a lot of people cheered, and he was slapped on the back enough times to please a damn masochist.
The enthusiasm felt good.
Z motioned for him to come forward. Didn’t it figure the man would make a production of this?
No problem, though. After two decades of army life, Ghost was an old hand at enduring pomp and circumstance.
With a hand on his shoulder, Z said, “In case you haven’t met him, Ghost is one of our Masters, although he apparently dislikes the title.”
Jessica snickered and said loudly, “We decided to call him Colonel, instead.”
Laughter ran through the crowd along with agreement. He’d never escape the title now.
The little brat.
He had a feeling Valerie had a bit of brat in her, too. And how fun would that be?
Focus, Blackwood. “People, it’s an honor to be chosen for this position. I’ll do my best for you—and I ask that you come to me if there are any problems or concerns.”
When Z took a step back, Ghost continued, “There will be some changes coming. For one, dungeon monitoring will return to being done by the Masters for now rather than hired personnel.”
The announcement collected another cheer. He wasn’t the only person to notice that the hired DMs had been a waste of space.
“The hired waitstaff is also gone. Once again, submissives who want to serve drinks can sign up for a shift at the bar and receive a discount on their membership fees accordingly.”
More happy sounds and not merely for the cut in dues. Waiting tables was an easy way to meet people.
“Since we need more DMs than we have Masters, in April, we’ll offer training classes to expand the DM pool. As you know, the only way to get discounted membership fees is to be of service to the club—and this is one way. Applications and information about the requirements will be at the bar.”
There were interested nods. Good.
Time to give Wrecker’s cohorts a warning. “Anyone who’s gotten a discount recently, I’ll be in touch to see what service you plan to provide.”
He heard Z’s low chuckle. Because there were several Doms with sour expressions, giving what-the-fuck growls. Wrecker’s friends.
“My turn,” Z murmured, then addressed the members. “People. I created the Shadowlands to give us all a safe and nurturing community in which to enjoy the lifestyle. A place to learn and share, where safe, sane, and consensual—or risk-awareness—applies.”
Unlike Ghost’s rasp, Z’s voice was resonant and compelling. “Here is where tolerance is practiced. We enjoy different kinks—as well as different lifestyles, relationship dynamics, sexual preferences, identities, and backgrounds. I want to be clear: intolerance is a crash-and-burn offense in this club, right along with not obtaining consent before touching or playing. So, to all of us…let’s be mindful and respectful.”
Ghost let Z’s polite warning percolate through the membership before grinning and adding his own growled threat, “Or I’ll be pulling you aside for a polite…chat.”
Yep, from the laughter, his timing was good.
Olivia gave him a smile and a nod, as did Alastair who stood with Max near the center. Andrea gave him a thumbs-up.
The bigots hadn’t ruled for long. Now it was time to repair the fractures and restore the community spirit.
Chapter Twelve
Valerie had never started an evening so late in her whole life. But Linda had said Ghost, as manager, would be occupied during the busiest hours—and likely to be free after midnight.
Even better, Barry probably wouldn’t be here this late. Not that she’d let him drive her away if he was, but since construction crews started early, he rarely stayed up late.
Smiling, she looked around. The atmosphere in the club felt different this Saturday night.
To begin with, rather than a surly, disheveled mess, the guard at the door had been welcoming and efficient.
And she was an actual member now, too.
Before coming, she’d read the club emails and watched the video of Master Z and Ghost from last night where they’d spoken of the change of management.
She’d watched it a second time because…Ghost.
Why, oh why, did she have to lust after him? Especially now he was manager. For submissives, a man in power was a lure all its own, even without adding in his hard body and firm jaw. And air of command.
She sighed. Would he even remember she was coming to the club tonight?
Maybe. After all, he’d probably seen her name on the orientation class signup.
It’d been an interesting two hours, filled with information about safety, proper behavior, and the various rules and traditions. Master Jake had been very thorough.