Usually, I could keep my head relatively quiet. For some reason, though, Chelsea would not pipe down. “I can’t believe Jared, making that kind of stupid comment in the board meeting! I mean, who the fuck does he think he is?”

I tapped my pen onto my notepad repeatedly, trying to pay attention to anything else. Normally I’d be listening to Chelsea, because she’d usually be right. And she was - I vividly remember giving him a piece of our mind, and a salary cut in front of the whole board. From a business perspective, it was unwise for me to act as such. Word spread quickly, and I already knew of the rumors circulating. Statistics showed that morale and productivity crumpled under poor leadership, rather, under the kind of leadership I kept showing.

Who could blame me, when peons like fucking Jared continued to test my patience? Calling me, of all people, lazy? And who could blame me, when seeing the looks of fear I caused made me feel so gleeful? I never wanted to be this way, truly. It took me a long time to keep myself in check. And I mostly could do it, these days.

Not that it helped any of my other issues. The damn memo I needed to write to HR, I couldn't focus on it. Having fragments in my head - voices only I knew of - posed one problem. The rest of the explanation… who knew. “Yes,” I calmly replied, “Jared made a stupid comment, as he always does. No matter. It’s not the first time I’ve heard it.”

“You should punch him,” I could feel Chelsea grinning inside. I had to suppress a smirk she tried to plaster on my face. “T.B.H., you should have punched him a long time ago.”

The worst part of being plural was that my thoughts were never truly… just my thoughts. So when I internally groaned, Chelsea only doubled down. “Come on! Just a little tap to the cheek. A hard one. Give him something to remember. Who cares what they say, they’re already talking about you anyways.”

I slammed the pen down on the paper, scribbling an intangible line. “I care. Now shut up and let me write this mem--”

My murmuring was cut short by a knock on the door. “Yes?” I tersely called out. Ahhh, that must be Lissa, with my well-earned coffee. “Come in.”

Sure enough, Lissa swung into my enormous office, being as subtle and quiet as possible. She knew I didn’t like too much noise before my coffee. I smiled with satisfaction, as I held my hand out to accept the coffee.

Except, Lissa stopped in her tracks.

And then the idiot dropped my coffee to the ground.

I scowled, standing up in a fit of rage, ready to now give Lissa some harsh words, too. But before I could, she spoke. “Ms. Kensington, have you- have you looked in the mirror today?”

“What.” Chelsea started. “The. Fuck? Did she just say that to us?”

I blinked slowly, calming Chelsea down just enough. “Excuse me?” I hissed as I stood up. “Are you implying I don’t look fit for my job?”

“N-not at all!” Lissa shook her head. “I… um…” She stammered for a bit, before pulling out her phone. I watched her impatiently, my hands curling into fists as my usually competent assistant fidgeted. She pressed a few buttons on her phone, and showed me the screen. In the picture was me - beautiful, gorgeous Aura Kensington.

And--

My eyes went wide. For the first time today, my head was silent.

On my upper left breast, barely visible, the words -- 

“Owner of Cassidy Smith”.

My expression shifted to one of shock. Bewilderment. My head spun. I fell to my chair, dizzy, looking aimlessly at my desk. A Soulmate Mark. A Soulmate Mark. I was almost 30 and thought I would never see it. I had no idea what to think. Whatever I was supposed to think didn’t come.

I needed--

“Lissa, will you - will you please have someone clean up the coffee?”

“C-certainly. Should I--”

“Yes. Go.” Lissa left without a word, leaving me with my own thoughts in my chaotic room once more.

I pulled out my own phone - the newest model, obviously - and looked at myself in its screen. Sure enough, the same mark showed. I roughly placed a thumb to the wording and tried to scrape it off. Nothing. What else would have happened? It was a Soulmate Mark, they don’t just go away. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Did I feel joy? Fear? Shock? Excitement? I didn’t know.

“So,” Chelsea spoke up. She was the last voice I wanted to hear. “What… now?”

I shook my head, not responding to her. I felt my gut churn, and another voice popped to the surface.

“It’s going to be okay, Aura,” Bethany spoke in her usual soft tone. Even without hearing her words, her voice soothed me. “Breathe in and out.” I followed the instructions. Thank god someone in this head knew what to do in situations like these.

“One step at a time,” Bethany reminded. “Have you eaten or drank anything?”

I grimaced, looking down at the floor. “I was going to have coffee.”

Bethany shook her head. “I did mean actual food and liquids. Why don’t you get yourself some water from the jar?”

“I-- okay.” Bethany was right. This was confusing enough as-is, I didn’t need to deal with it while dehydrated. I pulled myself to my feet, as I do over and over again, and grabbed a tall glass of icy water.

I downed it all in one or two gulps. Food wasn't automatically available, I wasn't some hooligan who kept food in her fucking office. But, I had water. "What next?" I asked Bethany, the only person - part - fragment - whatever - I was willing to listen to right now.

"Next, one of your assistants should look into who this Cassidy Smith is."

"Right," I murmured. It was hard to panic about suddenly having a Soulmate Mark when I didn't know my Soulmate herself. "This... I don't know what to do with this."

"Well, there are some bright sides," Bethany started, her warm voice soothing my body just a little. "First, you didn't get a submissive mark."

I chuckled to myself. Yes, that was a huge positive. In fact, when I did fantasize about having a Soulmate Mark, it was this exact kind. The kind where I would have complete ownership of a person. To do what I will with their mind, their body, their beliefs. And more so - to have someone to trust. 

No one knew I was plural, of my hardships, of the troubles I faced - in fact, I had never told anyone. Not family, for fucking sure. Not my most trusted coworkers. Not a therapist. Not anyone, even under an alias. Being able to talk to someone, to know they will be silent so long as I force them to... it was one part of the fantasy. Alongside the sadomasochism and brainwashing.

I hated being this sentimental. Why fall into those fantasies now when I didn't even know what Cassidy Smith looked like?

"Second," Bethany continued, "Soulmate Marks are never a mistake. Only--"

"A gift in disguise," I concluded. I hated that saying, that meaningless platitude. Statistically speaking, unwanted Soulmate Marks drastically raised rates of depression, low self-worth, and anxiety - regardless of what kind of mark they had. What if this would be the same?

Fuck it. Why was I anxious about what my Soulmate would think of me?

Distantly, I worried about my other parts. They were speaking. I knew it. I just couldn’t tell what they were saying.

I could make them think whatever I damn pleased.

Not letting Bethany finish, I picked up my phone, and dialed my most trusted secretary. Perhaps I should have calmed down a bit more first. I didn't care.

"Hello? Mello? Could you look into a Cassidy Smith for me?"

...

"What?" My eyes widened. "She's an employee here?"

...

"In Mystic?" That was even more unbelievable. She worked as a Retail Associate in the Kensington Love location in my very own town. The most bottom-line employee. Well... that made one part easier. Maybe it’d be easier to get her to obey me, then. "When is her next shift?"

...

"Today... I see. Thank you very much, Mello." This was all very sudden. But I kept my pace.

I hung up, and quickly picked up the phone again.

"Maybe we should think things through a bit before we meet her?" Bethany suggested.

I didn't listen. "Hello? Yes, could you charter a cab to the Mystic Kensington Love location for me, this second?"

~~

It took roughly 30 minutes for the cab to get here - damn rush hour traffic - and the ride was agonizingly slow. My foot tapped against the floor of the car repeatedly, trying to shake off the rampant energy I had. I had a Soulmate. And I was going to meet her. Here I was, the rich and powerful Aura Kensington, scared of what some little brat could do to me. Scared of what she'd think of me.

I knew that I shouldn't need to feel this way. But there was some truth to my anxieties. Out of all the Soulmate Marks, Property marks showed the highest rates of initial fear, grief, and hopelessness. My brain stored all the Soulmate research studies neatly; I could remember each and every one with ease.

And, soon enough, my brain had memorized everything I knew about Cassidy Smith. Being powerful meant I could do near damn anything I wanted - including grabbing her school records on a moment’s notice. A BA in Design, and a JD soon after, shockingly - based on the pictures, she didn’t look like the lawyer type. 

At least, that’s what I thought at first, before reviewing her Bar scores… seems that service was the ideal place for her. One of her law professors worked in my legal department, surprisingly, and I garnered a good few stories from him too. Amusing stories - very, very amusing stories. One of the greatest parts of all this was that I could make fun of Cassidy all I wanted, and she wouldn’t be able to do or say a damn thing about it.

What was she going to do? Go to the cops? Report me? I could garner that’s what she wanted to do. Most of her coursework was in Soulmate Law and defense studies. I loved imagining the stupid look on her face when she would have seen my name across her chest. The poor failed lawyer… I’m sure she’d adjust easily enough.

It was a good thing I wore my best outfit today. Coordinated in bright white and blaring red hues, I had donned my fanciest suit that day, seemingly for good reason.

Once the initial shock wore off, sheer excitement replaced it. Though, my system still needed time to air out their thoughts. My parts spoke loudly, one after another, clogging the ease I tried to achieve within myself. Trying to ignore it, I pulled out a mirror and quickly fixed my makeup, wiping off an uneven lipstick patch. I wanted to yell at them to shut the fuck up, but I didn't want the driver to think I was some crazy person. Eventually, though, I didn't need to think further.

The cab drove up to the store, taking the parking spot right in front. "I'll be back with her," I told my cab driver, who simply nodded in understanding.

I inhaled, and put on my mask. I couldn't show weakness in front of my Property. I was her Owner.

My stroll was confident, so was the way I swung open the door. A few eyes landed on me - probably admiring my impeccable looks, my fancy suit and even fancier hairdo - and I lifted my sunglasses to see the view clearly.

"May I speak to the manager?" I asked loudly. The location wasn't an enormous store - those were reserved for the largest cities - so it'd be likely the manager would hear me.

While I waited, I scanned the room to see who might be Cassidy. It'd be hard to tell without a face.

I did catch a short brunette girl fixing a greeting card display that didn't need to be fixed. 99% sure it was her. Hmm... she could use a proper haircut. And what is with that atrocious outfit she chose?

Eventually, a mid-30s woman with blonde hair and a ponytail walked up. "Who might you be?"

I wanted to scoff and make some snarky remark. She didn't recognize me? Did she even know where she worked? I collected myself, and reached for my badge, neatly attached to my belt hoop. Hastily I showed it to the mid-level manager. "Aura Kensington," I pronounced with pride, as I'd deserved. "CEO and Founder of Kensington Love."

God, the dumb face that manager made... I wanted to take a picture of it. But that wasn't my goal today. Slowly, she replied. "Oh. She's over there." Her face turned to the messy-haired, curvy-figured girl. I knew it. As I always do. "Cassidy?"

I waited for her to turn around. But she didn't even move her head. I inhaled slowly, containing the rage. "Yes?" was all she could reply with. That bitch knew. She wouldn't get to play dumb with me for long.

"The... CEO wishes to speak with you." The manager - 'Stacey', apparently - turned back to me. “I apologize. I hadn’t realized you were coming. Please, let me clear out the break room for you two.”

I held my hand up to stop her. "No need. I would like to take her to a cafe." That was a half-truth. I would like to have her pick up her stuff and then I'll take her to a cafe because I still didn't have my damn coffee. "Cassidy, please come over."

Finally, she turned around. I adjusted my glasses to look at Cassidy. Speaking strictly by traditional beauty standards, she wasn't much. But her freckled face, the natural blonde streaks in her hair, the way her eyes were already quivering in my presence... I wanted to take her back and fuck her relentlessly. I loved making nerdy-looking girls cry. She had no makeup on - a faux pas in our company - but no worry. Next time I’d see her, she would be.

But she wouldn't walk towards me. Her Owner. "Please," my voice held a bit more force, a bit more impatience. "Cassidy, would you come here?"

A painful second passed before she answered, "yes." Cassidy Smith walked over, giving me a better look at her - her face, her figure, those disastrous clothing options. "Why might you-- ah!"

I didn't waste another second. I had to know - for sure - that this was the correct Cassidy Smith. Smith was the most common last name. I, Aura Kensington, would not make a blunder like that. Swiftly, my hands moved to unbutton her shirt. Cassidy stood frozen, shivering like she lived in Antarctica. It was cute, but annoying. I managed to keep her still enough to unbutton enough of her shirt.

My suspicions were confirmed on her chest.

"Property of Aura Kensington."

I couldn't help it. I grinned widely. Excitement filled my heart, excitement for all the ways I was going to torment this girl, and mold her to my liking.

Plus or minus some anxiety.

"Ah," I sighed. "It's very nice to meet you, pet."

~~

30 minutes had passed since I excused Cassidy to her home to grab her belongings. I idly scrolled through my phone, scanning all the latest Soulmate research studies and news articles about my business. Obviously, it was hard to ignore the titles claiming me to be some rich bitch after I had just terrified Cassidy seconds within meeting her.

Obviously I expected some resistance. But the fire she brought to me... it made my head spin. My heart ached for some reason, I couldn't tell why. Luckily, it seems the flame was nothing but a tea light - easy to blow out with one strike.

I got the feeling, though, I'd be using my hand a lot.

Chelsea liked that prospect, too. “Finally, Aura gets to use her hands and not her voice.”

I cracked a smile. “I am excited for that, yes.”

Ecstasy filled me, so did fright. Cassidy wasn’t planning an escape, was she? No. Of course not. She was stupid, but not that stupid. I managed to get a hold of her records on the ride over. It was hard not to laugh when I saw her law school grades, or how poorly she did on the Bar. And to think that this idiot wanted to protect people in her situation?

Please. She’ll see the joy in service soon enough. I’d make her.

“It won’t be as easy as you think,” another voice piped up - Fay. Another voice of reason, but an annoying one, not as soothing as Bethany. “You can’t just scare her and slap her into being truly trustworthy.”

“Sure, but I can until she’s obedient.”

“Is that all you want?”

God damn it. “No, of course it isn’t. I will make her trust me. And I will make her someone I can trust.”

“How?”

“First step, everyone stop talking when I’m with her,” I demanded internally. “I will meet her. I will tame her. I will be the one to own her.”

Luckily, they all piped down. I pulled out a pen and notepad - always kept one on hand in case I had another brilliant idea - and I began jotting down a plan. Plans for punishments, plans for inductions and triggers, plans to  mold her like clay into the Property of my dreams.

“Day one,” I spoke externally, “teach her how to properly address her Owner.”

I got the feeling that would be easier said than done. But I knew D/s. I knew power dynamics. I wasn’t inexperienced - I only had not a Soulmate until now.

Distantly, I heard the trunk open. I hadn’t noticed how much time went by. From my peripheral vision, I saw Cassidy putting her stuff in the trunk. She emerged from her home, bidding it farewell with two suitcases and a hand bag. At least she was prepared with more than the basics. I could give her everything else, and take what would not be necessary.

Cassidy returned to the seat next to me. She did not look at me. Remember your training plan, Aura. “Cassidy?”

Slowly, her face turned. I could see the hopelessness in her eyes. For some reason, it hurt me, to see my Property this disheveled. I couldn’t say I was entirely blameless, though. “Are you ready to head to the cafe now?”

Another pause. Slowly, she spoke. “Yes, Mistress.”

Oh. I couldn’t wait to hear those words, over, and over, and over again.

~~

I suppose I shouldn’t have expected our first meeting to go seamlessly, but getting words out of Cassidy was like opening a tight jar. Whatever conversation topic I tried, even just to get to know her as a person, she barely answered. It was a rarity for her to answer with more than three words. Even then, I despised hearing the words “it was good” or “it was okay” or “it was bad” to my questions. She could at least try. And more annoyingly, she refused to take any part in the conversation. Similar to having a pillow princess, but for a Soulmate.

A moment of quiet, and Chelsea spoke up.

“Are we sure this isn’t a mistake, too?”

I looked away so that Cassidy wouldn’t see my eyes flashing.

“No. I can tell she can be trained. I can tell we will genuinely be a good couple. She needs time. As do I.” I replied internally, my lips making the motions of my words.

“It doesn’t help that you slapped her during your first conversation,” Fay unhelpfully added.

I fumed. “I am her Owner. I get to do as I please with her. Even if she were to protest, she would see my way soon, too. I am her key to eternal, genuine happiness.”

“And she’s your key to yours.”

I didn’t reply to that.

“Training employees, or submissives, with 100% force, it almost never works entirely. You need patience. Compassion. Gentleness. You need to show her that she can trust you, even when you’re putting her and her body through hell.”

Once again, I didn’t reply.  Though my thoughts were Fay’s and they were also Chelsea’s and Bethany’s and everyone else’s. They knew I agreed, even if I hated it.

I looked back to Cassidy, and gave her the gift of silence through the rest of the car ride. How will I train this girl to be my perfect servant?

Unfortunately, there was no easy, fool-proof answer to that question.

Despite what Cassidy thought of me, this sudden arrangement was not easy for myself, either. But I wouldn’t tell her that, not even as a dare. Not even as her Owner.

Cassidy got back in the car, and once again refused to look at me. My hand reached out to try and amend that forcibly, but… no. Not yet. Soon, she’d get used to my face, and used to looking at it.

“Cafe 54, please,” I said sternly to the driver, who pressed down on the gas immediately. Cassidy clutched onto her handbag as if it would protect her.

This whole Soulmate taming thing seemed easier in my head. No matter. I am smart, capable, and ready to tear this girl to shreds if that’s what it takes.