Home For Christmas

Daphne Kwiatek sat in the back of a noisy bar at the Warsaw Chopin International Airport picking at an apple Kolaczki and sipping a very dry Belvedere Martini. She had replaced her muddy OCP boots for a pair of similar color Uggs. She sat dreamily watching the snowfall and the flights take off and land waiting for her flight back to old orchard field. She had packed her dress uniform in her carry on. She wasn’t about to wear it for 11 hour flight and she had neglected to clean her other uniforms, just tossing them in her duffel bag for the flight back to the states. She needed this time to remove herself from the state of the world and pretend it was all okay. But she also promised Whitley she would return home in uniform. She would stop off at the USO in Chicago and change. Maybe Whitley would bring her flowers even while she grappled with the craziness of pick up. Daphne smiled thinking about how frazzled yet pretty Whitley would probably be all frustrated with the cops yelling to move along and the taxis honking. But they would stop and kiss and ignore the cacophony for a moment.

***

Whitley drummed her thumbs on her steering wheel. Christmas traffic was just great. They were moving a whole 7 miles per hour on the interstate.  She could see the exit up ahead. Today of all days she didn’t want to be late.

 “Come on!” She yelled into the void of the car. The plane would be landing in the next twenty minutes and she still needed to swing by for flowers. Traffic lurched ahead and Whitley peered in the mirrors carefully before pulling onto the shoulder around the traffic passing two cars and zipping into the exit. The GPS spoke, “In three hundred feet turn left onto Boulevard way.” 

“In 100 feet turn left.”

“In 10 feet turn left.”

“Okay okay! I am turning!” If she didn’t miss Daphne so much her soul ached there was no way in hell she’d brave Chicago traffic to get her from the airport. 

Whitney pulled off into the flower market and parked as close to the door as she could. She rushed up and down the aisles picking out different flowers changing her mind about a dozen times. Ugh, nothing was perfect. Her stomach turned and body tingled. It had been a very long six months since she laid hands on her wife. Whitley spotted a full colorful mixed bouquet that reminded her of the first flowers she ever bought for the woman. She smiled. They were perfect. She handed the cashier wad of cash and rushed back to the car. The last thing she wanted to do was keep her beloved waiting after all this time. She pulled back into the congested traffic and followed the monotone voice directions. The plane would be there any moment.

***

The vodka and the Atarax had worn off, Daphne slowly started to wake. The pilot announced that they had started their descent. Daphne stretched her legs and shrugged her shoulders. She opened the window shade to see the plane wing dip and circle the skyline over Lake Michigan. No matter how many times she saw the view, the great big Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier and the Sears Tower’s great big shoulders, it never grew old. It was always like seeing it for the first time but familiar welcoming her home. It had been a long six months. 

She and Whitley did not have much contact during this time as Daphne’s work took her to places “she wasn’t really going, delivering supplies that she didn’t really have.” She wondered how it would be back in Whitley’s arms and wondered how long she could make it without being over her knee. The plane circled the airport and taxid for what seemed forever. Daphne became very anxious waiting for the seatbelt sign to go off so she could grab her carry on and get off the plane. 

The engine shut down and the light finally dinged. The pilot was back on the overhead flight informing them that they had landed at O’Hare International Airport, the time was 5:47 pm local time and it was a balmy 29 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“Witamy w Chicago. Witaj w domu.” The pilot added for native Poles onboard. “Lastly, welcome home, Major Kwiatek-Augustana.” Oh she was gonna take her Irish school strap to her wife unless she lit Daphne up first for all the dirty laundry in her duffel bag. They had time for both now.

Daphne waited for those ahead of her to deplane and grabbed her garment bag and backpack and headed to change. There was an older gentleman sitting at the USO reception desk wearing his black and gold Korean Veteran Hat.

“Welcome home soldier. What can I do for you?” The man asked her. She nodded, showing him her ID.

“Just need to change into the uniform for the misses.” Whitley smiled at the gentleman.

“Ah she will like that. There’s some restrooms over there.” He pointed across the room. Daphne slung her bags over her shoulder and headed off to do her diligence. 

Locking the bathroom door behind her she couldn’t help but let her mind return to the vet she just met. She wondered if he had eaten a Thanksgiving Turkey sling loaded to his tank stuck in a snowed in position in the Korean Peninsula mountains. Wondered how that war was different than those that have come since. Wondered if they had learned any lessons in the years spent in the jungle and dessert. She shook the thoughts away. There was no time for that now. Her wife was waiting. She quickly changed. Too many pierogies and way too much cortisol, her chest almost popped out of her tan button shirt. She fixed her tie and buttoned her Pinks and Greens coat. 

“Merry Christmas!” She called over her shoulder with a wave to the man at the desk before she rushed toward the baggage claim for her duffles. She was gonna look so ridiculous. Whitley better bring her flowers, the wool was so itchy. But her body was on fire at the thought of the embrace she had desired for so long.

***

Daphne had wanted to wear her crush cap but she had left it at home. One can’t very well take a hat box on a deployment, it would look as ridiculous as the authorized capes and old issued lipstick cases. How are you supposed to survive in the Vietnamese jungle hopping on helicopters with a lipstick case, skirt, pantyhose, and high heels. 

She was thankful to those who wore Athena’s lapel into battle, but so glad they had come so far. Now, she could wear fatigues and practical boots. She exited the airport and placed her cunt cap squarely on her head whilst balancing all her bags. 

Daphne scanned the traffic and sidewalk. It was windy and cold, dark and bright all at the same time. Where was Whitley in this mess? She spotted her and picked up her pace longing for her lover’s embrace.

***

Whitley’s leg bounced up and down waiting for the traffic to move. She could see the terminal ahead. Daphne had just texted letting her know she had her bags and was making her way to the curb. Somehow the traffic was worse here than the interstate. She fluffed the flowers and looked at herself in the mirror and fluffed her hair as well. Even reached for her perfume hiding in the glove box and gave herself several sprays. 

There was little she could do about the dark bags that had been present for about as long as her wife had been gone. Adjusting to sleeping alone had been nightmarish at best. Hopefully that part of their life was over and neither would be sleeping in an empty bed again.  

Another wave of cars moved along and Whitleys chest tightened. Things weren’t moving fast enough. She’s coming home to stay. There is so much time. No need to rush. Finally she was parallel with the terminal. Daphne told her to meet her at 16D. It was at the other end where traffic was lighter. Whitley tried to focus on the chaos of the cars and foot traffic but found her gaze wandering to the sidewalk hoping to find her brunette in the crowd. 

Finally she made it to Terminal D. Only now needed to get to the end of it. It was so loud and her heartbeat was in her ears. Cops were yelling everywhere, horns blowing and the sounds of planes overhead had her body raw and a bunch of nerves. 12… 13… 14… 15… 16! 

Whitney waited for a car to pull away before taking its place as a cop directed. She put the car in park and carefully stepped out into the drop zone. She pulled the flowers out and went to the sidewalk to wait. She checked her phone again. Daphne’s name popped up again. 

“I see you.” Whitley shoved the phone in her pocket and stood on her tiptoes searching for the smaller woman. She would surely stand out in the crowd of bundled up Chicagoans. She would be the only one in pinks and greens. She spotted a cunt cap about 50 yards away. She resisted leaving her running car to run to her. It had been a long six months. As the crowd thinned, their eyes met. Daphne picked up the pace bags and all.

***

Whitley stepped towards her wife as she dropped the bags on the dirty airport sidewalk and engulfed her body pulling her as close as humanly possible. Tears welled against her will as she buried her face deep into the wool jacket hugging the strong soldier she had missed. Pulling back just enough, Whitley looked down and kissed her wife hungrily. The touch gave life to part of her that had been quiet too long. 

“How have you survived without kisses for so long.” Daphne initiated this time and held the kiss squeezing tightly. Someone yards away was yelling to move on but she didn’t care. Finally, after a few moments of tongues wrestling for control, Whitley gave the flowers over to Daphne whose smile lit up. 

“Thank you, love. I love them.” Whitley hugged the woman close again while the yelling was getting louder. 

“YOU CAN’T PARK! HERE MOVE IT!” Whitley growled and Daphne laughed a bit. 

“We should go before they try to ticket us.” Her nose crinkled but she nodded. They needed a room. 

“Okay sweetheart. Let’s go.” Whitley picked up a bag while Daphne slung the other over her shoulder. Hand in hand they loaded the car and got in the front. Whitley typed an address into the GPS and pulled away from the sidewalk. 

“We aren’t going home?” Daphne asked. 

“No, sweetheart, I figured you wouldn’t want any more travel after the day you’ve had and half a year. I got us a room for a few days in the city. Unless you want to drive home? It’ll take 3 or more hours with traffic though.” Daphne leaned over and kissed her face.

“I love you. And I’ve missed you.”

***

“The Renaissance? Whitley, really? With its 40 dollar breakfasts and all? Can we go to the American Girl Doll Store? The Water Tower? The high tea at the Drake with its gingerbread village?” Daphne asked, her eye’s twinkling like a little kid on Christmas morning. 

“Whatever you want sweetheart. I want to sit in a warm bath and eat chocolate strawberries. There’s also a massage and room service scheduled.” 

“Yeah?” Daphne beamed. “I could use one of those! A cot for six months does nothing for my 30 something body. Any whipped cream?” Daphne grabbed Whitley’s hand and kissed her cheek as they headed towards Lake Shore Drive. The last six months melted away while the radio played “I’ll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams.”

***

Whitley felt tears swell again as she clung to her love. The city was a blur in the solitude of the car. It was surreal. So much time spent with a quick call a few times a week. A message at odd hours. The rotation of the world slowed and recentered as she felt the small hand interlaced with hers. The hotel while close still felt too far. She needed to hold and love. They weaved through traffic and let the music keep them company. 

She couldn’t resist looking into the seat next to her every couple minutes. Needing reassurance that this was real. That she was finally home. They pulled off onto the exit that the hotel was on and made their way down packed streets. They needed to get out of this car. 

Finally, they pulled into the driveway of the hotel. She parked the car and went around to open the door for her lady.

“My love.” Whitley opened the door with gusto and waited for her to step out. She kissed her again slowly. “I packed a bag of normal clothes for you. Do you want your duffel as well.” 

“That’s sweet. I don’t need it. Just dirty uniforms and crap I hope to never see again.” Whitley raised an eyebrow and made a mental note to question her wife later about the dirty clothes, which caused Daphne to noticeably blush. Whitley waited not so patiently as Daphne got out and tipped the valet and grabbed Whitley’s bags and her garment bag. She noticeably shivered a bit. The lake effect wind went right through both of them even with the wool they were both wearing. Daphne retook her hand and strolled into the grand hotel lobby together at last.

***

Whitley led them past the front desk and straight to the elevators. 

“We don’t need to check in?” Daphne questioned. 

“Already did.” Whitley grinned and hit the button for the 24 floor. 

“Whitley.” The other woman whispered. 

Without words as the doors closed behind them she closed the space between them, trapping the smaller woman against the wall. She looked deep into green eyes before cupping her cheek softly and going in for a deep kiss. She felt hands pull closer and obliged. She sucked her wife’s lip into her mouth not so gently and moaned. 

“I need you so desperately.” Daphne nodded and Whitley felt a hand go between them then cupped her breast. 

“I’ve missed you so much. Please never leave me again.” Whitley begged. 

“Never, love.” The elevator moved slowly to the top of the building while the two women slowly and lovingly continued to kiss. When it lurched to a stop, Whitley held Daphne’s hand again and led them in the direction of their suite. 

She stuck the key card in the door and opened it holding it for her wife who was dragging the bags. 

“A suite? Really, Whitley? This is too much.” Daphne dropped the bags and walked deeper into the room looking around. 

“It’s not love you deserve something nice after…” Whitley let the door close and followed the woman in. Daphne touched her face and gave a long warm hug. 

“Why don’t we take a nice hot shower? It will help us warm up.” She quietly suggested. 

***

“That would be lovely.” Whitley agreed. 

Daphne looked around the suite. It had a couch and sitting chair and even a dining room area near the kitchen. She could see the skyline from the large picture window. She put the bags down and looked up at Whitley. It had been so long. Darn this wool was so itchy.

“First things first, baby girl. We have to get you out of this uniform.” Whitley took Daphne’s hand and led her into the bedroom. She sat on the edge of the bed and tugged Daphne toward her. She undid Daphne’s coat belt and the buttons.

 “Take this and hang it up in the closet then come back to me.” Daphne did as she was told and came back to Whitley who then undid her tie and unbuttoned her shirt leaving it open. Then she took Daphne’s belt buckle off and slowly unzipped her pants pushing them down with her underwear. She then took Daphne’s blouse all the way off and unsnapped her bra, taking each strap off one by one before caressing her wife’s breasts.

 “Go and put your clothes away” Again Daphne did as she was told and hung up her pants and blouse and returned to her wife. She stood in front of her with her hands on her head.

“Good girl, let’s see if my baby girl still remembers to obey. Turn around, spread your legs and bend over.” Heat pooled between Daphne’s thighs at the order. She shivered, but not from the cold now.

“Yes ma’am.” She whispered before turning around and offering her bottom and the rest of herself to her wife.

***

Whitley leaned back and watched fascinated as her wife did just as she ordered. She slowly let her eyes roam. The months had changed Daphne. Every muscle was more defined skin was darker from being outside more. Whitley stood and went behind the bent woman pressing her clothed hips into nude skin.

“So beautiful as always.” She whispered to the woman.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Whitley cupped one cheek then the other. 

“Oh how I’ve missed you Daphne Kwiatek.” She rubbed each cheek in turn and let their bodies meld together. “I’m glad to see you haven’t forgotten your place in all your time away.” 

“No, ma’am.” Daphne quietly uttered. 

“Let’s go to the shower. Then we can discuss bringing home dirty clothes home with you. And don’t think I didn’t taste the vodka on your lips.” The last part elicited a whine from Daphne which was met with a rough squeeze of bare skin causing her to whimper and wiggle. Whitley stepped back, pulled her up and then returned the kiss that Daphne hungrily gave. The shorter woman grinned before scurrying into the bathroom. 

Whitley closely followed dropping her clothing as she did. She found her wife half in the shower messing with the water temperature.

“Not too hot love. Remember I’m all sensitive.” Whitley jested. 

“Yes, ma’am. Sensitive.” Daphne turned and faced her, taking her turn in cupping her naked breast causing Whitley to gasp. God had she missed that warm knowing touch. 

“Sweetheart.” Daphne smiled before lips met again tangling for control. 

Whitley wrapped an arm around the little soldier and guided them into the warm water. They both sighed at the warmth that washed the cold Chicago winter off. Whitley pulled away just enough to look down at her woman. 

“‘My soul has truly ached for you, love.”  At that Daphne began swiping uncontrollable tears gently from her face. 

“I’m right here, love. I’m not going anywhere.” Whitley nodded and kissed again. Hungrier now. She needed her wife. She found round perky globes and squeezed the pulling her closer. 

“Mine.” She growled into her lover’s mouth. Daphne squeaked and gave her big eyes. 

“Yours.” She returned.

***

Daphne wrapped her arms around Whitney and rested her head in between her breasts letting the warm water wash all over her. She missed this. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. Lord, we don’t need another trench, we have trenches a plenty…

Whitney looked down at her bride and kissed her deeply. “Let’s wash that misadventure off you, shall we, love.”  She felt her face warm again. 

“Yes, please.” Daphne loved when her wife washed her from head to toe though some parts got a little embarrassing and she got a little impatient by how long it took some times. She made do with a 90 second PT shower just fine and if that wasn’t possible baby wipes got the grime off. She took a deep breath and relaxed her body. Allowing them both to enjoy this private quiet moment between them. Daphne closed her eyes and focused solely on the feeling of her wife’s touch. Gone was mud, blood, and sirens. Just the soft sure presence of the person she wished to never leave again.  

***

Happily Whitley lathered floral smelling body wash onto a cloth and slowly began washing her little soldier.  She started with her face touching each cheek carefully and slowly working her way down. Whitley held the woman close as she massaged the sweet smelling wash into each shoulder back and then leg giving special attention to the sweet tender areas making Daphne moan. 

“Oh how I’ve missed this.” Daphne melted. 

“Me too sweetheart.” Whitley looked up from where she was kneeling at her wife’s feet and kissed firm thighs. A hand found its way to the back of her head urging her closer to center. 

“Tut tut my baby girl. Have you earned such things? We still have some things to discuss.” Daphne groaned and Whitley stood and held the woman’s jaw firmly. 

“Just because you were galavanting around the world doesn’t mean you get to be a naughty little girl.” Daphne bit her lip as they were eye level again.

“Yes ma’am.” She half whimpered looking down.

“Let’s go into the bedroom and have the first of many discussions, Major.” Whitley stepped out and wrapped herself in a towel and then held one open for her wife. 

***

“Come on love, let’s get you dried off.” Daphne complied with Whitley’s orders and gingerly stepped from the shower. 

Whitney started to dry her girl off. Ruffling her hair and then moving down around her pert breasts. Roughly drying her off between her thighs. Whitley then turned her girl around and gave her a sharp swat on her bottom. 

“Go wait for me on the bed, on your hands and knees.” Daphne wanted to melt. She knew the tenderly loving wife was gone and now her stern and loving ma’am was present. Her entire body tingled at the strong tone and look.

“Yes, Whitley.” She looked down at the feet and trudged to the bed. It did look inviting. Big, soft, and warm. She climbed into the bed and got onto her knees. She adjusted just so. She knew better than to disobey her wife when she was like this. It would just lead to even more punishment. She leaned down on her elbows allowing her exposed bottom and sex to be presented for whatever Whitley had in store. She took a deep breath. While it had been a long time, she had no doubt that the brunette would take good care of her. 

She heard quiet steps behind her and was glad that her face was mostly hidden by the bed. Her face was flush from embarrassment and excitement. She wasn’t sure if her own wetness wouldn’t puddle beneath her before Whitley even started. 

***

Whitley admired the view. The toned body, soft curves and warm embrace was calling to her. Much too long it had been. She watched it for a moment before unzipping one of the bags Daphne had brought up. 

“You wait right there for me, baby girl.” Whitley removed a long thick strap and ruler paddle. “We have much to discuss.” Whitley took her toys and knelt beside the bent woman. 

“Where should we even start, little soldier?” Upturned bottom wiggled about as she softly rubbed pale cheeks. 

“I don’t know ma’am? You taking what’s yours?” The woman sassed. Whitley dipped between thighs indulging herself with what was indeed hers which caused Daphne to moan loudly.

“Oh don’t worry my girl, it shall be taken thoroughly soon enough.” Whitley pulled her hand away and brought it sharply down across plump nude cheeks. 

“Maybe we should start with the bags full of dirty laundry in the car, sweetheart?” Whitley punctuated each word with a sharp swatting letting them build the heat in her wife’s bottom.

“We really don’t have to, ma’am!”  Daphne said from where she hid in the pillow. 

***

When it seemed like they were a million miles apart, it seemed like a good idea to disregard Whitley’s expectations of her. How she had missed her. Now with her bottom in the air, it didn’t seem like such a good idea. Though Daphne was so happy to be near Whitley again, getting reacquainted. She clenched her bottom and hid further into the pillow.

“Whitley! Ouchies, Ma’am! Be gentle with me please.” She felt Whitley’s touch return to her cheeks and she readied herself for a onslaught. 

“Oh this is being gentle.” Whitley replied. “This is just my hand love. We have a ways to go yet.” The tempo on her bottom increased. The swats firmer. Cheeks turning warmer. 

“Let’s not forget I don’t *need* a reason to spank this bottom. It’s mine I do with it as I please.” Whitley reminded as she continued her attention turned to Daphne’s bare thighs. The swats were reigning down there now back and forth. They were stingier. So much stingier. 

“Ma’am, tender!” Daphne couldn’t help but hiss and squirm. A hand went around her hips and held her against Whitley’s nude body. She was trapped and mostly helpless. She took a deep breath and pushed her bottom further out. She trusted Whitley with every part of her.

“I know sweetheart. That’s how you learn. You’ve needed a bottom blistering for about five months and three weeks.” The brunette relented for a moment. She enjoyed the rubbing on her stinging skin. She couldn’t help but move towards the light touch that found her center again.

“Right there, love. Please. I have missed your touch.” Daphne whined pushing her hips toward Whitley’s hand. Whitley had other plans and returned to spanking her beloved alternating between each cheek and upper thigh. 

Daphne held tight to the bed. She was trying to obey and be submissive. But six months without this touch had made her a light weight. Whitley’s hand was no joke. She was wiggling trying to maintain her position. She held onto the pillow, longing to be in Whitley’s arms but had also missed her hand kindling this fire.

***

Whitley relented long enough to pick up the paddle. She rested it against bare pink skin measuring the distance. Daphne squirmed slightly under the wood before she started slow even swats. 

“Be still and take your padding like a good girl Daphne.” 

“Yes, ma’am.” Her wife whimpered stilling. Whitley continued the paddling slowly and steadily watching as skin turned a darker shade of pink. The sight was mesmerizing. She couldn’t resist much longer.

“Owie, ma’am, owie.” Daphne shifted under the paddle and pushed her bottom out again. 

Whitley stopped at the sight, her own body pulsating and throbbing. She tossed the paddle and allowed a hand to travel back to center cupping dampness before pushing two fingers deeply inside. 

***

“Whitley!” Daphne moaned uncontrollably. “Please.” She gasped as Whitley pushed her fingers against the spot that made her melt.

“I’ve missed you inside me so badly these past six months.” She panted into the bed. She was close to losing control. Heaviness was building in her pelvis. It was getting harder and harder to hold herself up.

“This is the best Christmas present ever.” She added looking back at Whitley wishing she could continue to be fucked just like this but also kiss those plump pink lips.

 “Besides, maybe my stuffie Santa Clause gave to me. He must be in my bag somewhere.” Daphne half panicked and half pushed herself into Whitley’s fingers. So many long nights without Whitley’s embrace. Six long moons almost half the world away. Mud and gunpowder and way too many MREs. She had to come home to her lover. She had made it home. Whitley distracted her with even deeper movements inside her body and a firm swat on her warm cheeks. 

“Whitley, stay right there, please.” Daphne begged horsley. She closed her eyes not wanting the moment to end. This alone was worth the trip across the world on Christmas Eve. 

***

“I’m not going anywhere, love.” Whitley couldn’t deny her love any longer and pushed deeper into warm wetness with two fingers. With the other hand Whitley picked the paddle back up, moving back and forth between cheeks spanking quickly and stingily.

“Oh sweetheart, please.” Daphne’s body rocked getting tighter making the movements more difficult. Whitley dropped the paddle again and circled her wife’s waist, finding the hard bundle circling it quickly. 

“Whit.. Whitley.” Daphne moaned. 

“I’m right here sweetheart.” Whitley bent and kissed bare and slightly damp skin over and over again. “Let go.” she ordered. She used her hips as leverage forcing the fingers faster into tightness. Daphne shook, gripping the sheets before collapsing into a heap in the middle of the bed. Whitley melted into spooning her wife pulling her as close as she could. 

Daphne wiggled back into her. Whitley let every muscle relax. It had been too long with an empty bed. The weight of her eyes took over and the warmth of her wife made it okay. Tomorrow they would decorate a tree and spend the day doing much the same. The world outside these four walls faded way.

***

Daphne sighed and took a deep breath inhaling her wife’s scent. She listened to Whitley’s breath softly inhaling and exhaling. So many nights she longed to be intertwined and safe. Now she was safe, she could sleep in her wife’s arms this Silent Night.

---

A special thank you to my co-author and 💜 of my life – Golightly. Please show your appreciation in the comments for her contributions to this story! 💗💕💖💞💓💘💝

As always check out the full Holiday Exchange on Alyx’s page here!

Join me and Golightly (and many many others) on the women loving women spanking server by clicking here!

Reindeer Express

Eowyn quickly ran a brush through her long ebony locks before giving herself a once-over in the mirror.  The years and harsh winters hadn’t been as kind to her as she would have liked, but she wasn’t bad for her 43 years on this earth either.  Giving herself a small smile her blue eyes twinkled in the early morning light, she then bounded down the stairs of her not-so-humble, wooden cabin towards the quiet chatter in her kitchen. 

The group of about a dozen men and women, each dressed in jeans, boots, and heavy flannel were going back and forth each doing their part in making breakfast while talking among themselves. The strong smell of coffee and bacon welcomed her as did a quiet chorus of “Morning, Boss, Good morning, Eowyn” and heads nodding greeted her.

“Good to see everyone up and going bright and early this morning. I just got some news.” Eowyn took her oversized travel mug and poured hot black liquid into it while she talked. “Montana Rail called to let me know there was a D-4 avalanche in Coyote Pass right after the Reindeer Express came through this morning.”

Everyone in the kitchen stilled and looked at her. A D-4 avalanche was bad. On a scale from D-0 to D-5, a D-4 is about as bad as it gets. Enough to destroy buildings, crush cars, kill people, and make the pass unusable for the foreseeable future. 

“Just to be clear, I know Christmas is in two days. If you want off the ranch anytime soon, especially for the holiday, you need to be on the train when it gets here this afternoon.” Eowyn looked over her cup at the group giving each other looks. 

“Was anyone hurt?” Jonathan pipped up. “We can take some equipment out there to dig.”

“Not as far as we know, and there’s no one missing. The train just missed it. It’ll make the normal stop at Traveler’s Bend before dropping supplies here and letting people off for our tour and such.” 

Eowyn paused as the group collectively nodded and slowly went back to what they were doing. After a moment though, Jonathan asked, “Boss, it could be a month or more before someone can make it through. Do you need more people to stay? You planned five days without the full team here.” 

Eowyn smiled at the redhead. “No, we will be okay. You know they are low maintenance this time of year. No birthing or moving them really. Just feed and clean. And without the public train coming through here that takes off half the work. Jess will be here for any vet needs. Tuk is here to help me with the feedings and cleaning.  And Green over there. Well, he will be here to keep us entertained. I know the rest of you have holiday plans and deserve the break.” 

The group chuckled and Green’s ears turned red and he pulled his hat low over his eyes. 

“Now enough to chat. Let’s eat! I’m starving and we have work to do before needing to meet the train.” 

“Yes ma’am!” Green chirped from the opposite side of the room causing Eowyn’s eyebrow to go up in the young one’s direction. A random hand came from nowhere and smacked him on the back of the head. 

“You know how the Boss feels about that, Green. And that’s why we will never call you anything else,” one of the other ranch hands, Scott, said. Green huffed and the group formed a line up behind the spread of food on the counter.

Eowyn looked out the window and smiled just a bit as she waited her turn. The fresh snow was covering the distant mountains and the valley between. The herd of several hundred reindeer were mostly still in the field closest to them. The sunrise was still painting everything a light pink hue making it even more gorgeous. Secretly, she was glad most everyone was going home for a while. It would slow things down and she could have a break from the gruff group of mostly men that filled the room with her. 

—

Lily felt a bit naughty as she slipped a bill into the vending machine and chose a Snickers. She was actually starving, the main reason why she’d hopped off the train. The ride so far had been less than appealing with no true amenities on the train, at least not like she was used to. It was colder than she was expecting, the seats were uncomfortable, the food service was definitely sub-par, and there were too many burly men with beards. To top it off, there wasn’t even any decent Wi-Fi.

When she had won these tickets to ride the Reindeer Express, she definitely had different ideas. But then the trip had almost seemed doomed from the start.  Her best friend couldn’t join her because her sister was getting married, her other friend couldn’t get the time off work, and in a last-ditch effort, even her old college roommate had to cancel because she’d come down with a nasty cold.  With her friends unavailable and her parents in the Bahamas for the holiday, Lily would have canceled if she had anywhere else to be, but then decided to live a little and just go with it. After all, you only live once, right? 

Ripping the wrapper open, she took a healthy bite of the candy, put another bill in for a bag of chips, and then got a soda from the machine next to it. With her perfectly balanced lunch, she sought out a table to enjoy her feast.  Lily then spent the next few minutes trying to enjoy her snacks and get some sort of signal from her cell, only to have one bar mock her as she couldn’t even get her email to load. 

As she sat she checked she glanced at the big clock in the lobby, she had plenty of time.  The hour-long stop seemed to be almost endless.  Restless and without her phone to amuse her, Lily found herself bouncing.  She was eventually forced to get up and walk.  She amused herself by reading some of the framed newspapers on the walls that told various stories of snow dog races, blizzards, avalanches, and the Reindeer themselves.  

Smiling a bit she reached out and touched a picture of a reindeer.  She’d always wanted to see one up close.  They’d always brought happy thoughts of the holidays and the good times when she was younger.  There was just something special about the idea of visits from Santa Claus and reindeer on the roof.  When she was little she’d even make reindeer chow out of oatmeal and glitter just for Santa’s chosen few.  At least she’d get that this year, and then she’d spend the actual holiday in a four-star resort with hot springs, massages, wi-fi, and the works.  

  A sudden blow of the train whistle startled her out of her musing and with a quick check to the clock, she realized she needed to get moving.  One more stop and she’d actually get to see a real-life reindeer.  It was going to be magical. 

Two minutes later, Lily had reclaimed her seat on the train.  She was excited now and knew it wasn’t going to be much further.  As the train started moving, she sat back in her seat and began to skim the beautiful landscape. There were clumps of snow on the ground that mixed with shrubs and the occasional cluster of bushes. There were rocks large and small, and the mountains in the distance were quite pretty.  She could almost imagine what they would look like as the sunset, turning purple and red and orange.   

Time seemed to slow and speed up at the same time as she let herself get lost in the snowy wonderland.  It was only when the train slowed and announced that they had reached the North Star Ranch, did her excitement began to grow anew.  This was the place where she’d finally get to see her reindeer.  Eager to get off the train, she tuned out the rest of the announcement, grabbed her coat and purse, and rushed to the nearest exit.  

Stepping out into the crisp air, Lily shivered and zipped up her coat.  It was colder here than at the last stop. The wind seemed to have picked up too.  With a smile, however, she followed the other tourists down a dirt path that dead-ended into a long winding fence.  She then bit her lip in disappointment as she looked one way and then the other only to not see any reindeer in sight. 

“Where are they?” Lily asked aloud. “We’ve come all this way to see an empty field?”

“They don’t always hang out by the fence, you know,” a tall man with jet-black hair and a matching beard replied. That’s what off-road vehicles are for.”

“Off-road…?” Lily echoed as the man turned and pointed. Following his finger, Lily noticed the three open-air Jeeps that were lined up behind a small shack.  “Oh, cool!”

“Yep. Come on,” the man said before raising his voice so the small crowd could hear. “My name is Cody, and that’s Jeff and Micheal,” he added, pointing to two other men dressed in the same sort of flannel jacket that he was wearing. “We’re with the North Star, and we’re going to take you on a tour. Unfortunately, we need to be quick though, so we can get you folks back to the train. Come on now. Five to a car. Buckle up and prepare to see some of the most beautiful land on this here planet. The deer are pretty cute too.”

—

Eowyn propped on the stall door looking over as Jess checked on a mother and foal. Contrary to popular belief deer weren’t the only animals they had on the ranch.  In fact, they had several dozen horses, a large herd of cattle, goats, and even a variety of fowl. 

“How’s she doing, Jess?” Eowyn questioned. 

“Well the braces are helping to straighten her legs but it’ll be a while yet before she can be turned out. I need to make her a new set.” 

Eowyn nodded and continued watching. Having animals born without straight legs wasn’t all that uncommon and usually, a month or so of cast would help their mobility long term.  It was good the little foal was coming along. Her thoughts were interrupted by the rumble of a line of cars on the road just outside the main barn they were in. 

“That must be the last load of visitors going out to the field. You know how those Christmas travelers get this time of year about the deer,” Jess said with a tilt of her head toward the barn doors.  

“Yep,” Eowyn agreed but shook her head at the thought. There was nothing too magical about those damn deer. They were stubborn, expensive, and honestly, a pain in the backside to take care of most of the time.  Plus, they were quite broute if you got between them and their food or babies. Still, the tourists loved them.  If only they knew. If they didn’t bring in so much profit from the tours alone she’d have sold them all years ago.

  “Alright, Jess, you keep working on those new casts. I’m going to supervise the group of visitors. Get Green to help you if you need anything.”

“Will do, Boss. Give everyone my best as they are leaving. It’ll be a while before we see them.”

Eowyn nodded before going back out into the cold of the outdoors. She pulled her down jacket closer, hopped into her side-by-side, and drove off towards the group in the distance.

—

Lily couldn’t sit still even though she was jammed into the back of a Jeep with two other people. She was so freaking excited to see and pet reindeer and they were speeding closer to them every moment.  

“I want to go over a few rules before we get to the field,” the driver half shouted. “You will stay inside the area we have fenced in. We don’t need to get y’all lost out here. There’s wolves, grizzlies, and a whole lot of nothing. It’s colder out here too. So don’t leave your jackets hats or nuthin’ in the car.  You’ll need them even if it’s only for a few minutes. Lastly, do not go into the field. They are not pets. You don’t get to touch them. They will headbutt you good if you get too close. And those antlers aren’t just for show either.” 

Lily’s heart dropped.  He had to be joking. They were so cute and fluffy. She needed to hug them! The closer she got the more the need had grown.  Surely the man didn’t mean everything he just said.  He was exaggerating, and it wasn’t like she was going to hurt them.  She just wanted to feel their fur firsthand.

As the Jeep finally slowed to a stop, Lily caught her first glance of an actually real-life reindeer! She couldn’t help the little squeal of excitement, only to blush as the rest of the passengers gave her strange looks.  Maybe they weren’t as excited as she was, but she couldn’t help it.  She was about to cross off a major bucket list item.  Who wouldn’t be excited about that?  

Looking out the window, Lily could now clearly see reindeer wandering about in the soft snow.  There were at least a dozen, varying in sizes from what she assumed was a full-grown male, to several smaller females some with and without antlers. There were a few caves too, which even if they weren’t newborns, were still adorable.  They were all right there, almost close enough to just reach out and touch! 

“Alright everyone out that’s getting out. We ain’t staying for long.” Lily instantly yanked on the door handle and stumbled from the backseat. The driver caught her and stood her upright. 

“Careful now youngin. You don’t want to hurt yourself.” 

Lily blushed and shuffled quickly to the wooden fence and climbed up to have a better look. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw some of the others do the same.  There were even a couple of kids who were almost as excited as she was. Smiling, she only half listened to one of the guides who was giving an informational lecture and then started taking questions as she turned her attention back to the reindeer. 

One of the females without a calf started to lumber closer.  Lily watched in fascination as the guide produced a carrot from a bin next to where he’d been standing. As if on queue, the female came all the way to the edge of the fence, taking the carrot from him with ease.  Wishing she were closer, so she could have tried to touch it, she was disappointed as the female finished her treat and then returned to the field among the other animals. 

“Can I give one a carrot,” Lily suddenly asked as the guide met her eyes.

“No, I already told you they can be dangerous.  They know me.  They don’t know you.” 

Lily scowled at that, but the guide didn’t seem to notice as he returned his attention to the rest of the crowd and continued to answer questions.  The female certainly didn’t seem dangerous.  She’s taken the carrot right out of the guide’s hands.  Surely the guide was again exaggerating. 

“Alright, everyone back in the Jeeps.  We’re going to show you a little of the farm before heading back to the train,” the guide suddenly announced. 

Lily frowned and started to trudge back with the other visitors.  All she wanted to do was touch a reindeer and now her chance for that was over. Or did it have to be over?  Lily looked back over toward where the guide had been standing and the bin that held the carrots.  The silver, metal-bin was sitting on a grouping of rocks, keeping it off the ground, but also making it just high enough to give her an idea. 

With a quick glance back at the Jeeps to make sure no one was looking, she dashed to the bin, ducking down behind it and trying to make herself as small and as invisible as possible.  She covered her mouth, stifling a giggle as she sneakily watched the Jeeps load up and then drive off. 

Once alone, she opened the bin and pulled out the biggest carrot she could find.  She returned to the fence and waved the carrot at the closest animal.  “Come on over,” Lily called to it.  “Don’t you want this big yummy carrot?”

The animal watched her for a moment before turning and walking in the opposite direction. 

Lily frowned and stepped up onto the lower rung of the fence, again calling to the animal only to become frustrated as it again ignored her.   Her frown deepened, and she threw the carrot toward the reindeer.  “Come on, I know you want it!” 

The reindeer paused and moved closer to the carrot which was now a few feet away and sniffed it before taking it into its mouth. Glad to finally get its attention, Lily dug back into the bin and pulled out a handful of carrots. “Come on, I got lots. I have enough for all of you,” she happily declared.

—

“What do you mean you lost one?” Eowyn growled, trying to keep her voice even.  “How does that even happen?”

“I’m sorry, Boss,” Cody stammered into the phone.  “We picked up 14 guests and only brought 13 back.  It was the blonde, I think. I don’t see her now.”

“What blonde?  Why didn’t you count at each stop? When was the last time you saw her?”

“We usually do, but with such a small group…” Cody stammered into the phone.

“Save it, Cody.  We’ll talk more later, right now we need to find her before she gets hurt or freezes to death. When did you last see her?”

“She was definitely with us when we stopped at Riker’s Ridge to see the herd. I can come back and help search.” He offered.

“I should make you come back, but no, go be with your family.  We’ll find her.  I’ll see you again after the pass opens.” Eowyn zipped her jacket up before she hopped back into her side-by-side and sped off towards the Riker’s Ridge.

“I outta known better to let them start doing tours! The last thing we need is some weak city girl out here in the middle of nowhere. She’ll miss that train if I don’t find her soon!” She cursed to herself, before reaching for the radio she let everyone know what was going on. At least as people were loading up to leave they could keep an eye out for her. 

Arriving at Riker’s Ridge, there were no obvious signs of the woman in the marked-off area. And the only noise was the faint sounds the train was making in the distance. She called over the radio again. Still no sign of her. Eowyn took her binoculars and stepped out of the side by side.

“HELLO? Is anyone out here?! You are gonna get left if we don’t get you back!” She waited. Nothing. Eowyn scanned all the Riker’s Ridge and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. The reindeer were clumped together under evergreen trees, seeking shelter, but were still and quiet. 

“HELLO! CAN ANYONE HEAR ME!? YOU ARE GOING TO GET LEFT!” Still nothing. Maybe they had miscounted. She radioed for a third time. Hoping. Praying. Wishing. They had found this damn woman. 

“No Boss, we still can’t find her. And they can’t hold the train much longer. There’s more snow coming in and it could block Willow Crossing.”  Eowyn sighed and scanned everywhere with her binoculars. There was nowhere she could be out here. Maybe at another stop. She better check. Just as she was scooting into her seat once more a blood-curdling scream rang out. Eowyn jumped out, slung her rifle over her back, and took off in the direction of the herd. Surely their guest hadn’t jumped the fence. 

—

Lily breathed hard as she lay flat on her back in the snow bank. Her head pounded a bit. The tour guy hadn’t been lying. They could butt something fierce. She tried to get up but she was a bit stuck in the hard snow. 

She suddenly heard a woman’s deep raspy voice in the distance, “I’m coming! Don’t move!” 

She couldn’t even if she wanted to. Hopefully, it would be quick. The cold and wet were seeping through her clothing. Stupid reindeer. They got grumpy when she ran out of carrots from her stash. A big one, that looked like a grumpy old man, started by nudging her, and the next thing she knew the grumpy one hit her square in the gut and she went flying. 

A face suddenly appeared in front of her, lit up almost angelic like with the sun behind her. Her rescuer she supposed. Firm jaw life with blue eyes, black hair turning gray, and skin tanned with what she assumed was many a day working in the sun. She couldn’t help but stare. 

“Can you hear me? What’s hurting other than that bump on the head?” 

Warm hands were touching her face now and jarred her back to reality. She groaned. “Everything. The old man got me good.” She tried to move again and this time the woman helped her.

“They will do that if you don’t know ‘em. Didn’t they tell you that?” 

Lily’s face blushed. “Yeah, I guess they did, but I’m stubborn sometimes.”

“You sure you’re not hurt?  Your back, your head?”

Lily wrinkled her nose as she touched the back of her own head.  There was a knot, but she’d had worse.  Her abdomen was sore too. Rubbing it, she looked back at her rescuer.  “Probably gonna bruise.”

“I bet,” Eowyn agreed before looking at her watch and sighing.  “Let’s get you back to the main house.  I have aspirin and a cold pack you can put on your head.” Lifting her radio, Eowyn reported, “I found her.  Taking her back to the main house. Those of you that are leaving, have a safe trip, the rest of you I’ll see soon.  It looks like we’re going to have a guest for a bit.”

Lily wrinkled her nose as she processed what her rescuer had just said.  “What do you mean by that?”

Eowyn shrugged.  “Your little stunt  just caused you to miss the train.”

“Oh God. When will the next one come, later tonight?”

Eowyn just shook her head. “You’ll be lucky to make it out of here by the New Year.  There was an avalanche and the pass is blocked.  Storm coming in tomorrow will make clearing it impossible for the foreseeable future.”

Lily’s chin dropped.  “Surely there is another way.  I can rent a car perhaps.”

Eowyn again shook her head.  “No rental place out here and even if you could get a vehicle, I wouldn’t let you drive through that storm.  You decided to break the rules and you’re now my responsibility.”

Lily frowned.  “I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Too late for that,” Eowyn replied as she gestured toward her side-by-side vehicle. 

“My name is Lily, by the way.  Lily Stranton.”

“Eowyn,” Eowyn said.  “But most people around here call me Boss.”

Lily climbed up into the passenger’s seat.  “You own this place?”

“No, but I’m in charge.”

“Okay, boss lady,” Lily teased with a smirk.

Eowyn raised an eyebrow as she turned the key.  “Eowyn will do.”

Lily’s smirk quickly faded. This lady was way too uptight. She was appreciative that she’d been found, but was having trouble processing being stuck. The idea was pretty outrageous. There had to be some roads or maybe a small plane she could rent, although that would probably be very expensive. Just going on this trip had been a splurge, even though the tickets had been covered, there still was food and the clothing she had to buy for the cold weather. Oh, and the hotel… that was going to be a problem. The room was non-refundable. So much for an amazing Christmas this year.

—

“Well, here it is. It’s the biggest house on the ranch. Downstairs is community space. Upstairs is my bedroom and rooms for my guests and the owners and such.” Eowyn opened the door to her cabin and ushered Lily inside. “Lodge is locked up for the holidays, so you’ll be staying here with me.” 

Lily seemed hesitant to enter the cabin deeper. “You live here? Alone? Where is everyone else?”

“The cabin is mine, but I’m rarely alone.  Everyone uses the kitchen.  Jess, our vet, and her husband Tuk, my second in command, are still here for the holiday.  They live in the apartment above the equipment garage. And Green is here too.  He’ll be staying in the bunkhouse though.”

“Green?” 

“Greenhorn? Low man on the totem pole. Stall muker whatever have you.” 

Lily nodded slowly. There was an awkward silence for a few moments. 

“Your clothes are wet and I’m sure you’re cold by now. We’ve probably got something about your size round here somewhere.” Eowyn pointed down the hall. “Showers that way help yourself and warm up. I’ll go find something for you to put on. You’re gonna need some real clothes if you stay out here.” Eowyn nodded and turned away from the woman in search of clothes. 

Lily found herself standing alone in the front hallway of a cozy two-story cabin as she watched her new acquaintance march off in the opposite direction. So far she was a bit of a mystery. But there wasn’t time to linger on that. Her body shivered which made her realize her fingers and toes both were painfully numb. Stupid freaking cold. She should have known better. 

Lily took a deep breath and watched Eowyn disappear behind the door in the old side of the living area before trudging down the hallway towards the bathroom. 

She quietly closed the heavy door behind her before she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her cheek was already turning blue and her nose was a blistered pink and so were the tips of her ears. What a mess. And her hair which started today nicely manicured was a stringy wet mess. Fantastic. She turned to the pearl white shower and flipped the hot water on full blast. At least they had hot water. 

Lily stripped all her wet clothing and left them in a pile before stepping into the steamy hot shower. Her body shivered again, beginning to release the cold that had taken over. As she warmed her thoughts again turned toward her host.  Eowyn was an odd name, but she supposed it fit.  Eowyn wasn’t like anyone else she’d ever met.  

Maybe it was just because she was older, but she seemed stern and no-nonsense.  Maybe that was a good thing.  Lily had never had anyone like that in her life before.  Her parents were the supportive type, but only when it suited them.  She was the baby, and her siblings were quite a bit older at 12 and 15 years, so she never was very close to them. They were both off to college and their own lives before she really remembered. Even now they didn’t have time for her.  

As she lost herself standing under the warm gentle water her thoughts turned again to Eowyn and how she’d ran to her rescue. It was nice. Almost like she cared. If only she had someone like that all the time. Wouldn’t that be nice.

—

Eowyn made a face at the clothes she had found in their storage closet. They weren’t perfect but she reckoned they were better than letting the girl freeze to death.  “I’ve got some clothes for you. Where do you want them?” she called towards the bathroom. 

She waited a moment but didn’t hear anything. Fear overcame her and her stomach tightened.  Perhaps she misjudged how badly Lily had been hurt.  She had hit her head and that could lead to all sorts of problems.

“Lily?!” Eowyn opened the door to check. Only as the door opened there was an obvious realization her visitor was just fine. The room was filled with steam and a very naked Lily was in the shower. 

“Sorry! I thought- I was- sorry!” She blurted, dropping the clothes on the floor before quickly shutting the door. Eowyn smacked herself in the face. Great now she’s going to think I’m a creep or something. Eowyn kicked the wall before going to find herself some coffee. 

The coffee was warm and it helped, but then there was little that a good cup of coffee didn’t fix. She still felt silly, walking in on Lily like that. She’d genuinely been concerned, but then seeing her with her hip turning colors hurt her heart. Still, she had been wrong, invading her privacy like that without a second thought. She had to remember Lily wasn’t one of the hands used to her overbearing tendency for safety. 

With a sigh, Eowyn took another sip and then turned as she sensed she wasn’t alone.  “Ah, Hi. Coffee?” she offered to Lily.  The girl had put on the clothing she’d offered, a pair of jeans that was about four sizes too big and an oversized flannel shirt.  She managed to tuck the shirt in, which was holding the pants up, but the overall look almost made Eowyn forget how embarrassed she’d been just a moment ago. 

“Sorry about the clothes, and ah… the shower,” Eowyn said as she moved to pour Lily a cup.  “Cream, sugar?”

“Yes, please,” Lily said, sliding into one of the kitchen chairs.  “And don’t worry about it.  Not like I have anything you haven’t seen before, right?” she added with a small smile. 

“I suppose not.  I was just worried about you.  I called out and you didn’t answer. Speaking of which,” Eowyn added, moving to the freezer and pulling out two bags of frozen peas.  “You should put this on that bump on your head and this on your hip.  I’ll get you some aspirin too.”

“That’s really not necessary. It’s not that bad.”

 Eowyn put the bag on Lily’s head and then put Lily’s hand on it to hold it in place then put the other bag in the other hand. “You will be staying here for a while. You might as well get used to doing what I tell ya.” Eowyn acerted. 

“You are serious about that? Can’t you just drive me out of here? That way I’m not in your way and I can get back to my vacation.” 

Eowyn sat back down and sipped from her steaming cup. “No can do. Driving would take ten hours on a good day. And with the snow we’ve had it could take days. I won’t risk it.” 

Lily’s lip went into a small pout which stirred something in Eowyn. “You might as well get comfy too. And you will be helping out with chores around here as well. You stay, you work,” she announced matter-of-factly. 

Lily’s mouth opened in surprise. “Come on, it’s not my fault I’m stuck here.”

“Actually it is,” Eowyn countered.  “If you wouldn’t have broken the rules and ditched the group, you could have made the train.  Besides, a little hard work won’t kill ya, and you might actually learn something useful.”

“I’m not afraid of hard work,” Lily huffed.

Eowyn took another sip of coffee as she studied the girl.  She was still pouting, which was in a way cute and in a way irritating.  She expected more from her staff… but Lily’s wasn’t one of hers.  She was a guest, albeit uninvited.  Still, there was something about the girl that made Eowyn want to protect her and make sure she not only was safe, but happy too.  Being gruff with her wasn’t going to help. She needed to back off a bit.   

“Good, I’m glad to hear that,” Eowyn finally managed.  “So, tell me about yourself. What do you do?”

Lily sat back, shifting the bag of peas a bit in the process.  “I’m a web page developer.”

“Oh? That’s interesting, you work for one of those big companies?”

Lily shrugged.  “No, I freelance.  I like to pick my own projects, and the flexibility is nice.”

“I see.  That’s kinda why I’m here too.  I don’t own the place, just run it, but it’s nice to be my own Boss.  I get to do what I like to do.”

“That’s what’s important,” Lily agreed.  

“It is.  Speaking of which, we need to find a place for you. Do you cook?”

“Um, does boxed mac and cheese count?”

Eowyn wrinkled her nose.  “No, but it is getting late.  Come on, you can help me start dinner. You can cut vegetables, can’t you?”

“Don’t know… I guess I can try,” Lily answered with a straight face. 

Eowyn’s eyes went wide until Lily cracked a smile and giggled.  “You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you?” she teased.

—

Sitting at the table, Lily was enjoying herself more than she thought she would.  The vet, Jess, was very funny. She seemed to be the only one who could get away with teasing Eoywn without getting a stare of death. After giving her a once over, at Eowyn’s instance, she’s been very helpful in finding Lily some clothing that was much closer to her size. Jess was a bit taller, but they were a similar build and anything was better than that scratchy flannel shirt.  Her husband, Tuk, was also very nice.  Green, as everyone called him, was funny too.  He kept practically tripping over his own feet as he scrambled to do everything Eoywn commanded. 

Out of everyone, however, she was most fascinated with Eoywn.  The tall stranger had to be in her early to mid-40s but never mentioned a family or much of anything about herself that didn’t involve the ranch.  She was pretty, even if overly independent, it seemed odd that she hadn’t had a partner, or kids or something.  Maybe Lily was missing something, but there was just something off about the boss lady, and it was just enough that it made her want to get to know Eowyn better. 

“Hey Boss, when we going to cut a tree to bring inside? You said we could if we stayed this year.” Jess suddenly questioned. All eyes turned to Eowyn. 

“Well-” she stopped mid-sentence and jumped from the table sprinting toward the door. 

“Horses out!” she shouted. And suddenly Jess, Tuk, and Green were all moving too. 

“What you waiting on, Lily? Let’s go!” Jess called behind her just as the group piled out the door. Lily now found herself stumbling toward the still-open front door before she shoved her feet into borrowed snow boots and ran into the cold darkness. 

“Lily get by that gate and when I say close it, you close it fast!” Eowyn yelled as she pointed to a gate across the yard that was dimly lit by one of the lights attached to the nearby barn. Lily ran and did just as asked. She’d have time later to ponder why she did what was asked without hesitation.

—

Lily shivered as she stood by the roaring fireplace in Eowyn’s cabin. They had been outside for hours chasing down horses and Lily’s arms were sore from pushing the heavy gate back and forth for much of it, letting the animals in one by one. Green was seated on the couch across from her looking solemn. There had been a good bit of yelling at him while the group was outside. Jess stood beside her also warming up and Eowyn and Tuk were still outside but promised they were coming soon. 

Footsteps were heard on the porch and Lily could hear Jess whisper, “This ain’t going to be good.”

Before she could question her, the front door swung open and Eowyn came in first with Tuk close behind. Neither said a word but quickly went to stand in front of Green. Their faces were hard and stiff. Lily’s stomach fluttered. 

“How many times have we had to discuss you doing all your chores?”  Green’s mouth went to open but he promptly shut it when Eowyn continued. “You were in charge of getting the lock on the gate fixed days ago. It’s still not fixed! I should fire you outright, but unfortunately for you, that’s just not possible right now. But don’t you worry, Green you will be punished. Apologize to Jess and Lily for causing them to have to get in this cold for 3 hours in the blasted middle of the night!”

 Green’s eyes were wide and the room was silent. 

“Now!” Eowyn ordered. The young man slowly looked between Jess and Lily. 

“I’m sorry Jess, Lily. It was stupid and irresponsible of me.” Eowyn took a step back from the man and looked at Tuk.

“I’ll be keeping a very close eye on you from now until the rail opens back up. Any more foolishness from you, you will be gone. As for now, Tuk is going to take you to the bunkhouse for a long conversation.” 

In the back of Lily’s mind she wondered just what kind of conversion they were going to have, but what was more interesting was Eowyn and how direct she’d been with her lecture.  She’d almost feel sorry for Green but realized he was lucky in a way too.  To have someone call her out when she’d make a mistake would be a welcome though.  No one had ever cared enough to do that before.   

“Bosss…” Green started but then again stole a look towards Lily and Jess. 

Without further explanation, Tuk half-pulled half led Green up and towards the front door. 

“I’ll see you later Jess. Don’t wait up .”

“Love you. Don’t be too long.” Jess answered. Lily stayed by the still-warm fire as Jess soon disappeared out the back door and Eowyn collapsed onto the couch.  

Lily watched Eowyn for a minute before sitting down next to her.   “That was something, wasn’t it?”

“You don’t know the half of it.  Green’s gonna be the death of me.” Eowyn slowly opened her eyes and looked at Lily.  “I’m sorry you got stuck in the middle of that.  That’s twice today you’ve nearly froze to death.”

Lily gave her a small shrug.  “I don’t mind helping. In a way it was fun.  I’ve never done anything like that before.  It was nice. Made me feel like I was part of something important.”

“You did good, kid,” Eowyn said with a small smile.

Lily smiled back in kind.  She knew Eowyn was kidding, but the praise was also nice to hear.  She was proud of herself and it seemed like Eowyn was proud of her too.  “Thanks. I am curious though, what are Tuk and Green going to talk about?” Lily asked curiously. 

“His punishment,” Eowyn answered matter of factly. 

“His punishment? Like extra chores or something?”  

“Something like that,” Eowyn said before pausing for a long moment.  “Don’t worry about it, it doesn’t concern you.” 

Lily slowly nodded, but inside she was torn.  It seemed like she and Eowyn were having a moment and then suddenly the older women closed down again. 

“Anyway, I should show you where you’ll be sleeping.” 

Lily again nodded as she followed Eowyn up the stairs and down a long hall.  The cabin was bigger than she realized as she passed by another bathroom and two more bedrooms before Eowyn finally stopped and pointed at a door on the left. 

“Here you go.  I’m right next door if you need anything.  There should be clean towels, and an extra blanket in the closet.”

“Okay, ah, thanks.  Are you going to bed now?”

“We get up early around here.  You’d be best to get some sleep too,” Eowyn explained.

“Ah, I suppose, it’s just…”

“Yeah? Go ahead and spit it out.”

Lily blushed and looked down toward the ground.  “I’m not used to sleeping without a TV, or some sort of noise.  It’s very… quiet here.”

Eowyn sighed, trying not to show her annoyance. “Don’t suppose you’re used to being in bed before 9, either.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Well, none of the rooms have TVs and even if they did there is no reception out here. I could get you a book,” Eowyn offered, but Lily only wrinkled her nose at the idea.
“I’ll just play on my phone.  Luckily I had a charger in my purse.”

“Okay, but remember what I said about getting up early.  No one sleeps in on the farm.”

—

Leaving Lily to get settled, Eowyn retired to her own room.  She’d given some thought to where to put Lily and decided to put her in the room next to her own.  The cabin had 4 bedrooms total, for when they did occasionally host guests. It had a large kitchen and communal space that everyone used on the daily, but usually, the men retired to the bunk house and Jess and Tuk to their little apartment above the equipment garage.  At night Eowyn usually enjoyed her solitude.  It would be odd having a single guest, but it felt right to have her nearby.  

She meant what she said about getting up early and hoped that Lily took her seriously. As she lay in her own bed, however, she had a hard time relaxing.  Her thoughts kept going back to Lily and just how much the girl reminded her of her younger self. 

Eowyn hadn’t always lived on the ranch.   She was probably just a year or two younger than Lily when she made her way here, taking up a summer job to get by.  She’d never had much of a family either, at least not before coming to the ranch.  She had a father, although she didn’t really remember him and her mother was more interested in the bottom of a bottle than her.  She practically raised herself, at least until she was 15 and finally had enough.  From there she’d gone from town to town, picking up odd jobs and learning a thing or two on the road. 

It wasn’t until she found her way to the North Star that things started to change.   The owner, Mac, and his wife Shirly were both patient and generous souls.  Back then a female ranch hand was practically unheard of, but they’d taken her in and Mac had gone out of his way to teach her the business.  It wasn’t long before she was his number two, and when he suddenly died of a heart attack some 15 years ago, Shirly had given her blessing for Eowyn to take over. Shirly lived with other family now, somewhere in Arizona, and left 99% of the ranch handling with Eowyn and Eowyn was fine with that.

Lily, however, wasn’t exactly like her.  She had the same spunk maybe, but wasn’t interested in working a farm.  She hadn’t even intended on staying more than a few hours.  Getting stuck wasn’t either of their plans. Still, stuck she was, and Eowyn meant what she said about Lily earning her keep.  The city girl might run off the first chance she got, but in the meantime, she might learn a thing or two about good old-fashioned work and discipline. 

With that thought, Eowyn rolled over and hugged her pillow. The farm hadn’t been the same since Mac left. When he died a piece of her did too. It took her over two years just to move from that little room down the hall to the master where she now slept, but even here alone, she still had memories, and that was something that she’d always treasure.

—

Lily raised her hand to cover her yawn.  She didn’t want Eowyn to see how tired she was.  5 AM had come too soon, but Lily had tried to keep positive. Her experience with the horses the night before had been exhausting, but also exhilarating.   She’s never been part of a team where everyone seemed to just know what to do quite like they had last night.  

Today though, she’d probably been busier than any other day of her life.  She probably got more steps in than a long day at Disney!  Eowyn had her shadow her all day, giving her one task after another.  She’d helped feed the chickens, milked a cow — by hand, and repaired a fence, AND that was all before breakfast! 

“Eat up Lily, we are right back at it as soon as we are done.”

 Lily looked to Eowyn who had a skillet in her hand plating hot food. “Too tired to eat,” she mumbled. 

Eowyn chuckled a bit. “The day is still early yet. Wait till tonight.” Eowyn grinned at her and continued with the dishing up. 

Soon the front door opened and the rest of the Christmas crew filed in. Jess and Tuk were hand in hand and Green was three steps behind still looking well chastised and silent.  Everyone sat and Jess looked at Green who still hadn’t said anything. 

“Surprised you can sit,” Jess snickered. 

“Jessica Marie.” Tuk and Eowyn scolded at once. The serious voice Eowyn held made Lily sit up straighter. 

“What?… sorry,” she said, pouring herself some coffee and shrinking into Tuk’s side. 

“What’s going on? Why wouldn’t Green be able to sit? Did you hurt yourself already this morning?” Lily looked Green up and down. He seems fine other than the blush he was sporting now. 

“He’s fine. Enough talk. Let’s eat.” Eowyn gave the group a serious look and everyone quieted down. 

Lily pushed the food around her plate. If she was still for more than ten minutes, sleep would definitely take over. 

“If we have time we can go pick a tree tonight. But that means everyone has to get everything done early which shouldn’t be too bad since we have an extra hand,” Eowyn advised. 

“I’m so excited to pick a tree, it’s my favorite tradition we have. Lily, have you ever cut a real tree before?” Jess asked curiously.

“No, we never really celebrated Christmas that much. So you really just go cut down a tree? That seems dangerous,” Lily answered as Eowyn shook her head but didn’t comment. 

“About as dangerous as you jumping fences to pet 300-pound animals,” Tuk quipped. 

“Tuk,” Eowyn hissed. 

“Sorry, Boss.”

“You lot are a pain in my ass this morning. Three minutes and y’all better be done. We need to clean the stalls. I’ll be waiting.” Eowyn dumped her plate in the sink and out the door she went leaving the rest of them in silence.

“Is she okay?” Lily asked 

“She’s fine, just in a bad mood,” Tuk answered. 

“Since 1987,” Jess commented. 

“Watch it.” Tuk gave his wife a look. 

“You’re in a bad mood too,” she snarked. 

“You’re asking for it.”

 Jess poked her tongue out at him and got up and left much like Eowyn did. 

“That woman,” Tuk whispered and followed close behind. 

Lily looked at Green. He shrugged and stood following behind Tuk.

—

“No! That’s where I draw the line! I’m NOT shoveling poop!” Eowyn watched Lilly stomp and throw the fork. 

“I don’t recall asking, Lily. I told you yesterday you stay, you work. You did this by breaking the rules so now you get to do the same thing as the rest of us.” 

Lily crossed her arms with a scowl which made Eowyn twitch. “I won’t! I’ve done everything else you wanted. I fed, chased, cleaned, brushed, moved, and 20 other things! I’m not scooping horse crap!” She stopped again and the scowl grew. 

Eowyn forced herself to take a deep breath. That little girl was asking for it. She was twitchy and if anyone else had spoken to her like that it would have not been good for them. But then Lily wasn’t just anyone. 

Eowyn leveled voice, “Lily, I’m not asking. Stop acting like a child or you won’t come with us to pick a tree tonight nor will you get to help decorate.” Eowyn picked up the fork and put it back in Lily’s hand. 

“I hate it here!” Lily screamed and yanked the fork away and started shoveling at the floor flinging the dirty hay everywhere. 

Eowyn sighed and went back to her own stall and started cleaning. Lily may claim that she hated it, but at least she was somewhat trying. Eowyn focused on the ground in front of her. The faster done with these chores the faster she couldn’t retreat from the frustrating blonde in the stall next to her. 

For all the bother, Lily still captured her imagination. She still felt a need to protect her and definitely wanted to know more about what made the blonde tick. It was enduring in a way. For the most part, she had done as best she could all day. She wasn’t a natural ranch hand but she was a hard worker. She was curious too. It was an odd combo because although she protested, she also seemed to be entranced with everything that was explained. She asked a million questions too. 

Eowyn glanced at the stall next to her. She could still see that pout on Lily’s lips that made her want to pull the woman over her knee right here and now. But it was also cute and made her wonder what it would be like to work with Lily every day. Would she even want to try? Would it be worth it? Eowyn shook her head. There was no way that would ever happen. Lily was a city girl through and through so she might as well forget any thoughts like that right now.

—

As Lily shoveled, she grumbled to herself.  It was stinky and dirty and gross, but as she looked up and caught Eowyn watching her, she couldn’t help but blush.  The older woman was growing on her.  Yes, she was grumpy, grouchy, and brash, but there was something in that sure, strict tone that was a total turn-on.  There was just something in the way that Eowyn spoke, with that edge and roughness that made Lily want to both obey and do anything the brunette wanted, but there was also a drive that made her want to run in the opposite direction as quickly as possible. 

Lily had always been independent and sure of herself,  She’d made do and was able to figure things out on her own.  When her dishwasher broke, she’d pulled it out and managed to get it working again, all by herself.  When she got lost in Switzerland and separated from her tour, she found her way back to the hotel on her own, even though she didn’t speak a word of French.  She even once figured out how to put in a new car battery.  

She didn’t need someone like Eowyn in her life.  This was all temporary anyway.  A few days and she’d be on her way, back home and back to her own daily grind. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder what living on the ranch would really be like.  Besides being dirty, gross, and stinky, it had some appeal.  It was different, not being practically connected to her laptop or cell phone.  In fact, she hadn’t even brought her cell phone with her.  It was still on the nightstand in her room. There was no point since there wasn’t any real reception to be had.  The idea of unplugging was just as novel and entertaining as fantasizing about what it would be like to sit on Eowyn’s lap and cuddle. 

Lily chuckled at the thought.  The whole idea was silly. There was more to that between her and the older woman.  She couldn’t explain it, but early Eowyn’s praise had suddenly become more important than just about anything else. She found herself wondering what it would be to stay under her guidance even after the snow cleared. 

“Hey!  What did you stop for?” Eowyn called out to her.  “We have 18 more stalls to do.”

Lily’s eyes bulged.  All this time and she’d barely cleared one. “Seriously?  Why do we have to do it all?”

“Green, Tuk, and Jess have their own chores.  Just be thankful you don’t know what you’re doing or else you’d be doing this alone.”

Lily huffed, taking her frustration out on a large pile of muck, she used her fork to throw it into the bin. Spinning back around to grab another scoop, she didn’t realize how slippery the floor was.  One moment she was upright and the second she was flat on her back.  

“Owwwww,” Lily murmured, opening her eyes and blushing as she caught Eowyn’s blue orbs staring down at her. 

“Are you alright?” Eowyn asked giving her a hand.

“This seems to be becoming a pattern, and yes, I think so,” Lily answered, taking the hand and allowing Eowyn to pull her up into a sitting position. 

“Good,” Eowyn said and then wrinkled her nose.

“What?” Lily asked, turning her head and trying to see behind her.  It was only then that she realized the back of her jacket was not as pristine as it had been just moments ago.  “I landed in horse shit, didn’t I?”

“Yep.  It’s in your hair too.  Off to the showers.  You’re not to come back out until your hair is dry, understand me?”

“Oh?” Lily couldn’t help the smile.  

“Don’t get cocky. There is a hair dryer under the sink. I expect to see you again in 45 minutes.  Don’t make me come looking for you.”

Lily’s smile faded.  “Why you gotta be such a hard ass?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m trying to help, I’m covered in horse shit, and now you’re even putting a timer on my shower?”

Eowyn raised a single eyebrow.  “Now ya got 30 minutes.  I suggest you get moving. We still have a lot to do if you wanna get that tree.”

Lily’s eyes narrowed.  “I don’t care about your stupid tree.”

“That’s too bad, cuz everyone else does.  We work as a team around here.  Now you better get moving if you want that shower.”

Lily wanted to stomp her foot and tell Eowyn just where she could put her stupid tree, but she also felt disgusting.  The smell alone was starting to get to her much less the thought of what was actually in her hair.  “I’ll be back when I’m good and ready,” she finally declared, turning on her heel and marching back toward the main cabin.

“See you in 30,” Eowyn echoed back. 

As Lily stormed off back to the cabin she was close to tears.  She didn’t know why Eowyn snapped at her, or why she’d snapped back.  Or maybe she’d snapped first.  It wasn’t her fault she was covered in horse crap.  Maybe she’d been wrong about Eowyn.  She wanted to be mad, but then thinking about those blue eyes and the concern they’d held when Lily had fallen, it made her melt, just a little.  Still, she hadn’t liked that Eowyn had put a timer on her.  She was still her own person and had her own ability to make her own choices.  She meant what she said and was fully not planning on coming back until she was good and ready. 

—

Even though Eowyn had told Lily she had 30 minutes, she gave her a little more than twice that before she finally went looking.  She was hoping to give the blonde a little time to calm down and return on her own, but when she entered the cabin and found Lily sitting on the couch and leafing through an old magazine she frowned.   Lily obviously hadn’t taken her advice, and although inside and in front of a fire, her hair was definitely still wet.  There was no way she was planning on returning to the stalls. 

 Eowyn let out a small grunt to announce her presence but didn’t engage.  Rather, she made her way into the kitchen where she gave her hands a good scrub before putting on a new pot of coffee.  The work in the stable had kept her warm, but walking back to the house reminded her just what a December in Montana was all about.  

She sat down on a kitchen chair, facing the living room, and considered what she should do about her houseguest.  It was true that Lily wasn’t her employee.  She hadn’t agreed to the same contract that she had all her employees sign.  Life on the ranch was hard, and discipline was necessary, and even if seldomly applied, wasn’t unheard of.  Green’s recent indiscretion was proof enough of that.  

Still, Lily couldn’t be allowed to ignore a direct order. That was unacceptable and contract or not, there had to be a consequence.  

With another grunt, Eowyn picked up her coffee and returned to the living room.  She sat down on a chair in Lily’s direct line of sight, crossing her legs, and waiting for the blonde to say something. 

Lily managed almost three whole minutes before she slammed her magazine down.  “What?”

Eowyn raised a dark eyebrow.  “Care to explain why you didn’t return?”

“I didn’t feel like shoveling more crap.  I thought I made that clear.”

“I thought I made myself clear as well.  You stay, you work.”

Lily huffed.  “It’s not my idea to be here.  I wanted to leave, remember?”

“What you want is immaterial if it’s not possible.  While you’re here, you’re my responsibility and that means you do what I say,” Eowyn returned evenly.

Lily rolled her eyes.  “I’m going to my room.”

“That’s right you are.”

Lily froze, half rising from her seat.  “What?”

“You’re grounded to your room for the rest of the evening.  You will not be going with us to get the tree or to help decorate.”

Lily’s cheeks blushed in anger.  “I didn’t want to do anything with a stupid o’tree anyway,” she huffed before flying off the couch and sprinting up the stairs.  

Somehow Eowyn wasn’t surprised to hear the door to Lily’s room slam.  She sighed and took another sip of coffee.  Maybe Lily didn’t care, but something in the blonde’s reaction told her there was more to it than just angry words.  Lily was greener than Green, but Eowyn saw something in her.  There was a spark that seemed to come alive when she was with the animals and working around the ranch.  It was hard to explain, but Eowyn had seen it before.  Just maybe the outburst meant a little more than frustration at being stuck. 

—

Eowyn went back to her chores. In reality Lily did make the work go faster and by early afternoon she found herself back at the main cabin with Jess, Tuk, and Green. 

“How did Green do on his chores today?” She asked Tuk over their plates of lunch. Jess looked between the two of them seemingly waiting for an answer. 

“He did fine. I’m sure his bruised hind end was motivation enough,” Tuk answered as Green sunk lower in his chair and refused to look up. 

“That’s good to hear. Better than someone who shall not be named then.” Eowyn caught the raised eyebrow that was Tuk’s reaction but didn’t remark on it. 

“Maybe she needs what Green got,” Jess offered. 

“Jessica,” Tuk scolded. “I’ve already warned you. Tonight you and I will have a talk.”

 Eowyn shook her head. Those two. Jessica needed a talk about twice a week and at this point, it was nothing new. The entire ranch knew it wasn’t uncommon Jess was made to fetch a switch and the next thing you’d hear was the woman yelping from it being applied thoroughly.

“It’s okay Tuk, I’m afraid she’s right. It might come down to it.” 

The mood quieted as they all finished up. They chattered a bit about going to find a tree. Jess was going to get the ornaments and lights down from the attic while Tuk and Green hooked a trailer sled up one of the ATVs. 

“Well, I’m going to go feed our house guest and see if I can get her to stop being as stubborn as a mule. While you all get ready to go get a tree,” Eowyn announced after all the dishes were put away. 

“Good luck, Boss,” Tuk told her as he and Green left the cabin. 

“Thanks,” she told him. 

Eowyn busied herself in the kitchen putting together a basic meal for Lily. The woman really did confuse her. Seemed like a stranger and an old friend at the same time. She also seemed to be wrestling with something deep in her simultaneously. She recognized the signs. Half the greenhorns that landed her had the same look and attitude. It wasn’t far from what she found her own self in at one time in life. Eowyn took a deep breath and headed up the stairs. Hopefully Lily would be open to the peace offering so they could have a peaceful Christmas.

—

Lily wasn’t sure how much longer she could stand it. She growled and huffed, and paced the room again. This wasn’t okay! Being grounded like some teenager. Screw this. It had been hours and no one had said anything to her. Lily went to the door and swung it open aggressively only to come face to face with Eowyn. 

“Where do you think you are going, Lily?” was the first thing out of her mouth. 

“Wherever I damn well please. You aren’t the Boss of me!” Lily noticed her brow shoot up and nose flare. Which made her insides melt. Eowyn stepped closer entering the space of the room. 

“I’m the boss of this ranch and by default when you are here I am the boss of you. Look Lily we can have a nice time while you are here or this can be as hard as possible. Right now you are going the hard as possible route. I don’t want that. You don’t know it yet but you don’t want that yet either.” Eowyn told her setting down the plate of food on the dresser. 

“Just because I’m stuck here doesn’t give you the right to treat me like a child,” Lily retorted.

“Then stop acting like one,” Eowyn replied evenly.   She then motioned at the tray of food. “Eat and do your time.  We’re going to go find a tree. We’ll decorate it tonight and have a nice breakfast in the morning after chores.”

“Chores tomorrow?  But it’s Christmas.”

“Animals still gotta eat.  Just leave the tray outside the door when you’re done.  And just so we’re clear, you’re not to leave this room except to use the toilet.”

Lily narrowed her eyes and turned away from Eowyn.  “Whatever.”

Eowyn paused for a moment before leaving.  She hadn’t said anything, which almost made Lily more angry.  She flopped down on the bed and looked at the ceiling.  It was plain and boring, just like the rest of this place.  

A few minutes passed as Lily finally gave in and looked toward the tray of food.  Even though she had spent the last few hours in her room, avoiding the hard work she had endured that morning, she was hungry.  Besides it smelled too good.  It had been ages since she had real fried chicken and mashed potatoes. 

She had just finished the last bit of meat from the leg she’d been chewing on when she heard the noise of a motor outside.  With a slight frown, she made her way to the window.  The landscape might have normally taken her breath away.  Sparking, pristine white, with small bits of green where a tree or bush would poke through covered the land.  The reddish-orange glow that the sun projected just along the horizon was only enchanting the view.  It was so simple, yet almost beckoned her outside so she could see the true colors unhindered by the frosty glass of her window.  

Touching the window she used her sleeve to brush clear away the fog from her breath. She was then able to see the source of the motor.  It was one of the ATVs that was being hooked up to a sled. There were four other ATVs there as well and before long they all roared to life before disappearing into the distance.  

Lily let out a long sigh.  She didn’t really care about the tree, well maybe she did a little.  She didn’t remember the last time she helped decorate one.  Now that she and her brother and sister were adults, her parents never bothered, and there was no point in doing it just for her. What was harder though, was being left behind.  It was too quiet, and being left with nothing but her thoughts was hard.

Realizing why it was too quiet, she suddenly smirked.  Five ATVs meant that there was no one else at the Ranch.  She was alone, and if that was the case, there was no reason why she needed to stay anywhere she didn’t want to be. 

Lily smiled as she left her room.  The house was still too quiet, but as she made her way down to the kitchen her smile broadened as she discovered fresh baked cookies.  They weren’t even put away yet, still sitting on a cooling rack next to the stove.  Snagging not one, but two good-sized chocolate chip cookies, she took a healthy bite before her eyes drifted up to a board next to the door.  There, carefully labeled were several sets of keys.  

She hesitated. She wanted away from this god-forsaken ranch and the woman running it. But then again if Eowyn was telling the truth about how far town was, taking an ATV wasn’t a good idea. She weighed her choices. Endure weeks more at the ranch or risk getting out. Eowyn’s orders echoed in her head. The last thing she wanted was to spend more time shoveling horse crap. The memory of the smell alone urged her forward. Ignoring the ATV keys, she instead went for one of the pick-ups.  Hopefully, there was enough gas in it, at least to get her to the next bit of civilization.  Once safe she could hire some local to bring the truck back.  

Mind made up, she put on the jacket, hat, gloves, and boots she’d been given. She checked her purse for the phone charger and cards that had made it off the train.  Only then did she brave the cold and head out to the open garage that housed the ranch’s vehicles. 

Under the dim light, she looked for the bright pink sticker with the number “11” on it. She couldn’t wait to get in the small cab and the heat on. Even the brief time out here the cold was already seeping into her bones. How anyone lived here full time only God knew. Getting into the small cab, she gave it a moment to warm up as she cranked the heat.  As soon as the windows defrosted, she was off, reversing and carefully backing up out of the parking spot.

“Okay let’s blow this pop joint,” Lily muttered to herself as shot off in the direction of the highway.

—

Eowyn leaned against the front end of the ATV letting the headlights illuminate the tree that Green was currently cutting down. Jess was right beside him supervising his every move. Tuk was next to her, also leaning up against the ATV.  He had given up on helping the duo several minutes ago. 

“I notice our visitor isn’t with us,” he offered. 

“Yes she’s grounded at the moment,” Eowyn replied.  The silence hung for a moment. 

“Do I even want to know?” Tuk questioned. 

Jess and Green started bickering, causing the older woman to roll her eyes. Even on Christmas Eve.  “She refused to help with the chores so I told her she was to stay in her room until morning.” 

Tuk grunted and nodded as they both watched the two continue to argue as the tree started to lean in one direction. At least they were making progress.

“Ya know, Boss I don’t usually give an opinion on what you do on the ranch, but don’t you think you are being a bit rough on the girl? She didn’t want to be here and it’s Christmas at that. I know she’s a right pain in the arse and she messed up jumping the fence, but she’s not a rancher like we are.” 

Eowyn’s nose wrinkled a bit. As much as she hated to admit it Tuk did have a point. 

“I’ll take that under advisement,” Eoweyn responded. 

“I won’t say anything else on it, Boss.” Tuk gave her a quick look. Green and Jess had started arguing louder and now we’re wrestling around under the leaning tree. They were attempting to shove snow down the other’s shirts.  

“Should I?” Tuk asked. 

“Please.” Eowyn encouraged him to take over for the two now-wet brats. 

“Alright enough you two. Go get the straps ready. Let me finish this.” He pulled one then the other out of the deep snow before going to the tree and pushing it over the rest of the way. 

Eowyn found herself thinking about the blonde she’d left pouting in the cabin. She was definitely a Christmas surprise. She was going to bring some fun and entertainment the next few days for sure. Maybe Tuk was right. She was their guest stuck here against her will even if it was because she broke the rules. Her men should have realized she was missing earlier.  When she got back she was going to talk to Lily.  Maybe it wouldn’t be too late for the blonde to join them and help decorate. 

“Alright everyone grab a part and drag,” Tuk instructed, bringing Eowyn from her musings.  

—

Lily was on the main road not two minutes before it started to snow.  She turned on the wipers and squinted into the oncoming flurries.  The last remaining bits of sun was giving her just enough glare to make seeing difficult. She found herself slowing down to compensate but knew that soon it would be dark.  There were no street lights and for the first time, she realized just what a horrible idea this had been.   

Still, she was committed now.  “Slow and steady,” she muttered to herself.  After all, it was just snow.  She’d driven in it before, kind of.  Two years ago she’d gone on a ski vacation with her best friend’s family.  It had been cold and snowing there too, albeit a bit different. There was snow, on the ground, not really on the road or falling from the sky, and it was daylight, but as long as she was careful, it would be fine. 

She just needed to relax.  It was just snow.  She looked down for a second to turn on the radio.  It was the old-fashioned kind, that had a dial. Lily twisted it one way and then the other trying to get a local station, only to frown at the static. She glanced down again, trying to figure out if there was an AM or FM button only to suddenly see something dart in front of her.  Panicking, Lily hit the brake hard, which caused the truck to serve.  

The road was slicker than she realized and the harder she tried to stop, the worse it became.  Before she knew it, she’d spun around and crashed the back end of the truck into a snow bank.  

Lily’s hands were shaking as she let go of the steering wheel.  She looked up only to see a large reindeer stare back at her from the other side of the road. 

“Damn it.” She muttered. Wasn’t this just grand? She tried to hit the gas to climb out of the snow bank but it didn’t budge. She was definitely stuck. It was then that the gas light clicked on glaring red in her face. “Of course!” She yelled into the empty cab. How long would the remaining gas last to at least keep her warm? The snow was falling harder and there was nothing but a thin light low on the horizon. 

—

“You guys shake off the tree good and get it on the porch. I don’t like the idea of bringing in anything live. I’m going to check on Lily.” Erowyn bounded up the steps into the quiet dark cabin. 

“Lily! We are back!” She went further up the stairs to the second floor. Odd all the lights were off even if it was pitch dark now. Maybe Lily was asleep. She knocked on Lily’s door. No answer. “Lily come on. I want to talk.” Erowyn knocked again. She wasn’t in the bathroom either, the light was off and the door was open. She decided to peek inside. Maybe she really was passed out exhausted. 

“Lily?” Erowyn opened the door to an empty bedroom. She stepped fully inside. The bed was empty and so was the desk chair. She looked around the room eyes narrowing. The few things Lily did have with her weren’t present either. No purse or phone charger. 

“Damn it, Lily,” Eowyn cursed as she raced down the stairs. “Lily! Where are you this isn’t funny!” she hollered as loudly as possible. “So help me!”

As she landed on the bottom floor Tuk Jess and Green all stood in the doorway looking at her. 

“She’s not up here. Spread out around here and the barns. Take a walkie. Channel seven. Find her. We are supposed to get 3 feet of snow tonight. She can’t be out in this weather.” Erowyn watched as each jumped into action instantly moving to grab a walkie and head in a different direction. Eowyn got one herself and finished looking through the house even though she doubted she was anywhere close now. 

“Tuk to Boss. I don’t think your little visitor is here. One of the trucks is missing.” Erowyn took a deep breath. That woman had a death wish. She had no idea where she was going or even how to get there, but she decided to steal a truck and drive there alone. She took another deep breath. The last thing she wanted to do was go on a rescue mission on Christmas Eve. 

“Alright, we have to go after her. She won’t get far. Hopefully, we can follow tracks. Fill up two trucks. Get some survival gear and supplies loaded up. Who knows what’ll be out there waiting. We leave in ten.” Erowyn squacked into the walkie talkie. 

—

Lily shivered again. Maybe she should try to walk back to the ranch. It was better than freezing to death in the confines of this truck. She’d made it several miles though. It would take her hours to walk back in this blizzard. Her stomach was a rock. She should have listened. Why was she always so stubborn? She had to learn to listen. She was quickly growing to hate the snow. And the cold. 

The snow was coming down harder now, and Lily was getting worried.  Just the thought of the snow made her feel colder. She zipped up her jacket and pulled her gloves back on.  At least she’d had the sense to bring them.  Not that it would really matter in the end if she froze to death. 

It was fully dark now too and to make it worse the truck suddenly sputtered and then died.  The gas was gone. It was only a matter of time before the battery died as well and she wouldn’t only be without heat, but without light too.  She groaned in frustration.  She was going to die out here.  She was going to die all alone, and no one would even find her until the spring when she was only a pile of bones in a beat-up old pickup half off a road leading to nowhere.

“Okay, that sounds pretty dismal,” Lily chuckled to herself.   “Great, now I’m losing my mind.  I actually found that funny.”

Desperate and a bit bored, she started to explore the truck.  Maybe if she was lucky she could find something that might help her.  They have to keep emergency supplies around somewhere, right?  Eowyn seems like the type that didn’t take chances with things like safety, or at least she hoped she didn’t. 

—

Eowyn kept her eyes peeled as she slowly made her way down the road. She and Green had gone east, while Jess and Tuk went west. Lily had to have gone one way or the other, but as she got further and further away from the ranch, her worry only grew. No one should be out in this storm, least of all a city girl like Lily.

“We go much further, we’re gonna be outta walkie range, Boss,” Green reported. 

“I know,” Eowyn frowned.  The walkies had a 5 mile range. It covered the whole ranch and then some, but wasn’t really meant for this.  “Check in with Tuk and Jess and… wait a minute.  You see that?”

“Lights?  Yeah, I think so.  They are facing the wrong way though.” 

Eowyn grunted and pulled up along the white pick-up with the North Star emblem painted on the door.  The truck had definitely skidded around, hitting a snow bank, and was stuck half in the ditch.  She couldn’t see any major damage, but then she couldn’t see Lily either.  She hoped the girl wasn’t dumb enough to get out and try to walk.

Pulling up beside the pick-up, Eowyn threw it in park before jumping out and quickly making her way over.  “Lily! Lily, are you in there?  Are you hurt?”

Eowyn pulled on the handle to the door, only to find it locked.  The windows were fogged over enough that she couldn’t quite see in either.  “Lily!” she called again, banging on the door.  “Open up, it’s me, Eowyn.  Are you okay?  Do you need help?”

Eowyn looked over at Green, who had already radioed to let Tuk and Jess know they’d found the pickup.  Knowing her second, he was probably already heading in their direction.  She pulled on the handle again, relieved when it opened. 

“Eowyn?” Lily called, falling into her arms. 

Eowyn pulled the blonde into her arms, hugging her tightly. “Thank God. Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

—

Lily let herself melt into Eowyn’s strong and warm embrace. The heat had been off for almost an hour. The feeling was gone in both her fingers and toes, and Lily’s vision was blurry with tears.  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I messed everything up.” 

Eowyn’s arms tightened around her further. She felt herself being lifted. “Let’s get you back to the ranch,” Eowyn quietly told her. 

She let herself relax into the strong arms that cradled her close, shielding her from the snow. Lily couldn’t stop the tears from coming. She had convinced herself she was going to freeze to death. Freeze to death because she’d been too stubborn to just shovel horse crap. In the few steps it was to the running truck Lily couldn’t help but realize she didn’t want to let go of Eowyn. 

Eowyn tried to set Lily in the backseat,but she stubbornly held tight to Ewyon’s jacket. 

“Please,” she whimpered. 

“Okay okay, I’ve got you.” Lily stayed close as Eowyn climbed into the backseat with Lily still in her arms. 

“You musta been scared all out here alone.” Eowyn whispered to her. 

Lily nodded and tucked herself into Eowyn’s side.  She’d never been so desperate to be next to anyone like this before.  It was like a raw need to be held and comforted, and warmed by Eowyn and Eowyn alone.

“Green drive us back to the ranch. None of us need to be here any longer.” 

“Yes Boss,” Green answered. He shut the door and got into the driver’s seat. He radioed Tuk again before putting the truck in gear and they slowly lurched forward then he took his time turning around in the road. 

Lily shivered more against the strong chest that held her. Somehow the cold was still holding to her. She felt Eowyn move a bit and more warm air was hitting her. 

“Do you often get yourself in these predicaments, Lily?” 

Reluctantly Lily looked up into Eowyn’s piercing eyes. “Not- not- too often,” she chattered. A bit of doubt wiggled in though. Maybe not this bad of a predicament but there had been a few occasions when she made less than ideal decisions. Not that she currently wanted to tell Eowyn or Green that. 

“Mmm for some reason I think that might not be the entire truth,” Eowyn answered. She reached between them and pulled off Lily’s gloves, rubbing her bright red hands. “You are boarding of frostbite, Lily. We got to get you thawed out.” 

With that, Lily’s hands were stuck under the layers of Eowyn’s clothing against her warm skin. It was an odd feeling. Intimate but not sexual even though she felt the bare skin of the older woman’s toned abdomen 

“Thank you for rescuing me. Again,” Lily sniffled.  “I don’t deserve it.” 

Eowyn squeezed her a bit. “You’d save us all a lot of ache if you’d keep yourself safe for a while Miss Lily.” 

Lily chewed her lip. The guilt was something. She had ruined their night decorating the tree. Not to mention it wasn’t safe for them to be out driving in these conditions. 

“Yes Boss it won’t happen again,” she assured. “I’ll do what you say when you say it and only that. You’ll see… hey ouch!” she then yelped as she felt a sharp pinch to her side.  “

You don’t call me boss. You call me Eowyn,” the rancher chided. 

“Yes ma’am!” Lily sniffled. 

Green chuckled from the front seat, as Eowyn reached forward and popped him on the back of the head.  “Hey!  Driving here, Boss!”

“Don’t call me ma’am either,” Eowyn scolded.

The tone was enough to make Lily squirm.  “Sorry.”

Eowyn sighed and pulled Lily a bit closer.  “How are the hands doing?  Are your feet cold too?”

“Tingly,” Lily admitted. “Both are.  I honestly don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come along.  I don’t know… I just… I’m so sorry,” she said as tears again welled up.   “I’ll make it up to you.  I’ll do extra chores.  I’ll listen to everything you say.  I’ll… I’ll…” 

“You relax and don’t worry about any of that right now. First, we get you back to the cabin and get you properly warmed up and checked over.  Then we’ll talk about everything else.” 

Lily bit her lip but nodded.  Eowyn’s words were making another part of her tingly, and not in a good way.  She was ashamed of her behavior, but the way that Eowyn’s tone was somehow both scolding and caring it made her feel very much like a naughty schoolgirl getting caught with her hand in the cookie jar.  The feeling was unsettling, but somehow in Eowyn’s embrace, it felt okay too, or as if it was going to be okay. 

She allowed herself to relax and between the heater and Eowyn’s comfort, she finally stopped chattering.  It almost became too comfortable as she suddenly felt herself become sleepy.  Just as she was starting to doze, however, she felt Eowyn tap her.  “None of that now, you’re a bit big to be carried inside, even by Green.”

Lily felt her cheeks warm with a blush but was glad to be distracted as the ranch finally came into view.  A minute later, she was be ushered out of the truck and back into the warmth of the cabin, where thankfully, there was a roaring fire ready to greet her.  

She was sat down in a chair in front of it where Eowyn and Jess then started to fuss over her, stripping her of her jacket, gloves, boots, and shoes.  She could do little but go along as Jess and Eowyn talked over her, examining her for injury and frostbite.  

“I think she’ll live,” Jess said to Eowyn as Lily found a hot cup of cocoa handed to her.  

“Yeah, I think so too,” Eowyn agreed.  “You have no idea how lucky you were, Lily.”

Lily chewed her lip before looking down into the steaming cup.  The heat felt wonderful on her hands.  “I’m sorry.  I am.  I’ll… I’ll be good and stay out of everyone’s way.  Thank for you the help, but I think I’ll just head up to bed.”

“I don’t think so.  We still have a tree to decorate, and you need to finish warming up,” Jess responded. 

“You guys can go ahead. I’ll just stay out of the way then,” Lily said with a slight frown.

“You’ll do no such thing,” Eowyn vetoed.  “You’re going to help, and I won’t take no for an answer.”

“I thought I was grounded.”

“You are, but that doesn’t mean I have to be an ass about it.  It’s Christmas Eve after all.  And you did promise to do what I say when I say it several times on the way back here.”

“Well, I suppose to did,” Lily hedged but slowly nodded.  “If you insist.”

“I do,” Eowyn answered.  “Tuk hit the music.  We need to get a little Christmas spirit in here if we’re gonna do this right.”

“Yes, Boss,” Tuck said with a smile before popping a CD into the stereo and hitting play.

—

Erowyn sat back and sipped her steaming cup of coffee and watched as Jess and Lily fussed over the perfect placement of tinsel on the tree. They had taken to ordering around Green and Tuk too which was amusing. 

“No no more to the right.” Jess told Green. 

“Yes! More to the right,” Lily giggled.  Erowyn could see the eye roll come from Green. It was time to intervene. 

“Okay, you two it’s about time to turn it it’s nearly midnight.” Jess gave a small stomp and started to argue before Tuk stepped in. 

“Jess you are in enough trouble. Tell the others goodnight.” Tuk stood and began putting his coat and boots back on. 

“Yes sir.” She mumbled. She wrapped her arms around Lily squeezing her tightly. “Try not to run off again tonight!”

Erowyn noticed the blush rise again. “Not going anywhere,” Lily responded quietly. 

“Good. See you in the morning! We will make cinnamon rolls!” Jess excitedly explained. 

“Sounds fun!” Jess scurried out the door after Tuk towards the door. 

“Green why don’t you head back to the bunk? We will be up early to feed and things.” Green nodded. 

“Yes, Boss, sounds good. I’ll see ya in the morning,” Green excused himself and left Lily and Eowyn alone. 

“And then there were two.” Erowyn said to Lily once the front door was closed behind Green. 

Erowyn patted the seat next to her on the couch. 

“Come over here. Let’s talk.” Lily came and sat close to her. “How are your hands and feet feeling? Back to normal?” 

“Yes, I think so.” Lily answered taking a moment to study her hands. 

“Good I’m glad.” They sat in silence for a few moments. Erowyn found Lily moving closer to her and leaning in. “You could have really been hurt today.” 

Lily sniffled and nodded.  “I know. It was so stupid of me. I feel horrible.” 

Erowyn wrapped an arm around Lily and pulled her close. “Do you always hold onto so much guilt Lily? It’s not good for you.” Eowyn watched the woman’s nose crinkle

“What makes you think I feel guilty?” Lily replied.  She sat up a little straighter, but Eowyn was far from convinced.  

“I’ve been watching you all night.  You’ve held back, been too reserved, and seem uncomfortable.”

“Oh? Maybe I’m just tired.  It’s been a long day,” Lily replied. 

“It has, but you know it’s more than just that.  I haven’t known you long, Miss Lily, but I know you well enough to know when something is off.”  Lily looked down and Eowyn gave her a minute before she prompted again.  “I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Maybe,” Lily hedged.  “I just… I just thought you’d be more upset.  I did a really stupid thing.”

“You did, I agree.  You could have been hurt, gotten frostbite, flipped the truck, gotten lost and we might not have found you while you froze to death.  So many things could have happened, Lily.  You’re so lucky it wasn’t more than some cold toes and a bent fender.”

“I’m sorry,” Lily answered, her eyes starting to water again.  “I wish I wouldn’t have been so stupid.”

“I never said you were stupid, Lily.”

“You never said I wasn’t either.”

Eowyn let out a heavy sigh and hugged Lily to her.  “You’re not stupid, you hear me.  I don’t want you to ever say that about yourself again.”  Lily sniffled and nodded into Eowyn’s shoulder.  “Good girl, now back to you feeling guilty, maybe we should do something about that.”

“What do you mean?’ Lily said, finally pulling away from Eowyn to meet her eyes. 

“Well, over the years I’ve found the best way to deal with guilt was to take responsibility for your own actions. We have a system here at the ranch that allows for that, and although you’re technically not part of our little family, I think in your case we can make an exception.”

“I’ll fix the truck, and I’ll work and do whatever chores I need to to pay for my way.  Maybe I can help…”

“Lily,” Eowyn interrupted. “I appreciate that you want to make amends. Honestly, I don’t really care about the truck.  If we stopped every time a vehicle got a dent or a scratch we’d never get anything done around here.  And you’d be doing the chores anyway.  The system we have is a bit more involved than that.”

“I don’t understand…”

“Do you remember when Green left the gate open?”

“And we were all outside in nearly sub degree temperatures chasing horses?”

“Yes.  Think about it for a moment.  Why do you think he would have had trouble sitting the next day after Tuk had a long talk with him in the bunkhouse?”

Lily wrinkled her nose before her eyes went wide.  “Are they…. Are they gay?” she almost whispered. 

It was then Eowyn’s turn to wrinkle her forehead before she tilted her head back and let out a loud laugh.  “Oh God, no,” she continued to laugh.  It took a long moment for her to settle down, and when she did she could only shake her head at Lily’s confused expression. 

“Lily, they didn’t do a lot of talking.  Tuk gave him a good dose of his belt.  He spanked him.”

“Oh,” Lily said with a frown.  Her lips pressed together in thought.  “Is that what you mean by making amends?”

“Yes, but I’m not going to force you.  You’re not part of the crew here and so you haven’t signed our discipline contract. I am, however, offering to help you let go of some of that guilt. There is very little that a good o’ fashioned spanking won’t help when someone feels like they need to make amends.” 

“By giving me a spanking? Seriously?”

“Yes,” Eowyn returned evenly.

“I…” Lily started and then trailed off as if she were debating her options.  “I’ve never been spanked before.  I mean, I don’t know… would you want to use your belt too?” she stumbled over her words as she eyes traveled to Eowyn’s waist.

“No,” Eowyn said, waiting for Lily’s eyes to rise again. “That’s a bit harsh, even for this. I would bend you across my knee and use my palm though. I won’t lie to you. It’ll hurt, and you’ll probably cry, but afterwards, you will feel better.”

—

Lily chewed her lip and studied Eowyn. Almost everything in her wanted to fling herself over the woman’s lap. She wanted to trust her. She wanted to trust this woman who had saved her life twice already. There was a tug to also be held by her. To embrace the strong but soft arms that held her earlier. However, she also wasn’t sure if this was a good idea. This place and these people all seemed to be exactly what she was looking for. Safety, security, a home, somewhere to find purpose and belong. Despite the cold, wetness, and hard work, deep down she felt better mucking stales with Eowyn than she had staring at a computer hours and hours a day. 

“Lily? I didn’t mean to scare you. Like I said. I won’t force you. You have no obligation to do this. I just think it will make you feel better.” Eowyn was looking at her with those knowing blue eyes. Lily couldn’t bear to hold the gaze. 

“Can.. can I think on it?” she asked quietly, studying the twinkling lights of the now-decorated tree. Eowyn covered her hand with her own. 

“Of course, Lily. I think that’s a good idea. I think we both need to retire to bed. It’s late and like I told the others the morning is going to come early. Let’s change and I’ll come tuck you in for the night.” Eowyn stood and offered a hand to Lily. Lily took it and followed Eowyn up the stairs. They departed ways when the older woman disappeared into the master suite. 

Alone in her own room, Lily looked at herself in the mirror. Her skin was slightly rosey from being in the cold so much the last couple of days.  She felt different, as if she’d come to some realization that her life wasn’t what she wanted it to be.  She’d seen a new way and a new reality, one that perhaps was better, more fulfilling than she’d dared to hope. 

But was it just an illusion?  Could be be a reality? Could there be something between her and Eowyn?  Some connection on some basic level that somehow her heart was pointing her toward? 

And then there was Eowyn and what a proposition Eowyn had given her. She’d heard of such things. In the night when she was tucked into bed and no one could look over her shoulder at what she was googling. She had read some stories about it. Even looked at a few forums, but had never taken the leap. But with a stranger? Was Eowyn a stranger now? She’d saved her life. Twice in as many days, in fact.  

“What are you thinking Lily? This is insane,” she said to herself. 

“Not as insane as stealing a truck and getting stuck outside in a blizzard.” Eowyn had appeared in the doorway. She was now dressed in a matching set of green flannel PJs. She looked comfortable. Like she would give the warmest coziest cuddle ever. 

“I do feel really bad about that,” Lily acknowledged. She turned to Eowyn resisting the urge to melt into a puddle at her feet. 

“I know you do, Lily. Have you thought about what I offered?” Eowyn came into the room and sat on the bench at the end of the bed. 

Lily watched her, hesitating. She wanted to say yes. To give it a try. But also it was scary. Still, it was curious. “If I said yes.. and I’m not saying I am. But what would happen?” Lily questioned. 

“Well,” Eowyn drew out patting the bench beside her and waiting until Lily sat down.  “The first thing you would need to know is that if you agreed, I would then be in charge.  You would need to do everything I say or risk making the punishment worse.  I don’t expect you to be quiet or still, but I do expect you to be obedient.  When I say I am in charge, I mean that in every way.  I would decide when, where, how long, and when I think you’ve had enough.  Expect that your boundaries will be pushed, or else you won’t reach that level of true forgiveness and that inner peace you need to forgive yourself.”

“Inner peace.  I like that idea, but I was looking for more, ah… details.” Lily paused shifting and trying to get the words out without blushing too deeply.  “I ah, you said that you’d spank me, with your hand… like over your knee?”

“Yes,” Eowyn confirmed. “That is where we would start.”

“Start?” Lily echoed.  “What if.. What if it’s too much and I can’t?”

“Lily, we haven’t known each other long, but I will promise you that I’ll always be fair.  I won’t ask for more than I think you can give, but if you really want me to stop, we can set up a safe word.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a word that you can say and I will stop, no matter what, no questions asked.  It can be for any reason, but know that a safe word is sacred.  If you abuse it, then the trust between us can become an issue.   Does that make sense?”

“Yes, I think so.  I like that idea. So what’s a good safe word?”

“Something that you won’t use in everyday language.  For instance, the word stop, wouldn’t work. But it has to be something you’ll not forget either.”

“Hmmm, how about Rudolph?”

“Rudolph?” Eowyn smiled.  “Perfect.  Now, have you decided?”

Lily took in a deep breath.  “I think so.  I feel like I’ve been struggling lately.  Not just making bad decisions here at the ranch, but in my life in general.  I think… I think this is very embarrassing, but I want to say yes.”

“Alright, Lily, then I need to hear you say it. The words will begin a verbal contract between us.”

Lily chewed her lip for a moment but eventually nodded.  “I’d like to try, Eowyn.  I’d like to let go and let you help me.”  Lily paused and looked up, meeting Eowyn’s blue eyes again.  She was watching her like she was waiting for more.  It was hard to give her more, to say it. “I um, I want you to spank me.  Please, Eowyn, please help me.”

“Good girl,” Eowyn praised.  “I know that wasn’t easy and I’ll be glad to help you.”

 Eowyn’s words did something to Lily.  Her insides twisted.  Not in a bad way, or a good way, but in a way that made her feel anxious and excited at the same time.  It was the weirdest feeling, but somehow she also felt special.  She liked Eowyn praising her, making her feel like she was somehow proud of her.  That was a feeling she hadn’t had in too long. 

“Okay, Lily come stand here in front of me.” 

Lily slowly did what she was ordered. She shifted in front of Eowyns and looked down at the older woman who was so sure of herself. 

“Good girl. You just keep doing what I say and this will be easier for you.”

“Yes, Boss.” Lily told her. Her heart was beating hard in her chest. 

Eowyn gave her a look.  “I told you not to call me boss.  It’s Eowyn.  Now, I think it’s time we bring these pants down, Lily. You won’t be needing them.”

—

Eowyn reached for the waistband of Lily’s sweats. The blonde pulled away subtly but didn’t move out of her reach. It was understandable. Being depantsed in a nonsexual encounter was embarrassing. She pulled them down revealing pale blue bikini panties. She paused for a moment to study the bruise that had finished forming since the last time she saw her with out clothes.

“Okay now, you come on over.  Settle across my lap.”

“Okay.” She meekly whispered. Eowyn offered a hand to the now pantless Lily and led her into position. She allowed them both a few quiet moments to settle and adjust. Eowyn put an arm around Lily pulling her closer against her own body. She shifted her leg pushing Lily’s partially over cheeks into prime position. 

“I want you to tell me if I hurt your hip. I’m going to hold you to me so you don’t fall off. But if it hurts we will change positions.” Lily nodded and adjusted slightly. 

“Yes Eowyn. I’ll tell you.”

“Alright, Lily. Why don’t you tell me why you are over my lap.”

“Wha- what?” Lily strained to look back at Eowyn. 

“I want to hear you say out loud why your bottom is upended and over my knee,” Eowyn encouraged. 

“Because you offered?” Lily’s eyebrows pulled together in confusion. 

“Yes, I know that Lily, but I meant what led to my offering.” 

Lily turned back around and sagged over her knee. “Because I’m a screw-up that can’t do anything right?” 

Without warning Eowyn let a firey swat across Lily’s sit spot.  “Watch it, Lily. I won’t have you talkin about yourself like that.  We all make mistakes, but that is why we are here, so we can move past them.  Now,” Eowyn continued, resting a warm hand on Lily’s upturned rear.  “How about you tell me what specifically we will be addressing tonight? What were those decisions?” 

Lily squirmed and whimpered. She was undoubtedly shocked from the first real swat she’d ever gotten in her life, but perhaps her words were also having an effect.  

After a moment, Lily sighed and then admitted. “You’ve literally saved my life twice in as many days.  I obviously am not making the best decisions. I mean… I tried to pet the reindeer and got myself hurled into a snow bank you had to pull me out of.” 

Eowyn adjusted and patted the bottom in front of her firmly.  “True, and why should you have not done that?” 

Lily let out a small whine and wiggled under her hand. “Because it was dangerous and I knew I wasn’t supposed to leave the fenced area.”

“Exactly. And what else did you do to need a spanking in order to repent?”

“I stole one of your trucks, tried to run off, wrecked it, and got stuck in a blizzard,” she rushed out.

“Correct. And I don’t think I even need to begin to tell you all the ways that was a bad idea, do I?” Eowyn scolded.

“No ma’am,” she whispered. 

“Didn’t think so, and for the record, the only time you get to call me ma’am is when you are in this position, clear?”

“Yes… ma’am,” Lily repeated.

“Right then.” Eowyn picked her hand up and began her slow descent onto partially covered flesh. She moved back and forth between Lily’a cheeks wanting to start slow and steady. She watched her breath and reaction for signs that it was too much but didn’t find any other than the tension Lily’s entire body held. 

The two fell into a steady pattern. Eowyn warmed the bottom over her lap and Lily stayed still and stoic. One dozen swats turned to two, and as Eowyn continued, Lily started to let out small gasps and wiggles.  It was almost too cute, Lily trying to hold it in, embarrassed or even determined not to give in to the pain, but Eowyn knew it was only a matter of time.  

Switching it up, Eowyn aimed for a bit lower, covering Lily’s sit spots and evening out the color on the rest of her bottom. The change elicited even more movement from Lily.  She was quickly losing her ability to hide her emotions.  It was good progress, but Eowyn knew that Lily was far from repentant yet. 

Eowyn stopped for a moment rubbing one warm cheek in a circular pattern as she waited for Lily to relax enough to listen.  “Lily, I want you to tell me again why you are getting this spanking.”

Lily tensed for a moment, but Eowyn was patient, moving from one cheek to the next in calming circles. 

After a minute or two, Lily gave in and again relaxed her body.  “Do I have to say it again?” she almost whispered. 

“Yes. All of it.”

Lily squirmed and let out a long sigh.  “I messed up, twice.  Once with the reindeer and again with the truck tonight.  I’m bad about listening to reason and good advice and I need help to get my life back together.” 

Eowyn, rubbed for a moment as she digested Lily’s words.  “Are there more things in your life that you feel like you’ve lost control over?”

Lily wiggled, and although Eowyn couldn’t see her face, she thought she heard her sniffle.  “Yes… everything.”

“It can’t be all bad.  You made it out here on your own.”

“Bearly.  I almost became reindeer road kill… twice.”

“Twice?”

Lily nodded.  “There was a big reindeer in the road.  That’s how I ended up in the snow bank.”

“I see,” Eowyn nodded.  “You and I, we’re gonna talk more over the next few days, but or now, let’s get on with this lesson.”

“Lesson?” Lily squeaked.

“Yes, you in learning to forgive yourself,” Eowyn confirmed before she patted Lily’s behind again. Without further ado she hooked her GI gers in the pale blue panties tugging them half down to meet the woman’s pants. Not giving Lily time to respond she then raised her hand up and began the lesson anew.  This time though there was no pacing.  She focused solely on turning Lily’s backside crimson as she swatted all over it.  Sit spots blurred into the meater part of her behind, and even the tops of Lily’s thighs were not forgotten. 

Lily gasped and started to drum her feet.  Eowyn’s arm, which was holding Lily’s around her hips, tightened as Lily’s squirms and struggles intensified.  

“Oh, ow!  Please, no more!” Lily cried out throwing her hand back to cover herself.  

Eowyn didn’t miss a beat as she grabbed it mid-swat and pinned it into the small of Lily’s back.  The movement allowed her to also switch it up again and aim solely for the very tops of Lily’s thighs.  

The change intensified Lily’s protests.  She became more verbal and then started to break down.  Cries and pleas became incomprehensible blubbers as Lily finally gave into her pain and started to cry.  It was only then that Eowyn slowed her attack, mixing swats with rubs and pats. 

The tension in Lily’s body was gone now too.  She lay limp over Eowyn’s thighs, whimpering and crying softly to herself.  Eowyn let her, stopping the spanks altogether and returning to the soft soothing circles that had calmed her before.  

“It’s all over now Lily. You are forgiven by me and it’s time to forgive yourself too,” Eowyn said, holding Lily close to her as she slowly calmed. 

“Can I get up now?” Lily whimpered. 

“Of course, sweetheart.” Eowyn helped her up onto her feet making sure she was steady before letting go. 

Lily’s hand found her bottom and slowly touched and then rubbed. “That hurt more than I expected it to,” she hiccuped out. 

Eoweyn smiled at the cute sight of other woman doing her first ‘spanking dance.’

 “Yes, they do and there’s more where that came from if it’s needed and earned.” Eowyn stood and wrapped her arms around Lily and squeezed her in a long hug. 

“Won’t be needed ma’am, promise!” 

Eowyn laughed a bit.  She had her doubts but would let Lily have her moment. She helped Lily pull her pants and panties back into place and kissed her on the forehead.

“It’s even later now. Let me tuck you in bed,” Eoweyn encouraged as she noticed Lily’s eyes become big and wet again. “What’s wrong, Lily?” 

“I don’t want to be alone,” she admitted leaning into Eowyn even further. 

Eowyn cupped her face. “You won’t be alone while you are here if that’s what you want. I will sleep in bed with you. Nothing funny I promise, Lily.”

“I’d like that,” Lily whispered. 

Eowyn took her hand, and walked them both around to the side of the bed and directed, “In you get.” 

Lily crawled into the bed and was met with a light swat on her bottom causing her to yelp.  Eowyn crawled in next to her and reached up to turn off the bedside light.  She then welcomed Lily into her arms, letting the blonde tuck into her. 

“It still stings, and it’s warm.”

“I know I can feel it,” Eowyn chuckled.  You’ll be sore for a day or so.” 

The two settled in bed snuggled close together, Eowyn holding Lily in her arms. Lily’s eyes were heavy she closed them but whispered to Eowyn.  “I like it here. It feels like a family. A family I haven’t had in a long time.” 

Eowyn rubbed Lily’s bottom tenderly.  “I’m not opposed to you staying, Lily, but I think we should talk about it outside this emotional moment.” 

Lily became heavier on her chest and she kept rubbing the warm flesh. 

“Good idea.” Lily half mumbled. Two beats later Lily’s breathing was slow and even. 

Eowyn closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the younger woman’s presence. Having someone to care for on this level was something she hadn’t had in a really long time. It filled a hole she didn’t know she was missing and one that she didn’t want to lose. It would take time to figure it all out, but time was something they had. Until then she would enjoy this moment and this night with her newfound family.

“Merry Christmas, my Lily,” she murmured as she finally closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

---

As always I want to give a special thank you to my amazing co-author Stardawn Cabot. If you haven’t yet go check out her page here.

Also, a thank you to Alyx for hosting the yearly Christmas exchange. IF you haven’t checked it out I would highly encourage you to do so.

Lastly, we have a women loving women spanking dicord! Those that are please come join us! Click here.

London’s Long Day

Photo thanks to Dave Hoefler on Unsplash

---

Hi my friends new and old,

For all of us that are hurting, scared, angry, and confused right now I hear you. I feel it with you. I stand with you. In these times that feel so desperate, hopeless and lost we will find peace in each other but also strength. We will stand. We will fight. We will prevail. It will be ugly, but I swear we will not be another generation hiding in fear for our rights, our bodies, our marriages and our peace. I love you guys. Be safe. Give them hell. 

I still check my email daily and we also are still around on discord if you want to connect.

Logantylerwriter@gmail.com & WLW TTWD (discord link) https://discord.gg/Z8Ar8kHBRE

---

Andi pulled off the white straw hat that was containing her long red curls and crossed to the bed sitting in the center of the room. 

“London! Get UP! We are going to be late checking out of the hotel!” The small lump buried under the covers didn’t move.

Andi shook her head and bent over, sharply smacking the upturned bottom still covered by the white down comforter. The brunette barely moved and grunted. “Come on up! Up! Up!” She punctuated each “up” with a sharp smack.

The brat whimpered and growled. “I’m coming, I’m comingggg,” she promised through her frustration which was evident in the way she kicked her legs wildly.

“You better be. I’m taking this suitcase out to the car and if you aren’t up and moving when I’m back so help me you won’t sit comfortably in the car today.”

The only response was more kicking of the feet and a low growl.

***

Andi struggled the duffle and two suitcases into the elevator and punched the button for the ground floor. Tiredness felt like a heavy blanket over her which got even heavier when she walked into the thick Texas heat. Instantly a layer of sweat formed across her body. She rolled the luggage to the back of her SUV and threw the suitcases in, too tired to care where they landed. Just before throwing in her duffle, she eyed it, considering if she might need it later.

Nodding, she closed her hatch before moving the duffle to the backseat for easier access. Andi squinted at the sun before wiping her brow and turning back to the hotel. 

Back on their floor, Andi slid the key card into the heavy door and began to push it open, only to realize the secondary lock was engaged.  “London,” she muttered to herself. At least she had been out of bed at some point to do this. Quickly she took her phone out of her pocket and called the brat’s phone. Straight to voicemail. 

“London Eve Wells, you have exactly two minutes to open this door or so help me god, you will be spending the entire night in the corner. No phone. No TV. No nothing but the corner,” she harshly whispered into the phone.

It was 10:30 am, and there were people all over the hallway going in and out, hauling luggage, sipping coffee, and trying to not look too interested in what she was doing at the door. Exasperated, Andi punched the end-call button on her phone before pushing the door handle again. Still the same, it was locked from the inside, and that woman was asking for it. 

Andi leaned against the wall across from the hotel room door, seething. They were going to be late checking out for sure. It was 10:47 and 17 minutes since she had called London. She was awake. Andi heard movement when she pressed her ear to the door. The shower had come on, and there was music on. Suddenly she heard a click. 

Andi rushed to check with the key, and this time the door hissed open, and she caught a glance of London running back towards the bathroom. Andi let the door slam shut behind her as she followed her into the bathroom. She was nude in the shower, trying to act natural. 

“Get out right now, London Eve. We need to go.”

London continued with her shower. 

“I’m not asking you again. I’ll pull you out myself and take my belt to your wet backside.” London turned her back to Andi and continued to ignore her.

“Fine. If that’s the way you want it. I warned you.”  Andi opened the shower door, fully clothed, boots and all, and stepped half in the shower. She grabbed London’s arm firmly before tugging the girl, causing her to stumble out of the shower and into Andi’s arms. 

“Leave me alone!” London screeched. 

“Oh, no, little brat, you’ve been begging for this.” Andi pointed her towards the bathroom counter and pushed her over it. 

“No!!! I didn’t mean it!”

Andi shook her head. With one hand, she held London against the bathroom counter, and with the other, she unbuckled her belt, pulling it out of the loops. 

“London, you know better than to not listen when I tell you to do something. You know better than to lock me out of the hotel room. Do you understand why I’m about to give you a dose of this belt, little girl?”

 London squirmed hard under Andi’s hand. “NO! I don’t want the belt! I don’t like it.” she begged. 

“Well, everything else is in the car where we should be. So the belt it is, little girl.”

Andi carefully doubled the belt and stepped back before bringing down a lash across London’s still damp upturned cheeks.

“Oowww.” London hissed. 

“You will never, and I mean never, lock me out of anything again because you are mad at me! If you need space, you tell me but doing that isn’t the way to go about it! It’s childish and unacceptable!” Andi lectured, following up each statement with a lash from her belt. 

***

London hung onto the cold counter and squirmed as Andi brought the belt down across her bottom in lines of pain over and over. Andi overlapped the lashes, heating up the middle of her butt to almost the middle of her thighs. 

“Owww, Andi! I’m sorry! I’ll never do it again, I promise!” She danced under the stokes and every few moments dared to look in the mirror at Andi. She stood tall and foreboding, in her sleeveless top and tight dark jeans. The mixture was intoxicating. She got what she wanted, but god, did she want it to stop. Her butt was already starting to throb. 

She moved back and forth, looking for relief as Andi wrapped the belt across each sit spot, perfectly showing her displeasure with the situation. 

“Let’s see if you are learning your lesson in doing what I say. Push your bottom out and ask me for the rest of your punishment, London Eve.”

She felt herself gasp as she blinked back the tears from the disappointment that Andi’s voice held.  “Please finish my spanking, ma’am.” Andi pushed her bottom out as much as possible and hid in her arms. She could hear the swoosh of the belt just before the line of fire lit across her bottom. These were somehow even harder than before. It was matched again by another lick just below it, then another. She counted twelve in her head while trying to hold her bottom perfectly still despite how hard it was in her the hot rain of the belt. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take. 

“I’m so sorry, Andi. I’ll be a good girl.” She said into her arms, and finally, the punishment stopped. She heard the belt go back into the belt loops, and then a soft hand on her scorching buns. London looked up and watched Andi in the mirror. 

“I know you will be. You especially will be today, or I’ll pull over on the side of the road and paddle your bare bottom no matter who sees. Do you understand me?”

London could only nod. The fire in Andi’s eyes didn’t leave room for much doubt. 

“Good, I’m glad we understand one another.” London felt a soft kiss to her back and watched as Andi backed up before pulling her up off the counter into a long smothering hug. London melted into Andi’s chest enjoying how perfectly she fit just under her loves chin. Finally, Andi kissed her head and ordered, 

“Dry off and put that cute sun dress on while I check the rest of the room. We are going to be late.”

A quick swat met her bottom before Andi turned to leave the room, and London felt safe to turn and look at her red-striped bottom in the mirror.

***

London shifted in the car seat, trying to find a comfortable way to sit on what was surely her now bruised bottom. She groaned and sunk into the chair again. There was no hope. 

“You might as well give up, little miss. I got your butt good. You aren’t going to be sitting comfortably for a while yet, I’m afraid.”

 London felt Andi’s hand on her bare thigh and smiled a bit when she started rubbing small circles.

“I love you, London, but you asked for it in more ways than one, and you got it.” They glanced at one another, and Andi looked at her lovingly. 

“I know. It still hurts, though.”

About that time, London’s stomach started to growl. Momentarily she kicked herself for not getting up in time to get herself some breakfast… and coffee. The coffee actually was more appealing. She needed her latte. “Andi, can you pull to the next exit so we can get coffee and food?”

 The circles on her thigh stopped moving. “There is a breakfast sandwich, snacks, water, juice, and sodas in the back. Have at it, honey.” Andi’s voice was even as she appeared to focus on the road. 

“That’s not the same! I want something hot.” She felt a quick pop on her thigh, and the hand returned to rest there. 

“We’ve only been on the road 30 miles, and I don’t want to stop so soon. And besides, you had that option but decided to not get up to eat or get coffee. Now it’s 12 pm, and you have a rule about no coffee after 12 anyway, don’t you? That’s at least half the reason you didn’t sleep last night. You were drinking coffee until 5.” London’s lip went out in a pout. 

“Yes, but I thought the rules didn’t matter on vacation,” London argued. 

Andi glanced at her with a raised brow. “The rules always matter. I’ve been lax, but it’s time to start getting back into it, so you are adjusted the day after tomorrow. Like I said, you’re not sleeping contributed to the mega tantrum of this morning. So no coffee.”

London sighed and turned the music up before staring out the window. The lack of coffee would not help all the feelings swirling inside of her. She gritted her teeth. She was going to get her coffee.

***

London glanced at the map display between the two women, and the miles just were not going fast enough. They had only been going 43 miles now. She resisted the urge to stomp, then got an idea when she saw a sign for a coffee shop in the next rest area. “I have to go to the bathroom!” she blurted. 

Andi sighed. “Okay, we will stop at the rest area in a half-mile. Do you think you can make it?” Andi asked, glancing over.

“Yes, I think so!” London nodded. She could wait for half a mile for coffee. The thought of getting off her throbbing butt for a few minutes sure didn’t hurt either. London made a point to shake her leg and act like she was really desperate as Andi turned into the rest area. As soon as they pulled into the packed rest area, London grabbed her purse and bolted into the building. 

“I’ll be right here at the car stretching!” she heard Andi call after her. 

London dipped into the building and immediately looked around for the cafe sign. Peeking back to the car, she could see Andi had gotten out and was stretching in front of the car, not appearing to pay her any attention. 

She crossed the room quickly and got in the short line.  Soon it was her turn to order and pay. Warm cup of liquid in her hand she picked her phone up to text Andi. *Will be a minute. Long line in for the bathroom.* She then slowly started to sip her coffee, trying to find Andi again through the big glass windows but she didn’t spot her. Maybe she had gotten back in the car or something. 

“This is not the bathroom line, London Eve Wells.” A deep voice said from behind her. London jumped and turned around to look up into the green eyes of Andi. She gulped. Andi wordlessly took the cup from her and threw it into the nearby trash can. 

“Let’s go.” Andi took London’s hand and led them back across the room towards the sign that clearly said bathroom. Her heart sped up. 

***

Andi led the women towards the bathrooms that incidentally had no line and was thankful all the stalls were more than big enough for them both to fit into. She went to one on the end and pulled London in behind her. Leaning close to London’s ear, she whispered, “You better be glad there are other people here or so help me, I’d repeat what happened this morning right here and now.” She reached under London’s dress and squeezed both cheeks hard. 

“Don’t worry, it’ll be getting more soon enough.”

With ease, she pulled the woman’s panties down and lifted the dress. “Go on and pee. You needed to go, no?”

London’s face flushed red before she slowly did as ordered. Andi swatted her hands away when she went to pull her underwear up and fix the dress. She motioned for her to turn around, which London did, still very red. 

Andi took her time inspecting London’s still pink backside. Squeezing it and then swatting it once, making the other woman hiss. 

“Take them off and fix your dress,” she ordered and then watched as London slipped the underwear off and let her dress fall into place. 

“Yes ma’am,” was all she mumbled. 

Andi tipped London’s face up, pecking her on the nose. “You will regret this, little girl.” London whimpered a bit but nodded.

Andi took her hand and then led them to the sink, then back out to the car and to the passenger side of the car. “Wait here,” Andi ordered before going into the back seat and pulling something out. 

“Please, Andi, not that. Please, I’ll do anything. Please don’t make me sit on the punishment mat.”

Tears were filling up London’s eyes as Andi pointed to the acupuncture mat, which was covered in hundreds of dull spikes now laid out in the front passenger seat. “Now, little girl. Get in and sit, then get that dress up out of the way. The longer you fight, the longer you sit, and the longer the paddling you will be getting.”

 London shifted back and forth.

Andi raised an eyebrow. 

London looked down but climbed and got in the SUV, grimacing and she slowly sat down fully onto the mat.

Andi leaned over her buckling and tightened down the seat belt. “You can stay like that until we get out of the parking lot.” Andi nodded and closed the passenger door before entering the driver’s side. 

Andi backed the car out slowly and stopped at the end of the driveway for the rest stop. “Okay, fix your dress, young lady.”

London whimpered loudly and shifted. “Please, Andi, it already hurts so badly. I don’t need it bare.” London whimpered again and squirmed on the mat. 

“Do as I say. We’ve already discussed that once today.”

 London hissed but slowly did as told and slipped the dress up just enough in the back so it was no longer protecting her bottom. 

“Good girl. Now keep your hands off everything. No trying to take the pressure away.” London nodded and squirmed about. “I’m sorry, ma’am.”

“I know you are, little brat. You will be even sorrier soon.” 

Andi pulled out of the rest stop and drove in silence for a little over 5 minutes before she merged onto a dead-end road. 

“Where are we going?” London asked, looking around, a slight panic raising in her belly. She didn’t mean to actually pull over, did she?!

“What did I tell you this morning?”

 London’s eyes got big. She stuttered. “You didn’t mean that did you?”

Andi nodded. “Oh yes, I did.” 

“Oh please, Andi, can’t it wait till tonight?”

“Hush before you get to ride the rest of the day on the mat,” Andi warned.

“Yes, ma’am,” London whimpered, staring out the window to nothing but wide open fields. 

Andi took several more turns and ended up on a gravel road. A field of corn on one side and a pine tree patch on the other. Andi found a good spot and pulled the car over to the side of the road. She turned the car off and looked at London. 

“I want you to get out of the car and get ready for your paddling. Open that back door and bend over the back seat with your bottom sticking out. I’ll be around there in just a minute to take care of you.”

London’s lip trembled. “Please, please, please, please. Andi, can’t it wait until tonight? Make it even double if we wait. I don’t want to risk a car coming and seeing.” 

“If I do that it’ll be teaching you that you can get your way. Which you can’t. You manipulated me into stopping and disobeyed again. So now you will take your punishment like a good girl or tonight’s ordeal will get worse.” 

London’s eyes widened. She hadn’t realized tonight would be an ordeal too. “But…. But…” London started to argue. 

Andi cupped her cheek and kissed her face several times. 

“There’s no butt except yours bent over, ready for the paddle in the backseat.”

London nodded and slowly got out of the car, wincing every time an tender spot was touched. Andi watched the woman close the front door and then open the back one as she was told. 

Andi similarly did the same. She got out and opened the back door but instead of bending over, she fished around in her duffle for the heavy wooden object she needed for the task at hand. She pulled it out and met London’s eyes, which were wet. She paused for a moment, looking into her love’s eyes. So many tears in one day for her. 

Andi went around the car holding the long, wide, sorority paddle to one of the best sites she had ever seen. Bent over was London. Her dress up around her waist revealing two perfect cheeks marked with the acupuncture mat and the belt. Still slightly red. And if she didn’t know better, trembling in anticipation. 

“Tell me why I’m paddling you, London.” Andi slowly rubbed her bottom and thighs, waiting for an answer. 

“Because I lied and manipulated and didn’t listen, ma’am.”

Andi nodded before switching the paddle into her left hand. “That’s right. And all that does is damage the trust we have. I’m giving you 20 good ones. You stay just like you are and don’t stand, or we will cut a switch,” Andi warned, lining up the paddle. 

“Yes, ma’am,” London uttered. 

Andi delivered the first swat in the middle of the meaty part of London’s bottom, then quickly followed up with four more in the exact same place. After just two swats, her bottom turned a dark pink as a few spots of dark red came through, which would turn to bruises.

London danced and squealed with every stroke but stayed just as she was. For the sixth swat, Andi moved lower to where her girl would sit the rest of the day. The clap of the paddle echoed around them on the empty road, quickly followed by cries from the woman. London’s hand came back, which Andi quickly pined to her lower back before following up with four similar swats across the sit spots and upper thighs.

***

Oh god, her bottom. Oh god, she danced. The desire to keep quiet left more and more with every swat. Could she take more? The paddle was jolting her entire body. It hurt in the deepest layers of her butt. Andi moved back to the meaty parts, where it didn’t hurt as much. 

“Please, no more, Andi, please, I won’t be able to sit!”

“You should have thought about that before being a naughty little girl. We are halfway through now. You are doing good.” Andi held her fingers tighter as the paddle rained down 5 times quickly one after another in the same place.

The first moment stung but then pain just radiated deeply. Part of her wanted it to stop now, and the other part wanted it to never stop. “Andi!” She couldn’t help but whimper. Her top moved the paddle lower again against the sit spots. 

“Almost, little girl. Almost.” The paddle collided loudly, and she howled. The pain was more focused now. The most tender areas were being targeted. Again and again. She gripped the seat and struggled to free her hand from Andi’s grip all at once. 

“I’m sorry ma’am, so sorry!” she blubbered as the last two swats fell. Andi threw the paddle over her head and into the car and gently started rubbing her searing hot buns. 

“That’s my sweet girl,” she murmured as London felt Andi’s body against hers. Rubbing and holding. She melted and couldn’t help crying harder as Andi quietly started singing to her. 

“Cuddle? Lap?” London asked.

Wordlessly, Andi fixed her dress and pulled her away from the car before sitting where she had been bent and pulled London into a hug, settling her gently on her lap. Andi’s strong arms wrapped around her, and kissed her face lightly. “I love you, little London. You are my sweet, obedient, kind, thoughtful girl. You took your paddling so well. I don’t want to have to pull over the car again today, okay?” 

London nodded into Andi’s chest and kept a tight grip as she kept crying. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I don’t know what got into me.”

Andi rubbed her bottom slowly, allowing her to calm down. “You are forgiven, love. Let’s just have a good rest of the day, okay?”

London nodded, and the couple stayed for several long minutes until Andi slowly helped London back into the front seat as the mat went back into the duffle bag.

***

“That was a nice dinner. I’m glad we decided to go eat someplace instead of ordering in.” Andi commented as the two women made it back to their hotel room. 

“Me too. It’s nice when we can just sit and talk.” London sweetly kissed Andi’s lips. 

Andi held the woman close as her hands started to roam slowly across her body. Andi returned the kiss before pulling back.  “We need to finish our discussion from today.”

London stilled and eyes widened. “Andi.. my bottom already hurts a lot. I don’t want more.”

Andi held the woman’s cheek and looked at her for several long moments. “It’s not about what you want. It’s about what you need.” Andi kissed the woman’s forehead and tapped her butt. “Let’s get this over with then we can spend the rest of the night doing much nicer things with one another.”

London’s eyes softened into a pout. Andi shook her head. That woman surely was something. Tempting to be naughty even after getting her butt roasted twice today. 

“I told you if there was any trouble today, we would talk tonight. And it’s tonight.” Andi stepped away from London and crossed to sit on the end of their bed. “Get me the rubber paddle, and come put yourself over my lap.”

Andi could feel the chill across the room as she watched London decide what to do. Slowly the brat moved towards the duffle and unzipped it before rifling through it. She turned on her heel and looked at Andi for a long time. Andi just waited. 

“Please, Andi…. I’ll be so good tomorrow. You won’t have to even wake me up. I won’t even mention coffee!” She tried.

 Andi just raised an eyebrow. 

“Okay, okay,” she mumbled before trudging across the dimly lit room. 

Andi looked up into London’s grey eyes and held her hand out. Her brat placed the paddle there and looked down. 

“Here, ma’am.”

“Thank you. Now over you go.” Andi slowly helped London over her lap, letting her head and feet both dangle. She rubbed the paddle across the seat of her dress trousers.“Tell me what we have learned today, London Eve.”

The woman’s body went completely limp. “To do as you tell me to. And I’m not allowed coffee after 12. And lying and manipulating you is not okay. And neither is locking you out or ignoring you.”

Andi tapped the paddle lightly. “Very good. It seems you have been learning your lesson today.” She kept tapping and continued. “Tell me why those are important lessons, London Eve.” The woman squirmed across her lap, so she held her a bit closer. 

“Because we are in a relationship that requires trust and communication. When I lie to you and manipulate you, it affects that, ma’am. And drinking coffee has always been a rule that benefits my health which you think the most important fuels are.” London recited. 

***

London was breathing hard, waiting for the paddle to start landing on her sore backside. Even the light taps were a bit uncomfortable. 

“And why are the rules about your health and safety the most important thing to me?” Andi asked from behind her.

London took a deep breath, “Because I am the most important thing to you, ma’am.” The paddle landed with a slightly harder tap but nowhere near a full swat she knew it was capable of. It still caused her to gasp. 

“That’s very correct, my dear. Now saying all this, I think there is something else you need to tell me isn’t there?”

London’s heart sped up as the paddle stopped tapping. She could imagine Andi behind her holding it ready to encourage her response. “I- I’m not sure, ma’am. About what?” London confessed. The paddle returned to its slow, soft taps. 

“About why you’ve been acting this way all day to begin with. Being a brat, sure. But disrespectful and intentionally arguing and breaking your rules is not like you.”

Andi squeezed her hip as tension filled her body. She didn’t want to talk about that. She’d rather take all the swats than talk about this. “Are you going to paddle me or not, Andi? I’m getting dizzy being like this!” she tried. 

“Not until I’m good and ready,” Andi asserted before moving them just enough to pull her up onto the bed for her head to rest on. 

London groaned. Fuckin Andi. 

“Answer me, London.” Another slightly harder tap landed. The room was quiet for a long moment before London blurted, 

“Because I’m worried. Because what if I never see you again?” London’s voice cracked against her wishes, and she felt tears bubble from deep in her gut. The tapping stopped, and a gentle hand started rubbing now. 

“So you think it would help to push us apart in the last few days we have together with acting like this?” Andi pressed.

“I- I don’t know! It doesn’t make sense. It just…happens.” London gasps into the bed as the tears speed up. Her body felt like it was going to combust. She clung to the blanket and melted further into a mess of tears. Andi’s strong arms were around her, moving them to the center of the bed, spooning her, holding her, kissing her. 

“Oh, my baby, you always have this worry. Every time. But we always make it work, don’t we?” Andi asked, staying as close as possible. 

“Yes but what if we don’t this time?” London shook her head and reached for her stuffed bear holding it between them as Andi continued to hold her to allow her to cry it out. 

“Would it make you feel better if we planned the trip right now? We can go anywhere you want. We can even go ahead and find a place to stay.”

London just held onto Andi’s shirt shaking her head. There was a deep ache in her chest that she couldn’t explain. All she knew to do was hang onto the woman she loved. 

***

London tried to open her eyes but it was painful. They felt swollen and were aching. She could feel Andi under her and took a deep breath enjoying her scent. 

“Andi?” she murmured. The hand on her back rubbed a bit. 

“I’m right here, love,” Andi hummed and moved to tuck some hair behind her ear. 

“Promise?” 

“Yes, baby, I promise.”

London forced her eyes open and looked up to Andi who was watching her. “How long was I asleep?” London asked. 

“Not long, half an hour, maybe.”

 London nodded and chewed her lip. They were silent for a while again, London enjoying having Andi’s full attention and love. Except she couldn’t help but wonder.

As if reading her mind, Andi said, “Go ahead and ask, love. I can hear ya thinking.”

London mewed and hid her face, “Why didn’t you… ya know?”

“Why didn’t I give you a licking with that paddle?” Andi supplied.

 London nodded, pulling the blanket over her tighter. 

“Because that’s not what you needed from me. You showed me your submission and was honest. I think this right here is what you needed more than anything.” Andi gently combed her fingers through London’s locks just watching her. 

“It’s scary saying goodbye. You never know what might keep us apart again. Another pandemic. Or a war. Or even… ourselves.” London confessed.

Andi shared a sad smile. “None of that has stopped us so far. It might take time and be a pain in the butt, but I promise you. This is not it, my love. I plan to spend a very long time taking care of you, little girl.”

London felt her cheeks heat up as Andi planted a kiss on the forehead. “Promise?” London asked quietly. 

“With everything in me.” Andi tapped her nose and smiled before kissing her again. 

“Love you,” London murmured. 

“Love you too. Now what do you say we finish this day how it started? With you naked in the shower?” Andi’s eyes gleamed, and her mouth turned to a smirk. 

“I think that’s the best idea you’ve had all day.” London slicked out of bed quickly, followed by Andi. 

The Tail of Two Wolves – Part Two

YIKES. Sooo I just realized this has been sitting in my drafts for MONTHS and I somehow f***** up getting it posted. Alas here is part 2 to The Tail of Two Wolves. Again thank you to my very special Stardawn Cabot for putting up with me. ❤

“Hey now,” I warned as I finally moved my hand to her right cheek. “You know better than that. You also know we are far from done.” I then proceeded to light up her right cheek, focusing only on it until she squealed in protest.

Pulling back, I kneaded again, giving her a moment to settle and refocus.  A good thirty seconds passed, maybe a full minute before I raised my hand again.

***

I tried to catch my breath when I felt Wolfie’s hand leave my bottom again. That wasn’t good. I tensed slightly waiting for her hand to fall again. And fall it did. It was hard and stingy and the swats were meshing together to create a molten hot mess of my bottom. My hips squirmed every single swat that landed. The sound reverberated loudly and drowned out my noises of discomfort. Her arm tightened around me as she held me securely in place. She was trying to make a point and using my bottom for the lesson. She squeezed my fingers again in reassurance. 

“Owie, Wolf! That hurts.” I swear she smacked harder when I started to squeal in pain. I could only imagine the satisfied look on her face. 

“It’s a spanking, it’s supposed to hurt, little girl.” 

My body tingled with her quiet scolding. I could only mew as she made the swats impossibly harder and lower. She went to my thighs and started spanking there. 

“Wolfie! OW! Not my thighs! Please!!” I kicked and squirmed from the first swat. They hurt so much more. Damn it. “OW!!”

She stopped only a moment, “If you keep kicking we will be getting out the cane and I’ll bend you over the desk.” 

Her threat made me tear up. As soon as she was done talking she went back to spanking me as hard as she could with her hand focusing mainly on the thighs. 

“You are turning my favorite nice pink color,” she mused as she finally stopped and traced the underside of each cheek. 

“Wolfieeeee. It hurts,” I pleaded. And it did. Even her light rubbing touch was slightly uncomfortable. 

“Are you going to be a good girl for me or should I keep going?” she questioned while still playing with my bottom. 

***

I gave my naughty little wolf a pat, knowing what she was thinking.  She hadn’t near enough attention yet, but I always gave her the chance. She whined a moment, but then kicked her leg. “I’m not a girl, I’m a wolf,” she reiterated.

“I see,” I said, giving her another pat before I reached over and picked up her favorite hairbrush from the nightstand. “Then we need to step this up a bit.”

She groaned and squirmed as I rubbed the cool wood over her bottom, almost as if she was rethinking her choice, but then kicked again.  That was my cue.  I pulled back the hairbrush and let her have the first pop.  It wasn’t hard, but enough to let her know that I wasn’t playing around.  She had just asked for more, and more I was willing to give. 

I started out slowly, but methodically, as I moved from cheek to cheek in a steady and stingy rhythm.  My naughty wolf yipped in protest, but I didn’t let that deter me.  

“You like it when I paint your bottom red with this, don’t you?”

“No,” she whined and kicked again. 

Pop pop pop, went the brush, definitely making its impression. The pinkened cheeks slowly started to deepen in color as I was making sure my point was well understood. Pop pop pop, I continued the drumming just as her toes echoed my rhythm on the bed quilt. 

“Owie,” my brat cried.  

Pop pop pop.   

“Please,” she begged.

Pop pop pop.

“Okay!  Owie!” she finally claimed, her voice rising into that tone in which I knew she was getting close to giving in. 

***

I clung to the bedsheets as the sting in my bottom grew to an almost unbearable level. Damn that brush. Damn my need to be smacked at 3 in the morning. She wasn’t holding back. She now was focusing on the extra sensitive area at the very bottom of my cheeks. It got harder and harder not to fight for her to stop the spanking. 

“Owie, Wolfie!” I flexed my toes and she drummed my bottom. I struggled to catch my breath just as my bottom was struggling to not roll off her lap and beg off. 

“Wolf! It hurts! Ow ow ow!” 

She didn’t respond, but did slow, only to make the swats fuller and I’m not sure how, but stingier too!. The swats seemed to send my entire body into shock and there was not a chance of just relaxing into it! She intended for me to not want or ask for anymore for a few hours at least.  Another hot swat fell and I couldn’t help the tears that leaked into out of my eyes, 

“Wolfie! I’m sorry! I’m sorry, ma’am!” I was desperate now. My bottom felt like it couldn’t get any sorer. From just below my tailbone to the top quarter of my thighs felt like 100 bees were inside my skin stinging me over and over. 

With two more pops, she stopped and sat the brush aside. I felt her hand come and begin to gently rub my hurt bottom. “Are you going to behave and sleep now, little wolf?”

 I nodded.  “Yes ma’am. Sleep and behave.” I whimpered when she pinched a cheek. 

***

I gave my brat a pinch and then patted the pillow next to me.  She smiled and moved to lay with her nose just inches from mine. I couldn’t help giving it a little kiss.  “Remember you said you were ready to sleep.”

Her lip tucked into a small pout but she nodded as she shoved her shorts off and kicked them across the room.  

“Can I stay?”

“Yes, if you also promise not to steal the covers.”

“I need Luna,” she mumbles, her eyes already closing. 

I let out a small sigh and sat up to retrieve her stuffed bear. it had been knocked to the floor during the ruckus. Handing her her bear, I kissed her cheek again.  “Night, honey.”

“Night, Wolfie,” she again mumbled.  “Forgive?”

“Of course I forgive you.  My girl.  My wolf.  Love you.”

“Love too,” my girl nodded and snuggled into her pillow.

With a small smile and another sigh, I settled back into my side of the bed and tucked into my own pillow.   I turned to watch her breathe.  She’s quiet now, and still.  I think she’s fallen asleep.  I watched her for several minutes, my own eyes starting to finally feel heavy again.  

“Night, little wolf,” I whisper before finally giving in.  I think we’ll both sleep well… well at least for the rest of this night. 

The End… for now.

Check out Women Loving Women TTWD on Discord here: https://discord.gg/Z8Ar8kHBRE

The Tail of Two Wolves – Part One

Thanks to Guilliaume Archambault on Unsplash for the photo.

Hi everyone this is part one of a new story I wrote with my wonderful friend Stardawn Cabot! Check her out and follow her blog here! Thanks for another round of fun Stardawn! If you enjoy this story give me a follow for part two and leave a comment below! I look forward to hearing from everyone!

Stay spanky and stay safe! – LT 🍑

---

I sighed and stared at the ceiling of the dark hotel room. I turned onto my right side and looked across the room to see my wolf curled up quietly snoring. I kicked the blankets before flopping back onto my back as the air conditioner clicked on again. It had to be 3 am now. Wolfie had been asleep for at least four hours and I had been relegated to bed, phone-free when she went herself. She was tired and passed out fast, but I didn’t feel the same. I couldn’t resist kicking the mattress again. My body had grown accustomed to going asleep with a hot bottom the past six nights and it wasn’t happy tonight was different.

            “Ah, fer fucks sake.” I grabbed Luna by the arm and stood to sneak around to the empty side of her bed. I carefully pulled the blanket back and slid into bed careful to dodge the long brown hair feathered across the pillows. 

            I laid down on the cool sheets and wiggled as close to her as possible. I froze for a moment when she twitched watching to see if I had woken her before I whispered, “Wolfie.” I chewed my lip as she didn’t move again. I carefully poked her cheek. “Wolfie.”

            She moved her head and stopped snoring, but didn’t wake up. I growled a little. It wasn’t fair for her to be asleep when I was awake and right here!

            “Wolfie, wake up.” I poked her in the chest a little harder.

***

I felt myself snort as I woke up to something poking me. I opened one eye only to discover that I was no longer alone. My little pup had decided to crawl into bed next to me.

“What time is it?” I mumbled. “Ugh.  Why aren’t you asleep?”

            She said nothing, of course, only giving me those ‘big puppy-dog eyes.’ She was lonely and wanted me. 

            “Oh, alright,” I said as I opened my arms and my little wolf made herself comfortable using my chest as her pillow.  

            Satisfied that I might be able to close my eyes and return to my slumber, I attempted to do so, only to be interrupted by a squirm, another poke, and a whimper. 

            “Yessss?” I drew out.

            “I can’t sleep.”

            “I see.” I reached down and grabbed the nearest cheek, giving her bottom a good squeeze, “You need to try.”

            “But…”

            I squeezed again. “Yes?” I asked as her lip fell into a pout. “If you can behave you can stay here.  If not, you have to go back to your own bed.” The pouting lip protruded further, but I tapped her on the end of the nose.  “I mean it, little girl. I’m tired and if you keep poking your wolf, you’re going to get a reaction that you’re not going to like.”

***

My bottom tingled under Wolfie’s touch as I willed myself to relax against her. I tried to silence all the other noise in the room. I focused on the sound and feel of her heartbeat under me. It was mere moments before I felt her breathing even out and the arm around me go limp. I sighed… I’ve never seen someone sleep so quickly and deeply. I closed my eyes and urged my brain to stop thinking about how much I was craving her touch. Damn… it was only twelve hours ago! Stupid brain.

               I did enjoy my position though. She was comfy and just the right temperature. I smiled a bit and tried to remember every single detail of this moment. I was enveloped in her love and the fresh smell of her soap and shampoo. The way she felt; soft yet certain. The way she sounded with the occasional little reassuring puff of a snore. The warm protected feeling I had in my tummy was just so right. I wanted to be right here forever. Well, it was almost perfect.  It was just missing one thing; a warm butt.  That would be nice. Sigh.

         I felt myself get emotional as well as I laid there on her chest. We had so little time together and I wanted every moment we had to be together, even if it’s just watching stupid Disney movies. But she was asleep! The restlessness returned and I opened my eyes and looked up at her still-sleeping face. I pulled the covers hard.

            “Wolf! Wake up!”

***

            The shout startled me as I felt my heart practically leap out of my chest.  “Hey! Don’t do that.  You scared me!”

“But…” she protested, that bottom lip trembling.

            “Do you need to go back to your own bed?”

            “No… I just…” 

            “Yessss?”

            “I just miss you,” she whined. 

            “I’m right here,” I protested. “I’m tired. It’s the middle of the night!”

            “So? Wolves are supposed to be awake in the middle of the night.  We nocturnal, ‘memer?” 

            “Real, wolves maybe.” I sighed heavily.  “I think I understand.”  I then moved, shooing my little pup off my chest as I sat up and tucked a pillow behind my back. 

            “I think you’re asking for a bit of attention, young lady,” I announced meeting two innocent hazel eyes. 

      “I not a young lady, I’m a wolf pup ,” my girl protested with a mock howl.

            “Un-huh.  You’re about to be a sorry little wolf pup,” I said as I grabbed her arm and pulled her up and over my lap. I was expecting more of a protest, but all I got was a little whine as I pulled down her pajama shorts and exposed her panties. 

            “Wolfie!  That’s embarrassing!” she whined. 

            “Yep,” I replied as I swatted her left cheek.  “And I’m about to make you howl, little wolf.”

            “No,” she protested as she tried to cover.

            Undaunted, I grabbed her wrist and pinned it to her back.  I swatted again, this time one good spank on the center of each cheek.

***

I whimpered, squirmed, and turned red as I was finally trapped bottom up over my wolfie’s lap. Her hand was slow but unrelenting in its determination to cover my bottom in warmth. My hips seemed to have a mind of their own as every swat was met with a slight move away from the sting. I tried to choke back the noise that was growing too as she expertly moved lower down my bottom smacking where it stung more and was less protected by my panties. I squeezed the hand holding mine.

I didn’t have to be quiet. We were alone and no one could hear us in the privacy of our suit.

“Wolfie!” I pleaded.

“I’m right here, honey.” She stopped a moment and slowly rubbed each cheek and gave it a squeeze. “Mine,” she murmured, before her hand made its way to the waistband of my panties. She very slowly wiggled them down my hips exposing my bare bottom to her, before she started rubbing again.

I shivered. Her hand was intoxicating to me. It was the one thing that would drive right home to my insides. Spank me all day with a paddle sure, but the moment she touched me with her palm my body melted into a pile of mush. Even if it was just a light pat or rub, I couldn’t help but squirm in reaction. It was too personal. Her skin met mine. She was hurting herself to give me what I wanted. Her hand is my kryptonite and she knew it.

“Wolfie!” I whimpered again.

***

I kneaded a cheek and then swatted my pup again. She was just getting warmed up and despite the late hour, I knew neither of us would be getting any sleep until she’d had her fill. I lifted my hand again, I brought it down hard on her right cheek and then again, echoing on her left.

I moved my hand across her bottom, taping the undercheek of her left side a few times, each time a little harder. By the tenth swat, she was starting to protest. I knew she hated it when I focused on only one cheek, but then again it was a great way to get her attention as well. Another dozen stingy swats rained down on the left, enough that she squirmed and almost twisted away.

“Hey now,” I warned as I finally moved my hand to her right cheek. “You know better than that. You also know we are far from done.” I then proceeded to light up her right cheek, focusing only on it until she squealed in protest.

Pulling back, I kneaded again, giving her a moment to settle and refocus. A good thirty seconds passed, maybe a full minute before I raised my hand again.

---

Stay tuned for part two, next Friday 12am central time. 🙂

Justice in Their Eyes

Hi spanky friends, just a quick warning this is… very mature! I hope you enjoy. 😀

---

Justice huffed and slammed her laptop closed. She’d been sitting there for over an hour, and no matter what she tried writing just wasn’t happening. She’d started about a dozen stories, but none of them were working. She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, resisting the urge to throw her mouse or, worse, computer. That’s when she looked up across the kitchen table and caught sight of Finley. At just over 6-foot, Finley’s sharp jaw was set, and brown eyebrow was raised.

            “Problem?” Finley asked, their eyes studying every move she made. Justice chewed her lip as she considered her answer. This felt like a trick question.

            “No… I’m just done…”

Finley narrowed their eyes but went back, stirring the pot on the stove.

            Justice left Finley to the cooking and went to her bedroom. She sat on the side of the bed and stared at the ugly grey carpet she had still not replaced. She sat as still as she could while willing her frustration to subside. Her knuckles were white as she gripped the sheets. She was losing the battle. She picked up a pillow and slammed it into the bed as hard as possible. She did it again. And again. And then another. Three minutes later, Justice fell to her knees, out of breath, but she didn’t feel any better. In fact, the frustration had grown. She looked at the door to the very faint noise coming from the kitchen. She growled.  

            She could see the look on Finley’s face. Their eyes are full of care and concern, with just a hint of dominance. Justice sighed and stood and smoothed out her skirt in the hope that Finley wouldn’t notice her little tantrum. If they did… well…. the conversation that followed would hurt like hell.  She kicked the pillow once more before she opened her bedroom door.

            Justice stepped into the kitchen and watched Finley for a moment. They were too busy going between pots on the stove and muttering quietly to notice her. Obviously, she needed to get their attention. She took her shirt off, leaving her silk white camisole on, and threw it across the kitchen in the direction of Finley. It landed a few inches to their left on the countertop.

            “Can I help you?” Finley questioned without looking up from the stove.

            “Yes,” Justice muttered as she shifted from foot to foot, frustration very much controlling the tone she was using.

            “What can I do for you?” Finley turned and leaned against the counter, arms crossed. Justice tingled. Finley had that look. The I’m about to eat you alive look. She gulped and stepped a bit closer.

            “I am frustrated. Everything sucks. I can’t work.” Justice tried not to whine. She really did.

            “I see. And how can I help you with this?” Finley’s voice had a playful tone.

 Justice felt her face heat up. Finley was a tease. “You know how to help,” Justice challenged them.

Finley smirked. Of course, they did. But that wasn’t as fun. “I don’t. Maybe you should ask for whatever is on your mind.”

Justice crossed her arms again and growled. She turned and was about to go back to her room to hit the mattress more with the pillow when a firm voice stopped her.

            “Freeze.” Finley was next to her a moment later.

Justice was forcefully turned around and was now face to face with those grey-blue eyes. Finley gripped her chin tightly, holding eye contact. “Ask, kitten. Ask before you don’t

have a choice.”

Justice tried to squirm out of the strong grip. Finley held tight. Her stomach was tight, and every fiber of her being was on fire with frustration and arousal.

            “I know you are busy, but I need you. I need a… a spanking and… to come.”

Finley squeezed her chin just a bit before letting her go. “Then, a spanking you will get, kitten.”

Justice shivered at Finley’s deeper tone.

            “Take your panties off.”

Justice struggled to breathe. Her body was somehow hotter and more sensitive even to her own touch than just a few moments ago. She pulled up her skirt and watched, mesmerized as Finley unbuckled their belt.

Justice slowly pulled her panties down to her knees before letting them drop to the tiled floor, just as Finley gradually pulled the belt from their blue jean loops. She stepped out of her panties before letting the skirt fall again. Finley pulled the belt out the rest of the way, folded it in half, and held it to their side.

            “Good girl,” Finley said, making  Justice blush. “Hands on the counter.”

“Yes, Finley.” Justice sucked in a breath, and Finley stepped closer.  Justice met Finley’s eyes a moment before she turned and leaned over the counter.

Finley’s right hand was on her a moment later. It traveled slowly down her back, then bottom, and finally down her thighs where it slowly started to travel back up her thigh, now under her skirt, bringing the skirt with it exposing all her intimate parts to them. Finley squeezed one cheek before flipping the skirt up out of the way completely.

            “Such a lovely bottom. Will be even lovelier once I turn it red with my belt.” Finley’s hand left her bottom before she felt the tip of Finley’s belt trace up to her inner thigh and then lightly tease her sensitive lips.

            “Don’t get out of position, or you won’t get your reward.” Finley pulled the belt back and quickly slashed it across the center of her cheeks.

Justice hissed but pushed her bottom out, further willing the next swat to come in a hurry. And it did. Finley began a steady barrage of smacks from the center of her bottom down to the tops of her thighs with expert precision. Finley would travel down her ass and then back up, just barely overlapping the lashes.

While every swat heated Justice’s bottom, it also heated her core. She could feel how wet she was becoming. She pushed her bottom out further and whimpered. Everything was on fire. She resisted reaching for her clit. It ached for attention.

            “How’s that bottom, kitten?” Finley stopped after several rounds with the belt and stepped close enough for Justice to feel the jeans they were wearing press into her tender backside.       

            “Hot.” She breathed out.

            “I’d imagine it is.”

Finley was leaning over her now. One arm was wrapped around her chest, and the other wrapped around resting right above her mound. Justice moaned and pushed back into Finley’s jeans, hoping to find some contact.

            “Please,” Justice begged. She was doing everything possible to be a good girl. She wanted to be allowed to come.

            “Spread,” Finley ordered right next to her ear. Their voice alone made her sex pulse.

Justice did as told and spread her legs. Finley’s hand traveled lower.

            “Wider, kitten.”

Justice whimpered and spread her legs even further apart.  She wiggled her hips, seeking Finley’s fingers.  “Finley,” she begged again just above a whisper.

Finley growled and bit her shoulder hard.

Justice whimpered in pain momentarily before following it up with a moan.  

            “In time, kitten.” Finley slowly ran a single finger between her neither lips and then up around her hard clit, causing Justice to moan at the electric touch. “Such a naughty girl. Wet and ready to come just because of the kiss of my belt.” Finley kept the soft touch but continued to tease her opening and clit in turn. “I’m sure this deserves another dose of my belt, kitten. Seeing as how you aren’t learning your lesson.”

            Justice spread her legs further, and she felt the pleasure building in her middle. She squeezed her eyes shut and grabbed Finley’s hand. She moaned and began moving her hips in rhythm with Finley’s strokes.

They tutted in her ear, “Not yet, kitten. Not yet.”

Justice gasped when Finley gently pinched the bundle of nerves before popping her engorged sex and stepping back. “Remember what I said. Stay in position if you want to finish tonight.”

Justice nodded but kept her eyes closed. She now was basically laying on the counter, her legs wide on full display and wanting. Something. Anything. She missed Finley’s touch.  It was forever yet almost too soon, when Justice felt the belt rest on her flaming cheeks again. She groaned. Fuck, couldn’t Finley hurry up?  

Quickly though, Finley pulled back and reconnected the belt to her right sit spot, then the left, then her right thigh, then her left once more. The pleasure built back up in her middle again with every stroke. And oh, did it hurt, but it also felt heavenly.

Finley made this a pattern. Stripe after strike meeting her sit spots and thighs. But Justice wasn’t complaining. She was teetering on the edge.  Already so close, and Finley wasn’t even touching her.

            Justice couldn’t take it anymore. She shoved her hand under her shirt in search of her nipple. She moaned when she touched the erect tissue. She bit her lip and began to pinch the sensitive skin as the swats to her bottom got even hotter.

            “So, naughty. Playing with your own nipple as I strap your bottom.” Finley delivered a final searing set of swats to the full of her cheeks and dropped the belt. Justice could feel them again just over her, pressing into her. There was nothing slow now. Finley’s hand was between her legs playing with her clit again. Circling it fast and continuously.

            “Can I please?” Justice whispered.

Finley gripped her hair lightly and pulled her head back. “Let me hear you,” Finley demanded. They then stopped just long enough to give her middle another slap, but then circled again. Her own fingers tightened around her nipple. She moaned. Finley’s circling picked up the pace.

            “Come, kitten.”

Finley let go of her hair and slapped her thigh, which is what set her over the edge into the abyss of pleasure. Justice couldn’t scream. She couldn’t moan. She just shook in Finley’s arms. Damn them. Damn their belt. She let her breath go and felt the release wash over her. She let go of her nipple, and Finley hugged her from behind.

            “There ya go, kitten. Good girl. Relax.”

Justice melted into Finley’s arms and enjoyed their strong embrace. “Thank you,” she mumbled.

            “Thank you.” They stood together in the tired quiet for several long minutes before Finley gently pulled Justice into a standing position and lead them down to her bedroom. Finley helped Justice out of her skirt and then into the bed.

            They cuddled together, both tired. Justice looked up at Finley. “Can… I… help?” She quietly asked.

Finley shook their head and gave another hug.

Justice relaxed and closed her eyes.  All her frustration was gone now. They stayed cuddled together for a while until life caught back up and required their attention. But the frustration was gone, and a story was written.

About Our Community

Hey spanko people, this post will not be the normal fun spanko discussion or stories, but I feel it is important to talk about anyway. Because of some circumstances that have happened in recent months I have been thinking a lot about safety in the community, online especially. So, I wanted to talk briefly about some things I have learned over the years and give everyone the chance to share what they have learned as well.

---

The first thing is to go slow! I know it is hard to go slow when we are needy and excited, but it is an important aspect of building trust in a relationship. Make sure to spend time getting to know the person you intend to meet or play with even if it is just virtually playing! Get to know their likes and dislikes both inside and outside of the kink. Additionally, trust your gut! Most of the time, if something feels ‘off’, it is. So, if something feels “off” or is making you hesitate, honor that and reevaluate the situation. Of course, do not forget safewords. I cannot say that enough…safeword, safeword, safewords. If someone does not play with or honor a safeword run the other direction! Safewords are our last line of defense against something going over the line. The universal safewords are red, yellow, and green. Red for stop, yellow for slow down, and green for good to go.

In addition to this, make sure to understand each other’s limits before playing and be honest about them. If you are unsure that is okay, just communicate! Before meeting, have conversations with your person by phone and video call. There are many different options that can be useful. This can also help with the awkwardness of seeing each other for the first time. Additionally, if possible, request references of people they have played with in the past. Tell someone else if you are meeting in person, and if you are just playing online. Don’t keep it a secret. Try to find someone you trust. When meeting, let this trusted friend know where, with whom, and how long you are meeting.

When meeting, meet for the first time in public, and again tell your trusted friend who you are meeting with and where. Set up a safety call for the meeting, have a set amount of time your trusted friend will call you in. Set up code lines that are beyond just, “Yes, I am okay.” Also, have somewhere to retreat to easily and quickly if you need to such as your car, home, or a hotel room. This is especially important where you don’t know the area you are meeting, say if you have traveled to meet someone. Finally, when sharing pictures online, be careful to check settings on your device, because some mark your GPS location. It can reveal where and when a picture was taken, and some people will take advantage of this to discover your location. People who are smart enough or motivated enough could track you, could also do you harm. Remember, any pictures you send can be used against you, so be cautious who you share them with. Lastly, if you are confused or concerned there is a great community of women who want to help and talk about it, so utilize it if you want to!

I’ll be posting stories, or other bits and pieces on Fridays for a while so hopefully I hope to see you all around!

Dear Diary 10/22

Dear Diary,

            My butt hurts. It still has stinging swollen red strips (from what I can see in the mirror) from where my Ma’am thoroughly discussed my behavior with her belt. I’m laying on my bed butt touching nothing hoping the throbbing will subside soon, while Ma’am is in the kitchen doing something. I sometimes wonder why I do this. I always talk my way into more trouble than necessary. I should have known I was in trouble with her before she got here, but alas her message of ‘we need to talk’ was not headed.

            Apparently, she had looked at my journal and realized I’d skipped five days of night meds and three days of daytime meds. That’s what warranted the little message from Ma’am. Honestly, though I was grumpy, probably from missing the meds, but that’s a moot point. When she sent me that message, I might have ignored it. And generally speaking, it’s not good to ignore your Ma’am.

            She got here and discovered my rather messy apartment, piles of dirty laundry and dishes. When she asked me why I hadn’t been keeping up with things. I might have said something along the lines of it not being her business. I can assure you that is not an acceptable response. She had me over her lap with me eye to eye with my couch cushion and bare bottom in the air before I knew what was happening. How does she move that quick?! And how do I always forget how much her hand hurts! She didn’t bother warming me up either. Her hand quickly met my skin imparting heat expressing her displeasure. I couldn’t stay still either! I know I must have looked silly as I squirmed all over her lap as my butt reddened, however, I didn’t care! It huuurrt!

            She stopped and stood me back up in front of her (and didn’t bother pulling my pants back up either!) and started her lecture over. That was so embarrassing, but part of me also wanted to curl up on her lap and cuddle. But that’s not what she had planned. I rubbed my stinging bottom and she questioned me about the state of my life. From the meds to the messy apartment. Everything in me wanted to stomp, but the cool draft of air across my bits reminded me that might not be the best idea. I was expected to stand there and answer her questions and be contrite.

            I hate being lectured and I hate admitting I messed up. But for some reason in the midst of every lecture ever Ma’am seems to bring me around to the idea that I probably deserve some consequences for my actions. I don’t care how many times she says “spanking, strapping, or paddling” it always makes my tummy do flips. And don’t get me started on “young lady, or the worse little girl” which I get if I throw a little tantrum or get whiney. Anyway. She lectured me a longggg time about my meds especially. She doesn’t like it when I skip those. It makes me not feel good, is bad for my health, yada ya ya. She ended up declaring I needed to write a freakin paper about my meds and why it was important, etc. Why do tops have to get all… educational?

            But of course, that’s not all. She declared I needed a sound strapping as a reminder to take my meds the next few days. My butt twitched as soon as she said it. And I am ashamed to admit it, but I might have tried to beg off of it. However, Ma’am got that look. The look that told me that my butt would be in dire danger if I didn’t stop it. Sure it made me pause, but I didn’t want a strapping with her mean belt! And… that’s when she said it!

            “Go get me the plug.” Yeah. That was an oh shit moment. I know my eyes must have been as big as saucers as she sat there in her sharp black business suit looking at me as serious as I have ever seen her look. “And if you don’t want to wear it the rest of the night I suggest you go and get it now.” Any thought of rebellion or sass retreated fast, let me tell you. I trudged through my apartment looking for a plug with some lube before coming back to her. She directed me over her lap and I unwillingly found myself vulnerably bottom up again. I know she must have thought me silly as I whimpered when her hand met my backside, but it is usually an involuntary response as it is usually a promise of what is to come.

            She quietly warned me before my cheeks were spread and I felt the tip of the plug pressing against me. I am still blushing at that. She pressed it slowly and smoothly into my bottom. Afterward, both of us were quite a moment. She was probably letting me get re-acquainted with my old “friend” again. I know I was squirming over her lap though as her gentle palm petted one of my cheeks then the other. It was a silent reminder of just who I belonged to. Finally, when I because used to the full feeling of the plug she quietly asked me, “Are you going to behave now, little girl?” My body shivered at her deep and dominant voice. I could only nod yes into the cushions as she tapped the end of the plug in my bottom. “Use your words, little girl.” It took me a long minute to focus enough to mutter, “yes, Ma’am.” Of course, that wasn’t a good enough response, but those details aren’t important.

            She finally had enough talking and told me it was time to get over the arm of the couch for my strapping. Seemingly, my bottom was “still warm enough” from her initial palm and bottom meeting that she didn’t “rewarm” it. I have many different parts of the spanking process that I hate and bending over the couch or bed or whatever else is just another one. It’s like having to basically ask for what’s coming. Not to mention how much more annoying it is when you have a plug filling your bottom! Alas, I didn’t have the energy or the will power to fight bending over for her even as I heard the telltale sound of her removing her belt. Also, who wears a belt with a women’s suit?! A Top evidently that’s who.

            I was over the arm of the couch holding a pillow again, but this time Ma’am stood somewhere behind me. I could feel her eyes on my raised bottom as goosebumps rose on my skin. Waiting was another part of this process I hated. I felt her rest the belt across my buns soon though and she warned me, “Stay in position unless you want extra on your thighs.” “Yes Ma’am.” was all I could manage to answer.

             The first swat always lies. It is either not as bad as you expect or a hell of a lot worse than you remember. This time it was the first. The first swat hurt sure. Especially where the tip landed on my right cheek but it was manageable with just a mew. The next was much like the first. It left some sting, but I thought it was manageable. I’m not sure when it happens probably after a dozen swats or so it becomes not manageable anymore!

            No, your butt heats up quick when it’s dancing with well-worn leather. It’s hard to describe, but it’s like this really deep burning sting that just grows across your entire bottom as the swats, build on top of each other. Ma’am is usually quiet while she’s strapping me. She doesn’t want to distract either of us from the task at hand. So, I’m left to focus on the ever-growing pain in my bottom. It can take a lot, but even after a couple of dozen stripes with the belt, I can’t keep still. My feet start jerking up off the floor with every swat she planted. That’s when she focused on my sit spots though. I don’t know how she does it, but she can magically smack the exact same spot over and over and over again. My sit spots were on fire and they were pulsing. And not to mention what every, single swat did to the plug still firmly in my bottom. Every swat made the plug move in my bottom. I would react to the feeling by tensing making the swats hurt more!

            I’m not sure how many swats I got, but I got plenty enough for my butt to be very sore. I couldn’t help, but apologize and promise to be a very good girl from then on. And I meant it! I didn’t have any desire to repeat this little session or an even worse one with her cane. I teared up as she delivered the last ten which were the hardest of them all and left the more prominent marks on my butt. I just held on to the cushion for dear life and let myself cry. As soon and she stopped with her belt her hand was on my bottom soothingly rubbing circles all over it. In a way, it hurt more for her to touch it, but I also found comfort in her touch while crying. I barely noticed when she gently removed the plug from my bottom until she was helping me to my feet. We walked to my bedroom where I was put in a PJ shirt and nothing more. She curled up on the bed with me and she spooned me. She rubbed my bottom and whispered all the loving things a Top can. It was nice from the little I remember.

            I must have fallen asleep with her in bed with me. When I woke up she was in the kitchen doing stuff. I decided to stay in here and…. Reflect. So, me reflecting… my bottom hurts. I will take my meds. I should also do some laundry and stuff…. And I’m lucky. She loves me and takes care of me even when I’m hardheaded and difficult. I can hear her in the other room probably making something for us. I’m smiling like a dummy. I need to go and tell her. Tell her how lucky I am.

– Lucky brat. 

---

Hi all so just a quick note to say I’ll hopefully be posting regularly again in the coming weeks. I hope to be posting weekly or every other week. I’ll be doing some stories and some post about real life. Please leave a comment or like if you enjoyed this story!

Also, a lot of you may have heard, but a member of our community created a F/F spanking centered discord. We have a lot of great kinky discussion, kinklets, writing challenges, casual conversation, and even games we play over there. If you would like to join just follow the link below. If you need some help joining or getting started in discord just shoot me a email! I hope to see you there!

https://discord.gg/VMnQ4Rw

Guardian Island by Stardawn Cabot – Available Now

I am indeed very late announcing this, my apologies to Ms. Cabot, but last week she published a new book, Guardian Island! I have read this new work and let me just say I think you all will really enjoy it!

You can find sneak peaks for it on http://www.stardawncabot.wordpress.com!

If you buy this book be sure to leave her a review to let everyone know how much you enjoyed it!

Love on The Lucy Dean

Hi everyone, my book Love on The Lucy Dean is now up on the Amazon site ….go check it out 😉

Hope you like….be sure to leave a review and even if you don’t like, still feel free to review.

The paperback will also be available if ya want. It looks pretty nifty even though I say so myself 😄