Obedient Read Online Free PDF

just run around naked all the time?” It sounded judgemental, and it probably was.
    He chuckled. “I rarely spend time in this form. In the other, there is no need for clothing.”
    She nodded. It made sense. “Of course. Sorry. It is a cultural difference I will just have to get used to.”
    His grin was infectious. “There is no reason for you to wear anything during the day, either. Your body is exceptionally well constructed. There is no need for concealment.”
    “Actually, heat loss is an issue for me. I do find things rather cold in the evenings. Clothing helps that small matter.” She shivered and her skin pebbled.
    “Are you cold?” He seemed surprised.
    “Only the parts of me that aren’t touching you.” She shivered again. “Don’t worry, I warm up when I either exercise or eat.”
    “Then, the lesson had better get underway. First, I will need to assess your skills, and from there, we will work on technique, followed by lung capacity.”
    “Just like that?”
    “This comes naturally for me, but for you, it is a skill. First, we will see how you can already move, and then, we will refine the technique. It will be tiring, but I will feel better about your chances for survival here. Put yourself in my hands.”
    She nodded. “Fine, but only because your hands are warm.”
    Rad laughed. “I promise to help you warm up after the workout. Come on.”
    He set her on her feet and walked her into the surf. The first lesson was about to begin.
    To her surprise, the water wasn’t as cold as it had been the day before. “This water is warmer.”
    “There is a volcanic undercurrent nearby. It heats the cove to a temperature more suitable for you.”
    Zel blinked. “You picked this place for me?”
    “Of course, it has the right sheltering structure and the warmer waters that deter larger predators as well as encourage more timid wildlife to shelter here. It is a safe place to learn some of the fish of the oceans.”
    She was knee deep in the water when she saw brightly coloured flashes under the surface. They were apparently coming to greet the largest predator on the planet. She just happened to be next to him.
    “We will begin with breathing.” He grinned and pulled her deeper as the lesson began.
    She demonstrated that she could swim perfectly fine in still water. When he told her to hold her breath and he pulled her under, she realised how deep they had managed to go.
    He held her under the water, and she held her breath, staring into his eyes. She managed to relax, and the spent air seeped from her lungs with slow bubbles rising to the surface. She kept her gaze locked to his, and when she finally couldn’t manage it anymore, she kicked at his hands beginning the fight to free herself.
    He didn’t let go.
    She felt her lungs ache, her heart pound, and she got angry at the grip he had on her. Zel bent forward and clawed at his hands, and when that didn’t work, she went for his eyes. That got the reaction that she wanted, and she headed for the surface.
    It was further than she imagined, and the spots that had teased her eyes grew larger and larger until she blacked out.
     
    She was sitting in the sun. Rad had her on his lap, and he was untangling her hair with his fingers.
    “I apologise. I pushed you too hard. You do have a very good basic ability to swim, so that is good. We will just have to work on your lung capacity.” He seemed very chipper.
    Zel nodded. “Right, but not today.”
    “No. I will fly you back to the house. You can rest and relax for the rest of the day.”
    She sighed and stared up at him. “You tried to drown me.”
    Rad blinked. “I was testing your limits. I did not realise that you had already reached them. You didn’t give any normal signs.”
    She made a face. “That is my skill. I can follow instructions forever unless it endangers me.”
    “Your skill?”
    “Obedience. It only goes so far, and then, I snap, as you saw.” She reached up and stroked the