Haley Thistle

The Five Paralangua: Part Four (special preview)

My heart is hammering out of my chest. No. Beyond that. My heart is hammering in space and changing Earth’s rotation. I was wading in knee deep water, entering the depths of the labyrinth. Cold mud and stone greet my toes. Meanwhile, ahead of me, there is a vastness I cannot describe. The labyrinth is one of the greatest mysteries the Festival of Ash provides, and I am alone inside.

The paralangua will begin their hunt now. But I am the sole prey this festival. Usually, the five chosen paralangua will enter along with some other hopeful paralangua, hunting for their chosen mate. This year, my five will enter alone, and they will hunt me together, yet separately. The order of who leaves the labyrinth will determine…well, something very intimate.

I slipped and fell into the water, splashing down, loosing footing, and finding myself careening down a waterslide that shoots me out over a waterfall, below me is a vast depth with a faint blue glow.

I notice none of this beauty or splendor. I am far too busy screaming at the top of my lungs as I cascade down the waterfall like a ragdoll.

From the waterfall lunges a huge, imposing figure that rips me from the air. My heartbeat is such that now the moon is shaken from its orbit. I am tucked into large arms, one of which garbs hold of a vine and swings us towards a wall where he stops my careening.

“Easy now,” a calm voice whispers. “I got you in the nick of time.” There was a slight chuckle to his voice, but I was too busy trying to breathe to notice the sexy inflection.

“Oh my god!” I gulped in air. “Oh my god!” My naked body pressed into the scaly flank of Chandra. His white scales gleamed with that faint blue glow. He looked iridescent in the light.

“Took a tumble did ya?” Chandra laughed as he put me upon his back. “Was planning to sneak up on you until you did that.” He started climbing up the vine, heading towards the beam of light over us.

I clung to his neck, holding on for dear life as the pool below us grew even further away. “I didn’t even see that I was that close to a slide!”

“No worries.” Chandra started to laughed but was yanked from below.

Glancing down Venus was upon us, his hand wrapped tightly around Chandra’s ankle.

“Do you mind?” Chandra tried kicking, but found it upset his balance on the rope. “I’m trying to get our Stella out of here.”

“And let you be first?” Venus snarled. “Fat chance.”

Chandra eased me around to his front, holding me in the curve of his arm. “Excuse me, love.” He set me upon a ledge on the wall then leapt down, tackling Venus, and both of them dropped into the knee deep water I started in.

I yelped, quickly coming to standing. I watched them struggle for a moment, their bodies writhing and thrashing in the water, before I made my way along the ledge. The ledge led to an opening, which itself turned into a dimly lit corridor. Light filtered in through the ceiling, which was covered by vines and tree limbs. The floor was cold with settled patches of water that trickled down the walls. I was supposed to keep running, creating the chase that the labyrinth was made for. But I really didn’t want to. I wanted one of them to find me, it didn’t matter who. I just wanted to be found and taken out of here.

As I came to the end of the hallway, I peeked around the corner to see stairs on either side, and a drop off straight ahead. I stood there for a moment, listening for rushing water or something, not sure.

“There you are.”

I jumped nearly out of my skin. I looked this way and that before turning back around and seeing a massive shape at the end of the hall I just came from.

“Found you,” Solomon’s deep voice rippled through the air.

The Five Paralangua: Part Three (rough draft)

It had been a day or so since I had seen Solomon and Venus, so I was expecting Chandra at any moment. Considering what I had gleaned from him at the meetings, and even Venus’ warnings, it was obvious he was going to be a handful. But so far, I had been enjoying these meetings, so I wasn’ going to worry about it for too long.

Every so often I like to take my goats down to the river that runs behind the farm. They get to play, splash around, and I swear the water makes their milk taste so much better. I also like to go down there and look for pretty rocks or plants I can add to my collection.

The four goats were playing in the river, eating grass from the shore and splashing around. The youngest, Gilda, was bouncing around and having the time of her life. I was wading at the edge of the river, looking at stones that crossed my path. I then heard the goats exclaim and come running towards me, splashing and kicking up water all over the back of my legs.

Expecting a snake or something, I turned quickly, ushering the goats to the bank. Then I caught a flash of white in the corner of my eye. There stood Chandra, rising up out of the water with a great smirk upon his face.

“Didn’t mean to startle,” he chuckled. He smoothed his hand down his chest, wiping away excess water. “I just smelled something delicious in the air and came towards it.”

The goats on the bank yelled and made a fuss as Chandra came closer to me.

“Not funny,” I huffed, smoothing my hair back away from my face.

Chandra approached, taking my hand and kissing the back of it. “My apologies to you and the ladies.”

“One's a male, but thank you.” His pink eyes were captivating, they looked like glass marbles that shined brighter than any diamond.

“My apologies again for the misgendering,” Chandra said with a chuckle.  He then leaned against one of the trees that hung over the river. “So, what brings a lily of the valley like you to a place like this?”

I motioned back to the goats. “I like bringing them down here sometimes. Wasn’t expecting you to come out of the river though.”

“I enjoy making an entrance. What can I say?” he looked me over, drinking me in and growing a smile that made me think of the cat who ate the canary.

I smirked. “What are you doing?”

“What? Just looking. I’m not going to do anything, I don’t know what Venus said to sully my name, but I swear, I’m not like that.” He winked playfully.

I eyed him up and down. “What do you think Venus said?”

“Well, knowing him, nothing too fond.” He stepped aside from the tree and sat down upon the bank, stretching out his legs and tail upon the grass. “He and I have never quite seen eye to eye.”

I took the spot beside him, raising up my knees to my chest. “And why do you think that is?”

“I think he envies my confidence,” he said with a laugh. “Maybe my height.”

“Venus told me not to fall for your ploys.” I glanced up at him to garner his reaction, which there was none. Chandra simply smiled. “What would those ploys be?”

Chandra’s tail curled, wrapping around my sides then brushing up against my thigh. “Well, let me think. I have no idea what he is talking about.” he said teasingly. Meanwhile, his tail tightened and pulled me in close to his side. Chandra put his arm around me and continued to feign contemplation.

I looked at his arm and let out a small laugh. “What are you doing?”

“Hm?” He looked down. “Oh my goodness. When did you do this?” He pulled his arm back. “We’ve only just met. Unless you’re…into that.” He winked again.

I rolled my eyes and scooted back. “You’re something of a flirt.”

“Don’t you worry. Once the ceremony happens I will become the most devoted  out of all my brother husbands.” he laid his hand dramatically against his chest. “I call them oats to sow. But I’m sure there are names for me out there.”

“Venus was hinting. But I don’t blame oats for being oats.”

Chandra smiled. “Have you sowed a bit in your time?”

I shrugged. “I wouldn’t call it sowing. Maybe if I was doing it on gravel.” I made a face and shook my head. “I planted my oats in the wrong ground.”

He got a look upon his face, one of concern. “Mind if I ask what was so wrong about this ground?”

I looked at him and then away a few times before I got the nerve to say anything. “Lets just say it was toxic earth.”

Chandra nodded his head, clicking his tongue in understanding. “I’m happy to see you here, away from that.”

I sighed heavily. “Me too.”

Chandra leaned back against his palms and gazed up towards the sky. “Now you have five strikingly rich, fertile soils to plant your oats.”

I grimaced. “Can we stop this analogy?”

“I hated the words as soon as I said them.” Chandra watched me as I stood up. His eyes followed me, seeing my look of distress and I gazed at the goats behind us. “Something the matter?”

“Gilda’s gone.” I whipped around, looking all over for the little goat. “One of my goats is missing.”

“Well calm down, calm down,” he coaxed as he stood up. “I’m sure she’s around here somewhere.”

“She’s my youngest and she’s not learned how wandering is bad!” I darted down the river then looked back. “I need to get the others back to the barn. But I don’t want to lose time looking for her.” I could feel the panic rising in my gut.

“You take the goats back, I’ll keep looking,” he said gently. “I’ll keep looking.”

I nodded and breathlessly lead the other goats back to the barn. As I made my way back towards the river, I looked everywhere. If I thought she could sleep under stones I would have turned every single one over. I searched all along the path and once I reached the river I searched for Chandra. After getting down to the bank I saw a flash of white in the corner of my eye. Chandra was knelt down beside a bush and my stomach seized. I instantly thought the worst and ran towards him.

“Chandra?” I called out.

He looked up and shushed me, tapping his finger to his mouth. “Be quiet. She’s sleeping.”

“Sleeping?” I blurted angrily. I ran to him and looked over his shoulder, seeing little Gilda curled up under a bush that was directly in a beam of sunlight.

“She probably curled up here and passed out.” He looked up at me and smiled. “She’s so cute, I didn’t want to bother her.”

As I came closer Gilda lifted up her head, she moved herself closer and laid her head on Chandra’s knee. The look in his beautiful pink eyes made my heart melt. As my nerves settled I leaned up against him. It was quiet for a long moment while we let Gilda enjoy her nap. I fell asleep as the sun was warm and the flow of the river made a powerful spell.

I came to as Chandra was carrying me towards the house with Gilda at our heels. “Ah, awake I see.” He sat me down and and smoothed back my clothes from being crumpled up. “Have a nice nap?”

“Yeah, i guess I did,” I chuckled.

Gilda was happily standing at Chandra’s side. It made my heart flutter.

“You owe me then,” Chandra teased. “Everyone got a full meeting with you, but I suppose being used as a pillow is fine.”

“Sorry, I really am.” I chuckled.

“No worries.” Chandra smoothed his palm over my cheek then tucked back my hair. “I’ll have you all to myself here soon.”

I closed my eyes, giving him the signal to kiss me. Instead he smoothed back my hair and kissed my forehead. “I can do better.” He whispered before he pulled away. “Hopefully Reap won’t outshine me.” He gave me a smile before leaving, and my face was molten hot.

To say I’ve been having a hard time sleeping with all this going on would be accurate. Fitful is the word I would use. My overactive imagination combined with the ‘ten hands’ mantra I’d been going over, was giving me some pretty bodice heaving thoughts. I could only imagine what was coming with Reap and Eros still arriving. I knew a bit about Reap, I’d gotten to talk to him already. But Eros was a bit of a mystery. His painted nails and pearl necklace were the most I had to introduce him to me. Reap was shy and super sweet, and his opening line to me had been on my mind as I awaited our meeting.

It was a regular afternoon, one where I had just received a grocery order. I always enjoyed the act of putting things away neatly. Whether it was in the barn or in my own home, having everything neatly placed and organized was cathartic. Plus, if I had a hard time seeing something I often forgot it was there. So it’s best I can see what I have.

Anyways, as I was remarking on how frustrating it is certain products have the same bottles but different labeling, there was a knock at my door. I turned, seeing a shape in the stained glass window of my door.

“Just a second!” I called out, setting the groceries aside. I opened the door to see a bouquet of flowers. Vivid pinks and reads, dashes of pale yellow, all sorts of flowers that must have cost a bundle to put together.

“Don’t just shove it in her face.”

“I didn’t mean to!”

I looked beyond the bouquet to see both Eros and Reap standing in my doorway. They both looked at me, similarly sympathetic but their eyes read it in different ways.

“Two at once? What did I do to deserve this?” I asked.

Eros offered me the bouquet. “Before that, I put this together myself with Reap’s suggestions.”

“You did this? It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed.

“Eros is really talented with those sorts of things,” Reap spoke softly from behind. “It’s part of why I asked him to tag along for my visit.” He looked embarrassed, almost afraid to look at me, but he did with a lustrous sparkle to his eyes.

“Come on in, the kitchen is a mess right now, but the table is clear.” I stepped inside, letting them follow in after me.

“Do you have a vase?” Eros asked. “I can take care of those for you.”

“I’ll have to hunt one down. It’s been ages since I last got flowers i didn’t pick myself.” I chuckled, gently laying the bouquet down.

“The kitchen isn’t a mess,” Reap said as he looked around.

“I just got groceries so it’s scattered.” I was searching through the lower cabinets, hoping to find my grandmother’s vase. We used to put it on the table every Sunday with flowers my grandfather got for her. But childhood was so long ago.

Front he corner of my eye I saw Eros mouth something to Reap. Reap nodded in turn and came to my side. “Can I help with the search?”

“Yes, actually,” I huffed when the lower cabinets didn’t pan out. “The vase may be up behind one of the tins. You’re so tall, you’d probably see it before me.”

Reap smiled at me. “Says the tall sight for short eyes.”

I broke into a huge smile I tried to keep restrained. “Yes, even for me.”

His bright smile broke through that nervousness he held and he began searching along that top shelf, carefully peering behind the tins.

“I haven’t had to use that vase since my grandmother passed,” I replied. “So I’m afraid I put it somewhere safe and forgot where safe was.”

Eros looked up from the sink, using a pair of shears to trim the ends of the flowers into the sink. “Isn’t that how it always goes? I lose more scissors in my shop that way.”

“What is your shop?” I asked.

“A florist,” he said with a soft laugh. “I also dabble in a few other things. But flowers are my main pay check.”

“Don’t be modest,” Reap said. “He’s a renaissance man.”

“You hush.” Eros ran water over the freshly trimmed stems.

Reap stepped back. “Is this it?” He held out the vase which was covered in grease and dust from years of sitting high up in the kitchen.

“You found it!” I reached for it, touching Reap’s hands as I did. His gaze softened and his fingers twitched. “Thank you,” I said a bit more gently. “It needs a good washing.” At the sink I stood by Eros. His eyes glanced down upon my hands as I scrubbed into the vase.

“A hard worker, I see.” He took my hand gently as the vase soaked in water. He turned my palm over, gently brushing the tip of his claw along my skin. It made me shiver in a way I never had before. It was a whole new sensation to me.

Eros smiled. “What a strong heart line you have.”

“Heart  line?”

Eros looked up into my eyes. “Also known as the love line,” he almost sounded like he was purring saying this.

My cheeks radiated heat until it burned the tops of my ears. “What a coincidence,” I said breathlessly.

“See, I told you it was a good thing I brought you along,” Reap murmured from behind. “You’re so good at that.”

Eros gave Reap a gentle look. “Don’t sell yourself short, Reap. You have charms all your own, but I am more than happy to be here for both of you.” He squeezed my hand gently before letting it go.

I rinsed off the vase. “You don’t need to be nervous about me. I consider myself an easy person to be around. It’s growing up with animals I think.”

“That’s what my brother said,” Reap said with a halfhearted chuckle. “But still, Eros is good at breaking tension. I feel as though I am good at making it.”

“There we are now,” Eros said as he finished off the vase. “Beautiful. Just like the one we made it for.”

I giggled and shyly looked away.

Reap sighed. “He makes it seem so easy.”

“Compliments are meant to be easy,” Eros replied. “Action is what’s best.” He motioned to me and Reap looked at me. We both exchanged glances and Reap smiled.

“Action, huh?” Reap rubbed at the side of his neck. “Well, would you like help putting your groceries away.”

I smiled. “I’m picky about how I put it up, so don’t worry about it. All the cold stuff is put away. But, if you’d like, I’d love to sit over some tea or coffee with the both of you. It’s such a nice day out, and I rarely ever get to use my patio.”

Reap’s smile was probably the sweetest out of all five of them. I was charmed instantly by him, and anytime Eros spoke it was like he was putting me under some sort of dreamy spell.

There was a gentle breeze along with the warm sunlight, the old picnic table my grandfather made was rarely used these days, but sitting with Eros and Reap made it feel like old times.

“My big brother went through the ceremony a few years ago,” Reap was telling me. “I’ve always been nervous at the idea. But he’s been telling me all these amazing things so I’ve been growing more excited as the ceremony gets closer. Then, shocker, we find out only one of the chosen this year is attending.”

“Honest gut punch,” Eros replied. He had been holding my hand the entire time, massaging it, rubbing my palm, admiring the fine lines it seemed. “None of us were sure what to do or how to act.”

“We tried to wait on word from the council but-” Reap bowed his head and swallowed. “I got curious one night.”

“I saw your footprints,” I replied.

Reap looked aside and fidgeted in his seat. “I’m sorry! I wanted to see who stayed and I…well-”

Eros rolled his hand. “Go on. Tell her.”

I looked back at Reap. “Tell me what?”

He took in a deep breath. “I understood something my brother said. He said he saw his chosen, and knew then and there she was it. The one. His. I thought it was silly, Lerour was always dramatic but then I saw you.”

My heart fluttered.

“And like he said, I knew.” He looked up at me with a shy glance. “I think all of us felt that way. That’s how it seemed in the meeting anyways.”

I swallowed, nervous, elated, light headed, and a bunch of other things I don’t think I could blame on the coffee. “Well, thank you.” I laugh because that sounded so silly. “I don’t know why I said thank you! But uhm…I felt a little similar that day. I feel that way each time I meet one of you. It’s like fitting into something comfortable.”

Reap’s smile returned. “It does.”

Eros lifted my hand, kissing my knuckles. “We’re all a little opposite in our own ways, but you seem to be a connecting factor to all of it.”

My heart was pounding fast. Ten hands kept repeating in my mind. “I am nervous about the ceremony. I’ve barely had one serious boyfriend, let alone five. Let alone five paralangua ones.” I gazed into Reap’s eyes, seeing a gentle gaze. “I don’t know if it will work out for all of us but…I am excited to try.”

Onyx the Tabaxi: Part Four (complete)

Female Main Character x Male Human x Female Monster x Nonbinary Monster (poly)

(countdown: 995)

When I did go to the library it was nice and sunny out, but there were some clouds on the horizon that were growing darker by the moment. The library itself was cool and quiet, there wasn’t a soul around, none that I could see anyways.

“Alright little book, time ot put you back,” I murmured to myself as I took the third book of the Alyssa series from my bag. “Back onto your little shelf you-” I stopped, dead cold in my tracks. The shelf was empty. The Alyssa series was nowhere to be seen. Not one. Not two. Not four.

Not four!

Every fiber of my being went cold. If it were possible I think I may have turned from a black cat to a white cat in that instance. I double checked, making sure I had the right shelf. I checked other shelves to make sure the books hadn’t been moved.

“No! No, no, no,” I mumbled over and over to myself. I started plucking spines from the wood, making sure the tomes weren’t hidden. My gut was sinking faster and faster just as the sky outside was growing darker and darker. The book ended in a cliff hanger! I needed book four! Where was book four? Did Alyssa marry the miner? Did she run away and continue her journeys? I needed to know!

I stepped back, smoothing back my whiskers as I tried to gather my thoughts. “This isn’t okay. Where are they? Where-” I stopped and my ears stood up straight. My tail stiffened and the fur on the back of my neck stood on end.

“Dio!” I snarled and I rushed from the library in a mad dash. The dark clouds on the horizon were now over heard, and there was a particular thick scent int he air that hinted at what was coming.

I came to her and Demi’s house, knocking upon the door. I heard movement inside and a moment later Demi answered the door.

“Oh,” he seemed surprised at first. He must have been cleaning because he had a dirty rag in his hand. “Good morning, Ms. Onyx! What brings you here?”

I swallowed hard, not wanting to worry Demi, he didn’t have any part of this book thievery. “Is Dio here?”

His brow pursed. “No. Actually, she left early this morning to go have a conversation with Rev. Anything I could help you with?”

My mouth screwed up into a firm pout. “When she gets back you tell her I’m looking for her and Alyssa.”

Demi looked even more confused. “Alyssa?”

“She’ll know who I mean! Thank you,” I turned away in a huff. Just then, the clouds opened up and rain came pouring down.

Demi came out after me, grabbing my hand and insisting I come in. Even standing out there for a few seconds, I had become completely soaked.

“Goodness,” Demi sighed as he lead me into the kitchen. “You would’ve been washed away in that!”

I pouted as water dripped from my whiskers.

“Well, sit down,” Demi said gently. He began undoing the laces on his own shirt. “The stove is nice and warm. I’ll go grab you one of Dio’s dresses.” He walked back, stripping down as he did.

“Good, I’ll steal her clothes until I get my book back,” I grumbled under my breath. I stretched out my feet closer to the stove and sighed heavily.

Something about this seemed oddly familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

Demi came back out, completely naked. He laid a dress upon the table, then approached me with a blanket. “This rain isn’t going anywhere, might as well get comfortable.”

I had seen Demi naked many times. After all, he and Dio were favorite companions in our household. I’d liked Dio’s cunt, I’d sucked Demi’s cock. It still surprised how big Demi was soft.

I stood and removed my clothes, handing them to Demi who hanged them over the stove. I still got that weird feeling I knew this from somewhere. But how?

“There we are. Shame Dio isn’t here. But uhm…Alyssa is-” Demi asked as he draped a blanket around me.

I sighed heavily. “A book series. I’ve been reading them and I was telling Dio about them yesterday.” I pouted.

“They’re good?” He asked.

I nodded. “I told her to check out the first one, but she took all the books, even the fourth one that I really needed!” I twitched in frustration.

“I do recall her saying she was stopping by somewhere before she met with Rev.” Demi murmured. “I’ve never really known Dio to read though. What’s this book about?”

I sighed heavily, but Demi would be the perfect reading partner. Maybe if I described it to him then both he and Dio would be my reading companions. “A traveling maid named Alyssa. She travels about, helping out households who need her expertise. But sometimes, mostly actually, there’s a lewd spin she ends up being the most helpful with.”

Demi’s smile perked. “And what’s the first book about?” He stepped closer to me. “How does it start?”

“Well, the first book is really fun. But it starts with Alyssa getting caught it-” My ears perked up and I lost my breath for a moment. “Getting caught in the rain.” I looked at the window and the dark clouds outside. “She comes into the home of her new employers and-” I looked Demi up and down, noticing his large cock was getting hard.

“She and…the farmhand are soaking wet-” My mind drifted. Was this what was so familiar?

Demi put his hand upon my hip. “Go on, Ms. Onyx,” he whispered.

I swallowed, noticing a warmth and dull ache to my loins. “Demi uhm-”

Demi is coming closer, slowly slipping his hand around my hip to cup my rear. “What do Alyssa and the farmhand do?”

“Well he uh-” I catch my breath. “They get out of their soaked clothes and start talking. Getting to know one another. Alyssa notices he has a big cock and they…they get to talking about that.” Demi’s cock is hard against my side now. It’s hard to focus.

“Interesting,” Demi breathes into my ear. His fingers slip between my cheeks, aiming for my mound. “Tell me more.”

I glance towards the window, seeing Reverence standing there with a smile on her face as she watches us. Demi’s fingers slip into my wet slit, pressing in deep as I grab tightly to his strong arm.

“Fuck, Demi,” I whined.

He moaned into my ear. “If you want your book, you’ve got to play the part.”

“Huh?” My mind was fading fast the more Demi touched me.

He turned me around, motioning to the dress on the table. It was a little black maid outfit, ust like the one Alyssa wore in the books. Demi then bent me over the table, rubbing his cock against my ass then down between my thighs.

Was I Alyssa now?

“What do Alyssa and the farmhand do?” Demi asked, rubbing his cock up and down my wet slit.

I moaned, drifting further and further away from my own senses. “They uhm…fool around,” she gasps. “They start to fuck and the uhm…the lady of the house who hired her uhm-”

Demi slid inside me, and it felt so amazing. I moaned out loud, tightening myself around his big cock.

“Oh wow,” Demi whimpered happily. “Uhm so uh…they get caught?”

I heard the door open, but I wasn’t paying much mind. I did look up though and saw Dio watched us with a smug expression.

“What are you two doing?” She asked.

“My lady,” Demi gasped. “It isn’t what you think! I was helping the new maid and…and she tripped.”

Dio stepped towards us. “Tripped, you say?”

They were! They were reenacting Alyssa!

“This does not look like you are helping her up.” Dio walked around to Demi and I felt her hand upon my rear. “You’re inside her.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Dio spanked my rear and I moaned out loud in pleasure.

Demi pulled out from me, taking a step back. “I’m sorry, my lady.”

Dio rubbed ehr hand down my back then had me sit up. She picked up the maid outfit and gave me a wicked little smile.

“What’s going on here?” I panted, feeling my wetness seep down my thigh. “Is this a game?”

“Put this on. You’ll see.” Dio chuckled as she handed me the maid uniform. She went over to Demi, kneeling down before him to suck his cock while I dressed. Reverence was still watching from the window, and pleased and joyous smile upon her lips.

“Come here maid, finish polishing this for me,” Dio commanded.

I approached, kneeling down beside her before Demi. I opened my mouth, letting his cock slide onto my tongue and down my throat. Dio clutched the back of my head, pushing me further down then pulling me back. Demi’s cock was warm, his voice sweetly moaning above me.

“You’re very good at this,” Dio whispered into my ear. “I’m so glad I hired you.”

“I’m close,” Demi whimpered. “So close I-” His head threw back.

Dio held me down upon his cock as he erupted. Demi’s thick cum filled my throat and I almost gagged, but I had been trained for this. I choked and wheezed, drool spilled from the corner of my mouth, but I loved it.

“I’m so glad I hired you! You’re wonderful!” Dio mimicked the lines from the book. “But…there’s something I want to ask you. When you and the farmhand were…meeting.” Dio kissed my cheek and neck as she said this. “What, exactly, were you doing?”

I swallowed and licked my lips. “I can show you, if you’d like.” I spoke as Alyssa, remembering her lines a bit. “It was just sex, my lady.”

“I’ve never seen it done like that.” Dio reached down, stroking my clit with her skilled fingers.

I turned and kissed her, moaning softly against her lips as the door opened, and someone else came into the room. Demi helped me to stand, and Dio walked across the room.

“Why don’t we show them together, Alyssa?” Reverence purred happily. She held out her hand to me.

I took her hand and she pulled me in close. “Happy birthday,” she whispered into my ear. “Are you ready?”

My breath got caught in my chest and my tail fluttered away behind me. I was honest when I said I didn’t want a big deal made about my birthday. But they had planned a reenactment of my favorite book, and I couldn't have been more excited.

“Yes!” I finally gasped to her.

Rev pulled my hand gently, leading me outside of Dio and Demi’s home. “We’re going to the blue solarium to finish up. But I do hope you enjoyed the beginning.”

“Yes! Very much.” I glanced over my shoulder at Dio following us and she winked at me. I smiled back at her, my tail twitching as I could barely contain myself.

Rev placed her hand upon the door of the solarium and turned to face me. She had a serious expression on her face this time. “Now, Onyx, my dear girl, once we step into this room, do not be afraid to use your voice. Command what you want and what you don’t. And if it makes you too nervous, I will leave you to those you wish to be with. Understood?”

I nodded. “Yes. I take it there are…lots of people behind that door?”

She nodded and placed her hand upon my cheek. “Only do what you wish to do.”

I smiled up at her and she opened the door.

We walked into the blue solarium, and it was filled to the brim with candles. Their wax dripped down from their places, and there was a creamy scent to the room. The entryway was also filled with cloaked members of the village, Dio and Demi joined them, sliding into cloaks themselves. It was like the scene in the second book where all the scholars from the boarding house couldn’t leave due to the storm.

I bit my lip as Rev stood behind me, placing her hands upon my shoulders. She pushed more forward slightly, and the men there gathered around. They removed their hoods revealing their faces to me. I saw Rings and a few others I knew, but I didn’t see Ebert yet.

“They’re all very frustrated.” Rev gently guided me into the center of the crowd. “Do you perhaps have any way of helping them?”

The cloaked figures closed in and started removing their cloaks. Naked skin pressed against me and my maid uniform. Alyssa had been so eager for this moment, kneeling down and pleasuring the scholars to cure them of their stress. I was a bit nervous, usure how to handle all of this on my own.

“Like ths?” I heard Rings whisper into my ear. She knelt down on the ground, taking a large orc cock into her mouth. I watched and my mouth watered. I followed her lead, kneeling down too and was presented with a cock of my own. I’m not sure who all towered over me, I soon got lost in the bodies and loins. I wanted to touch them, to please them. I wanted to see what the world was like through Alyssa’s eyes. Demi’s cum was still in my throat, but it was soon replaced as one spurted quite quickly onto my tongue and face.

I coughed a second, licking my lips as I looked up through the crowd. Solomon, one of Rev’s handymen, came forward. He was half ifrit and quite large. His thick cock glowed red from the fire within him. He laid it upon my face, and I recalled the scene where Alyssa calmed the angry dean of the school who came to find his missing students. Solomon’s cock was warm and I felt my slit dripping. I was aching so badly, wanting to be used and fucked. But I’m sure this was all part of Rev’s plan.

I took Solomon’s cock into my outh, letting him grab the back of my head and move me to his will. His hot, throbbing shaft made it feel like steam might come out my ears, but I liked it. I had not tried him yet, but I had heard Ebert and Rev talking about him several times.

He pulled out from my mouth with saliva stringing from my lips. He and another pretend scholar lifted me up. I stood between them, kissing Solomon and then being turned to face a young man who had been studying under Ebert. I was bent down to the man’s cock while Solomon slid up behind me.

I grinned in excitement, perhaps now I would feel relief from the ache in my loins. I took the young man into my mouth, suckling him greedily while Solomon rutted himself in my wetness, coating his cock until it was slippery.

“My goodness! What is the maid doing?” I heard Rev over the moaning crowd.

Solomon slid inside me at that moment and I chocked upon the cock in my mouth. Fuck! Solomon was exactly what I needed then. I was stuffed and satisfied for now.

“These are all such young souls! You’ve got yourself into trouble now, Alyssa,” Rev acted out the lines from the book, slowly joining the crowd to watch and indulge.

The young man pulled back, spurting his load upon my face. It was thick and warm, and there was a lot of it. He spurted again and again, coating my face. He stepped away and Dio came forward, wiping up some of the mess.

“Silly girl. You play too much for what we hired you for.” Dio knelt down, kissing me as Solomon moved inside. His heat seemed to grow, penetrating deep into my belly where that growing pit of pleasure was forming.

Dio pulled away, biting my lip as she did. Solomon lifted me up, holding me against his chest and thrusting upwards into me. Faces watched, staring as I took his massive, glowing red cock. The heat coursing through my face wasn’t just from Solomon, but myself. I’d never been stared at like this, not so intently and strangely.

I was close to my release and Solomon was trembling from his own efforts. My pans came out louder, more pathetic. The crowd kept watching. The pleasure was intense, I couldn’t hold on much longer. A gush came from my slit, arching out and spraying some of the watchers around me. I’d never done that before! I wanted to be humiliated but Solomon’s drive was forcing everything from me. I was erupting from the inside, almost like a volcano. Perhaps literally considering that gush. His release inside was so hot that I thought I might boil.

There was whispering amongst the crowd and Rev held a smug look upon her face. Solomon set me down upon the ground, stroking his cock until a final stream of heat coated the tips and backs of my ears.

“You’ve made a mess of my hall!” Rev gasped, acting dramatic but sounding like she was having the most fun.

I gulped and panted, still reeling from my first birthday orgasim. “I…I can…i can clean it up.”

“With what?” Rings purred as she stepped close.

I looked at the ground, seeing her wetness was dripping down from between her legs. I knelt down, licking it up with my tongue. I rose up, kissing and licking her thighs, burying myself between her warmth until my tongue was buried inside her.

“Ah! Oh-” Rings moaned.

The crowd was beginning to turn to each other. The sounds of sex filled my ears as I licked and pleasured my beloved Rings. His fingers grasped the back of my head, pushing me deeper. Sometimes, I wished I had a cock just to pleasure her like Ebert did. To fill her. To have her warmth coiled around me.

I raised my eyes to her, seeing the deep lust therein. She gazed at me, mewling softly. She let me go, dipping down to kiss me and taste me upon my lips.

“You’ve yet to show me how to properly make love,” Rings panted, mimicking the words of the lady from the first book.

“Oh uh-” I breathed. “Well, my lady, you see-” I cupped her thigh in my hand slowly moving my fingers up. “Your husband it supposed to enter you..here.” I slid my fingers inside her, watching her face melt the same way I always pictured the lady’s melting.

“Oh! Oh my!”

I licked her clit, thrusting my fingers inside her. The moaning in the room was growing louder, the sounds of wet slapping signaled that a second round was about to begin.

Rings grasped my head again, throwing her head back. I felt her contract around my fingers, growing tighter, twitching almost. I suckled upon her clit, mimicking a move I’d seen Ebert do before. Rings cried out loudly, nearly crumpling if I didn’t catch her.

“That’s my wife, maid!”

My ears and tail stood on end, as did every single fur on my body. I looked back with a gasp, seeing Ebert standing there, dressed in a way I had never seen him before. He looked regal, but almost uncomfortable. He’d put on this outfit for me, and to suit the role of the lord of the house. I could see his cock straining against his britches. Who knows how long he had been watching.

I stood up with Rings. She was purring, nuzzling me as I turned to face Ebert in character. I bit back my smile and saw him fidget with nerves. “My lord, I was only trying to help.”

“Help? Help how?” He stormed forward, his eyes darting around as the crowd still fucked. “Look at her! She’s a mess!”

“She helped-” Rings couldn’t get her part out.

I saw Ebert strain to keep from laughing. “We…we don’t need help.” He stood stiff, trying to embody the role. But he cock called out to me, straining against those pants.

“If you want a child, I suggest you listen.” I stepped forward, rubbing my palm to his crotch. Ebert winced, letting out a soft moan as I touched. He didn’t want me to stop, but to keep playing the part he wrenched my hand back.

“Sp-spare me your lies maid. And stop trying to seduce my family.” His glazed over expression told me he really didn’t want me to.

I smirked at him and he smiled back.

“Oh, happy birthday darling,” he whispered. “You look adorable.”

“Doesn’t she?” Rings went and stood behind Ebert, wrapping her arms around him. I leaned in, kissing him and then the room went completely dark. The candles snuffed out all at once, and a breath carried through the room.

The solarium doors opened, letting in the pale gray light of the storm. Ebert took my hand, leading me into the center of the room.

“Then show me, maid, how it is I must lay with my wife.” Ebert sat down upon an alter. Behind us, the crowd watched, slowly moving forward as I approached him. I reached down, opening his pants and letting his cock free.

“How should I show you?” I asked him.

“With your body, maid,” Ebert panted. “Let her watch, so that she may know too.”

I swallowed back an excited breath, joining him upon the alter. I kissed him as he laid back, slowly climbing upon him as the crowd circled around us.

“You must enter her here,” I whispered, guiding Ebert’s cock into me. I eased down upon him, trembling with sensitivity.

“Onyx-” He let slip my name and I my heart raced. He looked so handsome in his fancy attire, then again he looked handsome no matter what he wore. I gently undid the collar, seeing him breathe out in relief. He reached up, as if to unbutton my dress as well, and instead, her took hold and ripped so that my chest was exposed.

I gasped out loud, biting back the eager joy bubbling up inside me. “My lord! This is my uniform.”

“There will be others,” Ebert said through gritted teeth.

I moved upon him, aware of all the eyes staring at me. I had been marked by their seed, filled by Solomon, used by them all in such a short amount of time. Now, they watched as I rode Ebert. This scene hadn’t exactly been in the books, but it felt like a Reverence production all the same.

Ebert turned my face back to him and smiled at me. “Having fun?” he whispered.

I nodded. “Yes. I’m loving it.”

His hands stroked down my body, holding onto my legs. “I’m glad. Rings and I have been working hard to plan this.”

His cock throbbed inside me and I stilled to give him a moment to breathe. “I can tell. I love it.” I bent over, kissing him hard to show my gratitude.

I heard Rev giggling as she approached, taking the front of the crowd. Her bare body shimmered in the gray light, catching my eye as I moved on Ebert. She came up behind me, watching Ebert disappear and reappear inside me. Her fingers tickled my backside, slowly tracing the shape of my lips as Ebert stretched me.

“Are you sure? Here?” Rev breathed to me. “Not here?” Her slick fingers penetrated my ass and I cried out loud from the surprise. I tightened around Ebert, bucking slightly which made him strain to keep from cumming.

“No, not there. There is the wrong place,” I whimpered, trying to get out Alyssa’s lines.

Rev came up onto the alter behind me, stilling me for a moment as she groped and squeezed my ass. “Are you sure?” She began to enter me, sliding herself inside.

I was unable to answer her, only able to cry out and bend over Ebert. I breathed hard, trying to focus on the feeling of having them both inside me. It was tight, warm, and made me shake all over.

“It feels good here too,” Rev snarled into my ear as she began to move.

“No…maybe but-” I moaned as both Rev and Ebert moved. “Oh fuck…oh fuck-” I moaned out loud, losing my character and turning into myself. “Yes! Like this!” I whined out loud.

Ebert bucked hard underneath me while Rev gently held onto my waist. Around us the crowd was growing aroused again, and while they continued to watch, they touched and pleasured themselves.

My mind was spinning, I was entering a state where pleasure was sweeping me away. I had no thoughts, only the sense of my body being used. Rev’s breath in my ear, her fingers n my tongue, and Ebert straining to keep from releasing all at once.

I lost track of time, of place, I was filled by Reverence, a surprise I must say. She did it calmly and as if it was what she intended. Her soft giggle filled my ears, bringing me slightly back to the alter in the center of the solarium.

“Oh, my pretty girl,” she murmured, stroking my shoulders and tugging down my ripped maid dress. Her soft palms cupped my chest, stroking down to my belly. “Happy birthday, love.” She kissed my cheek. “I’m glad you liked my books.”

“Huh?” I whimpered breathlessly.

Reverence smiled. “I wrote those a very long time ago. Under an old name of course.” She kissed me again. “Most copies were destroyed, but I found some hidden away.”

“You wrote-” My breath was knocked from me as Ebert made me shiver, bringing me close to another eruption.

“I’ll tell you more later. For now, Demi wants to play.” She stepped from the alter as I watched, Staring after her as I had so much, but at the same time so little, on my mind now.

Her seed was tightly sealed inside my ass, but not for long as Demi came and replaced her. “Happy birthday, Onyx,” he grunted.

“Thank you,” I drooled slightly.

Ebert was still going strong, arching his hips to thrust up inside me, meeting Demi’s thrusts so that I wasn’t too tousled about. Ebert reached up, touching my face and placing his thumb upon my tongue.

I met his gaze and it didn’t take long. Locking eyes with him I felt my body evaporate like the rain on a hot stone. I was steam, I was pure heat. I gushed again against Ebert, feeling embarrassed by this sudden (yet delightful) occurrence. Demi pulled back, his knees wobbling as he stood from the alter.

“I’m sorry,” I gasped.

Ebert chuckled, slowly rising despite the shaking of his arms. He kissed me, gazing into my eyes as he stroked my jaw. “It’s okay. Really.” We kissed again and ever so slowly I raised up and fell backwards. I laid there on the stone, which was just as heated as my body.

Ebert stood, somehow graceful, and leaned over top of me. “Do you need a break?” he asked, rubbing his hands down my arms.

“Water,” I croaked as I laid there limp.

Ebert took me, carrying me just outside the solarium. He sat me down upon a bench and I began to return to my senses. The cool air on my skin, mixed with the chill brought on by rain helped to ease me to earth.

“There you are.” Ebert handed me a cup of water which I drank from deeply.

I huffed out a breath and wiped my mouth down. Not sure what was water and what was cum.

“How are you enjoying yourself?” He asked.

“Very much,” I gulped down the rest of the glass. “It’s been a very interesting birthday.” I stood, walking passed Ebert and stepping out from under the roof. The cool rain beaded up on my black fur and I stretched out my arms, letting the droplets fall upon me.

Ebert smiled, turning as the door opened and Rings stepped out. “I was wondering where you went.” She had my tattered maid uniform in her hand. She set it aside and stood with Ebert to watch me in the rain.

“We needed a small break.” Ebert looped his arm around Rings’ waist and kissed her temple.

I breathed out long and slow, tilting my head up up to the sky. The clouds were starting to part, and the rain was becoming a fine mist.

I slept like a rock that evening, cuddled up between Rings and Ebert. My body was stiff come morning, as well as alone. I stayed snuggled up in bed until I felt something near my hand. I opened my eyes, seeing the missing book fromt he Alyssa series.

I gasped out loud, instantly awake and ignoring any any all soreness in my joints. I cracked the book open righ away, hoping to have answers that the third book left me clawing with.

“Good morning, birthday girl.” I glanced up, seeing Ebert walking in. “Rings and I are working on breakfast in bed. Reverence dropped that off for you.” He handed me a cup of tea and kissed my cheek.

“She said she wrote these!” I exclaimed. “Did you know that?”

Ebert pursed his lips and shook his head. “Not a clue.”

I looked back into the book. “I’ll have to have a word with her, of course.”

“Of course,” he chuckled.he kissed my cheek and a purr vibrated in my chest. “Rings and I will bring you food soon. For now, enjoy yourself.”

“I will, thank you!” I did want to kiss and snuggle some more, but I was even more eager to see what Alyssa’s decision would be.

The first chapter was a flashback where Alyssa described her youth where her mother was a kid and affectionate woman who ran a boarding house for women of certain repute. Alyssa grew up learning lessons from all these women, and even the men who came to visit them. She grew to have many talents, and a way with charming people. He travels started when she realized she outgrew the boarding house and wanted to spread the gifts she gained there. She talked about how she loved the freedom and meeting all sorts of people, but still felt she was always looking for something. It then changes back to the proposal and how she feels about the minotaur she loves and the freedom she would have to release. She receives a letter that night from her mother, asking her to come home as she is ill. The minotaur agrees to travel home with her, where Alyssa learns she has inherited the business.

“How is it?” Rings comes into the bedroom and sits beside me, offering me a bowl of custard with fresh berries, my favorite.

I set the book down, reluctantly, and begin to eat. “It’s different from the others.”

“Reverence said it was her favorite.” Rings cuddled up beside me, eating from her own bowl. “She said she can’t wait to talk to you about them.”

“Thanks for last night,” I murmured.

Rings beamed. “For you, anything. We wanted this birthday to be special for you. I really hope it was.”

I nodded, clinging to her side. “It really was.”

Rings hugged back. “We’re so proud of you. You know that right?”

There was a sting in my chest that took my breath away. I loved where I was and who I was with. I’d never really had that comfort in my youth. I certainly never had someone who was proud of me. I held on tighter to Rings, smiling in content. I found what I was looking for, now I hoped Alyssa would as well.

Phone Wallpapers: Angels

New phone wallpapers! Featuring art by @belle-the-witch

The Five Paralangua: Part Three (special preview)

It had been a day or so since I had seen Solomon and Venus, so I was expecting Chandra at any moment. Considering what I had gleaned from him at the meetings, and even Venus’ warnings, it was obvious he was going to be a handful. But so far, I had been enjoying these meetings, so I wasn’t going to worry about it for too long.

Every so often I like to take my goats down to the river that runs behind the farm. They get to play, splash around, and I swear the water makes their milk taste so much better. I also like to go down there and look for pretty rocks or plants I can add to my collection.

The four goats were playing in the river, eating grass from the shore and splashing around. The youngest, Gilda, was bouncing around and having the time of her life. I was wading at the edge of the river, looking at stones that crossed my path. I then heard the goats exclaim and come running towards me, splashing and kicking up water all over the back of my legs.

Expecting a snake or something, I turned quickly, ushering the goats to the bank. Then I caught a flash of white in the corner of my eye. There stood Chandra, rising up out of the water with a great smirk upon his face.

“Didn’t mean to startle,” he chuckled. He smoothed his hand down his chest, wiping away excess water. “I just smelled something delicious in the air and came towards it.”

The goats on the bank yelled and made a fuss as Chandra came closer to me.

“Not funny,” I huffed, smoothing my hair back away from my face.

Chandra approached, taking my hand and kissing the back of it. “My apologies to you and the ladies.”

“One's a male, but thank you.” His pink eyes were captivating, they looked like glass marbles that shined brighter than any diamond.

“My apologies again for the misgendering,” Chandra said with a chuckle.  He then leaned against one of the trees that hung over the river. “So, what brings a lily of the valley like you to a place like this?”

I motioned back to the goats. “I like bringing them down here sometimes. Wasn’t expecting you to come out of the river though.”

“I enjoy making an entrance. What can I say?” he looked me over, drinking me in and growing a smile that made me think of the cat who ate the canary.

I smirked. “What are you doing?”

“What? Just looking. I’m not going to do anything, I don’t know what Venus said to sully my name, but I swear, I’m not like that.” He winked playfully.

I eyed him up and down. “What do you think Venus said?”

“Well, knowing him, nothing too fond.” He stepped aside from the tree and sat down upon the bank, stretching out his legs and tail upon the grass. “He and I have never quite seen eye to eye.”

I took the spot beside him, raising up my knees to my chest. “And why do you think that is?”

“I think he envies my confidence,” he said with a laugh. “Maybe my height.”

“Venus told me not to fall for your ploys.” I glanced up at him to garner his reaction, which there was none. Chandra simply smiled. “What would those ploys be?”

Chandra’s tail curled, wrapping around my sides then brushing up against my thigh. “Well, let me think. I have no idea what he is talking about.” he said teasingly. Meanwhile, his tail tightened and pulled me in close to his side. Chandra put his arm around me and continued to feign contemplation.

I looked at his arm and let out a small laugh. “What are you doing?”

“Hm?” He looked down. “Oh my goodness. When did you do this?” He pulled his arm back. “We’ve only just met. Unless you’re…into that.” He winked again.

I rolled my eyes and scooted back. “You’re something of a flirt.”

The Five Paralangua: Part Two (rough draft)

I noticed looks at the store while I was getting some supplies. Usually, the farming supply store was one of those places people paid no mind. Everyone was busy with their owns lives, business, animals. But today I could tell people were paying that mind. I suppose word had gotten out that Stella Riley was the only chosen this year. I quickly checked out, never one to enjoy that sort of limelight upon me. Why I was one of the chosen, I’ll never quite understand.

Once I got home I simply sat in the truck. My hands slipped front he steering wheel and I leaned back against the old seat and let out a heavy sigh.

“Oh boy.” I opened my eyes, staring up at the duct tape that patched up the ceiling. “What am I doing?” I patted my cheeks. “Everyone knows. What was I thinking?” I yelled out loud. I grabbed hold of the steering wheel again, thinking I should drive back to the headquarters and ask someone, anyone, if I was losing my mind agreeing to this nonsense.

Instead, I got out of the truck and went to the back. “You got reedy. What would Grandma say?” I grumbled under my breath. “Stella Riley, you can’t put both hands int he cookie jar!” I said mimicking her. I pulled down the tailgate and started to yank out the chicken feed.

“Let me help you with that.”

Every hair on my body bristled with anticipation. I looked up, seeing Solomon approaching front he barn. He must have been waiting.

Oh God! My first meeting, or well, my first one on one session with them. I stood erect as he approached, unsure exactly what to say. Did he hear me yell int he truck? Oh God! What am I supposed to do. Wait, he asked me a question. Say something Stella! Say anything!

“I’ve got it, it’s okay.” I had a nervous lilt to my voice. “I’m used to it.”

Solomon came up, taking the bag of feed from me. “I’m sure you are. But what’s the harm in accepting a little help?”

I smiled, fidgeting for a second. “I keep it over here.” I motioned towards the barn, leading him towards the backdoors. Already the Golden Girls were gathering at the entrance to watch. They were entranced by Solomon, which I don’t blame them. He was tall and lithe compared to other paralangua, which gave him an almost ethereal appearance.

“There we are,” he murmured as he set the bag down.

“Thank you.” I tried to smooth down my hair. I hadn’t been expecting one of them so soon. I figured I had at least until this evening. I was wearing my old overalls and boots, I didn’t look quite the part of a girl expecting a suitor.

Solomon was luckily looking around the barn. “It’s nice here.”

“Family heirloom, I suppose.” I chuckled and my anxiety was apparent in my voice cracking. “Uhm-so you’re my first.”

Solomon looked back at me, a slight smile came to his face. “I was quite lucky to win that draw.”

“A draw?” I asked, leading him back towards the house.

“Well, more like several games of rock, paper, scissors,” he shrugged. “It was the only way we could convince Venus it was fair.” He smiled and shook his head.  “We were going to do it alphabetically, but Venus argued that put him at the end.”

I smiled. “I could tell he was nervous at the meeting though.”

Solomon sighed. “He does like to put on his bravado. He’s younger and smaller, so he feels like he needs to…act in order to be seen. When really, I think Venus just needs to be himself to get noticed. Then again, I’m the oldest, and I know ‘be yourself’ is the oldest advice in the book.”

“I remember my Grandpa giving me that advice when I was a kid,” I murmured. I could even picture him sitting at the kitchen table, leaning forward to me as I cried into the glass bottle coke he bought me at the general store. “I hated it. So, I can see where Venus’ mind could possibly be.”

Solomon nodded. “Youth and age have their pros and cons.”

I chuckled, matching Solomon’s wise smile. I opened the door and we walked into the kitchen. “Would you like anything?” I asked. “Tea? Coffee?”

Solomon’s eyes went around the room, there was a softness to his gaze. His large hand came down on the back of a chair at the table. “This really is a picturesque place,” he murmured. “Look at all the old tins.” He motioned towards the little shelf that ran all the way around the edge of the cabinets and kitchen itself.

My eyes went around the room and brought a nostalgic smile to my face. “My grandmother collected them.”

“Generations of things,” he murmured. Solomon then looked back and me and his smile brightened. “I love that.”

My cheeks burned and I quickly turned away. “I also have some sparkling water in the fridge.”

Solomon grunted as he sat down at the table. His tail curled up under the chair then hung over one of the rungs. “I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea if it’s not too much trouble. Or does that make me sound too old?” He laughed.

“Not at all!” I reached for the kettle on the stove and took it over to the sink. I was filling it with water when Solomon came and stood beside me, looking out the large picture window over the sink. “I enjoy tea more and more these days to relax. Coffee to work. Tea to relax.”

“Tea can have just as much caffeine as coffee you know?” He teased.

“Herbal,” I corrected. “I love a good peppermint.”

Solomon nodded. “I am partial to a sleepy time.” He leaned against the table, watching me as I moved about the kitchen. His gaze made me more aware of my body and movements. It was slightly nerve wracking, but also made me want to impress him.

“You’re quite brave to take on all of us,” he murmured suddenly. “I was instantly impressed with you.”

Holy shit did he read my mind? Did he know what I was trying to do while I gracefully turned ont he stove and set the kettle upon the eye?

“I wouldn’t say brave. I actually feel a bit selfish.” I glanced up at him, taking in his handsome profile and gleaming eyes. My heart pounded. “I’m not even sure you all are interested.” I turned off the water and moved the kettle to the stove.

“What’s not to be interested in?” Solomon asked, his quiet and serious tone mixed with that deep, raspy voice of his made me shiver.

I fidgeted with the stove for a second in order to avoid looking at him again. If I did after that I just might melt.

“Your boldness at the meeting impressed most of us. I think Reap and I were both charmed right away.”

I looked back at him finally. “Thank you,” was all I could muster.

His smile grew and there was a softness to his gaze. “What? Are you not used to such compliments?”

I shook my head. “To be honest I’m more used to the opposite.”

Solomon frowned, looking concerned. “Who from?”

I shook my head. “Oh no, I mean, not recently. It’s been years since-” My voice clogged itself in my throat and my mouth hung open for a second. I swallowed and shrugged. “It was a past relationship.”

Solomon huffed, shaking his head. “Such a shame, Stella. Men are idiots. Cruel idiots. I’m so sorry.”

“You aren’t my ex. You don’t need to apologize for anything.” I smiled shyly. “You say that about your own kind?”

“Not exactly my kind,” he sighed. “Us paralangua are raised better as young ones. I know hurt like that is hard to forget, but I do find you beautiful if that means anything.”

I must have been strawberry red because I saw his gaze turn to concern. “It means something.” My voice squeaked. I cleared my throat and met his eyes, chuckling softly. “Thank you so much.

Solomon touched my hand just as the teapot began to whistle.

We had a lovely conversation over tea, he talked about his life beyond the river in Charcourt, he was raised by his father alone, and he too longed for a bigger family. I was always easily attracted to a deep voice and large hands (it got me in trouble once before), but I felt a chemistry with Solomon that felt so real.

“You probably have work to do. I shouldn’t have kept you so long.” Solomon murmured.

That cut through me as I had so been enjoying our conversation. “Oh uh-” I looked at the clock and couldn't argue that I needed to tend to things on the farm. “Yes well-” I didn’t really want to say goodbye.

Solomon took his cup to the sink. “I did enjoy getting to know you, Stella.”

I nodded. “Me too. I mean! I mean you too. I mean-”

Solomon chuckled and he leaned down, placing a kiss on my cheek. My heart could have stopped. I’d never been kissed on the cheek by a guy like that.

“Venus is next. Not sure when they'll want to come by, but do expect them.” Solomon gave me a wink.

I smiled back at him. “Is there anything they like I could have around for them?”

“Sweets,” he replied. “Venus like sweets.”

“I do like to bake.” I said, walking him to the door.

At the door, Solomon looked at me and there was a crackle in the. “I know we just met, but would you mind if I kissed you? In earnest?”

I just nodded, unable to say anything as I tried to contain myself. Solomon dipped his head, placing a kiss upon my lips. I shivered as his hand touched my cheek. Imagine that four more times, I thought to myself.

“Kissing? Already?”

Solomon pulled back as venus walked up to the door. Venus had a slight scowl upon their face and their tail swished back and forth behind them.

“What are you doing here?” Solomon chuckled. “Eager to get things started.”

Venus bristled, or at least, every fiber of them stiffened. “You’re taking your time, I see! We had an agreement.”

“I know. I know.” Solomon stepped away from the door. “I’ll see you later, Stella. For now, I leave you with Venus.”

“Until later,” I said. I then looked back at Venus. “I actually have some chores to do if you don’t mind waiting.”

Venus eyes darted towards the barn, seeing the fenced in area where the cows were gathering, waiting for their next meal. “You said they were the Golden Girls?”

I nodded. “Would you like to help me?”

Venus was still pouting but he followed me towards the barn. The Golden Girls gathered at the entrance, mooing and shoving each other to get to the front.

“The red one is Blanche,” I started. “The black and white one is Sophia. Rose is the brown and white one, and the black one is Dorothy.”

Venus approached them gingerly, holding out his hand which Rose sniffed at. He went and pet her, the other girls complained they weren’t getting the same attention.

“Do you like animals?” I asked as I filled up the trough.

Venus pulled his hand back. “I have a cat.”

“Aww, what’s their name?” I smiled at Venus who looked away shyly, but maintained a tough appearance.

“Bea.”

I smirked. “I used to listen to the Mame soundtrack with my grandmother all the time. Bea Arthur has such a great voice.”

Venus’s eyes followed me as I refilled the bucket with chicken feed. “My cat as a weird raspy voice, that’s why I named her Bea.”

“That’s so cute.” I led Venus out into the farmyard, tossing out the chicken feed and the chickens came running.

“You’re really the only one who works this?” Venus asked.

“I’m the only Riley in Charcourt left,” I replied, hugging the bucket to my chest. “And obviously I’m single.”

Venus scoffed. “So you want the five of us just for hired help?”

I gave him a look. “No. I mean, help is nice, but-”

“But what?”

I was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know. I just like the idea of the affection that comes with it..”

His gaze softened and I swear the white scales around his eyes turned pink. “You just want to be pampered by five guys?”

I chuckled. “Maybe? Doesn’t anybody want to be a little pampered?” I walked back towards the barn to get more feed for the sheep. “I was thinking about making cookies when I was done here. What kind do you like?”

Venus’ eyes got wide and he cleared his throat. “Trying to grease me up with baking?”

“Maybe a little,” I said with a giggle. “If I’m being honest.”

Venus glanced at me then away. “What kinds can you make?”

I thought for a moment. “Well, I think I can do chocolate chip, sugar cookies, I’ve got lots of cinnamon too.”

Venus sniffed, watching as the Golden Girls came closer to him. “Chocolate chip is good.”

“Alright then. I’ll have to go check the coop for eggs.”

Venus turned towards me. “What?”

“Well what do you think I have the chickens for? I sell the eggs, I also sell the milk from the girls and the goats.”

Venus seemed stunned by this. “I guess that makes sense,” he muttered. “But you just use them like that? Fresh from their-”

“That’s how eggs happen.” I walked towards the coop. “Want to see?”

Venus shook their head. “Not really. Can I just go inside?” They pointed back to the house.

“Sure, go ahead.” I gathered up the eggs I could find in the coop then went back inside. Venus was looking around my kitchen as well, especially the magnets on the fridge. I set the basket of eggs down and they looked at the basket with some repulsion.

“They come out gross, yes. They stay fresher if you don’t wash them.”

Their mouth gaped as I said this.

I just smirked at him. “If it makes you feel better I’ll wash the ones I use for the cookies. Is that alright?”

They nodded, returning to their usual grumpy pout.

I gathered up ingredients to make the cookies and preheated the oven. “Venus is an interesting name,” I replied. It was really the only conversation started I could think of. It had been quiet this whole time.

“You think?” Venus huffed. “My mom liked that show Sailor Moon, she didn’t seem to care that Venus meant girl.”

It was an awfully cute explanation but I wouldn’t have dared repeated that to him. “So she named you after her favorite character, that’s sweet.”

Venus frowned. “I went by Vee until I was fifteen,” he grumbled. “Then when my mom got sick, I started letting her call me Venus again.”

I stopped measuring out flour and gave Venus a sympathetic look.

“I lived with Reap’s family for a time,” they muttered. “His brother Lerour had just gone through the ceremony so there was room for me.” They sniffled then turned their head away so I couldn’t see.

“I’m so sorry, Venus.” I reached out and touched his arm, which he tilted his head to look at. “My mom died when I was little too.”

Venus looked back at me, his eyes were watery and pink around the rim. “Yeah well. Guess we have something in common. Not that being sad is any sort of connection.”

I chuckled and rubbed his arm gently. “I would say grief is a pretty good common ground to start from.” I measured out more of the dry ingredients and Venus came closer to my side. They were a touch shorter than me, but they had nice strong arms and thick thighs. Plus, they felt nice next to me, a little warm with a comforting air.

“So, you lived with Reap?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he muttered. “He’s pretty shy, just warning you.”

“Good to know.” I started mixing the dry ingredients together. “Is he next?”

Venus shook his head and got a look of annoyance upon their face. “Unfortunately for you, Chandra is next.”

“Why unfortunately?” I laughed.

“You didn’t get enough of him at the meeting the other night? He’s obnoxious, not to mention a bit of a-” They stopped and hesitated saying the next word. “Just don’t fall for his ploys.

“Ploys? What ploys?”

Venus gave me a warning look, one that turned their eyes into a darker shade of gray. He held up a finger and leaned in close. “Solomon can ask for a kiss and be a gentleman. Chandra is no gentleman, he is a flirt and enjoys a challenge.”

“He’s easy?” I giggled.

“A little.” Venus looked back at the cookie mix. “Just be careful. Not saying you won’t be, you seem to have a level head on you.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” I continued making the cookies with Venus. When the cookies were fresh from the oven, Venus had quite a few. They took the rest home and I promised we could bake together again sometime soon.

I could tell from his expression he wanted to ask for a kiss as well, but wasn’t going to do it anytime soon. “Have a good evening, Venus.” I kissed his cheek and those eyes lit up into pure silver. He didn’t say anything just looked at me and nodded before leaving.

“Pretty cute,” I said to myself after her left. “Solomon and Venus in one day,” I murmured. I could still remember Solomon’s kiss, and the connection I made with Venus was just as sweet.

“Two down, three to go,” I murmured and went back inside to finish cleaning up.

Onyx the Tabaxi: Part Three (complete)

Female Main Character x Male Human x Female Monster x Nonbinary Monster (poly)

(countdown: 994)

Once in a while, Reverence will receive a large crate from friends who are outside the village. It’s usually filled with all sorts of things, ranging from basic supplies, to special fabrics, ceramics, and sometimes jewelry. But more than often, it has a small collection of books inside. It prompted Reverence to build a small library sometime ago and set it up in the family portion of the village.

I often take the kids there whenever Rings and Ebert are both busy. It’s a nice way to get out of the house, and the kids seem to enjoy it. Not only that, I’ve found a love for reading I didn’t realize I had. I even started taking books home with me to read before bed.

“Is that a new one?”

I looked up from the pages at Ebert standing in my doorway. I nodded, gently closing the book over my thumb to show off the cover to him. “It’s a series I found at the library. I’m really engrossed with it.”

He came into my room, and while my thumb still kept the page he looked over the cover and title. “Alyssa’s Service,” her murmured.

“It’s about this maid who travels around,” I replied a bit shyly. “Helping the people in their large homes.” My tail twitched, giving myself away to Ebert.

He chuckled, sitting down beside me. “Helping them how?” He said teasingly. He leaned upon his elbow, a sort of smug smile on his handsome face.

I pouted a bit, tail still twitching. “Well, at first she’s hired to do special work in the homes. Like deep cleaning kitchens, or impressing visiting royals. But yes,” I huffed, “the books are all lewd in one form or another.”

Ebert’s smile grew and he laughed again. “I love how you’re still a bit shy in some ways.” He pet my cheek, smoothing back my fur a bit. “I’m glad you’re enjoying your stories though.”

I opened the book back up and looked inside. “I really like Alyssa. She’s not just a maid, it’s like she’s some sort of magical creature who knows when people need…help. She reminds me of Reverence. Or well, maybe Rev when she was a lot younger.”

A sudden burst of laughter erupted from Ebert and he had to sit up or risk falling down. He held his stomach, glancing at me while I stared at him incredulously.

“What?” I scoffed.

“Nothing. Nothing,” he wheezed as he tried to catch his breath. “I just uhm…how old do you think Rev is?”

“I dunno? Anywhere from thirty to a thousand. I can never get a good read.” I looked over the words on the page. “Is she young or something?”

Ebert leaned back again, cuddling up beside me. “It’s not important.” He sighed as he leaned back. “How many books are in this Alyssa’s series?” He asked.

I think for a moment, trying to picture the aisle and the shelf the books are on. The spines are all dark red with silver filigree, and I can almost see them sitting there, waiting to be cracked open.

“Six I think. At least that’s how many I saw in the library. This is the third one, and I am almost done with it.” I said this with a bit of pride.

“Oh wow! You’re a quick reader, huh?” Ebert rubbed my thigh with his big, strong hand. “Maybe I can try and order you your own set for your birthday.”

My whole body grew warm in several ways. I would so enjoy my own copies of the book, but that had to be horrendously expensive, and I didn’t want anyone, let alone Ebert, spending that kind of cash on me. Second, I was coming up on a milestone birthday, and I already knew there were whisperings and plannings amongst the village as to what to do about it. I was fairly new to the village, compared to some who had been here most of their lives, but still, they seemed to go all out for people, even people like me.

“A whole set would be a lot! And I can borrow from the library,” I said, trying to cover.

Ebert smiled and my heart skipped a beat. “I want to do something special. So we’ll see.” He looked into the open book and his smirk grew. “Good part?”

I pulled the book up and hid the filthy words against my chest. “Perhaps.”

Ebert turned towards me, moving in and placing his arm over me, bracing it against the bed as he rose up. “Sorry, am I being a pest?”

“Perhaps,” I repeated the word as my tail fluffed and twitched more.

Ebert leaned in, taking a kiss from me. It felt nice, especially after reading so many of Alyssa’s helpful and exuberant exploits. Her recent employer was a family of minotaurs who were trying to find a crew for their recently discovered mine.

“If I didn’t have a meeting to get to, I would be an even bigger of a pest.” he kissed me again. “But unfortunately, I have duties to perform,” he grunted as he stood.

“Oh,” I said, a tad disappointed. “Do I need to make dinner tonight?”

Ebert shook his head. “No. Rings will be at the meeting, so she’s already taken the kids to the yellow solarium where they’re being fed and having a slumber party.”

I was a bit surprised. “So I’m home alone for the night?”

Ebert nodded. “I’m not sure how long the meeting will be, but Rings and I will be home once it’s over. Don’t worry about waiting up for us.”

I placed the ribbon bookmark and set my book aside. “What sort of meeting are you having for it to take so long?”

He shrugged. “All sorts of things really. Every so often one of these meetings happen where everything and anything has to be addressed. It’s nothing awful to worry about I assure you. It’s mainly just busy work.”

“That’s good I guess. Have a good evening. Don’t work yourself too hard. Like always,” I giggled.

Ebert smirked. “I’ll try. Have a good evening, Onyx.” He walked away and I curled up back in bed, opening my book back up. I glanced up from the page as I heard the door open and close.

This was the first time I had the whole house to myself. No Rings, no Ebert, not even any of the kids running around. The instant quiet was, in a word, odd. It even made it hard to concentrate on the book. The silence made every other sound around deafening and impossibly loud. I noticed every creak, every voice outside, it was weird.

I must have re-read the same paragraph a dozen times. But every time I thought I could get it read and settled in my thoughts, I heard something that perked my interest then became nothing and I had to read that paragraph all over again.

Then there was a knock at the door. I stood up, still holding the book as I went to the front door to answer it.

Dio was standing there, a bored look upon her face. “Hi.”

“Oh, Dio, you didn’t go to the meeting?” I asked, letting her inside.

She shook her head. “That’s Demi’s sort of thing. I figured I would enjoy some time by myself at the house, but then I got bored. I figured you would be home so-” her voice trailed off and her cheeks turned a darker shade of red.

“I was just thinking it was a bit too quiet myself,” I chuckled. I set the book down. “How about I make some tea and we can talk.” I don’t think I’ve ever talked with Dio one on one before like this. I did like her, she reminded me of myself somewhat, only much cooler. I think she was an assassin before she settled here in the village, I’m not sure though as I’ve never heard the full story.

“That’s would be nice,” Dio said, noticing the book. “I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

I shook my head. “Not at all. I’ll be right back, I’ll get the kettle on.”

“Thank you,” Dio said as I walked into the kitchen. “It’s weird. I used to love being alone. Now, it’s feels so strange.”

I filled the kettle with water and set it on the stovetop. “I understand. I’m in a very similar boat.” I peered out the door, seeing Dio standing there and holding the book open in her hand. “Don’t lose my place!” I yelped.

Dio jumped, turning slightly towards me then she shook her head. “I won’t. I wanted to see what you were reading.”

I suddenly felt nervous. Dio was so smart and fascinating, I didn’t want her thinking I was reading something silly. I anxiously waited for the kettle to whistle so I could speed up this bonding moment between us.

Not to say that Dio and I haven’t bonded in other ways. Quite the contrary, there have been moments I’ve shared with Dio and her partner Demi that could be considered the ultimate form of bonding. But this was different, this was talking, something I don’t think I’m very good at. I’ve not had many friends who were girls, I’ve not had very many friends at all before I came here to the village. This was new. Exciting and frightening like sliding down a waterfall.

“What kind of tea do you want?” I called out.

“Huh? Oh,” Dio sounded distant. “Anything is fine.”

Was she questioning coming to talk to me because of the book? I hurriedly got the tea ready and rushed back out into the sitting room where she was still looking at the book.

“I thought a cinnamon blend might be nice on such a chilly day like today.” I announced myself loudly, as it seemed like she hadn’t noticed.

Dio’s dark eyes opened wide and she looked up from the book, closing it. “Sory,” she gasped. “I was,” she cleared her throat. “I got a bit captured.”

My heart pounded and my tail twitched. “You liked it?”

“Yes, not that I read often.” She took her cup of tea and looked into it. “But I found that quite fun to read.”

I smiled brightly. “They have the series in the library.”

Dio furrowed her brow. “What library?”

I was shocked. “The library in the family portion of the village. You didn’t know?”

She shrugged. “I’ve never much cared for books, so I guess I wouldn’t have paid attention to such a thing.”

“I was the same way. But these books have been really good! I’ve enjoyed them so much. This is only book three, but I do think this has six books in the series.”

Her eyes lit up. “It’s a series?”

I nodded. “You can go get book one whenever you want. It’s a lot of fun, but so far this one has been my favorite.”

Dio got a strange look on her face, something between serious and fascinated. “What is the series about?”

“Alyssa,” I sat closer to Dio. “She’s this traveling maid, who, in each book, finds a family and helps them with some sort of problem.”

Dio narrowed her eyes. “Like sex?”

“Well yeah, I mean, at first each time it seems like it’s one thing. But then it turns into-” I couldn’t help but giggling. My tail fluffed up and twitched this way and that. “It is a pretty lewd series.”

Dio hummed to herself, taking a sip of tea while it looked like she wandered off in thought. “Where is this library?”

I smoothed my palm over the cover of the book. “It’s right next to the yellow solarium. That little stone building with the green door.”

Her brow pinched. “Really? I thought that was a storage building.”

“I mean, for books it is.” I opened the book again. “How far did you get?”

Dio looked shyly at the book then out the window. “I uhm…well, it was the part where she was helping th eman of the house change for the meeting, and she saw something on his dick.”

“That’s such a fun scene! It’s really funny, even with that it ends up turning into.” I smiled at Dio, tailing waving happily behind me. “The first book is about Alyssa working for this rich couple who are kind of older but still hoping for children.”

Dio peeks at me from the corner of her eye. “How does she help them?”

I smirk and wiggle in my seat. “It turns out the couple was using the wrong entrance, and Alyssa gives them a lesson.”

Dio turns to me. “Wrong entrance? How do you mess that up?” She gasped.

Seeing that excitement and surprise on her face really gave me a kick. “You should really read the book! I would love to talk to someone about them!”

“Yeah, but how were they so wrong? What were they even doing?” Dio whispered eagerly. “Because like-” she suddenly stopped and looked away.

“Well, both came from really prudish families and neither really had any idea about sex. So they just-” I saw her expression, her body language. “Dio, is something wrong?”

She shook her head. “No. Just something Demi and I are trying to do.” She had a pout on her face. “Demi wants kids and all.”

My eyes widened. “Really? Why haven’t you both said anything?”

“Because it’s an ‘us’ thing right now,” Dio’s pout deepened. “We wanted to try on our own first. We talked to Rings and Ebert about it and they agreed we should-'' She scoffed. “I’m just frustrated, that's all.”

I could tell, her whole body was tense. Even her tail was stiff. I nodded at her, then looked at the book.

“They were doing it in the butt,” I said.

Dio’s expression softened.

“They only ever had anal, they’d never done vaginal penetration,” I said with a slight smirk on my face, remembering how funny that revelation had been. “So Alyssa taught them the proper way and showed the lord of the house how to cum inside his wife.”

Dio’s eyes cut to me. “Why did they think it was anal?”

“I told you! They both came from really uptight and prudish families. They had no idea,” I giggled. “They just sort of went at what seemed right to them.”

Dio’s brow furrowed. “So did the couple ever have kids?”

“Oh yes! Several as Alyssa says in the epilogue.” I smiled proudly, thinking about how hard Alyssa had worked to make sure that happened. “The couple really loved each other and they loved having sex, even if it was just anal, but Alyssa’s help made them unable to keep their hands off each other.”

Dio looked me up and down. “What’s the second book?”

I smirked. “You should read them for yourself.”

“I just wanna know what it’s about!” Dio huffed.

“Okay. I’ll tell you. Well, it starts off with Alyssa coming to this boarding house run by this woman and her daughter where a bunch of young men are staying. They’re all varying levels or cold or off putting at first. They want nothing to do with Alyssa at first, until one day she has to help one of the men repair his suit. And she finds out why she’s so standoffish.”

“How many men?” Dio whispers in awe.

I think for a moment. “Ten I believe.”

“So three women with ten men,” Dio murmured.

I glanced down under the table, seeing her thighs rubbing together. “In this one,” I said, laying my hand upon the book. “The lord and lady of the house just found a gem mine on one of their properties. They have titles, but they’re not very rich so they’re trying to figure things out. They invite a skilled miner to their home to decide what to do. They’re a very sweet couple and Alyssa remarks how often she can hear them having sex. She also takes a liking to the minotaur miner they have invited over. She’s asked the lord and lady to have him invite his team over as well.”

Dio licked her lips and fidgeted again. “And the scene with the lord of the house I was at?”

I smirked, enjoying making Dio get so hot and bothered over the stories of these books. “Well, you see, the lord doesn’t look like much at first, but she knows the lady of the house seems to enjoy her husband frequently. The husband gets hard and he grows massive! Very impressive. The wife even insists Alyssa try him out. Which, well, really helps her prepare for the expert miner, because his cock is-” I can’t help but let out a laugh.

“Really?” Dio whispered. “Hmm. Maybe I’ll go by the library tomorrow. Couldn’t hurt to give these all a chance.” She fidgeted again in her seat.

“I’m excited to read the fourth one. I was going to try and finish this one tonight, but when the house got quiet, I couldn’t concentrate at all I’m afraid.” I sighed and looked to Dio who was trying to drink her tea, but her mind looked elsewhere. “Do you want to talk about you and Demi?” I asked.

Dio scoffed. “What’s to talk about? He wants kids. I’m not sure and I just-” She looked away but turned back to me with a pitiful look. “Maybe I should let Demi have kids with someone else. It could be my fault after all.”

I frowned. “What fault?”

“That I can’t get…” She stalled and shook her head. “A few more tries then we’ll see if we need someone else.”

“Sometimes it’s instant, sometimes it takes time,” I murmured. “Not everyone can be Reverance you know?”

Dio smiled.

“There are lots of people in the village who have had a hard time at first too. It probably just needs the right moment,” I said, trying to reassure her. “You’re young and stunning, you’ve got plenty time.”

Dio pouted, letting out an exasperated scoff as she leaned back into her chair. She looked pensive, almost like her usual self except for a certain dourness to her eyes. She then glanced bak at me and put a small smile on her face. “At least Demi knows where to plant the seed,” Dio said.

I smiled and started laughing. “Yes, well, at least you have that!”

Her smile somewhat returned, and she drank from her cup with a sigh. “This village still seems strange to me sometimes. I grew up in a completely opposite sort of place.”

I nodded along. “Me too. It’s a bit of a culture shock somedays.”

“But you like it here, right?” Dio asked.

My ears twitched and I gave her a curious look. “Yes of course. I’m happy with Rings and Ebert. I finally have a good home. What about you?”

Dio pursed her lips. “I was trained to be an assassin, not a lover, not a cook, not even really a girl. I just existed to earn money and carry out the tasks at hand. Sometimes, a part of me misses what I knew. But I have less fear here, less anger. And I like waking up from dreams and not nightmares.” She smiled at me, sad but it was a true smile.

“Yeah,” I said a bit breathless. “I know the feeling.”

Dio was quiet for a moment longer and I allowed myself to read in my book, feeling the silence was a tranquil and contended one between us.

“You have a birthday coming up, right?” Dio perked up and said.

I was so surprised by the sudden, cherry question my ears and tail stiffened and slicked back. I looked at her, seeing a gint in her eyes I wasn’t sure how to read.

“Yes,” I replied with an unsuredness. “Yes, it is. I told Ebert I really didn’t want to make a big deal out of it though. Just the family, maybe a few friends.”

Dio’s unreadable look became even more unreadable. It seemed smug or snarky I’m not sure. Bu it made my tail twitch even more.

“Have you told Rev this idea?” She asked.

“What? Not yet. I mean, I’m sure Ebert will relay the news and all,” I chuckled.

Dio shrugged. “I don’t know. Sometimes with Rev you have to be more direct about such things. You know how excited she gets to celebrate such things.”

I swallowed. “Well, that is true.”

Dio clicked her tongue and waggled her finger. “That is, unless you want some sort of surprise.”

My tail twitched. “Well uh…I don’t know.”

Her smirk was a powerful one. I could understand what it meant, but also had no clue as to what it could possibly be. I swallowed and just laughed.

“So uh, do you think you’ll go and check out the books?” I asked, trying to change the conversation.

Dio shrugged. “Possibly. You’ve made them sound tantalizing to say the least.” She looked over the book before us again. “How do you think this one will end?”

I furrowed my brow and my ears slicked back. “Well, to be honest I’m not sure. I do know that at the end Alyssa will probably go off towards another adventure, another house or group of people who need her help and guidance. That’s usually how they always end. Happy and Alyssa going on towards the next book.”

“You never expect a cliffhanger with these?” Dio asked.

I shook my head. “Usually not, no. I think that’s half the fun of this series.”

Dio tapped her finger to her chin. “Hmm.”

My tail twitched and my eyes widened. “What does that mean?”

Dio shook her head and waved her hand. “Oh nothing. Just thinking that’s all. Because sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes surprises happen.”

That’s the second time she’d mentioned surprises. It sounded off a minor worry alarm in my mind. But surely it meant nothing.

“Yeah. i suppose. But when you have a whole series based on this concept of Alyssa traveling about and helping people in these erotic sort of ways. But now that I think about it, Alyssa is falling for this minotaur miner who is staying at her current place of employment. That was very new compared to the other books.

“I see that look,” Dio giggled. “Maybe I should go, that way you can indulge in your book and see where the ending goes.”

“Oh!” I gasped as Dio began to stand. “No, it’s okay! You don’t have to leave!”

“Don’t worry about me. I got the company I was seeking. Besides, I may go and check out those books for myself. Get myself warmed up before Demi comes home,” she winked at me.

My face warmed. “Right! Right,” I laughed. “I would like to have someone to talk to about these books too.”

Dio and I walked to the door, and I gave her a kiss goodbye as she left. I hurried back to the book, grabbing it and going back to my room to pour through the pages. It took me a a couple of days to complete, but I finished this book in record time compared to the others.

Sure enough, Dio’s wicked little prediction was right. As the book ended I had to set it down to stew for a long while. It was a cliffhanger! It didn’t end with Alyssa going off to her next adventure. No! It ended with her being proposed to by the minotaur miner who, because of her help, was wealthy beyond his means, but all he wanted was Alyssa. It ended with Alyssa being unable to decide, as she loved him and her journeys.

It was too late now to go to the library, and it was raining heavily. I would have to be mad to journey out there for a book. Besides, I could hear Rings and Ebert returning home from their meeting. I would have to wait until the morning to go out and get the next book.

“You’re up early.” The sound of Ebert’s voice startled me, causing every fur on my body to stand on end. “Did I scare you?” Ebert chuckled.

He was standing in the kitchen, tending to a sizzling cooktop as well as whisking a bowl full of eggs.

I stepped into the room, seeing Rings wasn’t up yet. “Yeah, I was hoping to stop by the library.”

Ebert’s eyes widened slightly. “So early?” He set the bowl down and approached me. “Really enjoying those books huh?” He put his hands around my waist, then leaned down to take a small kiss.

My fur fluffed in a good way now, and a warmth fluttered in my chest. “Yeah, they’ve been really fun.”

“I’m glad you’ve been enjoying them.” He gave me a wink. “I’d hate for you to come back to a cold breakfast though.” His smile was a hard one to deny.

“I am excited to get to the next book though,” I trailed off for a moment, lost in his eyes. “I guess it’ll be there when breakfast is over.” I kissed him again, pressing even closer to his body. His long arms wrapped around me, and my tail began to twitch.

I stayed with him in the kitchen, even going to wake Rings. The kids were all with Rev, so we had a nice long morning, just us adults.

Life Update: Taking a Small Break

This is mostly for my commissioners, my Patreon shouldn’t be affected at all while I go a small break.

Let me explain. I’ve recently had a small uptick in my anxiety. I’ve had it under control for a few months now, but recent events in my life and family have caused it to come back.

If this sounds silly, I understand. But when I work for my commissioners, I want them to have the best version of me and the me who will work hard to give them the absolute best story I can provide. When I’m having anxiety I’m not myself, and I’m not writing my best.

I’m going to take a small break, maybe until the end of August, I’m not sure, maybe just this week.

I want to apologize hugely to my commissioners. If any of you have questions, please feel to reach out to me. I understand if this frustrates you. I thank you all for your patience and understanding while I try and take care of myself and my family as we go through a few little issues.

Thank you all, you all mean so much to me here on Patreon.

Edit:

Enjoy a dog blep for your kindness.

The Five Paralangua: Part Two (special preview)

I noticed looks at the store while I was getting some supplies. Usually, the farming supply store was one of those places people paid no mind. Everyone was busy with their owns lives, business, animals. But today I could tell people were paying that mind. I suppose word had gotten out that Stella Riley was the only chosen this year. I quickly checked out, never one to enjoy that sort of limelight upon me. Why I was one of the chosen, I’ll never quite understand.

Once I got home I simply sat in the truck. My hands slipped front he steering wheel and I leaned back against the old seat and let out a heavy sigh.

“Oh boy.” I opened my eyes, staring up at the duct tape that patched up the ceiling. “What am I doing?” I patted my cheeks. “Everyone knows. What was I thinking?” I yelled out loud. I grabbed hold of the steering wheel again, thinking I should drive back to the headquarters and ask someone, anyone, if I was losing my mind agreeing to this nonsense.

Instead, I got out of the truck and went to the back. “You got reedy. What would Grandma say?” I grumbled under my breath. “Stella Riley, you can’t put both hands int he cookie jar!” I said mimicking her. I pulled down the tailgate and started to yank out the chicken feed.

“Let me help you with that.”

Every hair on my body bristled with anticipation. I looked up, seeing Solomon approaching front he barn. He must have been waiting.

Oh God! My first meeting, or well, my first one on one session with them. I stood erect as he approached, unsure exactly what to say. Did he hear me yell int he truck? Oh God! What am I supposed to do. Wait, he asked me a question. Say something Stella! Say anything!

“I’ve got it, it’s okay.” I had a nervous lilt to my voice. “I’m used to it.”

Solomon came up, taking the bag of feed from me. “I’m sure you are. But what’s the harm in accepting a little help?”

I smiled, fidgeting for a second. “I keep it over here.” I motioned towards the barn, leading him towards the backdoors. Already the Golden Girls were gathering at the entrance to watch. They were entranced by Solomon, which I don’t blame them. He was tall and lithe compared to other paralangua, which gave him an almost ethereal appearance.

“There we are,” he murmured as he set the bag down.

“Thank you.” I tried to smooth down my hair. I hadn’t been expecting one of them so soon. I figured I had at least until this evening. I was wearing my old overalls and boots, I didn’t look quite the part of a girl expecting a suitor.

Solomon was luckily looking around the barn. “It’s nice here.”

“Family heirloom, I suppose.” I chuckled and my anxiety was apparent in my voice cracking. “Uhm-so you’re my first.”

Solomon looked back at me, a slight smile came to his face. “I was quite lucky to win that draw.”

“A draw?” I asked, leading him back towards the house.

“Well, more like several games of rock, paper, scissors,” he shrugged. “It was the only way we could convince Venus it was fair.” He smiled and shook his head.  “We were going to do it alphabetically, but Venus argued that put him at the end.”

I smiled. “I could tell he was nervous at the meeting though.”

Solomon sighed. “He does like to put on his bravado. He’s younger and smaller, so he feels like he needs to…act in order to be seen. When really, I think Venus just needs to be himself to get noticed. Then again, I’m the oldest, and I know ‘be yourself’ is the oldest advice in the book.”

“I remember my Grandpa giving me that advice when I was a kid,” I murmured. I could even picture him sitting at the kitchen table, leaning forward to me as I cried into the glass bottle coke he bought me at the general store. “I hated it. So, I can see where Venus’ mind could possibly be.”

The Five Paralangua: Part One (rough draft)

If it’s not the rooster who wakes me up, it will be one of the Golden Girls. Lately, I’ve been able to squeak in some extra sleep during the mornings, but today the Golden Girls aren’t having it. They’re causing a fuss in the yard, and as I roll over towards my window I can see Sophia glaring inside at me.

“Hold your horses, girls!” I fussed as I stepped out of bed. “I’m getting up!”

They’re making a racket out there, and I have to wonder if old lady Murphy’s mastiff has come sniffing around the fence again. He doesn’t do anything, he just seems to have a crush on my girls. Which they don’t take as kindly to.

By the time I’m dressed and ready, the Golden Girls have calmed down. Their mooing has stopped, and the rooster has decided to make the alarm now.

“What’s up with all of you?” I called out, holding the feeding bucket. “You were making such a fuss! I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a noise complaint from town.” I was walking to the storage shed when I noticed a strange print in the mud. It wasn’t one of the Golden Girls, and it certainly wasn’t one of the chickens or sheep. It was large, massive really, and it reminded me of a scene from that old dinosaur movie.

“What on earth?” I muttered ot myself. I was studying it closely when Rose started sniffing around my head and nudging the bucket with her foot.

“Alright, alright,” I huffed. “I’ll get your breakfast.” The girls had all the hay and grass they could ask for, but that morning offering of grains was not to be delayed at any cost.

I was hefting scoops of it into their troughs when I heard the phone ringing from inside the house. I quickly finished off the feeding, tossing some along the ground for the chickens as I raced inside.

I was breathless when I grabbed the phone, so the caller got an earful of heaving breathing before I answered. “Riley Farms, we’re out of eggs,” I said.

“Stella?”

I walked to the fridge to get myself a drink. “Yes? Who is it?”

“This is Alice Dunlop from the festival planning committee.” She sounded quite meek as she said this. Usually the festival committee members were a bit hoity toity.

“It’s about the chosen for this year's festival.”

“I plan to attend,” I huffed. “I told Mrs. Greenhill I already was fulfilling my role as chosen.” I took out the orange juice then went in search of a cup. I was excited to attend this years festival. A few years ago, I would have skipped out too, but once I moved back home, it became a north star for me. Some people found being one of the chosen for the Festival of Ash to be too daunting or too frightening. The Paralangua were a site to behold, depending on how you looked at them of course. Living in Charcourt, you got your chance to spy them occasionally. They didn’t come into town but maybe once or twice a year, and if you did see one it was probably one of the elders. But they were monstrous, pale, clay creatures, who I always found a fascination with.

“Is that why you’re calling? Did she forget to fill out the paper again?” Mrs. Greenhill loved her chardonnay.

“No, she did.” Her voice quivered in a strange way. “That’s the thing, Stella, you’re the only one who has confirmed.”

I hesitated reaching for a cup and stood still. “You mean out of the five chosen for this year-”

“You’re going solo,” Alice stated plainly and nervously.

Has this ever happened at the Festival of Ash before? One or two have certainly not shown up each year. But four?

“We’re going to have a meeting with some of the elders. They want you to attend if that's possible at all. Just to discuss what could possibly end up happening at this year’s ceremony.”

“They still want to go through with it?” I gasped. “Even if I’m the only one there? What would be the point?”

“There’s still five of the parlangua attending.” Of course, they never missed a festival. But still, this didn’t seem like the kind of ceremony worth having. Five on one!

Oh my god, five on one? Is that even possible?

“Stella?” Alice said gently, pulling me from my thoughts.

I gasped. “Oh, yes! I can attend.”

She sighed with relief. “Good. That’s good.”

That made me wonder if there was something going on behind the scenes. It would also explain the dinosaur sized footprint left in my yard. Someone was trying to sneak a peek.

“It’s going to be this evening, around six. We’ll be providing a meal for the inconvenience.” I heard papers shuffling and the sound of a door opening. “We’ll see you then.”

“I’ll be there, thanks for letting me know.” I hung up the phone then stood there, running my tongue along the edge of my teeth.

Five on one, that certainly would be a big family. I sat back down at the table, continuing to think. Was it even possible to hold the traditional ceremony as it was this way? After all it was all a huge chase in the labyrinth below the town. A show of how mates are fated together despite the challenges the labyrinth put between them.

“Me and five parlangua,” I muttered. I started growing a bit warm under the collar. “Me and five,” I whispered again. Five big, strong, handsome paralangua. Their pale scales, their strong arms, their big hands. Oh my god, ten giant hands touching me.

The sound of the Golden Girls fussing again snapped me out of my thoughts. “Stop thinking like one of those romance novels.” I finally got a glass and poured myself a drink. “You have no idea what the council is going to talk about at this meeting. They may be canceling the ceremony. Who knows?” I drank, still fixated a touch on those ten hands.

“Get ahold of yourself, Stella,” I said loudly then chugged down my orange juice. “You still have some work to do!”

I made a quick breakfast before going back out onto the farm. Ten hands, would be nice around to take care of things. The Broken Cart Grange had been in my family for generations, and now, it was only down to me. Lonesome, little old, me. After my parents died I rented the place out for a long time, until Troy came into my life.

Ugh, Troy.

I went around the chicken coops, checking for eggs, and once again, I saw one of the dinosaur sized footprints from before.

“I wonder if they’re spying on me,” I muttered to the chickens around me. “That’s usually part of the tradition you know.”

One of my chickens stares at me with a blank face then tilts her head.

“Oh yes! It’s not supposed to happen, but curious future mates will be curious future mates.” I looked out the window of the coop to the long road leading from the farm towards the main road into Charcourt. “I wonder if paralangua children come out as eggs,” I chuckled to myself as I found some eggs tucked away. I shuddered, and went on working.

That evening I drove to the council building. It was on the cusp of Charcourt and the paralangua territory, going down through the swampy area. The tall twisted trees covered any sort of sunlight, creating shadows and shapes along the path that tricked the eye and made the senses heighten.

I came upon the old bridge that crossed over the council building. It was over a tall embankment with a thick, speeding river underneath. It was told that the paralangua used this river to hide back in the old days and many lost soul could be found at the bottom.

“They sure do have the atmosphere right,” I mumbled under my breath before driving over.

I’m not sure when the council building had been built, but it was one of the newer structures compared to the Charcourt Castle where the Festival of Ash ceremony ended. I was coming upon the door when a laugh stopped me dead in my tracks.

“Well, aren’t you a tall sight for short eyes,” a parlangua came out from around the corner. This was my first time seeing one so close. I’d caught some in the distance before and at the festivals, but this one was so close I could touch them.

It then registered what he had said. “What?”

He cleared his throat. “I said, tall sight for-” he stopped, seeming to take in what he said as well. “I was remarking at how nice and tall you-” He stopped again and cleared his throat. “Let me get to the door for you.” He opened the door for me and I walked in with him close behind.

“Are you here for the meeting?” He asked.

I nodded, still taking him in. He was tall, powerful, I mean, all paralangua are. That’s nothing new. He had remarkable hind quarters, and thick strong legs, along with a pooch to his belly.

“I’m uh…I guess the solo act for the ceremony this year.” I laughed, but the paralangua went stiff and his eyes widened. His tail flicked out and with a slight turn of his head he gazed down at me, a sudden nervousness to his stance.

I licked my lips out of nerves. “Wh-which way is the meeting.”

“So you’re Stella.” He rubbed at his neck.

“Ah, so you’ve heard of me then?” I tried to joke around, but really I was on pins and needles. I swallowed and shrugged. “I guess they’re going to try and move up a set of chosen. That’s my guess anyways. It’s fine if I have to skip.”

The paralangua still seemed nervous. “I don’t think that’s what’s happening,” he murmured.” My name is Priapus, by the way.” He held out his hand. “My friends call me Reap.”

That big hand enveloped mine, the scales were smooth and cool. They almost felt silky on the palm, a little more textured on the backside. I liked it. Ten of them!  “Nice to meet you.” I said, shaking out my ridiculous thoughts.

He seemed anxious for a second. “I am one of the five paralangua for the ceremony.”

This big boy? I thought out of shock. This slab of big, hulking, white scales was one of the fellow members of the ceremony? A chosen like me?

“Oh,” was all I could manage to squeak out.

Reap pressed his mouth together in a firm line. “Not exactly the way we are supposed to meet, I know.”

“Yeah, well, strange circumstances all around.” You motioned down the hall. “Is this the way towards the meeting?”

“Yeah, I think so.” Reap walked with you down the hallway, keep a couple of steps behind you. “A bit strange isn’t it?”

You glanced over your shoulder at him. “Which part?”

He chuckled. “I guess everything. I don’t think there’s been a no show like this since one of the first ceremonies. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. One of the other chosen paralangua called us a cursed group,” he forced a laugh. “I don’t know. Maybe we are. Maybe we aren’t.”

You held back so you and Reap walked side by side. “Maybe I’m just lucky!”

“Huh?”

You shook your head and looked to an open door. A girl around your age stepped out then waved you both in. “Good, you made it!” She waved you into the room then gave Reap a strange, almost scolding look before scurrying in and motioning to a table loaded with food. “Go ahead and make yourself a plate. I’m Alice, and apparently I’ll be handling this meeting,” she said with a chip on her shoulder.

“Are the council not coming?” Reap asked.

Alice held up a recording device and laid it down onto the table. “Here’s your council.” She sighed and shook her head. “They say there’s other festival work that needs their attention as well. But I’d say they’re just-” She shook her head and stopped herself from saying something she’d regret. “Just waiting on the others so I can read out the email I was sent.”

“It’s just an email?” Reap said in disbelief. He scoffed and slapped his arms against his sides. “I thought this was important?”

“Oh, but it is,” Alice said sarcastically. She then sighed and shrugged. “It is what it is. We’re lucky they’re taking their time, rather than springing it on everyone the night of the ceremony.”

I was surprised. I thought the council was this well oiled and highly traditional machine that was perfectly ready for any circumstance. But this sounded like a bunch of teenagers running a club!

Alice gave me a knowing smile. “Not to worry. I’m taking care of this. Not going to scare you with five giant men in one night.” We both looked at each other for a moment, both of us drawing lines from what she said. “This is my first big project, I’m a bit nervous,” she murmured.

I smiled. “It’s okay.”

Reap was poking at food on the table, eating small bites and chewing them slowly. He seemed distant, lost in thought. I hope he wasn’t disappointed with what was being offered. Not the food, but me, I mean.

A few minutes later two more paralangua enter the room, one is very tall with a lithe frame, the other is a tad shorter and stockier.

“Solomon, Venus,” Alice greeted them. “Why don’t you both go ahead and get something to eat.”

“Where are the robes?” The stockier one asked.

Alice chuckled. “I’m the only council member tonight, Venus.”

Venus scoffed, his lip curling up over his sharp teeth. “Figures. I’ll bet you anything those idiots are off pre-gaming.”

“Now, now, Venus,” the lithe paralangua said. His eyes rose up, looking at me in a way that could have melted me into a giggling puddle. “We have a guest here. Remember you manners.”

“I ain’t a kid!” Venus huffed and stormed over to the food.

The lithe paralngua came over towards me. I can’t describe just how elegantly he moved, how beautiful he was. There was an elegance to his face, a sharp masculinity that was as fine as porcelain.

“You must be Stella,” he said gently. “It’s very nice to meet you. My name is Solomon.”

My mouth had gotten very dry, and it was hard to swallow the cornbread in my mouth. I covered my lips with a napkin and nodded. “Sorry, was eating.”

Solomon had a soft smile upon his face. “My bad.” He looked around the room. “Shame we had to meet this way. The labyrinth is so much more…atmospheric.”

I had a feeling he had another word in mind, but toned it down due to the situation. I wiped my mouth once the food was swallowed. “It could be worse.”

He nodded, a serious glint in his eye. “That could be said for anything.”

Alice was checking her watch and she got a scowl on her face. “Do any of you know where Chandra and Eros are?”

“Afraid not,” Reap answered.

Solomon just shook his head.

Venus was chewing, but he spoke up anyway. “Somewhere jacking off.”

“Venus!” Alice snapped and stormed over towards the door to look out.

You noticed Venus was giving you looks, strange glances that last a second too long so you would catch him each time.

“Don’t mind Venus. He doesn’t like letting his nerves show,” Solomon replied. “I would say he and Reap are the shyest of the lot.” He then glanced towards the door. “The other two who have yet to arrive are far from.”

“What are you?” I asked.

Solomon smirked. “I prefer to be quiet.”

I smiled back at him, the unease that had been bothering me since this morning was slowly melting away. Somehow, putting faces to these ten hands was helping.

“So, what do you do?” Venus spoke up, causing me to jerk in his direction. Reap was standing behind him, a worried expression on his face.

“I have a farm,” I answered simply.

Venus had a piece of food in each hand. Despite his cranky expression, he did look very cute. “What kind?”

“Right now it’s just me, so I have just a few animals.”

Venus took a few steps towards you. “Like chickens?”

You weren’t sure what his tone was. He sounded both tense and curious. “Chickens, a few sheep, two goats, four cows I call the Golden Girls.”

Venus’ eyes lit up. “I love that show.”

You were about to offer to show him pictures when Alice came back in, two more paralangua dragged behind her. One was wearing a pearl necklace around his thick neck, the other was yawning and had painted nails. Or well, claws I guess.

“I was trying to wake him up,” the necklace wearing one said.

“I told you no one would be here?” The yawning one continued to yawn. He blinked his eyes, revealing them to be a bright pink.

Alice had a look upon her face. “It doesn’t matter. I still have some things to go over with all of you, Chandra.”

Chandra smirked, his pink eyes lighting up as Alice fussed at him. He reached for the table, picking up the recorder. “Could this meeting have been an email?”

“It is an email,” Reap replied.

Chandra smirked, but the other yanked the recorder from his hand. “Just because the council does it doesn’t mean you have to.”

“Careful there, Eros!” Chandra snapped. He then looked across the table and me and his pink eyes lit up. “Well, hello there.” He licked his teeth in a seductive way. “Is this our wifey?”

“Ew, don’t say wifey,” Eros scoffed. “Her name is Stella. A star,” his voice became dreamy. “And she deserves to be treated as such.”

I have so many feelings right now, I’m pretty sure I’m just blank.

“Everyone, sit down!” Alice snapped.

Chandra hissed through his teeth. “I bet you're fun. Too bad you’re not part of-”

Alice shook her head at him and Chandra shut his mouth, “Good, now that we’re all here, we can start this.” She moved towards the table, taking a head seat at the table and laying out a folder.

The room quieted more than it already had, and the paralangua were taking seats around the table. There was definitely a tension in the air that floated about the whole room. Despite the situation most of the tension seemed to be resting with poor Alice at the head. Left to do the dirty work of her superiors she was a lot more composed than I would be given the situation.

“Alright, so I am sure we’re all aware of the situation,” Alice spoke up. She was trying to sound in control, but there was a slight warble to her voice. “The other chosen haven’t returned home to Charcourt, leaving only one of the five to take the ceremony. Which is an unfortunate occurrence. The council, in their infinite wisdom,” she said with a roll of her eyes, “have left me a message which will hopefully clear things up.”

Pink-eyed Chandra raised his hand and Alice scoffed. “Yes, what is it?”

Chandra lowered his hand and leaned forward. “I don’t agree with the council.”

“She hasn’t said what the council has decided.” Solomon replied with a cool even tone. “How can you disagree already?”

“Because the council is full of out of touch misers,” Chandra waved his hand in the air. “I don’t doubt for a second they’re going to hurt her feelings.”

Eros perked up. “Whose feelings?”

“Hers.” Chandra pointed at me. “Why punish the good one of the bunch because the other four didn’t want to shirk up to their responsibilities?”

I was once again the center of attention and I wasn’t sure I liked that yet. “Well let's see what the council does say before we start jumping off cliffs.” I swallowed down the lump in my throat. “No reason to get angry just yet.”

“I heard rumors they were allowing volunteers to join up,” Venus grunted.

Reap jerked and looked frightened at the idea. “Volunteers?”

“Stop it now,” Alice called out. “Why are you rumor mongering when I am trying to give you the truth?” She huffed and snapped the paper out before her. “If you all don’t mind.” Her eyes glanced down. “As a reward for her loyalty to Charcourt and the traditions of the Festival of Ash, Ms. Stella Riley will be allowed to keep all five of the intended paralangua grooms, or choose the ones she feels are deserving. Despite the lack of chosen and spectacle for the ceremony, it will continue as planned. The labyrinth will be opened, but by all means, the end results will be decided by Ms. Stella Riley, rather than the usual chase the labyrinth provides.” Alice looked up from the printed email and I was for sure the center of attention now and forever.

I sat still, afraid to look at anyone in the room.

“Does that suffice?” Alice asked.

There was quiet, and with the quiet these was more tension and unease. A few beads of sweat were gathering at the nape of my neck and I knew I needed to say something, but I couldn’t think of anything at all except those ten damn hands again.

Solomon turned to me, placing his hand upon my arm in a gentle fashion. “What do you think, Stella? Are you okay with this?”

“I suppose.” I murmured and slowly looked around the room. “I’m just one person though. I’m not sure if I can handle-” I saw their eyes, all of them looking at me. There was an intensity, although not one of malice or even unease. Dare I even think they were aroused by the prospect?

Ten hands. Ten hands!

“I’d say you’re in a very lucky spot,” Chandra spoke up. “Five grooms, ten hands, what an easy life you’ll have from here on out.”

He said it, I thought to myself.

“But is it fair to the rest of us to have to share?” Venus snapped. He didn’t sound angry like he had before, instead he sounded concerned painted as irritation. “It’s easy to pick a favorite. Why should she be any different. Are we supposed to make a chore wheel of who gets time with her?”

“As if all the chosens of the past haven’t lived in polyamorous pods,” Eros replied with a sultry tone. “It’s not uncommon, hell, it’s practically the natural order of things. I remember my family growing up and how they all lived together as a unit.” He glanced across at Venus with a smirk. “Like we haven’t already-”

“Hush,” Venus hissed. “My point remains. That was a whole group of chosen. This is a singular chosen.”

“She seems capable,” Chandra replied. He then glanced to Reap who had been quiet this whole time. “Doesn’t she, Reap?”

Reap looked up nervously. “It’s her decision on who to keep. I say we leave it up to her and the ceremony.”

“But how does she do that?” Solomon asked. “If the usual labyrinth method isn’t to be the norm this year, then maybe we should figure out what to do instead.”

“I don’t think I’d have the heart to pick and choose like that,” I murmured. “You all seem very nice. At least from first impressions.”

There was quiet again and I was trying to find my voice to speak up. “I-” I took a breath to calm myself. “I’ve always wanted a big family. I used to but everyone is either gone or passed. It’s just me in that giant farmhouse ever since I moved back. And all I’ve ever wanted was a family, I’ve always wanted lots of kids.”

“Five grooms gives you a good chance,” Eros teased.

I smiled shyly. “I don’t mind the five of you, but if there is one of you who feels it isn’t what you wanted, I understand that as well.”

“The farm is lovely,” Reap replied, unintentionally giving away the fact he was the one who left the prints in the mud.

“It’s untraditional, that’s for certain,” Solomon replied. “But I think it’s the best option for all of us.”

Reap tentatively leaned forward. “Maybe we should give her a chance to get to know us. You know. Visit her a little before the ceremony.”

“That’s against the rules,” Venus snipped.

“Everyone does it every year though,” Chandra scoffed. “I think they’d over look it for us if they do it every year.”

“I believe they would, yes,” Alice interjected.

Reap turned to look at me, his gaze gentle and his smile slightly returned. “Would you be alright with that, Stella?”

A tingle went down my spine and I took a deep breath. “Sure, just be aware of my animals. That’s all I ask.”

Alice sighed in relief. “Well, if that settles that, then that’s the end of the meeting.” She crumpled up the printed out email and tossed it towards the nearest trash can. “I will see you all again at the ceremony. Stella, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. You can call at any time.” She gathered her things and left, leaving me and my five grooms alone in the conference room.

“Well, that was interesting.” Solomon stood up from the table. He looked back at the food spread out on the table behind us. “Do you think she remembered this is here?”

“We can finish it off, can’t we Venus?” Chandra jabbed.

Venus just glared at him.

“Maybe now would be a good time to set up a schedule between us and Stella before the ceremony. We should have enough time for each of us,” Reap spoke up.

“Schedules aren’t romantic,” Eros sighed.

“What, and just show up randomly to her place? She works, you know?” Venus snipped at him.

“I don’t mind, really. I’m usually alone on the farm anyways,” I murmured. All eyes were on me again. “I don’t mind visits.”

There was a hush between the five of them.

“You’ve got enough to deal with,” Solomon said sternly, mainly for the rest of them. “We can work out a schedule between us, all you have to do is be your charming self.”

I smiled shyly. “I can do that.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from all this, and although I was excited by the prospect, I was trying to keep my expectations low. I had five chances, I wasn’t going to waste a single one of them. Lithe stoic Solomon. Flirty, ethereal Chandra. Shy and sweet Priapus, aka Reap. Venus, who was hot headed but vulnerable. And lastly, lovely and romantic Eros. I didn’t really have to decide, they were all mine for taking if I wanted. That was nerve wracking alone, but I was deeply excited.

Kerwyn the Fae (complete)

Female Reader x Male Monster

There was a castle north of your village perched upon the rockiest cliff of the mountain. It had been there as long as you could remember, as long as anyone could remember really. It sat up there as a decaying statue. No one had been in or out in decades, only birds flew back and forth, and only thorns grew around it.

“Stop staring! We’ve got chores to do!” Your sister snapped at you.

“Right,” you gasped. You followed along after her, taking one last glance at the castle over your shoulder.

You couldn’t tell you had been bed ridden only a month ago. Sometimes your bones ached from the long rest, but it was a miracle you were moving at all. No one wanted to speak of what brought you there, they said it would be too traumatic for you. And yet, here you were, running errands for the family, doing your chores, and going about like nothing had happened. Which you understood is exactly what your family wanted.

“You would think you had enough of dreaming,” your sister scoffed as you picked out vegetables in the market.

“Who said anything about dreaming? I was looking. Don’t you look at things?” You snapped.

Your sister gave you the eye and went back to inspecting the cabbages. “That castle should be none of your concern. It’s not something us mortals need to worry about.”

“You don’t find it fascinating then?” You asked.

“No, I don’t. It’s a decaying house on a decaying hill.” She didn’t even look at you that time, instead she picked out a cabbage and moved on.

You sighed and shook your head. There were gaps in your memory, so you had to rely on your family, your sister especially, for a lot. Despite being the eldest child you were treated as the youngest now, almost like an invalid.

You were going towards the bakery on your sister’s command when you spotted a magpie upon the store sign. It was looking at you, not just in that ‘i’m a tiny animal inspecting the predator’ sort of way. But more like it was looking at you. This magpie had particularly bright, golden eyes and a very long tail that seemed to be missing a feather, or had a bald patch.

The magpie hopped across the sign, still looking at you.

“Good morning,” you said to it. “If I get a particularly crusty loaf, I’ll try to give you a piece.”

The magpie fluffed up then fluttered out it’s wings. “Wock, wock,” it called out.

You smiled, giggling to yourself. “I’ll be right back, I promise.” You started to go into the store when you think you hear someone calling your name. You turn around, but no one is there except the magpie.

When you leave the store, you see the magpie sitting in the window, watching you yet again. “How curious,” you murmured to yourself.

You walked outside and presented the magpie with a roll. “The shopkeep gave me this, so I can share a bit with you if you’d like.”

The magpie opened it’s beak and said your name.

You stared, perturbed now that it was looking and speaking at you.

“I beg your pardon?” You whispered to the bird. “Do you know me somehow?”

The magpie hopped across the windowsill. “My lady, we’ve been looking for you! Everywhere! Up and down! All over the mountain!”

You opened your mouth and shut it. You looked to the roll then back at that magpie. You knew you had somehow hit your head, but you didn’t realize how hard until a bird began speaking to you.

“I’m not sure what’s happening,” you said with an uncertain laugh.

“You don’t recognize me! I thought you did when you offered me a crust!” The magpie fluttered and rolled, acting dramatic for the sake of being dramatic.

“I don’t know any birds!” You hissed with a soft voice. “People are coming!”

The magpie flew at you and perched himself on your shoulder. “My lady, it is I, Penry! Do you really not remember me?”

The name rang a cheerful pleasant bell in the back of your mind, but it did not conjure up anything else. You looked around, ducking away when you saw your sister coming from down the street. You hid, going down a small alley where you sat in a doorway.

“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid-”

Penry fluttered his feathers and jumped down from your shoulder to the cobblestones below where he began pacing. “Oh this can’t be happening! They really took your memory too! Cruel! Cruel!”

A painful flash of light coursed through your brain. It felt like a jab from a pin and twice as bright as the sun. You flinched and covered your face with your hands.

“We need you home! Your husband-” Penry said the word and no sooner than he did, did you feel sick and weak to your stomach. You doubled over, hugging your body tight in your arms. Your mind was fighting itself, fighting the rest of your body to prove itself and what it knew. There were glimmers of eyes and faces, voices that surrounded you. You sat up with a breath and stood, stumbling toward the end of the alley where you retched.

“My lady! Are you alright? Oh goodness what have they done to you?” He sat on your back, tapping comfortingly up and down your shoulders.

“Enough Penry,” you said in a strange voice. You then grew confused and shook your head. “I’ve been sick for a long time. I’m still recovering.”

“You’re sick because they made you sick!” Penry flew before you as you started walking along the backs of the shops.

“I fell and made myself sick,” you huffed.

“No! The Marbre did this to you! They found out about you and Kerwyn eloping and-”

You halted the bird by holding out your hand and he rested upon your finger. Your breath shuddered and came out white as if the air was cold. “I know that name,” you murmured.

“That’s the name of your husband! My lady!”

“Penry stop-” You had to lean against the wall again as a wave of nausea and pain took over again.

“The Mabre took you and the master apart,” Penry said, catching on to what was happening to you. “They chained him, forced him into hibernation. And you, oh, my poor lady, they tried to take everything the master had given.”

There was a hand before me, a grasping, clawing hand with a face in the center. You shook your head, looking back to Penry.

Penry’s golden eyes were filled with concern. “Me and the Conventicle have been looking all over the mountain for you!”

“This is my home, where else would I be?”

“No! It’s not!” Penry flew up further and pointed to the castle on the hill. “That is your home! The Mabre hid you here.”

You stared up towards the castle with tears flooding to your eyes. You shook your head and ducked it down low. “No! That castle has been empty for decades.”

Penry came back close to you and sat on your shoulder. “Months! And the master is inside! He needs you!” He bounced to give you a reassuring pat. “Think my lady, is this really your home? Is this really where you belong?”

The tears stung your eyes as you tried to think. “I’m not sure.”

Penry grew still and nuzzled up against you. His feathers were soft and slick, his small head against your cheek was a welcomed push. You smiled, leaning your cheek into him and taking a deep breath.

“Penry will be your closest confidant while you are here. He will guide you, send your letters, and help you tend to anything you desire. I trust you two will be the closest of friends.” The voice in your head was clear as a bell, deep, and you knew it well. But how?

“My lady, I know this must be a lot to take in. But I promise you, I speak the truth and only the truth to you. I wouldn’t want any more harm to befall you than it already has.” He shuffled along your shoulder then down your arm to the cobblestones again.

“I want to believe you, but it feels like there has been a battle in my brain since we met. I need to lie down.” You started walking, heading home with Penry close behind.

You went to bed as soon as you made it home, letting Penry in through the window before you laid to rest.

“The Mabre are trying to keep you two apart. If it was working you wouldn’t be going through any of this,” Penry said softly as he settled next to you on your pillow. “You love Kerwyn, that’s why you’re fighting it.”

Pain surged through your eyes and you closed them. “Ever since you spoke to me it’s felt like my mind is fighting my whole body.”

“That’s the Mabre curse.” Penry waved his wings to fan you. “I’m sorry my presence is causing you harm, my lady. Rest now, I’ll watch over you in case they come back to renew the curse.”

Your brow pinched and you peeked an eye open to look at him. “Renew it?”

Penry nodded. “That’s the only way they can keep you away. If you’re fighting it then you’re stronger than they are.”

You closed your eyes again. “My head is killing me. I’m not even sure I heard that correctly.”

“Then rest, my lady. I’ll keep guard like always.”

You drifted to sleep, waking to a soft touch upon your cheek. You smiled, taking hold of the thumb of the massive hand that touched you.

“Darling, I was sleeping,” you chuckled.

“I couldn’t help it,” a deep voice whispered. “You were so beautiful.”

“Did no one teach you that you could look and not touch?” You rolled over into the large body beside you, one that was easily three times your size.

He chuckled and held you close. “It is time to get up though.”

You kissed the center of that great palm. “I suppose you are correct, my dearest.” You then stood up from bed and were faced with a long hallway. The bedroom was gone, the warm sunlight had vanished. There was only candlelight now, a weak light at that.

You walked down the hallway, seeing signs of feathers and vines. The further you went, the more overgrown the hall became. A door opened and you wandered into a dining hall. The walls were covered by vines and thorns and magpies were trapped inside them. The vines crawled towards the center of the room where, laying upon the great table, was an even greater figure. Long white hair spilled down from the table, becoming tangled and coiled above the thorny vines.

Your breath came out in white puffs as the room grew colder and colder the closer you got to the table. The magpies began screaming, and you turned around to see the hand with a face coming towards you.

The screaming grew louder and you sat up in your bed, seeing Penry attacking your sister. She swatted and screamed at him, throwing her hand out where you saw a face upon it.

“Get out now, my lady!” Penry cried at you as he fought. “I’ll keep her at bay!”

You went to run, but instead you grabbed the heavy vase under the window and struck what you thought was your sister upside the head. When she fell you and Penry rushed from the room and you used a curtain rod to block the door.

“My lady, are you alright?” Penry asked.

“You’re the one who was fighting!” You rushed down the hall and slid down the banister of the stares, rushing from the house while there was yelling and shouting behind you. You ran and ran, heading into the woods where you followed a path hidden by leaves and overgrowth.

“My lady! Do you remember anything?” Penry cheered in excitement.

“I don’t know how to answer that Penry!” You slid down a hill, coming to a stop at the bottom where a rope bridge connected the village to the cliffs. You stared across, your heart racing wildly in your chest.

You then shook your head. “I can’t…I don’t know if I can cross this.”

Penry flew ahead and landed on the bridge. “You have to, my lady! They’ll be here soon.”

You took a deep breath, stepping onto the bridge and feeling needles in your feet. The pain was indescribable, but the further you went, the less it ached, the more the pain pulled away and finally it was gone. You raced the rest of the way across the bridge, breaking free of the invisible chains the Marbe put upon you.

“That is it, my lady!” Penry cheered in triumph.

More magpies were collecting along the mountain, and in the distance you could see them darkening the horizon as they returned home.

“What happened to the bridge he built?” You breathed in as the fight inside you began to dull.

Penry flew ahead of you while other magpies flew at your back. “They knocked it down, destroyed it like they did most of everything else. When they found you two together, they went mad.”

“I’m not surprised. He said they would. His family-” You felt dizzy and some magpies flew up to hold you aloft.

“We’re not far now, my lady!”

“You’ve got this, my lady!” The magpies spoke encouragingly to you.

You scaled the mountain, going up the rough terrain of the mountain with nothing more than your own cunning and a bunch of birds. It was night by the time you got to the front of the palace, and even then the entrances were covered with thorny vines.

You sat down outside to catch your breath. You were filthy and sore all over, your hands ached, your feet felt split, your hair was tangled and ratted. You sat there breathing, your mind still trying to fight your body at every turn.

Penry hopped towards you. “My lady, we can’t get inside.”

“I know. I know.” You sniffled and wiped at your face. “The vines.” You looked up at the castle wall and the vines seemed to be smiling at you with a smug assurance. You looked away and swallowed. “I need something to cut them down.”

“Scissors!” A magpie yelled. “Our lady needs her scissors!”

You furrowed your brow at Penry, looking up to the sky as magpies came down like rain from the horizon. One little magpie flew forward, carrying what looked like a sewing basket in their talons.

“Some of us were able to escape with your things and have been keeping them in hiding for you.” Penry said as the basket dropped into your hands.

Inside was a regular sewing kit, nothing worth noting until you saw the golden scissors inside. “But this is just sewing shears.” You said as you pulled out the tiny scissors. “I cannot cut anything with these but thread!”

“Kerwyn gave you those, my lady!” Penry assured you. “Use them, go ahead!”

You stood up walking towards the front of the castle with the golden shears in hand. You began taking the blades to the vines and sure enough, they snipped right through the woody tendrils. You cut and snipped and hacked through, finally finding the great doors which opened at your touch. The magpies flew inside ahead of you, knocking away the dust and debris from inside.

You stepped inside, feeling a warm embrace wrap around you.

“My darling! You’re home!” That deep voice said into your ear.

“I was just out picking berries!” A past version of you laughed as the giant man spun you into the air.

You raced down the hallway, following the magpies. The thorns had more magpies trapped inside them, all of them asleep and waiting to be woken.

The magpies stopped at the end of the hall, and Penry came to your shoulder. “We can go no further than this, my lady. Only you can go here.”

“I know.” You walked ahead, going down the hallway covered in vines. Doors opened at the end and you saw the great table stretched out in the center of the room. He laid there upon the table top, his long white hair tangled into the vines.

You breathed and white steam came from your lips. “Kerwyn,” you whispered. The vines recoiled and hissed at the name.

You walked in further, using a chair to climb upon the table. You stood over him for a moment, kneeling down to push away the feathers and leaves from his handsome, strong face. You touched his cheek and tears came to your eyes, splashing upon his pale skin.

“I haven’t seen those green eyes in so long,” you whispered. “But I have dreamed about them many times.” You sniffled and tried to catch your breath. “I look horrible, my love. I’ll be such a sight when you wake.” You bent down, kissing him softly, lovingly. The cold around you began to warm, and the vines pulled away. Magpies flew from the wall, flying around the room and circling above you.

Sunlight poured into the room and Kerwyn’s hand raised and cupped your cheek. His eyes opened, as bright and green as the forest outside. He smiled, revealing those golden fangs behind his lips.

“Darling, I was sleeping,” he laughed.

You laughed as tears streamed down your face. “I couldn’t help it. You were so beautiful.”

Keywyn sat up, cupping your face between his large hands. He looked at you with wonder as the magpies began to sing. “Did no one teach you that you could look and not touch?”

You shuddered, leaning into his embrace and holding your hands around his wrist. “It is time to get up though.”

Kerwyn grabbed you in a strong, hard embrace. The pain was gone, the fight was over inside you. As he held you the world melted away to what it was. No decay, no thorns, no ruin of any sort. The Mabre, Kerwyn’s family, and their influence was shaken from the dawn and the castle all at once.

“Master!” Penry flew into the room and perched upon Kerwyn’s shoulder. “Is it really you now? Are you truly back?”

Kerwyn would no sooner let go of you than anything. “Yes, I am here again, Penry.” He turned and smiled at the bird. “You found her! Good lad!”

Penry preened with pride. “Well, sir, she did most of the hard work.”

Kerwyn turned back to you, imposing figure that he was, he was as soft and helpless as a kitten in that moment. “I know.” He smoothed his thumb under your eye. “I knew she would come back.”

“I’m sorry it took so long,” you wept.

Kerwyn shook his head and kissed your forehead. “I know what they did to you, my love. I won’t let them do it again.” he picked you up from the table and carried you towards the open windows of the dining hall. The sky was bright pink and lilac as the sun rose over the mountain.

“Never again,” he whispered.

Wallpaper: Hearthway Hollow

Hearthway Hollow is exactly wher eyou want to be. So put this wallpaper on your desktop and it's almost like you're there!

Features art by: @smogteeth & @belle-the-witch

Wallpapers: Which do you prefer?

I'm getting ready to make some more wallpapers (I've got some nice Halloween/October ones made up). And I just wanted to know which ones you like better!

1000 Stories Posted!

I just realized by doing math that I am close to 1000 complete stories posted here on patreon!

That's huge! That's amazing!

Is there something I should do to celebrate? Would there be anything you all would like to see?

The Five Paralangua: Part One (special preview)

If it’s not the rooster who wakes me up, it will be one of the Golden Girls. Lately, I’ve been able to squeak in some extra sleep during the mornings, but today the Golden Girls aren’t having it. They’re causing a fuss in the yard, and as I roll over towards my window I can see Sophia glaring inside at me.

“Hold your horses, girls!” I fussed as I stepped out of bed. “I’m getting up!”

They’re making a racket out there, and I have to wonder if old lady Murphy’s mastiff has come sniffing around the fence again. He doesn’t do anything, he just seems to have a crush on my girls. Which they don’t take as kindly to.

By the time I’m dressed and ready, the Golden Girls have calmed down. Their mooing has stopped, and the rooster has decided to make the alarm now.

“What’s up with all of you?” I called out, holding the feeding bucket. “You were making such a fuss! I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a noise complaint from town.” I was walking to the storage shed when I noticed a strange print in the mud. It wasn’t one of the Golden Girls, and it certainly wasn’t one of the chickens or sheep. It was large, massive really, and it reminded me of a scene from that old dinosaur movie.

“What on earth?” I muttered ot myself. I was studying it closely when Rose started sniffing around my head and nudging the bucket with her foot.

“Alright, alright,” I huffed. “I’ll get your breakfast.” The girls had all the hay and grass they could ask for, but that morning offering of grains was not to be delayed at any cost.

I was hefting scoops of it into their troughs when I heard the phone ringing from inside the house. I quickly finished off the feeding, tossing some along the ground for the chickens as I raced inside.

I was breathless when I grabbed the phone, so the caller got an earful of heaving breathing before I answered. “Riley Farms, we’re out of eggs,” I said.

“Stella?”

I walked to the fridge to get myself a drink. “Yes? Who is it?”

“This is Alice Dunlop from the festival planning committee.” She sounded quite meek as she said this. Usually the festival committee members were a bit hoity toity.

“It’s about the chosen for this year's festival.”

“I plan to attend,” I huffed. “I told Mrs. Greenhill I already was fulfilling my role as chosen.” I took out the orange juice then went in search of a cup. I was excited to attend this years festival. A few years ago, I would have skipped out too, but once I moved back home, it became a north star for me. Some people found being one of the chosen for the Festival of Ash to be too daunting or too frightening. The Paralangua were a site to behold, depending on how you looked at them of course. Living in Charcourt, you got your chance to spy them occasionally. They didn’t come into town but maybe once or twice a year, and if you did see one it was probably one of the elders. But they were monstrous, pale, clay creatures, who I always found a fascination with.

“Is that why you’re calling? Did she forget to fill out the paper again?” Mrs. Greenhill loved her chardonnay.

“No, she did.” Her voice quivered in a strange way. “That’s the thing, Stella, you’re the only one who has confirmed.”

I hesitated reaching for a cup and stood still. “You mean out of the five chosen for this year-”

“You’re going solo,” Alice stated plainly and nervously.

Has this ever happened at the Festival of Ash before? One or two have certainly not shown up each year. But four?

“We’re going to have a meeting with some of the elders. They want you to attend if that's possible at all. Just to discuss what could possibly end up happening at this year’s ceremony.”

“They still want to go through with it?” I gasped. “Even if I’m the only one there? What would be the point?”

“There’s still five of the parlangua attending.” Of course, they never missed a festival. But still, this didn’t seem like the kind of ceremony worth having. Five on one!

Oh my god, five on one? Is that even possible?

“Stella?” Alice said gently, pulling me from my thoughts.

I gasped. “Oh, yes! I can attend.”

She sighed with relief. “Good. That’s good.”

That made me wonder if there was something going on behind the scenes. It would also explain the dinosaur sized footprint left in my yard. Someone was trying to sneak a peek.

Jasper the Bugbear: Part Four (rough draft)

The reward money sits on the desk, untouched. Ever since it was handed to me by Greta (who hand delivered it from some elder in the Bog of Recoil), I’ve not been very interested in it. Jasper has been sleeping a lot, recuperating from what happened to him in the swamp.

I’ve kept to his side, holding his hand or brushing back the fur from his face. When he does wake up, I tend to his wounds and fix him his meals. I try to give him space, but when he’s asleep I almost want to curl inside him to know he’s alright.

“I just need a day or two of this,” Jasper raspy voice replied. I turned from the stove to see him sitting up in bed, shoulders hunched, fur disheveled.

I looked back at the stove, stirring the stew I’ve got going. “Nonsense, take as long as you need.” I said this with a stern tone. “Your health is important.” I filled a bowl full of the stew and carefully delivered it to his bedside.

Jasper sighed, taking the bowl into his large hand. “The warmth does feel good. Thank you Cara, for taking care of me.”

I nodded, glancing away as he began to eat. “Think nothing of it.” I whisked back to the stove to clean up, unaware his eyes were upon me the whole time. “I still have things to do around the city,” I murmured. “A few last things to clean up from the peacekeepers.”

Jasper was quiet for a moment. “You should be careful. There could still be some traitors hidden amongst the ranks. You shouldn’t go alone.”

“I’ll be fine.” I smiled back at him. “The witches were able to find ways to track them. Most should be locked up or somewhere in the Bog of Recoil.”

“I still don’t like it Cara-”

I put down the lid onto the stewpot a little harsh, making it clang loudly. “Well, it’s my job, so there isn’t much to say about that.”

Jasper’s weary brow furrowed. “Cara.”

“It’s fine!” I snapped. I then calmed myself and shook my head. “I’m doing this for you, Jasper.  After what they did, I cannot rest until I’m sure.”

His expression was a sour one. “Yes. I’m sure too.”

I sat back down by his bedside and put my hand upon his arm. I wanted to do more than that though. I wanted him to hold me, to cradle me tight. I wanted there to be no air between us. But right now, that would have to remain locked away in my thoughts.

“It’s been stressful. I know you’re worried but I promise I am fine.” I smiled for him, forcing it out despite the way it pulled at my skin. “And soon you’ll be fine.”

Jasper sighed. “I just want you to stop and breathe, Cara.”

My hand slipped around his bicep and squeezed. “What are you talking about? I am breathing!” I said with a forced laugh.

His brow pinched, taking on a look of ferocity I had only seen on him as a shadow before. “That’s not what I mean, Cara!”

I let go of his arm and stood up abruptly. “I have to go. I told Greta I would meet her in the square to finish things.”

Jasper’s exasperated sigh sent a ripple through my body that made ever hair I had stand on end. “Fine. Be careful out there.”

“Do you want more stew before I go?” The offer was weak, I knew I was on the defensive here.

“No. I have more than enough.” He looked at me for the briefest of moments. “Just-” he hesitated with what he wanted to say and I almost gave in and threw myself upon the bed. “Just be careful. Witches are-” he stalled again. “They’re extremely intelligent, don’t let your guard down with her.”

“I won’t. Greta isn’t the kind of person you take your eyes off of.” I put my hand on the doorknob, aching so much to just lay in his arms. “I’ll be back,” I mumbled as I opened the door and stepped outside.

Ever since the peacekeepers had been exposed, the public outcry was palpable. Peacekeepers were working their hardest to prove they weren’t amongst the betrayers, so they were out and about, doing public service when it wasn’t necessary. The streets looked cleaner, there were less shifty eyes upon the way.

I saw Greta in the square, wearing another disguise. She waved me down and pulled me aside. “Boy have I got something good for you!”

I yanked my arm from his grasp and smoothed my sleeve back down. “What is it?” I grumbled. I was irritated enough already.

She wagged her fingers, making me follow her down a path and through a door. Now, doors with Greta, I learned, didn’t always lead where they were supposed to. I had gotten used to that. Between working with her and the witches on punishing the peacekeepers that tried to fuck them over, and giving her the blood I promised, I had unfortunately gotten used to the shock this caused.

I stepped through one such door back into the bog and my stomach churned. There was so much water around me, and only a small island before us. There was a man tied to a chair. It looked like some of his hair had been ripped out.

“What do you think?” Greta asked as he disguise fell away.

I frowned at the man doubled over in the chair and back at her. “Who is it?”

Greta grandly splayed out her arms. “The guy who kidnapped and beat your boyfriend!” She announced with a song in her voice.

The man shifted, slightly lifting his head. Meanwhile, a cold spike had shot through my system. Every nerve, every drop of blood was coursing with what I could only describe as the feral rage of a beast in winter, hunting for the last morsel of warm food in a blizzard.

“Now what do you think?” Greta went over to him, yanking the back of his head up. His face was covered in runes and spells front he witches. His eyes had gone completely black. “This piece of shit from his mother’s infected bowel was the one to order the attack on us witches.” She waggled his head back and forth.

The man moaned in agony.

“Oh what’s that?” Greta put her ear near his head. “You tried doing unspeakable things to the womenfolk?” She yanked his hair back harder and he screamed.

I remained frozen in place, afraid that if I moved I would maul this man.

Greta dropped his head and looked back at me with a stony look upon her face. “We’ve done our fair share of payback on this-thing.” She growled at him. “Some of the younger witches got handled by him and his men.” Her eyes grew sharp and very dark upon me. “I figured I’d save a scrap of flesh for you. Considering what condition he left your giant, furry fellow in.”

I breathed in, choking on it as my body was pulled taut from rage. “I’m surprised you left that, if that’s what he did.”

Greta tilted her chin up. “Come now, I saw what you did to that one guard alone. What’s keeping you?”

I placed my hand upon my weapon, gripping the handle tight and flexing my fingers. I’m not sure what was holding me back. I would love nothing more than to bleed this man dry. I let go of the hilt and looked up at Greta.

“He deserves to be in jail. Not dead.”

Greta pouted at me. “Oh come on. Don’t tell me you’re one of those types.”

I snapped at her. “And you don’t think death is far too easy?”

Greta took a defensive stance and opened her mouth, but just as quickly appeared to ponder the words. She looked back down at the man and hummed. “I suppose lifelong punishment is better that execution when you think about it like that.”

“Let me turn him in.” My hands were shaking. “He deserves to be put away.”

“No. Please-” the man whimpered.

“Oh shut up!” Greta yanked on his hair and all the runes and spells on his skin bega pulled back towards his hairline, vanishing while he screamed in horror and pain before passing out, going slack, only held up by ropes and Greta’s grip.

“There.” Greta pushed his chair over and it fell at my feet. “He is yours now, after all. I suppose you can do whatever you want to him.”

I knelt down, untying him from the chair then bounding his limb together.

“So how is he?” Greta asked.

I furrowed my brow. “Who?”

“You giant ass boyfriend!” Greta laughed. “You’ve not talked much since you got him back. And you were pretty chatty before.”

I just frowned as I got the peacekeeper tied up. I used my special ropes that made him levitate, that way I didn’t have to carry him.

“What’s with the silent treatment?” Greta huffed.

“He’s fine,” I grumbled, and stood up, holding the end of the rope as the peacekeeper began floating upwards. “Healing.”

Greta tilted her head to the side. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to poke a nerve.”

“No nerves have been bothered,” I scoffed at her.

She flinched backwards with a surprised but amused look on her face. “Damn, kiddo. Just breathe for a second!”

Those words set me off. “Why don’t you fucking breathe!” I screamed in her face.

Greta just stared at me with a blank expression, her head slightly tilted back while her arms hung limply at her side.

I pulled away, gasping for breath. “Oh shit. Greta, I’m so sorry!”

She held a single hand up, her face unmoving. “What the fuck was that, kiddo?”

I looked at her with wide eyes, a whole new expression taking hold of my face. “I don’t…I-”

Greta shook her head at me. “Something is bottled up in there. I was wondering why your blood was behaving so volatile.” She crossed her arms against her chest. “Do you need a drink?”

“Probably,” I breathed.

Greta scoffed, putting her disguise back on and led me out the door again, back onto the street. “Trouble in paradise?” She asked me as we went along with delivering the head peacekeeper.

“No,” I murmured. “I’m so happy to have Jasper back.”

“Then what’s got your wound tighter than two angry snakes on a rat?”

I had no answer, so I remained quiet.

“Maybe I took so much blood,” Greta muttered under her breath. She then laughed and shook her head. “No. That’s silly. But seriously kid, you need to find what’s got you in such a state. That boyfriend of yours probably sees it from a mile away.”

He did, I think that’s part of the problem. “I just want him to get better.”

“Well he ain’t if he’s going to be worried about you.” Greta huffed at me.

Maybe she was right, in some weird way. We took the head peacekeeper to the jail, and it was like a show was being put on by the ‘good’ peacekeepers of the town. An example had to be made, and it was going to be him who made it.

When Greta opened the door for us to leave, it opened right into her back room, shocking some of the peacekeepers who were saluting us as we left.

“Your bar wasn’t that far away. What was the point of that?” I huffed as I slammed the door.

“Fuck authority, that’s what.” Greta pulled a bottle down from the shelf, uncorked it with her sharp teeth then handed it to me. “Guzzle, kiddo.”

I took the bottle and frowned at it. I took a swig, coughing from the heat and tingle it caused hitting my throat, then I drank more.

“You’re used to being on your own. Ain’t you?” Greta asked.

I wiped my mouth and huffed. “Yeah. So?”

She just shrugged. “Nothing.” She took the bottle back and drank.

After a while, and half a bottle of that liquor later, I stumbled back into the apartment. I walked in, seeing Jasper standing over my desk. He looked at me as I swaggered in, body warm and loose from all the drink.

“Everything alright?” He asked.

I shut the door behind me, standing tall and hiccuping. I took in a deep breath, puffing out my chest to try and resume the posture I had been maintaining around him.

“No!” I blubbered out. The tears came fast and hard, they poured down my face until I thought I might make my own swamp.

Jasper was beside me in an instant, kneeling down to comfort me and put his big strong arms around me. I sobbed into his chest, crying loudly and pathetically. I had never done that before, let alone anyone see anything close to this. I clung to Jasper’s shirt, gripping it so hard, unafraid to rip it if it brought me closer to him.

Jasper led me over to the bed, helping me crawl up onto the mattress. “Breathe, okay. Just breathe.”

I tried breathing, but through my pitiful sobs it was more like an ugly heave. Still, Jasper climbed into bed beside me, holding me to his broad chest, rubbing my back.

“You reek of alcohol,” he said with a gentle, teasing tone.

“Because I drank it!” I whined. I buried my face against him, once again wanting to climb inside him to feel as close as possible.

I woke up sometime later, my head spinning and my mouth completely dry. My eyes hurt and felt swollen. I sniffled as I sat up, touching my face and wondering how rough I looked.

“There she is.”

I raised my head, seeing Jasper approaching me in the dark. The curtains were pulled shut, but what light came through hurt my eyes. He handed me a cup that was cold, and I guzzled down the water inside.

Jasper sat down beside me, petting my back as I drank.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered.

“What for?” His gentle voice filled me with warmth, and a radiance that tingled down my limbs.

I sniffled and my breath hitched. “For myself.” I wiped my nose. “It’s hard for me to just let go.”

Jasper brushed his knuckles along my cheek. “I know. That’s why I told you to breathe.”

I looked into his eyes. “I’m not used to this.”

He smiled. “I know that too.” He took the empty cup and set it aside. He laid back down, letting me lay upon his chest and nuzzle up to him. “Your work is hard and dangerous. I know what appearances you have to maintain, even for yourself.” His hand felt so warm and welcome along my back. “But you don’t have to do that with me.”

I wrapped my arm around him. “It’s still hard.”

“Well, I don't want you drinking to break down those walls again.” He kissed the top of my head and I almost could have broken again. “I know what what I did was foolish, foolhardy.” he chuckled and gave me an extra squeeze. “I don’t want you thinking that in any way this was your fault.”

“Then why did you do it?” I murmured.

“Because I missed you so badly,” he replied, his voice quivering. “I thought if I could help, find some information, do anything to speed along this mission, then we could be together again.”

I frowned and buried my face against his chest. “I thought you said it wasn’t my fault!”

“It wasn’t. It was my own selfishness.” He sighed heavily and sat up, holding my face so I would look directly into his eyes. “I’m sorry. But I need you.”

I melted for those words. “I need you too. So you can’t be going around and doing such stupid things!”

“I know,” he chuckled, smoothing my hair back away from my face. “I just need to stay in my bookshop where I belong.”

“Exactly.” I whimpered, grabbing hold of his hand.

Jasper tilted my head up, kissing me. I swooned, even more lightheaded than I was before. I breathed in deeply, savoring this moment while it lasted. When our lips parted, we stayed there, close together, breathing and basking in our closeness.

“I don’t feel at home here,” I murmured to him. “I used to could get used to anywhere I was placed. But here, it’s been so hard.”

He smiled. “Any idea why?”

I sniffled. “Yeah! You.”

Jasper laughed again, holding me tight. I slouched in his embrace, laying my cheek to his chest. “Consider me honored.” He pet my hair, gently coming his fingers through it. “It’s not been home without you. Hence why I acted so stupid.”

“You’re the smart one. You can’t be stupid.” I raised back up to look into his face. “What you did was smart. Just, maybe, a little unplanned.”

He nodded. “I thought I could play the part. I endeared myself to them quite well. Unfortunately, they don’t care much for people like me.”

I pouted. “If they were the smart ones, they would.”

Jasper kissed me again, cupping his hands around my face and neck. “As long as you do, no one else really bothers me if they don’t.”

I sighed with some relief. “I understand that feeling.”

Jasper kissed my cheek and neck. “You’re probably hungry. I don’t think I’ve seen you eat much since we got back from the bog.”

I hadn’t. I’d been too distracted and too wound up to find much interest in eating. I nodded, regretting it as Jasper stood up and went towards the stove. The stew was bubbling, and it smelled wonderful as he opened the lid. He stirred it a bit.

“You really do make a good stew,” he said to me. “I’ve quite enjoyed it.”

“It’s one of the few things I know how to cook,” I muttered.

Jasper returned to the bed, handing me a full, warm bowl and a spoon. “I cook quite a bit. I’ll have to teach you some time.”

The idea made me smile, but then the thought of what mission could possibly be coming next for me took it right away. “Yeah. Maybe one day.”

Jasper stirred his stew, not really taking a bite. He watched me, his eyes focusing upon my hands as I fed myself small morsels. I hunted in the thick broth for the potatoes, my favorite, but didn’t really take the giant bites I wanted.

“You can ask for time off,” Jasper’s tone was stern. “You don’t have to keep taking missions where you have to go to these places and fight these people.”

I stilled and set my spoon down inside the bowl. “And do what?”

He just stared. “Stay with me. Work in the book shop. Sell books. Continue to scam the rich people in the community like you were doing before you left.”

I chuckled, smiling at the memories of that. “Be an informant, like you?”

“Yes! You’re good at being a spy and being an informant. You don’t have to fight all the time.”

“But I like fighting.” I smiled at him. I knew I didn’t have to always fight and be on the road, but Jasper was the first reason to make me stay.

“How much does the shop job pay?” I asked.

Jasper chuckled. “All that money from the witches and you want pay? From me?” He bared down, coming close to me and stealing a kiss.

“If I am working I deserve compensation! No matter how rich I am with witch money.” I kissed him back, trying to keep the bowl of stew from spilling over.” Jasper pulled back, moving our bowls to the side table.

“How did you get mixed up with a witch anyway?” He asked, smoothing his hand up my thigh.

“Greta? That’s a secret.” I chuckled as Jasper pushed me down onto the bed. “Careful,” I gasped.

“I’m fine. I’m healed up enough for this.” He yanked down my tights, moving his hands back up my bare legs as he stared directly into my eyes. “And what are you keeping secrets for?”

I smirked, his hands were coming up to my hips, but he stopped and held his hands around my knees. “She’s not cursed you, has she?” He asked.

“Not that I’m aware of.” I murmured, watching his hands again, wanting to see if they were going to move. Especially if they were going to move to where I wanted. “She did do something for me today.”

“Is that where you were.” He was massaging my calves now. Those big hands kneaded into the muscled flesh, which felt equal parts needed and painful.

I winced and moaned softly. “She found the peacekeeper who was leading this sect. The one who took you.”

Jasper merely made a growl in his throat.

I turned my head to the side, closing my eyes. Jasper was touching me, and that was enough. “She was going to let me kill him. Since the witches had their way.”

His hands stopped. “What?”

“I turned him in, don’t worry. No matter how badly I wanted to.” I kept my eyes shut, not wanting to see the look upon his face. “So don’t worry about it.” I jumped as Jasper’s lips came down upon my neck. I grabbed his shoulders as he kissed and bit. He tugged down my top, biting my shoulder. Exactly what I needed.

“I’m proud of you. Takes a lot to convince a witch.” His hands were under my top, grabbing at me, causing my breath to become fainter.

“I’d rather he suffered in prison than-” I let out a moan of surprise as Jasper’s fingers slipped to my loins and massaged there. “-than get off…get off easy,” I whimpered.

Jasper growled in his throat again, eyes focused upon me. He loved to watch me, to see what his touch could do. In the darkness all I could really see were eyes, glowing hazily above me. I couldn’t hide my smirk much longer as I anticipated what was coming.

“That’s the right way to think about it, I think. Although I am surprised the witch let you get away with that.” His fingers slipped inside at that moment and I had to let out a relieved moan followed by a pleasured laugh.

“Like that, did you?” Jasper chuckled along.

I writhed a little, arching my back, hoping to feel his touch deeper. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, I know.” His free hand smoothed down my body, undoing some of the laces on my tunic to better see what lay underneath. “Far too long.”

I sat up enough to grab him, to pull him down on top of me and kiss him. His hand slipped away from inside me and replaced the space between my thighs with his body. It was heaven on earth to feel that big body above mine. A rush of power surged through me knowing to have brought this mighty beast to his knees.

“I can’t wait much longer,” he growled.

I swooned with those words. “Then what are you waiting for?” I teased.

Jasper growled into y ear, kissing y neck and biting down onto my shoulder again. I held my breath, growing dizzier as the moments went on. The more he touched, the more the anticipation grew, I knew I was in for something special.

Jasper’s body moved into place. Between my thighs I felt his waist slip, and then felt his cock slip against the softness of my thighs. Goodness he was hard! I wriggled in excitement, biting on the inside of my cheek as he grew nearer, closer to me. That first touch at my folds, the way he slipped along me, both of us growing wetter by the friction.

“Hurry!” I fussed at him, gripping his shoulders a bit harshly.

Jasper looked down at me, those eyes no longer hazy in the dark, but rather sharp, and frightening  bolts of light. I bit my lip, going still as that gaze stabbed into me. Jasper’s hand came down, touching my face then cupping around my mouth.

“It has been a very long time between us, Cara,” he growled. “If I do not take my time, it’ll be over before it starts. I am unbearably excited at this moment. Surely, you can understand my predicament here.”

I nodded, putting a hand around his wrist that covered my mouth.

Jasper breathed out. “Then be patient. We’ll both have our satisfaction soon enough.” His hand slid down away from my mouth and his fingers slipped around my throat. His grip wasn’t tight, but there was a sense of danger that made me writhe even more.

I took in a breath as Jasper finally took over. He slipped inside me, going slow so I could savor every inch. I grunted, biting down upon my lip and my eyelids fluttered. Too long! Far too long to wait!

I gasped as he planted himself deep inside me. We both stilled, breathing and taking in the moment. I squeezed around him, and Jasper made his first pulse. It had been a while since we did it in this position, usually we were a tad more adventurous. But I suppose the classics are best when you’re both so tightly wound all that matters is the touch.

I’ve said it before that Jasper has been the only person who ellicites these sort of feelings in me. I’ve never felt the need to be close to someone, but I need him. Everything about him, I want to be close to me. I want to touch him, feel him, just have him so close to me. I’ve never needed that before. His warmth deep inside me is like a missing piece. As much as I would have hated to admit that ages ago, it’s true now.

His moans above me make me shiver. Knowing I'm causing his pleasure, his relief, makes me echo his voice. I breathe with him, move with him. His body and my body rock in this ocean that is our bed.

Our voices cry out in the darkness. We grab hold of one another, tight fingers, sweaty palms, aching legs. There’s warmth and lightening, our bodies create a flash that flows through us, igniting, sparking, crackling.

I am filled and he is empty.

Jasper’s body rests limply beside mine, slightly upon me. I lay there breathing, my head swirling and body still pulsing. It’s been so long, I can’t recover quite so fast.

Jasper rolls onto his side, laying his arm upon my chest and cupping my cheek. I turn to look at him through the darkness, smiling because I know he can see it.

“I missed you, Cara.”

A few tears sprung to my eyes. “I missed you too.” I moved, snuggling up to his chest and resting there. “I’ll stay for a while,” I murmured. “I’m not ready to part again.”

He wrapped his arms around me tight, both of us falling asleep. In the morning we’d leave to go back home, through the doors of the book shop.

Jian the Rakshasa: Part Three

Female Reader Insert x Male Monster

Part One - Part Two 

How the hell am I supposed to do this? I’ve always been good with words, but I’ve never had to use my words in this sort of way before. This blank page in my journal keeps glaring at me, growing ever brighter, more noticeable with every passing second.

Why did I agree to writing our own vows? I know we aren’t having a traditional wedding. Considering our two widely varying backgrounds, we thought it would be nice to have the most basic of wedding, then have the reception be the real special event. But maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. Ceres is probably already done with her vows, yet here I am, staring at this blank page that keeps mocking me with how empty it is. It’s the Sahara Desert of empty pages, but the Sahara Desert still somehow has signs of life in it.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, and it was a message from Ceres. “How’s it going?” Was all she asked.

Loaded question, my love, but I can’t blurt out to her the whole truth over a message. Especially not when she’s out trying on dresses today. “Getting some work done. How’s dress hunting going?”

I saw her typing, stop, type again, then stop. Uh oh, not her too.

“Everyone has an opinion.” She finally responded after a long while of typing, deleting, and retyping.

“Are they at least being kind?”

“I would say difficult. Not exactly kind but also not really mean either.”

I smiled, happy to have a distraction from the writing I was supposed to be doing. “But have you found anything you liked?”

“Not really.”

I was about to type when she replied instantly again.

“I’ve never cared for white, so all these dresses just seem… off.”

I smirked as I made my reply. “Well obviously you like blue.”

“Wait, that’s actually a good idea.”

I furrowed my brow. Uh oh, what did I just do? My mom has been so excited about dress shopping with Ceres, and she’s a traditional lady. What did I just start?

“What do you mean ‘good idea’?”

“I can’t talk. Your mom is making me try another dress.”

The glaring journal page was back to staring at me. In fact, I was beginning to believe the more I didn’t write on it, the more self aware it was becoming.

Man, I can’t write my vows. Now Ceres has some idea brewing in her head. I sighed heavily, falling back onto the bed. I stared up at the ceiling, running through my head all the little things that had happened to lead up to this point. Ceres in her delivery uniform, the scent of pizza, the long line at the ice cream parlor that stopped outside the jewelry store. It felt like everything in our relationship had been spur of the moment. The proposal was, our first night together was, even our first kiss.

How was I supposed to write vows to capture all of that?

I must have fallen asleep, because I was woken up to my phone vibrating in my pocket again. It was a couple hours later than I remember it being, so I shut the journal instantly.

“Heading home. Want me to pick up anything for dinner?”

“I can make something with leftovers. We don’t need to be spending money right now.”

Her message came faster than I could get up from the couch. “I’m sick of leftovers. Your mom brought sandwiches today so I didn’t even have a good lunch.”

I really didn’t want to be the responsible one, but because we wanted to do a wedding our way, my parents weren’t chipping in a lot. “Don’t whine. I can make us something really good. We need to be saving money for the wedding. We talked about this.”

She was quiet for a long time, so I wasn’t exactly sure what she was doing. Probably plotting, thinking of a way to twist me around her finger and get the takeout meal she wanted.

“I’ll suck your dick.”

I had to laugh. It was desperate, cute, a running gag between us.

“Sucking my dick doesn’t pay the bills.”

“But don’t you wish it would?”

I bit my lip, growing a chub just thinking about it. “I’ll eat you out if you don't get takeout.” It was my counter offer.

Silence again as I am sure she was plotting. I walked into the kitchen, opening the fridge to see what I had to work with.

“I’ll suck your dick and wear the sexy ninja costume.”

Shit, she countered too hard. “I’ll eat you out and wear the devil onesie.” Surely this would get her. I rubbed the growing bulge in my pants as I waited for her reply.

“Your mom said she’d treat us.”

I sighed with relief. “Okay, that’s fine. If someone else is paying then go for it.”

“Hunan Street?” She asked.

“You know what I like.”

“I know you’re thinking about having your dick sucked right now.”

I stopped touching myself and looked around guiltily. “You started it.”

“Don’t worry, when I get home I have some frustration built up that I want you to work out. Deal?”

“Big deal,” I texted back with a grin on my face. Something then clicked and I went back to my journal, opening it up to write down a note for myself on the page.

Ceres got home sometime later, setting down the takeout on the counter with a big huff. She looked up at me as I came out of the bathroom.

“Long day?” I signed to her.

She nodded, coming up to me and wrapping her arms around me. She squeezed me tight, pulling back to sign back to me. “Dress shopping sucks.”

“You don’t even really like dresses,” I replied.

Ceres nodded, a defeated look on her face. She started taking out the takeout then stopped. We looked at one another and Ceres’ cheeks flushed. We both fidgeted, then the next thing I knew, I had my back against the wall with her knelt down before me. My sweatpants were tugged down around my knees and Ceres’ warm mouth was working along my shaft.

I ran my fingers through her hair, breathing out heavily the more she touched, licked, and whatever it is she was doing. It was amazing. Her moans vibrated along my shaft and up through my spine, making the follicles on my head tingle. Her eyes flicked up to me and I met her gaze with a heady expression. It was too good.

Across the room I saw my phone light up, and Ceres removed herself from my cock, staring towards the door. We both panicked, scrambling to get ourselves in order. Ceres went to the door, fixing her clothes right. I nearly tripped and fell as I pulled my pants up and hunted down my missing shirt.

When Ceres came back to the kitchen again she had a stricken look on her face. “It’s your mom!” She signed to me.

What was she doing here?

Mom walked in, head held high and with a smile on her face. “Sorry I’m late! I got caught up looking at a few things on the way in.” She signed as she approached the counter where the food was. She started unpacking it as Ceres and I exchanged looks.

“What do you mean, late?” I asked her.

Mom huffed, her ears sticking up straight in that way that takes me back to my childhood when I didn’t do my homework. “Didn’t Ceres tell you?” She shook her hands as she signed, her way of trying to make her statement. “I’m having dinner with you two.”

Ceres shook her head at me. Obviously my mom didn’t give all the stipulations for why she was buying us dinner. Both Ceres and I gave each other looks to not argue the point, and just eat.

“She just got in so she hadn’t been able to tell me yet,” I lied for her.

Ceres gave me a thumbs up from her hip and went to fetch plates and cutlery. My mom unpacked the bag, opening each dish and smiling as she sniffed each one for approval.

“We had fun dress shopping, didn’t we?” My mom asked Ceres.

“I stressed. You had fun,” Ceres said with a laugh. “I’m not exactly sure what all I want, so it’s all a learning experience.”

Mom turned to me and smiled reassuringly. “I had the same troubles when I got married to Jian’s father. His family was so particular about things, I mean, they were paying but you know. And I had never gone out of the house in anything but a pantsuit.”

“I know what you mean.” Ceres set the plates down and my mom instantly began dishing out the food, handing Ceres her plate first.

“I’m sorry if I felt pushy today.” My mom said this and I saw a wash of relief go over Ceres’ face.

“Everyone was. Don’t worry.”

“It’s like a competition,” my mom said directly to me. “All these women competing to get their dress picked when it isn’t even their dress.” She filled my plate, setting it before me.

“That’s where I had an idea!” Ceres both said and signed.

Oh no! Her idea! I almost forgot about it!

“I’ve never liked the color white,” Ceres continued signing and speaking. “And Jian gave me a really good idea.”

I warily watched my mother as these words came out of Ceres’ mouth. Mom’s brow was furrowed, but she didn’t seem too unsettled by the news.

“What sort of idea?” Mom asked. She cut her eyes at me, inspecting me to see if I was nervous. Maybe I was, because she got a smile.

“Well, I don’t really like white. Especially not for clothes, I always feel like I’m going to spill something on it.” Ceres looked at me with a smile that made my heart melt. Okay, I had to trust her when she smiled, her eyes all shone like that. I was marrying her for a reason, I proposed to her because it was all I wanted in my life. I didn’t need to worry. It was our wedding, nothing else mattered. I smiled back at her and she looked at my mother with a much stronger resolve in her eyes.

“I want to wear a blue dress for the wedding, since it’ll match Jian.” She signed this, because even though she was telling my mother, she was really telling me.

My mom looked down at her plate for a second, poking at her food while an idle look came over her eyes. Was she thinking? Was she mad? I moved across the island to go stand beside Ceres, placing my hand at the small of her back while my mother loaded or rebooted, whatever it was that was happening to her.

“So like a prom dress?” My mother asked. “Or more like something vintage?”

There was still an unease to the air, but I was resolved to standing with Ceres no matter what she chose to wear.

“I don’t want to say it in front of Jian to ruin the surprise. But I have an idea for something.”

My mom gently set down her fork. “I was asking because there’s a lovely little vintage shop in my area and she carries some remarkable dresses. If we need to get it tailored, we need to do that now rather than later.”

I was surprised, she was going along with this without much fight.

“I don’t know if I could even afford that in your neck of the woods,” Ceres said with a nervous laugh that I could feel in her back.

“Vintage is expensive these days. But-” My mom cut her eyes at me. “I know almost everyone who owns shops there. I can persuade them if need be.”

There’s the terrifying lawyer I know.

“That could be fun,” Ceres answered.

Mom picked up her fork again and continued to eat. “We’ll set a day.” She then signed at me with the fork tucked in her hand. “Good conversation - just what I like.”

When mom left, I walked her to her car since it was raining. Ceres was at the sink, washing up the dishes. I came and stood beside her, taking dishes and drying them off.

Ceres waved her hand, catching my attention. “That went better than expected.”

I smirked at her. “Considering what we were doing when she arrived, it could have been much worse.”

Ceres got a look and nodded. “I meant the dress idea. But yeah, that too.”

I set down the cloth and plate I was drying. “Want to finish that, by the way?”

A smirk grew across her face. “Was waiting on you to ask.” She stopped what she was doing and grabbed my hand, leading me towards the bedroom.

I saw my journal laying on the bed, so I picked it up and set it aside before we could get comfortable.

“I’ve got work in the morning,” Ceres signed.

“So extra rough?” I asked.

Ceres smirked, pushing me down upon the bed then laying herself on top of me, straddling my waist. Her hands slid up my shirt, pushing it towards my chin. She stroked back down, hooking her fingers under the waistband of my pants. She wiggled down, pulling the pants with it until my cock was exposed.

She took me into her hand stroking slowly with a smile upon her face. A purr built in my chest, rumbling through my body as the warmth grew. I kept my eyes on her, watching her expression as it went from playful to heady. Her arousal was growing along with mine. Her eyes were lidded, lashes low. Her lips were parted and I could see how her breaths were growing heavier.

I sat up to kiss her, pressing close to her and with a gentle roll, placing her upon her back. I was between her thighs in an instant, kissing her again and again as I wrestled with her clothes, stripping them off as best I could without pulling away from her. I kissed her bare body, from her breasts to her soft belly, between her warm thighs. I could smell her, how rich her fragrance was the hotter she grew. I pressed my lips to her mound and tasted her, lapping up the wetness that seeped from inside. I raised my eyes to her, seeing her staring with a soft, aroused expression.

“Hurry,” she said with a quiver of her lip.

I wanted to take my time, to enjoy her and this moment. But, much like her, I was eager to also feel everything that lovemaking entailed. Easing inside her was an immense pleasure, wet, velvety walls caressing my cock, what could be better? Perhaps the slight trembles of her body. Her short breaths. Maybe the look on her face and the pout of her lips. I kissed her as I drove myself deeper inside her, feeling her cling tightly around me. How could I last so long when it felt this sweet?

Ceres clung to me, grasping hold of my arms or back, whatever she could reach. I drove harder, faster, causing her body to tense with pleasure. Soon, that ripple that ran through both of us reached the top of my head. I grit my teeth, snarling as my rutting became harder and more shallow. She clenched all over, mouth wide open, the vibrations of her voice tingled through my fingertips and into my loins. I wasn’t much longer, nor was she. Intense. Hot. Boiling. Overflowing. And then the burst.

Moments of deep breathing, followed by snuggling together, wrapped in each other’s arms as we melted. I laid there, stroking Ceres’ hair, my mind full of everything and nothing. Ceres was dozing, drifting to sleep with nowhere else to go. I gently laid her back, tucking her snuggly into bed.

I picked up my journal, and I began to write what was in my head. Notes, bullet points, whatever came to me I wrote until my hand cramped. I wrote down a lot of what I felt today, things that in the moment seemed like nothing, but in the long run were the keys to what I loved about us, what I loved about Ceres. There was so much that sometimes, as I was thinking, it felt like nothing. I was so used to these things, so spoiled by them, it was hard to pick them out to make what I wanted. I wanted vows that meant something, that stood for what Ceres and I had always known. I was too close to see the whole picture though. I would sort it all out tomorrow, and hopefully make those vows I really wanted.

Ceres turned in bed, tossing for a second before she stretched out her arm, looking for me. I grabbed her wrist, kissing the inside of her palm. I smiled down at her, seeing she was struggling with whether to stay awake or not.

“I should shower,” she mumbled, her lips barely moving.

“I can get it started for you,” I signed to her.

Ceres took in a big breath and stretched. It looked like a satisfying one, too. “What are you doing?” She asked, motioning to the journal.

“You’ll see,” I grinned at her.

“I see.” Ceres stood up from bed, stretching again. “I think I’ll have some tea before a shower. Want any?” She then knelt down, picking up my shirt and putting it on.

I stood, catching her look at me with a smile before she started gathering her hair to put into a bun.

“I love you,” I mouthed and signed at the same time.

Ceres’ smile grew, squinting her eyes slightly. “I love you too,” she replied. “So very, very much.” She came up to me, pulling me into a tight, warm hug. I melted, sighing as I sunk into her embrace. I couldn't be happier. I couldn’t feel more where I belonged. And that would be my first vow to her, to make sure I made her feel as loved as I did.

Bad Idea

Should I post some EXTREMELY old writing and art work? It’s so bad ya’ll. What do you think?

Jasper the Bugbear: Part Four (special preview)

The reward money sits on the desk, untouched. Ever since it was handed to me by Greta (who hand delivered it from some elder in the Bog of Recoil), I’ve not been very interested in it. Jasper has been sleeping a lot, recuperating from what happened to him in the swamp.

I’ve kept to his side, holding his hand or brushing back the fur from his face. When he does wake up, I tend to his wounds and fix him his meals. I try to give him space, but when he’s asleep I almost want to curl inside him to know he’s alright.

“I just need a day or two of this,” Jasper raspy voice replied. I turned from the stove to see him sitting up in bed, shoulders hunched, fur disheveled.

I looked back at the stove, stirring the stew I’ve got going. “Nonsense, take as long as you need.” I said this with a stern tone. “Your health is important.” I filled a bowl full of the stew and carefully delivered it to his bedside.

Jasper sighed, taking the bowl into his large hand. “The warmth does feel good. Thank you Cara, for taking care of me.”

I nodded, glancing away as he began to eat. “Think nothing of it.” I whisked back to the stove to clean up, unaware his eyes were upon me the whole time. “I still have things to do around the city,” I murmured. “A few last things to clean up from the peacekeepers.”

Jasper was quiet for a moment. “You should be careful. There could still be some traitors hidden amongst the ranks. You shouldn’t go alone.”

“I’ll be fine.” I smiled back at him. “The witches were able to find ways to track them. Most should be locked up or somewhere in the Bog of Recoil.”

“I still don’t like it Cara-”

I put down the lid onto the stewpot a little harsh, making it clang loudly. “Well, it’s my job, so there isn’t much to say about that.”

Jasper’s weary brow furrowed. “Cara.”

“It’s fine!” I snapped. I then calmed myself and shook my head. “I’m doing this for you, Jasper.  After what they did, I cannot rest until I’m sure.”

His expression was a sour one. “Yes. I’m sure too.”

I sat back down by his bedside and put my hand upon his arm. I wanted to do more than that though. I wanted him to hold me, to cradle me tight. I wanted there to be no air between us. But right now, that would have to remain locked away in my thoughts.

“It’s been stressful. I know you’re worried but I promise I am fine.” I smiled for him, forcing it out despite the way it pulled at my skin. “And soon you’ll be fine.”

Jasper sighed. “I just want you to stop and breathe, Cara.”

My hand slipped around his bicep and squeezed. “What are you talking about? I am breathing!” I said with a forced laugh.

His brow pinched, taking on a look of ferocity I had only seen on him as a shadow before. “That’s not what I mean, Cara!”

I let go of his arm and stood up abruptly. “I have to go. I told Greta I would meet her in the square to finish things.”

Jasper’s exasperated sigh sent a ripple through my body that made ever hair I had stand on end. “Fine. Be careful out there.”

“Do you want more stew before I go?” The offer was weak, I knew I was on the defensive here.

“No. I have more than enough.” He looked at me for the briefest of moments. “Just-” he hesitated with what he wanted to say and I almost gave in and threw myself upon the bed. “Just be careful. Witches are-” he stalled again. “They’re extremely intelligent, don’t let your guard down with her.”

“I won’t. Greta isn’t the kind of person you take your eyes off of.” I put my hand on the doorknob, aching so much to just lay in his arms. “I’ll be back,” I mumbled as I opened the door and stepped outside.

Ever since the peacekeepers had been exposed, the public outcry was palpable. Peacekeepers were working their hardest to prove they weren’t amongst the betrayers, so they were out and about, doing public service when it wasn’t necessary. The streets looked cleaner, there were less shifty eyes upon the way.

I saw Greta in the square, wearing another disguise. She waved me down and pulled me aside. “Boy have I got something good for you!”

I yanked my arm from his grasp and smoothed my sleeve back down. “What is it?” I grumbled. I was irritated enough already.

She wagged her fingers, making me follow her down a path and through a door. Now, doors with Greta, I learned, didn’t always lead where they were supposed to. I had gotten used to that. Between working with her and the witches on punishing the peacekeepers that tried to fuck them over, and giving her the blood I promised, I had unfortunately gotten used to the shock this caused.

I stepped through one such door back into the bog and my stomach churned. There was so much water around me, and only a small island before us. There was a man tied to a chair. It looked like some of his hair had been ripped out.

“What do you think?” Greta asked as he disguise fell away.

I frowned at the man doubled over in the chair and back at her. “Who is it?”

Greta grandly splayed out her arms. “The guy who kidnapped and beat your boyfriend!” She announced with a song in her voice.

Jasper the Bugbear: Part Three (rough draft)

My last post was much nicer than this one. The view was better, the people were nicer. Here, I had a brick wall over a piss soaked alleyway to look at. I wasn’t even in walking distance of anything good, just some seedy bars that even I wouldn’t dare set foot into. The last place was small, but at least I was close to good food. And of course I was close to the bookstore.

How long has it been since I was last there? Basking in the warmth of the place where the scent of the pages was just as strong as the tea being brewed in the back. I sighed heavily, imagining the well dressed owner of the store behind the counter. His gruff appearance softened by a fine waistcoat and shimmering gold glasses.

I fogged up the glass as I sighed heavily. “Who knows how long this job is going to take,” I pouted. I turned, seeing a letter had been slid under the door. I had been so lost in thought, I never even noticed it arrived.

“Let’s see what we have here,” I muttered as I picked it up. It was unusually heavy. But then again, this job itself was a bit more hefty than normal.

Corruption amongst the peacekeepers was running amok. It was seeping slowly into all corners, as agents were going around to small towns and villages where their unscrupulousness wouldn’t be noticed right away. From there they could reach out to bigger towns, even large cities, furthering their wicked ways.

I could remember the look on Jasper’s face when I told him I had to go. Things had been peaceful for a while. Working together we had extorted a lot of money and information from the rich politicians and bigwigs of the town. But my mission had to change.

“What you’re doing is a noble cause,” Jasper replied as he poured tea. “And I will be here, so should you ever need-”

“I know,” I muttered. “I’m not used to getting comfortable somewhere. So this is all a bit new for me.”

“I suppose it's the same for me,” he chuckled softly. He set down the kettle and looked back at me, his eyes were gentle, almost sad. “I know how to reach you at least.”

“There is that.” I forced myself to smile, despite my displeasure in doing so. “I’ll at least be able to read your handwriting.”

Jasper came to me, putting his arms around me until I was squeezed tight against his large chest. His strong arms pressed against me and I relaxed for the first time since I got the letter of my new mission.

Had I the time, I would have taken Jasper there in the store. Unfortunately, I had to leave quite urgently.

Jasper’s letters were the only thing worth this new mission for the time being. Like I said, the new post sucked, and I was growing ever more irritated at the shouting constantly going on beyond my window. But I have dealt with worse. At least I had something of a roof over my head.

I opened the letter, seeing there was another one inside, wrapped up with pages from my superiors.

“Dear Carina,”

My brows raised up in surprise. “Oh wow, they actually got it right this time.” I flicked the pages and continued reading.

“It has come to our attention that a sect of the corrupt peacekeepers has been spotted in the Bog of Recoil.”

I pursed my brow, glancing over to my maps where I had been keeping tabs on the movements on the crooked peacekeepers. I then found the Bog of Recoil, making a small mark. I frowned even more. “There’s a witch in that territory. How are they managing to maintain a presence there?”

“We’ve lost contact with our informant who had been working with the sect. He had been looking into their locations, and was even digging into how they were keeping a base in the bog. When we no longer heard from him, we went to investigate, only to find his property ransacked, possibly for what information he was holding, we aren’t sure. We did manage to find the letter he intended to be sent to you-”

My blood went cold and a sinking pit began to drop in my stomach. I had to take a breath for a moment, looking away from the letter before I saw anything more. “It can’t be-” I whispered over and over to myself. “It’s not. It’s-” My hand brushed against the envelope still on the table and I placed my palm over the top of it. I could recognize the feel of the paper, the almost fabric like texture of it. Expensive, very fine.

“No.” I looked back at the pages before me.

“You have worked with Jasper Synclayr Humbleclaw before-” I stopped again one i received my answer.

“Fucking hell,” I snarled under my breath. My eyes flicked back to the map, focusing on that mark I made over the swamp. “It would have to be near water, wouldn’t it?” The skin along the nape of my neck began to crawl, itching all the way down to my back, causing a shiver that radiated through my body.

I turned to Jasper’s letter, opening the fine envelope to see his writing on the page. “You silly man, what have you gotten yourself into?” I whispered to myself as I steeled myself to read.

“My dearest Carina, my partner. It has been a moment since I have been able to sit down and write to you. But today I have found time. I am afraid I haven’t been able to bring myself to tell you what I have been doing while you are away. By accident, I found myself in the center of the very mission you are taking place in.”

“Please no,” I grumbled.

“I was approached by some of the peacekeepers here in town. They were attempting to extort me for protection money, but they came to realize I was in league with some of the politicians in town. I agreed to let them use my basement for a few things and attempted to work my way into their good graces.”

I grimaced. “That’s my job you fool.”

“It worked, and I am quite proud of myself. I’ve been able to send information out, and have been monitoring the peacekeepers as closely as I can. I’ve managed to make myself indispensable to them, and have agree to help them through the Bog of Recoil, acting as guide and translator. I’m not sure what they want with the witches there, but they’ve made the case they’ve heard tales of bootlegging in the area. Not sure how true that could possibly be, but I intended to see for myself the truth. Until then, I send my love to you and hope your part of the mission is going smoothly. Your partner and deeply devoted paramour, Jasper.”

I sighed heavily, leaning back in my chair. Just as I was about to curse fate, the chair snapped and the back plopped off, sending me sprawling out onto the floor. I laid there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling with wide, unblinking eyes.

“Fuck,” I whispered out loud.

I had made it a point in my career to stay as far away from areas with deep water as much as possible. A few incidents in my youth have given me a fear of it. Sometimes, even a puddle could freak me out.

I went into town, going to one of the pubs nearby just to see if anyone was willing to talk about the swamp.

The place was quite dark, and the smell of it made me wonder if a patron was dead in one of the booths. My skin crawled, but I ignored it as I approached the bar. The woman behind it looked as if she had seen more than her fair share of rough times, but she also looked like she fought back with more venom than needed.

“What’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?” She asked me with a voice surprisingly sweet for her appearance.

I sat at the bar, my skin prickling as the men on either side raised their heads slightly. “What would you recommend?” I asked.

The barkeep laughed, putting her hands under the bar and producing a glass and a bottle of dark liquor. She poured, keeping her one eye on me all the while. “We don’t see many pretty things in this neck of the woods.”

“I can see that,” I replied.

She laughed, slamming down the bottle once she filled the glass. “So what are you doing here? Not for anything I serve.”

I took the glass, looking down inside. The liquor was so dark, I wasn’t sure what it was.  I glanced back up at her, realizing she wasn’t the only one watching me. “The Bog of Recoil, what do you know of it.”

There was a murmur of laughter all around me and the barkeep laughed to herself, rubbing her scarred chin.

“Also not a place for pretty things,” she chuckled. “But it depends on the witch you ask.”

“How many are there?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Depends.” She held out her hand, which was covered by a black glove and had a wooden finger jutting out.

I frowned and double checked around me. I knew not to reach for the coin just yet, too many eyes were on me waiting to see where I would take it from.

“I’ve been told the peacekeepers around here have been out of pocket for quite a while. Have they been causing you any trouble, ma’am? Perhaps you’ve lost a patron or two to the likes of them?” I brought the glass up to my lips, and the smell of it was quite sweet. I set it down without taking a sip.

The barkeep pulled her hand back and gave me the eye. “What do you know of the peacekeepers?”

“A trade perhaps? What I know of the peacekeepers for what you know of the bog.”

She put her hands upon her hips, probably readying herself to grab a weapon. “You aren’t working for them, are you girly? You’re not in the right place if you are.”

I looked into her eyes, keeping mine as steeled as I possibly could. Keeping your cool and appearing your meanest was the best way to work with people like this. “I’d rather die.”

She nodded her head to me. “Back this way.” She opened a door in the bar. “Too many ears these days.”

I followed her to the back, where she stood behind some old crates and crossed her arms against her chest. “The peacekeepers have been merciless lately. It’s made things around here worse. The more one bares down, the more dangerous things become.”

I nodded to her. “There are sects who are trying to spread their rhetoric and beliefs amongst the others. Create an all powerful and unchallengeable system that would make the peacekeepers second to only the most powerful.”

Her eyes narrowed. “And how do you know this?”

“It’s my mission to make sure this doesn’t happen.”

She scoffed. “And why are you asking about the bog then?”

“I’ve been told that a sect of the peacekeepers are hiding out there. They took a man hostage to use him as a guide and translator through it. I’m wondering why they would do that, let alone be able to if there are witches out there.”

She breathed in sharply through her teeth. “The Bog of Recoil isn’t the place for anybody. The witches there are old and powerful, frightening really.” She looked down at her hands. “They’ve made the bog a fortress, dangerous for anyone who doesn’t have two cents to clatter around in their coin purse.” The more she talked, the more I saw her appearance begin to shift and change. Her gnarled face, covered in scars began to soften, revealing a more youthful, but still wizened visage.

“I get some of my best products from them. But I’ve worked with the witches for some time.” She smirked as she saw my eyes widen. “Could say I know a thing or two about it personally.”

So she was a witch all along! Clever of her. “What are you doing here then?” I asked.

She shrugged. “I was a bit more wild than some of my sisters. They’ll tolerate me, but-” She shook her head and chuckled softly. “Anyways, if there are peacekeepers in the bog, they’re either corpses or have found a way around my kins’ magic. And if the latter is the case, that means they can work it for their own benefit.” She frowned and her face contorted to an evil glare. “A small flaw in the system.”

“Could you help me then?” I asked.

She cocked her head to the side. “Depends.” She held out her hand again. “What is in it for me?”

I noticed a slight glow to her fingertips, particularly around her nails. The edges had a sharper glow. “Better yet, what is it you want from this?”

She smirked, placing her hand back upon her hip. “Money is usually the bargaining chip, isn’t it?” She nodded her head towards the door we came through. “I have my own cash cow out there though. Those barbaric fools don’t even know I could rob them blind with no effort.” She looked me up and down.

Why are witches always like this? “Just come out with it.”

She laughed. “Testy little thing.” Her eyes glided up and down me. “Is this man we’re after important to you?”

I was trying my hardest to not let anything slip, but I’m afraid this jab hurt a little too much. I made a face, glared a little too hard, something that made her laugh out loud again.

“I see.” She breathed and nodded. “An errand of love. How adorable. Tell you what, since I’m much kinder than my sisters, I’ll go easy on you. I want your blood.”

I felt a bit sick to my core. “My blood? What for?”

She shrugged. “Does it really matter?”

I took in a breath, trying to calm myself, but rarely do you hear someone wanting your blood as payment. It takes a moment to recover. “How much?”

She looked around then moved to a shelf on the wall. She took down a jar. “Think you could fill this up?” The jar fit in her hands and looked no bigger than a generous cup of tea that Jasper made.

The scowl on my face then probably left lines to last the rest of my life. “Okay fine.”

The witch held her hand out again, the blade of her fingernails glowing. “Then its a deal. The name is Greta.”

I shook her hand and there was a tingling that went all the way up my arm. Her grip grew firmer and my palm burned. “Carina,” I winced.

Greta let go of my hand and nodded further into the back. “This way. I’ve got some things that will help us get through the swamp.”

Hopefully something that could make us float above the water. I followed her, going through another door, that at first glance, looked like a closet But when we walked inside, we came into a kitchen. It was filthy with dirt and moss growing on everything. A green fire was lit in the fireplace, with a cauldron upon it that was crusted over with years, probably decades, worth of spilled potions, stews, whatever Greta was into.

Greta was searching cabinets which leaked bigs and smoke when she moved things. She quietly placed items upon the table which included jars, a knife, and some vials with liquids of varying viscosity.

“Any connection to water?” Greta asked bluntly as she took out a cloak from under one of the cabinets.

I tried my best to keep composure. “What do you mean?”

She picked up the knife and jabbed the sharp in at her teeth, picking at them. “You know, like, did you grow up around it? Get lost at sea? Pee in a lake?”

I looked away from her and this caused her mouth to open in awe. “Almost die?” She asked.

I glared back at her, clinching my jaw. “Does it matter?”

Greta pointed the knife back at you and the blade shone like her fingernails. “It does! You’re going into a swamp, kiddo. One filled with witches who’ve laid all sorts of traps. Water is important to us. They’ll use it against you. Whatever connection you have to water, they’ll find out and use it. Don’t get me started on the whole love shit you’ve got going on.”

I swallowed. “I’ve been forcefully drowned a handful of times.”

“Did you live”

Greta and I just stared back and forth at each other for a moment before she broke into a big, toothy smile. “Well, you’re in luck, and I can try and keep them from drowning you. But each time I save you adds more blood to the pot.”

“I still don’t like that you want my blood.”

“Blood is life!” Greta said as she draped the cloak over herself. Bugs and moss fell off as she fluffed it out. “And I need a lot of it!”

That did nothing to assuage my fears and doubts. But Jasper was on the line. I would promise her my bones if I had to. “Fine. Whatever. When can we go?”

Greta turned and opened a door that faced out into the swamp. “We’re already here. See, when you deal with Greta, you get what you pay for.”

I stepped out onto the mossy path, looking up at the trees that covered the sky, letting in only trickles of light. Behind me was a small cabin, not attached to anything except the swamp it was sinking into.

“Strange,” Greta suddenly spoke.

“What?”

Greta’s expression was sharp and concerned. She was listening hard, turning her head in either direction. “It’s quiet here.”

I shrugged. “So? We probably just startled the birds.”

“No. It isn’t just that. The breeze…” She turned in one direction. “Something is off kilter here. More than I realized.” She started walking ahead, her feet smacking and squishing into soggy earth. “This way, kiddo.”

I chased after her, avoiding looking down as much as I could.

“Where are we going?” I called after her.

“Who knows. Wherever all this silence is coming from.” She pushed aside hanging limbs and vines as we walked further in. It grew darker as we went, but not because of the time of day, because of how dense the foliage was becoming.

“What does silence have to do with anything?” I asked.

Greta glared back at me. “Do you think witches are quiet well behaved creatures? No! We’re loud, noisy, musical things. The birds sing for us, the bears and gators growl to match our laughter.” She scoffed and spit into the swamp, which began bubbling. “Silence usually means men.”

Water closed onto the pathway and I made a startled jump away from it. “I told you, the peacekeepers!”

“Yes, I know. I just hoped my sisters would have them all killed and hung out like festival decorations.”

My guts churned yet again.

“What use do they have with this love of yours?” Greta grumbled in an irritated tone.

I was trying to ignore the water all around me, so I didn’t register her asking a question at first. “From what I’ve gathered, he endeared himself to the peacekeepers to spy on them. They hired him as a translator and guide through the swamp.”

Greta glared at me again. “And who is he to be able to do that?”

I lurched again from sloshing water, more afraid of it than whatever was making it move. “He’s a bugbear. He’s also very smart and is something of a linguist.”

“Bugbear,” Greta rolled her eyes. “Well, good for you, deary. I’m sure the dick is phenomenal.”

I just frowned and remained quiet.

Greta came to a complete stop, jutting out her arm to keep me from going any further. She lifted her head, sniffing the air loudly and deeply. I looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. All I saw were trees and draping moss, vines, water, lots of water.

“I smell a fire.”

I sniffed, trying to catch the breeze she had, but I smelled nothing aside from the gasses and water of the bog.

“Don’t even try. You nose is not trained around the swamp.” She knelt down, taking out one of the viles she had and dumped it into the water beside it. It bubbled and foamed, frothing up into a tall, heavy lather like soap. She stood back as the froth rose, taking on a shape and eyes, growing dark like the water around us.

“Scout up ahead,” she told the mass. “Tell us what you see.”

The shape nodded and sloshed back down into the water, foaming along the surface until I could no longer see it.

“Witches exist because of men you know,” Greta murmured

“Excuse me?” I asked.

Greta shook her head. “You can fight right? You good at combat? Punchy? Stabby?” She mimicked both a punching motion then a stabbing sort of movement.

I nodded. “I can do both. Pretty well actually.”

“How many can you handle at once?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Depends I guess. Maybe two. Maybe three?”

Greta nodded, rubbing her chin. “Good. I can use that.”

We were quiet for a while then, I didn’t exactly want to question what she meant. I didn’t exactly want to know the full story on anything Greta said. We waited for what seemed like an eternity for her little foam creation. I was growing weary and anxious. Every second that passed was another that Jasper could be getting hurt.

“Cara. Cara!” A familiar voice wafted to me through the air.

I furrowed my brow, only moving my eyes at first to look.

“Cara, it’s me.”

I turned and saw Jasper standing in the distance. I gasped and lurched slightly as I faced him. “How did you get here?” I asked loudly.

He motioned his hand for me to follow. “This way! There’s an exit from the swamp over here. Let’s go Cara. Together.”

I rubbed my eyes to be sure, but yes, it was Jasper. I started to walk towards him and Greta yanked me by the back of my shirt and threw me down onto the ground.

“Get the fuck out of here! Go on! Get!” Greta yelled out at Jasper.

“No!” I cried. “That’s Jasper! That’s who I’m looking for?” I tried to stand but Greta kept knocking me down like a child. I looked back out and didn’t see Jasper. Instead it was probably the most hideous scarecrow like creature I’d ever seen.

“I said get! This one is mine!” Greta pushed me down from standing again.

The scarecrow began sinking back down into the bog, slowly and creating a tumult of bubbles along the way.

“See? What’d I tell ya?” Greta huffed.

“What was that?” I gasped. “I thought it was-”

“Yeah you did,” Greta grumbled. “Just one of the many tricks my sisters pull.” She saw the look of horror and concern upon my face. “At least they didn’t drown you, kiddo. “

Foam began sliding up along the bank, rising up slowly. Greta knelt down near it and I could hear a whispering between them. After a moment, Greta stood back up.

“Five of them are ahead at a camp. One more tied up further away.” She looked me up and down. “I’ll need you to take on two. I can handle three fairly well.”

I grit my teeth and nodded. “I’ll take on all five if I have to.”

Greta broke into a smile. “I could almost like you, kiddo. Let’s get going then.” She rummaged through her pockets as we walked, taking out some vials and a jar full of dried things. “Hold this for me.” She handed me the opened jar, and just when I was trying to decipher if it was full of dried ears or mushrooms she dumped the vials inside.

“It’s hot!” I exclaimed.

“Perfect!” Greta took it from me and it began to smoke. She held it out before us, letting the smoke gather and flow around us as we ran.

I could hear voices ahead of us, someone shouted in alarm. That was when Greta threw the jar, and an explosion nearly knocked me back. But Greta continued to fly forward, jumping into the fire and smoke that filled the area. I heard her laughter as wild and free as a flock of bats.

There was shouting and yelling. I eventually saw a peacekeeper come into my line of vision and I ran ahead, charging at him while he was disoriented. I knocked him down, possibly even knocked him unconscious with that one strike. The smoke and sparks that filled the air had me just as bewildered, even lost. Greta’s laughter was only growing, so I decided to try and move ahead to find Jasper.

Sparks in the smoke seemed to make a path for me. I followed them, finding I was able to avoid the water due to their direction. The smoke dissipated slightly, and I could see ahead of me. There was a peacekeeper running, stopping just short of a tent in the distance.

He didn’t see me. Not at first anyways. But when his eyes did land on me there was a light of fear behind them. He stood his ground, taking out his weapon. But I flew. I somehow was upon him like something out of hell.

I am not good at describing fights. For me, it’s just flashes of things I can remember. Because at the moment, it’s all just reactions. I can recall the look upon his face, the sharp breaths I took. I can remember that sting as his blade sliced into my shoulder, and the disappointment inside me that followed because I let it happen.

I stood before the tent, exhausted but crackling with energy at the same time. I pulled back the flap, seeing a large form inside.

“Jasper?” My voice warbled.

His head rose, his face covered by a bag.

I rushed forward, grabbing hold of the bag and yanking it off. There was dried blood in his fur, which also looked matted and unclean. His mouth was gagged, so I untied it and held his face in my hands. His eyes gazed upon me and a smile appeared on his lips.

“Cara,” he breathed. “I knew you’d come.”

I wrapped my arms around him briefly before moving to untie him. “Are you hurt?” I felt like I could almost cry. I was so relieved to see him. When his arms were untied from his back he flexed his fingers. He stood slowly, looking at me as I came to him.

“Merely my pride.” He grabbed me into his arms, picking me up off the ground. “I’m just so relieved to see you.”

The tent opened again and Greta popped inside. She snapped her fingers demandingly. “Enough of that! We’ve gotta get out of here.” She turned and rushed back out of the tent.

I took hold of Jasper’s hand, following Greta back into the smoke. I could hear voices in the distance, screaming and crying along with more hellish laughter.

“What’s happening?” I called to Greta.

“Nothing for you to worry about. Just some good old fashioned witchy fun.” She took us back to the cabin sinking into the muck and opened the door for us. “Stay there,” she commanded me. “I’ll be back shortly.” She slammed the door upon us.

“A witch?” Jasper breathed.

I shook my head. “Forget about it.” Relief washed through me and I allowed a few tears to slip out. “What on earth did you get yourself into?”

Jasper smiled at me then shook his head. “Is there somewhere to sit down?”

I searched the cabin, finding a bedroom where he could lie down and rest. His body sank into the bed, his heavy frame giving way and almost sagging from exhaustion. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply as I held his hand at the bedside.

“It’s okay,” I whispered to him. “You’re safe.”

“I know.” He opened his eyes again, gazing up at the ceiling. “I just need a moment to…realize that.”

I nodded and stood at the bedside, still holding his hand. “Let me see if there is some water for you to drink.”

Jasper gripped my hand tight. “No. Stay. I’m not ready to be alone just yet.”

I sat back down, cupping his hand with both of mine. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?” I stroked his knuckles tenderly.

Jasper breathed. “Only my head.”

I frowned and gritted my teeth, hoping whatever the witches were doing was enough to scare the peacekeepers for good. Even scare them to death.

“You aligned yourself with a witch?” He asked.

“Greta,” I murmured. “And don’t worry about it. She helped me to find you.”

Jasper adjusted himself, laying so he could face me a bit better. His eyes were watery, his face disheveled. He didn’t have his glasses either, so he was squinting his eyes to try and see me clearly. “For what price?”

I came in closer to him, giving him a smile he could hopefully see. “Don’t worry about it right now. I’m not.” I laid my head upon his chest to hear the thrumming of his heart. “I’m just happy you’re alright.”

Jasper placed his hand upon my back. “Hearing your voice…I almost thought I was dreaming. But you’re here.” He took in a shuddering breath. “Thanks the gods that you are here.”

I smiled as his heartbeat soothed my nerves. All this time I had been on edge. I still had to be, but now, everything was right again.

Alcide the Vampire: Part Two (complete)

Female Main Character x Male Monster 

(dark romance, tw blood)

I was found in Alcide’s chamber, no one knew I went to see the others again. Renata came and fetched me, taking me away from the resting Alcide and back to my own room. She took care of the chipped polish, removing the old and putting on a fresh new layer lacquer.

“Look at this.” She took out a nail file and worked on my nails, filing them down to match the broken one. “What did you do to make this happen?”

“Probably happened when Alcide found me yesterday,” I muttered.

Only the sound of filing followed. She blew the dust away, patting my hand with a cloth to make sure all the nail dust was gone. She picked a bottle of polish from my vanity, opened it, then took hold of my hand.

“The new hair does suit you, princess.” She said this in an offhanded way.

I didn’t do it for her, so it didn’t bother me what she had to say about it. The bright red polish seemed a bit much to me, compared to the muted orange I had before.

“I don’t like this color,” I mumbled.

Renata finished a stroke then squeezed my finger between her thumb and pointer very hard. “I thought the master might enjoy it.”

I looked towards her face, seeing her eyes were focused upon my hand. Her bright orange hair was more turned to me. “Alcide is resting.”

Renata lifted her head, giving me a look with those coal black eyes. “How did the master take to the change in your hair? Was he amused?”

I didn’t look away from her unblinking eyes. “I couldn’t tell. He had gone into one of his moods again.”

“The head of the family says Alcide is mad. Crazy,” she quipped. “Just like his mother.” She stuck the brush back into the bottle of polish. My stomach churned and I looked away.

“But not so mad that he cannot complete his job as part of the family.” She took hold of my hand, laying a fresh stroke upon a clean nail.

“The mind is the only thing that the will of a vampire cannot fix.” She looked up at me again, not smiling, blinking slowly. “It’s what connects us to what we could have been.”

I lifted my eyes up towards her again. “Mortal?”

Renata scoffed. “You’ll understand when your time comes, princess. When the head gives the word and makes you part of the family.” She finished off the pinkie nail and smiled at her work. “I think this color suits you.”

“What if I don’t want to become part of the family?”

Renata sighed in frustration. “Then you are crazier than the master is.” She twisted the lid of the polish shut and set it back upon my vanity. “If you don’t like the color, then Mewsette has others.” She went to stand but I grabbed hold of her uniform. She turned and looked at me with a sharp expression that slowly softened with my gaze.

“What is it, princess? Lonely because the master rests?” Renata took on a smug expression that made me want to strike her.

I shook my head and released her. “Mewsette said she used to be part of the family.”

Renata looked me up and down, taking on a strange expression that I couldn’t read. “Oh, so it’s curiosity that has the cat this morning. Why not ask Mewsette? What do you think I could possibly know.”

I looked into the corner where the attendants were standing waiting for us to leave. “You know everything since you're the leader of the attendants. I know they whisper to you when you ask.”

Renata clicked her tongue and took her seat again. “It’s true, she was a part like Alcide many years ago. Back before she became Mewsette she held another name. She also fell in love with part of another family. It was, to put it lightly, an explosive mess that almost resulted in a family war.” She shrugged and took on that smirk again. “For years after she was disowned, no family would have her. Until Alcide stepped in.”

I cut my eyes at her, noticing she was heavily focused upon my nails again, but I could tell her mind was elsewhere. “What did he do?”

Renata stood, walking over to my vanity and staring at the curtain covering the mirror. Her hand brushed against the curtain then instantly pulled away and looked back at me. “That you’ll have to ask him and Mewsette. Her reentry to the family is one mystery I have no answers for.” She crossed her arms against her chest. “But like me, she cannot become part of the family. Simply belong to the family.” She scowled at me. “So do not talk to me about not wanting to become part of it. Let’s go, you have things to do while the master is resting.”

I turned away from her. “Alcide took much from me. I’m weak, I should spending the day resting and restoring my blood.” I ran my hand up my arm. “Oh, by the way, he dropped my choker, the one with the matching jewel. Could you find it for me?”

Renata sighed and rolled her eyes. “Fine. But that is all you will do.” She called forth an attendant and whispered to them. “Stay in bed. No wandering. No sneaking to parts of the tomb you are not allowed,” she snarled. “And I’ll find your choker,” she snipped as she walked out the door.

I got into my bed, watching Renata leave then turning to the attendant. They stepped back, hiding between my dresser and the wall.

I sighed and laid back into the bed. I was feeling quite dizzy and weak, hopefully someone would be by with my meal soon. I looked up into the ceiling, seeing the glittering, flashing lights of the circuitry. They’re many glowing eyes gazing back at me. They turned into those eyes I saw yesterday, ones I saw often. At first I couldn’t look away, pulled into a fear from long ago. Vicious, hateful eyes gazed at me, beckoning to me.

I was young and small again, standing in the family home looking for the head. Instead, I found her. I found her chambers, her keep. I hadn’t been with the family long. The Head had just taken me in and I didn’t even have shoes. I ran around the mansion in bare feet, cold toes. I always had cold toes back then. I was told to be careful, but I was also not told where to go. The mansion, a large space station made to house the family and small roots of it, was far bigger than anything I had ever seen.

I got lost, and I found her. Alcide’s mother. I hadn’t yet been configured into the security, so all doors opened to me. She was sitting in her room alone, right before a vanity like mine. Her long white hair was down, falling onto the floor where it curled. She turned and gave me that smile. She called me to her, begging me to come closer. The smile she gave me as she stood haunts my nightmares to this day. And it is why I prefer the tomb ship over the mansion.

I went to Mewsette to repaint my nails after I slept. She carefully removed the too bright color, making sure it didn’t stain my skin.

“You have such tiny hands,” she remarked.

“I know.”

Mewsette gave me a smile. “You do not like the work Renata did?”

“I do not like Renata.”

She bit her lip, holding back her laugh as best she could. After all, Renata was listening from the door. “Well then. I’ll just select a few of the darker colors then and I will let you choose.”

“Thank you.” If I looked close enough, Mewsette almost looked like Aclide. I didn’t notice that yesterday.”

Mewsette stepped aside and a cabinet rose up out of the floor, opening to reveal many glass bottles, not just of polish. “Is Alcide resting?”

I nodded, looking down at my bare nails. “Finally.”

“Good job.” Mewsette said cheerfully. My heart lept, I’d never been told that before. I held my breath as she returned to the side of my chair. She showed me several bottles and I picked a metallic black.

“Why did Alcide bring you back to the family?” I asked.

Mewsette was quiet and her eyes were distant. “He didn’t. He made me his own.” She cut her eyes to me. “Why do you ask?”

“Curiosity.”

She shook her head and looked back down at my hand. “Shouldn't have said anything about it.”

“He didn’t. Renata told me.”

Mewsette closed the bottle of polish then looked me in the eye. “What did Renata tell you?”

There was an edge to her voice that made me flinch. “She said you fell for someone in another family and it caused a big mess.”

Mewsette leaned in very close to me, cupping her hand around my ear. She whispered so faintly I almost didn’t hear her. “Renata knows nothing.”

I looked back into her eyes as she stepped back. “Then why were you removed from the family?”

Mewsette just smiled sadly. “It doesn’t matter to me anymore.” She opened the bottle of polish again. “It was too long ago. Besides, you wouldn’t remember anyways.”

I opened my mouth to question her when an alarm blared. Red lights turned on around the room and out in the hallway as the screeching, deafening sound filled the entire tomb ship.

Mewsette stood up casually from her seat. “Stay here, Nessa.”

“What is that?” I shouted over the siren.

“A small problem. But more than likely, I’ll need to help out with it.” She strode towards the door. “You’ll be fine here. Promise.”

The door closed, but the alarm was sounding everywhere. I huffed and leaned back in the seat, raising my hand to inspect the nails Mewsette had completed. The lights kept flashing so it was hard to make out.

I got up and walked to the door, peering outside to the hallway. It was quiet now, aside from the alarm I mean. There were no voices, no footsteps. There was no Renata either so I left Mewsette’s chambers.

The lights and siren were eerie, but it was the fact that no one was around that really bothered me. No attendants, no Renata, I never knew a tomb ship like that. I came upon Alcide’s chambers where the doors were flung wide open. I went inside, seeing Alcide was no longer in his bed. I lost my breath for a moment, going towards the tomb to pull up a map of the ship.

My fingers had barely brushed the pages when I heard breathing near me.

Maybe it would not have been a noticeable thing to others, but on a ship with no heartbeats, it was clear as day. I looked back at Alcide’s bed, every hair on my body standing on end. I stepped towards the bed, hearing the breathing pitch a touch higher. I knew there was something under there.

I crept closer, but as I did someone else came into the room. Renata looked at me, her jaw slack and hand holding some sort of metal contraption. “What are you doing here?” She barked at me.

I didn’t move or respond to her. The breathing went silent.

Renata moved fast into the room, storming towards me with a frightening look upon her face. “One of the animals escaped! Was it you?”

My eyes widened as she came towards me, stretching out her hand to grab me by the neck. It was tender from Alcide’s affections, so I cried out in pain as she took hold of me.

“Some princess! Always wanting to see those animals. But you’re all the same. It doesn’t matter if you look like us, you’re still a bleeder just like them.” She yanked me, pulling me towards the door.

I swung at her, slapping her face and knocking off her glasses. Her pitch black eyes stared at me. They looked like glass, endless depthless glass.

She slammed me down to the ground, pinning me there. She smirked, grinning wildly as she saw my neck was bare. The choker still hadn’t been returned.

“He won’t notice one bite.”

I struggled, fighting against Renata as she bore down upon me. Her lips split, opening towards her ears as her full jaw widened. She had missing teeth, ones probably removed by the head for similar actions.

I screamed out loud, praying someone would fine me.

Renata was knocked aside and I began crying. I wept loudly as there was a sickening wet, squelching sound near me. Alcide’s mother had done the same. She had ripped my clothes to shreds and kept me in her chambers sealed away for days. She bore down upon me like Renata did too.

I turned my head to look beside me, eyes blurry and wet with tears. A naked figure sat upon Renata, both were covered by thick, dark brown blood. No red. Almost black.

They turned to me, eyes wild and breathing erratic. She stood upand I saw the spike sticking from Renata’s chest.

There she was before me, awake and with eyes as bright as the sky. The sky?

I held my breath as we looked at one another. I’m sure both of us were terrified of each other in that moment.

“You killed her,” I whispered.

The mortal woman placed her bloodied finger over her lips. “Be quiet,” she breathed. She looked to the door, moving towards it and quickly shutting it.

I must have hit a key when I saw her the other day. That’s the only explanation. I sat up from the ground, trembling and shaking. I wanted Alcide near me, to hold me and kiss me.

The mortal woman wiped her hand on Alcide’s sheets then tossed them over Renata’s corpse. “You look just like one. But you’re not,” she whispered.

I looked up at her with watery eyes.

She shook her head and knelt down before me. “No. They don’t cry.”

My whole body shuddered and I closed my eyes.

“Where are we?” She asked.

“A tomb ship,” I sniffled.

She was quiet for a long spell, standing up to look around the room. “Fuck.” She paced back and forth, the smacking of her bare feet on the ground were all all too familiar to me.

Renata’s hand was sticking out from under the sheet. I watched it carefully as I rose from the ground.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

Her blue eyes stared at me as if I had asked her something ridiculous. “What’s yours?” She snapped back.

I smiled at her, so happy to see her moving, breathing, being alive as I was. “Nessa!”

She looked me up and down, placing her arms against her chest. “I’ve heard about people like you. Mortals who are treated like one of them.” Her eyes narrowed upon me, and despite my joy to see her, I suddenly felt very uneasy. “But I thought it was just stories. But look at you. As white as them. Eyes as red. All you’re missing is the smile.” She dragged her fingers from the corner of her mouth to her ear.

I wasn’t sure what to say. “I can take you back to your pod.”

She glared at me. “No! I would rather die!”

It felt like a shot through my chest. “Wha-what do you mean?”

“Don’t you know what they do to us?” She hissed then pointed down at Renata’s corpse. “She just tried to kill you!”

“Not kill,” I urged. “Just drink.”

“Just!” The mortal woman laughed. She quickly covered her mouth from her outburst and glared at me over her hand. “They call us livestock. Animals!”

“Yes but-”

She stared hard at me. “What do they do to you here?”

“Please, just let me put you back into your pod. I’ll say I killed Renata, and then you can be safe!” I begged of her, reaching out for her but she yanked away from me.

“Nessa, you have no idea what is going on,” she hissed at me.

“But all I ever wanted was to be like you. To know someone like you.” My breath choked in my throat as I looked at her. “I’ve never gotten to meet, let alone speak, to someone like me.”

“No wonder,” she scoffed. “Maybe it’s the best you don’t.” She walked away from me, heading towards the tome which she leaned over. She turned pages and screens popped up around her.

I looked down at Renata, seeing the pool of black growing around her. Her hand was grey and skeletal, her rings were slowly falling off.

“What do you dream about?” I asked.

The mortal woman didn’t respond so I walked over towards her.

“In the pod, when you’re asleep. What do you dream about?” I repeated myself.

She barely looked up at me as she poured over the tome. “I don’t.”

My chest seized and everything felt tight. “Surely you do.”

Her eyes focus on screens and she grows a frustrated expression. “No. Not in the pods. Under the conditions we are put in, we don’t dream at all.”

I lowered my eyes and let out a mournful breath. “Oh.”

The door opened and Alcide stepped in with Mewsette behind him. They stared at Renata’s body and Mewsette even made a sound of alarm.

I looked up at them, my shoulder sunk and the mortal woman grabbed me. I let her. She placed me before her and Alcide was ready to charge before Mewsette held him back.

I wanted to dream forever, to be like them, to understand them. I wanted to fade into sleep and never come back. But it suddenly was like I was always asleep. I had just woken up, and everything was loud, unending noise. I want to be asleep again. I want to be asleep.

Alcide’s mom had been brushing my hair when the black blood spilled down my face and onto my shoulder. My neck was so sore I could barely look up. But in the mirror, I saw the faint shadow and ghostly visage of another one beside me. Alcide’s mother was suddenly by my feet, her eyes wide and empty.

Someone picked me up and carried me out of the room, rushing me to the head of the family who took me into their arms. I woke in my own bed sometime later.

“There you are.”

I looked up at Mewsette sitting across from me. She smiled. “Sleep well?”

I blinked for a moment, rubbing sleep from my eyes as I tried to piece together what had happened. I saw Alcide’s mother dead, murdered by some strong force. I saw Renata’s sickly hand as it faded away, her rings falling upon the floor and chiming.

Mewsette stood up and walked to me. She picked up my choker, the missing one, from my bedside table and gently placed it around my throat. “I’m helping you get ready this morning. Take your time waking up, I’ll go fetch your breakfast.”

I watched her go across the room, elegant and tall. Her hand brushed away the curtain covering the mirror, and her ghostly image inside glared back at her. “What a lovely mirror,” she replied.

“Mewsette?” My voice choked in my throat.

She looked at me with a knowing smile and she nodded her head so her long curls in her hair bounced. “Did you have a bad dream? Would you like me to call Alcide?”

I nodded.

“I’ll be right back.” Mewsette passed by me, and I could remember a moment when her footsteps were painted black by the blood of Alcide’s mother.

I touched the stone around my neck, closing my eyes as I pushed the thoughts from my head.

I would like to dream forever as I always do, to sleep and find myself at home. I remove myself from bed, setting my feet down upon the cold floor. I walk over to the vanity, pulling back at the curtain to look at myself.

I look like them, and I smile because I do.

Story Idea: Curses

A woman and her nephew are born with a curse called the demon’s smile. They have super sharp teeth, creepy smiles, and they smile involuntarily, especially during moments of strong emotions. The woman took in her nephew due to a tragic accident and because the boy’s grandmother wanted nothing to do with him. The two live life as best they can, she teaches him to be strong. Finally she gets a job in the mansion of a very rich man. Her cooking skills impressed him so he hired her on as his personal chef. He’s a shut in who has also been cursed and has been transformed into a horrible monster. The nephew manages to bond with him, as both deal with their appearances being judged and mocked. Auntie and monster clash a lot but she appreciates how he’s helping her nephew.

What do y’all think?

Wallpaper: Giert the Goblin

He'll fix anything for you, I promise.

Artwork by @chopshoppar

Jasper the Bugbear: Part Three (special preview)

My last post was much nicer than this one. The view was better, the people were nicer. Here, I had a brick wall over a piss soaked alleyway to look at. I wasn’t even in walking distance of anything good, just some seedy bars that even I wouldn’t dare set foot into. The last place was small, but at least I was close to good food. And of course I was close to the bookstore.

How long has it been since I was last there? Basking in the warmth of the place where the scent of the pages was just as strong as the tea being brewed in the back. I sighed heavily, imagining the well dressed owner of the store behind the counter. His gruff appearance softened by a fine waistcoat and shimmering gold glasses.

I fogged up the glass as I sighed heavily. “Who knows how long this job is going to take,” I pouted. I turned, seeing a letter had been slid under the door. I had been so lost in thought, I never even noticed it arrived.

“Let’s see what we have here,” I muttered as I picked it up. It was unusually heavy. But then again, this job itself was a bit more hefty than normal.

Corruption amongst the peacekeepers was running amok. It was seeping slowly into all corners, as agents were going around to small towns and villages where their unscrupulousness wouldn’t be noticed right away. From there they could reach out to bigger towns, even large cities, furthering their wicked ways.

I could remember the look on Jasper’s face when I told him I had to go. Things had been peaceful for a while. Working together we had extorted a lot of money and information from the rich politicians and bigwigs of the town. But my mission had to change.

“What you’re doing is a noble cause,” Jasper replied as he poured tea. “And I will be here, so should you ever need-”

“I know,” I muttered. “I’m not used to getting comfortable somewhere. So this is all a bit new for me.”

“I suppose it's the same for me,” he chuckled softly. He set down the kettle and looked back at me, his eyes were gentle, almost sad. “I know how to reach you at least.”

“There is that.” I forced myself to smile, despite my displeasure in doing so. “I’ll at least be able to read your handwriting.”

Jasper came to me, putting his arms around me until I was squeezed tight against his large chest. His strong arms pressed against me and I relaxed for the first time since I got the letter of my new mission.

Had I the time, I would have taken Jasper there in the store. Unfortunately, I had to leave quite urgently.

Jasper’s letters were the only thing worth this new mission for the time being. Like I said, the new post sucked, and I was growing ever more irritated at the shouting constantly going on beyond my window. But I have dealt with worse. At least I had something of a roof over my head.

I opened the letter, seeing there was another one inside, wrapped up with pages from my superiors.

“Dear Carina,”

My brows raised up in surprise. “Oh wow, they actually got it right this time.” I flicked the pages and continued reading.

“It has come to our attention that a sect of the corrupt peacekeepers has been spotted in the Bog of Recoil.”

I pursed my brow, glancing over to my maps where I had been keeping tabs on the movements on the crooked peacekeepers. I then found the Bog of Recoil, making a small mark. I frowned even more. “There’s a witch in that territory. How are they managing to maintain a presence there?”

“We’ve lost contact with our informant who had been working with the sect. He had been looking into their locations, and was even digging into how they were keeping a base in the bog. When we no longer heard from him, we went to investigate, only to find his property ransacked, possibly for what information he was holding, we aren’t sure. We did manage to find the letter he intended to be sent to you-”

My blood went cold and a sinking pit began to drop in my stomach. I had to take a breath for a moment, looking away from the letter before I saw anything more. “It can’t be-” I whispered over and over to myself. “It’s not. It’s-” My hand brushed against the envelope still on the table and I placed my palm over the top of it. I could recognize the feel of the paper, the almost fabric like texture of it. Expensive, very fine.

“No.” I looked back at the pages before me.

“You have worked with Jasper Synclayr Humbleclaw before-” I stopped again one i received my answer.

Rhys the Lizardman (rough draft)

It had been windy and overcast all day. Dark clouds hung upon the horizon while pale gray covered the sun overhead. It was no surprise to you when it started raining. The area cleared out, no one was on the road outside, and everything was veiled in fog. It gave the sense of abandonment, but really, the lights inside houses reassured you there was still life about.

Despite the feeling of nothing to do that rain brought about, you set about some busy work that would help the day go faster tomorrow. You took out the large blocks of soap and set about cutting them. You were so used to the scent you never noticed it much. But as that taut string sliced through the bars, you got whiffs of the fragrant perfumes and oils within the bar.

“Maybe some tea would be nice,” you murmured to yourself after slicing up the first bar. You took off your proactive gloves and went over towards the stove. You were gathering up the kettle to fill with water when you heard something outside.

There was a loud shuffling, and then it sounded like the chickens next door were extremely spooked. You set the kettle aside, and moved about to the window that overlooked your neighbor’s backyard. The chickens were frazzled, vanishing into their coop while something dragged around the side of the house.

You frowned as you walked away from the window. “To hell with this.” You got upon a stepstool, reaching up behind the stovepipe where you had hidden an old tool of yours, one you used before soapmaking. You checked the blade of the dagger, pleased it was still sharp.

“Not needed your ro quite the while. And hopefully I won’t now, but no sense in playing it stupid.” You were getting down off the stepstool when there was a loud banging upon your door.

You stood stiff and stuff the dagger into a hidden pocket on your skirt. “Who goes there?” You called out.

There was another loud banging.

“I don’t answer my door for just that.” You approached the door, keeping your breath steady as you waited for a response. “Who goes there?”

There was silence with the sound of rain. The soft pelting of droplets on the muddy earth outside. You then heard breathing, labored breathing.

“Let me in Pocket,” a voice outside snarled. “Or I’ll bust down this door.”

Every hair on your body stood on end. You knew that voice well, but only one person ever called you that name.

“What are you doing here, Rhys?” You said after a moment of tongue-tied shock.

He let out a very effortful laugh. “Can’t a bloke come see an old friend.”

“We were never such a thing.”

“Please,” his breath squeezed tight. “Let me in.”

You cracked the door a smidge, keeping the chain locked. Immediately, you saw the cut upon his face and his swollen eye. “What happened to you?”

“Something bad enough to bring me here.”

You opened the door and Rhys all but fell upon you. He stumbled, catching himself upon the doorframe. He shuffled in, using your shoulder as support before he collapsed to his knees upon the ground. The great lizard that he was looked so small and helpless.

“Criminy, Rhys!” You cried out. You rushed to the kitchen, fetching a clean cloth to mop him up. But by the time you had gotten back he was laid unconscious upon the floor. You let out an exasperated sigh. Who had once been your worst enemy was now seeking sanctuary in your home.

It took a lot of effort, but you managed to get Rhys into your bedroom and upon your bed. His tail hung off the side, striped black and green until the tip where it was dark purple.

You cleaned him up and treated his wounds, of which there were many. “Finally found a fight you couldn’t get out of, eh?” You looked over his sleeping face then double checked he was breathing. “Who’d you try to rob this time?” You snipped at him. “You were always overzealous. I’m not surprised really.” You were wrapping up his hand, which felt a bit strange upon touching. His knuckles were split and bleeding, he either hit a wall or someone twice as scaly and spikey as he was.

“I am surprised to see you here though. I thought once I left the thieves guild, I’d never see you again.” You set back once you were done with him, remarking at how much bulkier he had gotten since the last time you saw him. Then again it could be swelling, you thought.

You left him to rest, checking occasionally to make sure he was still breathing and had a pulse. You fell asleep in your big chair that night, lulled by the sound of rain or else you probably would have stayed awake all night.

In the morning, sun from the window hit your eyes, warming your face until you woke from the heat. You scoffed as you got up, picking your dagger up from the side table to put back into place. You peeked into the bedroom, seeing Rhys tail twitch.

“Not dead yet,” you murmured. You put the bagger back into it’s hiding place and got the kettle ready. You then went out the back, going to your neighbor Allie’s door.

“Here for eggs?” She asked with a chipper tone.

You held out your basket. “If you don’t mind.” You followed her inside where she took your basket and began filling it.

“I thought I heard something last night,” Allie said. “My chickens were acting odd, so I came out to check, I thought I heard you talking to someone.”

You sighed. “Yes, unfortunately, someone from my past showed up at my door last night. He’s passed out right now.”

She stopped and stared at you. “Are you alright? Do I need to send odd over?”

“No, no. No need to send him in. I’m not worried about it anyways. He’s a piece of shit but he does have some honor to him.” You shrugged. “But I wouldn’t be pressed if you kept a check on things.”

Your neighbor nodded with determination. “I will, I promise!” She then leaned in close and whispered. “Is he from…you know?”

You smiled at her. “Yes, he’s a thief like I was once. The goddess knows why he is here,” you laughed.

“You can handle him if he does try anything, right?”

“I may be rusty, but I think I can handle him in the state he’s in. Thanks for the eggs. I’ll bring you some new soap when it’s ready.” You went back home, taking the eggs into the kitchen.

Breakfast was long over, and you were working on getting soaps ready to take into town to sell to the shops. You were wrapping bars when you heard a loud thud and string of foreign cuss words.

You washed off your hands then went to the bedroom here Rhys was crumpled upon the floor. “You honestly think you can walk in your state?”

“I got all the way here didn’t I?” Rhy moaned weakly from the floor.

You scoffed, rolling your eyes before you knelt down and helped him back up onto the bed. “Stupid hurts.”

“You would know,” he growled as he eased back down upon the bed. Another long string of foreign expletives flowed from his mouth.

You pushed up the pillows so he could lounge back against the headboard. “You need to rest. You’ve never had a beating like this. Speaking of which-”

Rhys turned his head away and grunted. “Shut your trying lips. It’s none of your business.”

You glared down at him, trying to burn a hole through his skull with just a look. “When you show up to my house like this, I would say it is!”

He squinted his gray eyes up at you. “It’s nothing important, Pocket. Once I’m healed up in a day or two, I’ll be gone, and you can pretend this was all a dream.”

“A dream? You showing up is no dream of mine! Now you fess up to your crimes Rhys or I’ll start poking you with the fireplace poker!”

Rhys squirmed, wincing from the sudden movement. “You lay one hand upon me-”

I placed my hands upon my hips and gave him a look. “And what?”

Rhys grew quiet, but his kept his eyes upon you. He finally scoffed. “Not worth it anyways. You never were.”

You rolled your eyes again. “So what are you doing here?”

“Nothing personal really. Just knew I could hide here and it wouldn’t be nothing,” he grunted. “What else can you do when you’ve got nowhere else to go?”

“Nowhere else? You do realize you’re a long way from Slytsall.”

“You are,” he snarled.

Shaking your head you took a deep breath. “Why did you come here? Why me? Tell me that and I might be kind to you.”

“Might be?” He let out a laugh and wrapped his arm against his chest. “Fine. I’ll tell you.” He let out a pained breath. “Guess I’ve not made many friends lately. Not the Slystall is full of them anyways. The place has gotten bad since you left. Ever since that centaur guy has been trying his shit, more and more have been slithering their way in.” He turned his head back towards you, only able to look at you with one eye. “Made some bad connections. There’s no loyalty these days.”

You just gave him a look.

“Don’t do that. Don’t think the way I know you’re thinking,” he huffed. “It doesn’t matter what happened. Only place I figured I could go to was you.”

You furrowed your brow. “How did you even know where I was?”

“Manka knew. She told me once.”

You scoffed. “Knew I shouldn’t have sent her any soap.”

“Forget about Manka. I haven’t told a soul, because I knew I’d need you one day.”

You balked and glared at him. “Need me?” You snapped. “Need me?”

“Look, don’t get testy.” Rhys held up a hand in defense but you smacked his arm anyways.

I stomped away from the bed, pacing before the door. “After all the shit you pulled. After everything that went down in Slystall, you think you still have the right to need me?”

Rhys sat up in bed with a great deal of effort. “I didn’t want to die, Pocket! Do you want me to die?”

You stopped pacing and storming about to look at him. “You just get better and  you never have to need me again.” You stormed out of the bedroom, slamming the door so hard it bounced off the frame and wiggled.

You went back to your workshop, cussing and muttering as you tried to wrap the soap. But you were so worked up you kept messing up the paper and the precise way you needed to fold it.

There was a knock and Allie came in through the back. “Hello, everything alright?” She looked around, as if expecting to see something. “I thought I heard yelling,” she whispered.

“It’s fine Allie,” you chuckled. “Just…” You let out a long, exasperated sigh. “We’re not exactly friends.”

“What are you exactly?” Allie asked, tilting her head to the side.

You scratched at your scalp and combed your fingers through your hair. The aggravation was making you itch all over. “Complicated.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, this sounds like gossip,” she giggled.

You made a face at her then shook your head. “My past back in Slystall is very connected to him.”

“Were you lovers?” Allie asked with excitement.

You flinched and the hairs on the back of your neck stood on end. “What? No. Kind of- eh!” You waved your arms out. “It’s complicated, like I said!”

Allie pursed her mouth and crooked it to the side. “Was he a frequent customer of yours?”

You may have been too open with Allie one night over some ale. “When he paid.” You then waved your hand to blow it off. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Bad blood happened, and bad blood it will remain.”

Allie made a sound as you turned away to deal with your work. “What was that?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know if it stays that way. I think bad temper remains bad temper. Unless what he did was really, really bad.”

You slammed down a bar of soap and dented it upon the table. “He stole from me. Clients, Money. Clothing. You name it!”

“Food. Jewelry. Patience!” Rhys shouted from the bedroom.

You scowled and slammed shut the door to your workspace.

“Is he nice?” Allie teased.

You huffed, wiping your hands down the front of your apron. “Don’t meet him. Don’t ever talk to him! He’s a charmer, and that’s the problem.”

The next few days went by as irritatingly as you expected. By the end of the week Rhys was able to get up and move about the house, but much more else caused him pain and he exhausted easily. He continued to pester, to poke, to start arguments with you. Although, you admitted to yourself more than one you were also the instigator there.

Ages ago, back when you were both young, it could have been a different story. You were both members of a thieves guild in the village of Slystall. You worked within the Red District, while Rhys was often tasked with bigger game, shipments from Obresh, royal entourages, bigger scams in cities. It was once a good place, even if Slystall was the lowest of the low. You had liked your time there.

It was late in the afternoon one day, you were coming from from delivering soaps to the shops when you caught Rhys in your work room. You set down your basket and took off your coat. You kept your savings in a hollowed out book that you kept in your pocket. If you didn’t make a move for it, he wouldn’t notice.

“What are you doing here?” You grumbled. “This is my workshop, not for the likes of you.”

Rhys was sniffing a bar of soap. “This place smelled so strong, I was wondering.” He raised the bar to his nose again. “It’s nice.”

You snatched the bar from him and placed it back on the shelf. “It’s still curing. I make that with lye, you know. Wash your hands.”

Rhys chuckled, wiping his hand along his ripped shirt. “When did you start this?”

“When I started minding my own business.” You looked him over, noting his torn, filthy clothes, as well as his hulking appearance. “I can get you some clean clothes.”

“What? Are these not good enough?” He then smirked. “If i didn’t know better, I’d say you got some sort of kick taking care of me.”

You bit down on your tongue and held your breath in for a moment.

“You like that little bit of power you hold.” He smirked as you looked at him, it grew into a grin even as your scowl turned ugly.

“Why don’t you just hush for a while?” I suggested. “Go lay down. Take a nap.”

“I’m feeling pretty good right now, why would I ever waste it?” He looked around the room with that same smile. “Besides, this room is quite-” he took in a very deep breath, “-relaxing,” he let out that breath.

“This is my work space, not a spa.” You scolded him. “Now get out. There’s lye and all sorts of things I could hurt you with in this room. Go on, get.” You took him by the arm, leading him towards the door.

Rhys took your hand, holding it as he stepped into the doorway. “You keep being so nice to me, Pocket, I might never leave.” He winked as he kissed your knuckles. “You know I love it when you threaten me.”

You frown deepened and you narrowed your eyes upon him. “You didn’t seem to like it so much last time I was in Slystall.”

“Because you were serious then.” He kissed your hand again.

You yanked your hand away and wiped it upon your apron. “What happened then? Are you ever going to tell me what sent you here.”

“A job gone bad, obviously,” he sniffed. “Trusted the wrong group.”

You sighed. “You wouldn’t have run away if that was the case. Out with it, Rhys. You’ve been here long enough to tell me honestly.”

Rhys shifted, kicking the ground then twisting his tail so it wrapped around his waist. “I told you things had changed in Slystall. Surely Manka has told you something in her letters.”

“I know the distracts have separated. The Red Light district is it’s own, the Hollow Street is it’s own,” you murmured. “But Manka doesn’t tell me everything. If she’s comfortable, she’s not going to blow it.”

Rhys scoffed. “That cohesion is missed. But more than that, the districts are on the brink of war. The reason I came here is linked to that.”

A bristle rolled down the back of your neck into your spine. I watched Rhys closely, noting the shift of his eyes and the way he fidgeted with his tail. “Don’t tell me you actually stood up for something.”

“And what if I did?” Rhys sniffed, his nostrils flaring. His lip curled up, showing his sharp teeth. “What if I did something worth being proud of, huh?”

You couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Just tell me what happened!”

Rhys snarled, whipping out his tail then stiffening his back to stand taller. “They wanted to take over the Red Light district, and I told ‘em no.”

Your stomach dropped. “Are these guys idiots?”

“No, that’s part of the problem too. The girls are on high alert due to all of this. They’re strong and have greater numbers, but they’ve done rash things recently.” He shook his head and looked away from you. “But they don’t deserve what was on the table.”

A lump grew in your throat. You were actually touched by this. You swallowed, trying to keep these feelings at bay. “You protected them?”

“Warned them, got them ready.” He smirked and glanced back at you briefly. “My traitorous ways were found out and they took me on a heist that was designed to be the end of me. Luckily they didn’t know I am too stupid to die.”

You chuckled and shook your head. “You could have told me this. I would have been nicer if you did.”

Rhys’ gaze turned to steel and there was a glint that made your heart pound. “It’s not your world anymore, Pocket. I didn’t want you worrying. You’re doing what some of us aren’t brave enough to even attempt.”

You stiffened your jaw. “I’m not ashamed of my past, Rhys. I still care about Slystall to an extent.”

He smiled again. “Why do you think I’m here?”

That evening, as you were getting ready for bed, Rhys stood int he doorway, watching you put down your bedroll before the fireplace. “Why not come to bed?”

“You’re using it,” you murmured.

Rhys looked back into your bedroom then back at you. “Unlike popular opinion, I can be good at sharing.”

You gave him a sharp look.

“We used to all the time, Pocket.” Rhys stepped out into the room. “Remember? We had many good nights together. Lots of lovely mornings.”

You scoffed. “Yes, well, that was when I was in the Red Light district. I’m not that girl anymore, Rhys.”

He came and stood over you. “Not asking you to be, Pocket.” He held his hand out to you. “Maybe I just want to remember something. Maybe I miss you.”

You looked at his black palm then up at him. His green scales seemed almost yellow in the light of the fire. “Just sleeping.” You took his hand. “My hips are bothering me sleeping on the bedroll.”

Rhys chuckled. “I remember when I-”

You grabbed his hand and pinched his palm. “That’s enough.”

It was nice to be in your bed again, even if there was a giant, scaly man asleep next to you. You laid there, unable to shake an image of the past from your mind. You kept close to the wall, hugging it to try and keep from touching Rhys. He was so big though he took up the biggest chunk of mattress.

“Why don’t you just get comfortable?” He chuckled.

You huffed, hoping he had been asleep all this time. “I am comfortable.”

“No you’re not.”

You rolled over to face him. Even in the dark you could make out his smug smile. “Just worry about yourself and go to sleep.”

Rhys laughed again. “I have a gorgeous woman next to me. How do you expect me to do that?”

“Keep talking like that and I’ll kick you out of bed.”

Rhys rolled onto his side, both of you were laying face to face. “I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

He laughed. “It’s been a long time. Sorry, I’m a bit nervous.”

“For what? We’re both just trying to go to sleep. So let’s agree to do that and we’ll all be golden. Right?” You adjusted your leg under the covers and brushed up against Rhys’. You jerked back and both of you had a chuckle.

“Maybe I am thinking a bit too much about- something else.” You muttered.

“Yeah. For a long time all we did in a bed was-” Rhys stopped and laughed nervously again. “Well, you know. We sot of trained of bodies to-”

“Yeah,” you interrupted.

“I messed up,” he murmured. “I never stopped kicking myself for what I did.”

“Good,” you huffed.

You both fell into silence once again. You laid there, trying to make yourself sleep but it would never come. Old memories resurfaced, bubbling up in every corner of your mind to where you couldn’t think of anything else. Your body responded in kind, warming and stewing as those old feelings had been inching ever so slowly close towards the surface again.

“Pocket,” his voice whispered through the shadows.

“Be quiet.” You lunged forward, kissing him and bringing your body into his. He took old of you, kissing back and moving his hands down your body.

“Careful,” he whimpered.

“I’ll be gentle.” You kissed him more, pressing close to his body, reaching down to find him already hard. “That was fast.”

“I couldn’t stop thinking,” he huffed.

You wouldn’t admit to your own nostalgic lingering, but you kept going. You turned him over, mounting him and rubbing yourself against him. You pulled up your nightgown as you grinded against him, feeling old flames renew all through your body. It had been so long, and yet you knew how he felt intimately still. His cock was quite thick, but that’s what you liked about it.

Rhys hands wrapped around your hips. “It’s been so long.”

“I said quiet,” you moaned. “Let me just do this.” You reached down, taking hold of his shaft, keeping it still as you placed yourself over the tip. You took him inside, sitting upon him and relishing this moment.

Rhys was straining to stay quiet, then again, he was always a talker. You began to move, moaning and whimpering. It had been a long time since you were last with Rhys, but it had been a long time having sex altogether. You took your time savoring him, being careful of the injuries that persisted. His hands tightened upon your hips, moving up to your waist then around your breasts.

“Oh, Pocket,” heyou whimpered.

“Yes,” you panted from effort. “Yes, feel me.” You leaned forward, going harder upon him. It wouldn’t be long now. You just needed to go harder. The night had a way of going on though, and your love making went on beyond that first daliance. Once the air had cooled, you went again, then again. Rhys found energy unlike you had ever seen before, and you took great delight in his stamina.

Come morning, you never heard the door open. You didn’t, at first, hear Allie calling out and asking if you wanted some eggs.

“Oops!” You heard her squeal and she ran out.

“What was that?” Rhys voice cracked.

“Our neighbor,” you muttered. “I told her to keep a check on me while you were here.” You rose up in bed and yawned. “I must have slept in.”

Rhys chuckled. “You earned it light night, Pocket.” His hand smoothed up your bare back. “Mmm. How I missed you.”

You gave him a sharp look, but it didn’t last. You smiled down upon him and your face turned rosy red.

Alcide the Vampire: Part One (complete)

Female Main Character x Male Monster

(dark romance, tw blood)

I wish I was like the others. This thought comes to me as I stare out towards the foot of my bed. I would like to dream forever as the others do, to sleep perchance to wake. I remove myself from bed, setting my feet down upon the cold floor. There are no windows to speak of here, but they place curtains upon the wall as if to mimic one.

I am not alone long, I am never alone long. My attendants are many, but they are more like guards. They assure I look my best, that I stay in place, that I am never too far from my family. Not that Alicde would let me stray anyways. He needs me, and I need him as well.

To dream forever, I think as they dress me. To lie in one place, resting, unconscious, unaware. They do not know what goes on around them. The others. Nowhere and yet everywhere. Meanwhile, I am everywhere but nowhere.

“There we are, princess.” Lady Renata whispers to me as she finishes putting on the cuffs around my wrists. She smoothes down my shirt then reaches up and does the same to my long hair. She gives me a look, her nearly hollow eyes stare just a bit too long for my taste.

Then a smile crosses her lips and she nods to me. “You are ready.”

Lady Renata has coal black eyes that make her head appear empty. Her orange red hair can be seen from a great distance, which I suppose could be for my benefit if I needed her. She is small and petite as well, perhaps her hair serves as a warning. Because there is no sense to be fooled by her dainty appearance, Lady Renata is the most vicious of my family’s members.

“Thank you,” I say to her. I look at my hand, noticing a chip in the nail polish.

“Did you rest well, princess?” Lady Renata caught me staring at my hands and I tucked them away behind the folds of my dress.

I nodded, turning away from her. “I did.” The other attendants scurried from the room, filing away where they will not be seen until they are needed to be seen.

Renata reached out, touching my hair then slipped her fingers along the nape of my neck. I brushed her away, giving her a scolding look. I went over to my vanity, the mirror was covered by a curtain. I reached into the drawers, taking out my jewelry, my choker, my lipstick.

Her hand recoiled and she sniffed the blade of her fingers. “Master is waiting on you, princess.”

“I know who waits,” I mumbled. I put the choker around my neck then touched the dark jewel that rested upon my throat. “Your master does not mind waiting for me.”

Renata sighed, tilting her head to the side. “You are beautiful as it is.”

“Thank you, Renata.” I put on the lipstick, dabbing and wiping at the bow, then smoothing out under the bottom lip with my thumb.

“Look at me.” Renata came to my side and held my chin in her hand. Her finger delicately cleaned up the edges of my lips, and her dour pout turned into a soft smile. “There. Perfect.”

I fidgeted in my seat. “If I could just use the mirror, you wouldn’t have to bother.”

Renata’s eyes flashed towards the covered mirror. “You know we cannot do that. The head of the family would have my head if they knew we allowed this with us.”

“But it’s mine,” I insisted.

She nodded, taking my hand to make me stand. “Come now, Master is waiting. You know he cannot start his day without you.”

To Renata, he is master, but to me he is simply Alci. Very few people come above me here, not until we reach the familial home and then the head and their parts stand above all of us here. Alcide is one of those parts, but a lower one. He takes care of the livestock, the farm, and he travels far and wide because of it. The vast emptiness of space has known his presence in several far corners.

His chambers are closed as we approach, but the doors crack open slightly. As always, he is inspecting me. Renata pushed me ahead, making me walk through the open door which closed behind me.

“There’s my girl.” His voice caused the hairs on the back of my neck to prickle. It is a strange sensation, both alluring and frightening. I walk further into his cold room and lights flicker on to show him sitting bent over his desk.

“Have you not rested?” I asked.

“I do not remember what that is,” he sighs dramatically. “Everything bleeds together into one giant, cacophonous void that lack meaning and-”

“Alci,” I said, cutting off his trail. I approached him, coming to stand by his desk. “Enough of that.”

He released a breath and lifted his head from the desk. His hair is disheveled and messy, dyed dark in color, but the pure white near the scalp is showing through.

I ran my fingers through his hair, a touch he instinctively pushed towards. “You had an appointment with Mewsette yesterday. What happened?”

“What is the point? We dye our hair all these colors, and for what? To be reminded that we are pale! We are devoid of blood and pigment!”

I rolled my eyes, but I knew too well how these moods affected Alcide. “You are as you are. Same as us all.” I took hold of his hand, touching the ring that matched the gem on my choker.

“Not like you,” he breathed. “You are capable of what I am not. You are everything I wish that I was.” His large hand escaped my grasp and touched the top of my head, sliding down to cup my cheek. “You may be as pale as I am. You may have the same white hair. But you have everything I want.”

“No,” I said simply.

Alcide pulled away and slumped over his desk again with a mournful sigh.

“You lied to me yesterday when you said you had rested. I do not like what you turn into when you do not rest.” I motioned towards his bed with one hand while grabbing his broad shoulder with the other. “Get up and go to bed.”

“Out here there is no reason to rest. No sign. No moon. No tell tale sign of when we begin and end. Endless. Meaningless,” he bemoaned.

“Alci,” I cooed to him. “You still must rest. You may be eternal, but you are still made of flesh and bone.”

“Am I?” he looked up at me with those dark red eyes. “Who am I, Nessa?”

It is rare when I am called by name, so I relish it when it is said. “You are Alcide Von Helena. Part of the Core, a member of the family. You take care of feeding the family. Of growing the farm.” I smoothed my hand up the back of his neck. “You are dramatic and brooding. You read too much tragic literature, which adds to your somewhat grim personality.” I gave him a rare smile. “You are the master of this tomb ship. You are my caregiver.”

He looked at me with watery eyes. “Surface level. But you know what I want to hear, Nessa.” He turned to me in his seat, taking hold of my hands, comparing how large his were to mine. My hands fit in the center of his palm, and his overly long, spidery fingers could easily envelop them twice if the joints allowed it.

“Do not get me wrong. I hear your words. I see what you are trying to do.” He clasped my hands between his and pressed them against his forehead. “But I simply cannot feel much more.”

I brushed aside my hair and gave him an indigent sniff. “That is because you need to sleep. You’ll change if you do not.” I tried to urge him to the bed. I wanted to join him, to lay there and pretend I was like the others. I wanted to dream, for hours, for days unend. I could do that if Alcide would just rest. But the door opened a crack and Renata’s bright hair could be seen from it.

“I will try for your sake,” Alcide murmured. “But I have too much work to do now as it is. Duty calls, as it were.”

I was stunned. I touched the cuff around my wrist but Renata got to me before I could say anything else to him. She took me out of the room, keeping her hand upon my back until we reached the end of the hall.

“Where would you like to go today, princess?” Renata asked.

I shook my head, grimacing as my usual meeting with Alcide did not go well. I scoffed, trying to walk away but she kept pace with me, slinking up beside me and then in front of me to stop me in my tracks.

I halted, glaring up at her as I thrust my arms down by my sides.

“Where would you like to go today, princess?” Renata repeated with venom upon her tongue.

“I want to see the animals,” I stated.

Renata shook her head. “You know I can’t let you go there, princess. The master would have my head.” She leaned in closer to me, placing her hands upon my waist. “Unless-” she sniffed my hair then slowly leaned in closer until her lips fluttered against my cheek.

I pushed against her shoulders. “No,” I commanded.

She stepped away immediately, her lips flushed and mouth cracking at the corners, revealing the fine line leading towards her ears. “Then no animals today.”

I scowled up at her as the tingling in my cheeks subsided. “Then take me to Mewsette,” I scoffed. “I want a change.”

Renata smirked. “Bold. You’ve not touched your hair since you were given to the master.” She nodded and flourished her arm out down the other hall. “Mewsette is this way.”

The long dark corridors of the ship were these endless tunnels lined with doors and antique artwork. Sometimes the attendants popped out and stood still as we passed by, their eyes following us until we could no longer be seen.

“What prompted this?” Renata asked, her dark eyes peering up at me. “I figured you’d let your hair grow forever.”

I remained quiet.

“Not going to say anything to me since I won’t let you see the animals?” She quipped. “That’s fine. I’m sure Mewsette will get an answer from you.”

I exhaled through my nose and kept my neck stiff.

Mewsette was at the farthest end of the ship from where I usually was. A journey to be had, for certain, but a worthwhile one for those who needed her services.

There was a chemical whiff to the air as we approached her quarters, one that I occasionally got from Renata, sometimes Alci. Inside her chambers was a dark pink motif, the floors were pink marble, and the chairs were shiny pink. Mewsette herself looked like a decorated cake, beautiful and sweet.

“Renata, you aren’t due,” Mewsette’s voice was surprisingly deep for her appearance. Her red eyes then looked at me and her painted lips spread into a smile. “Princess! This is a surprise.”

“She wants to see you,” Renata said.

Mewsette clicked her tongue and approached us. “You’ve never come to my salon before.” She reached out, longer fingers tipped in sharp, pink nails ran through my hair and tickled my scalp. “What brought about this decision?”

“That’s what I am hoping you can get out of her,” Renata said with a smirk.

Mewsette trailed her fingers through my long hair until she came to the ends. “I am glad you are here. These split ends certainly aren’t doing you any favors.” She smiled at me; her nose was slightly too big, but I liked that about her features. She was beautiful regardless.

“This way now, this way.” She tapped her foot upon the floor in a certain code and before us the floor opened up where a chair rose from underneath.

“I’ll wait outside,” Renata said as Mewsette made me sit.

Mewsette was quiet until Renata left and then she sighed. “She is beautiful, but she frightens me. How do you stand her all day?”

“One word and Alcide would send her away,” I replied. “That’s how I tolerate Renata on a daily basis.”

Mewsette’s smirk was an entertained one. “That’s too much power for a lady like you.” She eased me back in the chair, pulling out my hair until it draped down the back. She stood behind me, fanning out my long hair and studying the ends. She tapped her foot again and a marble basin rose from the floor behind me. I heard water flowing and Mewsette adjusted me more until my head rested in that warm water.

“A wash to start us off.” Mewsette’s sharp nails felt good against my skin. “Alcide didn’t come yesterday.”

“He’s in his mood,” I replied, closing my eyes to relax, to pretend to dream.

Mewsette hesitated. “Oh-”

“I know,” I murmured. “I will make him sleep though.”

She sighed, shaking her head as she lathered shampoo between her palms. “Ever since he was young, this mood has cursed him.”

I opened my eyes. “You knew Alcide that long ago?”

Mewsette just smiled. “I used to be a part, you know?”

“No,” I gasped.

She winked at me. “Just shows you that you should come back and see me more often.” She then reached down, wiping a smudge of my lipstick away. Her eyes lingered upon my throat. “That jewel-”

I tapped it with my fingertips. “Alcide gave it to me.”

She nodded. “No. I know that. He has one on a ring. They used to be his mother’s earrings.”

I held in my breath, keeping it so everything felt tight and stretched. I looked back towards her, grateful she wasn’t looking directly at me, but instead still at my throat. “I didn’t know that.”

Her eyes cut away, giving me a look before focusing her attention back upon my hair. “Your hair really is lovely. That pure white. I see it all the time, but yours is so much fuller.”

“Is it?” I was grateful she changed the conversation away from jewelry.

Mewsette added something else to my hair, something that smelled like fragrant perfume and made her fingers slick through much easier than the shampoo. “What did you have in mind for today?”

My eyes focused up towards the ceiling, where the tiles glittered in between from all the computer pieces and wires. The fogged glass hid layers upon layers of technology that kept the ship running and operating the way it was supposed to. Each wire connected to each other, to something else, to keep the occupants alive, the others dreaming.

I blinked and snapped myself from my thoughts. “Alcide mentioned I could change. So I thought that I might.”

Mewsette was rubbing the creamy conditioner into my hair. “Do you want it dyed or cut then?”

“I think Alcide would burst if I dyed it. Just a cut.” I closed my eyes again. “As long as my hair still covers my neck you can do as you wish.”

Mesette hummed to herself. “Alright then.” She stepped away from me. “Sit there for a moment. I’ll be right back.” Her heels clicked, clicked, clicked upon the floor until the sound vanished deep into her chambers.

All I could hear was faint music and my own breathing. I kept my eyes shut, pretending that I was dreaming.

I took in a deep breath and let it fill my chest as slowly as possible. I let it out just as slowly until there was nothing left inside me. When I opened my eyes again to the ceiling, the lights and wires looked like dozens of little eyes staring at me. Amongst them I saw eyes, big and red, glaring down at me from above. Dread swept through my limbs, a sickening, nauseating pit.

“Alright, princess.” Mewsette returned, coming close to me and carrying a pink case in her hand. “Let's get your hair rinsed and dried and we’ll see what happens.”

I tore my eyes away from the ceiling, leaning back again as Mewsette rinsed my hair clean. It was soft and fragrant as she dried it.

“Will you stay with the family once we arrive back at the port?” Mewsette gently ran a comb through my hair, leveling it against my back. She then wrapped a ribbon around it, tying it off near the bottom of my shoulders.

I wanted to shake my head, but I needed to keep it still. “I’m not sure. I’m his gift, so I suppose it is up to the head.”

“Do you stay with the head when you are home?” There was a defined snip and Mewsette placed my bundled hair onto the table beside us.

The long white hair beside me was my own, I made it, but it looked so strange laying there and not upon my head. It was like a removed tail, but there was no blood to be seen. I turned away from it, instead looking at my hand. I picked at the chip in the nail polish.

“It depends who they have when we return.” More polish chipped away.

The snipping of Mewsette's scissors was growing louder and faster. “It must be tiring being a princess sometimes.”

The nail I was using to chip suddenly broke. “I suppose.”

I couldn’t see what Mewsette had done to my hair. I could only tell that there was a weight missing, a breeze at my skin, and when I moved my head I felt the blunt edge of the back brush against me. Mewsette had placed my cut hair into a box so I could present it as a gift to Alcide. I thought I could use it to bribe him to rest.

Lady Renata was not outside when I left the salon. Instead, one of the attendants was waiting for me and was given strict instructions to take me back to my chambers.

“I would like to see the animals,” I told the attendant.

“Lady Renata said you were to go to your room,” their raspy voice hissed back at me.

I looked down at the box in my arms, the cuff on my wrist. There was a sharp pin that held the cuffs together, if I could take it off I could distract the attendant.

“Princess!” A figure lurched out of a room, slamming the door wide open and sending the attendant crawling into the wall.

Alcide’s sudden appearance caused my insides to lurch, my skin to prickle and turn cold, I even stumbled backwards, nearly dropping the box.

His eyes were wild, slightly darker than when I last saw him. His jaw had split and his mouth was opened towards his ears.

I clutched the box tight to me, eyeing him and ready to yell for more attendants to come to my side.

Alcide’s eyes narrowed and he leaned forward. “Your hair!”

“I cut it,” I said with a terse tone. I backed away, turning my body so my shoulder protected me. “You scared me.”

He took a step back as well. “I’m sorry. I realized you were close and I-” his voice choked in his throat. “You cut off so much.”

I couldn’t possibly convey the nerves coursing through my body. His eyes, they weren’t right. I know he’s lying to me, he hasn’t rested longer than he claimed. The wildness of him, the primal paint his veins give him. I do not like this. He’ll go mad soon. Just like she did if he is not careful.

I shook my head at Alcide, keeping my shoulder perched up.  “You haven’t rested. You know what will happen.”

“I can’t. I simply can’t!” Alcide fussed, running his fingers through his messy hair, tousling it from side to side until it fell into its part. “Why did you cut your hair?”

I reached out towards the attendant, intending to walk around Alcide. “I don’t want to speak to you until you’ve rested!” I yelled at him. I turned away, walking towards the door and the attendant nearby.

I had barely touched the attendant’s hand when Alcide grabbed me, pulling me up towards him. I dropped the box and the lid opened to pink tissue paper.

“Let me go!” I screamed at him. “How dare you touch me! Release me at once!” My hand struck his jaw, and his mouth parted, revealing the slits that pointed towards his ears.

Alcide snarled near my ear, placing his hand around my throat and twisting the choker back and forth. He placed his nose behind my ear, breathing in my scent and moaning deeply.

“Nessa, oh, Nessa,” he moaned.

“You stupid fool,” I grumbled, letting my body go limp. “What am I going to do with you?” I placed my hand over his and his body pressed close to mine.

The attendant was staring up at us, mouth opening and closing in an odd way. They were unsure of how to move or what to do.

“Leave,” I snapped at them, causing them to scurry away through a door. I struggled in Alcide’s grip. There was only one thing that could calm Alcide when he had entered this sort of mood. I had to relax, to calm myself in order to take care of him.

“You’re being rough with me,” I breathed. I then scoffed, tilting my head to the side. “I cut my hair because I wanted change. While I can still obtain it, I want it.” I glanced down at the box with my hair carefully braided inside. “What was cut is in there. Mewsette packaged it for you.”

Alcide whimpered. “Change frightens me. I didn’t know what to do when I saw you.”

“You could have kept your emotions in check for five seconds,” I growled.

He buried his face into my hair. His finger slid under the choker, snapping it off. I lost my breath as it slid away, falling to the ground with a tiny clatter. My flesh split open against his mouth, my throat bled thickly onto his tongue and down his throat, staining my dress, his shirt and blazer, even dribbling down his skin to give him the color he wanted.

My eyes fluttered and my eyes rolled back into my head. “Not here,” my voice strained. My body felt hot, my veins were tight. I moaned out loud the more his lips pressed to my pale skin. He bit again and again so more blood would flow. He ate messily, like a child would. As a princess, it was my job, my role. Sometimes I took great pleasure in it, even now I cannot distinguish between it and the fear. My toes curled and my body was putty in his hands. I was warm between my thighs and growing wet like my neck.

His mouth pulled back and he breathed in my ear. “I couldn’t stand it much longer. I need you so badly.”

“You’ve forgotten your manners today,” I whimpered. “Hurry now. Before someone sees me in this state.”

Alcide carried me away, leaving droplets of blood upon the ground that the attendants would fight over and lap up directly from the marble. They did not get much fresh food within the tomb ship.

I have only ever known Alcide in a certain way. No one else has partaken of me the way he has. His mother, I think, wanted to, but aside from that, I was only drunk. I let Alcide inside me because I wanted him. He said my warmth made him melt, and he liked to see it spill from inside me. It and being fed upon were my greatest carnal pleasures.

Once Alcide was full and had exerted all his remaining energy, hopefully he would rest. He would lay still and not budge until recovery took hold. My blood assured he kept his strength on these long journeys. Only I was good for that. Not many princes and princesses were left these days, even fewer were born.

My blood stained his sheets, but it did not matter. He rested, content but troubled. I kissed his lips before leaving the bed, removing my stained and ripped dress. I walked naked to his controls, opening the large tome that contained his commands, sliding my fingers over the glowing words to open the screen and the monitors outside the ship.

Space as far as one could see. I changed the angles and there was more of it. Stars beyond my comprehension. Debris which floated and grabbed towards the ship. Wreckage upon wreckage of centuries gone by. Only the tomb ships survive. Somewhere there must be something else, there must be more, so much more.

I touched my neck and Alcide’s bites were already healing. Scars would remain fresh and pink for a long time. I took the cuffs off my wrists where other scars glimmered in the dim light.

Fresh, I thought, always fresh.

I looked back at Alcide in bed, his long, naked form uncovered and exposed. He was beautiful, of course, but I would have time to linger with that beauty later. I touched words within the tome and a door opened upon the wall beside me. White light shone from the crack. The light hurt my eyes as I opened the door, walking down a hall lit up with monitors and readings.

I stood naked amongst the animals and their pods. Shining domes fogged over to keep them hidden. These were the others, the ones I envied. They were mortal, same as me. But different from me as well.

I stood before one pod, seeing inside the young woman whose skin was fleshy pink, her nipples a sort of ruddy brown, her hair dark brown, even on her limbs and above her sex. Beautiful, she was so beautiful. I wanted to sleep like her, to be like the rest of the farm that Alcide was taking back to the family.  But I was special. I was like the family even with my warm blood and beating heart. I was more of a vampire than the others. These mortals, taken from their worlds to be delivered to the head of the family and their farm, the one Alcide kept running and flourishing.

I want to dream like them. To sleep for ages. Perchance to wake and see their lives upon the farm. I wonder if this woman would be chosen, to be kept amongst the house and pampered by the family. I would like to see her awake as much as I adore to watch her sleep.

“What do you dream about?” I asked her, leaning upon her pod to look upon her. “Do you see your home? Do you remember your childhood?” I watched her intently, never expecting an answer, only imagining what she could be thinking.

“I don’t remember where I am from,” I told her. “I don’t remember my family at all. I was raised in the nursery. I smoothed my fingers over the keys and dials upon her pod. “I’ve always belonged to the family. But don’t worry! They’re good to their livestock. They keep them alive as best they can.” I gazed upon her sleeping face. “Don’t worry at all. You'll be fine there.”

Rhys the Lizard Man (special preview)

It had been windy and overcast all day. Dark clouds hung upon the horizon while pale gray covered the sun overhead. It was no surprise to you when it started raining. The area cleared out, no one was on the road outside, and everything was veiled in fog. It gave the sense of abandonment, but really, the lights inside houses reassured you there was still life about.

Despite the feeling of nothing to do that rain brought about, you set about some busy work that would help the day go faster tomorrow. You took out the large blocks of soap and set about cutting them. You were so used to the scent you never noticed it much. But as that taut string sliced through the bars, you got whiffs of the fragrant perfumes and oils within the bar.

“Maybe some tea would be nice,” you murmured to yourself after slicing up the first bar. You took off your proactive gloves and went over towards the stove. You were gathering up the kettle to fill with water when you heard something outside.

There was a loud shuffling, and then it sounded like the chickens next door were extremely spooked. You set the kettle aside, and moved about to the window that overlooked your neighbor’s backyard. The chickens were frazzled, vanishing into their coop while something dragged around the side of the house.

You frowned as you walked away from the window. “To hell with this.” You got upon a stepstool, reaching up behind the stovepipe where you had hidden an old tool of yours, one you used before soapmaking. You checked the blade of the dagger, pleased it was still sharp.

“Not needed your ro quite the while. And hopefully I won’t now, but no sense in playing it stupid.” You were getting down off the stepstool when there was a loud banging upon your door.

You stood stiff and stuff the dagger into a hidden pocket on your skirt. “Who goes there?” You called out.

There was another loud banging.

“I don’t answer my door for just that.” You approached the door, keeping your breath steady as you waited for a response. “Who goes there?”

There was silence with the sound of rain. The soft pelting of droplets on the muddy earth outside. You then heard breathing, labored breathing.

“Let me in Pocket,” a voice outside snarled. “Or I’ll bust down this door.”

Every hair on your body stood on end. You knew that voice well, but only one person ever called you that name.

“What are you doing here, Rhys?” You said after a moment of tongue-tied shock.

He let out a very effortful laugh. “Can’t a bloke come see an old friend.”

“We were never such a thing.”

“Please,” his breath squeezed tight. “Let me in.”

You cracked the door a smidge, keeping the chain locked. Immediately, you saw the cut upon his face and his swollen eye. “What happened to you?”

“Something bad enough to bring me here.”

You opened the door and Rhys all but fell upon you. He stumbled, catching himself upon the doorframe. He shuffled in, using your shoulder as support before he collapsed to his knees upon the ground. The great lizard that he was looked so small and helpless.

“Criminy, Rhys!” You cried out. You rushed to the kitchen, fetching a clean cloth to mop him up. But by the time you had gotten back he was laid unconscious upon the floor. You let out an exasperated sigh. Who had once been your worst enemy was now seeking sanctuary in your home.

It took a lot of effort, but you managed to get Rhys into your bedroom and upon your bed. His tail hung off the side, striped black and green until the tip where it was dark purple.

Zaejin the Troll & Perik the Room Monster: Part Two (rough draft)

“Shit,” you grumbled under your breath. “I think I fucked it up again.” Under the cover of an old dish towel was a bowl, filled with an unimpressive and somewhat liquidy lump. You tossed the towel aside and dumped the lump onto the floured countertop where it spread out rather than maintaining a doughy shape like it was supposed to.

“I thought I knew how to do this,” you grunted.

The days were becoming cooler, and the idea of baking bread didn’t seem so unappealing as it did during the overly hot summer. The cold was also causing Zaejin to sleep in, which you thought would give you time to surprise him with that promised loaf. Instead, your baking skills seemed to be imagined.

You cleaned up the mess, tossing away the failed loaf and going back to the cookbook. “What the hell am I doing wrong?” You grumbled as you pored over the recipe again.

“What seems to be the problem?” Perik poked his head out from behind the door. “I thought I would be smelling bread baking by now.”

You pouted. “Not so lucky. Apparently, I greatly exaggerated my baking prowess.” You slammed the old cookbook shut and leaned back in your chair. “I keep messing up.”

“Awe, now, don’t be so hard on yourself.” Perik turned the book around to look at it. “Perhaps you could try another recipe. There could be an issue with the one you’re trying.”

“Maybe I could go into town and buy a loaf somewhere and make Zaejin think I made it. He’s been sleeping so much, he’d never know,” you murmured mostly to yourself.

Perik was flipping through the pages of the book, murmuring to himself. “That would be cheating. And Zaejin would know, trust me.”

Glancing out the window of the kitchen door you could see Zaejin’s bridge. You’d spent time cleaning it up, getting rid of debris and overgrowth to make it look nice for Zaejin. But still, he had kept harping on that bread you promised ages ago.

“Ah-ha! Here we are. A nice simple recipe.” Perik pushed the book in front of you.

“Are you sure that’s even bread?” You asked, taking the book. “It’s mainly water and flour.”

“That can be said about a lot of bread related items,” Perik replied.

Looking over the page, the bread did seem extremely simple compared to the other you were trying before. “I’ll have to go into town. I don’t know if I have enough flour.”

Perik got a look and he shifted slightly. “How many attempts have you made since you last got groceries?”

The look you gave him in return was hopefully enough to tell him you didn’t want to talk about it, at all.

Perik sighed. “I’m not much of a baker myself, but I can try and help you out with this.” He raised his hands up and all the silver bangles and trinkets on him jangled loudly. “Keyword is try.”

“Well,” you smiled at him. “I suppose two tries can make a right.”

Perik lowered his arms and tilted his head to the side. “Is that a saying?”

“No. But for the intent of this project, we’ll pretend it is.” You snapped a photo of the recipe. “Ugh that drive into town is so long. Do you mind cleaning up the kitchen for me?”

“I suppose,” Perik sighed dramatically.

You gave Perik a soft kiss, lingering for a moment as you really didn’t want to have to go into town. “I’ll bring you back a treat. Promise!” You changed into a non-floured top and gathered your purse.

Leaving the house, you saw Zaejin climbing out beside the bridge. You hesitated, thinking about leaving, but then Zaejin stood and stretched.

“What’re you doing out here?” He asked with a sleepy grumble.

You approached him and gave him a shrug. “I was going to go into town. What’re you doing?”

Zaejin gave you a look and you glanced away briefly. “I’m just waking up.” He scratched his chin. “Was hoping to have my usual cup of coffee with you. But if you’re leaving-”

“No, no, I can wait on this.” You motioned to the house. “Let's go have coffee.” Walking back into the house startled Perik who was just cleaning off the flour covered counter.

“That’s not a treat,” he scoffed. “That’s just Zaejin.”

“I resent that remark.” Zaejin eyes the counter then Perik. “What’s going on here?” he grumbled.

“Failed experiment,” you sighed as you got the coffee pot ready.

“What sort of experiment?” Zaejin walked further into the kitchen. His eyes had a sharpness to them as he looked around, seeming to piece things together like some television detective.

Once the coffee was going, you turned. “A surprise for you.”

Zaejin clutched his chest in a dramatic fashion. “A surprise? For little ole’ me. How kind of you.” he chuckled, growing a large smirk on his face. “Wouldn’t happen to finally be what you promised me so long ago?”

“Not so long ago,” you pursed your lips and glanced away. “But maybe it is.”

Zaejin’s chuckle grew deeper.  “I thought you said you could bake.”

“I said possibly. Maybe. I am trying!” You scoffed in frustration. You really didn’t want to be caught like this.

“What’s the hold up then?” Zaejin’s smirk grew. “I know you have warm hands that are perfect for…kneading.”

Narrowing your eyes upon him you stuck out your tongue. “I can read books all day about it, but execution is much harder.”

“To be fair, I think building a guillotine would be easier for her than executing bread at this point,” Perik snickered teasingly.

“Nonsense,” Zaejin scoffed. “Give her credit. Having a guillotine around would be too much of a distraction.”

You frowned at both of them, crossing your arms against your chest. “You two done? I’d like to see you try and do this. Maybe then you’ll appreciate my efforts.” You whipped around to the coffee pot, watching the brew pour into the glass.

“Who said I didn’t, love?” Zaejin came up behind you, putting his arms around you and bracing his hands against the counter. “Don’t let a simple thing like a loaf of bread get to you.”

You pouted, keeping your eyes down on the kitchen counter. “It’s gotten to a point I understand some warlords. You know?”

Zaejin chuckled and bent over to kiss the back of your neck. “Don’t let it carry you too far away. Don’t want you seeing war on gluten or anything.”

That kiss on your neck made you shiver slightly, and there was a bristle that trailed down your arms. “Not quite yet.” You turned to face Zaejin and he plucked you up and sat you down upon the counter.

“Practice makes perfect, as they say,” Zaejin murmured to you.

“I’m running low on supplies, and supplies aren’t exactly cheap,” you scoffed.

Zaejin smirked. “One more round then. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll know you weren’t born to be a baker.”

You smirked. “Why can’t I just throw in the towel now?”

“Because I know you, and I won’t let you.” Zaejin leaned in for a kiss. You touched his face, sighing softly as the coffee maker chimed that it was ready.

Your lips parted and you looked into his dark eyes. “Okay. I’ll buy one more round of supplies.”

“I have a feeling you’ll do just fine. But if not.” Zaejin leaned in again, pressing you to the cabinets. “Then maybe we can make another bet.”

“Can I get in on this?” Perik perked up.

You pushed against Zaejin’s barreled chest. “The bet is that I’ll make bread or not. You don’t need to be getting your mind in the gutter about it.”

“No,” he chuckled. “Not that far in the gutter mind you. I was going to say, we get a bigger bed for the bedroom. Maybe I won’t have to sleep so much this winter if I have a warmer bed.”

You furrowed your brow. “We can do that regardless. You don’t have to make a bet on it,” you laughed.

“I’ll make a bet on it” Perik scoffed.

Zaejin smirked, giving you another kiss. “Bread or bed.”

You laugh. “I can start looking for beds.” You slipped off the counter and handed him his mug. “I know how to put furniture together. I can do that better than baking.”

Zejin held out his mug as you filled it with coffee. “Then, lets see, I suppose it depends on what happens first.”

You thought for the briefest of seconds. “If bread happens first we have bread. If we have a bed put together first, then we’ll take a nap. Easy!”

Zaejin chuckled. “Sure. Lets say that.”

“Why didn’t you bring up the bed thing before?” You asked. “I’ve been waiting for that conversation anyways.”

“I like my place. And you like your place,” Zaejin said simply. “I’ll sleep late no matter where I am sleeping. That is how my body works when the seasons change. But perhaps I’ll be more mindful if I am with you and Perik.”

You smiled. “Do you usually hibernate?”

“Not completely,” he murmured. “But I’ve been known to sleep for days at a time.”

You scoffed. “Man, I was born the wrong species.” Both Perik and Zaejin chuckled at your retort. “Well, after this coffee I suppose I should head into town. If you want you can start looking at beds online.” You motioned towards the library where your laptop was sitting.

Zaejin grimmaced. “I don’t like using that thing.”

Perik’s silver rang brightly as he turned around. “I do! I can navigate and you can just look.”

Zaejin’s grimace only deepened. “Can’t those things see us?”

“There’s a cover on the camera.” You blew on your coffee before taking a sip. “Let Perik handle it, you just look at the pretty pictures.”

“Who do you both think I am.”

You winked at him. “Not so fun when the teasing shoe is on the other foot is it?”

Zaejin rolled his eyes and took a great gulp of his coffee.

Perik turned back towards you, taking hold of your arm. “I expect a pretty big treat if I am going to have to use the computer with him.”

Perik and Zaejin had known each other a long time, so it was still so funny to see them react this way to one another. You were fairly new compared to their decades long friendship. “What? You aren’t up for a challenge? You know Zaejin better than I do.”

“That doesn’t help. It’s Zaejin,” Perik scoffed. He leaned in though and gave me a kiss, brushing my hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear.

“You can stop now,” Zaejin grumbled over his coffee cup.

It was an easy moment to laugh at, it brought a big smile to your face. Of course Perik was teasing, that was his way, Zaejin’s as well. It was a warm, happy feeling for you, one you had been getting more and more as you lived in this place. As strange as they were, having Perik and Zaejin was all you’d ever wanted from when you were little. Teasing, laughter, some good inside jokes, it was wonderful, along with everything else that made them wonderful.

After finishing coffee, you went into town, if only to get it over with. Now, for shopping there were two options. One was an old, tiny general store where the prices were astronomical, but it was super close. The second was a bit further out, but the shopping center was bigger,cheaper, and had much better options. You decided, for the sake of brevity, to go to the old general store.

Like always, the place was quiet. What few people meandered around looked like ghosts of a former life, listlessly arguing about the size of cabbages or what made mangos ripe. You took a basket, not thinking you would need a buggy, and started going down aisles looking for what you needed.

“Why do they always have to put the dairy aisle at the very opposite end of the store? Makes it so much more frustrating,” you grumbled under your breath as you went looking for milk and butter. There weren’t very many options, but there were still several butters to choose from. As you were trying to figure out the price per ounce of each, you got a prickly feeling at the back of your neck. You stood up, using your periphery to look around. You didn’t see anyone looking at you, but you for sure felt eyes upon you.

“Psst.” The dairy case whispered loudly.

Looking at it, you saw a hand extended between cartons of buttermilk. The hand was long and dark, so you stayed put where you were.

“Psst. over here,” the voice called, sounding rather soothing despite the strangeness of the entire situation.

You grimaced, side stepping closer but keeping your distance. “Who are you?”

The hand stretched all the way out from the dairy case. “Catch!” They said and threw something towards you. You lurched and turned, barely managing to catch what they had thrown at you.

“Tell Perik that Vox said hello.” The arm disappeared back into the milkcase.

“Are you  like Perik?” You called out to them, but by that time, people had drifted into the aisle with you, and you knew not to rat out this Vox if he was there. You looked into our hand, seeing a silver cuff with vines carved into the sides. It had a small chain connecting the clasps which had a small leaf dangling from it.

“Thank you,” you murmured and quickly grabbed your butter.

Back at home, you could hear Perik and Zaejin fussing as you walked through the door. “I’m home!” You plopped down the heavy bag of flour headed towards the fridge with the cold items. You heard someone slam a fist down onto the table, possibly the wall.

“Hello?” You yelled.

There was silence and Zaejin came out into the kitchen, an even grumpier look than normal upon his face. “Do you need help.”

“No. I only got what I needed.” You were holding back the giant grin threatening to grow on your face. “Did you find anything you liked?”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

You turned around to continue hiding your shit eating grin. “You’ll have to show me in a bit.”

Perik came into the room. “He scruffed the screen.”

Zaejin looked immediately offended. “Don't tattle!”

“He thought you could just touch the screen and it’d be a button,” Perik scoffed. “I told him not too.”

“How bad is the scuff?” You closed the fridge then remembered there was something in your pocket.

“Not bad,” Zaejin argued before Perik could speak.

Perik rolled his head around. “It's noticeable.”

I pulled the bracelet from Vox out of my pocket. “Oh uh…Perik. Someone said Vox says hello.” You held out the bangle towards him.

Perik stilled, looking at the bracelet and taking it gingerly. “I haven’t heard that name in ages.” He motioned to his wardrobe at the end of the hallway. “Not since I lived in the general store.”

“You lived there?” You exclaimed, very surprised.

Perik nodded and added the bangle to the many on his arm. “For a short while. My wardrobe was for sale there. Vox lived in the general store, lived in the building it was built over actually.” He examined his new jewelry in the light. “We used to raid the lost and found together. He’s very nice.”

“He scared me at first. Coming out of the dairy case like he did.”

Perik chuckled. “Sounds like him.”

“I forgot your wardrobe was bought there,” Zaejin grumbled.

Perik was quiet, admiring the bangle.

“Well, I think I’ll try the bread one last time before I do anything about dinner.” You patted the top of the flour bag.

“What about the beds I picked you?” Zaejin asked, but then got a guilty look upon his face. “I mean, it doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t care about a scuff on the screen. You just have to be careful next time,” I fussed. “But sure, I’ll look at what you two found first.”

You didn’t get any bread made that day. You tried the next day, but found you messed up the water to yeast ratio. Each day you got a little closer to figuring it out. Each day Perik and Zaejin whispered over the laptop as they shopped online for some sort of bed. Project ‘Bed and Bread’ seemed to be going off fine.

Finally, the day came where you heard the delivery truck come barreling down the driveway. Just as it was parking, the oven’s timer went off. “Zaejin! Can you get that while I run outside?”

“Yeah!” He called out sleepily.

You slipped on a coat as you went outside. The cold chill had been growing stronger each day. The delivery truck unloaded your bed, setting the heavy box down while you signed for it.

“Need help getting it in?” the delivery driver asked.

“No, I've got it.” The look on his face was a strange one, but he let it go easily. As he drove off, Zaejin came outside and grabbed the box.

“Was it okay?” You asked in hurry.

“Yes, it’s fine. I put it on the stove.” Zaejin took the box in one arm. You rushed inside ahead of him, opening the French doors so he could get in easier. You then ran to the stove, looking at the pan sitting on top. You removed the lid and a little steam rushed out. But inside was a perfectly round loaf of bread.

You smiled to yourself, turning as Zaejin carted the box inside then set it down in the hallway. “Did it survive?”

“I think so. The outside looks nice.” You removed the bread from the pan and set it down on the counter top. “It should rest right?”

“It’s bread. What’s it need to rest for?” Zaejin asked.

“It smells heavenly in here.” Perik came out from the library and walked over towards you. “Well looky there.”

“The bed came in too,” you motioned to the box.

“I suppose we’ll have to put this together?” Zaejin grumbled.

You smiled. “In a minute. Let me grab a jar of jam from the pantry, and we can have a treat before we do any sort of work.”

“I love treats,” Perik giggled.

The bread cooled for a few minutes. Once you thought it was okay, you sliced into the bread, finding it was nice and fluffy inside. Zaejin had a slice with lots of butter and some jam. Perik had only jam. You had only butter, wanting to see how well you had done.

“Wonderful!” Perik sighed.

Zaejin patted your back. “See there? What’d I tell you. Practice made perfect.”

You nodded, pride swelling up in your chest. “It is good. I think I could do better.”

Zaejin grinned. “Can’t wait to see that.”

Art the Orc (complete)

Female Reader x Male Monster

The visage of the old place looked like it had once been a gas station. There was one of those big metal awnings and signs that gas pumps had once been outside. But everything else looked like the art supply store it was. The window was painted, done up with flowers and a flourishing font, but it hadn’t been touched in ages and was chipping and weathering away.

The old place had seen better days, you could tell. But you were excited to tackle such a special project with your own two hands.

Inside the place had a familiar smell of paint thinner, book pages, and coffee. You looked around the front as the bells on the door chimed. The old floor had seen better days and was worn out where you stood, even the welcome mat was hard to read.

“Welcome to Greengold Creative Station,” the deep voice came from behind the front desk where there was an open door. ‘I’ll be out with you in just a moment.”

“Take your time,” you replied. You continued to look around, noting the mismatched shelving and thrown together renovations dotting the place.

A moment later, a large orc came from the back. He was wearing thick glasses and had on a corded cardigan that covered a paint splattered t-shirt.

“Can I help you find anything?” He asked as he adjusted his glasses.

You approached the front desk again, extending your hand to him. “Hi! You must be Mr. Greengold, I’m from Regency Renovations.”

There was a surprised look upon his face as he shook your hand. “You’re the renovator?”

You smiled, half expecting some reservation based on your appearance. “I specialize in business and storefront renovations. That is what you wanted, correct, Mr. Greengold?”

He fumbled with his words for a moment, stuttering, touching his glasses until he spoke. “Call me Art, please.”

You held it in, but he knew where your mind went.

“It’s short for Arthur, but it's also my dad’s name so my mom calls me Art. Yes, I know, ha ha, very fun. A man named Art runs the art store.”

“It’s an easy target.” You tried to squash your giggling but a few came out.

He sighed and shook his head. “So, you’ll be handling the whole store. I want it updated completely. It was fine for my parents, but I need to bring in a new generation of artists and online shopping is destroying us.”

“It’s a common issue, Art,” you didn’t look at him as you said his name. “I already have some ideas brewing and I would be happy to discuss your thoughts for the business with you.”

He sighed heavily, gazing out at a store that was once his family’s legacy. “I would say I would like to keep some of what my parents did to this place, but I don’t think any of it is salvageable.”

“Well recycling is a thing.” You replied. “Like some of these old shelves, the wood can be reused to create a rustic facade for the front desk here.” You patted the worn out formica top. “And the vintage signage out from can be reused and framed, hung just right behind you there.”

Art made a face. “You can do all that.”

You returned his face, adding a smug smile to it. “I can do lots of things, Art. My father was a carpenter and my mother was a viper. Be careful of what you inflict about me.” You patted your chest proudly. You knew you were small and chubby, not many people expected much out of you, but your work spoke for itself. And that was how you told people off.

“Sorry,” he sighed. “I have a lot riding on this so-”

“So you hired the best. That I can promise you. Now I know you said you didn’t have a lot of funds, but I already have my plans made for how to help you with that. I plan on doing most of the work on my own, but for heavy lifting and other things-”

“I don’t mind helping with that,” he said with a shake of his head.

You had planned to bring in your brother for help, he enjoyed the destruction part of your job and he worked for free food. “Well uh…if you’d like Art, I wouldn’t say no.”

“I wouldn’t want you getting hurt on the job. It would be best if I helped out,” he said.

You couldn’t tell if he was being kind or underestimating you again, so you brushed it off and continued. “I would also like to film the process of the renovation. Stuff like that will help reach your new audience.”

He frowned, and his thick brows pinched together. “You must be joking.”

“I am not. You’d be surprised what the kids these days are watching.” You smirked up at him. “I know what I am doing, Art. Have some faith.”

His face read: easier said than done.

Discussion and planning was always the hard bit. You had to convince your employer of what needed to be done. Art was hesitant about some things, after all it was a family business and a place he had grown up in. But for the most part he was willing to go along with some of your ideas.

Art started the clean up process by first putting away his stock and setting most of the mismatched shelves outside. Once that was taken care of you began ripping up the old carpet and ancient linoleum.

“I remember when my dad put that stuff down,” Art said from behind you.

You looked up, eyes covered by goggles and mouth surrounded by one of those thick industrial masks. “Oh really?”

Art gave you a look. “Is all that necessary?”

“You’d be surprised.” You stacked another chunk of the linoleum to the side. “Lots of debris and who-knows-what is under these old floors. Decades of dirty shoes, dust, skin, and life are stored here.”

Art’s grimace deepened. “Skin?”

“Oh yeah, we shed like mad,” you laughed. “If you have dust in your house you can be assured it came from you!”

Art looked perturbed by this revelation but he continued in moving stock to the back and other store property outside.

Once the flooring was removed, you accessed what was underneath. It wasn’t marble or granite, but it was some type of stony tile that had existed when it was a gas station.

“Mom said it was inhospitable.”

You used a dust cloth to clean off a bit of the flooring. “But it’s easy to clean, and it’ll make the whole place appear brighter and bigger.” You turned and looked back at him, taking off the goggles. “It’ll be so much better in the long run. Plus! You won’t have to buy anything new except maybe a rug or two if you wanted.”

Art’s pinched brow was becoming the norm to see, but you could tell it was because the gears behind it were working so hard to process everything going on.

Once the tiles were cleaned and all the old flooring was hauled off to the dump, you started working on the walls, taking down slapdash shelving, and anything else hanging up. The old paint job, or jobs really, were layered on so thick and hadn’t been properly done. They had painted over the trim and electrical outlets, all of which needed to be replaced. The holes in the walls needed fixing too, and there were a few dents and scrapes from the years.

“You’re not hiring a painter?” Art asked one day.

You zipped up your coveralls and turned around to face him. “Not unless you want to shell out twice the money. Besides, I’m a good painter. A great painter even! Maybe not Rembrandt or anything, but I can handle a roller better than most.”

Art looked over your paint supplies. After days of you working on freeing the electric sockets and scraping the excess from the trim you could finally start working. You were painting the wall white, but you had found cheap sticker tiles to create a great accent wall, which could then be used for photo opportunities and special displays. Then another wall would also be painted white and used to display local artists and projects from the art class that Art taught.

“Mom always wanted to put wallpaper up,” Art murmured. “But said it wouldn’t be practical with everything we needed to hang up.”

There was a melancholy to Art’s face and tone as he said this. “What kind?” You asked as you poured your paint into the tray. “We could always find something close to what she had in mind for the office.”

Art glanced over his shoulder then shook his head. “I doubt I could afford it. I tried looking already.”

You put the roller into the paint, sliding it back and forth until it wasn’t too soupy. “Was this place your mom’s idea?”

“Yeah,” he murmured, his gaze going all about the store. “I can’t believe how empty it is now.”

“It’ll be full again in no time.” You gave him a reassuring smile when his amber eyes returned to you. “Do you have any pictures of your mother you would want to hang up?” you asked. “I can plan a special place for it.”

He huffed, seeming put off by this suggestion. “Excuse me. The smell of this paint is giving me a headache.” He walked off, stomping his feet a little as he went.

Art came back by the time you were finished with the first coat of white. You were sitting in front of the checkout desk, leaned back against it so your foot propped the door open. He stepped over your leg and looked at your work.

“The white really makes this place look…different,” he murmured.

“Don’t worry, there will be some color back soon enough,” you sighed. “Is your headache gone?”

Art nodded, leaning against the desk. “Sorry if I’ve been…obstinate.”

You waved it off. “I’m used to you.”

He shook his head. “No. I’ve been questioning and judging everything, all because I never really wanted to do this.”

You tilted your head up to look at him. “Then why are you?”

He let out that heavy, burdened sigh again. “Because it was in her will.”

You clicked your tongue. “Oh.”

“She left me money, but only if I used a portion of it to renovate the old store. She said it was mine after all, it deserved to reflect the new generation. Even in death she was still hinting I get married.” He scoffed at this, but he still had a smile on his face.

“Sounds pretty motherly.” You stood up from the ground, standing beside him. Not feeling much taller than you did sitting beside his great size. You motioned to the front window. “Did she paint that?”

Art laughed. “No. I did. That’s why she kept it so long.”

Your smile beamed. “Really? That’s pretty adorable.”

He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “For years upon years I’ve looked at that painting and wished every day she would wash it off and do something different. But I suppose her sentimentality was far too deep for that.”

“It’s a good painting,” you offered.

“I never thought she’d keep it so I barely tried,” he grunted and crossed his arms against his chest. “Boy, was I wrong.”

“Would you like to paint the new display? I was planning on just hanging a new sign and leaving the window clean.”

“I don’t know,” he muttered.

You patted his arm, and his eyes darted down to your hand, his brows unpinching for that one moment.

“I’ll wait till you decide then.” You stepped away from him, but his eyes still lingered on where you had touched him.

A few days later, as you were working on putting the sticker tile onto the wall, Art came from the back and offered you a ticket.

“A friend of mine has a gallery showing tonight. He gave me two tickets so I thought-” He hesitated and cleared his throat.

“How fancy is the affair?” You asked.

“Nothing too fancy. I mean, dress up, but not like black tie event or anything.” He cleared his throat again. “I was going to get dinner at my favorite restaurant since it was close by if you wanted to come.”

It clicked and you looked up at him. Your cheeks flushed and your mouth started to go dry. “Oh. Sure.” You tucked your hair behind your ear. “If that’s the case, maybe we should go in together. You know? Save the earth and stuff.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Smart idea. How about I pick you up tonight. Say…around six? Since the gallery is at eight?”

You nodded, biting down on your lip. “Yeah. Perfect. That should give me enough time to get ready after work.”

Art turned awkwardly away then back towards you. “Oh I uh, I guess I should get your address.” You traded info and the rest of the day went by in a jerky, tense sort of way.

That evening you waited in your living room until you heard from Art. You were wearing your favorite dress, and had even gotten your next door neighbor to do your makeup. You got his message and went downstairs to meet him at the front door.

Art was dressed nice in a dark purple suit and he had his long hair slicked back and tied into a bun. He didn’t have on his glasses, which surprised you. His eyes lit up when he saw you.

“Wow, you look great!” He said, a touch breathless.

You blushed and smiled. “Thanks. You look pretty great too. I’m not used to seeing you without your glasses.”

“Yeah, contacts tonight,” he said shyly. He then took your hand and led you to his car.

The restaurant was nice, the two of you had a clumsy start to it, but eventually you both started having an in depth conversation about color. From there, you both laughed and joked around, having a good time with great food and even better wine.

From there you walked to the gallery, meeting his friend then roaming through the show. Her artwork was lovely, but you noticed Art’s pinch brow had returned.

“A lot more nudes than I expected,” he whispered.

“I think it’s nice,” you replied. “I can see what her intent with the motif is. How it’s classic, it's natural, but also subversive.” You turned to Art, noticing him fidgeting and adjusting himself.

“Yes. I understand what she is doing,” he muttered. “I must have had just a little too much wine I think.”

You smiled at him, chuckling as your cheeks grew warm.

The car windows were fogged over, and in the dark all you could do was touch. His kisses felt rough but intimate. His tusks brushed against your skin, making your shiver. Every so often the darkness was halted by the motion light of the parking lot turning on. You’d still for a moment, then continue on with your youthful antics.

“We should stop.”

“We should.”

“Why aren’t we?”

“It’s hard.”

“Very hard.”

You kissed Art and breathed, looking into his eyes while you clasped your hands around his face. Maybe it was the wine or the nudes on display, maybe it was weeks of working so close and holding back so long.

“It’s hard.”

“Very hard.”

You smiled at him, kissing him again while his hands moved below. Your panties were pushed aside, his zipper brushed against your thigh. Big. Oh my god it was big!

You gasped softly and he stilled, watching your expression. You eased over him, taking as much of Art as you could stand. You pressed your palms to the roof of the car for balance, his strong hands kneaded into your thick thighs.

“Aren’t we a bit too old for this?” he breathed.

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we.” Your laughter turned into moaning. Maybe you were both a bit too old for this, but you’d never had so much fun before! He pressed deeply inside you, and his hands couldn’t stop touching your body. He roamed over the soft curves, and plump form, his desire seeming to grow the more he did.

The next morning you came into work, seeing Art standing in the middle of the room. You held your breath, wondering if it was all a wonderful dream. He turned and smiled, his thick glasses back in place.

“Hi” he said breathlessly.

Your smile bloomed. “Hi.”

Art motioned to the desk. “I brought coffee.”

“I see that.” You smiled and took a cup he offered.

He sighed then laughed and you laughed. “So uh…last night.”

“I liked your friend’s gallery. It was very nice. I also liked your favorite restaurant.” You took a sip of the coffee, testing it before you added anything.

Art nodded, his gaze drifted until it fell back onto you. “Is that all?”

You smiled over your coffee cup. “No. Just barely.” You looked into his eyes. “I wasn’t sure if it was an appropriate work topic.”

“Not exactly but uhm…I just wanted to check.” His eyes darted over you. “Were we really too old for that?”

You laughed and cupped your hand over your mouth. “A little. But I’m not too sore. Are you?”

“No. But I would prefer somewhere much comfier next time.” he leaned in close and you closed your eyes, accepting his kiss and the touch of his tusks against your cheeks.

“Yes, it would be nice.” You saw he had paints and brushes set on the front desk. “What’s this for?”

He sucked in a breath through his teeth. “I thought I’d paint the window. I got a bit of inspiration last night.” He grinned your way. “Plus, I think mom would like to see how I’ve improved.”

You grinned. “I’ll be very excited to see how you work. Outside a car at least.”

Wallpaper: Cthulu Brew

Show your love of coffee and the undying with this wonderful wallpaper!