Title: Claim Day
Chapter 59: Soon to be King
04/20/2025 — Bernard
I surveyed the bustling activity in Echelon’s cafeteria with quiet satisfaction. It was one in the morning, yet energy filled the room as my women transformed the utilitarian space into something worthy of celebration. Kaori and Petra were arranging tables in a more intimate configuration, draping them with colorful tablecloths they’d scavenged from the staff lounge. Wendy directed Olivia and Elodie as they hung a makeshift banner across the entrance: “Long live THE owner” painted in bold red letters. Wendy’s idea. It was overly grandiose, but I found it amusing.
The air hummed with anticipation—my own carefully contained excitement at the impending culmination of my plans, mirrored and amplified by the women’s genuine enthusiasm for my success.
“A little higher on the left, Olivia,” I called out, watching as she stretched to adjust the banner. Her shirt rode up, revealing a tantalizing strip of skin. “Perfect.”
Olivia beamed at my approval, then deliberately bent over to pick up some fallen tape, giving me an excellent view. I allowed myself a small smile. The feast would be followed by a celebration that would continue well into tomorrow, a private party where I would indulge myself with whichever of my women caught my fancy. Perhaps all of them, in various combinations. There would be time for everything now.
I moved through the room, offering specific directions. “Lenore, the wine glasses should be arranged by size,” I said, placing my hand at the small of her back. She leaned into my touch, her body responding instantly.
“Of course, Bernard,” she murmured, her eyes darkening with desire. I let my hand slide lower, squeezing briefly before moving on to check the food preparation.
In the kitchen area, Maren and Saira were preparing an impressive spread considering our limited supplies. In a moment, we would never have to worry about lacking food ever again, so there really wasn’t any reason to spare our resources anymore. Soon everyone in Chantwell would line up to serve my needs. Women because they would be mine. Men because women would be mine. I approved my women’s efforts with a nod, accepting Saira’s offered taste from a spoon she held to my lips. When I pronounced it excellent, she rewarded me with a kiss, which I deepened briefly, my hand finding her breast. Around us, the other women watched with varying degrees of envy and arousal. I had cultivated this atmosphere deliberately, a constant state of competitive desire among them, each hoping to be chosen for special attention.
Everyone was tired but my celebration couldn’t wait. The signal was nearly ready, and I wanted everything perfect for my ascension. I would sleep later, perhaps for an entire day, but tonight was about savoring my triumph.
A crash from the dessert station drew my attention. Portia stood frozen, a shattered serving dish at her feet, her face a mask of horror.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” she stammered, dropping to her knees to gather the broken pieces. Her hands trembled visibly.
I sighed, walking over to tower above her. “Portia, this is the third thing you’ve broken tonight.”
“I know, I’m sorry,” she repeated, not meeting my eyes. “I’ll clean it up right away.”
I studied her for a moment. Portia remained in a constant state of awkwardness and clumsiness. What Tristan had seen in her remained a mystery to me. She was attractive enough, with her dark curls and warm brown skin, but her personality was a complete non-entity, overshadowed by her nerves. Even after I’d claimed her, her timidity continued to frustrate me.
“See that you do,” I said finally, checking my watch. “Ladies, I’ll be in the MRI room preparing to change the world. Have everything ready for my return.”