Liam's apparently dismissive reaction to his lateness did him no favours, the vampire thought as he selected then tested the second switch. He frowned slightly. It was too light, too supple for his needs tonight. The thin willow branch would leave a sting, but a less subtle implement of punishment was evidently required. Carrick already intended to punish his slave in a fashion that left him in no doubt as to Carrick's displeasure, but the lack of respect the boy was showing was evidently proof of something Carrick had suspected for some time.
"I can see I've been too lenient with you," the vampire said shortly. picking up the third switch and testing it in the same manner. This one was thicker, nearly as wide around as his thumb. The pitch as he slashed it through the air was lower, testifying to its greater weight. It would be the more severe implement of the two.
"There aren't many slaves I would have allowed to go back to the woods, especially so soon after their collaring. You've disappointed me, Liam."
Carrick let the two switches he had chosen dangle loosely in his hand for a long moment, regarding his slave with pensive eyes. He stood up deliberately and stepped down off the mounting block. He moved closer to Liam, eyes never leaving the slave's face.
Suddenly and in a blur of movement, Carrick pounced. In less than a second, the vampire had grabbed hold of Liam's shoulders and shoved him back across the stableyard to a tall and heavy oak post set into the ground. He slammed the boy up against it, Liam's chest pressed against the hard wood. Carrick's own body pressed tightly against his back.
The vampire's mouth pressed against Liam's ear, his voice a low hiss, cold breath deceptively caressing against his jaw and throat.
"Don't question me, slave. I like your wildness, your passion. But believe me, if I have to chain you down and whip you bloody, lash you until you're on your knees and begging to lick my boots in submission, then that's what I'll do. You are going to learn to obey me, boy. How easily your obedience comes is up to you."