus irremotus in question squinted as his eyes became accustomed to the brighter light. Once he could see clearly again, he raised his eyes to glance derisively at the free furs in the chairs facing the stage. He felt a stab of revulsion as he looked at them. He could see it in their eyes already: coldness, greed, sadism. He could also see readiness and suspicion, but those came from the guards. They needn't have worried. He had learned the hard way not to try and escape while being auctioned. It had started well enough but had ended badly. Very badly. He could hear the auctioneer listing his various merits and concerns, but he paid no attention. He was watching the crowd to see his potential buyers so he could mentally prepare himself for what was to come. One avian seemed particularly keen. Based on his look, the wolf suspected that he wanted lots of sex. A bird that small? he scoffed silently. I'll toss him in the oven and get a decent supper for once. The bidding started, and the wolf saw quickly that there were only a few interested parties. The nymphomaniac of a bird was the first to place a bid. The wolf hoped the avian wouldn't get him. He almost preferred constant beatings to constant fucking. The second to bid was another wolf, a common grey. The slave held his gaze on the second bidder for a few seconds. A show off, the wolf figured. One of the kind who liked to impress on others just how great and strong they were. There'd be an almost constant stream of physical, verbal, and possibly sexual abuse, but nothing too severe unless he goaded the other's ego. The problem there would be that, eventually, the wolf would tire of all the little things and say exactly what he thought. Then, he would be beaten severely and possibly sold. The third bidder was a grizzly bear with a sadistic gleam in his eyes. He was in the front row, and the wolf could see a bulge in the ursine's pants. He desperately hoped the bear wouldn't win. Even the avian would be better. The avian was the first to give up. He stopped pretty early, too, so he must not have much in the way of pocket change. The bear and the grey wolf kept driving the price up, but when the bear bid $2000, the grey wolf looked hesitant. The wolf on stage closed his eyes and sighed. Another sadist. Just my luck, he thought. Then, his eyes snapped open. $2500? he thought, looking for the source of the unfamiliar voice. His gaze locked with a black panther in the second row. One part of him wondered why the panther had just started bidding, but most of him automatically started to categorize the free fur. Around six feet tall, average build, some defined musculature, certainly stronger than he was in his weakened state. More importantly, though, he tried to see his temperament in his posture and especially in his eyes. The wolf was stumped. He usually took no more than a few seconds to figure out the generalities of a new owner, but this panther didn't look like anyone he had seen before. He ceased to even hear the sounds around him as he kept staring at the feline. He could feel frustration welling up in him. Why can't I tell? he asked himself. He tried to break down what he could see. The cat wasn't leaning forward, eager for a new purchase, nor was he leaning back, feigning disinterest. His gaze at first had been switching between the wolf and his fellow bidder, but now that he noticed the wolf staring, he stared back. The lupine knew he should look somewhere else, but he couldn't tear his eyes away. He had to figure out this enigmatic feline. The wolf didn't see the glint of sadism or the gleam of lust. The panther didn't look like he was simply buying a slave for prestige or appearance's sake either. The wolf couldn't see pity, which was good. He didn't want pity; feeling sorry for him didn't do him any good. The panther looked determined, almost, but determined for what the wolf couldn't tell. There was also something else, something he couldn't put his finger on. Maybe-- SLAM! "Sold!" Sold to whom? the wolf wondered. He saw the panther rise to leave. A glance at the bear's sour expression confirmed it. He had been bought by the inscrutable panther.

The inscrutable panther took his slip of sale to one of the myriad different offices in the auction house. An unusually helpful hyena receptionist gave him the necessary paperwork. Daniel made sure to carefully check every section was done correctly. He had filled out one form incorrectly while purchasing David, and he had almost lost the dog. He did not want a repeat performance. He frowned as he signed by yet another "x." A couple of things were bothering him. Price was one of them. The bear had been more stubborn than he had expected. Daniel didn't know the ursine personally, but he looked like an asshole. He had driven the price to over $3000, which was certainly more than the wolf was worth, considering his flight risk. What really disturbed Daniel, though, was the way the wolf had been staring at him. It was rather unnerving and made Daniel question the wisdom of his purchase. Daniel had kept half an eye on his fellow bidders, but most of his attention had been on the wolf. He had seen the way the lupine had looked at the other bidders, and it had been a very different look that the wolf had given him. The others got a few seconds of critical evaluation followed by varying degrees of disdain and fear. When the wolf in the back row had stopped bidding, the one onstage had slumped, resigned to his fate. But when Daniel started bidding, the wolf had come alive again. He had given Daniel the same critical eye he had given the others, but instead of giving way to contempt, he looked puzzled. He didn't look away as quickly as he had with the others but instead looked increasingly upset by his puzzlement. This in turn confused Daniel. He couldn't figure out what had made the wolf look so confused. Oh, well, the jaguar thought. I'll find out soon enough. Finally, he dotted the last "i," looked over everything one more time, then opted for a one-time payment and put $3696 on his MasterCard, wincing as he did so. The slave tax had risen two percent recently, which had a big impact on a $3300 purchase. He made one more signature on the receipt, and it was official: he owned the wolf.

The wolf left the auction room by a different door than his new owner. He was whisked through a series of rooms where records were entered, the metal collar was removed, and a temporary collar made of faux leather was put on him. In the next room he was surprised to find the doctor waiting for him. The rat looked him over and let slip a small, satisfied smile. "One more dose, and you're good to go," he said. The doctor was back to his calm, collected self, much as he had appeared the first time the wolf saw him. As the doctor gave him the last of his medicine, he tried find the words to express his gratitude. It meant a lot to him that the doctor stayed at the house and forced the owner to give the slaves medication. He couldn't find the words, however, and the doctor walked to the door. Just as the rat's paw closed on the handle, the wolf managed to say, "Thank you." The emotion he felt couldn't be heard in his voice, but the doctor saw it clearly on his face. The MD's expression softened, and the wolf could see his customary response die on his lips. Instead, the rat said, "You're welcome," then walked through the door and out of his life. As the wolf was lead from the room towards the next phase of his life, he puzzled over the doctor's expression. It was the same as the one that had been on the panther's face earlier. Not pity, but something else. He had seen it before but not for a very long time, and he could not place it. The wolf and his guard went through one more door into the lobby. The many windows let in a great deal of light, and the wolf had to raise his arm to shield his eyes from the glare. As his eyes adjusted, he became aware that his lead was changing hands. Finally, his pupils constricted , and he lowered his arm. Standing in front of him was the unsmiling image of his new owner.

Daniel glanced at his watch. 1:25, he thought. Should be home on time. He was annoyed that it had taken him this long to get a slave, but he was happy to be done with it. He just hoped the wolf would work out. The panther would be happy if he never went to an auction house again. A door to the side opened. Daniel glimpsed the white muzzle of his new slave behind the auction house employee and rose from his seat to claim the wolf. He exchanged his proof of purchase for the leash and took a closer look at the lupine. He was shorter than Daniel and probably shorter than David, too; he came up to Daniel's chin. His black hair went down to his shoulder blades, and it was tangled and unkempt with several strands hanging in front of his face. Daniel was finally close enough to see his eye colour: a tawny gold. The wolf's head was raised, not proud but assertive. Daniel could see he was being evaluated in much the same way that he was evaluating the wolf. He saw distrust and suspicion but no malice or outright hate. That's good, Daniel thought. With a little time the distrust will go away, and he could be a valuable member of the household. "Come with me," Daniel said, beginning to turn. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the wolf consider something for a moment before falling into step. They stepped into the bright afternoon light, and Daniel turned toward the nearby parkade. Alana had insisted on lending him her car. Daniel saw the wolf's eyes flick to one side and glanced over himself. A police cruiser was parked on the other side of the street. Daniel couldn't see inside, but the wolf seemed to think they were watching him. Who knows? thought Daniel. With his flight risk maybe they are. So far, though, the wolf showed no signs of running. His glances at his surroundings seemed casual, and he wasn't bracing to fight or run like he had in the bar. He was docilely padding along to one side and a step behind, the picture of slave etiquette. Well, Daniel reflected, not quite. The wolf held his head higher than most slaves would and did not avert his eyes from others' gaze. Daniel knew that most furs saw eye contact from a slave as a challenge of authority. He didn't mind it himself, but there was something different about the way the wolf looked at people. He didn't seem to just focus his attention, but rather he seemed to try to read people. It was a little disconcerting for Daniel, and he could see why they listing included "lack of respect." They came to Alana's car: a deep blue, four door Ford Focus. Daniel unlocked it and reached up to separate the wolf's leash and collar. As his fingers closed on the clip, he paused. "If I take this off," he asked, "will you run away?" The wolf looked at him oddly for a moment, as if trying to figure out why he would ask such an odd question. "No," he replied. Daniel released the clasp, satisfied. Then, the wolf suprised him by adding, "If I was going to run, I wouldn't want for you to take off the lead." This time, it was Daniel who looked oddly at the wolf. It had been said quite matter-of-factly, as calmly and self-evident as stating that the sky was blue. Daniel didn't comment, however, and simply opened the passenger door and gestured him into the vehicle. The wolf stepped into the Focus almost uncertainly, drawing his tail into his lap as he did so. Daniel closed the door for the wolf and noticed the wolf flinched slightly when the door slammed shut. He walked around to the driver's side and slipped inside, starting the vehicle and reaching for his seatbelt. He noticed the wolf look around with interest, as if in a dream half-remembered. Daniel also noticed the wolf's seatbelt was undone. "Buckle up," Daniel said, gesturing to the shoulder belt on the wolf's right. The wolf looked at Daniel, taking in his seatbelt, before looking right and slotting the belt into the buckle with a little difficulty. He stared at it for a moment before nodding and turing his attention to the window again. Daniel couldn't help but wonder what was going through the wolf's mind as he pulled out of the parkade and began the drive home. "What's your name?" Daniel asked, both to start a conversation and to start learning about his new slave. The wolf glanced over sharply, visibly taken aback by the question. When a response was not immediately forthcoming, Daniel tried again to draw the wolf out. "Come on, I don't have any easier questions. What are you called?" The wolf snorted gently. "Bitch, slut, bastard, fuck toy. Take your pick." Daniel looked over, too shocked to form an immediate response. The wolf saw his surprised expression and said, "What? You asked what I was called." Daniel was still having trouble getting over the wolf's blunt reply. "Well, I can't call you that in polite company. What were you called in public?" "I wasn't often in what you would call a public setting," the wolf replied, turing his gaze back to the window. Daniel took a deep breath. Not a good sign, he thought, if they try your patience before you even get home. Then again, he just said he wasn't in public much. Maybe he just needs to learn. "Do you have a name?" "Yes," the wolf replied. Daniel waited for him to continue, but was once again disappointed. "So what is it?" The wolf remained silent, staring at his feet. Daniel was about to demand an answer when he saw a shimmer in the wolf's eyes. Is he crying? Daniel wondered. He was searching for something to say when the wolf looked up and said, "Jack. My name is Jack." Finally, Daniel thought with a touch of sarcasm, a breakthrough. "Okay, Jack. My name is Daniel, but you'll refer to me as 'Master' or 'sir.' Clear?" "As mud. Sir," Jack replied. Daniel noticed the slight pause before "sir," but decided to withhold comment. "Good," Daniel said. "My sister and perhaps a few of her friends will be at my house when we get there. You will address them as 'sir' or 'ma'am.' I also have another slave, a black Newfoundland dog. You can call him by his name, David. He's nervous when he meets people for the first time. Can I trust you to be civil?" "Insofar as you can trust him, sir." David could hear the challenge in Jack's seemingly innocent response. "I don't appreciate that tone, slave," he said, voice hardening. "No less than I appreciate yours, sir." Daniel looked over at the impertinent slave. He was slightly surprised by what he saw. The wolf's ears were not back in anger, and there was no rage in his eyes. His ears were forward, and his gaze was level and calm. His demeanor was not one of anger at Daniel but one of honest complaint. Perhaps I'm letting my annoyance get the best of me. Still, he has no right to talk to me like that. "I thought you said I could trust you to be civil," he said, reining in his temper. "Insofar as I can trust you, sir." Daniel was seriously considering pulling over to teach his new slave some manners when Jack lowered his head and quietly said, "Slaves have just as many feelings as free furs." Daniel felt most of his ire abruptly leave him. He remembered the names Jack had apparently been called and his lack of social experience. He would have to make small allowances until Jack became used to his new setting. He glanced over yet again at the slave and saw his head was bowed, his eyes closed, and his muzzle turned away from the expected blow. Jesus Christ, Daniel thought. Now I have two abused slaves to look after. What have I gotten myself into? They pulled into Daniel's driveway a minute later, Daniel wondering what he could do to soften Jack and Jack holding the same resigned pose. Daniel put the car in park and sighed. "Okay, Jack, tell you what. You go in there, be polite, speak only when spoken to, et cetera, and I'll do my best to ensure the guests stay civil towards you. Do we have a deal?" Jack looked at Daniel like he was growing a second head. His gaze was even more perplexed than it had been in the auction house. He was cearly think over Daniel's words, trying to find the catch. Finally, he reached out a paw and said, "Deal." Daniel shook Jack's paw and breathed a sigh of relief. He stepped out of the vehicle, gesturing for Jack to do the same. As they went up the four steps leading to the front door, Daniel glanced around, worried. He saw a couple of cars parked on the street and hoped Alana didn't have Trevor and Barbara over. While nice enough people, they tended to be critical of slaves, and the last thing Daniel wanted was for his house to become a repeat of the bar. He took a steadying breath, unlocked the door, and stepped inside the house. He heard laughter from the den and said a silent prayer. It was time for Jack's first test.