"I felt something, when I was here. Being in your presence. I felt --" the words stuttered out, and then I just let it out, because I needed to. I'd been fighting it so damn long, and I was so damn tired of it. "The things I want ... I shouldn't want them. It's not right. But I do. I want them. And you could give them to me. I felt it that day and I've been thinking about it since. And gods, it's so wrong but I know you could give them to me."

A beat of silence, and when Trey spoke, it was a rumble of sound. "What things?"

"You know." It was all I could say.

"Maybe I do," and that rumble became gentler, understanding. But no less powerful. "But you need to say it."

"I want to submit," I whispered, my voice shaking.

"Want?"

"Need," I whimpered, because gods, yes. I needed it. It was more than just want. And it didn't matter who wrong it was, I needed it.

"Good boy."

Two words. That's all they were. And not even particularly important ones at that. But they filled me up, that little bit of praise and I sagged. Trey's hold on my neck the only thing that kept me from crumbling into a heap.

He touched my cheek with his free hand, and brought my face around to his. I squeezed my eyes closed, not able to look at him, despite the warmth his praise had given me. Trey wasn't having that though. He gave me a little shake, and I snapped my eyes open. What I saw nearly undid me. The warmth in his gaze, but also the heat. But most of all, it was the pride.

"It takes the strongest person to admit what they need. Especially when it comes to this. I'm so proud of you for saying it, for coming here where you knew I would help you. I'm proud of you, cub."

I lost it. I'd never been prone to hysterics -- because I couldn't allow that much emotion to show through -- but his words broke me. And then Trey did the most amazing thing. Instead of turning away, instead of kicking me out, he gathered me in those strong arms and held me tightly while I cried.