Declan relaxed back in his seat, telling Mark. "Have a seat Mark. You should be in on this too. After all, it was your Sub's idea". Mark turned worried eyes on Jack, but slowly sank into a chair. Jack was starting to feel light headed. He couldn't help second guessing himself. Had what he said to Declan been good or bad? Jack slid into a chair beside Mark as Kate asked Declan curiously. "I take it that this plan had something to do with me"? Declan's emerald eyes flicked over to her, answering casually. "In part, yes. How well would you say that you train Sub's"? Kate huffed sarcastically, crossing her arms under her chest as she shot back. "I don't just train Subs. I have trained a few Masters too. Hell, you are sitting in here with one". Declan pointed to Mark and Kate nodded. Jack inhaled sharply. Declan was confirming what he had told him. Was this good or bad? 

Mark rested an arm on the table, saying curiously. "I don't understand. What is going on"? Declan leaned his arms on the table, staring at Mark now as he asked bluntly. "Do you not see my concern with this"? Kate dropped her feet from the table with a loud 'thud', snapping out to Declan. "Are you calling in to question my teaching ability, Comrade"?! Declan's eyes darted back to Kate, his voice becoming colder as he stated. "Hose down. You're missing the point, but yes. I am". Kate slowly rose from her chair, slamming her hands down on the table. Declan didn't even flinch. He simply stared her down, calmly saying. "Save your tough theatrics. I don't have time for your posturing". Kate's nails dug into the table as she sneered back through clenched teeth. "I have taught more dogs than you have owned! I guarantee it! If you want me to prove it, than I can call in a few right now. Both Master and Sub! I won't let you fire me, because you think I'm a threat to your-". Declan put his fingers into his mouth and let out a loud whistle to silence her.

Kate groaned, tilting her head at the high pitch. Jack and Mark flinched as well. In a small space like this, the whistle was almost deafening. Declan removed his fingers, inhaling slowly before he told her in a calm professional tone of voice. "I have no intention of firing you, Mistress Kate. I've seen your work with the Subs. In fact, Ben has become quite a stunning example of your training. However, I am questioning your training of Masters. I find it... lacking". Kate's eyes rose to meet his with a dark expression. Jack watched her arms flex with agitation. In a bitter voice she growled out. "Shall I give you a refresher course"? Declan smirked, semi-leaning over the desk to touch one of her long ponytails that hung down her shoulder. Kate didn't move, but her eyes watched his hand like a hawk. Declan ran his fingers through her hair, then whispered a bit darkly. "You only had one Master your whole life. What could you teach to a dog that has known several"? Kate was so focused on Declan's hand that she didn't see his other hand move in.

Declan's hand shot up and tapped her cheek a bit playfully. Jack wasn't sure how to feel about that. Kate flinched from the contact, but after a moment let out a warm chuckle. Mark placed a hand on Jack's, seeing his distress. Declan had hit her. It was a light tap at most, but he still hit her. Kate slowly sank back down into her seat, continuing to smile as she said to Declan. "Alright, you got my attention. Continue". Declan's smirk brightened a bit, before telling them in that same professional tone. "Training a Submissive comes with its own hardships. It's a lot of work. In the years that this academy has existed... Not once has it really changed. We are still haunted by the history this academy has. No owner has dared to change it. I myself had planned to demolish the place". Both Kate and Mark stiffened with worry. To Jack's surprise, Mark was the first to speak out. "You can't do that! This academy has painful memories, but it has its good ones too".

Kate added in too with a quivering voice. "Many of the Masters and Subs met at this academy. You can't just break it down". Declan raised his hand to stop them, grumbling out. "I said 'had planned'. Past tense people. Despite what you think of me... This academy has memories for me too. Which is why I am taking Jack's advise for the future of this academy". All eyes turned to Jack and he swallowed nervously. Declan quickly drew their attention back, adding in simply. "We were all taught that we couldn't be Masters, until we lived as Subs first. While I still hold true to that statement. It was brought to my attention that this academy has never trained Subs how to transition from Sub to Master". Mark shrugged, commenting out lightly. "That has always been the Master's job to transition them when they were ready". Declan almost immediately shot back. "Ya. Did Orson teach you how to become a Master, Mark? No. Kate taught you. I was taught to be a Master by Orson's mother... I can tell you right now, that I have never used, nor would I teach Subs any of that. Yet, here we sit in defiance of our old Masters".

Kate drummed her nails on the table, asking curiously. "So, you plan to open a Master class? What does this have to do with us"? Declan leaned back in his seat, saying much softer. "A Master and Submissive are a team. Equal partners. So, how can we show the new Subs that if the academy only has a single ruler that focuses on training Masters"? Jack's heart skipped, he had a feeling where this was going now". Declan took a shaky breath, locking eyes with Kate, before he told her. "I need a Master of Submission to help me keep this academy honest. For too long this place has struck fear into Subs because it has been ruled by Masters that are just that. Hardened Masters. You spend a lot of time with the Subs. You know how they think. They respect you and more importantly they trust you. My name has had a lot of lies surrounding it for years. I can't clear it, If I don't show that I'm different. I think this change will help".

Kate gawked for a moment, asking a bit perplexed. "You're saying that you want me to work with you to run the academy? As the Master of Submission"? Declan nodded with a guarded expression. If he was expecting her to turn it down... He was wrong. Kate let out a loud giddy laugh, saying. "I'd be willing to give this a shot. When do we start"? Declan raised a finger and Jack's heart sank. He could feel a catch coming on. Mark cleared his throat then, asking curiously. "I don't get what this has to do with himself and Jack? I'm happy to witness this new turn of events... but I think we should leave and let you discuss this further in private". Mark climbed to his feet, heading to the door, when Declan snatched his arm in a tight grip to stop him. Jack's heart skipped in panic. Declan looked up at Mark, practically purring out. "I didn't tell you the best part. And yes. It involves both you and Jack".

Kate shared a nervous look with Jack. Declan slowly rose from his chair, his grip still on Mark's arm. Over Mark's shoulder, Declan told a worried Mark coolly. "I think we will need to see how well we work together. Don't you"? Kate rose from her chair again, asking Declan a bit worried. "What do you mean"? Declan turned to look at her as he answered sweetly. "I think we should show each other how the other works, right? So, let's show the our talents. I'll teach Mark to be a Master and you teach Jack how to be a Sub. We will know when they win the Pet Park. Sound fair"? Jack wanted Kate to refuse, but she crossed her arms, stating out. "That sounds like a challenge, Master Declan. You think Jack will loose"? Declan released Mark to approach Kate with a smirk, saying in a thicker Russian accent. "Моя леди, It crossed my mind".

Kate nodded, sneering out. "So be it. However, I promised Ben that I would train him for the Pet Park too. So, you'll have to find another Master to train with Mark as well. Deal"? Declan raised his hand and they shook hands. Only after did Declan add in sweetly. "I'll meet you in the training hall". Declan then took his leave, patting Mark on the shoulder as he left the room. Jack and Mark both turned their eyes on Kate. She shrugged feeling the pressure of their eyes, mumbling out. "Don't give me that look. I couldn't help it. He challenged and I answered". Mark huffed loudly, telling Kate seriously. "I don't know about this, Kate. I don't know if I trust him". Kate folded her arms under her chest, mumbling out. "That is why I brought Ben into this. It should keep Declan's focus divided between you and whoever he picks. Just in case he tries something".

Jack moved closer to them, throwing in honestly. "Guys... I don't think Declan is really all that bad". They both looked at him like he suddenly grew horns. Jack sighed heavily, telling them seriously. "I got to know him a bit. He's rough around the edges... but he seems like a genuine person. He's kept to his word so far. Let's just give him the benefit of a doubt, huh? I think he might surprise you". Mark shifted uncomfortably, saying reluctantly. "Ya... I've noticed that. I got this huge thanks for raising over a million dollars for the charity... I came here thinking that he set me up to keep you". Jack wrapped an arm around Mark's back, sweetly replying. "I know. He told me. I honestly thought the same thing, but he was just... looking out for me in his own weird way". Kate and Mark glanced at each other with confused looks, so Jack added on a bit more. "Declan was sold at an pet auction and passed around a lot. He's lost a lot... but he does care. He just has a hard time showing it".

Kate patted Jack's arm, telling them both warmly. "Let's head to the training hall. We shall see for ourselves". Mark kept a hold of Jack's hand the whole way. Eventually, Kate separated from them to fetch Ben. Leaving them to head to the training hall alone. Jack savored the warmth and comfort of Mark's hand the whole way. Jack could tell that Mark was anxious to just head for the exit door... but whether it was how giddy Kate was over being a possible head of the academy... or Jack's own confidence in Declan, he didn't know. They approached the large doors to the training hall and Mark stopped abruptly. Declan was leaning against the wall, chatting softly with a teary eyed Trevor. Mark's hand tightened on Jack's as they watched Declan in silence. Declan raised a hand to Trevor's cheek, then pulled him closer into a hug. Mark didn't know what was going on, but Jack had a pretty good guess. Declan was apologizing to Trevor. Jack felt that framing Trevor in the first place was harsh, but seeing him now... Jack understood.

Trevor's walls were finally down and Declan was showering Trevor with comfort for it. Something that Jack imagined that Trevor never got from Orson or Rodger. When Trevor pulled away, Declan brushed a finger over his cheek. Although, when Trevor spotted them, he quickly turned to hide his face. Declan's eyes turned in their direction and Mark stiffened up. Jack smiled back at Declan. As much as Trevor unsettled him, Declan was at least getting through to him. Declan approached them, telling Mark honestly. "I think we got off on the wrong foot. So, consider this my... apology. A Master is defined by how much they care for their Sub. While I hope to teach you to become better... You are still a Master to him". Declan handed Mark a black box and moved back to walk Trevor into the training hall. Mark waited until they were out of sight before opening the box. Then Mark smiled brightly with relief. Jack peeked over Mark's shoulder and his heart leapt at the sight of a polished black and green collar with Septic Sam's. To Be Continued... 

Translations:  'Моя леди' (Russian) = 'My Lady'.