Mix of NSFW/SFW. Because of the NSFW attributes this blog is 18+ only. Most of this will be fanfic, kink, smut, terato/xeno/exophilia, as well as art and stories I like.
Subway? No, this is Domway, where we ask you what things you like on your sandwich, what you don’t want, and what you’re thinking of trying and then help you come up with a combo that makes you happy.
If you want to feel the pain of jalapenos burning your mouth as you eat, we will take joy in making that happen and watching you squirm and reach for your drink over and over. If you would simply like some comfort food in the form of some tuna salad, we’ll make that happen. And if you want to be told how we’re gonna make your sandwich instead of being asked about it, you’re still free to stop us at any time, because this is still your sandwich.
Domway: No CreepyDoms allowed. Eat fresh.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 |Part 8 |Part 9 |Part 10 | Part 11 |Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 |Part 17
When Thalia decided to go back to college, she kinda-sorta hoped to reignite the excitement she felt as a young adult.
Enter Maktov Algrise, a shadow demon whose corporeal form is constantly swathed in darkness. Well, except his teeth. Which, strangely, catch Thalia’s eye to the point of distraction. (Much to Maktov’s chagrin.)
Everything is fine, as she watches the shadowy figure from afar. Well, until they’re assigned to an animation group project for their ambiguous art class. As two of the oldest - generally more responsible and stable - of the group, Maktov and Thalia find themselves spending more time together in efforts to complete the project.
—
At first, Thalia Harper didn’t understand why his teeth caught her gaze. Perhaps it was an old instinct, passed down through millennia from an ancestor that used to scurry beneath the feet of dinosaurs. Whenever he talked, her gaze drifted to his maw, with his rows of sharp teeth. And her heart did, indeed, thrum a little harder.
Found family and anger come together in this story. When a storm washes ups two orphaned merfolk, a young woman has a decision to make.
Female Main Character x Male Monster (both cis)
///////////////////////////////////////
The strange cries came from the shore after a horrible storm. I had thought it might have been the gulls celebrating a wonderful feast, but the more I listened, the stranger the sounds became. Despite the persistent rain, I traversed down the rocky path towards the strange sounds.
It was as cold as hell and my whole body seemed prepared to be dashed upon the rocks, what with the sea being as choppy as it was . I climbed down the narrow path, managing somehow to keep the lantern in my hand. I was used to being wet, but something about this weather had me worried.
I finally lowered myself down onto the beach which was covered in large chunks of coral and debris from the reef forest. The cries were closer than ever and, as I raised my lantern, I noticed a mass caught against the dock.
The old dock had seen better days, and lately all it had seen were storms upon storms and the planks were beginning to show signs of rot. Halfway down was where the cries came from, louder than sirens, and much more unearthly than the sound of harpies. I knelt over the dock, grasping hold of what looked like netting tangled with coral and massive amounts of seaweed. Once I had this bizarre package on the dock, I used my knife to open it up to the shrieking from within.
There were two, small wriggling shapes within. They thrashed and screamed in terror, unable to move much beyond that. My breath was taken away and, as rain pelted me and froze my body, I noticed neither. I reached out to one of the small things; it had hands and feet, and shimmered like the ocean waters on a sunny day. They screamed and hissed at my touch while the other began to calm, maybe even fall asleep.
They were babies.
I used the netting to create a sling so I could carry them upon my back. I somehow managed to climb the rocky slope back to the lighthouse with them in tow. Once inside I could inspect them properly and make sure they were taken care of.
I had heard tales of sea monsters that used the reef forest for protection against the many fishing vessels that permeated the waters these days. In all my time at the lighthouse I had never seen proof of those stories until now. The two tiny creatures that wriggled before me appeared amphibious, as they were able to breathe without water. They were also injured and bleeding, and possibly starving. I worked through the night to keep them alive. I managed to find something they would eat, which was mashed fish. And by dawn they had fallen into a peaceful slumber.
The best I could figure was that they were carried away by the storm. Judging from all the coral I saw washed up on shore, they never stood a chance. They were possibly ripped away from their family with no hope of survival. They were so small and looked like soft little jewels.
They looked very similar, but one was more blue while the other was tinged more purple. They had white-pink bellies, which went down the backs of their arms and legs to the soles of their feet and the palms of their hands which were also webbed. They had signs of fins emerging, but they must have been very young, possibly even newborns.
All I could do was watch them. I was in an overwhelmed state, and it was all I could do to keep from breaking down. I sat there, gazing, awe inspired by what the reef forest gave me. I had lost my children when they were young, and now these two souls washed upon the shore.
I had come to this lighthouse out of desperation in an attempt to escape my grief. I was far from home and placed in a world I didn’t belong. I tended to the lighthouse to keep ships away from the dangerous reef forest where no soul outside the waters could survive.
One of the babies began to stir, fussing and grabbing at the bandage around their arm. I picked them up from the crib and they started squawking and thrashing their arms. I cooed to them, gently rocked them. As I sang to them, and the little one began to calm.
I tried to keep my breathing even, but I was near panic at every second. I sat down with the tiny sea creature in my arms, only able to subdue my trembling by rocking the little one to sleep. I leaned back and tears trailed down my face. What was I to do? Could I dare to believe this was a blessing? No, I was never blessed.
Once the rains had subsided I took the two little ones back down to the beach. I thought that their family would be looking for them, so I placed them near the shore and I went back further towards the craggy wall. They splashed around in the water and rolled about in the wet sand. They were too small to walk and they seemed afraid to go too deep into the water. The little blue one looked up at me from their belly and started crawling my way.
“No, no!” I shook my head at them. “Go back to the water. Go! Shoo.”
It kept crawling towards me, making that soft little squawking noise.
I was near breaking down. “I can’t take care of you! I’m not your mother!”
The blue one was before me and reached out for me.
I dropped my head. “I can’t...I can’t...” I had resigned myself to loneliness, to suffering the death of my family in silence. I marooned myself in this desolate place, I knew my lot in life.
The blue one croaked loudly at me and I opened my tear filled eyes. I picked them up from the sand and held them to my chest. They curled up soundly, kneading their little hands into my skin. The purple one was watching, gazing blankly at me from a hole dug in damp sand.
“It’s getting late,” I whimpered. “Come now.” I scooped up the purple one and took the babies back home with me.
Each day I took them to the beach, letting them play in the shallow while I waited in the shadows of the rocks. No one came for them, and they always returned to my side when they were tired or hungry.
Over time they learned to stand on their two long legs and were able to toddle around. More time passed and they were able to croak out words and noises to talk to me.
I named the blue one Hana and the purple one Mali. I knew I was a fool to name them, that would be the end of us. Deep down I knew I wouldn’t be allowed to keep them, that wasn’t my lot in life. I was one of those few who watched the world burn around them and somehow remained alive. I wasn’t a survivor, I was a spectator.
Hana and Mali grew into their fins and were able to swim further beyond the shore. Despite this, they always came back to me when they grew tired or hungry.
One afternoon, Mali came running up to me with something in her mouth. She spit it out before me and pointed. “Fish! Fish!” While her mouth was open, I could see sharp teeth recede back, and on the fish there was a very distinct line of bite marks.
“Mali-” I said breathlessly. “Very good! For many reasons!”
Hana soon came running up, also with something in her mouth she spit out. It was a giant sea snail the size of my fist.
“Fish! Fish!” Hana squealed excitedly.
I pulled them into my arms, holding them tight. “I’m so proud of you both. You’re talking and fishing!”
They hugged me back, soaking through my clothes, but it didn’t matter. That evening we served Mali’s fish, and the sea snail turned into a pet they named, well, Fish.
One evening as I was tucking them into bed, Mali tugged on my hand. “Fish. Fish.”
I hesitated as I tried to figure out what they were saying. Mali pulled on me and the look in their eyes made me understand.
“Mama,” I laid my hand on my chest. “You can call me Mama.”
Mali’s eyes widened and their mouth became a perfect O. “Maa-” they croaked. “Maa maa.”
I was teasing fate with this. “Yes, that’s right.” I kissed their forehead softly. “Do you need something, Mali?”
Mali just smiled and placed my hand upon their belly. I kept it there until they fell asleep while fear tried to tear through my body. I wasn’t allowed this joy, I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep these babies much longer. But while I had them, I wanted to feel happy again, I wanted to keep them happy.
The island my lighthouse was on was small, though I never traveled far from home. Much of the island was inhabited by harpies who often hunted on other shores, bringing their prey back to the island to be picked clean. There were a few I did trade with and knew by name, a rare occurrence. But I decided it would be best to ask them about the babies in hopes of better providing for them.
I traveled to the edge of the wood and laid out an offering for the harpies upon a stone. Mali and Hana watched it, pointing and cooing.
“That’s not for us, little ones,” I whispered.
“Featherless, what have you got there?” The voice croaked from the edge of the trees. A large red wing tipped in talons stretched out and stabbed into the fish offering.
Hana and Mali hid their faces against my chest.
“That was something I hoped you could tell me, Nyris.”
Nyris was one of the elders of the harpies, a giant red creature that blotted out the sun when she flew. She stretched out her long neck and bit into the fish I offered. As she chewed, her dark eyes focused upon the babies.
“How did you come upon these, Featherless?” Nyris hopped closer to me.
“I found them washed on shore a few months ago. It was after all those massive storms. I’ve been taking them to the beach in case they were being looked for, but no one has come.”
Nyris stretched her long neck out to have a closer look. “They are reef mers, children of the Nereid. Back when the tides could sink below the forest, they could climb the coral without harm. They once guarded the reef forest, but I have not seen their kind in ages.”
“What else can you tell me about them?” I asked. “I’ll give you anything in return.”
Nyris hummed. “I can tell you have two girls, a blessing there. They will also be extremely strong as they grow up. If there is anyone looking for them, you could be in great danger. The children of the Nereid are extremely protective and natural born warriors. They will do all in their power to protect their own.”
Mali and Hana raised their heads, looking up at me, frightened.
“That’s fine,” I murmured.
Nyris sighed. “Featherless, you have been bestowed a great treasure. If you do take these two and raise them as your own, there is nothing in the world that will harm you. I’ve fought many children of Nereid and, while I stand, they have taken many of my own. They are worthy of the reef forest.”
I looked up at Nyris, meeting her frightening gaze. “But how can I take care of them? What can I do to make sure they grow the way they should?”
“As long as they have the reef forest, then they will grow as they should.” She stretched out her wings. “Now, Featherless, take them home before I find them too appetizing.” She began flapping her wings to take off, so I hurried back with Mali and Hana to the lighthouse.
It didn’t matter to me that Mali and Hana were girls. Ever since coming to the lighthouse I hadn’t thought of myself as a woman or man at all. I was simply a being. It changed nothing with how I planned to raise them, however long that would be. But knowing a bit more of what they were and the lives they could lead helped more than anything.
A few more months went by before more storms came to the shores. For days it remained dark outside while the ocean rose high and beat upon the side of the lighthouse. Mali and Hana barely left my side, and when they couldn’t, they remained hidden under the stairs.
“It will be alright,” I told them. “Storms pass, they always do.”
Fish, the sea snail was crawling up the wall, so I set him back down upon the floor. “Storms always bring treasure onto the shore. They brought you two to me.”
They looked up at me with big, wide eyes.
“Once they pass, we’ll go back down to the beach and you’ll find all sorts of amazing-” A horrible roar drowned out the sounds of the storm. A cold chill ran down my spine and I stood alert.
Mali and Hana whimpered and screeched.
“It’s okay. It was probably just wind.” As soon as I said this, another guttural roar ripped through the storm.
The door and windows were bolted to protect from the storm, this was the safest possible place on the entire island.
“It’ll be okay.” I repeated for the children, but also for myself.
I heard a window shatter outside the bolted shutters. The roar grew louder and the shutters began to shake and buckle from something pounding against them.
The girls began shouting and they jumped into my arms.
I grabbed Mali and Hana from the floor and carried them back to the bedroom. I placed them inside the closet.
“It’s just the storm. Stay here for me. Okay?” I tried smiling, but I didn’t know how well it came off.
“Mama!” They started screaming.
“I need you to be quiet for me, okay?” I hugged them back into my arms. “Be quiet for Mama. Stay here, alright?”
Mali and Hana continued to cry for me.
I tried shushing them and making them be quiet and then that roar bellowed through the lighthouse. I shut the closet doors and grabbed an axe by the fireplace. I went back out into the main room and saw one of the storm shutters was busted.
My whole body tensed in alertness and my heart pounded up inside my throat. I readied myself, holding the axe before me as I listened for anything over the storm. The howling winds and pelting rains hid any footsteps that may have been outside. Whatever was out there wanted inside. And a dark thought told me it was here for Hana and Mali.
The door shook, something on the other side was clawing and ramming against it. Segments of the door began to splinter and I could see shadows of the creature moving from outside.
My breath was shuddering but I was able to keep my hands steady. I squeezed my hands harder and tighter around the shaft of the axe. I could swing as hard as anyone, all these years alone I had been chopping wood myself. I could crack a skull if I had to.
The door began to break and, on the other side, the creature roared.
“Mama!”
I turned around to see Hana standing there.
I shook my head and pointed back towards the bedroom. “Hana! No! Go back-”
Hana looked around. “Fish?”
“Don’t worry about Fish!” I yelled at her. “Go back to the-”
The door buckled and was ripped from the wall. The guttural roar hit me like a ton of bricks. I raced for Hana, throwing my body over her. Chunks of wood from the door rained over me as it was slammed against the stairs.
Rain was forced inside by the howling winds and it felt like ice against my skin. I looked at Hana, gazing into her eyes as she watched me with fear.
“I won’t let it hurt you,” I breathed to her.
The creature screamed again and Hana echoed it. There was silence and a guttural clicking sound followed.
I was grabbed by the back of my neck and yanked off the floor. The creature held me aloft and, for a brief second, I saw it. It was massive, glittering like the ocean, and covered in thick, gauged scars. It tossed me against the stairs.
“Mama!” Hana screamed.
The creature growled at her and reached out towards her. Hana evaded, running towards the foot of the stairs. She tried to climb the stairs towards me, but she couldn’t make it. She turned to face the creature, hissing and spitting, her fins standing on end.
The creature snarled and, when it tried to step forward, Hana would scream. Moments later, Mali joined her, throwing things at the creature while they tried to guard the stairs.
I sat up slowly, trying to move my body so I could reach them. I looked the creature dead in the eye and I knew right away why they were here.
This was Mali and Hana’s father.
I managed to crawl down the stairs to them, and they placed themselves over me protectively. I looked up one last time at their father, who looked like the powerful warrior Nyris spoke of. I held out my hand to him, giving a slight nod before I could no longer hold on. I drifted away, fading deep into the darkness. I could only hope there was someone waiting for me on the other side.
I never expected to wake up, not alive anyways, and especially not in bed. I woke with Hana and Mali laying on either side of me and the storm howling just beyond me. It had been a dream, a horrible nightmare. I smiled as I felt the girls' little bodies against mine. I rested back into bed when I felt horrible pain radiate through my legs.
Not a dream.
I turned my head slightly and saw in the dim light the outline of the father. His eyes glowed in the radiant light and a luminescence glowed along the scars of his body.
“I knew you’d come,” I murmured. “It was too good to be true.”
Father sniffed.
Tears rose in my eyes. “I wanted you to come back before I loved them. Why did it take you so long?”
Father took a step forward, coming into the bedroom and bending himself over the bed. The girls remained asleep, but their hands tightened upon the blankets.
Sniffing, Father looked into my eyes. He raised his thick arm and placed his hand over my head.
I whimpered, but I was ready for it all to end. Hana and Mali would go back to where they belonged and I would finally be able to see my family again.
“They are mine,” Father growled. “But you are theirs.” He removed his hand from my face and rose over me.
I sniffled and choked on my own breath.
An awful growl filled the room. “They are only children, they do not understand how foolish they are. But once they do, I will rip out your throat so the harpies cannot hear you screaming.”
I closed my eyes and tried to breathe.
“But as long as you are theirs, you are also mine. I do not like it, but I will obey it.” Father’s voice was deep and loud, a storm on its own.
“I am grateful for as long as that stands,” I whimpered. “I only ever wanted to care for them, I promise you that.”
“Humans say lots of things. What makes your words any different?”
“I don’t know.” I swallowed and Hana crawled up closer to me. “Just look at them is all I can say.”
“All I have done is look for them. And now that I have them back, I cannot claim them. Do you know what agony that is? Do you understand how angry that makes me?”
“I do,” I said breathlessly. “I lost my children too. I lost them forever.”
Father was silent.
I sniffled and Mali nuzzled her face into my shoulder. “What’s your name?”
Father snarled. “Hau. Who are you?”
“Oshea. Hello, Hau.”
Hau growled low in his chest and the sound echoed off the walls of the bedroom. Hana and Mali began to still and rested heavily upon me.
“It’s been a long time since I had company, but you are welcome here.” I laughed out of weakness. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what to do...I don’t know what I should say to you.”
“Say nothing to me. I will remain here only for them. There is nothing that needs to be spoken between us.”
I rested against the bed again. “I think there is a lot that could be said between us,” I muttered. “These children...there’s so much…” I stopped myself and looked back towards Hau.
“I love them so much. Surely you understand that.”
Hau remained silent.
“I love them,” I insisted. “And I know they love me. I was willing to die for them tonight. You and I have that in common, Hau.”
He snarled. “Humans are demons, worse than demons. My daughters will not need you once they are grown.”
“Maybe,” I whispered. “But that’s fine with me.”
“You are frustrating me.”
Hana sat up sleepily. She rubbed her eyes and looked up towards Hau. She tensed up and placed her small body around my neck.
“Do you not recognize me, little one?” Hau growled. “Look at me! Surely you must remember.”
Hana remained protective over me and would not move.
“Show her you mean me no harm,” I tried to coax Hau. “Show her.”
Hau snarled under his breath.
I held out my hand towards him. “She won’t trust you until you do.”
Hau reluctantly took hold of my hand. I brought it close, placing a small kiss upon him while Hana watched. He flinched, gripping tighter onto my hand. Hana breathed and mimicked what I did, kissing Hau’s hand and smile appeared on her face.
“There, you see?” I looked up towards him as Hana held onto his hand.
Hau picked her up, cradling her in his arms. She looked so tiny compared to him. Hau was exceptionally big and powerful, he looked like a god.
“Mama,” Hana chirpped.
Hau snarled. “You do not need her, you know? You have the blood of ancient warriors in your veins. You are vicious and glorious.”
“Mama,” Hana burbled.
“Fine.” Hau handed her back to me. “You will learn better eventually.”
“Hana,” I said.
“What?”
“I named her Hana, and the other I named Mali.”
Hau got a stricken look upon his face.
“Did they have names before?” I asked.
Hau looked away from me. “They were too young when the storm took them. I never got a chance.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I tried to name them something...strong. I was a bit afraid in the beginning. I had no idea what I was doing. I just wanted to help them.”
Hau turned away from me, walking away from the bedroom and the sound of rain pelting through the broken door. “It doesn’t matter now,” he sounded solemn. His deep voice held a whisper of sadness to it. “They are not horrible names.”
I smiled softly and closed my eyes again until Mali began to stir. I held them close to me, and silently thanked them for saving my life. In more ways than one, they had protected me. I just had to reckon with Hau now, a new storm, a new day.
///////////
I repaired the front door as best I could, but while the storm raged I didn’t have the proper supplies to fix it completely. Rain still came through and puddled on the floor, and the house maintained a bone penetrating chill the entire time. Fixing the window Hau broke was another matter as well, I had no clue when I’d be able to order glass for it, or if my letters would even reach the mainland.
Once the storms did cease I was able to go out to get lumber and perhaps make a trade with the harpies. I was still beaten and bruised, and I had to use a crutch to make it further inland. I was used to doing things on my own, so aside from some pain, this wasn’t an issue.
Mali and Hana followed me, chased me really. They weren’t eager to be left alone with Hau, so he was close behind as well.
“If you’re going to be coming with us, do you mind carrying this for me?” I held out the axe to him, which he just glared at. “I’m trying to repair damages that you caused. It’s the least you could do.”
Hau sneered and took the axe from me. In the sunlight, his colors appeared much more vivid than Hana and Mali’s, so were his scars. He was covered from head to toe in battle wounds that ranged from tiny cuts to ragged gouges and bites. He shone bright blue in the daylight, but in the shadows of the lighthouse he appeared more purple.
“If you go further inland, you’ll risk the harpies,” Hau warned.
“I have a tentative alliance with Nyris. As long as I give offerings, I’m to be left alone.” I held up the satchel I brought filled with fish that I would leave on the offering stone. “I am fully aware of what I can and cannot do here.”
Hau’s eyes narrowed, slanting upwards as his grimace turned further down. He had sharp frills that went into his sharp cheekbones and under his jaw, giving him a very severe look. Not that his size didn’t leave that to question.
I placed my offering and heard the harpies whispering beyond the trees. I moved aside, going further down where I often chopped my wood. I set my things aside and propped my crutch up so I could reach is easily later.
I held out my hand to Hau and wobbled. “I’ll take it back now.”
Hau handed it back and moved away from the treeline while Hana and Mali started collecting small stones and seeds from the ground.
“Stand back,” I told them gently. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
They scurried further back, ducking behind a big rock to play. I started swinging at a tree, but I lost my wind sooner than usual. I stopped, clutching my arm around my side. After a few moments, I started chopping again, only to encounter the same problem.
“What are you doing?” Hau scoffed. “You’re supposed to breathe air and yet you can’t seem to do that right.”
I scowled back at him. “You threw me against the stairs. I’m not a fast healer as it is. If you have something more to say, I suggest you leave.”
Hau looked down at the children as they played, ignoring me as I turned back to my work. I chiseled away at that tree for hours, but eventually it came down, crashing onto the ground. I took a break, sitting down upon a stone as my body cooled and the stabbing pain in my leg became a dull throb.
I looked over and saw Hau was gone. I looked around for Mali and Hana, but I didn’t see them anywhere. I grabbed my crutch and attempted to rush back to the lighthouse, but my body had enough of it, and the slick ground helped assist it in keeping me from moving forward.
I fell to the ground and cried out in agony as I landed on my side. I curled up in a ball, choking on breaths as the pain racked through my body.
“Mama!” Through blurred vision I saw two small shapes run up to me, while a much bigger one followed behind. Their hands were soaking wet and, when Hau picked me up off the ground, my clothes soaked through.
“Useless,” Hau snarled.
“Where did you go?” I wheezed.
“I took them swimming, which is what they should be doing. They can barely dive! What have you been doing to them?” Hau walked harshly, jostling me and adding to my pain as he carried me back down the hill to the lighthouse.
The girls chirped and hissed at him, biting at his ankles every time I made a sound.
“Very good, children,” he told them. “But I am taking her home! You need to save your energy for a real attack.”
“Take me back, I have to finish this,” I scolded.
“You’re in foul shape. What do you think you could possibly do aside from advancing your own death?” Hau carried me inside and laid me back in bed. “If you die, I would greatly appreciate it.”
“Sweet talk gets you nowhere,” I huffed.
Mali and Hana climbed onto the bed with me, snuggling up against me and nuzzling to my face.
Hau snarled. “It would make things so much easier. But I fear you’ve rubbed off too much on them.”
“Is that all you have to say?” I huffed. “Can’t you be cruel elsewhere? You’ve been here several days and all you’ve done is snarl nasty things under your breath. Doesn’t that get exhausting? Because it is for me!”
Hau recoiled in surprise. I’d held my tongue the entire time, but I was not in the mood then. I was in agony and I had so much to do. I also needed to go up to the top of the lighthouse to refuel, which sounded impossible the way my legs felt.
“Mean,” Mali hissed back at Hau.
“Mean!” Hana screeched.
I sighed and patted their heads. “You don’t need to join in.”
Hau turned and left the room, storming out and kicking something as he left the lighthouse. I sunk back into the bed, able to relax genuinely for the first time in days. Ever since Hau arrived, I had been on edge, which is probably why my body felt like tightly coiled wire.
Hana kissed my cheek and laid herself across my chest.
“You don’t need to protect me,” I mumbled. “He’s your father after all.” I closed my eyes and rubbed the bridge of my nose. “We’ll rest a little bit, then we have to make those repairs. Who knows when another storm will blow up?” I put my arm around them on my chest as I drifted to sleep.
I was woken by the sound of loud, repetitive banging. Hana and Mali were at the end of the bed and looking out the bedroom door with intense curiosity. I got up and looked out to see Hau cramming a solid block of stone through the broken window.
I wrapped my arm around my side and held it while I moved. “What are you doing?” I snapped at him.
He turned around on the stairs and glared at me. “Making repairs,” he said mockingly. He went back to force feeding the block of stone through the window until it wedged itself and sealed it off. He dusted off his big hands and leapt down the stairs in front of me.
He rose, glaring down at me then sniffed and turned towards the door which was leaned up against the wall and had a weaved material covering the holes.
“It’s good enough for nets, it should be good enough for your door,” he snarled. “You can put it back in place.”
“Thank you.” I was in a state of awe. “Why did you do this?”
“Is nothing good enough for you?” Hau hissed at me.
I tilted my head to the side. “Yes, of course it is, I’m just horribly confused. You didn’t seem like you wanted to help me at all.”
Hau rose from the door. “I have to accept that this is the nest my children will be living in. For the time being, it must be a guarded and safe nest for them. Once they understand how much better it can be for them, then I will have nothing more to do with this place.”
A smile broke on my face. “I’m so relieved, thank you so much!”
He huffed and his great shoulder slouched. “I will not help you, only my children.”
“That’s something we can agree upon. All I ask is that you do what’s best for Hana and Mali. I don’t care about myself whatsoever.”
His mouth opened slightly. “Such a strange thing to say about yourself.”
“It’s my norm.” I offered my hand to him to shake. “We can work together on this. We will take care of them equally, and try to get along for their sake. And whatever the choose in the future, we both have to accept it.”
“Why are you offering me your weird little hand?” Hau snarled.
Was my hand gross? I knew it was small in comparison but surely it wasn’t gross. “To shake on it. You know? Like a gentleman’s agreement.”
“Neither one of us is a gentleman, so I see no need to do it. It is customary to exchange blows when we come to an agreement.”
I flinched and tried to step away. “You already hit me enough I don’t think we need to-” Hau came closer and I felt pinned into a corner. “Wait a second, wait-” Hau lowered himself down, pressing his lips to mine. I remained still, feeling his cold breath in my lungs. I breathed back, feeling his chest flare as he took it in.
Hau pulled back, wiping his mouth with his finger. “That is how we come to an agreement.”
I clutched my hand over my chest, still feeling his cold breath inside me. My face felt flushed from embarrassment and I wanted to void looking any more foolish in front of him.
“Alright, okay,” I cleared my throat. “Glad we can come to that...which is the agreement that we have agreed upon.” I stopped and shook it off. “Thank you.”
Hau narrowed his eyes and puffed out his chest. “Just so you know, before we enter into this, every human I have ever come across I have killed them.”
I stood my ground, but only because I couldn’t move myself as fast as I needed to get away.
“So one wrong move, and you’ll be one of them.” His eyes averted, catching the girls watching us from the bedroom door. He exhaled, relaxing his puffed chest, and he patted the top of my head.
“How do I make them like me?” He growled.
“This is a start.”
A few days later, Hau carried me and the children down towards the ocean. In an attempt to get close to them, I agreed to let him take them swimming, only knowing they wouldn’t go far without me.
I sat on shore, urging Mali and Hana to go into the water with Hau. “It’s fine, I promise. This is what you are made to do, and he’s so excited to teach you. I’m excited too, see?” I pointed to my smile which they looked unimpressed by.
“What have you told them to make them so afraid of their home?” Hau huffed in his impatience.
“I am trying to help! Chill out! Their first memories are of a storm tossing them about in the water, give them some time!” I then realized they wouldn’t go far out without me.
With a heavy sigh, I knew what I had to do. “Do you want me to go swimming with you and your father?”
Mali and Hana nodded excitedly.
I stood and stripped off my clothes. Hau watched, a perplexed and irritated look upon his face. His eyes lingered, seeing scars upon my body that made his eyes widen and reveal the golden ring around the black.
I stepped into the water and caught his eye. “This is the only thing I can think of to get them further into the water with you. I’m not a great swimmer-”
“Then enjoy your awful death.” Hau dove into the water, swimming further out.
Mali and Hana followed me, going into the water and staying by my side. It was painfully cold, and my teeth started to chatter. I swam as best as I could towards Hau who dove under again. He yanked Mali and Hana down and their tiny hands grabbed at my toes. After a moment, they rose back up with a look of wonder on their faces.
Hau rose up from the water, the edges of his scars glowed brightly enough to make him look angelic. “Come on now, children, we need to try and go deeper. We hunt on the floor of the ocean, you need to learn how to find your own food.”
“It’s okay,” I told them. “You’re having fun, right?”
Mali tugged on me, wanting me to go down with them.
“You’re a nuisance.” Hau grabbed me, pulling me down underwater so that Hana and Mali would follow.
Hau’s strong arm locked around my waist, swimming with me down through the depths of the reef forest. It was strangely beautiful, even if my vision was somewhat blurred. The tall, tree-like coral towers had never been so high above me before. They were beautiful, but that didn’t take away how dangerous they were.
We did this several times, as Hau had to bring me back up for air. He complained, but the more we did it, the more eager that Hana and Mali were to join him. Eventually, all I needed to do was get into the water for them to dive with Hau. And as more time passed, I could sit peacefully on the shore while they went on their hunts.
“Mama! Mama! I found you things!” Mali happily clamored on shore, her smile shining brightly as she extended her hand out to me.
So much time had passed, but I was still amazed at how much they had grown. They were excellent swimmers now, and were on their way to being great hunters.
“What did you find this time?” I opened my hand and Mali dumped a fist full of pearls into my palm.
“For your collection,” Mali grinned.
I smirked. “That’s so sweet of you, Mali.” I pulled her in and kissed her cheek. “Where’s your sister?”
“Still with him.” She pointed to the ocean. “Hana didn’t catch enough.”
I rolled my eyes and let Mali climb into my lap. “Hana’s not the fighter like you are. He’s going to have to learn that.”
Mali snuggled up against me, closing her eyes with a smile on her face.
A few minutes later, Hana came out of the water with a huge pout on her face. She ran up to me, slamming herself into my body and tucking her head down.
“Hana! Get back here!” Hau came out of the water with a severe glare in his eyes. “You’re not done yet.”
Hana whimpered against me, hugging me tighter.
“She’s tired, Hau. Let her rest.”
Hau kneeled down before me. “You are far too soft on them. No wonder humans are so easy to kill if they have mothers as soft as you.”
I gave him a warning look. “Trust me, soft mothers are not the reason people are easy to kill. Now let her rest, she’s not going to work any harder just because you tell her to.”
Hau sat down on the sand, watching as the girls snuggled up to me. The look on his face I could understand. He was teaching them to be one of their own kind, but like any parent he also wanted to be close to them.
“Hana, would you like to hug your father?” I asked softly. “Then that’ll be all for your training today.”
Hana glanced back at Hau and slowly removed herself from me. She went to Hau and hugged onto his arm.
“I don’t need your pity,” Hau huffed.
“You need something,” I said with a smile.
Hau snarled under his breath and brought Hana into his lap.
Mali and Hana went off to play after a rest, leaving Hau and I alone together. We had gotten used to one another, after all this time we worked hard at it, but Hau kept his distance from me. I understood why he did, but I wanted to close that distance between us.
“May I ask you something, Hau?”
He tilted his head to the side. “What do you want?”
I gazed out over the ocean, watching the sun sink into the waves and paint them shades of orange and purple. “What happened the night you were separated from Hana and Mali? You’ve never told me that.”
Hau scoffed. “Because it was a painful loss for me. It was the first time I had ever failed at doing my duty.”
I glanced at him, seeing his expression was filled with pain. I inched closer to him and placed my hand upon his arm. “I understand. More than you’ll ever know.”
“You told me you lost your children,” he grumbled.
The pain welled up in my chest. “At least you found Mali and Hana again. I can’t describe my jealousy.”
“You found them,” he snarled weakly.
“Were you hurt?” I asked. “I mean...when you lost them.”
Hau was silent, and he didn’t try to toss my hand away at all. “I had been out hunting. I hadn’t left them in days and I was growing hungry. Since I was the only one in the nest, it was much harder. I decided to go after something big, something I could feed off of for a long time and not worry about leaving the nest. My arrogance cost me-” He pushed my hand aside then.
“Why do you want to know this?”
“I just do.”
“I let my mate die, and I almost let my children die,” he snarled. “There. Now you know.”
“You didn’t let them,” I murmured.
Hau remained silent.
“There’s something I need to tell you, something I’m not sure how you’ll respond to.” I looked back out over the ocean. “I suppose I need to say it for selfish reasons if you’ll let me.”
“Go ahead with it,” he grunted. “I’m used to your blathering.”
I smiled to myself, watching his hand flex in preparation of me touching it. I placed my palm on his arm again, moving it down and over the back of his hand. “I love you. I realized I did a while ago, but I wasn’t sure how to approach it.”
Hau sighed heavily. “You really are a fool. You would fall in love with the death that stood in your doorway. I told you long ago I had killed every human I had come across and not to think you would be any different. What makes you think you can escape me now?”
I chuckled. “I’m not.”
Hau put his big hand on the back of my head. “I would really be a failure if I did.”
“Well, as long as I am alive, can I?”
Hau looked down at me right as the tears began to fall from my eyes. “Can you what?”
I sniffled and hiccuped, covering my face with my hands. Hau gently hovered over me, lowering himself down so I was cast in his shadow. He pulled my hand away from my face and wrenched my chin to look back at him.
“Tell me,” he snarled.
“Can I love you?” I blubbered.
Hau frowned but it melted away slowly. He wiped the tears from my cheeks and looked me over with a soft gaze.
“I can’t stop you from anything, Oshea,” he murmured. “I can’t stop the children from loving you. Nor can I help but see you through their eyes. Love me if you must, I just don’t know what to do with it.”
“That’s okay,” I smiled through my tears. “Come here.” I pulled him down, pressing a kiss softly upon his cheek. He made a small noise in his throat and I kissed again.
Hana and Mali soon returned, wanting to go home and have dinner. They saw me crying and became defensive, but they realized soon that I was okay.
That evening, after Mali and Hana had been tucked into bed I stood in the open doorway of the lighthouse. I watched the light from the beacon shine far into the distance, warning oncoming sailors to the dangers of the reef forest.
I felt Hau’s presence behind me, but I remained still. Even as his arms wrapped around me from behind, I did not move. His strong embrace held me firmly to his body and his head came to rest upon my shoulder.
“Why must you love me?” He whispered.
“Because I must.”
His arms tightened around me. “Then I will show you how to love.”
Hau forced me outside the lighthouse, closing the door behind him. He led me away from the lighthouse, taking me down into an alcove of stone. He laid me upon the cold ground and pressed his body into mine.
“I’ll show you,” he snarled into my ear. “You humans have no depth. You cannot possibly understand.”
“Hau, please-” I held onto him as strongly as I could. I feared he would fade away like a mirage. Last time I held on so tightly, I lost them forever.
Hau’s strong hands dug into my body, he ripped away fabric that stood in his way. His touch awakened my nerves, and I was reminded of a long dead desire inside me.
Hau pressed his great power upon me, driving it hard into my body so I would not forget. He left marks on my skin, bites he said would show I had given myself to him. He pressed harder and deeper inside me, taking my breath away. His low voice became a soothing song in my ear, deep breaths and deep growls that filled my every thought. His effort rasped his voice, the harder he worked, the more his voice broke and trembled.
I began to cry in his arms, but I begged him not to stop for a single moment. I wanted him to hold me fast and imprint the shape of my body into the ground. I was so starved for this touch and this lesson, I feared I lost my mind for a moment.
The dark hush of the ocean as it lapped upon the shore echoed my deep breathing. As i laid there looking up at the sky, tears in my eyes, I felt the world around me sigh. Relief settled upon me as the sweat on my skin began to evaporate.
Hau’s body rose over me, taking me again into his arms.
Mali and Hana were still asleep when we returned. Dawn would soon come, but I did not feel like resting at all. My body was still pulsing with Hau’s affections, and each breath I took could feel him inside me.
I smiled at them as they slept, feeling a comfort inside me that I would not lose them as I feared. I left them to sleep, stepping back out into the main room where Hau stood before the fireplace.
He was quiet and still as I approached him, kissing his back and resting my body against his.
“I don’t hate you,” he murmured to me. “Not like I should. Not even a little. I don’t trust this feeling, but I don’t know what else I should do with it. You’re mine now. You always were. Since the moment you took them you sealed your fate.”
Hau turned and placed his hand upon the top of my head. “My fate is yours to decide,” he whispered.
A new assignment sends you out onto a legendary ship with a captain whose heroics are like mythological stories. But fact can be stranger than fiction.
Female Main Character (cis) x Male Monster (nonbinary masculine)
--------------------------------
Marull was a legend when I was a young cadet. During my training he had just completed a mission, saving his whole crew and the Saint Dawn civilian port from an attack by the Criqruids. He was everywhere at that time. Everyone and anyone would talk about Marull and the work he was doing. I heard whispers from the other cadets, huddled together in the mess hall as they spoke of Marull like he was the deity of the training fields. They talked about his fast track to being made a Captain from a lieutenant commander, something almost unheard of. We all watched as he was given command over his own ship, and everyone whispered about how they wished they could be one of his crew once they graduated.
While my friends spoke of such hope, I reminded myself to stay grounded. Not that I didn’t want to work under Marull as well. I knew I had to stick to reality and save myself the disappointment.
That was years ago and I had just received my promotion, making me a commander. I was being transferred, but at first I didn’t know where I would be going. Upon hearing I would be going to the SS Angelica I felt like that young cadet again.
“This must be some sort of joke.” I said with uncertainty. I looked over my transfer script on the tablet, then back at my commanding officer. “You guys are pulling my chain right?”
She shook her head. “No, Commander Cove, the SS Angelica is going to be your home from here on out. Captain Marull requested you personally.”
“This is a joke,” I blurted.
She cocked her eyebrow at me. “Commander?”
I stopped myself, realizing my outburst and I stiffened my shoulders. “I would doubt someone of Captain Marull’s status would have ever heard of me.”
“He has heard of you and your work. He stated he needed someone with your credentials to help keep the rest of his crew in line.”
This was news. “In line? But isn’t the Angelica a-” I was cut off as he communicator rang. She was called away, and I was left to overthink and wander my mind too far. Marull and the SS Angelica were legends! What could I possibly add to their stellar history? I kept my head down, followed rules, and did what I thought was best. Surely there were better soldiers, leaders, even musicians who deserved this honor more than I.
I was taken to the SS Angelica, arriving when things seemed quiet. I took my first steps onto the famous ship and realized something that hadn’t been shown. The SS Angelica was ancient. It was an extremely old model of ship, and as I was led down the halls I couldn’t help but notice it looked more like a transport vessel than a starship.
“I’ll take them from here.” The deep voice’s cadence sent tingles down my spine. My skin flared with excited goosebumps and I steadied myself for who was approaching.
“Commander Cove, I’ve been expecting you.” The eight foot tall Vrell who stood before me had not left my mind since I was a cadet. He was every bit as impressive to stand before as I had imagined in my dreams.
My throat instantly went dry. Two of his arms were folded behind his back, one was at his side, the other was held out towards me.
“Captain Marull,” I was breathless. Hell, I even felt faint! “It’s an honor sir!” My excitement was electricity in my veins as I took his hand into mine. His three, long fingers curled around my palm and through our gloves he felt so warm.
Marull’s six eyes widened slightly, showing off their opal-like glow. “You’re doing me a favor by being here.” He sounded almost guilty. “Come along, I’ll show you to your quarters, then perhaps we can have a talk one on one.” He pulled his hand back and between his glove and the sleeve of his uniform I could see the satin shin of his skin ad the faint glow of his veins underneath.
“Yes, sir,” I was just as breathless as before. I followed alongside him, hoping to keep up with the stride of his long, elegant legs. The way his feet were shaped it almost looked like he was wearing high heeled boots, and I tried to squash the images that my mind concocted.
“The quarters here are not much,” Marull explained.
“I’m fine with that,” I replied.
Marull glanced down at you. His eyes were radiant, like glowing pearls in the socket. His eyes were placed like human eyes, only there was another behind them, and a smaller one on top, granting the Vrell six. The rim of his eyes was a dull blue, fading into royal blue at the corners where they were more fleshy. Along his cheek bone and down his mandibles there was a glowing vein. It faded between muscle and bone before going down his neck and being hidden under his uniform.
He looked forward again, moving all four arms to his side. “I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that the Angelica is not the grand dame of starships.”
I didn’t want to say anything to offend him. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, sir.”
Marull sighed. “The SS Angelica is not in her prime. That is why I was given command of it.”
I furrowed my brow. “What do you mean?”
Marull stopped and pointed to a door. “We are here at your quarters, Commander Cove. Your things were delivered yesterday, so your trunks are inside. You have your own bathroom, but if you wish to use the amenities onboard, you may use the bathroom suit on the third deck.”
I used my keycard to open my door and walked in. That room, more than anywhere else, showed Angelica's age. The walls were a sort of baby pink married with a bad salmon. The floor was carpeted, something I had not seen since I left my childhood home.
“You look surprised.” Marull turned to face you.
You stalled as you tried to think of something to say. Looking up at Marull, his strong features, penetrating eyes, you knew you owed him the truth. “This color is hideous, sir,” you said quietly.
Marull chuckled, raising a hand and clasping it around his mandibles. “I know, Commander Cove. I am well aware of the…distressing hue. I suggest filling your walls with personal items. Pictures. Art work. A note board perhaps.”
I stepped into my room and saw there was a card on the bed. “I must confess, I was not expecting the Angelica to be-” I stopped myself from saying something that could be taken offensively.
“The Angelica has seen better days. And while it is outdated, it is still useful and able to serve.” He then sighed heavily, his massive shoulders slouching. “But I have secret hopes they will retire her soon.”
I looked down then back up into his eyes. “I will help you take care of her until then, sir.”
Marull smiled and his eyes took on a soft glow. “That is why I requested you, Commander Cove. I need someone like you here.”
My heart had never thrummed so fast. “That is what surprised me more than anything, sir. I only just became a commander. And to be honest there is nothing too remarkable about my record-”
Marull held up his hand to stop me. “To you it may not be impressive. But to me, I can tell you are exactly what I need.”
Ever since that moment, I dedicated myself to serving Marull as best I could. And as I learned about the Angelica and her crew, I realized there was something deeply amiss. While the crew did their work and served Marull well, they were also rowdy and wild. Most of them had marks on their records for bad behavior or subordination in some form. They’d been sent to Marull and the Angelica as a form of punishment by their superiors.
Not only that, but Marull’s former glory and heroics had stagnated because of his placement. Sure, the military upheld him as a hero to their cause, but because he was Vrell they kept him at arm's length. This only steeled my resolve in serving Marull and the Angelica. Because even if this was a punishment, the Angelica worked like a family, and even the roughest member served Marull proudly.
“Good morning, Cove,” Marull greeted me as I came into the helm. It was quiet and empty and he was standing before the wide window with a set of arms behind his back.
My heart leapt and I felt slightly weak in his presence. “Good morning, Captain.” I stood beside him, watching the space around us.
“It’s quiet this morning,” Marull murmured.
“The crew were celebrating last night, so they’re a bit slow to get up this morning,” I reported.
Marull sighed heavily, his posture slouching. “What was it this time?”
I looked up ahim in surprise. “I figured you would have known, sir. Creedence and Manheim got engaged.”
Marull turned and looked down at me, his arms going to his side. The tendrils at the top of his head slicked back then stood straight up. “I didn’t realize Manheim would be doing it so soon though.”
“I think he got tipsy and couldn’t hold it in.” I smiled up at him. “You can congratulate them later. I’m sure they’ll come and talk to you.”
He took a step forward, leaning on the railing as he gazed further out into space. He sighed, sounded sad. “I envy them, Commander.”
I watched him, unsure if I should move closer or not. “Sir?”
“Being able to be so free with their affection. Unable to contain it under even the smallest of influence.” He bowed his head down low. “If I weren’t so afraid-”
The sound of his voice moved me and I stepped closer to him. I placed my hand upon his back and felt his body tense at the touch. I had admired him from a distance for so long when I was younger. We had become friends now. We were confidants and I never considered anyone closer. If it weren’t for these damn feelings.
“Cove,” he said with a weakness I had never heard before.
I wanted to wrap my arms around him, holding him fast as I held my face against his back so he couldn’t see how red I would turn. I was close to it, moving faster towards his body.
But the door opened.
“Good morning!” The cheery voice of Ensign Habit sang.
We both stood erect, putting distance between us as she awkwardly greeted her. We fumbled and stumbled over our words, which luckily, Habit didn’t pick up on.
Marull looked at me then turned away, heading towards his captain’s seat. I exhaled heavily with my heart lodged in my throat. I had been that close to confessing to him and giving myself away.
That evening I had extra time off since most of the crew didn’t get up to do their duties until later. Everyone else was still working, and I was taking time to myself in my quarters. I was trying to read, but my mind kept wandering to what almost happened that morning.
If we hadn't been interrupted, what would I have done? Would I have confessed and held him in my arms? I for certain would have made a fool of myself. But, what would be happening now? What if he had accepted?
“You need to stop, Cove,” you grumbled to yourself. “Get it together and just stop. You have a hard enough time as it is.” I attempted to read again, but instead I pictured Marull with me, laying beside me. In this fantasy he was kissing me.
I covered my face in the book and whined loudly.
“Cove, I need you,” Marull’s voice whispered into my ear.
I swallowed and tried to breathe. “Stop it,” I warned myself.
“I need you,” Marull whispered again. His voice was so close, so desperate. I could feel his warm hands upon me. “Cove, I want you.”
I sat up and pinched my cheeks really hard. “Stop it brain!”
There was a knock on my door. “Cove, may I come in?” It was Marull.
“Sir!” I jumped up from bed. “Yes, it’s fine.”
Marull opened the door, bending down as he stepped inside. “I’m glad you’re still awake. I hope I’m not imposing.”
I needed to wipe my mind clean of everything I had just imagined. “Of course not. I’m happy for the visit.” I set my book aside. “I was just catching up on reading. What brings you here?”
Marull’s eyes looked down at me and I could feel them trailing over me. I felt exposed, and I placed my arm against my bare chest.
“Let me find a shirt, Captain,” I chuckled.
“No, it’s alright.” Marull stepped further into the room. “I came to talk.”
I motioned to a chair. “Have a seat then. Would you like anything to drink?”
Marull shook his head. “No. I’m fine.” He took the seat and the tendrils on the back of his head went flat then down. “This is something I have been meaning to talk to you about for a long time. I just haven’t found the right way to say it.”
I sat on the edge of my bed. “Is something wrong?”
He was quiet, glancing away. His eyes focused on a noteboard I had hanging on the wall. It was filled with pictures and mementos from my time onboard the SS Angelica.
“This morning I came very close to letting it out, but that would have been horribly unprofessional of me. It probably still is now-” He sat up but kept his head down. “We’ve worked together for a long time now, Cove. I consider you my right hand, my friend. But I fear along the way, there is a line that I have crossed.”
My heart was beating so fast I thought he could hear it. “If there is something wrong, please tell me. You’re my friend too and I would do anything for you.”
A strained whimper came from his throat. Every hair on my body stood on end as I saw the white tears flow from his eyes.
“Marull-” My voice choked back in my throat.
“Please stay still, Cove” he whispered. “Please keep quiet.” The tears flowed down his face, leaving a white cast along his dark skin. “I already feel guilty enough. I have tried so hard, but I can’t keep going like this. As your captain it is unthinkable, but as a living creature I cannot control these things no matter how badly I want to!”
It hurt to watch the man I loved struggling like that. I wanted to hold him, to comfort him, but I had to respect his orders.
Marull took a deep breath. “I cannot imagine a day going by without you. But there may be no choice, Cove.”
“Sir?”
A soft smile appeared on his face. “I am about to break every rule I gave to myself. I am about to shame my position as your captain. But I cannot hold it within me anymore, Cove. Even if it changes how you see me, I have to say it.” He raised his gaze and the tendrils lifted very slightly.
“Never in all my days have I come across someone who has captivated me like you. From the moment I first met you I was drawn in. Every word we spoke since, every quiet moment we shared, every second I spent with you, I did nothing but fall for you.”
I couldn’t breathe.
The tears flowed fresh down his face. “Commander Cove, I adore you more than you could possibly know.”
“I know.” My face twitched and tears came into my eyes. “I know because I feel it too, Captain.” I broke into a smile and a freeing laugh came out. “I feel the same way!”
His expression went blank and he stared at me.
“Right before you came in…this morning even-” I hiccuped. “I’ve wanted to tell you for so long.”
Marull sat stiffly in his chair. “I wasn’t prepared for this. I was ready for the worst. But this-”
I stood and went to him, placing my hands upon his face. We gazed at one another silently before succumbing to our desire. Vrell showed affection with their tongues, and Marull’s lapped all over my face and neck. All four hands held onto me. I kissed his face and neck, burying myself there as I held him close.
We grew still in that embrace and fear crept over us again.
“I should be happy,” Marull murmured. “But I know this is wrong.”
I breathed against his neck. I tried to find the right words to say but nothing came to my head.
“All I want is you.” His arms tightened around me. “And that makes me forget how troubling this could be.”
“Then come to bed with me. Just for tonight.” I raised my head from his neck. “Let's forget what we are, and let's pretend we are lovers.”
Marull whimpered. “You’ve thought about this, haven’t you?”
I kissed his cheek and mouth, rising from his lap. “For far too long, Marull.”
He stood and nodded. “So have I.”
I was beginning to feel anxious, but I had to shred that away if I wanted Marull. I strengthened my resolve and grabbed at his clothes.
“Take these off.”
Marull stiffened. “When did you become this forceful?”
“Just now.” It felt almost fun. “Take them off for me.”
Marull’s blue tongue licked across his mouth, going back against his mandibles. He stripped off his clothes, his eyes going to me for approval as he did. I smiled, watching his body become exposed to me.
I had seen Marull undressed only a handful of times. Each time it had fuled my fantasies for longer than I cared to admit. His body was strong and well honed, dark flesh illuminated with glowing, opal veins. His long legs were sculpted and shapely, as were his rear and back.
“Lay down for me,” I commanded softly. “Let me see you better.”
“Cove,” his voice warbled as he laid down.
“Do you like this?” I asked, sitting down beside him.
Marull’s eyes darted before he looked back at me. “In a strange way, I do.”
“You’re so used to giving out the orders, you need a break every so often.” I placed my hand upon his chest and stroked down. His body was so warm and his skins as remarkably soft.
“Cove,” he whimpered. “Your hands-”
“Shh. Be quiet.” I continued stroking him, moving my hand slowly around his body. “You’re so beautiful.”
Marull’s breath shuddered, making me tingle all over. He closed his eyes and his tongue hung slightly from his lips.
“I’ve always wanted to call you beautiful. To tell you how lovely you are, how handsome.” I leaned over, kissing his chest. “Now I get to tell you all night.” I trailed my kisses down, feeling his body twitch and vibrate. He was growing warmer and warmer, and his voice was straining to come out.
Vrell had no set gender like what I was used to as a human. Marull had told me once he decided to present masculine after going through training. He also told you that, in terms I could understand, that Vrell and humans could accommodate each other very well.
“Cove,” Marull whimpered.
“Yes?” I lifted my head and looked up at him.
“I want you to…I want you-” he was trembling, eager but nervous for what lay ahead for us.
I smiled, lifting back up to kiss his cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll try my hardest to please you.” I trailed my fingers down his stomach. “You said Vrell and humans would fit well together.”
There was a slit between his legs. It was lined with small, dewy flaps that when touched began to swell and grow. They started black, burning deep blue as they swelled. I rubbed my fingers along them, feeling them plump and open the slit. Marull’s back arched off the bed and he cupped a hand around his mouth.
The folds around the top were growing upward, forming a triangle before they started to wrap together.
“Gorgeous,” I murmured.
“Don’t-” Marull’s whined.
I licked my fingers and returned them to Marull, slowly pressing at the entrance. “But you are. You’re stunning.” My fingers slipped inside and Marull shuddered all over.
His legs splayed and his torso twisted. Inside he felt melt like he was melted, heat and all. I moaned as I went deeper. He started gripping around my fingers, suckling them from within.
“What a gift,” I purred.
“Cove! This is all I ever wanted-” Marull sounded near tears.
I leaned in closer, seeing that the fused together flaps were twitching. They had melded into a shift that was long and quite plump. As my fingers sank inside him, I placed my tongue upon this shaft. Marull cried out loudly, so I continued. I licked him hungrily, going up and down while his cries came out honestly.
“Do you like it?” I rubbed my cheek against him. “Do you want more?”
“Please?” He sputtered. “But I don’t know if I can take it.”
I smirked, knowing exactly what I wanted from him. I lowered my mouth down around him, taking him to the back of my throat. Marull was shivering, his legs twitching. I added a third finger inside him and he clamped around me.
“Cove! My Cove!” Marull cried out.
He grew so hot he felt like fresh coffee on my tongue. The shaft began oozing, it dribbled down my throat and along my tongue thick and sticky. The same viscous fluid began pouring from within. It was pearly white just like his tears, only thicker.
I dribbled down my chin as I tried to swallow. I watched him quietly for a moment until Marull’s body sank into the bed. My eyes gleamed as I had fulfilled not only my desire, but his as well.
“Are you okay?”
Marull sighed. “Yes. Oh yes.”
I laid beside him, holding him to my chest. “I’m glad. You were amazing.”
“What about you, Cove?” he whispered.
I shook my head. “Just relax. I want to enjoy this.”
We agreed it would be best to try and keep that night an isolated incident. But the next day we found it was impossible. We snuck away to Marull’s quarters where he used his tongue to thank me for the previous night.
I held his tendrils in my hands, letting them coil around my fingers as I pushed myself into his mouth. His tongue was hot and wet as he slurpped me. He enjoyed when I took control away from him, just like last night.
“You’re so good,” I panted. “You look so pretty like this.”
His eyes peered up at me and I nearly lost it.
“Deeper,” I moaned. “Yes, deeper. Like that.” I pushed his head down further, feeling his tight throat wrap around me. Marull moaned, sending waves of pleasure through my pelvis and up my back.
“You like that, huh?” I chuckled. “Mmm, good boy. Taking such good care of me.” I bounced my hips, rubbing myself in his throat. “You feel so good, baby.”
Marull moaned again.
“Oh?” I smiled. “Did I find something else you like?” I pet the top of his head. “Can I come for you…baby?”
Marull bobbed his head, moaning and slurping. I gripped tighter to the top of his head, booking my hips. He was growing warmer and warmer, spreading that heat into me. I was so overcome I couldn’t stop myself. I threw my head back, accidentally hitting it hard against the wall. I didn’t feel it though as my orgasam took over everything.
Marull fell back, his tongue hanging from his mouth.
I slid down against the wall, breathing hard then clutching the back of my head. “That was almost too good.”
“Yes, it was.” Marill wiped his mouth. “I’ve never…felt that way before.” he watched me then tilted his head forward. “Are you alright?”
I chuckled. “Kind of threw my head against the wall. You made me come so hard, baby.”
Marull shivered, coming in close and licking my lips. “I’m sorry.” He placed his hand around the back of my head.
“Don’t be.” I gazed lovingly into his face. “You were incredible. I’d happily get a concussion for that.”
“This is growing dangerous.” He laid his head upon my chest. “This has to be it.”
But it wasn’t. We stole as much intimacy as we could. Stealing kisses when people weren’t around. Taking the cover of night as our safe haven. We couldn’t help ourselves, our desire and pull to one another was far too strong. Now that it was free, we couldn’t put it away.
“I love you,” I whispered to Marull one night.
He sighed, stroking his hand down my chest. “Don’t say that.”
“Why not?” I chuckled.
“Because we can’t keep it.”
I clicked my tongue and frowned. “It’s ours, they can’t take it from us.” I cupped my hand around his face. “I love you. More and more everyday. Now say it.”
“Cove I-”
I was close to tears. “Say it!”
Marull went quiet. His hand on my chest pressed over my heart. “You are my most beloved. And even if we are pulled apart, I will never stop loving you.”
I pulled him into my arms. “I won’t let them, baby.”
One day, while we were getting lunch in the mess hall, some of the crew gathered around our table. This wasn’t unusual. Marull was popular and loved by the crew, they always tried to get personal time in when they could. But today felt off. Something in the air felt heavy as most of them sat at the table with us. They sat quietly, an even rare thing. The mess hall was usually loud and unruly. But something felt somber.
“What the hell is going on?” Manheim asked.
Marull sat up in his seat. “We’re having lunch. I don’t know what you’re doing, Manheim.”
“Sirs,” Habit’s chipper voice came out harsh. “We have something we need to say!”
Marull laid down his fork. “It’s a mutiny isn’t it?”
“A joke, sir?” I hissed at him.
“Far from!” Credence barked. She slammed her fist down onto the table. “This ship was supposed to be a punishment for all of us. They mocked us and threw us here, expecting us to tear each other apart. But especially you, Captain.”
Marull nodded. “I’m glad you all picked up on that.”
“The point is that you didn’t treat us like a punishment,” Creedence continued, her voice going softer. “You should have given up on us. Or seen us as the rest of the high ups saw us. Instead you took care of us, protected us. Which pisses us off that you won’t let us do the same for you!”
My heart had been in my throat this entire time, but now it was pounding on my tongue. I looked to Marull who had a rather stunned expression.
“We’ve been taking bets on you and Cove here since he first showed up,” Manheim laughed.
“I won!” Habit said cheerfully. The rest of the crew moaned and booed at her.
Manheim reached out, slapping Marull’s back. “You don’t need to hide around us. I think we’d prefer it anyways, you two are being a bit too much.”
Agreement rumbled through the crowd.
“You knew?” Marull asked.
“Before you did,” Habit giggled.
He rubbed his jaw, taken aback by shock. “And you…you don’t care?”
“We care, sir,” Manheim said. “We want you to be happy. We aren’t going to let anything happen to you and Cove.”
Marull looked up at me, both of us stunned.
“Just be yourselves, okay?” Credence said, putting her arm around me. “This is our home, our family. You have nothing to hide.”
“And if anyone comes asking, we’re not going to tell them shit!” Manheim roared, causing the rest of the crew to erupt.
From there on, it was a celebration for the rest of the crew. But fro Marull and me we still had to let it sink in.
That evening, I went to the helm to check on something and found Marull sitting alone. I stood below his chair and waved up at him.
“I thought you were done for the day,” Marull said.
“Not quite.” I went up the stairs towards him. “What are you doing here?”
Marull sighed. “Thinking.”
I smiled to myself. “About?”
“The crew,” he muttered. “I’m not sure what to do.”
I stepped close to him. “Baby, look at me.”
Marull’s eyes closed and his harsh expression became docile. “Please. Don’t call me that here.”
I pet the top of his head, smoothing my fingers along his tendrils. “Look at me.”
His eyes opened and looked up towards me. He placed his hand upon my lower back as I smiled at him.
“What do you want to do?” I asked.
Marull sighed. “I want to be with you.”
I bent down, kissing him and opening my lips for his tongue. He pulled hi head away after a moment, licking his tongue along his mouth.
“Baby,” I whispered again.
“Cove,” he growled warningly.
I nuzzled up to his cheek, kissing and giggling. “I’m taking you to bed, laying you down, and I am going to make love to you for as long as you can stand me.”
Marull shivered. “Stop it.”
I moaned against his cheek. “You look so cute when you’re turned on.”
“Cove!” He huffed.
“Get up now,” I breathed. “Take me to your quarters.”
Marull stood up, grabbing my hand. “Here on the helm I am the captain, not you. You don’t get to order me around.” His grip tightened as he made me follow alongside him.
“So sorry, sir. I won’t happen again,” I said with a smirk on my face.
As he led me from the helm and into the hall, he glanced back at me. “See that it doesn’t. I do have to maintain some sense of decorum here, commander.”
I walked up to his side, keeping his hand in mine. Crew members passed by us, barely paying any attention to what we were doing.
“So, where are we going?” I asked him.
“To my quarters,” he answered with a stern tone.
I bit my lip and Marull nudged me. “Yes, sir,” I responded.
The story of Princess Leopoldine continues. As she grows she realizes what she wants when she is to take the kingdom. but there is a possibility her promise of taking the throne could be halted.
Female Main Character x Male Monster (both cis)
Part One
----------------------------------------------
The first few months of Bronn’s life were hard. Due to his small size and the extremely cold weather he was often sick. We were all worried for him, losing sleep and appetite during the darkest of moments.
“He’s one of us,” my father would say. “He’s strong, he can do this.”
I kept looking at Bronn, worrying about how tiny he was and how hard he had to work to breathe. I didn’t say a word, because anything I might say could turn into a curse upon my tongue.
“The dawn can’t seem bright without the night,” my father said reassuringly. “Your mother told me that once.”
I looked away from Bronn’s crib and into my father’s eyes. He was exhausted beyond all reason, but he was still smiling.
Tears welled up into my eyes. “I feel like dawn isn’t coming.”
“Come here.” He beckoned me over and held me close. “It will come. One way or another, it will come.”
A year to the day after I was told Bronn was coming, he laughed for the first time. I was holding him and sneezed very loudly. I was terrified I had startled him, instead he began laughing.
Bronn began to come out of night and rise into the dawn. He began to grow and gain weight, and he obtained a vicious little appetite. By the time summer was at an end he was walking and following us wherever he could.
“Look at these strong legs!” My father announced to anyone who would listen. “He was built to be a warrior!”
“Maybe a dancer,” my mother would interject.
“Leo had legs like these when she was little. Did she not?” My father set Bronn on the ground and grinned into his face. “You’re going to conquer worlds, aren’t you my little raven? You’re going to cast shadows over everything you see.”
I was a bit uneasy about my father’s words, so I just told myself it was baby talk. “He will do as he pleases,” I corrected. “Remember? You said that to me when you announced he was coming.”
“I stand by that!” He huffed. “But look at him! He will be a beauty to his lovers, and a monster to his enemies.”
My mother rolled her eyes at me and I smiled. She then looked at a letter and she scowled deeply. Ever since Bronn was born, letters from Arda the First had been coming in more frequently. She was demanding that she see the new baby and to make sure it didn’t turn out ‘like the last one’.
I snatched the letter from my mother’s hand. “I would love to give her a piece of my mind.”
“Now, now Leopoldine, she has her ways and that’s what she lives by. You certainly wouldn’t want someone telling you that-” She stopped herself when she caught what she was about to say. “In any case, I’m going to tell her once again that Bronn is sick and that we can’t travel.”
“She can’t even get off her bony ass to come down here?” My father snapped.
“She thinks you’ll kill her dear,” my mother huffed.
“Good! That’s what I want her to think.”
“We can’t keep her at bay forever though,” she huffed. “The older she gets, the more impatient she grows.”
I looked at the letter in my hand, and it felt thicker than the ones that had come before. I opened it and read it for myself. It didn’t take long to come across the first thing that set my blood to steam.
“She says she has ideas for my marriage,” I guffawed.
My mother rolled her eyes. “She always has ideas.”
My father picked up Bronn and carried him over to trade with me. Bronn sat happily in my grasp as he read over the letter.
“She’s crazier than I am!”
My mother slouched back in her seat. “By how much, dearest?”
My father made sneering and mocking faces at the letter. “Leo has an intended already lined up! I have plans for her!”
Another turn of phrase that sunk the metaphorical dagger of fear into my liver.
“You’re still on that?” My mother rose and took Bronn from me. “But what is she on about?”
“She says since we now have a male heir we need to worry about what will happen to Leopoldine. Talking about her as if she’s going to die alone or destitute because of ‘my worrisome ways’.”My father ripped the letters into shreds then tossed them into the fireplace. “It isn’t her place to say how I should worry about my heir!”
I looked into Bronn’s big brown eyes for reassurance.
My father was huffing and puffing enough to suck in the castle walls. “And besides, Brevalan is the only suitor I will accept for Leo.”
“He’s been away all this time, I would have figured you’d have changed your mind about him by now.” My mother began walking away with Bronn, heading towards the hall and probably her study.
My father scoffed, then turned and looked at me. “Come on, let's throw axes and blow off some steam.”
I wanted to open my mouth and ask him who his heir was, but the breath left my body. I followed behind him, watching his back as he strut down the halls.
“He’ll come back one day, but I told him to train as long as he needed,” my father said.
“Huh?” I gasped.
He glanced over his shoulder. “Brevalan, you looked worried when he was brought up. I told him to train until he was satisfied, and that when he came back he would continue to work hard.”
“But why did you send him away?” I asked.
“Because then he’d be able to receive better training. A wider variety of training actually.” he looked down at me and grinned. “If he learned only from me then he’d know everything I know and then he could use that against me. It’s best that he knows little of my methods.”
My heart sank. “Then why do I know everything you know?”
“Because your mother would have throttled me for sending you away. But don’t you fret, I’ve kept a few of my tricks.” We reached the axe rink and he began inspected edges.
Not what I was concerned with. “Will you send Bronn away then?”
“Not unless I wanted your mother to burn me alive!” He selected two axes, tossing them up into the air then catching their handles. “I doubt she’d let me send him out alone to pick apples well into his thirties.” He turned, slinging an axe with all his might and hitting the target. He held out the second axe to me. “Stop fretting over it. You two will still be some of the best warriors in all the world.”
I took the axe and tried to shake off my fears. “I know, Dad.”
As the seasons turned cold again, fears that Bronn would get sick plagued my family. My father brought in new physicians, as well as worked on ways to keep the palace warmer. I trained outside to escape the bedlam and stress. Sometimes I found it hard to go inside, because I feared that once I did I’d find Bronn sick.
I’d sit out in the cold, watching my breath fade into the air. One late afternoon, a figure came and stood beside me. I looked up and up, until I realized who it was.
“So you do remember me,” Brevalan laughed.
I jumped to my feet. “You’re the last person I expected to see! But I certainly remember you!” I patted his arm in welcome. “What are you doing here? Are you back for good or something already, it’s only been a year and a half!”
“No. I’m not so lucky as to be back for good. My brothers sent for me, they’ve decided to come and join me.” He set down his things then sat on the bench.
I returned to sitting beside him. “How long do you plan to stay?”
“Not sure. I haven’t decided.” He sighed. “I guess I’ll let my brothers finish up their business here and tend to their belongings before we travel.”
I couldn’t stop looking at him. Not much had changed, but there were definite signs of his training. His arms looked stronger, his face was scruffy, and there were new tattoos on the back of his hand.
I smiled brightly as I snapped myself out of staring. “It might be loud inside, but would you like to come in and warm up?”
“In a moment.” he exhaled heavily. “I’ve been on foot most of the day, I just want a moment off of them.” he then turned his head towards me. “Your father sent me word about your brother. Congratulations.”
“Yeah.” I looked back out over the yard. “He’s amazing.”
Brevalan leaned forward onto his knees. “Is something the matter?”
I shook my head. “I guess not.” I turned and smiled at him. “It is good to see you here though.”
He smirked. “I figured you would have forgotten about me by now.”
“Oh no!” I laughed. I cupped my hands around my ears. “Anytime I throw an axe or spar with someone I can hear your voice ringing like an annoying chime in my ears.” I then shushed him. “You’re veering to the left!” I said tauntingly. “You’re going to far to the left!”
Brevalan laughed loudly, leaning back in the seat and holding his gut. He beamed down at me and my cheeks went warm. “Well, are you?”
I pinched my fingers together. “A little still. But you never showed me how to throw properly.”
He smiled serenely. “If I wasn’t so tired, I’d show you now.”
“You’ll never show me, '' I chortled. “Because then you’ll know I’ll be better than you and you’ll never be able to hold that over my head.”
“That is true,” he teased.
“I know.” I then stood up and offered my hand. “Come on, it’s warm inside and I’m sure my father would love to offer you a warm drink.”
“I thought you said it was loud inside.” Brevalan took hold of my hand and rose from the bench.
“We can find somewhere quiet, I’m sure. Everyone is just worried about Bronn.” I kept hold of his hand as I took him inside.
Inside the halls I could hear my parents arguing in the distance, so I took Brevalan another way. I took him into the opposite wing where my mother had made a greeting room for guests.
“I can sneak down to the kitchen and get something to eat,” I offered.
“Just resting a moment is good enough for me.” He huffed as he took a seat. He pulled out his hair from inside his coat, tossing it over the back of the chair. “That, and good company.”
“It must be bad out there if you consider me good company.”
He smirked. “The man your father sent me to train with is a strict man. The few of us he kept on as students barely get along and he fosters that competition between us.”
That made me think about Bronn and I for a split second.
Brevalan sighed. “And even if we only knew each other for a short time, I still enjoyed your company. After all, I’m working towards being your most trusted hand.”
“And we were engaged for a short period,” I laughed.
“Ah yes, those blissful few moments I had a bride. I remember them fondly.” His amber eyes fell upon me and his smile turned nostalgic. “Have you thought of me since I left?”
“Left,” I snickered. I then smiled and nodded my head. “More than I expected. I think you left an impression. Did I?”
“Your father writes about you so often, I have no other choice.”
My cheeks warmed and tingled. “About that. I had no clue my father wrote to you, or else I would have sent letters as well.”
“Now that you know, you can.”
I smiled shyly and nodded. “Maybe I will.”
“Then I can get the story straight from you and not your father,” he chuckled.
I leaned forward in my seat and pinched my brow. “Just exactly what is he saying about me?”
Brevalan glanced away, reaching up and rubbing his jaw. “Anything a father might say about his child.”
“That might work on me if my father was normal,” I huffed. “Now out with it. What does he say?”
Brevalan leaned his head back and exhaled loudly. “You see that is where it gets tricky.”
The hairs on the back of my neck prickled up.
“Most of what he writes, he says to me in confidence. And since he’s taking care of me and my brothers, I feel I should uphold some bond between us, even if I do plan to fight him several times in the future.”
I swallowed and sat back.
“I will say he does an awful lot of bragging about you. He’s more proud of anything you do than anything he’s ever done.” Brevalan looked into my eyes. “He thinks you’re the moon in his sky. Those are his exact words.”
I pressed my lips together and nodded. “I knew that! I was wondering if he had said anything else.”
“He makes me worry that I will never be able to catch up. I’m also mildly terrified of you.” His smile makes my heart flutter. “But I just remind myself that you go left.”
I laughed, bowing my head down to hide how big my smile had become. “But by the time you come back, I won’t. I swear on that.”
He grinned at me. “And like I said, I can’t wait to see it.”
I suppose some time during the evening we both fell asleep by the fire. Brevalan had been traveling, and I had been fretting over the coming winter and Bronn. I woke to a chill, spying that the fireplace was soon to go out.
I got up to add wood to the fire and I looked down at Brevalan asleep in the chair. His legs were stretched out before him, splayed a bit, and his head was turned to the side so his cheek was smooshed and his mouth hung open.
I fought with myself for a long time, longer than I should have. I tiptoed closer to Brevalan looking at him up close for once. The way his jaw and neck met in a muscular curve had me biting my lip. Then how his shirt hung open, showing the top of his chest and the hair upon it made my heart skip a beat. I stretched out my fingers to touch his cheek, but recoiled them again when he grunted.
His hand slid down his stomach, rubbing before resting again. I saw the new tattoo on the back of his hand was some sort of flower I had never seen before. I came closer to him, closing my eyes for a moment then pulling away. I couldn’t do it. Instead I went back to the fireplace.
“Coward.”
Every hair on my body stood on end. I turned back to see Brevalan’s eyes was cracked open and he was smirking.
“What?” I huffed. “Go back to sleep, you’re dreaming.”
“No, I don’t think so.” He sat up and his long hair fell over his chest.
I turned back to the fireplace. “Then you’re imagining things.”
Brevalan stood up from his chair as I placed fire onto the glowing embers. I felt him come up right behind me. I ignored him, not even looking his way as he knelt down beside me.
“Look at me,” his deep voice rumbled.
I grimaced. “No.”
His lips pressed against my cheek when I refused to turn. It was warm, a little wet, and it made my insides squirm with glee.
“Because of your father’s letters, you’ve never been out of my mind,” he whispered.
I bit my lip and stayed quiet.
“I want to be your king, but I will settle for a knight as long as I get to remain by your side.”
I turned my head and looked at him. “You have to work hard.”
Brevalan grinned, placing his hand upon my face as I placed a kiss upon his lips. I forgot to breathe until he pulled away, placing his thumb upon my bottom lip. He smiled and pressed his forehead against mine, which felt even more intimate than the kiss.
“Why do I feel like this?” I murmured. “I’ve never felt so nervous around someone.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
I shook my head.
He kissed the tip of my nose then smoothed the hair away from my face. “Leopoldine, you terrify me for many reasons. Your strength. Your ferocity. But mostly by just existing in my presence and I cannot do anything about it.”
I giggled and ran my fingers through his hair, something I had wanted to do since I first met him. “If you could do something, what would you do?”
He pressed his lips to my ear and whispered. I had been prepared for a lot of things, but I had not been prepared for what he said. My face instantly turned red and I had to pull myself away for a second.
“Was it something that I said?” Brevalan chuckled.
I cleared my throat. “You’re just fooling with me, aren’t you?”
Brevalan caught my chin between his fingers and lifted my head. “I wouldn’t fool with you, that’s dangerous.”
I gulped.
“If I could, I would do everything possible to make you feel my devotion. I’d bathe you in my kisses and I’d make your legs grow weak.” He smiled. “If I ever win your hand you would never a know a night without my affection.”
“Shut up.” I kissed him hard, cupping his face in my hands if only to make him stop talking. I did want to hear his words though, but I was not prepared for them.
The doors opened and I sat up in alarm. My father stood there, scanning the room before his eyes fell on me.
My father sighed with relief. “There you are, Leo! What on earth are you doing here by yourself?”
Brevalan sat up from the floor with a guilty look upon his face.
My father’s eyes widened. “Brev my boy, when did you get here?”
“Earlier this evening, sir.” Brevalan stood in attention and I stepped aside from him to not seem so culpable.
My father rubbed his chin, his eyes darting between Brevalan and I. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.”
“I was kissing your daughter, sir,” Brevalan said without an ounce of fear.
I stared up at him, shaking down to my toes.
My father nodded, his eyes darting to me and then back to Brevalan. He huffed and tilted his chin up. “Did she like it?”
Brevalan flinched. “Sir?”
My father motioned to me. “Were you kissing him back, Leo? Was it mutual between the two of you?”
I gulped and nodded shakily. “I…I was, Dad. It was uhm…both of us.”
He sighed and placed his hands upon his hips. “So I was interrupting something.” he then sighed. “Well, I guess now I have to be a father and separate you two. Come along Leo. Brevalan, stay here and I’ll come back to show you a room.”
“Yes, sir.”
I touched Brevalan’s hand before following my father. I left the room with him, stepping into the hallway where silence became a crushing weight to bear. I stared at his back for a long while as he took me through the dark hallways.
“Dad?” My voice cracked.
“I used to sneak around with your mother like that,” he sighed. “That made me very nostalgic.”
I opened my mouth then shut it. “You aren’t mad?”
“I’m surprised, but I am not mad.” He turned around and put his arm around me. “I know how young hearts can pitter patter. But I will have a stern talk with that young man.”
“We just kissed,” I murmured.
“I know, Leopoldine. But I am still your father and a younger lover once long ago. It’s my job to give these lectures,” he chuckled.
“You really aren’t mad?” I murmured.
My father turned to face me, placing both his hands upon my shoulders. “Do you like him, Leopoldine?”
I nodded. “I’ve never felt this way before.”
“Good. Then you’re just like me. I was certain I’d never fall in love, only in lust. And then I met your mother and my whole world changed. I loved her at first sight, and I knew I would do anything in this world to keep her.” he smiled at me and kissed the top of my head. “You can make it to your room from here. I’m going to go back and talk to him.”
“Be nice,” I said sternly.
“I’ll let him live,” he chortled as he walked away.
I went into my room and sighed. Touching my face I realized I was still blushing and warm. I sat down upon my bed and looked out the window as clouds floated before the moon. I laid back in bed as my mind wandered aimlessly through the words Brevalan had spoken.
“When I become queen, I’ll marry him.”
---------
Not long after my sixteenth birthday my father gave me the opportunity to train my own knights. I was excited, but only until I learned he wanted to begin focusing on Bronn and his training. While it was a worrisome moment, I decided it was best to put my focus onto deciding the kind of people I wanted around me, as they would be with me when I was queen.
I went into the village, selecting six young women. I decided if I was going to have these people around me, I wanted them to be like me so we would all understand one another. Two of them, Kirsa and Veerle, became my constant companions, and the three of us worked together on the best training regimen for our knights.
“Our best means would be horseback,” Veerle suggested. “We can strength train all we want, but our best advantage would be learning how to combat mounted.” She was a tiefling and was the tallest and strongest of my girls as well as the most educated. She came from a well off family but had worked on her family’s farm as soon as she could walk.
“Archery!” Kirsa interjected excitedly. “Aiming and shooting, those will be what's most fun.” She was much more petite and thin than most of my girls, but she held a vicious streak inside her that made her a terrifying combatant. The others called her the Goblin.
Veerle gave her a look and her tail twitched. “It’s not about what’s the most fun.”
“Oh come on!” Kirsa whined. “We can swing battle axes all the time. Arrows give us range! The give us speed! They’re silent, most people don’t know they’ve been hit until it’s too late,” she giggled with glee.
Veerle then gave me the look.
“She’s right,” I grumbled reluctantly. “And most of the girls are already performing well in archery.”
“That’s not what worries me. The Goblin does.”
Over the years we perfected our craft. Our horses were carefully selected and bred, our girls were trained to be the best shooters in the land. We became a vicious and beautiful force to be reckoned with.
Around my twenty-first birthday my mother fell ill. I asked that any celebration be canceled, as I didn’t feel like celebrating while she was sick.
“Do you think she’ll be okay?” Bronn asked me one night. He had been having nightmares and he took to coming and sleeping with me.
I stroked his hair, giving him a faint smile. “She’ll be fine. She just needs her rest. She gets better by the day.”
Boon went quiet, holding onto his stuffed knight toy. “Are you okay?”
I chuckled. “What are you going on about, little prince? What’s going on in that head of yours?”
He looked up at me with those big eyes and pouted. “I keep feeling you hurt.”
I sighed and pulled him into my arms. “Don’t you worry about your big sister. I will be okay. As long as I have you around, I will always find a reason to smile.”
His small hands touched my face. “What if the shadow man comes back?”
“Don’t you worry about the shadow man either. I handle him just fine.” I kissed the tip of his nose. “Now get to sleep. We can’t have you getting sick either.”
Bronn settled down, closing his eyes and holding his toy close.
I hated he worried so much, but he seemed to feel everything that those around him felt. Father said it was a special power, and one we should watch and cultivate.
But the shadow man was something else. He was a gargantuan man clad only in black who would appear at the palace every few months. He kept his face obscured, wrapped in black cloth, and his hands were stained as if by ink. Father’s wrestling matches had grown, and I had started taking on challengers myself the same way my father did. I would let any challenger come forward and select their choice in weapon. The shadow man began showing up not long after.
During our first fight, he chose a sword. I could tell he was being tentative, so I put everything I had into the fight.
“You choose a sword but you’re using it like a shield!” I yelled at him. “Why challenge me if you’re only going to act delicately!” I struck his sword and he threw me back. I went flying into the ground, hitting so hard it nearly knocked the air from my lungs.
“I was merely waiting to see how you danced around the arena,” he replied with a gravelly voice. “Now I know how you move, and I won’t be gentle again.” He held out his hand and helped me up from the ground. “Now, let's start again.”
I wiped my face and nodded. “Be prepared. Now that I know you watch, I won’t move the same way twice.”
The match ended in a strange stalemate. I was more exhausted, but I had landed a blow to him that slowed him down. My father called the match, realizing both of us were at the ends of our ropes.
The next match he paid back my final strike with another, resulting in a cut on my arm that had my mother panicked for weeks. But the resulting scar had both my father and I proud ever since.
“I look forward to these matches, princess,” the shadow man told me. “You keep me on my toes like no other opponent has.”
I looked him up and down, always marveled by the size of his arms and thighs. “How so? You appear awfully flat footed.”
He chuckled, and that deep, raspy sound always ignited the woman in me. “I think it’s because you hold no expectations for the fight. You simply become a warrior when you battle.”
I smiled up at him, more flattered than if he had complimented my eyes. “You could woo a woman with words like those.”
“Not just any woman, princess. Only you.”
Perhaps I had lust in my heart for a man who kept himself hidden. What woman hasn’t fallen for someone tall, dark, and mysterious?
I found him taking care of his wounds late one evening. It was a memory I carried with me as often as I thought about the kiss I shared with Brevalan. He was putting a bandage around his arm as I came upon him. His back stiffened in attention and both of us remained silent.
I approached, letting my tunic hang open so my breasts were almost presented.
“Princess,” he growled.
“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy our little rivalry.” I bent down, kissing where I thought his mouth might be through the black fabric. I felt his hot breath, his lips, and then he pushed me away.
“Careful, princess,” he snarled warningly.
I smirked and reached down into his lap. “Are you sensitive, shadow man?”
He growled, moaning as my fingertips found purchase on something big. “You shouldn’t be aiming for such a dangerous game.”
“I know what I want. Fighting you gives me great pleasure.”
The shadow man snarled, grabbing my hand and forcing it down upon his cock. “Do you even know how to handle such a weapon?”
I chuckled, groping and squeezing him through his pants. “Do you?”
He moaned again, sending shivers through my body. “Why are you after this, princess? Is this some rebellion?”
“I was taught that desire is worth pursuing. It’s worth it to fulfill it” I undid the laces of his pants. “You don’t have to take off your mask, shadow man. I don’t need your kisses or your affection. I just want to be fulfilled.”
The shadow man grunted, standing up and placing me over a table. He yanked down my britches then began fondling between my legs. I whimpered and pressed my cheek into the table. His fingers were rough and thick, rubbing against my softest part until wetness began to flow. His finger dipped inside and I felt a wash of relief with a new tension.
“Do you really enjoy fighting me so much, princess?” The shadow man breathed.
I moaned for him. “Yes. Nothing gives me more pleasure, until now.”
His fingers pressed deeper while another rubbed against the sensitive bud at the top of my folds. “Are you sure you want this?”
“I’ve thought about it long enough. I no longer want the fantasy, shadow man. I want to know the truth.”
He pulled his hand away, and my poor slit felt wanting. I gasped as I felt him press against me. His strong hands kneaded into my thick thighs, his hard cock pressed against my ass.
“Is this the truth you seek?” He growled. “Do you feel it now?”
I closed my eyes, trying to imagine the shape and size of him. He felt quite big, much bigger than I expected.
His hips moved slightly, dipping so his cock slipped between my thighs. My wetness coated his shaft as he rubbed it against me. “Do you still want it?”
I gulped and whined. “Yes. I want it.”
“Then, sweet princess, you shall have it.” The shadow man was inside me, stretching me, taking my breath away. His heat radiated through my loins and melted my knees so I had to rely on the table to keep me up.
“Fucking hell,” the shadow man snarled. “You’re so damned wet.”
“I’ve wanted this for so long!” I wheezed. “It’s better than I thought.”
He rutted inside me, groaning as his fingers kneaded into me. “This cannot be your first,” he snarled.
I lifted my rear, pressing it against his stomach. “It won’t be the last, I’ll tell you that.”
“Princess, how dare you?” He pulled out then slammed back hard inside me. “I had no warning.”
I bit my lip as I smiled. “Harder. Like you’re trying to fight me!”
He drove in deeper again, moving both me and the table.
“Just like that,” I purred.
“Leo! Leo!” I was pulled from my dreams, shake awake by my brother.
“What’s wrong? What?” I sputtered and kicked the blankets. I was caught somewhere between the shadow man’s embrace and Bronn’s sniffling. “I’m here! I’ here I-” I turned to look into Bronn’s terrified expression. “Oh no, was it a bad dream?” I was having such a good one, but his fear took me out of it completely.
Bronn threw his face down onto my chest and started weeping.
“Hey.” I sat up, holding him tight. “Talk to me. What happened?”
“I don’t want you to go,” Bronn blubbered.
I chuckled. “Go? I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here.”
Bronn shook his head, hiccuping and sniffling.
I rubbed his back gently, trying to get him to talk. “It’s okay, Bronn. I’m right here. Big sister is always going to be here, especially for you.”
Bronn whimpered and held onto my nightgown tightly. “You have to though.”
I reached the side table, grabbing the cup of water I kept there for Bronn. “Tell me about your dream. What happened?”
Bronn sniffled, lifting his head as I offered him the cup. He took it in both hands, looking down inside where the moonlight reflected off the surface. “You trade places with mom, and you go in her place.”
I furrowed my brow. “Go where?”
Bronn drinks down the water, lifting his head up only to breathe. “Somewhere dark. Something grabs you there with these scary hands!”
“That’s just a dream, Bronn. It’s okay.”
He was quiet, keeping his eyes cast down.
I smiled and tickled the back of his neck. “Aside from Father, I’m the strongest person here. No hands are going to grab me. Got it?”
Bronn giggled and finally looked up at me. “You sure?”
“Positive.” I laid him back down in bed. “Now back to sleep with you. I’m sure Father has some big plans in store.”
The next day I was outside with Veerle and Kirsa, working on our new batch of recruits, when I was fetched by one of our maids from the castle.
“It’s urgent,” she breathed heavily. “Your father is demanding you get there now!”
“Is it my mother?” I asked as I set my weapons aside.
She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I was simply grabbed in the hallway.”
I followed her back inside where my father was waiting at the door. He grabbed my hand right away, pulling me into the castle.
“Is Mother okay?” I gasped.
“For now,” he huffed. “But we have something serious on the horizon.”
I grabbed his hand tight. “You’re scaring me!”
We went into my mother’s room where she was sitting up in bed with Bronn by her side. She looked up at me, a smile on her face but concern in her eyes.
“I hope he’s not being dramatic,” she sighed.
“He is.” I yanked my hand away. “What’s going on?”
I saw the letter in her lap, and I knew the wax seal immediately. “Oh, it's Grandmother again.” I rolled my eyes and took the letter from her.
“She’s insisting on coming down since it is your twenty-first year and your mother is ill,” my father scoffed.
“I think it would be alright,” my mother muttered.
“But the stress she causes would undo all the work you’ve done to recuperate,” my father fussed.
I looked over the letter carefully, making sure to read between the lines. But grandmother's intentions were as clear as crystal. She would arrive to prepare birthday celebrations for me as well as tend to her child, Arda the second.
A thought flickered in my mind, one that would protect my mother but possibly be a torturous event for for me. “What if I go to her instead?”
Bronn gasped loudly.
“I won’t let you fall on such a blade,” my father huffed. “Maybe we can build a moat around the entire kingdom instead.”
“Darling,” my mother spoke up warningly. “Think reasonably. Where would we ever find enough shovels for such a thing?” She then looked at me apologetically. “Leopoldine, you don’t have to do that either.”
My grandmother was not a well liked person in our family. Luckily, her being a queen kept her at a safe distance for the most part. “But I would be dealing with her regardless. At least if I went to her you’d still be able to rest in peace. I’ll take Kirsa and Veerle with me, it shouldn’t be too horrible.”
“You say that-” my father grumbled. “But that woman is a vile cu-”
“Darling!” My mother snapped at him while putting her arm around Bronn’s head. “My mother is very hard to get along with,” my mother agreed.
“I’ll look at it as mental training,” I chuckled. “Can always do with more training. Right, Father?”
He frowned at me. “Even I wouldn’t be this cruel to you.”
I smiled. “Send her word that I will come to her. After all, it must be so hard to travel at her age.”
My father sighed. “I will send someone for you if Bronn has a bad dream.”
I frowned and looked at Bronn who gave me a worried expression. “I’m sure Bronn will have sweet dreams all this time. Won’t you, little prince?”
Bronn kept quiet but nodded.
“Yes, well, it still stands!” My father huffed.
Word was sent ahead to Arda the First, and within a few days I was ready to leave with Kirsa and Veerle. I was nervous, to say the least, but I knew I was doing this to protect my mother.
The night before I was set to go, my father pulled me aside to have a private conversation with me. Most of it was nothing new, we mainly went over our attack strategies and how to tie knots. Then, he said something strange.
“Arda the First was obsessed with my brother,” he murmured.
“Really? You’ve never told me this,” I said with a chuckle.
He sighed. “It was never something that needed to be brought up. But you’re an adult now, have been for quite a while. And I didn’t want Arda bringing it up and surprising you.”
It was a bit shocking, but nothing too jarring. “Good thing she and Julian never got together. They would have been…troublesome I bet.”
“She was already married by the time she met and fell for Julian. But when her husband died, she thought they could be together-” It sounded like he had more to say, but he kept quiet. “It doesn’t matter really. He didn’t last much longer.”
“You happened.”
He smiled and nodded his head. “That’s correct, my dearest girl.” He sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. “Your grandmother isn’t like your mother, and she’s even farther from me. She’s not happy. I want you to keep that in mind. Unhappy people don’t like happiness around them. And you are a very happy lady, are you not?”
“I like to think I am.”
“Good. I’m glad,” he sighed. “Your grandmother will do what she can to chip away at it. It’s like she feeds off misery.”
“I’ll do my best to fight her off. Don’t worry about me. Just take care of mom and Bronn until I get back.”
He nodded. “As long as Bronn is kept away from here, that’s all that matters.”
This did chip away at me, but I just smiled.
“I promise, should anything happen, I will send someone for you. I will not let you stay with her for long. You belong here, and Bronn would miss you horribly.”
I smiled. “I’ll bring myself home.”
“I will still send someone,” he grinned. “I have just the man in mind too.”
“I will have Veerle and Kirsa with me. They are my best friends and my my trusted companions. I think they will have no issues dragging me home if need be.”
“I’m your father,” he replied sternly. “I know what’s best. I have no faith in your grandmother, but I have faith in this one I have in mind.”
I rolled my eyes and laughed. “Okay fine. Send your man. He won’t be needed though. He will just slow me and my girls down.”
I left in the morning, bidding farewell to my family before I rode off into the cold morning mist.
“I’ve heard that Arda the First is a vicious ruler!” Kirsa giggled with excitement. “Is she prone to torture and dungeons?”
“What on earth are you on this morning?” Veerle fussed at her.
Kirsa’s jaw dropped open. “It’s just cool, don’t you think! Arda the First is legendary. She was never meant to be queen, but she managed to marry a king who was already betrothed and promised to another! She’s known as a master tactician and even an enchantress in some circles.”
“My father calls her other things,” I replied, cracking a smile from Veerle.
“She almost had your uncle, King Julian as well, but your father saw to him before she got much closer to her goal,” Kirsa clicked her tongue. “And you father is a whole other thing! Did you know he mined with the dwarves for five years?”
“Yes, yes, I am well aware of my fathers adventures.” I then furrowed my brow. “Five years? He said it was three?”
“Oh yes! From the time he was five, that’s where King Julian put him anyways,” Kirsa chortled.
Bronn was almost five, I thought to myself. Why would Julian do such a thing to such a little boy? It felt so ridiculous, I wouldn’t even do that to the child of my enemies.
“No wonder the king is well formed. He’s had jewels to look up to,” Veerle joked.
“I could work in a mine!” Kirsa exclaimed.
“How unfortunate you work for me,” I replied. “So while we are with my grandmother, I suggest the both of you do research. See how their weapons fair and what materials they use. It would be nice to expand our armory if possible.”
“I’ve heard that Arda the First has an Illithid on her staff!” This started Kirsa on a long winded story that carried us almost to the gates of my grandmother’s palace.
I was taken from the gates by a silent young man who handed me a letter from my grandmother explaining to go with him. I followed him through the palace, which was much bigger than my home. Everything felt ast and endless and strikingly empty.
I was led into a large chamber where the fireplace was massive and covered by a huge grate. A large dog stood up from beside a chair and started growling.
“Down boy,” my grandmother murmured.
The silent young man bowed, leaving the room and closing the doors behind him. I stood there, waiting for grandmother to say something else, but she never spoke back up.
“It’s me,” I replied.
“I know who it is.” She rose from her chair, walking around it then staring at me. “It’s been a long time, Leopoldine. I haven’t seen you since you were very little.”
I really wasn’t sure what to do. “You’ve not changed much from what I remember. You're still the same as the picture in my mind.”
She walked towards me, only the click of her heels making any noise. I held my breath, afraid that would be too loud for her.
She approached, a stoney look upon her face that melted into a smile that made her look exactly like my mother. “It is so good to see you!” She took my hands in her own and squeezed. “Look how tall you are. I can’t believe it! Everyone on this side of the family are such runty creatures,” she laughed jovially. “Come, come. Let’s get you close to the fire so I can see you better.”
I was stunned by how nice she appeared. All my life I assumed she was an ice queen, bitter, and unhappy up in her tower. At least, from what my parents had told me about her, that's what I had gathered.
Arda the First had me stand before the fire, her big dog had it’s head raised but then it dropped back down to the stone floor. She looked at me with a smile then sighed.
“I am glad to see you, Leopoldine.”
I wasn’t prepared for this. “It has been a while,” I tried to laugh my nerves up.
She had me sit down and then she tapped her dog’s head. It got up and walked out of the door. “He’ll go to the kitchen and they’ll know to send up tea.”
“That’s a nice trick,” I replied.
“It’s easier to keep my dogs around rather than someone to follow me about all day. I prefer the company of animals at my age anyways. Do you keep any pets?”
“Uhm-” I was still baffled. “Bronn has his cats, a few tend to follow me around. I mainly keep horses.”
Arda the First nodded and smiled. “Are they for show? Do you ride?”
“They’re for riding,” I replied uncertainty. “Father allowed me to start training my own knights, and we’ve been training and breeding horses for a while now.”
She sighed. “I never liked the way Falko was raising you. It’s far too dangerous. And when you become queen, what really can you do with all that training? Do you plan to go into battle?”
I shrugged. “If I have to.”
She shook her head. “You look strong enough, I suppose. Do you even enjoy it?”
I nodded. “Very much so. I like weapons and training. And I’ve really enjoyed training my knights. My two best knights are with me on this trip; Veerle and Kirsa.”
“That’s all you brought with you?” She gasped in alarm. “What if you had been attacked or-” She stopped, freezing for a moment before she laughed. “Oh, of course! You’re quite prepared for such a thing. I’m so used to the ladies in our family being so much more vulnerable and delicate. I suppose it's a comfort knowing you can protect yourself.”
“Not just me. If I have to, I’ll protect as many people as I can.”
She smiled brightly, then turned as the tea cart was rolled into the room. She stood and took it, shooing away the staff member before bringing the cart towards the fire. She elegantly poured the tea into cups then offered one to me.
“I have a lot of plans for you while you are here, Leopoldine,” she said with a smile. “I want to make up for lost time, and celebrate what a stunning woman you’ve become.” She remained standing while she drank her tea.
“That will be nice,” I murmured. “But, I don’t want to stay away too long. They count on me back home.” I took a sip of tea, which I didn’t really like, while she watched me.
Arda the First tilted her head to the side. “I know they must rely on you dearly. Especially while your brother is so young.” She set her tea cup down and it sounded empty. “Especially when your father is off doing all his…wild ideas,” she chuckled.
“Uhm-” I felt a little dizzy. “He’s very active with Bronn, actually.”
Arda the first sighed. “That’s good to hear. He should be very involved with his son’s upbringing.” The way she said that made me a little anxious.
I rubbed my hand against my chest and cleared my throat. “Sorry, I must be tired from the journey.”
She took my teacup from me and then helped me to stand up. She placed me in front of the fire and looked up at me with a strangely blank expression.
“I think I need to stay seated,” I murmured.
Arda the First put her hand upon my cheek. She scowled, fingering a scar that was on my jaw. “You are beautiful, such a shame your father put you through such rigors.” She slid her hand down my arm, squeezing around my bicep. “I cannot believe my daughter allowed this to happen to you.”
I stood still as she prodded me, but I wasn’t going to let her get to me. I was expecting all of this. “Well-”
“Still, I would rather you look this way than sickly and scrawny. At least I can see those parents of yours have kept you healthy.”
I wobbled a bit and her hand clamped down tighter in mine.
A smile appeared, soft and cautious. She touched my face again. “You do look like him though.”
I was still taken aback by her words that I had even begun to process her sweet smile. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
Her fingers gently brushed under my lower lashes. “You have his eyes. They are almost exact. I never thought I’d gaze into them again.”
I floundered to speak, but I managed to croak out a reply. “Whose eyes?”
Her smile changed, but only slightly. “Why, your father’s eyes.”
I had dark brown eyes. My father had bright blue eyes. “What?” I said, still mired in the earlier confusion.
She cupped her hands around my face, holding me there. I felt small. Her grasp made me feel withered and tiny in her presence. I wanted her to let go, but there was no fight inside me. I was locked in her hands, held by her gaze.
Arda the First tilted her to the side, sly smile still on her lips. “Your father had striking brown eyes like these. They could send a man to his grave with just the right stare.”
“I uh-” I tried shaking my head, but that somehow made me feel worse. “I really need to rest a moment. This fire is…it’s really, really hot.”
“Oh,” she murmurs. “Not the man you call father. No. Your real father.”
An icy coldness twisted in my gut, as if steel had been slid down between my ribs and through my stomach.
“I can see Julian as clear as day upon your face.” Arda the First had tears in her eyes. “They could not take that away from you.”
I finally managed to pull away from her grasp. “What are you talking about?”
Arda the First sighed. “I was never supposed to tell you. I was threatened by that beastly Falko. He said it was best you never knew. He thought the truth would hurt you. But seeing you, I know what’s right for you, and I can’t let him and my daughter go on lying to you.”
My sides were aching and the coldness in my belly had turned to nausea. “What?” I could barely breathe as I spoke.
She placed her palm upon my cheek again. “Your father, your real father, is the man Falko killed. He took you and his bride as his own,lying to you all the while. He’s afraid of you, just like he was Julian.”
“Julian-” I choked and had to gasp for breath. “Julian is my father…that can’t be.”
She raised our hands, squeezing mine in a vice. “I have so much to tell you, Leopoldine. Much of your life has been kept hidden from you. And I will stand by it. That’s why your parents kept me at arms length. They were afraid of you, not me.”
I woke up in a cold room, my vision blurred around the edges. I must have fallen asleep while talking to Arda the First. My head was still swimming, that it took me a moment to reach the shore of my memories. I was not the daughter of Falko, I was the daughter of Julian.
I sat up, taking a deep breath and feeling much better with cold air in my lungs. I stood up from the bed and hobbled over the the window. Opening it, I saw there were storm clouds over the path home, and light rain had already begun falling here.
I felt so painfully angry that I didn’t know what to do with it. I got dressed and went down to the stables, finding my horse and retrieving my sword.
“Leo, there you are!” Kirsa squealed. “You won’t believe the types of arrows they shoot here!”
“Not now!” I roared at her. I stormed away with my sword clutched tight in my hand.
“Leo?” Kirsa followed behind me.
I went into the mud of the courtyard, and the first crate I saw I began bashing it over and over again with my sword.
“Leo!” Kirsa sounded unlike herself. “Leo, what’s wrong with you?”
I kept swinging the sword, over and over again. Someone near me was screaming at the top of their lungs.
“Leo, stop it!” Kirsa touched me, and I swung back. I hit her, knocking her over down into the ground. She held a stunned look upon her face.
Veerle was standing at the edges of the stables, a mortified look painting her usually stern expression. She looked at Kirsa then up at me.
I exhaled and shook my head at her. The screaming had stopped, and I thought that maybe it was inside my head.
Kirsa stood up and sniffled. She wiped her face then walked away and into the stables by herself.
Veerle approached me and tried to take my sword from my hand. I fought her at first, struggling to keep it in my grip. Then I simply let go and she yanked it from me. She then slapped me with her free hand, and the blur at the edges of my vision started to dissipate.
“What has come over you? We haven’t seen you in two days!” She roared at me.
I stretched my jaw and rubbed it. “I don’t know.”
Veerle rolled her eyes. “They won’t let us see you. We’ve been worried.”
I shook my head.
“Not good enough, Leo. Answer me.”
I closed my eyes and held my hand over my mouth. “She told me-” I gulped go a breath. “She told me that Falko isn’t my father.”
Veerle’s stare narrowed. “Then what the fuck is he?”
“My uncle,” I murmured. I opened my eyes and turned to face her. “Julian is my real father.”
Her harsh gaze softened, and her tail twitched behind her. Kirsa appeared back in the doorway, watching us from a distance.
Veerle rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue. “And you trust her with that sort of information?”
“She made sense,” I murmured. “She-” I wiped rain away from my eyes. “She told me everything.”
“Which was?”
“Is she crazy?” Kirsa yelled from the door.
Veerle turned and gave her a look. “Seriously?”
I sniffled and tears started to flow. “Veerle it’s true!”
She put her arm around me and forced me back inside, sitting me down in the stable where she and Kirsa stood over me.
“Start from the beginning,” Kirsa urged.
I took a deep breath and held it until it hurt, exhaling until I felt empty. “Julian was sixteen when he took the throne,” I started.
“Duh!” Kirsa interrupted.
“Well, yeah, but he never married. Not until he met my mother. He came to her sixteenth birthday, intending to meet with Arda the First. Instead, he only had eyes for my mom.”
“Oh, so your half creepy guy,” Kirsa interjected again.
Veerle hissed at her. “Keep going.”
“He married my mother rather than Arda the First. But that’s when my mom and my dad…Falko met. At the wedding banquet. They said they met at a party, but they never said what sort of party.” I cupped my hands around the sides of my head. “They kept spending time together, and Julian realized what Falko was up to. So he sent Falko away, but he returned shortly after I was born.”
Kirsa was counting on her fingers. “He could still be your dad though depending on how long-”
“Two years,” I murmured.
“Never mind.”
I closed my eyes as more tears fell. “My dad was always telling me stories about how cruel and vicious Julian became. What if he was warning me? What if he was telling me that if I ever showed the same signs as him, that he would kill me?”
“Falko wouldn’t do that to you!” Veerle snapped.
Kirsa nodded. “Besides, if you did turn evil I would kill you first!”
“Hush,” Veerle hissed.
“I’m so confused. I feel like everything my father…that Falko ever told me was a lie or a warning. Has he been training me all this time so that he doesn’t feel responsible? If I do lose it and he’s there…then he’ll know how to kill me. Is he…is he going to train Bronn to kill me?”
“Stop that!” Veerle barked.
“Was Julian even mad to begin with? What if my father told all those lies to me to excuse why he killed him?”
Both Kirsa and Veerle went quiet.
“All accounts of his reign are nowhere to be found,” I sniffled. “He could have been a good king and my fath- Falko could be the crazy one.”
Veerle averted her gaze and remained silent.
“Could you confront him?” Kirsa spoke with a soft voice.
“I still don’t think you should trust Arda the First,” Veerle muttered.
I lifted my head and brushed away the tears from my face. “I don’t know who at all to trust right now.”
Kirsa looked up behind me then pointed. “What about that guy?”
I turned and saw the shadow man standing in the dark corner of the stable. I jumped up my feet in alarm, panic and terror flowing through me. This answered it. This affirmed my father knew my grandmother would talk. The shadow man was his man all this time!
Veerle pulled me back. “What are you doing here?”
“I came for the princess,” the shadow man rasped.
Veerle must have had the same thought I did. She went forward, holding up my sword towards him. “Get out of here, or you’ll be put into a shallow ditch.”
The shadow man chuckled. “I was instructed to keep an eye on the princess. I just wanted her to know that I will be around.”
“That’s fucking creepy,” Kirsa scoffed.
“King Falko sends his regards,” the shadow man directed at me. “He said you won’t be alone.” He charged Veerle, catching her off guard and snatching away my sword from her. She sank her claws into his arm while he held the blade to her throat. She released and he removed the blade.
“This isn’t safe for you, princess,” the shadow man murmured. “Until you return home, you’re in a death trap.”
My stomach sank into my knees. “What does that mean?”
His head turned at a sound and he vanished from the stables as voices came from behind. Kirsa pulled me out, taking me away as Veerle regained herself.
“I can’t believe this,” Kirsa whispered.
“I know,” I huffed.
“Your father couldn’t have really sent him!” Veerle snapped. “It’s too much of a coincidence.”
I frowned. “Is it? Right before I left he said he would send someone for me. Why? I have you two. Why would he need to send someone unless he knew Arda the First was going to do this? And the shadow man…the only person I can’t seem to get the upper hand with.”
“It’s weird for sure,” Kirsa replied. “Sexy, but weird.”
“Sexy?” Veerle snipped.
“I don’t know what to do,” I heaved. “What am I supposed to do?”
Kirsa snapped her fingers. “Seduce him.”
“Oh my god, Kirsa, no!”
I rubbed my hands down my face. “My head feels like it’s dipped in cream. Everything’s gunked up,” I growled.
“What have you been doing since we last saw you?” Veerle asked. “Did you get sick?”
“I felt tired when I started talking to Arda the First,” I huffed. “Maybe I was coming down with something. I woke up in my room a while ago.”
“Maybe we should think about leaving,” Veerle murmured. “All sides could be true.”
“What do you mean?” Kirsa asked. “How can everyone be right?”
Leopoldine's loyalties are put to the test. She can't trust the people she cares about most, and her mind is being ripped apart at the seams. Will her only trust ally, the shadowman, take her side? Or will he be against her too?
During dinner I was quiet, but that’s not unusual. Ever since Arda the First gave me the news, I hadn’t exactly been up to talking about anything. The long table was dotted with relatives, some I knew and lots I didn’t. All of them were in their own little worlds, mumbling to the one beside them or just into their soup.
Arda the First sat at the head of the table, sipping her wine and watching all of us laid out before her. Her dog stood at her side, watching us just as closely as she did. After a tap on the head the dog rose and came to stand beside me.
“She wants you to sit with her,” a distant cousin told me. He raised his head from his plate long enough to tell me that, and for me to see he wore an eyepatch.
“Can you understand the dog?” I asked as a joke.
He just started and me and turned back to his food.
I carried my plate and cup down to the head of the table, sitting at Arda the First’s left where the dog led me.
“Thank you for joining me, Leopoldine. I feel you’ve been quite distant since you arrived.” She filled my glass with wine even though there was water already in it.
“I’ve been trying to let it all sink in.” I looked into my glass then back at her. “I’m not sure what to think or who to trust.”
Her smile grows and she leans in closer to me. “I understand.” She coils her hand around mine and holds it towards her. “You can take all the time you need here. I would love to have you around.”
People around me shift in their chairs and I hear some chuckling.
“Thank you, Arda-”
“Buh buh buh,” she pats my cheek. “Grandmother, Leopoldine. Call me grandmother. I insist.”
“Grandmother,” I mumbled reluctantly. The name didn’t suit her in the slightest; it was weird and forced when I said it out loud.
He chuckled and pushed my glass to me. “Do you drink wine back home?”
“Sometimes,” I murmured. “I don’t really like it that much.”
“But it’s good for you! Wine keeps the skin healthy and young. It’ll help heal those scars you have the more you drink.” She topped off my glass even though I hadn’t drank anything. “A girl like you needs wine.”
I frowned a bit, sipping the glass with caution. Even with water in it, the wine tasted too strong and bitter for me.
Grandmother smiled. “I want to keep your safe and healthy, Leopoldine. I don’t want to see what happened to your father happen to you. After all, you and your brother have very similar circumstances.”
I was shoving food into my mouth to get rid of the flavor of the wine. “What do you mean?”
She sighed, touching her fingers to her lips while concern painted itself across her face. “I just mean it’s very similar. You’re the heir right? Or at least, I’m sure it’s been promised to you all this time. At least, before your brother was born. Which, if I remember this correctly, is the same age Julain was when Falko was born.”
She was correct, this I knew because it had been at the forefront of my mind since Bronn was born.
“Although, by now Julian was king,” she chuckled. “Your grandfather knew when to step down. But Falko? I am not so certain.”
“My father…he’s much younger than my grandfather was,” I tried to argue, but I felt the fight in me dying.
“Drink up, Leopoldine.” Arda the First urged me.
I took a sip under her watchful gaze. “I’m not even ready to be a ruler. At least, I don’t think so.”
“You think? Or have you been told that?” Arda whispered to me. “You’ve proven yourself haven’t you? You’ve mastered your father’s training enough to have your own knights. You’ve studied under your mother. You’re smart, strong, and have been promised it since you were born. Men have risen to such powers far younger than you. What’s stopping you?”
It terrified me that Bronn was the first thought in my mind.
Arda the First leaned in closer to me, placing her hand around my wrist and squeezing tight. “Let me help you, Leopoldine. I can send with you an army so you can take what is rightfully yours. Falko doesn’t deserve that throne. He is a king slayer, a usurper. The crown rightfully belongs upon your beautiful head.”
When did I begin to doubt myself?
Arda the First’s hand squeezed tight around my wrist. “I want what is best for my family. My daughter, my beautiful grandchild, all I ever wanted was to see you happy.”
I looked into her eyes and felt exhausted. “What about mom?”
Arda the First grinned and she released my wrist. Her long fingers coiled around my chin and jaw, holding my head up. “I loved Julain with all my heart, that was the only reason I felt safe giving him my daughter. I was hurt he chose her over me, but I knew it was what was best for us. And it gave us you.” She released me then placed my glass into my hand.
“I thought Julian went mad,” I murmured. “What really happened?”
Arda the First sighed, turning her eyes away, but I felt the eyes of the rest of the table fall upon us. “He didn’t go mad, Falko did.”
I drank down the wine, but only because I wanted it to dull the rest of my body.
“No more talk of this, I can see it bothers you.” Behind Arda the First’s hand I saw a smile. “Finish up.” She refilled my glass. “And I’ll tuck you into bed myself.”
I didn’t feel like finishing my plate. Instead I drank another lass of wine before Arda the First took me to my room. She helped me change and tucked me into bed as she promised. As I laid there, staring up at the ceiling, she caressed my forehead, making strange shapes on my skin.
“Sleep well, Leopoldine. Know that I am here for you.” She left the room and everything went silent.
I rolled over in bed, closing my eyes as I thought of Bronn. I saw him grow, becoming tall and lean. He was beautiful and beloved, held up by the kingdom. I stood below him, watching as he ascended far above me until he was out of sight and I was alone.
I felt a stirring at the back of my mind that began itching, itching, itching until it became a rising of my skin. I didn’t open my eyes and continued to feign being asleep as I listened all around me. The chilled room I had been staying in was always so quiet, most of Arda the First’s castle was a quiet tomb. I heard the whisper of the curtains fluttering and the sound of rain beyond them. I lifted my head, seeing the window was open and the continuous rain had not ceased since I laid down my head.
I rose from bed, keeping myself alert for any sound of presence in the room. My skin was still gooseflesh, and that itching remained. I went to the window, looking out at the gray night that was covered by mist and downfall. I closed the shutters and turned to the shadows.
“Do you want to die?” I asked.
A shifting of the darkness revealed him to me. The shadow man was sitting in front of the cold fireplace in one of the overstuffed chairs.
“Do you?” He asked.
I furrowed my brow at him as I placed my fingertips on the large sewing needles I kept hidden in my nightgown. “Is that what you’re here to do.”
“Not even a little.” He stood from his chair. “I was told to bring you back alive.”
I could barely make out the shadow man’s shape because the room was so dark. “What for?” I asked, taking steps closer to him.
“Because your father asked me to.” He tilted his head slightly, and I could hear the fabric of his head covering.
I reached out, touching his chest and ribs, feeling him stiffen in reaction. He was soaked to the bone and completely chilled.
“You’re freezing.”
He scoffed, grabbing my wrist and pulling it away. “Mere price to pay to keep my eye on you.”
“You might as well leave and tell Falko I know everything.”
“Falko?” He balked. “Since when do you call him that?”
I continued to press my hand to his body. “Do you not know the truth, shadow man?” I found a rip in his tunic, possibly from climbing up the side of the castle. My fingers touched bare skin, I felt hair and muscle, and I remembered how he felt inside me.
The shadow man’s hand gripped tight around my wrist, but he didn’t force me away. “Princess, I only know what I have been told. And I have been told you belong back home with your family.”
“I’m with my family here, too.” My fingers touched his nipple and I pinched itas hard as I could.
The shadow man yanked my hand away, holding it high above my head.
I chuckled. “What’s the rush?”
He growled low under his breath, not saying a word.
I licked my lips and moved closer to him. Even with my hand yanked up, I could still touch him. “You’re freezing and soaking wet. Why not take off all those wet things and hang them to dry until dawn.”
“And what do I do until then?” He snarled.
“Me,” I laughed.
The shadow man yanked down my arm and forced me to turn around. He shoved my arm into my back then leaned over my shoulder. He growled into my ear, both as a warning, and as a show of his desire.
“Do you not know fear, princess?” His free hand grabbed onto my thigh and dragged up, sinking his fingers into my flesh.
“Not with you,” I moaned. “As many scars as I’ve put on that body, I know how to handle you. There’s no fear between us.”
“Oh, but there is.” His deep voice vibrated along my ear and through my whole body. “We both know it’s there.” His hand pulled up my nightgown around my waist.
I bit my lip as his hand cupped between my thighs. I let out a small moan as i was desperate for his touch.
“I thought you would fight me before you let me do this?” He whispered into my ear.
“I need it, I’ll fight you later.” I pressed my rear into his lap.
The shadow man’s grip on me softened. He released my arm and his hand between my thighs smoothed up my belly. He kissed my neck through his mask and I turned my head to steal it.
“I thought I could always trust you,” I whispered. “I thought you were mine.”
“But I am. When we’re alone, you don’t need to question it.”
I turned around, resting my head upon his shoulder. “I don’t want to think. I’m so confused and lost…please. Please just for tonight.”
The shadow man scooped me up into his arms. “As my princess wishes.” He carried me to bed and laid me down. A moment later his naked body was beside mine. I could see the faint shadow of him in the dark, but when I touched I could feel everything.
“You really are freezing.” I stripped off my nightgown and pressed my bare body to him. I kissed hi chest, his arms, his hands. I licked his finger then brought it between my lips to suck.
The shadow man snarled and he put his free hand around my hip. He pulled my leg over his and I felt something warm upon him.
“Whatever you want, I’ll give.”
I stroked down his chest until I felt the tip of his impressive member against my fingertips. I licked my lips as I went further, feeling his soft shaft and gripping it in my hand.
The shadow man put his arm around me. “Oh princess.”
I wanted him now. I wanted him to fuck me mindless. “What'll make you harder?”
He pushed me down and moved under the covers. He spread my legs, throwing him under his shoulders. His fingers opened me, spreading my mound and tracing the shape of me. His fingertip tapped against the sensitive button and I twitched in surprise.
“Wait-” I tried to keep my composure. “What’re you doing down there?”
His hot breath beat against me and I laid back with my eyes widened open. His warm, wet tongue went down my thigh and onto my lips.
“Oh-” I gasped. “Oh!” I yelped in surprise as he kissed and nibbled on my mound. “Oh wow! Shadow man I-” I closed my eyes as his tongue lapped against me, pressing inside me to taste me. His low growls vibrated through me much deeper than before.
“Shadow man-” I tapped his back through the blankets. “What are you doing?”
He chuckled as a finger slipped inside. “Getting hard.”
I squeezed around his finger, thinking I would not feel anything more than this. Then his lips touched upon that button and it felt like he was trying to suck the life out of me. I cried out, aching my back as he sucked and licked. His snarling and moaning made my body tremble in response and his finger began to slosh with my wetness.
“Messy girl,” he growled.
I cupped my hand over my mouth to keep my voice muffled. In this quiet castle I’m sure my exclamations of pleasure would be heard.
The shadow man added another finger and made a curling motion. I surged, nearly lifting myself off the bed as he struck something inside that I never felt before. He continued licking and teasing that button.
I took a pillow, using it to dapen my moans and cries. My body rippled, shaking and spasming to the rhythm of curling fingers. I laid there for a moment, still coursing with heat from his touch. His fingers slowly removed, his tongue slurped and licked up what mess he could.
The shadow man laughed as he rose up from under the covers, tugging his mask back down. “There. Now feel me.” He grabbed my hand and placed it upon his cock.
“It’s a rock,” I moaned.
He stroked my hand along his shaft, which was wet from his dribbling tip. “Is this what you wanted, princess?”
“Yes,” I breathed. I sat up in bed, kneeling on all fours before him. I took his cock back into my hand so I could place the tip against lips. I wasn’t quite sure what to do, I only wanted to repay his efforts from moments before.
“Don’t bite,” he laughed.
I stuck out my tongue, licking him like a lollipop. His great hand grabbed the back of my head, pulling my hair and forcing me closer. His cock slipped against my cheek and my mouth smashed into his sack. I forced back, licking up his shaft and grabbing that sack into my fist.
“Oh, princess,” he growled.
I kissed his shaft, feeling it throb against my lips. I took the tip into my mouth again, suckling while I gently palpated his balls.
“Good, good,” he growled. “Easy does it.”
I tried taking more of him into my mouth, but I began to gag. I pulled back, saliva connected his tip to my lips.
“That’s enough.” He pushed me down into the bed and yanked my legs up around his waist. He slapped his cock against my folds a few times, making a satisfying wet sound.
“How long will it last?” I moaned.
The shadow man stilled, his cock poised at my entrance. “Don’t worry about time, princess. Dawn is the only thing that will take me from you.”
He was inside me, thick, hard, and familiar. I cried out and his hand clamped down around my mouth.
“That’s my girl,” he snarled. “This sopping wet cunt fills my dreams so I can’t rest. Now that I have it, I don't want to.” He kept his voice low and quiet so only I could hear him.
I closed my eyes, trying to envision how his body looked above me. His hairy, muscular chest, maybe we stained completely dark, maybe his skin was pale, or tanned. I moaned against his palm, urging him to go deeper inside me.
“Let me take my time,” he whispered. He hissed air through his teeth. “I’m trying my hardest to win this fight. But I fear I’m weaker here than you,” he laughed. “You don’t even know what you’re doing to me, princess. You don’t know how good you feel wrapped around me. So wet. So warm. And mine to boot.”
I squeezed around him, feeling his aching rod twitch inside.
“Mercy, princess,” he snarled right into my ear. His body pressed against mine. I could feel his body hair, his muscles and warmth. I put my arms around him, sinking my fingers into his back. I wanted him to stay with me, to hold me whenever I needed him. I didn’t want him to bend to my father’s will, I wanted him to bend to mine and only mine. I wanted him beside me when I married Brevalan. I wanted them both.
“You hold me tightly, princess.” His hand moved away from my mouth and cupped the back of my head.
“Don’t let me go,” I whined. “Don’t stop!”
He grinded inside me as deep as he could go. “Why would I ever stop when I have the greatest pleasure into the world around me?”
I whimpered into his neck, trying to breathe. I felt teras rush down my cheeks and despite my best efforts I sniffled.
The shadow man suddenly went still and he placed his hand on my cheek. “Don’t cry. Are you hurt?”
I shook my head. “I’m frightened. I don’t know what to believe anymore.”
He wiped away my tears and pulled me up into his lap. Our bodies were so tightly pressed together I couldn’t tell us apart.
“Breathe,” he whispered. “Hold onto me. Feel me.” He rolled his hips upwards into me. “This is real. This is us.”
I moaned softly, hugging him tight as I moved in his lap. “I feel you.”
“My nemesis, my warrior,” he growled. “You know what to believe in. I know that you do.”
I bounced in his lap, breathing into his ear. “Shadow man-” My voice choked before I could finish my thought.
“Princess, oh, princess,” he moaned. “Keep going. You have to!”
I held on tighter to him as I bounced, his own hips thrusting upwards into me. I shuddered, throwing my head back as his whole body tensed. I felt him inside warmer than before. He pulsed inside leaving behind a thick, sticky mess.
The shadow man breathed and we laid together in bed. It was silent again except for the sound of his heart beating.
“I can’t go home,” I whispered. “I’m scared.”
“I’ve never once known you to be afraid. Least of all your home. I’m taking you back, princess. There’s no other choice.”
I reached out and touched his face through his steamy head covering. “I’ll fight you.”
“Good. I want you to.” He pulled me into his arms and held me. “I won’t let you go.”
---------------------
The shadow man didn’t take me in the night like I had expected. He left me in the stupor he gave me, letting me sleep through it while he vanished back out the window. I had been prepared to fight my way from his clutches so now I felt unfulfilled as I walked down the halls. I decided some training with Veerle and Kirsha was just what I needed to work out that frustration, even if another part of me was perfectly sated.
I sighed with content, remembering the shadow man’s near invisible hands upon me in the dark. The warmth of his mouth. The prowess of his great cock. I really did enjoy our rivalry, our bond; it would be a shame to have to kill him.
I walked down to the rooms where Kirsha and Veerle were staying, throwing open Kirsha’s door, expecting to see her still curled up in a bed with her blankets tangled around her.
“Get up, young lady.” I tugged on the blankets and they pulled away with no fight. “We’re going to-”
Kirsha wasn’t in bed.
Maybe she was with Veerle, I thought, and went to the adjoining room. I saw a shape laying under the blankets, but Veerle would never sleep in like this. I yanked back the blanket and found the shadow man poised there.
“What have you done?” I snarled.
He sat up in Veerle’s bed and chuckled. “I knew I couldn’t take you so easily, so I planned a distraction for you.”
“You fucked me to steal my girls?” I roared at him.
He placed a finger where his mouth should be. “Keep your voice down, princess. Someone might hear and come running, and that would be extremely bad news for you.”
“Start talking,” I snarled between gnashed teeth. “Or I will gut you where you stand and have no qualms about it!”
He stood and held up his hands defensively. “Whoa now, princess. Kill me and you’ll never see your women again. That’s kind of the plan.”
I charged at him and he back up. “You’re much angier than I anticipated,” he laughed.
I inhaled hard and exhaled even harder. My hands were trembling to hold a blade, and my skin itched to feel hot blood upon it. “You fucked me to steal my girls. I thought our fucking was sacred.”
The shadow man’s stance went soft. “You think so?”
I charged again and he stumbled backwards. “Talk!” I roared.
“I didn’t want to take you after the deed. That felt cruel. So, I had my boys capture your lovely warriors. They’ve been traveling all night.”
“Unharmed?”
“Of course. But who knows what the little one is capable of,” he scoffed.
I was biting down on my cheek to feel something other than blind rage. “You took them so I would follow you willingly. Now you’re holding them hostage as blackmail.”
The shadow man nodded. “Should anything happen to me and I don’t report back to my men by the week’s end, your ladies will be killed. Travel with me and you’ll be able to see them safe and sound back home.”
My breath shuddered as I exhaled. Staring him up and down I tried to find something different about him, something I couldn’t recognize. But the shadow man was always the same, always tall, always dark, always intriguing.
“Why are you doing this?” I whispered.
His head tilted to the side. “I’m doing this for you, princess.”
“Is that what he said?” I swallowed the harsh lump in my throat, but it didn’t budge.
He nodded and stepped closer towards me. “Your father is looking out for you. Arda the First isn’t.”
I laughed. “And how do you know?”
“I trust my gut on this. I thought you were smart enough to know better. Did you really let that miserable woman get to you?” he snapped.
I charged him again, but this time he didn’t flinch. “Don’t fuss at me like you care! You used sex to trick me last night! I’m not too fond of you either.” I went to slap him but he grabbed my wrist. I threw my other hand and he caught it as well.
“I care about you more than you think.” He strained as he tried to hold me.
“With your cock!” I grunted as I tried forcing him back, but he stood as still as stone. I pushed again, almost falling into his arms.
“That’s enough princess.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “I can knock you out right now.”
I glared up through the dark fabric covering his face. I thought I could see something beneath, but the fabric gave away no secrets. “That head has to be good for something.”
The shadow man chuckled. “Your ladies need you, don’t forget.”
I huffed and quit fighting. He let go of one of my wrists and pulled me out towards the stables. Veerle and Kirsha’s horses were gone, and mine was already loaded and waiting on us. The shadow man picked me up, setting me on its back before hopping up himself.
“Are you ready, princess?”
I rolled my eyes. “Just go. Don’t make me any angrier than I already am.”
“As you wish.” We took off, leaving Arda the First’s palace.
We rode for a long while without saying anything. The further away we got, the most exhausted I began to feel. I had slept so soundly, so content from the shadow man’s great affections. But I was feeling more and more like I had not rested the entire time I had been at my grandmother’s palace.
“I need water,” I said groggily to the shadow man. “I can’t keep my eyes open.”
He reached up from the reins and placed his hand upon my forehead. “You don’t have a fever, thankfully.”
“Shut up.” I pushed his hand away.
The shadow man stopped my horse and got off, helping me down. As I walked I felt the exhaustion in my legs and I had to sit down.
The shadow man took a canteen out and handed it to me. “Is everything all right?”
“None of your concern.” I yanked the canteen from him and guzzled down the water inside. It wasn’t as cold as I would have wished, but it did the job of clearing out some cobwebs.
He knelt down before me and watched me while I drank. “I think you’ll begin to feel better once you’re at home.”
I glared at him.
“I’m serious.” He stood up. “Your father said that Arda the First used to keep your mother drugged.”
“What?” I scoffed.
“It’s not my place to talk about it. But I think Arda the First may have more in common with her enchantress rumors than you would believe.” He took out some bread from the saddle bag and handed it to me. “Eat this. I think you need it more than the water right now.”
“Are you a parent or something?” I snatched away from the bread from his hand and inspected it for anything funny.
“Not exactly,” he chuckled in amusement.
I bit into the bread and chewed slowly to make sure the flavor wasn’t tampered with. I looked back up at him, watching him tend to my horse with some affection. I sighed and slouched, removing any pretense of stature or strength. I felt awful.
“We can’t rest too long.” The shadow man held his hand out to me. “Come on. Lets go.”
I took his hand and finished off the last bite of bread. He hefted me onto the horse and got on behind me. Once his arms wrapped me to take the reins I leaned back a little.
“You can rest, princess. No need to try and fight it.”
“Shut up,” I grumbled.
He chuckled. “We’ve still got a long way to go. It’s best if you rest now. You still plan on fighting me, don’t you?”
I put an ugly scowl upon my face.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” he laughed.
We traveled all day, taking short rests only a few times. I must have dozed off at some point, because I was woken by the shadow man stopping. I realized it was late, and the air was getting colder.
“I’ll get a fire going.” The shadow man set me down upon the ground and pointed. “Go to that river and tie your horse up there to rest. Should be plenty of grass and water for them.”
I looked him up and down, not saying a word as I turned to take my horse. I sat by the river as my horse drank, listening to the water burble along.
The shadow man came up a second later, dunking his hands into the water and washing them off. “Come on, I’ll get a fire started and it’ll be warm there.”
“Fine,” I huffed. I followed him, sitting under a tree as he got the fire going.
“How are you feeling?” He asked. “You slept quite awhile.”
I shrugged. “I feel like I could sleep more.”
The shadow man chuckled. “And here I was expecting you to fight me every step of the way. It’s been rather boring, princess.” The fire crackles, glowing embers appear and they grow. He took a step back, admiring his work before coming to rest beside me.
“I didn’t want to use our bond that way. But I needed to make sure this plan worked. I’ll apologize to you properly when you are home safe and sound.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I promised to protect you,” he continued to insist.
I scoffed. “Protect me? From what? All my life I have been trained and prepared to protect myself and others. I don’t need your masculine ego hovering over me!”
“It’s not that,” he snarled. “You may be a skilled warrior, princess, but you still have vulnerabilities. We all do. There are some things in this world you can’t be prepared for.”
“And an old lady was one of those things?”
“Yes! You’ve never spent time with your grandmother. You don’t know how to deal with her.” He then shook his head and looked away. “You can’t do everything. You need to figure that out.”
I leaned further back and pouted.
The shadow man got up and stoked the fire, adding more dry sticks to get the flames to grow and engulf the logs. In the light, it appeared that the black stain on his hands was fading.
I leaned forward, watching his hands and trying to catch if it was the shifting light of the flames or his actual skin. He moved away, going towards the horse where I couldn’t see his hands at all.
“I have one blanket, you can have it,” he said.
“What about you?” I grumbled.
“I’ll survive.” The shadow man took the blanket from the saddle bag then tossed it at me. He sat back down near me as I placed the folded blanket in my lap.
“Survive this. Survive that,” I mumbled under my breath. “Who the hell do you think you are anyways.”
“Talking to yourself, princess?”
I sniffed. “Asking a relatively easy question of you. Just who are you? You can’t just be the shadow man. You must be some actual person.”
He laughed. “You’re only asking this of me now?”
“I never really cared before. I just…knew you.”
He sighed and lead back against the tree. “All the times we fought. Each time we laid together. You never questioned who I really was?”
“You were you and I was me. That’s all that mattered. I trusted your secrets and that you had to keep them. I trusted you when we fought and when we fucked. I knew, deep inside, that we understood one another.”
“I knew that too,” he sighed. “Every blow struck. Every orgasam shared. I knew it was because we were kindred. Our souls were made of the same substance.”
I scoffed and unfolded the blanket. “You sound like him.” I wrapped the soft fabric around me like a hooded cowl and hid most of my face from view.
The shadow man turned his head towards me. “Your father has some good ideas. Do you suddenly not believe them because of Arda the First?”
I slouched down even lower so the only thing visible of me was my legs and eyes. “I don’t know anything anymore.”
He chuckled. “What an excuse. I never thought I would hear you utter such a thing, princess.” He looked up into the sky. “I used to look at the sky when I was feeling my worse and think to myself how you must be looking at it too.”
I cut my eyes at him.
“Do you think that’s laughable?”
I looked away in case he decided to look at me. “Why did that give you comfort?”
The shadow man’s laugh was almost silent, but I could hear it upon his breath. “Because, my goal is always you.”
I looked at him again, my heart going at an unusual pace. “Don’t tell me that you’re soft, shadow man!”
He kept his gaze focused upon the sky. “You think that’s soft? I’m telling you who I am. Isn’t that what you wanted.”
I sat up slightly. “I meant a name. Not some…confession of…”
“Romantic feelings?”
I held my breath as my heart started that strange palpating again. “No you don’t.”
“I do. Don’t you?”
I sat back and clutched the blanket tighter around me. “I can’t even think about such things right now. Not when I can’t even know my status within the family.”
“You know your status,” he scoffed. “It never changed. You are Falko’s daughter, his heir. His chosen heir at that.”
“I am the daughter of Julian.”
“Really, where?”
My mouth hung open under the blanket.
“Show me,” the shadow man insisted. “Show me where you are Julian’s child. Go on. If you are so sure about it. Show me.”
Tears came to my eyes and I tucked myself into the blanket. I whimpered and sniveled, trying to keep them quiet so he didn’t realize he wounded me in the worst way possible.
“Princess,” the shadow man breathed softly.
“Shut up!” I barked at him. “Just leave me alone!”
I felt his arms around me, holding me tight in an embrace that was silent but spoke everything.
“You are Falko’s child. There is not a drop of Julain in you.” His hand stroked the back of my head. “Falko raised you, he loved you, he poured everything of himself into you. You are his match in every way.”
I whimpered and shook my head.
“Am I lying?”
“Shut up,” I blubbered.
The shadow man chuckled. “If you have doubts, your family are the only ones you can talk to about them.” He released me then peeled back the blanket to reveal me. “Be angry if you must. But that’s the truth.”
I rubbed my eyes and huffed. “Don’t tell anyone you saw me cry.”
“I won’t.” He touched my face and wiped away the tears that lingered. “It’ll be another of our secrets.”
I looked up at his mask, trying once again to see through it and find his face. “Why do you keep yourself a secret?”
“I have my reasons.” He pressed his thumb on my lips. “When I am ready, I’ll show.” His thumb pushed between my lips and pressed down upon my tongue. I bit him and his low growl rumbled through my ears and into my bones.
“Easy, princess.”
I sucked his thumb, coiling my tongue around it as he kept it there.
“You need to rest,” he breathed.
I crawled into his lap, wrapping the blanket around both of us. “I’m still pissed at you.” I kissed his cheek through the mask.
He moaned and put his hands upon my hips. “But you still want me.”
“My body is a fool.” I rub myself into his lap.
His hands run up my back. “If you need to be comforted, all you have to do is ask.”
I shoved him against the tree, pressing down upon his shoulders as I grinded against his lap. “Be quiet.”
The shadow man moaned. “Go ahead. Take from me what you need.”
I glared at him then removed myself from him. “You ruined it.” I flopped back down upon the ground, wrapping the blanket around me again.
The shadow man sighed. “You want to stop?”
“Yes.” I huffed.
“Alright.” He settled again. “Do you mind if I take care of myself then?”
I remained silent.
“Princess?” He murmured. “You got me worked up. I’m going to take care of myself.”
“I don’t care,” I grumbled.
He chuckled. “Okay. Then if you don’t mind. I’ll just get comfortable, right here.” He let out a moan that tickled through my body. “You’re the only one who gets me this hard.”
I felt a wetness begin to seep from my mound.
“I’ll try t be quiet,” he whimpered.
I peered from a small crack in the blanket and saw he was still fully clothed and his hands were behind his head. “Liar,” I huffed.
The shadow man laughed. “You peeked.”
I dropped the blanket and glared at him. “Okay fine! You got me. I’m angry and confused and ready to rip my hair out from the roots. But the one thing I know for certain is that, physically, I need you.”
The shadow man sighed and held out his hand. “Take me then.”
I crawled back into his lap, pulling out his cock and stroking it slowly. I leaned my forehead against his shoulder, breathing deep as I felt him fill my palm, going stiff, then dribbling from the tip.
“Princess,” he moaned. “Take me.”
I stripped off my bottoms and placed myself on top of him. His tip slipped and prodded at my folds then I felt his fingers. I whimpered as one touched me, rubbing my clit and gently opening me for his cock to slip inside.
“There now,” he growled. “Pretend there’s nothing else in this world, princess. Everything and everyone is gone, it’s only you and me here. No worries. No doubt. Just bodies.”
I sink further down upon him, a wash of relief going through my limbs. He fills me to the brim, and I take him as deeply as I comfortably can. His finger continues to brush against my clit, making my breath and body falter.
“You and I know each other too well, princess. But that’s because of fate. You and I were made for each other, even before we were born.”
I rise up, feeling his cock slip from inside me then strike the inside of my thigh. He holds himself, guiding his tip back inside which I ease down upon.
“Without knowing it, we worked all our lives to find each other.” He moaned and threw his head back as I bounced upon his lap.
I pressed my face into his neck, gasping with each motion I made. I needed him, but I wasn’t ready to express just every way in which I did.
“You feel that, princess?” He whispered. “Everytime we join together like this, it’s perfect.”
“Shut up,” I whimpered.
He chuckled and rubbed his thumb against my clit again. “I can’t tell you every secret just yet. But I promise I will.”
I cried out then, breathing hard against his chest as I moved myself faster. The more pleasure I felt, the less I had to think, the less I had to be concerned with. The shadow man threw me down and took control. He knew what I needed, he understood I wanted to forget. He lifted my leg, holding it to his body as he gave me the hard, powerful comfort I wanted.
“Princess,” he growled low.
I threw my head back and dug my fingers into the earth. The strong pulse of his cock inside was beginning to take my breath away, just like I wanted. I need that one quick rush of relief and then I would be able to rest. I could let my body wilt, and I would slip away for the night.
I felt the shadow man on top of me, his body writhing and twitching. Then that heat, that soft, glowing spark he left inside me. I sighed, wrapping my arms around him as our bodies melted and pooled together.
“Leave my father,” I whispered. “We can run away. Just us.”
“No,” he growled. “Even if that’s my most frequent dream, we can’t do it.” He lifted up slowly and removed himself from inside. “We have too much to get back to.”
Tears fell down my cheeks and I closed my eyes in hopes of stopping them. “I know.”
The shadow man knelt down, bringing up my thighs and I felt his tongue. He licked me clean, making me tremble and cry out with renewed ecstasy. My body was exhausted, but my mind was more than alive.
“Do you need more?” He asked.
I opened my eyes, gazing at the shapeless shadow above me. I raised my arms and opened them. He understood without me speaking a word and laid his weight upon me again.
In the morning we continued on towards home. I still felt groggy like the day before, but now there was an itch that traveled through my skin that never seemed to be sated or go away.
The shadow man pushed my hand down as I tried scratching again. “It’s not real. It’s your grandmother’s toxin working out of you.”
I huffed and looked away from him. He kept his hand over mine, and the black stain was more faded than yesterday.
“Why do you think you know so much?” I grumbled.
“I only know what your father told me to look out for. He knew your grandmother would try something with you. She’s never liked Falko, nor your mother.”
I rolled my eyes. “Because they conspired against my real father?”
“In her head, yes, that’s what Arda the First believes. She wants you to believe that too. I understand the truth must be hard to take in but-”
I pushed his hand away. “A masked man speaking about truth, how cute.”
He sighed. “Even in this state you must realize this isn’t you. The real you is in there, but the effects of Arda the First are still holding you. I’ll let that slide.” His hand returned to the reins. I studied his knuckles and the way the stain faded the most there. Through the dark stain I thought I saw markings, maybe a hint of green. But that could have just been the way the stain faded.
“When did you start working for my father?”
His body behind me stiffened.
I clicked my tongue. “Was it before you came to challenge me that first time? Or did that happen later? Because if it was before, then you’re not the first person my father has chosen for me. Did you know that?”
He cleared his throat and his hands tightened upon the reins.
“So you didn’t know that,” I chuckled. “Oh yes. My father picked this young, strapping orc fellow before you. Brevalan,” I said with some nostalgic flutter to my voice. “Granted, I haven’t seen him in quite some time. But he is supposed to be my betrothed.”
“I hear orcs are good lovers,” he replied.
I bit my lip as I didn’t get the exact reaction I was expecting. “I hope so,” I replied. “I really liked him.”
The shadow man shifted in his seat. “Do you miss him?”
I sighed. “Sometimes. But it’s been so long. I don’t even know if my father still intends to keep his promise to him. For all I know, he sent Brevalan far away so there could never be a question that I’m-” I stopped and furrowed my brow.
“Princess?”
“Nothing. Just realizing something.”
The shadow man sighed and he turned my horse in another direction. “It’s been some hours. Lets take a rest.”
We stopped by a stream, letting the horse drink while we stretched our legs and get something to eat. The shadow man washed his hands in the river, and more of the stain faded away. There was a green cast that remained, but also, I could see faint marks on the back of his hand.
He stood and wiped his hands on the ends of his tunic. “It won’t be long from here. With any luck, we can reach the castle by sundown. Although, I suspect we may need to sleep and finish the trek in the morning.”
I nodded and sat down upon a rock, holding my head between my hands.
“Princess, are you alright?” The shadow man came to my side, kneeling down beside me. He stretched out his hand to touch me, but I got the jump on him. I knocked him off balance and down onto his back. I placed my knee upon his throat and showed him the needles I kept tucked away in my clothes.
“Don’t move,” I said warningly.
“What the hell are you doing?” He coughed.
I shoved my knee into his throat. “Don’t talk. Just stay still.” I grabbed the top of his hood and he shook. I pressed a needle to his skin, not piercing but letting him know it was there.
“Princess,” he growled as his body went stiff. “Listen, you can’t do this, not now. You’re not yourself. You’re not going to-”
“Be quiet,” I hissed. “I’m not going to kill you. I just want to see who you are before I leave. I’m taking my horse and heading home. If you start walking you’ll make it tomorrow in just enough time to save your men from being slaughtered by me.” I tugged at his hood again. “But I am not leaving here until I see who I am dealing with.”
“Princess, please-”
I pulled away his hood, untangling the excess fabric around his neck. What I saw confused me, but the realization of it hit me faster and harder than a flying stone. I stood up off him, laughing to myself as I began pacing.
“Princess,” the once shadow man said as he sat up.
“No!” I threw up my hand to make him silent. “Stay silent. Do not say anything else.” I stared him up and down in disbelief. “How can I possibly take this?”
His long braid fell down from the pins at the back of his head and hit upon his shoulder. His thick brows pinched together as he watched me. Was he concerned for me or for the fact that his and my father’s long secret had been revealed?
Brevalan stood there, lifting his stained hands then dropping them back down to his side. He held his tongue, but kept his eyes focused upon me.
“What was the purpose?” I scoffed. “Why hide from me?”
“You’re not well right now, princess. You’re not in your right mind-”
“Shut up!” I was sick to my stomach and the itch had crawled up into my brain. I felt an ache all over, and my mind was going so fast. There wasn’t a moment for me to think, all I could do was feel everything and react to it.
“Don’t try and tell me that! No! All these years you’ve been in that disguise! All these years working for my father! Was this the plan? Were you pretending to be this…this shadow man to get to me? To learn how to fight me? So that way you could do whatever my father asked you to?”
“No!” Brevalan gasped. “Please, Leo was-”
I charged him with one of my needles, but he grabbed my wrist and fought me back. I kicked him and went to break his grasp, but he managed to keep a hold of me. We struggled and pushed at one another until I dropped the needles in my hand. When I did, I’ll admit I fought dirty, but I kicked him somewhere sensitive.
Brevelan tried his best to keep his composure, but he was weakened and I took my chance. I struck him in the jaw, knocking him over onto the ground, and then I ran. I took my horse, leaving him there in a state I might never fully understand. I left him his bags and I turned to him before I left.
“I will deal with you better once you make it back!” I snapped. “Until then Brevelan you best get to walking.” I rode off, heading towards home as fast as my horse would take me.
The finale is here! Leopoldine finally learns the truth, and comes to understand her role in the world.
Female Main Character x Male Monster (both cis)
Part One - Part Two - Part Three
----------------------------------------------
Darkness settled before I even saw the palace. What I once felt was my favorite place in the world looked like the maw of a beast by the time I arrived. The shadow of the palace was jagged, and the inky blackness of it made me see fingers reaching out to grab me and prod me, possibly claw me to shreds.
Inside I put the horse away and I went to my armory to fetch my favorite sword. I was taken before I had the sound of mind to remember it. I took it off the wall and made my way through the silent palace. Everyone I had ever loved was lying to me. All my life they had looked me in the face and told me nothing but the most absolute lies.
My father was not my father. My mother was a conspirator to kill a king. Brevalan had removed himself from my side and saw eye to eye with a man who possibly wanted me dead. My father promised me a throne, but all this time he was watching me to see if I was anything like Julian. Even the shadow man had been a mirage. I lied to myself, thinking he was possibly my equal. But that was all smoke, all my ideas placed upon a blank canvas.
I stopped short outside of my parents’ chambers. I had my hand on the door, but I hesitated to open it. I looked down the hall and saw Bronn’s door was cracked. I walked to that door and peered inside. A small lantern was lit and hung above his bed so I could see his soft cheeks and pouted lips in sleep. He was so small, but he was the crux of my problems.
I walked inside, standing beside his bed. He slept while my mind raced with the most awful things. If he hadn’t of been born, none of this would matter. I could be ruler. I could replace Falko. There would be no question who was rightful. There shouldn’t have even been a question now.
“Leo,” a voice whispered in urgency behind me.
I looked back, seeing Falko standing there in his nightclothes. His eyes were wide and frightened as he looked at me. “Darling, when did you get home?”
I made no reaction to his presence.
He stepped into the room quietly. “It’s late. You must be exhausted.”
“Are you scared of me?” I growled at him.
He stood perfectly still. “Leopoldine.”
I pushed my hair away from my face, nearly ripping it out at the root. “I asked you a question, Falko. Are you scared of me?” I hissed.
“Falko?” He chuckled.
I stiffened my jaw.
“Oh darling,” he breathed. “I knew this was a bad idea.”
“You’re damn right it was. All these years…when were you going to do it? Huh? I guess it would have been too suspicious to do it when he was born!” I pointed back at Bronn, still blissfully asleep as we spoke in hushed, harsh tones.
“You’re sick,” Falko whispered. “You need to go-”
“Go where?” I laughed. “You’ve been waiting for this haven’t you? Waiting for when my real father appears in me!”
He turned to stone, standing there with not a hint of expression upon him.
“I’m right aren’t I?”
Falko brought his hand to his mouth and closed his eyes. In the shadows I could barely make out his face at all.
“Admit it!” I cried out.
“Leo?”
His small, soft voice stabbed through me, sharper than any arrow or balde that had touched my skin.
“Leo! You’re home!”
I looked back to see Bronn sitting up in bed with a huge smile on his face. It quickly faded when he saw me.
“Leo? What’s wrong?”
“Stay in bed, son,” Falko’s voice tremored. “Your sister has been away so long she got confused.”
Bronn didn’t listen, he got out of bed anyway and walked over to me. He hugged onto my leg and wouldn’t let go.
“I miss you so much!”
My eyes burned and I patted the top of his head. “Go back to bed, Bronn. I’ll see you later, okay?”
He continued to hug, only letting go once he was happy. He crawled back into bed and I tucked him in while Falko watched fromt he doorway. I kissed Bronn’s forehead and watched him beam.
“I’m glad you’re home,” he whispered.
I nodded. “Go to sleep.” I left his bedside, pushing Falko from the room to close the door. He grabbed hold of me and I pushed back.
“Don’t touch me,” I snarled under my breath.
“You need to rest,” he commanded. “Go to bed.”
I laughed and shook my head. “Not until you give me one good reason that you have lied to me about absolutely everything. Tell me, did you always plan on killing me if I ever stepped out of line?”
That’s when I saw the tears in his eyes. His lashes were soaked, his cheeks and beard drenched. “I would rather die, Leo.”
“Don’t,” I hissed.
He walked away from me, heading down the hall away from the bedrooms. I followed behind him, letting him lead me into the study my mother used. He sat down before the fireplace, staring deep into it.
“I never told you the truth about my brother because it would only hurt you. It’s bad my mind is twisted, but I didn’t want you thinking you would grow up to inherit what he had. I loved you so much I wanted to do everything to let you know what a powerful and amazing girl you could become. What you have become. I wanted you to know that no matter what you were loved.”
“But that was before Bronn was born.”
He stood up so fast he knocked over the chair he was in. “I thought you would be able to see through Arda the First’s bullshit. I’m so sorry I ever let you go. But nothing changed when Bronn was born except that he was.”
“But it did,” I whispered. “Everything changed for me! You stopped training me. My place was uncertain.”
“There wasn’t anything I could teach you! I thought it was best for you that way. And to me your place was never-” He looked angry all of a sudden.
“Then why use Brevelan against me?” I shouted.
“Brevelan was the test,” Falko whispered. “Because I knew I could never ever fight you with my all. I would always let you win.”
“Liar!” I screamed.
The door opened and my mother walked in. “I thought I heard voices.” She was carrying a cup in her hands. “Leo, stop yelling at your father.”
“So I can yell at you then?” I roared at her.
She just stared blankly at me. “Come here, drink this.”
“You’re just as awful as he is!” I thrust my sword towards Falko. “You married Julain to spite your mother? Then you had him killed?”
My mother stormed up to me and slapped me as hard as she possibly could. I dropped my sword I was so stunned. Falko’s face opened wide he was so shocked.
“You listen here,” she hissed at me. “Listen hard and listen good because I do not plan to repeat this. But I will not take such horrible lies spewing from my child’s mouth!” She grabbed my face and shook me. “Julian took me. I was sixteen he was in his thirties and he just took me. I was kept prisoner for my mother, and then I was taken as one by Julian. When I met your father, your real father, the man standing right there, I was a very sick, very sad young girl who wanted to die. He saved me. He saved you-” Tears streamed down her face. “He loved us. He was willing to die for us to make sure we were safe and happy. He didn’t kill Julian because I asked him to. He killed Julian so we could live!” Her fingers gripped hard onto my face, making sure I never looked away.
“I never wanted you to know it was me. But I never lied about who your father was, not for one moment, Leopoldine. You are Falko’s, from the moment you came into the world he held you and he never let go!”
The heat in my eyes flowed down my cheeks, spilling onto her fingers. She let me go and shoved the cup into my hands.
“You drink this. All of it,” she commanded. “Your grandmother’s fancy tea is still inside you. This will help you sleep and by morning maybe you’ll be the smart child I fucking raised!”
“Mom-” I whimpered.
Falko, my father, put his hand upon my back. “It’ll be okay. We’re here with you.”
The drink my mother gave me was bitter, but by the time I was led back to my room I felt as though the weight of the world was upon me. I drifted to sleep so heavily that I wasn’t sure where I was or what happened to me.
When I woke it was daylight and the sun was blazing through the uncovered windows almost violently. I shielded my eyes with my arm, groaning in irritation and confusion as I sat up in my own bed.
Something jumped up from the floor an ran to my beside. “You’re up! I’ll go get Mom!” Bronn said excitedly, but his voice sounded like rocks clattering down an empty hallway.
I flopped back down in bed, covering my head with blankets to keep the light off me. Sometimes later, someone bounced onto the bed and pulled back the blankets.
“Awww, did somebody get drugged by their grandma?” Kirsha taunted me.
I squinted through the hellish light seeing Kirsha on the bed and Veerle standing beside it. “Oh good, you’re both okay.”
“Yeah, we’re fine,” veerle scoffed. “You had us worried there.” veerle sat down beside me and her cool hand petted away my wet hair. “You’re sweating like a pig.”
“What happened?” I muttered. “Did brevelan make it back in time? Or did we all die?”
Kirsha sputtered. “No one is dead yet. You aren’t so lucky.”
“You were drugged by your grandmother and you punched Kirsha pretty hard. We knew we had to do something,” veerle murmured. “So we worked with the shadow man to get you home.”
I could have barely understood a nursery rhyme then, I could barely take in this. “You weren’t kidnapped?”
“You think we’d let ourselves get taken so easily? You really were sick.” Kirsha snickered.
“Move aside girls,” I heard my father say. “Let me through.” He kissed my forehead then sat down beside me.
“How are you feeling, Leo?” he asked.
“Awful.”
He chuckled. “You’ll be okay now that you’re home. I’m really sorry I sent you there in the first place. Your mother knew it was risky, but if Arda the First had come here it could have been much worse.”
I placed my hand over his. “I’m so sorry-”
“Oh hush.” He held my hand tightly. “We have a lot to talk about. But right now, I’m just happy you’re home.”
I smiled and closed my eyes again. “It’s so hot in here.”
“You’ve gotta sweat it out kid, your mother’s orders,” he chuckled. “When you get to feeling better. You’ve got another guest who wants to see you.”
I sighed as something cold touched my forehead. My mother placed a cold cloth on my face, then had my father sit me up so I could drink water and a warm broth.
“When I was little, she would give me that tea when I wasn’t behaving as she’d like. I was hoping she’d have left that behind but-” My mother sighed. “It’ll be okay. I know how to deal with it now.”
“I say this is reason enough to go and kill her,” my father scoffed.
“Dearest,” my mother scolded.
I was feeling a bit better with something on my stomach, but as the day wore on I still felt groggy and heavy. By the evening, I was able to sit up and read with Bronn. All the sweating had actually worked.
“You smell bad,” Bronn teased me.
“You’re no bed of roses either,” I threw back. “I have an excuse. What’s yours?”
He giggled and still snuggled up to me. “I was really scared, Leo.”
I stroked his soft hair and smiled. “Me too. But we’re okay now. Everything is going to be fine.”
“Bronn, come along sweetie,” our mother came and fetchd him. “Leopoldine still needs to rest, and she is about to get a bath.”
Bronn hugged me once more. “Can we play tomorrow?”
“Sure, I’ll plan on it.” I watched him go with our mother and then someone came in carrying a tub.
Brevelan and I met eyes and my guts churned fiercely.
“Good to see you looking somewhat normal,” he murmured.
I nodded.
“They’ll be bringing up water for your bath, hopefully that’ll finish off the process,” Brevalan grunted.
I covered my face with my hands. “I kicked you in the crotch,” I whined. “I’m so sorry! I can’t believe I acted like that!”
“You weren’t yourself.”
“No, no, it’s still not okay!” I looked up at him. “You can hit me if you want.”
He smirked. “Hit you?”
“As payback! I was awful. You were trying to save me and I just-” I sniffled and bit my lip.
Brevelan stepped towards me and I readied myself for the blow. I closed my eyes and held up my chin, but all I felt was something soft then something scratchy. I peeked open an eye to see he was kissing me.
“I’m not going to hit you. I think you’ve been punished enough,” he chuckled.
I placed my hand upon his face. “So it’s true. You really were the shadow man all of this time.”
He chuckled. “I thought you had it figured out a while back. Guess my disguise worked better than I planned.” His hands were still stained by the dark ink, but his skin showed through, and his tattoos were now visible.
“But why disguise yourself?”
“So you’d fight me honestly. It was your dad’s idea. He wanted to make sure that we went at each other as equals.”
I smiled. “How did he know you’d play along?”
“Because if I didn’t I’d never see you again.” He kissed me again, holding my face softly as he pressed in closer. I could feel his tusks against my skin, the rough stubble on his jaw. He stood as they brought in the buckets of hot water for my bath.
“I should go,” he growled.
I used his hand as balance as I stood. “No. Stay.”
He gulped as the door closed behind him. “Are you sure about that?”
I nodded. “Come and bathe with me. I still owe you for that low blow.” I stripped out of my nightgown and let it drop around my ankles. “Besides, I have ever gotten to see you naked before.”
“That’s true,” he sounded flustered.
I watched him undress, stripping away his tunic and then his pants. His body was heavy and hairy. He had muscle, but there was also a softness to his belly. I smiled as I drank him in. All these years I had been stealing moments with the shadow man, and this was the view I was denied.
I sank into the hot tub and brought Brevalan with me. I let him lean against my chest so his head rested upon my breast. I then stroked my hands down his body, able to touch him as much as I wanted.
I held him and rested my cheek upon the top of his head. “From now on, you’re staying here.”
Brevelan chuckled. “Is that a command, princess?”
“A wish.” I smiled to myself.
“The secret is out, there’s no reason for me to hide anymore. I suspect I won’t be leaving anymore. I’ll be home from now on.”
I kissed his bare shoulder then moved my lips onto his neck and bit him. Brevelan moaned and placed his hand upon my thigh.
I stroked my hands down his chest. “I’ve gotten a bit plump from being so inactive at Arda the First’s. I’ll need some extra help to work it off.”
Brevelan chuckled. “You need your rest princess.”
“I’m not so weak I can’t enjoy my favorite pastime,” I purred into his ear. “Unless you need some time to heal.”
Grevalan turned and kissed me. “If I stay the night, can we see how the morning fares?”
I kissed him in return, hugging him tight in my arms. “Of course.”
After my bath, I dressed lightly to go have a small meal. My father was waiting, smiling as I walked into the room.
“Hungry?” He asked.
“Famished.” I sat down at the table, looking at him rather than the food. I reached out, hugging him tight and burying my face into his shoulder.
“I’m so sorry,” I cried.
He stroked my back and sighed. “So am I. I never meant for you to have any doubt.” He looked into my eyes with a smile. “You will make a good queen someday. I never thought otherwise.”
“But Julian-”
“You are nothing like him,” he whispered. “By the time he was your age it was already too late. But you? You’re saner than anyone in this castle.”
I laughed and sniffled. “Oh come on.”
“I mean it.” He laughed. “Now eat something. I’m sure you must be starved.”
I started eating, sniffling as I did.
“I’m going to ask Brevelan to stick around, just in case your grandmother tries anything. I know your girls are trustworthy, but I would feel better having him around.”
My cheeks blossomed bright pink.
“And I’m sure you have no complaints about that,” he laughed. “You two have always been drawn to one another. Even when you didn’t know it was him. It makes me feel assured, knowing my daughter is with a man she genuinely adores.”
“I do,” I murmured.
“He’s worked hard, he’ll make a good king. At least, in my eyes he will be.” He turned and smiled as he gazed out the window. “When the time comes. I want you two to have fun before then. I still have time left in this body, and you two have youth to fulfill.”
“You sure?” I’m a bit surprised.
He nods. “I became king when I was seventeen. I know for a fact you have time. I never intended for you to rule so young. But in a few years it’ll be time. Until then enjoy your betrothed, enjoy being yourself. That’s all I ever wanted for you.”
I smiled brightly and hugged him again. “Thanks Dad.”
I returned to my bedroom, finding Brevalan tucked under the covers and snoozing gently. I crawled into bed beside him. He adjusted himself, laying so I could place myself into his arms. He was so warm and I felt so comforted by his presence.
I’ll admit, when I pressed in a little closer to his body I was testing what I could do. I had never been with my shadow man unclothed before, and I had always desperately wanted to. I pressed my face against his chest, ran my hands down his stomach to his hip. I giggled to myself, thinking how this wasn’t just a fleeting moment.
“Princess,” he growled into my ear.
I peered up from his chest with a girlish smile. “Is there something wrong?”
Brevalan pushed his hand into my shoulder, forcing me back onto the bed. “You know what you are doing. Now that you are back to your senses, your aim is true again.”
“Sorry, I’ll behave,” I sighed.
A smirk crossed his face. “When have you ever?”
I pushed myself up and kissed him, easing him back down onto the bed. I straddled his big thigh and felt no fight in him. “I know you said to wait until morning, but what if I did a little kissing to make you feel better?”
His brow arched. “How so, princess?”
I lowered myself down, kissing his belly and thighs. His cock was soft, but I knew exactly how to make him throbbing and hard. I plucked him up in my palm, feeling his weight before I began pressing kisses to his shaft. Above he grunted, laying back and relaxing as I tended to him.
“We usually never get to take our time like this,” he growled. “It’s nice.”
I took his tip between my lips and felt his hips twitch. I smirked to myself before lapping him up and dragging my tongue down the side.
“No reason to rush anymore. Less reason to steal our moments.” I sat up to see his expression and winked. “More kisses?”
He grunted and rolled his hips. “I think you still owe me a few more.”
I took him back into my mouth, letting saliva dribble down onto his sack as I slurped him. I wasn’t quite as skilled here as I would like. Not like Brevealan anyways, his tongue was much more talented than mine.
When my jaw began to ache I lifted up my head and stroked him in my palm where his pulse tickled my fingertips.
“I see that look in your eyes, princess,” Brevalan laughed. “Take what you want, you can have it.”
I bit my lip, rising upon my knees. “I know what I want. But do you want it?”
“Look at me,” he waved down to his cock. “Of course I want you. That will never change.”
I climbed him, straddling his hips as I gazed upon his face. “We’ve never done this facing each other.”
“I’ve faced you quite a lot.” His large hands circled my hips and kneaded into my rear. “I’ve memorized every moment. Every look of pure pleasure. Every cry. Being inside you is only the second best thing to being with you, princess.”
My heart trembled and my cheeks went hot. “Don’t change your mind now that you’re stuck with me.” I lifted up, guiding his cock with my hand.
Brevalan’s eyes focused, watching me lower myself upon him. His breath halted as he slipped inside, and I whimpered from a slight soreness. I sat upon him, squeezing around him as my hands pressed into his chest.
“Oh, princess. I never grow tired of this feeling.”
I looked down at him, swooning from the pleasure of seeing his lusty expression. “It feels almost new to me.” I rolled my hips to feel him. “I’ve only ever known the shadow man. Brevalan’s cock is all new to me.”
He beamed and his palms rubbed into my hips. “Does it feel new?” From below he raised up, pushing deeper inside me like I enjoyed.
I was swept up in the feeling while being lost in his eyes. “Bigger,” I teased.
He scoffed. “How dare you? Are you saying the shadow man is small?”
I bit my lip and leaned forward a bit. “Not small. Just smaller.”
He thrust up again, almost bouncing me off. I leaned back, thrusting myself down upon him as he lowered. Brevalan growled and held my hips firm. He thrust up into me, hard and fast so the bed shook.
“Is this the same for you, princess?” Brevalan snarled.
I sat up, pressing my hands into his thighs for balance. My tummy had gotten a bit soft, so it jiggled as Brevalan thrust into me. I placed my hand over it, holding it so I could properly see going into me.
“It’s cute, let it be.” He took my hand and sat up to kiss my palm. He rolled us over, pinning me down onto the bed. I locked my legs around his waist then looked into his eyes.
“Wait, wait-” I gasped. “Hold on.” I cupped my hands around his face.
His brow furrowed. “What?”
I lost track of time briefly as I looked into his face. I hadn’t seen it up close in so long, and never uncovered by his hood. I smiled dreamily, having both men I adored with me at the same time.
His expression shifted and his eyes darted. “What?”
“I like looking at you.” I brushed my fingertips along his cheek then pressed a finger to his lips. “It makes me happy.”
Brevalan kissed me, pressing our bodies tight together before we went at it again. I held on fast to him, moaning and kissing as our bodies melted together.
“I’m coming,” he rattled breathlessly into my ear. “You’re making me come!”
My whole body responded to these words and I held tighter onto him. “Do it! Come! Fuck me and come!”
“Yes. Oh fuck yes.” His movements became faster, thrusting so that he never left. I bit onto his shoulder, whimpering loudly as I felt my own end rapidly approach.
There was a burst, a grunt, and whine, and his trembling hands. I breathed and felt the glow wrap around me in a featherlike embrace. Something warm cooled upon my thigh and slowly I could see him. He nuzzled into my neck, panting from his efforts.
“I’m dizzy,” he huffed.
I laughed and held him, nuzzling into his hair.
After a few moments, he rolled over onto the bed and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I had to hide all this time. But now, I promise, no more secrets.”
I smiled softly as he came closer, kissing me and holding me in his warm arms. “I’m sorry too. I never should have listened to Arda the First. I should have known what was true.”
Brevelan kissed my temple, smoothing my hair away from my forehead. “I just realized, this will be our first night together.”
I smiled up into his sweet face. “First of many.” I kissed him and held him, happily falling asleep that night with little fear of what the night would hold.
Summary: Mafia!Bucky celebrates his first Halloween with his family. And his sweet little Bee has the time of her life.
Pairing: Mafia!Bucky x Reader
CW: Thinly veiled reference to smut, fluff, dad!Bucky being the best.
WC: 1.3K
AN: Beta’d by the lovely @lfnr-blog-blog-blog.
Part of the Bumblebee Series.
Bucky smiles down at his dancing baby holding his finger, her excitement is contagious, growing more and more when she steps into the tailor’s shop. She’s been waiting to talk with Enzo about her Halloween costume all week.
The stocky man ambles out of the backroom, measuring tape in hand. “Welcome back Mr. Barnes. What can I do for you two?”
Bucky bends down, lifting Bee onto his hip. “We have a special request. You want to tell him?”
Bee flashes him a toothy grin. “I wanna be a dinosaur and a fairy. Pwease.”
Enzo raises an arched brow, appraising her critically. Bucky clears his throat in warning, his eyes narrowing at his lifelong tailor. Enzo ignores the menacing pakhan, placing his hands behind his back, he strolls around them, pausing to lift her shoe with two fingers, he gingerly shakes it making her giggle. He does one more pass, this time glaring at the stuffed animal tucked beneath her arm.
“Dis is Mr. Tato,” she states, waving one of his legs at Enzo. “He likes your mustache.”
“He has good taste.” He replies, stopping in front of the smiling Bee. “You will be the best dinosaur fairy to have ever existed,” he announces, walking off to the back as she squeals out a gleeful tank you.
A story of a mysterious and sudden reaction to the sun that causes a young woman horrible pain. Luckily there is a doctor who knows all about such ailments.
Female Main Character (chronic illness) x Male Monster (both cis)
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As a child I began developing a rash all over my body. It was painful and horrible, and it caused me to cry at all hours of the day. It strained my parent’s both mentally and physically, as it seemed nothing could placate me. It seemed that only at night did my screams quiet and I was able to find some semblance of peace.
My parents were worried, for more than just the obvious reasons. They feared some sort of curse had been placed upon the family, especially when my mother became pregnant with my brother. They became frantic to find out what was wrong with me so hopefully they could combat it before my brother was born.
I remember very vividly a priest standing over me when I was about five. He was so tall and thin, and clad in all black he looked quite the fright. He threw holy water in my face and shouted incantations while I screamed from fear. This gave them credence to the whole ‘curse’ thing and they leaned into it. I was kept in a room all by myself under the strictest of instructions from the priest. My rashes began to go away, and my parents were relieved.
Unfortunately, my brother was born with the very same affliction as me. Which caused them even more grief due to the fact that this was their heir, their glorious male child. I heard talk of them sending me away, but luckily, a doctor came and changed their minds.
The doctor explained that what was afflicting my brother and I was an allergy, not a curse even though it would feel like that. And the priest had accidentally stumbled upon the best treatment for us, not saved me from the clutches of a demon. He discovered it was the sun that my brother and I were allergic to, and from there things grew both easier and harder for us.
My brother Dane had a lot of expectations to uphold as the heir to the family, which was all well and fine while he was still young. But the older he got, the more apparent he would be hindered by our common allergy.
“They dress so strangely!” We heard that quite often when we had to leave the house.
Of course we dressed oddly! If any of our skin was touched by the sun we would be as inflamed and in pain as Satan himself. We dressed head to toe in bright, bloody red clothing. When we first tried this method we wore black, but it sometimes grew too hot for us. Neither of us liked white, and we discovered bright red worked just as well. Irony, considering we could be bright red without it. Dane and I were known as the Bloody Twins because of this. Although we were not twins, nor were we bloody as long as we followed basic safety precautions.
“No one will touch them. I am sure that priest was correct before and that this is a curse upon us!” We heard our mother lamenting this one evening to our father.
Dane and I preferred to sleep during the day and spend most of our waking hours when it was dark out. So often, we overheard things we weren’t supposed to.
“Do you think they’re talking about you getting engaged or me getting engaged?” Dane whispered to me.
“Good question,” I murmured. “My extra cookie at tea says it’s you.”
Dane rolled his eyes with a smile. “Mine on you then.”
The two of us hunkered together, listening to my parents continue to lament ‘their’ rotten fortune at having two defective children.
“I don’t see why we can’t just find someone with how much we’ve added to the dowry because of this,” our father tutted.
“Who would want her?” My mother whined.
Dane shoved me. “Ha! It is you.”
I shoved him back. “Oh goodie, that makes me feel grand.”
Mother moaned loudly. “All these responses so far have responded in the negative. No one wants her! She will be useless in a few years. I don’t want Dane to be saddled with such a burden.”
Dane squeezed my hand. “I’d rather be burdened with you than anyone.”
I put my arm around him and hugged him. “That soothes the sting a little. Thank you for carrying such a heavy weight.”
“Now, now, surely there must be one amongst them who could be persuaded.” I heard my father walk across the room and then stop. “You’ve not even opened this one.”
“What’s the point?” Mother continued to whine.
There was silence in the room as father opened the letter. “Well now, our luck might be changing.”
“What do you mean?”
“Dr. Von Tettingen seems very interested in our little Lili.” My father sounded so pomp and smug.
“He is!”
Dane looked up at me with a panicked expression. “Whose this doctor?”
I recognized the name, although it felt so far away and distant in my memory. “That’s the doctor, I think, who diagnosed us.”
“They really were desperate,” Dane mumbled.
“A doctor would be best for Lili,” my father said. “Someone who could take care of her, as well as be on hand for Dane.”
“But he’s one of those...creatures, dear,” my mother murmured. “Are we that desperate to marry Lili off?”
“Are we?”
There was a long silence that was only filled with Dane’s nervous breathing. He clutched tight onto me, and I kept my arms wrapped snugly around him.
“We are,” my mother replied.
Dane turned around and held onto my neck. “No!”
“It’s okay,” I coaxed him. “It’s okay.” I didn’t want to leave my precious brother, more than anything. The two of us were peas in a pod, no one else could understand what we had to go through.
But it was set in stone, and I was to marry Dr. Benedict Von Tettingen. Dane was livid to say the least, he barely came out of his room since our parents revealed the great news. Between that moment and the time it would take for the doctor to arrive my life was packed into trunks.
There would be no pompous ceremony for the wedding. I couldn’t have a beautiful daylight service, and no one would want to attend something that felt like a funeral at midnight; so my parents and a priest would be the only guests in attendance as I became Mrs. Von Tettingen.
My betrothed arrived in the night, stooping as he came through the doorway. His long white hair was braided and tied at the end with a beautiful crimson ribbon. His skin was somehow paler than my own, which surprised me with how much it comforted my nerves.
Dr. Von Tettingen’s hooves clopped against the marble floor, and I could see the visible pain that caused my mother. The lower half of his body was equine and pearly white with shifts of heather gray.
“Very good to have you with us, young man,” my father greeted him first.
Young man, there was no way, I thought. The doctor had diagnosed me and my brother when I was five, he must be older or the same age as my parents. He looked young, surprisingly enough.
“Aline,” the doctor said with a gentle voice. “I’ve brought you a gift.”
I stepped forward. “That was unnecessary, sir.” My mother shoved me and I frowned, quickly replacing it with a genial smile. “Your presence here is a gift enough for me.”
He smiled at me, approaching and bending down to present me with a small box. “This is a family heirloom. I’d like you to have it now before the ceremony.”
I opened the small box to find inside a grand ruby as big as my eye. “Oh my goodness!” I exclaimed. “This is so grand!”
I could see the envy and awe on my parents’ faces as Von Tettingen placed the ring upon my finger.
“I know it is not a traditional gift, but I thought it would suit you.” His massive hands were so lovely. His nails were long and almond shaped, and so obviously meticulously cared for. His skin was soft and fingers elegant, which hid the fact they were also strong and thick. I was attracted to hands and his were exceptional.
“Thank you.” I was breathless, taken away by the size of the jewel. I’d never had anything quite like this before.
Von Tettingen smiled warmly. “Consider it a thank you from me.”
I almost laughed. “For what?”
“For becoming a part of my life.” His elegant hand rested upon his chest. “I have been alone for a very long time, and I am so excited to have such an exquisite creature as you in my home.”
There was no way he was this good. “I am a creature,” I said warningly. “Thank you for noticing.”
His soft smile grew larger as he chuckled. “I have a gift for you brother as well. Is he here?”
“Don’t worry about him,” my mother swooped in. “He’s acting petulant. Let’s go on now so the two of you can start said life.”
“What a shame, I was so looking forward to meeting him.” Von Tettingen glanced down at me.
“It will be alright,” I murmured. I offered my hand to him. “We have time, dear doctor.”
He took my hand, raising it and pressing the softest kiss to my knuckles. “Call me Benedict, Ailne.”
My heart wasn’t sure what to do, nor was I. I led him into the dining hall where we were having the ceremony, which was nondescript and boring. I had never imagined a wedding for myself, but even if I had this wouldn’t have been it. Even the drinks at the end to celebrate were bland.
“No, I don’t drink,” my new husband turned down offers from both parents. “I’ll be fine without them.”
I drank a few, but I didn’t want to appear sloppy to my new husband. I drank enough so I would feel tipsy and giggly, a stage that would let me feel comfortable touching and being touched. Which, I assumed, would happen as soon as we were alone.
We were given one of the grand guest rooms for our first night together. I was taken there first so I could ‘prepare’ myself. But really, all I did was undress and put myself into a robe. I was more interested in getting this all over with than anything.
When my husband arrived he appeared more nervous than I was. I was at least grateful he was handsome, I liked looking at him; which had been an early warning from my mother when I was little. I was told often how I might get married off to a man I wouldn’t like looking at.
“You must be tired,” he murmured.
I shook my head. “I haven’t been up long. I’m my best self at night.”
He nodded in silence. “How funny, so am I.”
I saw no use in playing around and I stripped off the robe, standing naked before him. His eyes gleamed and his lips parted as that gaze traveled down.
“Don’t expect much from me,” I murmured. “I know how things work, but not the motions.” I trailed my hand around my clavicle, letting the ruby on my finger catch the light of the fire. “Just do what you’d like, I suppose.”
“I wasn’t expecting anything to happen. I had planned on us getting to know one another.” He knelt down before the fire and held his hand out towards me. “But if you’d like to, I can show you something I truly enjoy.”
I furrowed my brow at him. “You wanted to talk? I’m just your wife.”
“I’m going to spend a great deal of my life with you, Aline. I’d like us to at least be friends.”
I picked up the robe and placed it back on. As I approached him he placed his hand around my waist. His eyes trailed down my chest where the robe was opened along the curve of my breast. He pressed a kiss there then sighed softly. He breathed in on my skin and a smile bloomed.
“What?” I laughed from nerves.
“There is something you should know about me, something I wanted to discuss before we delve further into our relationship.” He cupped his beautiful hand around my cheek. “You and I share a very similar affliction.”
There was a small rush of relief. “You too?”
“In a different way.” Benedict gazed into my eyes. In the light, his eyes appeared more amber than black, and I was pulled in. “I can’t go out into the sun, and I also must adhere to a very strange diet.”
I cocked a brow up. “How strange?”
His fingers brushed aside my hair then kneaded into the side of my neck. “It’s something you can provide for me, if you so wish.”
I grabbed his hand and forced it back. I glared down at him while his expression remained somewhat shy and gentle.“Either you’re telling me you're a vampire, or I just married a cannibal.”
Benedict nodded. “I’m a vampire, Aline. So glad you caught on. I’m not good at these sorts of things.”
“Wow,” I murmured. “A centaur and a vampire, my parents must be desperate to get rid of me.”
His hand moved so he could hold mine. “They only know the centaur bit. For now, you’re the only one here who knows the other.”
“No wonder you didn’t drink tonight.” I licked my lips as I tried to decide if this was a bonus or not. “I was a bit worried you wouldn’t understand my affliction. But this is a bit of a relief.”
“Don’t let the vampire bit scare you. I don’t need much to survive, and I won’t take from you if you are uncomfortable.” He took my hand and placed it upon his chest. “On my honor, my bride.”
I sighed and placed my hand on the back of his head. I pulled him in, exposing my neck to him. I felt his mouth open upon my neck in surprise and his breath shuddered.
“Go ahead and do it now, get that first bite over with so I will know what I am dealing with.”
He pushed against my shoulders and looked into my eyes. “You are nothing like I expected.”
“I’ve had to live my life in the shadows, of course I’m a little odd.”
“I would much prefer that if I am being honest.” Benedict’s smile relaxed me. He removed my robe enough so it fell off my shoulder then pressed kiss there. It felt nice, even though I knew what was soon to follow.
“You smell so good,” he whispered against my skin.
My breath hitched as his tongue glided along my neck. “Like food?”
“No,” he chuckled. “More like a beautiful woman.” He pressed a kiss to my neck and wrapped an arm around my waist. “This will only hurt a moment.”
I prepared myself for the bite, but as I felt his teeth press upon my flesh I was taken by a warmth that ran down my spine and through my limbs. The bite hurt no worse than a pin prick, and after that it was nothing. He moaned against me, drinking my blood and clutching me close.
His bloody lips pulled away from my flesh, and his tongue lapped up a droplet that had fallen between my breasts. I shivered and felt light headed, but not in the way I expected. Perhaps I am too odd because the bite aroused me greatly.
Benedict’s lips and mouth were stained with blood. He wiped at his chin with a shy expression upon his face. “Let me clean myself.”
I dove in, kissing him before he had a chance to move. The way my blood lingered upon his lips, mixed with the somewhat guilty expression in his eyes made him look so alluring.
He breathed out slowly as our lips parted. There was a haze to his eyes that held a confidence with the shyness. Benedict swallowed then licked his lips.
“You are strangely magnificent, Aline.” His fingers brushed against my lip, wiping up the blood.
I wasn’t sure what to say so I remained silent. I was surprised with myself, I had never acted that way before. I blamed the wine from before, but I knew it was mostly me who acted in such a way.
The next evening we left for his home. It was, thankfully, not a long journey. My own regret was that Dane would not come out to say goodbye. I left him a letter, so hopefully I would hear from him soon .
“This is your home now,” Benedict told me. “You are free to go wherever you like. All except the west wing.”
I was so sad I didn’t get to see my brother that I hadn’t even thought about my new home. I looked up at Benedict as I was brought back to my new life.
“What’s in the west wing?”
“It is forbidden!” He said sternly. He then cracked into a big smile. “That’s where my office is. I’ve converted that wing into a small hospital in case I have patients who need extended treatment. I don’t mind you there, but it’s a work space.”
I chuckled. “You had me for a moment.”
Benedict kissed my cheek. “I want you to feel at home with me, so do what you need to make it your own. I have a couple of rooms I’m sentimental towards, but other than that, you should feel free to redecorate as you please.”
“Is it really that awful?” I teased.
“That’s up to you.” He took hold of my hand. “But I think my home is nice.”
“I don’t have much of an eye for such a thing. I’ve only ever really cared about the library back home. That’s the only room I may pay attention to.”
“I have a great one,” he said proudly. “I think you’ll enjoy it.”
It was nearing sunrise when we reached his home, so it was a rush to get all my trunks inside. I was used to curtains, but it appeared Benedict’s home had very few windows at all.
“Wait a moment-” Benedict murmured over a trunk. “There’s something strange with this one.”
“That’s my gowns. What do you mean something is strange?” I knelt down to open the trunk. “Maybe one of the cats snuck in.” I threw it open and stood in alarm by what I saw inside.
Dane was curled up inside amongst the gowns, asleep and resting quietly.
“Something snuck in.” Benedict was visibly holding back a laugh.
I reached inside the chest and plucked Dane out of it, waking him and startling him. “What on earth are you doing?” I shouted as I shook him.
“I want to stay with you!”
Benedict pried me off him and helped Dane get out of the box. “Welcome, my brother. Are you hungry? I can have you something made right away.”
Dane smoothed out his clothes then he looked around. “Nice place.”
I shoved him again. “What are you doing Dane?”
He scowled at me. “I told you already, I want to stay with you. You expect me to just live with mother and father alone?”
I huffed and wrapped my arms around him. “I am happy to see you. But you know they must be in a mad panic.” In a way, this made me laugh. Just imagining my parents forcing open Dane’s room to find him gone was hysterical. Of course I’d let them know he was here, but I wouldn’t offer to send him home until they begged.
Dane’s arms tightened around me and he tried to cover his whimper of relief. “Let them. I don’t care.”
Benedict sighed. “I’ll get a room ready for him then. So nice to have you here, Dane. Our home is your home.”
Due to our shared affliction, Dane and I rarely got the chance to travel; so being in Benedict’s home, Dane was quite excited.
“So, do you like him?” He asked me one day.
We were sitting in the dining room, being tended to by Rosalie, Benedict’s maid who had taken on a doting role for the two of us.
“I suppose so,” I murmured.
Dane gave me a closer inspection, reading me easily to know I was hiding something. “That’s it?”
I set down my cup and smirked at him. “What do you want me to say? Do you like him?”
Dane crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “I suppose so.”
It was a standoff.
“Oh here, Aline, let me refresh your cup for you.” Rosalie refilled my drink and gave me a soft pat on the hand.
“Thank you, Rose,” I said as sweetly as possible.
Dane got a strike of inspiration and sat up in his chair. “Rosalie, how long have you been working for the doctor?”
The older woman stopped and gazed off into the distance with thought. “I was the same age as your sister I believe. I had just given birth and the doctor was taking care of me in his hospital wing.” She pointed off towards the west. “My husband was still away so he let me and my son stay here so that we were safe. I started working for him not long after. And once my son was off on his own and my husband buried the doctor invited me to stay.”
“So you’d say he is a good guy then?” Dane asked.
“I’d say more than that. Strange man, but lovely all the same,” she chuckled.
“Then did you two ever-”
I hissed at him. “Dane! Hush up!”
Rosalie just threw her head back and laughed. “The doctor isn’t that sort-” her eyes then cut to me. “Or at least, I thought he wasn’t. Never seen him with a partner before. But if you’re worried about your sister, I wouldn’t worry too much. I’d say she’s in good hands here.”
Dane leaned back into his seat. “Thank you Rosalie.”
I smiled to myself as I sipped at my tea. It was quiet for a moment, but only until Rosalie left the dining hall.
“You don’t find it weird that some old, lonesome bachelor just suddenly decides to marry you?” Dane quipped.
I rolled my eyes. “I find it weird you’re thinking about it.”
“I’m just concerned. As the heir of the family, I have to make sure my sister isn’t being fed to some creep.”
His choice of words made me sputter on my drink. I set the cup aside and patted my mouth. Dane didn’t find it strange that I was wearing a blouse that covered my neck; that was normal for us.What wasn’t normal was the bite marks hidden underneath it. Quite literally, I was being fed to my husband, just not in the way Dane was alluding.
“I like Benedict,” I stated firmly. “He has so far appeared kind and gentle. But should he start behaving atrociously once you’re gone I’ll make sure to tell you so you can wave a stick at him or something.”
Dane grimaced. “Dad has taught me to shoot guns. I won’t be waving a stick.”
I giggled then saw Benedict coming into the dining hall. His hair was loose and falling over his shoulders in an icy cascade. “Hello there, my darling,” he beamed sleepily. “And good morning, young Dane.”
“Did you just wake up?” Dane asked.
“I’m not as good a riser as you and your sister.” He came to my side and pressed a kiss against my cheek. “Sometimes it takes me a little after sunset to feel alert.”
I peered up into his eyes. “Did you sleep well at least?”
“Very well. I’m sorry I got in so late, I hope I didn’t wake you.” Benedict reached for the tea pot and tipped it, only to find it empty. “Rosalie? Are you making a fresh kettle?” He called out.
“Yes, fair doctor!”
He sighed and knelt himself down by my chair. “We’re still not used to having company,” he chuckled.
Dane perked up with the most wicked look in his eyes. “Why? Because you killed the last bride you had?”
I threw my spoon at Dane.
“Now, now,” Benedict laughed. “I have never been married. Nor have I killed anyone in such a way. I’m a doctor, I’m sort of against that. I promise you, Dane, I have no plans to harm your sister. It wasn’t even a thought. I plan on falling in love with her.”
“So you can steal our money?” Dane threw back.
“I swear-” I started to fuss at him but Benedict’s laughter cut me off.
Benedict fought hard to control his laughter. He was in on the joke, thankfully. “Goodness no! I have my own money. Why would I ever do such a thing, Dane? What silly notions.”
Dane’s eyes narrowed. “Everyone is a fool for not marrying my sister. I just want to know why you weren’t one of them.”
Benedict smiled softly. “So either I am marrying her for some gain of my own or there’s something else afoot?”
Dane nodded. “Exactly.”
Benedict raised his hands into the air. “Alright, you caught me. I married your sister for a very selfish reason.”
Dane stood up with a huge grin. “I knew it! Lili, start packing your things, I’ll be taking you home.”
“Now wait a second,” Benedict chimed. “Don’t you want to know my reason?”
Dane’s smile faded. “As long as it’s not gross.”
Benedict laid his hand over mine. “I wanted to marry your sister so I could fill my home again and not be so lonely.”
Dane grew a disgusted expression. “I said not to say it if it was gross.”
Benedict chuckled. “I thought it would be nice to share my home with someone who had a similar affliction as I do. With your sensitivity to the sun, don’t you wish to share your life with someone who understands?”
Dane shrugged and sat back in his seat. “I suppose.”
Benedict turned to me with a smile. “Speaking of which, I only have a little work to do today, are you busy at all later?”
I shook my head. “No. I was just going to be spending some time with Dane while you were busy.”
He got a concerned look, but smiled as he turned back towards Dane. “You don’t mind if I have her to myself for a bit today, do you Dane?”
Dane pouted but nodded. “You married her, I guess that’s your right.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Benedict kissed me on the cheek. “I was hoping the two of us could-”
Dane stood up suddenly. “I’m good.” He left the dining hall and I began to chuckle.
“I like knowing that he’s protective of you.” Benedict leaned in closer to me, kissing my cheek and jaw.
“He’s taking it hard,” I murmured. I shivered as his lips slipped down to my neck. “Careful,” I whispered.
“You just smell so lovely to me first thing in the morning. I buried my face into your pillow when I first started to wake.” I turned my head, meeting his kiss.
“You sleep like you’re dead,” I murmured.
He kissed again. “Technically.” He smirked as he pulled back and Rosalie came into the dining hall with the new kettle. She poured his cup with a big smile on her face.
“Don’t let me ruin the mood,” Rosalie tittered.
“You’re fine, Rosalie.” Benedict took his cup and sipped.
I raised my brow at this. “You can drink tea but not wine?”
“I like tea,” he said so simply. “I’ll be quick with work, but once I’m done I was hoping the two of us could share some alone time.”
I turned towards him, lowering my voice to a soft whisper. “What sort of alone time are you aiming for?”
“Whatever you want to give. It’s been a few days now, and with Dane being here it’s been a little harder than planned to spend our time together.” He placed his arm around me. “I am willing for whatever you would like to do.”
My cheeks flushed bright red and I averted my gaze. “Okay, sounds nice. What time should I expect you?”
“Sometime between lunch and supper,” he replied.
I was a bit excited. The time we’d spent together had been quite eye opening for me. I had discovered a few things about myself, including that my husband was a vampire was a bit of a bonus. I really did like him, but these were just the early stages of our marriage. I was hesitant, as all these good feelings could change on a dime at any time.
Dane fell asleep in the library, so I placed a blanket over him and went back to my room. I noticed the door was open as I approached. Inside I saw Benedict was taking off a dirty shirt. There were scars along his arms, and a few along his back. He turned and smiled at me.
“What are you doing just standing there?”
I stepped into the room. “Dane fell asleep.” I closed the doors behind me and looked up at him. “Glad I found you here.”
“I was just getting ready to come find you. I got a bit filthy and wanted to wash up a bit before I did.” He folded up his dirty shirt and looked at me before his eyes flicked to his arm. “Not too pretty, are they?”
“What happened?” I murmured.
“I was pretty sick as a kid. It’s part of what led me to being a doctor.” He sighed softly. “It seems so far away now.”
I stood closer beside him, placing my hand over his arm before taking his shirt. “I suppose you’ve been alive for a while.”
“At least,” he chuckled. He placed his hand upon my face and brushed my hair aside. “Yet it’s moving so fast right now. I don’t quite know how to handle it.”
My heart pulsed and I nodded. “I feel that too.”
Benedict bent down, pressing a kiss onto my lips that felt much heavier than the others. I parted my lips slightly, moaning softly. His teeth touched my skin and I swooned at the thought.
“Easy,” he purred. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Scare me?” I balked. “You think that frightens me?”
Benedict looked away guiltily. “What else would it do?”
I pressed my lips together, embarrassed at the prospect of confessing this to him. But he was the one causing these emotions, these feelings, and he was my husband after all. He should be made aware of what his actions cause.
“I’m not scared when you bite me,” I murmured. “When your teeth...and then you-” I wasn’t sure how to get this confession out correctly. “It’s nothing bad. In fact it’s-”
“Do you enjoy it?” Benedict murmured.
I nodded and Benedict began unbuttoning my blouse.
“Perhaps we are more of a match than I assumed.” His fingers went very slowly. Each time he opened a button I lost a little more of my breath. His cool fingers smoothed down my skin and he placed his lips upon my cheek.
“That first time I tasted you I was greatly aroused,” he whispered into my ear. He knelt down upon the floor and placed his strong hands around my waist. “I was wondering why I was all this time. Now I realize it was you.”
I stepped closer into his grasp, smoothing my hands up his arms to his shoulders. “Why didn’t you assume that?”
Benedict chuckled. “I didn’t think that feeding off of you would be an arousing moment. But I shouldn’t have underestimated you.”
I combed my fingers through his long hair, marveling at how silky it felt to the touch. “Don’t do that again.”
“I won’t.” He untucked my blouse from my skirts and pressed his lips against my breast bone. His hands smoothed up along my waist and to my back.
“Is this the alone time you wanted?” I whispered.
“Only slightly.” His eyes flicked up from below, causing a big smile to erupt on my face. He chuckled, picking me up from my waist and carrying me over to the bed.
I was laid upon the covers and he placed his torso upon me, leaning over the side he was able to press close against me while I relaxed on the bed. I placed my arms around him, letting him kiss and nibble as much as he wanted. It was wonderful to be wanted, even more so to be desired like this.
“Is it alright?” he whispered.
“Huh?” I snapped back to the present, gazing into his eyes as he looked down upon me. I saw his sharp teeth behind his full lips and I suppressed the urge to giggle like an idiot.
Benedict’s hand trailed down my body and his fingers hooked under the band of my skirts. “I would like to have a bite.”
“Where?” I felt dumb the moment I said it.
His grin grew and he kissed me again while he made quick work of all my skirts and underlayers. He laid them aside gently and smoothed his hands down again. He laid kisses upon my belly and thighs and I had never felt more like a woman than I did then.
“You can bite me wherever,” I swooned. “I don’t mind.”
“I’m glad.” Benedict gently pried open my thighs, licking the underside of one while his eyes flicked up to me. I felt the first painful prick and then nothing but sweet, liquid warmth.
I fell back upon the bed, closing my eyes as I took in that deep rush from below. I could hear his deep moaning, his urgent breaths as he took his feast. I grew hotter and wetter from the flow that pulled me down, down, down.
Benedict lapped up the bite mark, blood lingered on his lips and he looked flushed in the cheeks. His hand that held my thigh moved in closer and his finger brushed against my loins. I whimpered loudly, bunching up my knees as he came closer.
“Let me thank you,” he murmured.
I gulped down a breath. “How?”
Those amber eyes pulled me back in, his smile, even bloodstained, was beautiful. “With a special handshake, Aline,” he teased.
I huffed and pressed my foot onto his chest. “Sure, make fun of the virgin,” I pouted.
Benedict’s fingers moved more against me, touching something that shuddered every nerve in my body. I lost my breath and held it until it felt like I was going to cry out.
“Such a silly construct,” he murmured. “You’ve never had sex, let’s just say that.” His fingertips massaged into the soft flesh. I felt opened and exposed, and anxious he might think I was disgusting.
“You looked scared,” he murmured.
“I’m not. I just-”
Benedict smiled. “I’m getting to know you, Aline. Every part of you is made perfect. Even if you don’t feel that way. I am admiring something I find very beautiful.”
I sat up shakily on my elbows. “My mother said-”
“I swear, that woman,” he huffed. “Sorry, your mother annoys me.”
I smiled, relieved by the comment. “That’s okay.”
Benedict reached up to kiss me, and as he did his fingers found that spot again that made every fiber of me spark like fire. I moaned against his lips, gasping for breath the longer he touched.
“What is that?” I whined.
“A very special part of you that is made solely for your pleasure.” He moaned against my flesh. “Do you like it?”
“It’s so strong,” I whimpered.
Benedict slowly moved his hand back and I found I missed the touch. I looked into his eyes, seeing that he was just as aroused as I was.
Benedict licked his fingers clean. “Do you want me to continue?”
I nodded, and took a deep breath. “Please?”
He smiled brightly, pushing me back down upon the bed and spreading my thighs open. His fingers returned and I cried out excitedly. I bit my lip as Benedict stoked the fire growing inside me. I could not place the sensation if I tried. It felt so deep, so desperate that I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I needed it, I wanted it more and more.
Benedict’s fingers slipped inside me. My back arched and I cried out loudly again. I had admired his hands right away, unaware of what strange evocative feelings that could cause inside me. They moved slowly at first, urging on the desperate quickening in my belly. His lips, his tongue, they joined in separately but they all melted together.
I was losing my mind and track of reality the more he was near me. I wanted to escape but my body would not allow it. There was something more, something that was needed to escape this madness, this all consuming pleasure.
Something leapt inside me. An idea, perhaps, a distant thought of the future. Like a fright of surprise it lingered inside me, this idea remained there crouched down and waiting. Benedict moaned against me, pressing his fingers deeper and that idea came closer. Closer. Closer.
I kicked and struggled, pushing Benedict off me as everything became overwhelming. I couldn’t think or speak so much as gurgle and sputter. I curled up into a ball, writhing with this over-powering flood. I laid there shivering not from the cold, but from something so much bigger.
“I’ve got you.” Benedict’s hands brought me back. He looked into my eyes and I was able to focus upon him. “There you are.”
I breathed again for the first time. “I’ve never felt like that before.”
“I could tell.” He kissed me softly. “Your body is so sensitive, my Aline.”
Even his kisses were a bit too much for me in this state. My mouth felt dry but the rest of me felt wet. “What did you do to me?”
“I made you orgasm,” he chuckled. “Let me fetch you some water.”
I laid there pondering that, wondering if I only got to feel that once while also craving it all over again. I sat up shakily as Benedict returned with water, which I gulped down greedily.
Benedict kissed the top of my head and leaned into the bed with me. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
“I think so.” I was ashamed to look directly at him. “It’s kind of scary.”
He kissed my cheek. “You’ll get used to it. I plan on sharing them often.”
I licked my lips. “You’ll have to teach me how.”
“I don’t mind that.” he laid me down and crawled into the bed with me, resting his body to one side so his torso could remain on the bed with me.
I was quiet for a long time, drifting between sleep and the waking dream I was in. I glanced over to him, his eyes were closed but they opened as I peered at him.
“Can you turn me into a vampire?” I rolled onto my side and curled up close to him. “Will you do it?”
“I can, and no.” He stroked my cheek, brushing my slightly damp hair from my face. “It’s not something I was planning to do. Why do you ask?”
“How come?”
“I didn’t think it was something I should do. Not yet.” His fingers tips smoothed along the side of my neck. “I wouldn’t want you to grow to regret it.”
“Is it bad?” I murmured.
He pulled me into his chest, holding me close. “It’s hard to explain. And right now, it’s not something I would ask you to understand .”
I rested there in his arms and yawned quietly. “I was just curious, was all.”
Benedict chuckled. “For now, I’m just grateful that you understand.”
I kissed his neck sleepily before I drifted away.
Later in the week, word returned from my parents asking if I had any intention of sending Dane back home.
“I suppose it would be the proper thing to do,” I murmured.
“Yeh,” Dane grunted.
Benedict chuckled. “No sense in replying right away. We can send word back on how they wish to receive him home. We’ll wait for their reply then.”
“I don’t want them thinking we’ve kidnapped him or anything,” I chuckled.
“If they insinuate anything, we’ll simply respond that we have been cooperative this whole time. It’s them who have been unclear.” Benedict laughed.
Dane sighed. “I should go home soon though. I’m sure you two have better things to do without me here.”
I smirked at him. “Such as?”
“Don’t be gross, Lili.” Dane turned away from me and opened the book in his lap.
I glanced towards my husband, eyes drifting along his body. He’d taught me quite a lot in the past few days, and I was such an eager learner.
“Wouldn't think of it, dear brother.”
Benedict gave me a warning look before breaking into a seductive smile.
“We enjoy having you Dane. You’re free to come here whenever you want,” Benedict replied. “I know how close you and your sister are, I would hate to try and ruin any of that.”
Dane sighed, barely looking at his book. “Well, I like you too and I don’t want you to think you married into some annoying family.”
I reached over and mussed up his hair. “Isn’t that sweet? He likes you, darling.”
“Perhaps we shall be able to say the same about our children one day,” Benedict said dreamily. “I would love for them to be as close and loving.”
“Really? I’ll be an uncle?” Dane nearly leapt up out of his seat.
A new orc in the modern age to fulfill some fantasy for you all. A group of friends forego their high school reunion to enjoy their time together and get to know each other as adults. This leads to some feelings resurfacing, and some alone time with coffee.
Female Reader x Male Monster
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Rather than going to the high school reunion, you and your old high school friends decided to do something else. Some of you had kept in touch, and as the reunion talk heated up, you managed to get in contact with the others. The group of you decided to go in together to rent a cabin and spend a long weekend together catching up and going over old memories.
You lived closest to the cabin, so your job was to take some of the funds and stock the cabin with snacks and drinks before everyone showed up. You were alone there for a while, as the others wouldn’t show up until late afternoon. You had found some old things from high school which you brought along, including a year book and an old scrapbook you made during senior year. You’d not open the scrapbook since you found it due to the overwhelming second hand embarrassment you knew you’d get once you did.
As you were meandering through the cabin you heard a car pull up outside. From the window you saw a rather nice car and someone getting out of it. You hurried downstairs to see who had arrived first.
“I wasn’t expecting anyone so soon!” You said with excitement.
They were at their trunk now and hidden so you couldn’t see who it was. “Things just worked out so I could arrive early.” They closed the trunk and there stood someone you barely recognized.
Your heart skipped a beat and you felt a flush come over your cheeks. You hesitated to take a step forward as you tried to assess who this could be. Granted, there was only one person this could possibly be.
You squint your eyes and smiled. “No way, Callie?”
The big orc chuckled and reached into his pocket, taking out a set of very familiar looking glasses which he put on. “I haven’t been called that in years.”
You stared at him, mouth agape, taking in as much as you could without feeling like a creep. Callie, real name Callum, had always been the runt of the friend group. He’d been accelerated two grades, so he was also the youngest. In your mind you’d always pictured him that way, but now… Holy crap wow! Callie was tall, well dressed, and extremely handsome. His moss colored skin looked soft and supple, his hair was sleek and shiny, tied back into a bun that must have been done by a professional. He wasn’t the skinny underdog in your memory any more.
“When you said you had a growth spurt-” You started to giggle.
Callie smirked and looked aside shyly. “Well you know, I still feel like arunt sometimes.”
You went towards him, putting your arms around him as he dipped down. He smelled absolutely amazing! Whatever cologne he wore, you wanted some for yourself.
“It’s so good to see you,” you sighed.
“Thanks for contacting me.” He picked up his bag and followed you inside. “I’ve been awful about keeping in touch with people.”
“You don’t need to explain. You’ve been a very busy boy,” you chuckled. “C’mon, I’ll show you to your room.”
“I may be busy with everything, but that doesn’t excuse ignoring old friends. Especially when you all took such good care of me back then.” He followed you into a small room and set his bag down upon the bed.
“We were picked on too, it just came with the territory.” You watched him from behind as he pulled off his jacket. His shirt strained across his back and you quickly glanced away.
“You probably want to get comfortable, so I’ll let you be. I’m still setting some things up in the kitchen.” You take a step backwards out of the door. “Do you want me to make you a drink or anything?”
Callie turned, a slight look of disappointment on his face. “Coffee if you can.”
You winked and gave him finger guns. “You got it.” You turned down the hall, wishing you had a whip to admonish yourself for using finger guns!
You started the coffee pot and filled ice trays while it made odd angry cat noises. As you were filling ice trays Callie came back out, now wearing a nerdy t-shirt and jeans. His hair was down as well, pulled into a low pony that he draped over his shoulder.
“Need help with anything?” Callie asked.
You shook your head. “Not really. Just keep me company.”
“That I can do.” Callie crossed the kitchen towards the coffee pot. Your back was turned at the sink, filling more ice trays. You didn’t realize he was there until it was too late. The ice tray swung into his stomach and splashed over both of you.
“Oh shit! I’m so sorry!” You exclaimed.
“No worries.” Callie pulled up his shirt, giving you a glance at his stomach and underboob. “Just water, and neither one of us is sugar or witches.”
You snorted and cupped your hand over your mouth in response.
Callie’s grin grew. “You still do that?”
“Nature wasn’t kind,” you huffed. You set the ice trays back into the sink and wiped at your shirt which clung to the top of your breasts.
“It’s still cute,” Callie replied.
Your cheeks burned and it was hard for your eyes to focus somewhere. You could either look into his eyes or his stomach. Both made you want to turn beet red.
“Not cute when your boyfriend calls you a lawnmower,” you grumbled.
Callie’s smile faded slightly. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were dating.”
You scowled and pouted your lips. “Ex I mean.”
“Ah-” Callie glanced away. “Well, if someone called me a piece of lawn equipment, I wouldn’t exactly want them to be anything other than an ex.”
You peeked back up at him. “Yeah well, it wasn’t the nicknames that ended the relationship.” You tucked your hair away. “Uhm...what do you need for your coffee?”
“I take it black.”
You smiled again, happy to change the subject. “Is that how you got so big and hairy?” You teased.
Callie’s grin returned. “No. I got that way because my doctor noticed I wasn’t just a late bloomer.”
“That must have been a wonderful revelation for you.” You finished the ice trays and put them up.
“Yeah well, when I was twenty and still couldn’t grow facial hair, I figured something was up.” He leaned back, his shirt somewhat still tucked up over his belly. “Do you still do your art these days?”
You turned from the freezer and nodded. “Yeah. Sometimes when I have free time. Do you still write?”
Callie shook his head. “No. I’m afraid once I went to college that hobby started to fade from view.”
“I hate to hear that. You were always so good! I loved your poetry.”
Callie’s cheeks darkened. “Well, you were my only fan so-” He cleared his throat then stood up. “What time is everyone else getting here?”
“April won’t be here until tomorrow, and everyone else should be here around dinner. Why? Bored with me already?” You chuckled.
A certain kind of smile appeared on his lips. “Quite the opposite.”
Your throat clenched and you made a weird smile. “Well uhm...then why don’t we go into the living room?”
“Sure.” Callie followed behind you.
The living room was huge and had a couple of couches and comfy chairs. There was a fireplace as well as a whole wall of nothing but windows and a sliding glass door that looked out over the amazing view.
“It’s beautiful here.” Callie stood in front of the window. “I’d love for it to snow.”
“That would be nice. I wouldn’t mind us having a snowball fight.” You sat down on one of the sofas and pulled out your yearbook.
“I can’t even remember the last time I played in snow,” Callie murmured. He came and sat by you on the couch.
You opened the yearbook up, flipping through pages. “I remember when that huge blizzard happened, and we crashed into each other while sleighing.”
Callie smiled and he turned his body closer towards you. “We didn’t even know we were at the same place,” he chuckled.
“You had that huge yellow parka,” you started giggling. “You looked like Big Bird!”
He chuckled. “April kept shoving snow down your pants.”
“Oh right!” You turned and looked up at him. “She called me Bigfoot’s cousin, Snow Crotch!”
Callie snickered and tried to keep from laughing too hard. “You kept getting so pissed. You kept having to hide to shake your pants out.”
You grinned and gave him the eye. “Did you ever see anything?”
His cheeks went dark again. “And if I did?”
“You did!” You gave him a playful shove. “Were you trying to spy on me?”
Callie shoved you back. “Wouldn’t you want to see your crush’s butt?”
You shook you stopped so fast. “Your what?”
Callie’s smile softened. “Your crush.”
“My crush?” Your voice squeaked.
“My crush,” his voice went breathless. Callie cleared his throat and sighed. “I’ve been sitting on it all this time. I’m glad we got this alone time, I don’t think I could have said it in front of everyone.”
You pushed your hair back and chewed on your bottom lip. “You had a crush on me, really?” You broke into a smile. “I’m flattered.”
“I was such a dork back then,” he huffed. “I always wanted to say something, but I never had the guts.”
“I was too clueless to catch on anyways.” You placed your hand over his. “I hope I never broke your heart or anything.”
Callie took your hand and held it in his palm. “I did that all on my own.”
Before you could question him on this, someone else showed up to the cabin. After that, the others started filing in as well. The group was almost all there, you just had to wait for April in the morning.
That evening you all gathered around the fireplace with drinks, reminiscing and catching up with one another. You kept looking back to Callie, your mind drifting to your conversation earlier that afternoon. He never let on he was even thinking about it.
As the night wore on, everyone started going to bed. You were cleaning up in the kitchen when Callie walked in, carrying some bottles he put back into the fridge.
“It was fun tonight,” you said.
“It was.” Callie murmured.
You filled the sink with water, letting the dishes soak. “I think I’ll finish this tomorrow,” you huffed. “Or make someone else do it.” You felt something warm at your back and you stood still.
Callie put his arms around you, gripping the edge of the sink. His body was so close, the scent of his wonderful cologne now had a tinge of alcohol from his breath.
“Callie?” You turned your head slightly. “What are you doing?”
“You kept looking at me all night.”
Your cheeks started warming up.. “Is that a crime?”
“I only noticed because I kept looking at you.” He placed his forehead onto your shoulder. “All those old feelings came back like they never went away.”
You placed a hand over his on the sink. “Let me take you to bed, Callie. How much did you have to drink?”
“Two glasses of wine, I’m fine.” Callie lifted his head. “Just sleepy.”
Your heart was hammering. His body was so close and so warm that your body began to go weak all over. A pressure settled in your chest and tingles vibrated down your spine.
“Wine makes me sleepy too,” you murmured. “That’s why I only had one glass.”
Callie lifted his head. “Sorry.”
You turned slightly and looked up at him. “For what?”
“Being weird,” he grimaced and looked guilty. “I suddenly feel like that awkward kid around you all again. It’s weird.” He clutched a hand over his chest, tugging at his shirt.
“I think we all feel that way. Being around old friends has a way of making you regress a bit.” You smiled softly. “I liked you, I always did. I never thought you were weird or awkward back then. I felt lucky that you were my friend.”
Callie swallowed and tightened his jaw.
“I wish I had known back then you had feelings for me. I would have felt lucky then too.” You slowly lifted your gaze to his eyes.
Callie let out a heavy breath and he tried to smile.
You took hold of his hand. “C’mon, lets go to bed.” You led him down the hallway. There were three rooms there, one yours, the other Callies, and the third would be April’s when she arrived.
Callie stalled before his bedroom door, but he wouldn’t let go of your hand. “Something else,” he murmured.
“I thought so.”
Callie nodded his head into his room, you followed and watched as he took something from his bag. He pulled out a sealed envelope that had your name scrawled across the front.
“I’ve had this since senior year,” he muttered. He flicked the envelope up and down. “I’ve tried throwing it away, but for some reason I couldn’t.”
“What is it?”
Callie pouted. “A card for you.” His pout deepened. “Asking you to go to prom.”
Your heart stopped. “Really?”
Callie sat down on the edge of the bed. “I never went through with it. I chickened out. We all went together to prom anyways so it didn’t really matter. But I felt awful the entire time.”
You sat down beside him and took the card from his hands. “Can I open it?”
His eyes darted nervously. “It’s yours.”
The old adhesive was brittle and the envelope opened easily. The card inside was covered in watercolor flowers and a touch of glitter. Inside Calie had written a small poem.
“It must sound so ridiculous,” he huffed.
You sniffled and Callie’s body went rigid. He turned to look at you as tears fell inside the card.
“It’s that bad?” He said, alarmed.
“No!” You hiccuped. “It’s so sweet and-” You set the card down to wipe your eyes. “No one has ever said anything like that to me.”
Callie’s body sank and he placed his big hand on the center of your back.
“And you felt this way in high school!” You looked up into his eyes.
His smile was so sweet and shy, it only added to the immense pressure growing in your chest. “Yeah, but that was a long time ago.” His fingers smoothed across your cheek, wiping away your tears.
You smiled and leaned into the touch. “But you said you regretted not giving me this.”
“Yeah, well, now I have. It’s a bit of a relief.” He pulled back his hand and sighed as he looked out the window. “It’s snowing.”
You followed his gaze, seeing white begin to build on the windowsill. You broke into a smile. “Oh wow! It is!”
Callie took in a deep breath. “If I kissed you right now, what would you do.”
You swallowed. “I’d kiss back, probably.”
Callie’s lips were soft and warm, but to your surprise his tusks were cool to the touch. You sighed with relief as the kiss lingered. You placed your hands upon his face, smoothing them down to his chest where you felt his heartbeat rattling his ribs.
Your lips parted, but you stayed so close your foreheads touched. You stayed quiet and still for a moment, although it felt like it dragged on for ages.
You giggled softly and he chuckled in reply.
“I have waited to do that for years,” he breathed.
“I hope it wasn’t a disappointment after all that time.” You started to pull away, but Callie laid his hand back upon your cheek.
He came in again, taking another kiss which you gave willingly. Your bodies pressed together, and you held onto him, tugging at his shirt as everything intensified from there.
Callie pulled back, catching his breath before he pressed kisses onto your neck. You moaned in response, pressing your chest into him until it felt like there was no air between you.
“Is that a good sound?” Callie asked against your ear.
You nodded. “My neck and back are sensitive so-”
Callie chuckled and pressed a kiss upon your cheek. “Maybe we should stop here before we get carried away.”
You scoffed. “You want to stop?”
Callie looked shocked. “No. Not really. I just...it’s been years and I don’t want to ruin anything that could happen.”
“I guess I get that.” You still didn’t remove your hand from him.
“You guess?” He laughed.
You smiled and rubbed your hand down his chest. “Hard to turn it off after so long.” You take a deep breath then fan your face as you rise. “Maybe I should step outside for a minute and cool off.”
“And put snow in your pants again?”
You smirked. “Well, I mean, it’s either that or-” You snorted and turned away.
Callie rose from the bed and stood beside you. “Or?”
“Sorry, I was going to make a bad joke.” You snorted again and covered your mouth. “But I couldn’t get it out.”
“I don’t want you turning back into Snow Crotch,” Callie laughed. “So, if we can be adults about this, what else would you like in your-” You both broke out laughing, unable to keep it up.
Amidst the laughter, you found yourself in Callie’s arms. Then when the laughter stopped, you were both kissing again, falling onto the bed where you felt something pressing into your thigh.
“Are we doing this?” Callie pulled back for a moment, bracing himself up.
“Yeah.” You pushed your hands up his shirt. “If you want to.”
He nodded. “I wanna.”
You tugged him back down, kissing him as his hands gripped around your hips. Hard, thick fingers dug into your body, kneading until it felt like you were turning to pudding below the waist. Callie opened your pants, pushing his fingers down inside.
You gasped against his lips, whimpering as he began touching and kneading through your panties. He pushed them aside, touching your directly. His fingers sank into the softness, finding wetness and heat. He growled into your ear, nipping the lobe as his fingers explored.
“Breathe,” he reminded you.
You gulped. “Trying. But you’re uhm-”
Callie kissed your cheek and neck, moaning there as you trembled. “Do I keep stealing it?”
“Yeah-” you whimpered.
A finger sunk inside you and you bit your lip.
“Breathe-” he whispered again.
“Trying.” You watched as he rose above you. He licked his finger clean, suckling it and moaning as he tasted you. Shivering on the bed, you clumsily tried to kick off your pants. He stripped off his shirt, tossing it to the floor. He then lifted your hips, pulling off your pants for you. He pushed open your legs, gazing between them with a soft smile on his face.
“You said your back was sensitive right?” He asked.
You nodded. “Yeah wh-” He rolled you over before you could finish. You propped your head up as his hand pushed at your shirt. His big palm moved up your back and undid the latches of your bra. Soft kisses then peppered down your skin, melting you into a puddle.
“Callie-” you moaned.
“Just breathe,” he chuckled. “I don’t want you passing out just yet.” His palm smoothed over your rear then groped it firmly.
You squeaked and hugged tightly onto the pillow.
“Like that?” He squeezed again, pulling back then giving you a small pop. He kissed down your spine, moaning and growling as he went.
“I never expected you to be like this,” you pant. “I thought you’d be more shy.”
“Why be shy now?” Callie’s fingers slipped between your cheeks and slid along your wetness. Two fingers eased inside you and he growled into your ear.
“I know it’s just-” You choked on a moan and buried your face into the pillow.
Callie whimpered. “I can’t take it much more.”
You felt something warm and hard slide up your thigh. You buried your face more into the pillow as you braced yourself for it. The glans of his cock rubbed to your ass, pressing between them and slipping down. He pressed at your entrance, raising your hips and spreading your thighs.
That’s when he hesitated. “Fuck, a condom!”
You looked back at him. “You just now thought of that?”
He held a distraught look on his face. “I didn’t think anything like this would even come close to happening!”
You smirked back at him. “I take birth control.”
His eyes brightened back up. “Are you sure?”
You pressed back into him, rubbing your rear against his lap. “Please.”
He takes his hand and slid it up your back. His fingers gripped into your neck while you felt him below. His hard cock pressed between the folds, slipping himself inside you.
You whimpered out loud, arching back and his hand slipped around, grabbing your throat. He sunk himself deeper, and you could feel his pulse inside. He was rigid and eager, shivering as he tried to keep himself in check.
The thrusts began as slow and rhythmic. He took his time and tried to breathe. You could feel him watching you, taking in the sight of him opening you and plunging inside. His hand around your throat was warm and gentle, cradling you more than anything. As time went on he started going a bit harder. He would slam inside, stay still, then pull out achingly slow.
Callie then leaned over top of you, pressing his chest into your back. He wrapped an arm around your waist, taking his fingers and rubbing your clit. You cried out as he started moving, going harder and harder with each guided thrust. His snarls and grunts filled your ears.
You didn’t stand a chance. Not the first time, nor the second time. He felt like a beast that night, unable to get his fill. He made you a quivering mess before he was done. His body trembled and jerked, rocking inside you until you were filled with more of him. As he pulled out he winced and spurted on your legs. Shakily he managed to clean you up, collapsing down beside you.
Only then did he turn into the shy, sweet boy you had remembered all these years. You stroked his long hair out of his face and placed soft kisses upon his face.
“How do you feel?” He murmured.
“Like I just had the best sex of my life,” you giggled. “You?”
He nodded and broke into a huge grin. “Yeah. I feel...pretty damn happy.”
“Happy?” Your heart sputters.
“Yeah.” He looked into your eyes. “Being with you. It feels better than I ever hoped. I don’t want to go back to that regret, you know?”
“Yeah. I’d like to...go to prom with you.” You smiled goofily, knowing that came out weird.
Callie laughed and put his arm around you. “Or something a bit more fun. I’m not much for dancing, but I do like sushi and cuddling.”
“Me too.” You placed your hand upon his face and smoothed your fingertips along his skin. “And when it’s cold like this, there’s nothing better.”
“I can’t wait to see the snow in the morning.” He kissed your cheek. “Do you still want to play in it?”
You snorted. “As long as you don’t put snow down my pants, of course.”
Callie chuckled. “I think I’ve already done enough down there.” He then growled into your ear. “Or could you take more?”
You snorted again. “Really? Already?”
“I have a lot to make up for.” He pressed a kiss to your lips. “And when I’m happy, I can’t be stopped.”
“Good to know. I can take it, I think.” You smiled shyly.
Callie looked sweet and soft as he moved on top of you. “I’ll make you some coffee and breakfast as a thank you.”
You looped your arms around him. “Are you going to stay this happy?”
Imagine if you lived next to one of the loudest people in the village. They're music and voice carry out almost like an enchantment. Now imagine this loud fellow had a certain affection for you. I also challenge you to guess who this character is based on.
The disruption usually happens at dawn. Which, in itself, is aggravating enough to be woken up too. But it’s the music that wakes you up which is the most aggravating. You lay there in bed, staring up at your ceiling while a lute is strummed at such a high volume that the air is filled with nothing else but its raucous sound.
If that weren’t enough, the one playing the lute also had to sing. His voice carried through the morning air, causing the dew to shine and reflect light so brightly into windows, it was even harder to ignore.
It was by this point you would get up, throw on a robe, and step outside. Just beyond your guard there was a hill, and one that hill was a large, strange house that seemed to lean to one side. It was from there that music flowed.
“Shut up, Magnus!” You yelled this every morning. Sometimes you yelled other things, but this was usually the most uttered.
The singing stopped and the strumming of the lute became much softer. “Good morning, neighbor!” The music carried on and his song changed to start singing good morning to you.
You growled under your breath, turning back inside. You tried all you could without having to go into his presence.
For years no one lived in that strange house, then one day, out of the blue, that music started one morning. Every day at dawn Magnus rose and played his lute, singing his ridiculous songs until all the hillside was awake. Why some people liked him you could understand, but you never got onto that boat.
“So many of the girls in town love him,” you heard through whispers one day.
“He comes in, charms them, and leaves them lovesick puppies. Like nothing we have here is good enough for him,” another whisper scoffed.
You turned to listen to the conversation, curious as anyone would be. You hadn’t met Magnus yet, but you certainly had heard enough about him. Though this bit of gossip was all new to you.
“He got to my girl!” One whisper exclaimed. “She’s not looked at me twice since. All she does is sing and dance around.”
“What a cad. Going after someone’s broad like that,” the other whisper snarled.
You frowned at this, gently setting down what you were looking at and walked away. “Serves him right to lose her to that singing loon,” you thought to yourself. “Talk shit like that, you shouldn’t be surprised when it falls into your lap.” As a butcher, you knew what ‘broad’ really meant.
A few days later, you would meet Magnus for yourself; during the summer festival and parade. The main part of town was packed and overflowing with people. You were scooting along the street, trying to get to your shop at the end of town. But it was growing more and more difficult to traverse the farther you went. People became thicker packed the more you went, so you decided to go the long way around, hopping off main street, and going down a small alley.
There was a small cluster of people leaning against one of the walls. As you approached, one thrust out their hand to you.
“Got any spare change, ducky?” The young man asked with a forceful tone, but the others sniggered as they came off the wall.
Pickpockets and other thieves were always busy during the festivals. It surprised you little to come across some going down an alley.
“Afraid I’ve already given my charity for the day.” You continued to walk, but your path was cut off.
You sighed heavily and glanced back towards the man who still had his hand out. “I have no money. You are more likely to get something from a stone than you are me.”
You were becoming encroached upon, and the helpless feeling of being unable to move crept in. You felt lucky, after all, you had taken home your best knife the night before to properly sharpen. You just hated the thought of dulling it before you got to work.
“I’m sure you’ve got more than nothing,” the thief laughed. “Everyone has something today.”
You were ready to pull out your knife when a laugh filled the narrow alleyway. “My goodness, such a crowd. Such a crowd!”
A tall figure towered over the pickpockets at the back. “Beg your pardon. Beg your pardon,” the new person laughed. “Ah yes, thank you,” he chortled as the crowd parted for him.
He was huge, broad like a barn and probably just as tall. From behind, his feathered arms shone with deep green and gold, and at the top of his head was a red comb.
“Neighbor!” He announced loudly. “So good to see you here.” He came up towards you, placing his hands upon your shoulders. “We’ve not been properly introduced!”
“Excuse me,” the thief snarled.
Magnus turned, looking back at him. “Yes, hello there!”
You glared up at him, hand still readied on your knife under your skirt. “They’re thieves” you whispered between clenched teeth.
“Leaves? What leaves! It’s summer!” Magnus laughed merrily. He then winked at you. “No need to go stabbing at leaves after all, not when they are in midair.”
You were taken by surprise! How could he know?
The thief grabbed Magnus’ shoulder. “We were talking to the lady first.”
“Ah, I see,” Magnus turned slightly. “Forgive my manners. Sometimes I can’t help but forget them. I have had this song sung stuck in my head, you see, and nothing else seems to get through to me when that happens.” He turned around, shoving the thief’s hand off his shoulder.
“Tell me, have you heard this tune?” Magnus began whistling, and while the tune is familiar, you weren’t sure you’ve heard it before.
“That’s it-” The thief went to swing, but his feet began to float up. He flipped upside down, as did all the other pickpockets in the alley.
You noticed too that you were starting to lift up and be carried like a dandelion seed into the air.
“Don’t worry, neighbor! I have you!” Magnus grabbed your hand, pulling you away like a child with a balloon.
Above you could see the pickpockets floating above the buildings, they were screaming, but couldn’t be heard over the caucus of the parade.
“What did you do?” You shouted at Magnus, your legs now far above your head. You tried to fight with your skirt, but it was a losing battle.
“They’ll come down safely! Not to worry,” Magnus guffawed. “Did you see their faces? That was wonderful!”
“You’re crazy!”
“And you’re unharmed.” He took you towards your butcher shop, despite the looks you received along the way.
Once you were at your store you floated down to the ground.
“There now, right as rain.” Magnus smiled. His beak was shining gold, and his gray eyes still shone brighter.
You smoothed down your clothes and looked at him, unsure if you should be annoyed or grateful. “Thank you, I suppose. Even if your method was maddening.”
Magnus tilted his head to the side. “You didn’t like it?”
“I would have been fine, but I am grateful I didn’t have to resort to my method.” You then pouted. “Yours was the safer option.” You searched your deep pockets trying to find your keys.
“I’d say a bloodbath on such a magnificent day would be a mood killer.” Magnus hummed and your front door opened.
You stared back up at him, stiffening your back and narrowing your gaze. “I’ll let that slide for your help today. But before you go, do you mind if I ask you a question?”
Magnus laid both feathered hands upon his barreled out chest. “I love questions, especially about myself.”
You took a step closer to him. “You play that lute every morning and sing as loud as hell; what the hell for?”
Magnus smiled brightly. “So that my sun will rise.”
The sun rose with or without provocation. But if that was his reasoning, you at least had something. “That’s all?”
Magnus nodded. “As far as I know.”
You sighed, unsatisfied with the answer, but pleased to have one. “I owe you a thanks. If there is anything I can do for you, I owe you a favor.”
“Wonderful!” He cheered. “I will certainly keep that in mind.”
You smiled faintly then went into your shop to begin the day and he went on down the street, happily singing to himself.
Summer came and went, and the first signs of fall began with a slight shift in color outside. Crisp mornings were becoming a welcomed pleasure. And your shop was getting more and more orders for marrow bones so that people could make stocks for the oncoming cold.
One afternoon, as you were finishing packing up such bones to send with your delivery boy, Magnus walked in.
“Good afternoon, neighbor!” He announced himself quite loudly.
You were wrapping up a bone with twine and wax paper. “Magnus, long time no see. Good to know there is still a body attached to that voice of yours.”
Magnus chuckled smugly. “As my neighbor, you must get the music while it is still fresh and warm, like a loaf of bread. Others in town must hear it when it is stale.”
You grunted in reply, attaching a tag to the wrapped marrow bone. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“I’ve come to collect that favor you owe me.”
You had almost forgotten about it. It had been months ago, and nothing had been spoken between the two of you since; aside from the usual neighborly things.
“That’s right,” you murmured. “I’m a bit busy right now is it possible to-”
“Oh heavens not now. I only just thought of it! I came here while it was still on my mind, because sooner or later I would forget and keep putting it off and-”
“Magnus,” you chimed to get him back on track. “Just tell me.”
“Oh right!” His chest fluffed out and he swooped his wing over his waist. “I would like you to make me dinner.”
“But I’m not a cook,” you said plainly. “I’m a butcher.”
Magnus’ smile became sweeter, and those bright gray eyes took on a puppy-like appearance. “But you can still make a meal, right?”
You wiped your hands on your apron. “I suppose.”
He raised two long fingers. “Then you can make a meal for two? Yes?”
“Possibly.” You eyed him, letting a smile grow. “Might I ask why this is the favor you’re coming for?”
Magnus waved his finger. “I think that’s a conversation for dinner. Don’t you? Just so we’ll have something to break the ice. I know you're off on Sundays, will that be okay for our supper?”
You sighed, but your smile grew. “As good as any.”
“Wonderful!” He cheered. “I will arrive with bells on.”
Knowing him, you thought, he probably would. You started to turn back to your work, but Magnus approached the counter again.
He started speaking very intensely. “By the way, I know this may hinder you, maybe even offend you considering your business, but I don’t eat meat.”
You looked him up and down. “You don’t eat meat?”
“I do not eat it,” he said sincerely.
You clicked your tongue. “Well, alright. I’ll figure something out I suppose.”
Magnus beamed again as he stood upright. “Wonderful! Thank you so much for the consideration. I look forward to what you can do.”
You were no cook, at least nothing special. You knew how to make meat and potatoes taste good to you. This would be a whole new chore.
You managed to get a couple of recipes from some of the grannies who visited your shop a lot. One gave you her special vegetable broth recipe. Another provided you with her garlic rolls recipe. Then another gave you an eggplant and how to cook it. All of them adored Magnus and were eager to try and impress him vicariously through you.
“What on earth does this guy do to these ladies?” You grumbled as you kneaded the dough for the rolls. The garlic was exceptionally strong, almost spicy in the air. “I know his music has some sort of power, maybe that’s his game.”
Just as you had placed the eggplant into the oven, there was a knock upon your door.
“Geez,” you huffed, wiping your hands on your apron. “Who could this be?” You walked across the kitchen to the door, finding Mgnus standing there tuning his lute.
“It's way too early!” You exclaimed out of shock.
“I know, I came to bask in your warm company.” Magnus let himself in, sitting at the kitchen table which was still covered in flour from when you rolled the dough for the garlic rolls.
“I haven’t even cleaned up yet, you’ll get flour on you!” You tried to shoo him away but he started playing his lute.
“What is your most favorite song in the world?” Magnus asked, oblivious to your efforts to wipe up the table.
“What’s yours?” You asked, finally able to sweep away the flour without hitting him.
He plucked the strings on his lute and thought deeply. “Sweet rose, sweet dew drop.”
“Sounds saccharine.” You sighed. “But if you must play, play.”
Magnus was smiling, tuning the lute again. “Do you not like my playing, neighbor? You seem annoyed.”
“I hear your music every morning. I hear it loud and clear as if you are inside my head.”
“But do you like it?”
You cut your eyes at him. “If I didn’t hear it exploding in my bedroom each morning, maybe I would.”
“You wake each morning to my songs,” he hummed softly. He strummed and hummed, going soft and quiet unlike what you were used to.
“I do.” You go back towards the oven. “You told me once why you do it, but I still find it a bit odd.”
“My sun,” he sang softly. “I want her to rise. I want to open her shining eyes. She lights up my day and it is night when she’s gone. I’m singing to her in hopes of my dawn.”
“That’s lovely,” you murmured. “But still odd. The sun rises and falls no matter what we do.”
Magnus smirked towards you. “You think so?”
Something about his gaze made your stomach flop upside down. “Isn’t that how it works? After all, it’s more powerful than us.”
“She is,” Magnus spoke softly again. He then perked up, his comb rising high on his head. He then looked at you excitedly. “What have you made for dinner?”
“Oh, well, I had some help from some of the grannies you come to my shop,” you replied. “I have a vegetable stew, garlic rolls, and some sort of eggplant thing.”
“Eggplant thing?”
You made an awkward smile. “I followed the recipe, but I’m still not sure what it’ll turn into.”
Magnus laughed. “You really aren’t a cook.”
“Not at all.”
Despite all your hostility and annoyance with him because of his morning singing, you found yourself drawn to him. He didn’t have to sing or play his music, but there was definitely an allure he had. This may have been the same charm that all the other women in town were attracted to. Even as you fed him, he didn’t complain. The eggplant was awful, but he still ate it regardless.
As he left to go home, he turned in the doorway to look at you. “When I sing in the morning, will you listen to me?”
You were a bit surprised. “I mean, I always have to.”
Magnus shook his head. “No. I mean listen.”
You weren’t sure what he meant, but you nodded as bid him goodnight.
Come morning, you were woken by the sound of his lute being strummed. Still loud as ever, but somehow it sounded so much softer than all other mornings. His voice, too, sounded lighter and airier.
From that morning onward, his music sounded sweet and calming. You woke up gently rather than annoyed. And to your surprise, one morning, you walked outside and yelled.
“Good morning, Magnus!”
“Good morning, neighbor!” he crowed back with a sound of triumph.
A few days later, just as you were closing up shop, Magnus came through the door. “I was wondering if I could walk you home?” He asked.
You pushed a loose lock of hair from your face. “What for?”
Magnus smiled. “Do I need a reason?”
You sighed and went along. You were silent at the start of the walk, but as he started to hum a question rose in your mind.
“Has your music changed? Because it is nowhere near as annoying as it used to be,” you said.
“I’ve not changed it in the slightest. I did ask you to listen though.” He placed a wing around you back, settling his hand on your arm.
You watched his dark fingers on your sleeve then glanced back into his gray eyes. “Then tell me what you are doing.”
“Doing?” He asked.
“All the women, and some men, in this village have some level of attraction or fascination to you. Is that what you are trying to do with me?” You said pointedly.
“Oh gosh,” he said in thought. “I’m not trying to woo anyone. I’m just nice to everyone. I treat them like I want to be treated. You’re the only one I’ve been trying to woo.”
Your stomach flopped again. “You’re teasing me!”
“I told you, I always sing to raise my sun.” There was no irony to his tone, no sense of teasing. He was being honest.
“Me?” You exclaimed. “I’m the sun?”
Magnus tilted his head to the side. “You didn’t get that?”
“No!” You blurted.
He sighed and dipped his head down. “Oh gosh, I’m no good at these kinds of things. I thought I was being clear.” He pouted a bit. “You’re just my type. It’s part of why I got that weird house on the hill. So I could be close, maybe see you in the morning-” He started to get embarrassed. “But all I can do is sing.”
You cocked up a brow in shock. “Type?”
Magnus went silent, going from slightly shy to very shy. “Well yeah.”
“And what would that be?”
He looked away, his smile faint, and his expression demure. He shifted a bit, taking a step back from you. “You’re a little mean and bossy,” he muttered.
“Should I be offended?” You grumbled.
He shook his head. “I mean that in a good way. I know I don’t look it, being as tall as I am, but I like to feel like I am small and-” Magnus shut his beak and turned away.
“So-” You tried to piece this together as best you could. “You like me because I make you feel this way?”
He nodded.
“Well, this wasn’t what I was expecting,” you huffed.
“I don’t mean to make this sound weird. I really do like you for much more than my own oddities.” He fidgeted with his fingers. “You’re strong and witty, your not afraid of anything. But you’re also tender and sweet, and you have such a nice...shape.” It sounded like he had more to say, but he decided to end it with that one word.
You pressed your lips together and looked at the ground. “You have a nice shape yourself.”
Magnus chuckled, then you chuckled.
“Maybe we can show off each other’s shape one day,” Magnus said shyly. “If you’d like such a thing.”
“Not tonight, maybe Sunday?” You suggested.
His eyes widened and he turned to you with a look of shock. “You really-you would-you are-” He couldn’t get out what he wanted to say.
“Maybe this time you could make dinner?”
“Okay!” He exclaimed happily. “Come over whenever you’d like!”
You still weren’t exactly sure on what to take in. You just knew you held an excitement in your chest that didn’t go away until Sunday morning. You heard him singing on his hill, and that excitement burst, turning into urgency and nerves.
You waited as long as you could before heading up the hill. It was still a bit early for dinner, but had shown up early to your home as well. Once he opened the door you knew you came at the right time.
“Good! You did come!” Magnus pulled you inside.
“I was bored anyways,” you said nervously.
Magnus gripped your hand. “Let me give you a tour.” He took you through the odd house, which was larger inside than you expected.
Most of the rooms were filled with musical instruments, sheet music, and long scrolls tucked into vases and buckets. Up in the tower was his room, which he took you to with a proud look on his face. He showed you the balcony where he played his music each morning. From that perch you could see your house below.
“You really are singing to me.”
Magnus nodded. “I like seeing you walk out your door every morning. I often wonder what you’re doing or how you wake up.”
You look him over then stare back into the room. “Your bed is much bigger than mine, but I could show you.”
Magnus swallowed. “Really?”
You took hold of his hand and led him over to the bed. You made him lay down upon his back and placed his hands upon his chest. “I lay like this when I go to sleep. Although; come morning I’m on my side.” You then crawled on top of him, straddling your thighs around his waist.
Magnus gulped and his feathers on his chest fluffed up. “Do...do you usually wake up feeling heavy?”
You shook your head. “No. I just did this to get you here.” You leaned down, kissing his beak and down to his cheek. Magnus ruffled and moaned, arching his back as you drug your hands down his chest.
“I see. I like that,” he laughed.
You opened up his shirt, stroking down the sleek feathers that went from black-green to golden ginger. “You’re quite colorful. It’s lovely.”
Magnus nodded, holding his breath as your hands explored his body. You rolled your hips, rubbing yourself against the front of his trousers.
“I hope you don’t think I’m being too forceful,” you murmured.
He shook his head. “Just the right amount of forceful.” He opened his eyes back up to look at you. “I was hoping this would happen. Although I’m a bit embarrassed by that thought.”
You kissed his beak again then placed your hand around his throat. “What else were you hopeful for.”
He shivered at your touch, moaning loudly then sucking in his breath. “Just uhm-” He wiggled beneath you, rubbing himself against you. “Just that you would uhm-”
You moved your hand away.
“Play with me!” He yelped and you placed your hand back. “Play with me-” he moaned again. “Like I’m your own personal toy.”
You smirked. “How fun. Anything else?”
His eyes moved towards a small chest sitting by his bed. You picked it up, setting it on his chest as you looked through. Inside there were a few strange objects, one was small and bulbous, maybe of a black shining stone. There were two phallic-shaped crystals, one was a clear quartz and had small ball shapes through the shaft. The second was bigger, made of rose quartz, and flared at the base and was wattahced to a leather belt.
“Should I use these before I use you?” You teased.
Magnus fidgeted again. “I’d love to watch but-”
Inside the chest was also a flask filled with olive oil. “You’re excited today. I get it.” You lifted yourself off him, sitting by his side as you undid his belt and tugged down his pants.
Since he was a type of siren, his anatomy below was a little different. There was a growth that rose from his loins, along with a small opening. You trailed your fingers around the opening, which felt warm and wet within.
Magnus gasped and his back rose from the bed. You slipped a finger inside, feeling him tighten around you while his voice became much higher and more aroused.
“You’ll be very fun to play with, Magnus.” You panted as you moved your finger inside. You added another finger, which made him whimper and throw his head back.
“There now.” You pulled out your fingers then rose from the bed to undress. Magnus watched you with awe, his eyes gazing down your body. Your arms and back were strong from your work as a butcher, so you never felt quite pretty until his eyes landed upon you. In his gaze you felt like a beauty.
“I knew you’d be stunning,” he panted.
You put on the leather belt and Magnus’ eyes became dewy. You poured olive oil into your palm, rubbing the shaft like it was your own.
As Magnus watched you climbed back onto the bed and threw his legs over your shoulders. He whimpered as the rose quartz touched against him.
“I’ll go easy, but I have a feeling you’re used to this.” You watched in awe as the rose quartz disappeared inside him. He cried out and you bit your lip.
Magnus started singing a new song. His voice peaked and rang out as you drove the rose quartz inside him. Your own wetness grew as you watched him. His body writhed in such a sweet, docile way. Eventually you couldn’t take it anymore.
You took off the belt and left the rose quartz inside him. You mounted him again, taking his shaft inside you.
“Yes!” Magnus cried out. “You’re all around me.” His hands gripped around your thick waist. “All you!”
You rutted on top of him, feeling him warm and hard inside. You pressed your hands to his belly, taking leverage as you began moving.
“Oh my sun!” Magnus cried. “My shining, glorious star! Take me! All of me!”
You moaned and reached out, placing your hand around his throat. “You’re mine. You’re all mine.”
Magnus grinned with glee, bucking his hips upward inside you. You cried out, throwing your head back and letting your hair spill around your shoulders. You reached back, thrusting the rose quartz inside him. He bucked harder, whimpering pitifully, even starting to cry.
Something inside you was rising. It was coming fast and hot inside your belly, shooting through your chest. You and Magnus were singing together, duetting as this rising sun inside you began to spill out.
You shivered, thighs tightening around Magnus. The rose quartz slipped from inside him, and he whimpered as tears rolled from his gray eyes. You leaned forward, falling onto his barreled chest and laying there as his shaft popped out from inside you.
You both laid in silence. You breathed in sync until it felt like you were fading from this world. Magnus’ wings wrapped around you and he started singing softly.
“My sun, I want her to rise. I want to open her shining eyes. She lights up my day and it is night when she’s gone. I’m singing to her in hopes of my dawn.”
You smiled and nuzzled to his chest. “I love your song,” you murmured.
We return to Blackforte, a town by the sea full of all sorts of monstrous folk. And like most seaside towns it's prone to storms, and the locals know just who to call when one hits their home.
Female Reader x Male Monster (both cis)
//////////////////////////////////////
A recent storm had hit Blackforte, causing a lot of damage to buildings around the seafront area. Your place had been hit quite hard, taking on water damage on the ground floor and the front porch had been totally obliterated by your favorite tree. To your surprise, your favorite tree being uprooted had hurt the worst out of everything that had happened.
“I’m having a hard time finding someone who can do the repairs,” you lament as you sit in the diner. The room is packed, filled with people who were also hit by the storm. “Everyone else is already scooped up and doing other jobs. The wait time is...unbearable.”
Your sister, Sarah, looked up from her plate. “You could watch youtube videos and do it yourself?”
“Why is that your answer to everything?” You huffed.
“Could be worse,” Sarah seemed more interested in her breakfast plate. “At least the damage isn’t too bad. We can buy new furniture.”
You grumbled under your breath. “Why aren’t you taking this seriously? This is your home too. Not only that, you’re going on that work trip and escaping all the mess!”
“Hey, it’s serious to me. My money is going down the drain, same as yours.” She wagged a fork covered in hash browns in your face. “And I told you I would cancel the trip.”
You shook your head. “No. Don’t,” you huffed. “It’s a good opportunity. I’m just freaking out.”
Sarah smiled. “You’ll find someone who can do repairs. Surely there’s someone looking for work who could do it. I bet there’s lots of eager beavers out there looking to repair our dam. Why not just put an offer out online?”
“I’m sure you'd love to come home to a murder mystery too,” you grumbled.
“You know I would. But now, there’s this app that’s got all these options for home repairs and remodeling and everyone on it is vetted and reviewed. It’s like Amazon for construction workers.”
You screwed your mouth into a tight line. “I guess I don’t really have any other option. I’ll try it.”
Sarah returned to her food with more vigor. “Atta girl, getting into the modern era! Put down those yellow pages and pick up the sum of world’s knowledge in your pocket!”
The app was called Honeydew, and it had all sorts of options you could go through. You could make a listing and have people bid on it, or you could hire someone from their profile. You made a listing, hoping to get a bargain. But after a few days, only one profile had responded to it.
“They have good reviews, but they’ve only done a few jobs.” You’re talking to yourself, laying back on your bed in the empty house. Sarah was gone, and the decisions were left to you. You huffed and sat up out of bed, sick of the clutter upstairs as everything was moved to the ground floor.
“I’ll just accept.” You grumbled as you pushed the button accepting the bid. A few minutes later, you received a message from the profile.
“Is it okay if I come by to assess everything? It’ll help me estimate how long it will take and how soon I can start. Thank you for accepting my bid as well.” They asked.
“Yes, of course.” You responded, along with your address. “I’ll be home all day.”
There was no response after that, and your guts began to churn. At least you had a neighbor close by who could hear your screams if it came to that. Sometime later, you heard a motorcycle blaring down the road. Motorcycles scared you ever since you were little, and hearing them just triggered that fight or flight response. You’d been trying your best to get over such a silly fear, after all, they didn’t affect your daily life at all, but those loud sounds made your skin crawl. The sound was growing louder, it sounded like it was right outside your window. You peered out and saw it, a huge dark blue motorcycle was parked by your car.
“What the hell?” You muttered under your breath. The rider was getting off the motorcycle as you peered out. He took off his helmet, setting it on the seat while he rubbed the top of his scaly head. You continued to watch as he looked around your destroyed porch, even running his hand along the uprooted tree still lodged in it.
You went downstairs, going out the back door and walking around. The guy was still examining the crushed porch, looking at the stone wall that was crumbling forward. He looked up, dark eyes peering towards you. He was wearing a black turtleneck and black jeans, which was a surprising combo.
You crossed your arms tight against your chest. “I really hope you're the guy from Honeydew.”
He stood up. “That I am.” His long tail uncoiled from around his waist. “The names Griz.” He extended his hand to you, and you could see a tattoo on the back of it.
You carefully took his hand, shaking it. “Nice to meet you.”
Griz turned his head back to the porch. “It’s a shame about your tree.”
“I’m actually pretty beaten up about that,” you sighed. “I loved that tree. I’d be happy to have my porch smashed over and over if it wasn’t that one.”
“What would you want done with it?” He asked.
You shook your head, staring solemnly at the tree. “I figured it’d have to be cut up, so I thought I’d donate the wood or something.”
“Okay,” Griz murmured. “Are you wanting the deck built back the same way, or are you wanting any changes?”
“The same I guess. It’s mainly the water damage to the floors I’m concerned about. Would you like to come in and see?”
Griz nodded, following after you inside. He knelt down to the floor close to the wall. “Once I start tearing it up I can tell you how bad it is. Hopefully I won’t have to pull up any joists or anything.”
You saw the tattoo on the back of his hand again, it looked like an angry dragon’s face. He stood up before you could get a better look. “I can get supplies in a few days. I could have this job done hopefully by the beginning of next month. Hopefully this won’t be a rushed job. It’ll be just me working on it.”
Your eyes widened. “Just you?”
Griz nodded. “I hope that’s also not an issue.”
“I suppose not,” you said unsurely. “But won’t you need help, especially with things like, moving and lifting stuff?”
“I can move flooring boxes pretty fine. I think I’ll manage everything else well enough. But if I have your permission, I’ll start as soon as the floor is in.”
You sighed heavily. “I’m out of luck, but that’s your luck.”
Griz smiled. “Okay great. I’ll keep in contact with you then to keep you up to date. Is the flooring you showed on Honeydew still what you want?”
“Yeah, that’ll be it.” Your eyes cut to his motorcycle as he walked towards it. “Will you have a truck or anything?”
Griz picked up his helmet and chuckled. “Nah, this is it. I’ve got a buddy who has a truck I can borrow if I need to though.”
“Okay well, thanks.” You had no clue what you were supposed to do from here. “I guess I’ll see you soon.”
Once his helmet was on, Griz hopped onto the bike. “Sounds like a plan.” he cranked up his motorcycle and you hurried inside once the chills seeped in.
A couple of days later, you received a message from Griz saying he’d be there the following morning sinc the flooring would be delivered.
“I’m a morning person, so if it’s okay, I’ll be there around seven.”
“In the morning?” You responded.
“Yeah. Is that alright?”
You were not a morning person, and because you worked from home you kept your own hours. “I can make myself get up. After all, if it helps get this done sooner.”
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
Your alarm in the morning goes unheard. It isn’t until the sound of Griz’s motorcycle comes barreling down the road that you wake. You get up, groggy and stumbling for the coffee maker. Griz is waiting outside, wearing worn jeans, work boots, and a tight black t-shirt. He’s setting a chainsaw down by the tree, which makes your guts flip flop.
“Are you cutting it down?” You ask, rounding the corner in your robe and slipper.
Griz turns to you, and you're shocked by the vivid blue that goes down his throat. You hadn’t seen that before because he had worn a turtleneck.
“It’ll make things easier in the long run. I’ll be able to put the flooring inside from this oor, rather than carrying it around back.” He has more tattoos winding up from the dragon face on the back of his hand. “Do you wanna say goodbye to it?”
It was a shockingly sweet thought. You walked up to the tree and set your coffee mug down so you could place both hands along the bark. You felt strange saying goodbye to a tree, but it had been your favorite place in the world since you were little. You used to climb it as a kid and get onto the roof then walk into your room through the window. It had housed tire swings, been a pirate ship, a towering castle, even a dragon.
“Do you mind cutting it down after I leave?” You asked. “I don’t think I could stand the noise, let alone knowing what the noise means.”
“Yeah, no problem.” Griz came up beside you. “I’ll save a piece of it for you, you can turn it into a welcome sign.”
He’s so thoughtful, it's nice. “Thank you. Do you want any coffee or anything?”
Griz shook his head, the dazzling blue on his throat caught your attention again. “I’m fine for now. But would it be okay if I put some things in your fridge?”
“It’s empty right now, so go ahead. I'll get some bottled water while I’m out so you can have cold water.”
Griz smiled. “That’s sweet, thanks.” he took a lunchbox from his saddlebag.
You went out for groceries and lunch later on, and when you got back the tree was gone. You took a deep breath and went about your business, while inside Griz was already ripping up the floor.
The next few days were filled with flooring, both being ripped up and put in. You had bought fancy sound canceling headphones, but nothing blocked out the sound of a nail gun it seemed. You also spent time with Griz, at first you thought he’d prefer to be left alone, but during lunch and various times throughout the day, you two spent time together. Sometimes you helped him with his work, feeling guilty he was going at it alone.
“I figured you worked from home,” Griz replied. “But what do you do exactly?”
“I build websites and maintain them,” you replied. “Easy enough depending on who I’m working for.”
Griz smirked. “So you’re a carpenter of sorts too.”
You chuckled. “In a way. What about you? Have you always done carpentry?”
Griz shook his head. “Only for the last few years. I did it to fill the time while I got my life back together and it turned out I had a knack for it so I kept going.”
You furrowed your brow. “Life back together?”
Griz was drinking water when you asked this. He got a strange look on his face, uncertainty and nervousness. “Yeah, I was in jail for a while.”
You bit down on your cheek. “Oh shit!”
Griz looked at you, a little hurt but unsurprised.
You shook your hand at him. “No. I bit my cheek.” You cupped your hand around the injured cheek. “You were in jail?”
Griz was cautious as he went forward. “Yeah. I was stupid. Young and very stupid,” he huffed. “Fell into a bad crowd when I was young and just kept falling.” He looked remorseful and he started picking at the label on his water bottle.
You rubbed your cheek a bit before dropping your hand. “It’s not my place to ask, but you’ve got that curiosity cat purring.”
Griz laughed through his nose in a sigh. “They got me on drug charges, but they had been targeting us for a while.” He showed you the back of his hand where the dragon face was. “This job is going to help me get this covered up.”
“Oh,” you murmured in awe.
Griz pulled his hand back in close. “It’s embarrassing to me now. Being locked up really puts things into perspective. I got my GED, worked on some of my issues, and I’ve been working my ass off to be someone I would admire.”
“That’s great though,” you replied. “I’m proud of you.”
Griz chuckled shyly. “Yeah, well, I’m still a work in progress.”
“Name someone who isn’t.” You smiled at him as his eyes turned to yours. There was a pause between the two of you, a moment where time stopped and you were suspended in a waiting game. It ended when you took a breath and had forced a nervous laugh.
“Well, I should get back to work.” You stood up and avoided looking at Griz. “Do you need anything before I go?”
Griz shook his head and rubbed the back of his head, he was also avoiding looking your way. “No. I’ll be done with the day very shortly. Your kitchen should be done.”
“Oh good.” You cleared your throat. “I’ll be able to move the appliances back into the house from the back.
Griz also stood up from the table. “I can help with that if you’d like.”
You swallowed and turned back to look at him. “I’ll probably need it.” Your guts were flopping around, but it wasn’t exactly a bad feeling. You went back upstairs to work, but your mind was elsewhere. There had been, dare you say, a spark between you and Griz? There had been a moment where, if you had just given in, you could see yourself kissing Griz. But that was weird right? He was your carpenter and this wasn’t a hallmark channel original movie. You tried to shake it off, but your mind kept wandering.
Later that day you heard Griz whistle from downstairs. “If you can, come and look at the kitchen, I just finished.”
“Be right down!” You got up from your desk and as you came to the stairs you saw Griz waiting at the bottom. Your heart somersaulted and you were self conscious as you descended. You followed griz to the kitchen where the floor was complete.
“It looks fantastic.” You stepped onto the new wood and sat down, smoothing your hand over it. “It’ll never be this clean again.”
Griz laughed. “Glad you approve. I can help you get your appliances back in if you’d like.”
“It’s a shame we have to have things everywhere. It’s nice seeing the floor like this, like the beach all spread out nice and smooth.” You huffed and stood up. “Alright, let’s get the expensive gadgets in here.”
The fridge had been moved to the next room and was the first to be put back. The two of you then started moving some of the smaller things back inside. Griz then tried to move the stove by himself, but you quickly went to his aid.
“I can get it,” Griz huffed.
“No, no, I can help.” You got to one side to help move it in. As you went through the door, you made a wrong step and got jammed by the corner into the doorframe. You let out a sound like a broken squeaky toy, and Griz was holding back laughter for your benefit.
“You okay?” He snickered and snorted.
“I think so-” You wheezed. “Let's just get it back in.”
Once the stove was through the door, you stepped aside out of embarrassment of the sound you had made. Your face was blood red, but luckily that could be excused away from moving things.
“You okay?” Griz placed his hand upon your back.
“I’m fine-” you huffed.
Griz let out a chuckle. “Go sit down to make sure. I’ll get the stove plugged in.” His hand lingered on your back, creating a microcosm of that moment from before. You took a seat, watching as Griz placed the stove back. You watched his back ripple, his arms tense and your face grew even warmer.
“Uh oh,” you breathed.
Griz looked up. “Is something wrong?”
You slapped your hand around your mouth. “Nuh-nothing!” You blurted. You looked away, trying to avoid his face as you chastised yourself mentally.
“Want to christen it?” He asked.
You moved your hand away as you turned back towards him. “What?”
“Would you like to do something to christen the new floor?” He asked.
You looked around unsurely. “Is it bad I forgot what I use this room for for a second?” You stood up. “How about coffee and a piece of cake?”
“Am I invited?” Griz asked.
You smiled at him. “It’ll give me an excuse not to eat the cake by myself.” You go to open the fridge, but Griz grabs it at the same time, putting his hand around yours. The moment comes back, time stops and there’s that aching feeling that something, anything, is going to happen. You looked into Griz’s eyes and he looked away, only to look back and smile.
“I have decaf if you don’t want to stay up late.” You hated yourself and stupid mouth.
Griz let go. “Whatever you make, I'll enjoy it.”
Your guts sank as you took the cake and coffee from the fridge, muttering to yourself as you prepared the coffee maker.
After that day, you got a bigger job building a website and shop, so you were kept to your office most of the time. Griz focused on finishing the floor, so you two meeting up together was sporadic. Still, that want from those ‘time stopping’ moments lingered. Occasionally, especially at night, you would think about them and your mind would wander. What would have happened if you gave in? What would you and Grix be doing at that exact moment?
You got up one morning on a Saturday, a day that Griz usually didn’t work, to find a strange truck in the driveway. You went downstairs, but he wasn’t working. You then peered out the window and saw him in your yard where your tree had once stood.
“What’re you doing?” You asked as you walked out.
Griz stood up, revealing he had planted a new tree. Your heart lurched and tears began to sting at the rim of your eyes.
“I hope you don’t mind.” He wiped his hands on his jeans. “It was on sale and well, i thought-” He frowned and looked down. “You really seemed upset over your tree.”
Your heart was overflowing and spilling out, you weren’t sure what to do with it, but you needed to do something. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
Griz swallowed and rubbed the back of his neck. “It wasn’t anything, really. I would just try to water it every now and then, maybe brace it if a storm comes back around.” He lifted his head. “I think you’ll take good care of it.”
You put your arms around him in a tight embrace. Time didn’t stop, but instead it felt like everything was going on too long. There was too much time happening. You didn’t know how to let go of the hug, you didn’t know why you did it either. Griz was standing too still, he must hate it! You begin removing your hands, but Griz places his arms around you.
“I was hoping to wait until the job was done,” he grumbled.
Your heart is pounding too hard to not be noticed. “For what?”
Griz sighed and pulled back. He turned away, rubbing the scales along his face then looking towards the sky. “To uhm...to ask you out, or something. I didn’t want things to be awkward while I finished the work.”
You made yourself breathe. “I can see that. But why can’t you wait?”
“I guess my tolerance isn’t what it used to be,” he murmured. “I’ve also kind of forgotten how to be around girls.”
You bit your lip to keep from smiling. “You’ve been fine around me.”
He huffed. “Yeah well...until now.”
“Come on in. I just started the coffee pot.” You led him inside and took an extra mug down from the cabinet. You were self conscious again, wondering how you looked and if he was watching. You glanced back at him, smiling when you saw he was watching.
“How do you take your coffee?” You asked.
“Just black,” he murmured.
You looked back at the coffee pot and cleared your throat. “How long?” You asked.
Griz sighed heavily. “Not since before I was in jail.”
“No! No!” You gasped and whipped around. “I mean, how long until the job is done?”
Grz looked mortified, but he couldn’t look away from you. He started laughing, chuckling and shaking his head. “Oh shit.”
You laughed with him, coming up to the table and placing a small, nervous kiss on his cheek. “I would like the date. But if you want to wait until after the work is done, that’s fine.”
Griz turned his head, “it’s getting tough though.”
You held your breath. “The job or-”
The kiss was wonderful, his hand held your shoulder then moved up to the side of your neck. His scales were cool against your skin, and you were sure you were molten hot to him. Griz pulled back first but he quickly went in for you, standing up so he could get closer. You became backed up to the island, unaware of when the kisses had become so urgent and hard. His body was pressed into yours, your hands were clung into his tight shirt.
The coffee pot beeped and the two of you let a bit of air in between yourselves. Was it his own desire that caused this, or had you let loose some secret impulses of your own? The two of you breathed, chuckling softly that the coffee pot had broken up the moment.
“That was…” Griz said breathlessly.
“If the coffee pot hadn’t stopped us, we probably would have done a lot more to christen the floor,” you laughed.
“Yeah,” he chuckled.
You went to step around him, but his hand on your waist wasn’t letting go. That moment returned and you reached for him again. He dipped down, kissing you once more. You placed your arms around his neck, letting him place you upon the counter top.
“Wait, wait-” Griz pulled back and you could see the brilliant blue of his throat was extending. “Is this alright?”
You were already aroused, growing more so by the second. You had been attracted to Griz all this time, you even had growing feelings. It was almost like a third date, at least you’d concocted that in your mind.
“I’m fine...but we can stop.” No one moved, you remained in that position, all while Griz got closer. The blue fan on his throat extended further out. He chuckled, touching it and trying to push it down.
“It gets in the way, sorry.”
You touched the brilliant blue, running your hands down the side and gazing into his eyes. Griz moved in closer, kissing you even as the fan hit against your chest. The heat grew, the pounding of your heart echoed in your ears. As he opened up your robe and his cool scales touched your skin, you knew there was no turning back now.
There was an awkwardness to Griz’s touch. His hands moved unsurely, as if it was his first time all over again. His fingers trembled as they fell upon your skin, and his breath shuddered as his kisses went down your neck. You placed your hands upon his chest, moving them down, he pressed closer, keeping you from touching more. His hands went up your back, holding you tenderly in an embrace.
Your hands went around his sides, gently tugging up his shirt until you touched his bare scales. He moaned against your ear as your fingers tickled along his ribs. You smoothed down to his back then brushed your fingertip along the top of his jeans.
“It’s okay,” you whispered. “Keep going.”
Griz pulled back, looking into your eyes before taking another kiss. He brushed aside the strap of your nightgown so it fell. He kissed your bare shoulder, moving down along your clavicle. He nuzzled to your chest, holding his head there until his fingertips brush against your nipple. You whimpered softly, then gasped out loud as his tongue joined. You tugged on the back of his shirt, your breaths growing harsher the more he touched. His tongue was cold, which excited you even more. He finally pulled back, ripping off his shirt. His tattoos stopped at his shoulder, but there were scars along his chest, and a large one on his stomach. He pulled you off the counter, tugging down your nightgown so it fell upon the floor in a pool around your ankles.
“I’ve never been naked in my kitchen before,” you whispered.
“Funny,” he chuckled, “neither have I.”
You kissed his chest and neck, working on the button of his jeans until it let go. Griz eagerly wriggled out of his jeans, using his tail to knock them aside. You both looked down awkwardly and Griz swallowed hard.
“I feel dizzy,” he breathed.
“Then why don’t we uhm...sit or uhm...something.” You murmured. The two of you knelt down onto the floor and Griz kissed you. You came close, sitting in his lap so your bodies pressed back together.
“You’re so soft.” he placed both his hands around you. “So warm.”
You rubbed his shoulders, slowly petting down his chest. “You’re not so bad either.”
Griz chuckled. “I don’t feel half as cute as you look.” His hands went down, cupping your rear and squeezing greedily. “You have no idea what this is doing to me.”
His fingers sunk in, going quite close to your mound. “I have a little understanding.”
“I’m a bit nervous.” His fingers brushed along you, feeling you opening for him and the slight bit of dew that greeted his fingertips.
“You’re doing great so far.” You rolled your hips and his fingers pushed in slightly. He moaned into your ear, letting his finger go further. He pleasured voice made you feel warmer at your core, causing his sweetness to drip down his finger and onto his knuckles
“I never forgot this,” he growled. “How much I love making a woman wet.”
You shivered from your scalp all the way down your spine.
“Making her come,” he breathed against your neck, “again and again. Although I don’t know if I’ll last.”
“You can try,” you moaned.
“Mm, that sound of your voice. It’s too good.”
You reached down, taking his cock into your hand. It was firm and thick, pulsing at your touch. Griz shuddered, losing his breath for a moment. You stroked him, feeling him grow in your palm.
“I’ll make more sounds with this,” you whispered.
Griz chuckle was on edge. He cupped the back of your head, laying you down upon the new floor. He placed his body over yours and his tail flicked up your side. He kissed you, lowering himself closer until there was no space between you. He was between your legs, his hard shaft rubbed up against you, pressing in then slipping upwards.
Taking a breath, he calmed himself and guided his cock into place. The tip pressed against your lips, slowly entering and opening you. You stretched to accommodate him, moaning softly into his shoulder as he drove further. Griz lost his breath once he was fully inside. He looked down, seeing him full inside you.
He lowered back down, kissing you as he began to move. His hips were smooth, moving fluidly as he guided his shaft into you. He scooped a hand under your lower back, angling you up to where he hit that pleasurable spot better. You whimpered, biting your lip as his touch drove you further. You held onto his arms, letting your voice come out freely.
“That pretty little cunt,” he growled under his breath. “Feels so good wrapped around me. You feel so fucking good.”
Your shuddered at his words, biting your lip again. “Griz-” you mewled.
“Sweet thing,” he panted. “So damn sweet!” He thrust harder and harder. “Take me, take all of me!”
“Griz!” You couldn’t think of anything to say to reply to his words.
“Keep saying my name, just like that,” he snarled. He grabbed your ankles and pushed them up over your head. “You feel so fucking wet, baby.”
You whimpered, trying to respond but your body wasn’t allowing that. You threw you head back, crying out in pleasure.
“Good girl,” Griz moaned. “I’ll be your bad boy. I’ll be bad for you.” He drove harder, pushing you against the floor.
Your breath pulsed, vanishing as the overwhelming flood began to arise. “Oh fuck!” You whined, arching your back off the ground. “Oh-oh god!” Your toes curled and your mouth opened wide but no sound came out.
Grim snarled, his body moving harder against yours. His movements became less fluid, more rough and harsh. He trembled, almost stopping but once you choked out a scream, he went deeper. The waves overtook you, you were dragged down, down, down and you never wanted to resurface. He rocked into you, going slower, and slower, and slower until he stopped. His cock slipped from inside you, spilling along your thighs and belly. His breathing returned, trembling as he gazed at you below him. You were trying to keep your eyes from closing, stars were stuck in them.
A few days later, you felt Griz get out of bed. He was searching for his jeans so he could start working. He’d stayed over upon your request, and he’d claimed the title of being the first man to give you multiple orgasams in one session.
“Stay in bed,” you pouted.
“Sorry baby, my boss expects these floors to be done so I can start her porch.” He kissed your cheek. “Unless you want to just live in a wrecked house all your life.”
“I know, I know.” You kissed him in return. “Will you start the coffee?”
“Of course.” He then found his jeans under your pillow. He kissed you once more, almost sinking back into bed. “Just get up and be my good girl.”
You chuckled. “Hard to when you were such a bad boy last night.”
fun fact: one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp is to continue learning new skills as you grow older! it’s never too late to learn how to make your own clothes or resurrect the dead or grow beautiful flowers.
Now I know what you're thinking, but no, this werewolf story is not set in my Hearthway Hollow universe. This story is more like a fairy tale, featuring childhood romance, longing, and a otherworldly atmosphere.
Male Main Character/monster x Female Human (both cis)
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Anja Belland was the eldest child of Tor Belland, a wealthy rancher and trader that my family often did business with. Anja was born with high expectations upon her shoulders as the eldest child. She was expected to marry well, she was expected to have a good head upon her shoulders, and she was expected to continue the Belland bloodline.
I remember the first time I saw Anja as a little boy; she was in the arms of her father like a little bisque doll. Her eyes were a shimmering hazel, lined with the thickest, longest lashes I had ever seen. She was chubby with cheeks like apples, and her hair was braided with red ribbon to match. We were the same age back then, but I knew I was looking upon the woman I would someday marry.
I didn’t have much of a chance. The Belland family wasn’t that well-to-do mind you, but they expected the best for Anja. I was...fine by all standards, but not the best. My family was much more rural, more earthy than the usual folk that Tor did business with. My family were trappers and hunters, as well as guidesman through the harsh woods. My father led long expeditions off the mountains while my mother hunted for fur and meat.
When I was still young my father was killed on one of these expeditions, and this caused wild rumors to pop up about our family. My mother didn’t let me in on the secret, not wanting me to think anything beyond love for my father.
“What happened to him was a mistake,” she whispered to me. “I won’t let that same mistake happen to you, my pup.”
Luckily Tor was a good man who was friends with my father, so our business didn’t suffer. But my mother still thought it would be best to move us further into the woods with my uncle’s family as a way of protecting ourselves. I only got to see Anja every once in a while after that, but every time I did she grew more beautiful than the time before.
“Stop staring at me, Knute!” She snapped at me during one such visit. “Every time you come here you put those big ole’ eyes on me.”
I touched my fingers under my eye. “I can’t help their size, Anja.”
Anja pouted at me, her long braid swinging out behind her like a scorpion’s tail. “That’s not the point! You will make my future husband very angry if you keep staring at me like that!”
That didn’t make sense to me, considering that the future husband she was talking about was going to be me. “You’re very pretty though, I won’t mind people looking at you, Anja.”
Anja tensed up, squeezing her small hands into even smaller fists and bunching up her shoulders around her ears. “When I do get married, Knute Tobiasson, I am going to have my husband beat you up!”
I wasn’t the most sharp witted boy, mind you, so I wasn’t quite catching onto her. “You’ll have more than one husband?”
Anja snarled and stormed away as my mother was finishing business. She watched little Anja stomp away as she came to fetch me.
“Flirting, my pup?”
“I think she wants more than one husband, Mama, is that okay? Do I have to marry him too?” I asked.
Mama chuckled and patted the top of my head. “That’s a discussion fit for a few years from now. Let’s go home.”
Most children go through changes in life that take them into their first steps towards adulthood. They begin growing in strange ways, but I began showing signs of my father’s lineage. Now, this meant several things, most of which weren’t obvious right away. My father was a big, tall, hairy fellow, which I was showing signs of. I was having growth spurts that ached like a hammer had been taken to my limbs. I started growing patches of hair in the most embarrassing of places. I was eating more than I think my mother could keep up with, which led to me filling out like my father.
Something else about my father was that he descended from a bloodline that some might call corrupted. It was what led to the rumors about him upon his death, and why my mother chose to move us further out towards his side of the family.
“I’ll train you just like I trained him,” Mama told me. “I won’t have you getting shot, or worse.”
“Can’t you just chain me up or something when it happens?” I asked her.
Her look was severe but sad all the same. “That would be as cruel as caging wild animals and keeping them alive. It’s not right to do that to them, even less so to do it to my own child. What happens with you every month is as natural as the flow of water, the sun rising, and the moon that wills you.”
I wasn’t so much afraid of this change as I should have been, more so annoyed at it. I didn’t think Anja would enjoy having a husband who would be useless during the full moon. I wanted to be a present and useful husband to her, and this would be a challenge to any marriage.
When I was fourteen, Tor hired me to help guard his ranch. I was just one of many extra hands he brought on to protect the place as he had some of his livestock go missing and mutilated.
“There are beasts out in those forests, and they know what savagery winter will bring before it shows itself. So they come out to hunt where it will be easiest,” Tor said.
I was probably the youngest of the group he hired, but even at fourteen I was taller than most. I was also trained by my mother, something Tor took respect with. After giving us a small lecture and some gear, we dispersed out around the grounds to wait until nightfall.
At my post I saw Anja returning from school. She was riding on the back of her favorite horse, and she looked like a goddess upon the saddle.
“Good afternoon, Anja!” I said, waving her down.
She turned her head in my direction and came to a stop. “Knute Tobiasson, please tell me my father didn’t hire you for protection.”
I approached her horse and smiled up at her. “He did! He said he wished that there were more of me to go around.”
Anja sighed. “You’re only a child, Knute. Please don’t die, I would hate for that to fall on my father’s conscience.”
My heart soared at her words. “I promise I won’t die, Anja. I would hate to see you or your father sad.”
Anja’s mouth twisted into a small pout. “How would you see me sad if you were dead?”
I opened my mouth to speak then closed it. I rubbed the back of my head as I pondered this. “That’s a very good question.”
Anja sighed and shook her head. “This is very serious business, Knute. I know your mother is a great hunter, but you are still just a child. This is man’s work!”
I tilted my head to the side. “All the more reason I should take the job if I ever want to become a good man. So I’m not worried much!”
Anja turned her head away. “Your hair has gotten long, you should get it cut.” She snapped the reins and her horse carried on.
I pinched my hair between my fingers to look at the ends. “I’m trying to grow it out,” I chuckled.
That evening as the world grew cold and dark, I stood at my post in wait. My eyes were closed, but only so I could hear better. I breathed in deep to catch any strange scent that wafted on the breeze. The night was still, and it seemed like nothing would move.
I then smelled old blood in the air. It was a thick and pungent scent that caused the back of my throat to tighten up. I held my breath to listen harder and then I charged forward. In the distance there was a large shape crouching near the fence. One of the other hired guards was asleep at his post while this shape crept closer and closer.
I came upon it and the shape stood in attention. It looked at me and my heart sank deep into my stomach.
The great wolf looked at me, eyes shining, teeth bared. The fur on its back rose into a ridge as it crouched back down to say that this prey was his.
“We are blood,” I whispered to the wolf. “Please hear me.” I prepared my hand around the hilt of my axe. “Leave this place, do not make me fight you. We are family.”
The wolf wouldn’t listen to me and the other guard began to stir. He woke and froze in fright at the sight of the wolf before him. I didn’t waste time; despite the heartbreak it caused me, I leapt at the wolf with my axe brandished.
The fight was not long, but in my heart I knew I would carry it forever. The wolf was vicious and turned, there would have been no reasoning with it.
I was lauded as a hero by Tor and the guard I saved. Tor presented me with a sizable reward as well as supper with the family the following evening.
“What will you do with your kill?” Tor asked over his meal.
I sat to his right, across the way from Anja; but I couldn’t bear to look at her. I felt as though I had failed, even if I had completed the job I was hired to do.
“I’ll respect it,” I told him.
From the corner of my eye I saw Anja’s expression shift.
“I’d like to take it home with me and I’ll make something from its fur and bones. It may have been a beast to you, sir, but even beasts deserve honor upon death.”
Anja nodded her head. “That’s very noble, Knute.”
“It’s what’s right.” I looked at her for the first time that evening, seeing a small but lovely smile upon her lips.
I took the wolf home with me and, despite my age and size, I cried in my mother’s arms. Afterwards, we took care of the wolf together. We skin it and I take the fur to make something I can use the rest of my life.
Not long after, I shift for the first time.
I don’t recall much of it, aside from an agonizing pain as the full moon shaped my body into the form she desired. I then remember waking in a field with blood in my throat and a few shredded rabbits laid around me. My mother was nearby watching me and ready with a change of clothes.
“The wolf you killed was part of you last night,” she told me. “But I will train you so it does not command you.”
“What did I do?” I asked her.
“I’ll tell you later once you’ve rested better.” She covered me up and held me tight in her arms.
Days afterward, my whole body ached and my uncle poured a hot bath for me to relax in.
“I remember when your father and I went through our first shift,” he laughed. “We must have found a wombat’s nest and it ripped our faces to shreds.” He pointed to some scars that were hidden under his beard. “Worst scars I ever got. You’re lucky you got your mom looking out for you.”
“Is it normal not to remember anything?” I asked him.
“In the beginning, yes. As you grow older you’ll be able to retain some control, some sight. It won’t be like your usual mind though, you’ll see it more like dreams or nightmares when you come to. It won’t ever quite be clear.”
“Oh,” I muttered.
“Your father was good at keeping his wits though, thanks to your mother,” he then added. “I think, with her guidance, you might come out better than the rest of us.”
“I just don’t want to hurt anyone,” I murmured. “It was bad enough hunting that wolf.”
He clapped his hand upon my shoulder. “You did your best, Knute, that’s more than anyone can do.”
I was heralded as a hero when I returned to town with Mama. The old rumors of my father faded away as I was touted as a wolf slayer. I hated the name, but it was a name that never left me as I grew up.
It got me a lot of work though, so I couldn’t complain when we had more than enough during the winter. Tor always had odd jobs for me around the ranch as well, sometimes it was more guard work, and other times it was for heavy lifting.
Although, there came a period where Anja wasn’t at home. She had been sent off to a fancy school off the mountains where she was being educated on the modern techniques of running the ranch, as well as business and numbers. I missed her greatly, but at least I got to hear Tor bragging about her often.
One winter, Tor hired me to go and fetch her from school for the holidays. He paid me handsomely, as well as extra money for the trip back.
“I would go myself, but the wife is having a few issues and I’d like to stay close,” he told me. “I trust you not only to keep her safe, but to keep your hands off her.” He said then vaguely threateningly.
“I would never, sir!” I said, alarmed.
Tor grinned. “I know, Knute. That’s why I’m sending you of all people.”
I had never spent time alone with Anja, so my heart was soaring. I had never been so excited in my life as I had been making that journey off the mountain.
Her school was very nice, I’d never seen a building so big before. There were so many windows, and so many girls, I wasn’t quite sure what to look at first. But then I saw her as she came across the campus towards me. I hadn’t seen her in ages, so my last memory of her was jarred from place.
Anja had grown into her baby fat and filled out in places that gave her a shapely figure. Her hair was no longer in her scorpion tail braid, but a soft sculpture of curls and waves.
“You?” She scoffed as she came upon me. “What on earth are you doing here, Knute? You are the last creature I expected to see! Where’s father?”
I searched inside my coat for the letter Tor sent with me. “Your mother was feeling ill, so he sent me in his place.”
She snatched the letter from my hands. “Oh well, not much I can do about it now. Step aside, you big oaf.” She shooed me with her hands. “All my friends are staring, it’s embarrassing.”
I hadn’t noticed anyone looking my way, but when I turned, I saw girls watching us with a curious glint to their eyes, and a rosiness upon their cheeks I dismissed as the cold.
“Let me help you into the carriage!” I hurried to her side, taking hold of her waist to lift her up.
Anja’s face went as red as a cherry and she began thrashing in my grasp. “Put me down! What on earth are you doing? Unhand me, you giant-” I set her down in the carriage and she swished her hair aside.
“I can get into the carriage on my own just fine!” She fussed at me.
I knelt down, showing her how the step up was broken. “I noticed the step was a bit loose though, I would have hated for you to fall, Anja.”
Anja clicked her tongue and huffed heavily. She moved her hair aside again and adjusted the scarf around her neck. “Ask me next time before you go and grab me with those big, meaty claws of yours.”
“Sorry, I promise I will, Anja.” I got into the carriage beside her.
I had never been so close to her before in my life. The seat we shared had our legs touching, although Anja tried to adjust herself to give me more room. Her scent was wonderful too, filling the whole carriage and my head with fresh roses and soft powder.
Anja was reading the letter her father had written, and her look turned to shock. “Oh my god-” She said aloud.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“My mother is pregnant!” She exclaimed. “She is far too old for that! What was my father thinking?”
I was quiet for a moment. “Maybe he was thinking he loved her.”
Anja slapped my arm. “Do not go much further than that, Knute,” she scolded me. “He should know better.”
“Aren’t you excited to have a sibling?” I asked. “I know I would be.”
“I am grown, this is like having a child of my own.” Anja leaned back in her seat. “I bet I’ll be expected to teach it.”
I frowned at her. “That’s not very nice. It’s your blood, you should look forward to passing on your grand education to them. You’re so smart, it should be easy. I’ve always wished to have siblings.”
Anja sighed heavily. “It’s just such a shock! I didn’t even think my parents still-” She stopped and shook her head. “This has not been a good day all around.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmured.
“It’s not your fault.” Anja folded the letter back up. “I’m always so excited for these trips with my father, I was hoping it would save my foul mood.”
“Did something happen?”
“You wouldn’t understand,” she huffed.
I shrugged. “But I can listen, can’t I?”
Anja cut her eyes to me then sighed heavily. Her whole body slouched and she leaned forward a bit.
“There’s this group of girls at my school, they all come from very rich families so they don’t associate much with others there. They can be cruel and recently they’ve taken a liking to me.”
I smiled, thinking that everyone should like Anja. “Well that’s good!”
“No,” she huffed. “Not good. They’ve leeched onto me like parasites, nitpicking everything I do, taking credit for my work, and laughing behind my back when I’m not around.” She had a pained look upon her face that ripped into my chest.
“But I know the ranch could prosper with business from their families so I just-” She leaned back into her seat, cupping her hand around her mouth. “I don’t want to think about them anymore while I’m gone. It’ll be easier that way.”
“I could turn around and go talk to them for you,” I offered.
“Oh god, Knute, no!” She exclaimed. “That is the last thing I need right now. It was bad enough having them gawk at you.”
I looked back ahead at the road. “Sorry about that.”
“Nothing you meant to do,” she grumbled.
It was quiet for a long while after that. Once it began to get dark, I found us a place to stay for the night. Tor had said he had sent word ahead to the boarding house to save two rooms, but when we checked in, only one was available.
“It’s fine, I’ll sleep in the carriage,” I said cheerfully.
“But it’s freezing out!” Anja huffed at me.
“I’ve slept in colder weather before on hunts. Don’t worry about me, Anja. As long as you’re comfortable, that’s all that matters. I promised your father-”
“You expect me to sleep while you’re out here?” She pointed into the darkening air as snow began to fall. “You can sleep on the floor. I’m sure there are extra pillows. Just don’t mention this to anyone!”
I didn’t want to admit how excited I was, even to myself. “If you’re sure.”
The room was cozy, but the fireplace hadn’t been lit so it was a bit chilly. I worked on getting it started while Anja got comfortable behind me.
“Don’t you dare turn around,” she fussed.
“I promise, I won’t! I’m too busy anyways.” I blew on the sparks inside the fireplace as I tried to get it to start.
“Listen to that wind,” she huffed. “Aren’t you glad to be in here?” She stepped over towards me and I looked up.
Anja had her hair over her shoulder and was braiding it as she watched me. She was wrapped up in a warm looking robe but I could see her nightgown at the bottom.
“Yes, thank you,” I murmured. “But I would have been okay.”
Once her braid was done she tossed it over her shoulder. “I wouldn’t have been. I’d been a worried wreck all night.” She walked over towards her luggage.
I turned back to look at her. “What for?”
Anja scowled, focusing on trying to fit her things back into her bag. “You may be a giant, hairy, meaty oaf, but even you deserve to sleep somewhere warm. Now how about that fire?”
“Almost,” I was beaming.
She huffed and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Not that I’m worried with you here or anything.”
The fire started catching and a warmth began to seep into the chilled room. “What do you mean?”
Anja looked away. “Like you don’t know.”
I shook my head. “I know some things, but you’ll need to tell me which things you’re talking about.”
“Everyone used to talk about it until you killed that wolf on our property.” Anja stood back up and crossed her arms. “I think it’s absolutely stupid, but people seem to think you’re some great terror. When anyone who spends two seconds with you knows what a big goof you are.”
I furrowed my brow as my heart began to sink. “People think I’m-”
“I don’t!” She quickly countered a bit too loudly. She stiffened again and shrugged. “All those idiotic rumors about your father, they were so cruel. I couldn’t imagine-” Her tone was growing softer and sweeter.
I tilted my head to the side. “I’ve never really talked about it with anyone.”
“There’s no such thing as werewolves anyways. People just want to make up stories to explain their own fears. Your father was a good man, and I guess you could be, too, in a few years.” A flush of color appeared on her cheeks and she quickly turned away from me.
“That’s why I’m not worried!”
“Thanks,” I murmured. “But you don’t have to prove anything to me. I’m very grateful you let me stay here for the night. I’m always so grateful to your family.”
Anja plopped down on the bed again. “My father has some fondness for you. Ever since you became the wolf slayer.”
I grimaced and her expression changed.
“You really don’t like that, do you?”
I took a seat upon the floor and sighed heavily. “It makes me feel ill,” I confessed. “I’ve never told anyone that before. But I’ve never thought of that moment as a badge of honor like your father does.”
“I thought so,” Anja said softly. “I remember that night, you barely looked at anyone at the dinner table. You looked so...sad.”
I glanced up at Anja. “It’s hard to explain-”
“It’s okay. I think I can understand. Your father’s name was Eadwulf, right? So I’m sure there was something tied to that for you. Probably why everyone started those werewolf rumors about him.”
I kept my head down, afraid I would give something away.
“Well, I guess we should try to sleep now.” Anja took a blanket and pillow from the bed and passed them down to me. “Good night, Knute.”
“Good night, Anja.” I laid down on the floor and closed my eyes. She didn’t believe in werewolves, but she was sleeping right beside one. It was a little funny.
A summer later, Anja was finished with school. She had a new baby brother as well, who was much celebrated by Tor. Anja dealt with business on the ranch while also trying to start a proper school house for the children.
I was busy at home, especially now that my uncle had become quite ill, which left most of the work to Mama and me.
“We can handle it,” she assured me. “We’ve worked harder with lesser hands before. This is not a new challenge, my pup.”
“But the full moon is coming.” I was worried about her having to tend to trap alone while I convalesced after my shifting. She’d lost fingers before, I didn’t want her losing many more.
“I will be fine! I am always fine. It is you I worry about.”
“Mama, I was over six feet tall, in my twenties, and twice your weight, I am not the one to be worried over anymore. I am not a baby.”
Mama wagged her finger at me. “To a mother, her child is always her baby. Now shut your mouth and get to work. You worry about me? But you will make more work for me by talking. Besides, the stress will ruin my training.”
So far, in the ten years that I had been shifting between man and wolf, I had caused no accidents. Nor had I been spotted by anyone thanks to Mama’s training. I could recall my nights now as if they were dreams like my uncle said. I can remember these hazy flashes of night sky, scurrying critters, and deep panting as I ran. I can’t quite recall my thoughts in the moment, but I can feel a sense of distance between myself and my other half.
My uncle passed away just before the next full moon, and I was crushed. During the funeral I heard the crying of a baby and I looked up to see Aja and her family were standing back from the grave.
“It was kind of you to come,” I said to Tor.
“Bad news affects a tiny town like ours,” Tor replied. “We wanted to pay respects and offer to feed you and your family this evening.”
I shook my head, even though I would have loved to indulge in the offer. “Tonight we want to be alone. But thank you for the kind offer.”
“Offer stands at all times, wolf slayer!” Tor laughed.
Anja placed her hand upon my arm, the only one who knew how those words cut me. She smiled softly to me, taking a small step closer as her family turned to approach my aunt and mother.
“I’m so sorry, Knute.” Her hand remained on my arm, and I wished I could have kept it there forever.
“It will be fine. It always is,” I murmured. “My uncle had been lonely since my father passed away. Perhaps now they are together.”
“Looking so sad doesn’t suit you,” Anja murmured. “I’m so used to seeing you so cheerful and silly.” She had an uncertain look upon her face. It was as if she didn’t know the right way to comfort me. “I can’t wait to see that face again when this is over.”
I smiled softly. “You want to see my face?”
Anja looked away and pouted, recoiling her touch from my arm. “Not that anyone would, I’m just saying I am used to it.” She then scoffed. “Listen to me, I still sound like a brat.” She placed her hand upon me again. “If you need anything, come and ask me, alright?”
My smile grew and my heart began to feel warm again. “That means more to me than anything, Anja. Thank you.”
“Like I said, being sad doesn’t you.” She reached up and patted my cheek, an act that would only fuel my childhood goal of marrying her.
As evening crept over the horizon, my mother kept a close eye upon me. I would shift very soon, once the moon found me and twisted me into the shape she desired. The aching had already settled in upon my bones, seeping into my body so that everything weighed down.
“Just breathe, my pup,” Mama coaxed. “Remember who you are, remember all I’ve taught you. Tonight will be a hard one.”
I grabbed my shoulder and squeezed, hoping to alleviate some pressure. “It already hurts a lot.”
Mama knelt down and held my face between her palms. “I know, it’s your grief. That’s why I need you to focus. Look at me. Think about something that makes you happy.”
I thought about Anja’s hand upon my arm and the way she spoke to me today. Since that winter I drove her home from school, her attitude has changed. She still fusses and scolds me, but she speaks to me much more readily than in days past. I dare to even think she might be eager to see me.
I think about her hand again, but from that night in the boarding house. I had woken to a sound and saw her arm hanging over the edge. Her hand dangled there above me and when I lifted mine up her fingers curled around mine.
That was the last thing I could remember before the moon found me. After that, I woke to find myself in a meadow not far from home. I didn’t see my mother anywhere around with the warm clothes she would carry for me. I stood naked, looking out over the fog filled grass, breathing in slowly as I tried to recall what happened.
There was a scent in the air, in my dream-like memory I could recall it. I chased it, going away from Mama and following it. I wasn’t hunting like I usually would, hunger didn’t even matter to me. I ran towards that scent, my heart racing in a way that was between fear and joy.
I felt something beneath my feet and, through the thick fog, I saw something blue. It was soft fabric with lace, it was a dress. Not just any dress, it was Anja’s. As I held it, the scent from my memories flooded me and I saw with crystal clear perfection Anja’s face through her window. Those shining hazel eyes widened as she saw me and she screamed. I remember that scream!
“There you are! What the hell happened last night?” Mama appeared on the edge of the meadow. “You took off and vanished!”
“Sorry,” I murmured.
Mama stopped and her eyes focused upon the dress in my hands. “What did you do?”
“I’m not sure,” I said breathlessly. “But there’s no blood. Not on me or anything. I think I just took the dress.”
Mama snatched the dress from my hand and looked it over thoroughly. “Do you know who it belongs to?”
I glanced away shyly.
“It’s that Belland girl, isn’t it?” She clicked her tongue. “Can you recall anything?”
I nodded but didn’t say anything.
“Knute, answer me,” she said calmly.
I swallowed and opened my mouth, to speak but had to close it promptly again when a bug flew in.
Mama sighed. “Get your clothes on.” She tossed the bundle at me, “If you were spotted last night then we could be in a lot of trouble.”
I coughed and spit until my mouth was dry. “What’ll we do?”
“Whatever we have to do,” she said sternly. “I won’t lose you like I lost your father. I don’t care what it is that’s lost, it won’t be you.”
Word spread quickly about the werewolf sighting, and Tor was even quicker to put up a reward.
“That monster tried to get at my baby girl!” He shouted. “I won’t rest until that thing's head is mounted above my fireplace!”
I shrank away from the crowd, knowing the head he was talking about was my own. I wouldn’t have even joined in on the meeting if it were for the fact that all this commotion would ruin hunting for Mama and me. Everyone going through the woods searching for this werewolf, well me, would scare away all the animals. Plus, Tor was paying ‘werewolf hunters’ and that money was needed.
It was a bit funny, because technically I was a werewolf who was a hunter, so me joining Tor as a ‘werewolf hunter’ wasn’t much of a lie.
“I need you, wolf slayer,” Tor said to me. “There’s no one here I expect to find this monster more than you.”
My guts churned in nerves. “Thank you, sir,” I muttered. “Excuse me for a moment.” I left the group and went into the kitchen, hoping to find some water or even old crackers to settle my stomach.
Anja was already there, drying dishes at the sink. “Quite a bit of noise.”
“Yeah, well-” I shrugged. “Under the circumstances.”
Anja set aside the dishes and wiped her hands upon her apron. “You would think I would be in on the rallying cry.”
I took a step back as she approached me. “I wouldn’t blame you. After all, a werewolf came right to your window. It scared you!”
Anja’s brows downturned and she looked a touch queasy. “But it didn’t do anything. Actually, I think I scared it more than it scared me.”
I turned my body towards her. “What?”
“I saw its eyes as I screamed,” she murmured. “It had this frightened, pathetic look on its face. It ran away, it didn’t try to do anything. I feel so awful.”
I was shocked. “Really?”
Anja cupped her hands over her face. “What if it was just lost or hungry? What if it gets killed because of me?”
I placed my hand on her shoulder. “It could be dangerous. Like that wolf-”
“That was my fault too,” Anja whimpered. She pulled back her hands, and those beautiful hazel eyes were red and full of tears. “I’ve never told anyone this, Knute,” she sniffled. “But after you killed that wolf, I would-” she hiccuped and I offered her my handkerchief.
“Thank you.” She blew her nose and hiccuped again. “When I was little, this...this dog used to come onto the ranch.”
My guts sank. “A dog?”
“Every full moon,” she whimpered. “It was a weird looking dog. But it was so cute and happy, I thought giving it scraps wouldn’t hurt. I thought it was related to that wolf, so I fed it because I felt guilty.”
During my early years of shifting, Mama said I would run off from her all the time. I could never remember what I did or where I went, I just always woke up near Mama somehow. I ran to Anja last night, maybe it wasn’t the first time.
“What if...what if it didn’t know how to hunt well and got hungry when I started going to school?” She blubbered.
“Anja, stop.” I placed my hands on her arms. “It’s okay, it’s not your fault. I promise. With any luck, it is long gone now.”
Anja glanced at my hands on her arms and her cheeks blossomed soft pink. “I don’t want rumors about your family spreading again.”
My heart surged painfully in my chest.
Anja’s bottom lip trembled. “You moved so far out last time. If it happens again, you might leave forever.”
“Anja,” I breathed. I was in disbelief at what she was saying.
She looked up at me and tears trickled down her cheeks. “I guess it wouldn’t matter though.” She pulled away from me and rubbed at her eyes. “Right?”
I smiled softly at her. “I really hope not.”
Until the next full moon, Tor plotted and planned for how to catch this werewolf. Mama was plotting away as well, readying for the night so our secret wasn’t discovered. Thankfully, I was privy to all Tor’s preparations and was even made his right hand man in the hunt. I managed to talk him into letting me go into the woods first and to give me an hour before the rest came into the woods. This would give me time to shift and for Mama to lead me somewhere safe.
“It’s a risky plot, son,” Tor replied. “I would hate to lose you.”
“Better that than lose a handful of men at once. If something happens to me, then you will know what you are up against. But if I am found alive, then you will know the situation isn’t as awful as you’ve made it out to be.”
Mama already had a wolf she hunted that I could drag out in the morning that could be excused as the supposed ‘werewolf’.
The day of, I was more nervous than the first time I shifted. My body ached horribly and I was ghostly pale. As we prepared at Tor’s house, Anja went around serving drinks and food. She came to me and knelt down to look me in the eye.
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing.”
Her sharp gaze sliced through me. “You don’t look like yourself. Not even a lick. You’re pale and quiet.” She reached out, pushing my hair aside and touching my forehead. “You feel hot.”
I tried to jerk away from her. “I must be coming down with something.”
Anja hummed under her breath. “You don’t have to kill it this time if you don’t want to,” she said softly.
I remained quiet and Anja noticed this shift.
“Knute-”
“There’s my slayer!” Tor busted between us to interrupt Anja’s thoughts. “We’re drawing close to the hour, son!”
I forced myself to smile and put on the bravado. “Yes, well-”
“I have good news as well! An extra reward to whomever brings in this beast alive!” He roared laughing.
“The reward is good enough as is!” Anja tried to fuss at him.
“Yes, but my dear girl, whoever kills this beast will be the perfect addition to our family!” Tor announced loudly.
Both Anja and I held the same expression then. “Father, you can’t be serious!”
“But I can! Whatever man or woman is strong enough to take down a werewolf is strong enough to marry you, my darling!”
“You’re the animal!” Anja roared at him and stormed off.
I tried to rip myself away from Tor to chase after her, but he held me tight. “Anja!” I called after her.
“Don’t worry about her, son. She keeps trying to play picky, but it’s about time she married someone. This is the perfect opportunity to vet the best candidate.” He laughed, but I didn’t find it particularly funny.
I couldn’t find Anja before we had to start the hunt. I felt more like pursuing her than taking care of this, but I knew if I didn’t find Mama in time, I would be dead. Then that wouldn’t do any good for anyone. I’d find Anja in the morning.
As the sun began to set I wandered into the woods with my axe in hand. I wouldn’t be using it that night, that much was certain. I was deep into the woods when Mama found me and she led me away.
She led me to a cave covered in thicket and inside there were chains attached to the stone wall.
“Mama, what is this place?” I saw claw marks on the wall and floor that looked old and worn.
Mama held up one of the chains and opened the cuff at the end. “I used to keep your father here.”
My eyes widened upon her. “But you said-”
“I know. But Eadwulf was much more wild than I could tame. I had to take drastic measures to keep him safe!” She approached me and held out the cuff. “Tonight I must break my promise, my pup. I can’t lose you.”
“Mama, I-” My body snapped as the moon found me.
“Hurry! Get in here!” Mama tried dragging me further into the cave, but I slapped away her hand. I contorted and bucked as the transformation took hold. I was in agony, I couldn’t hear her.
But I did smell something that brought me comfort.
I woke up upon a dusty floor. My breath came out in thick clouds as I struggled to come to. The way my body felt mangled, I was worried I had been captured last night, but my limbs felt free. I braced myself up, raising my head to the sunlight that came through the windows. Someone stood in that sunlight and came towards me.
Anja looked down at me and I remained still. There was no use in acting like anything or trying to hide. I was naked, what else could I do?
Anja suddenly threw her arms around me. “Are you okay?”
I was speechless, even more so than before.
“I was so worried,” she breathed against my cheek. “I didn’t think you’d come, but you did!”
As her arms tightened, I put mine around her. She was so warm on that cold morning, I was willing to forget everything up until this moment.
“What happened?” I breathed. “How did I get here?”
“I lured you here, to keep you safe!” Anja pulled back and cupped my face between her palms. “I couldn’t let you get hurt.” She pressed her forehead to mine, and I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t take it all in.
“How did you know?”
Anja smoothed her fingers under my eyes. “I would know these eyes anywhere,” she whispered to me. “As much as they’ve stared at me, I know them.”
I was in awe. She was brilliant! “You knew all along.”
Anja nodded. “I’m just glad you’re okay!” She kissed me, and at first I wasn’t sure it was real. I had to hold her to be certain, but as it deepened, it was all too clear.
“Anja, I’m naked,” I gasped after she let me go.
She giggled softly, kissing me again. “There are worse things.”
I ran my fingers through her hair as I grinned. “Why would you risk your life like this? What if I had hurt you?”
“I knew you wouldn’t. I didn’t have to risk anything.” Anja kissed my cheek and bare shoulder before resting her cheek there.
“That was a very foolish way to think, don’t ever do that again.” I scolded her. “But I owe you my life, thank you.”
“Just give me yours,” she whispered against my chest. “And then we’ll call it even.”
My heart stopped. “You would have me?”
Anja pouted as she lifted her head. “Don’t make me say it, Knute. I know this is what you have always wanted, don’t try to act any other way.”
“I’m not, but there is so much happening right now. Of course I have wanted this, but I’m not sure if I am dreaming or not.”
Anja pinched my cheek. “Is that proof enough? It’s real. I’m real-” She looked into my eyes. “And no one else can have you.”
“Oh,” I gasped.
Anja kissed me again. “We need to hurry though.” She stood up and held out her hand. “Or else this hunt will start all over.”
My body creaked and groaned as I stood. “Don’t worry, my mother is prepared. She has a wolf she’s going to say is the real culprit.”
“Well, yes, but you’re also naked.” She took off her apron and tied it around my waist. “This will do for now.”
We left the old school house and went into the woods. My mother was waiting, and extremely angry with me. Anja explained what happened and, as soon as I was changed, I took the wolf back to Tor.
That fall I fulfilled my childhood dream of marrying Anja. All these years of waiting and dreaming had finally paid off. She stood there in her beautiful dress, a reserved smile upon her lips, and we exchanged vows.
But before that, something else had to happen. The full moon before our ceremony, Mama and I showed her what the moon did to me. She stayed by my side and learned from Mama how to take care of me.
I woke to her for the second time, and I could remember her running alongside me in the woods.
“It doesn’t bother you that this could befall our future family?” I asked her.
She was putting my coat around me. “As long as they turn out like you, I am happy to have them.”
I smiled at her. “You really do love me.”
Anja frowned. “Oh, be quiet!”
I kissed her lovingly, placing my hands around her waist. She placed her hands upon my chest and cleared her throat as I pulled away.
“I do hold affection for you, Knute, quite a bit of it.” She looked into my eyes shyly. “And I have for a while.”
“You make me so happy, Anja!” I pulled her into a hug, lifting her from the ground.
“Ever since I saw the girls from my school undressing you with their eyes, I became miserable,” she pouted. “I worried you’d stop staring at me.” She looked almost ashamed. “I felt so ridiculous until I realized why I felt that way.”
“You were jealous!” I laughed.
“Okay, so maybe I was.” Anja ran her fingers through my hair. “But I won in the end.”
I kissed her again, feeling her body press closer to mine. Our wedding was in a few days, but we became man and wife then and there.
Her body was so warm and close and she wouldn’t let me go. I pressed close to her, inside of her and, for once, her voice was honest. It was sweet and soft, and her pleas for more vibrated down my skin and through my aching bones.
“Knute, don’t let go,” she whimpered. “Don’t stop.”
My hands dug into her soft hips, my chest pressed against her bare breasts. I was too far gone to stop now.
“I can’t. Not until you beg me to,” I panted.
I wouldn’t stop smiling on our wedding day. I should have been nervous, but I was overflowing with joy. Besides, she was mine already and I had given myself to her completely that morning in the woods. There was nothing to fear at that point.
Tor gave us a house on the ranch as a wedding present, filling it with everything we could possibly need. He hung the wolf pelt on the wall over the fireplace for us.
“We should take that down,” Anja pouted.
“I can make a coat for you,” I told her.
Anja smiled and averted her gaze. “I’m married to a fur coat, I don’t think I will need such a thing.”
I scooped her up into my arms and gazed at her like the first time I had as a child. “You mean it?”
Anja’s smile turned shy. “Not literally but-” She started to giggle. “Yes, I love you.”
I know you're going to make jokes about this being a 'demon butler' like a certain anime and manga, well get that out of your head! This story is much different. The couple within this story are steamy and erotic.
Female Reader x Male Monster (both cis)
/////////////////////////////////////
Driving up to the old mansion, you felt a familial sense creep over you. You hadn’t been here in ages, not since most of the family moved further north to escape the constant onslaught of storms and foul weather. The bayou was high and most of the lawn was a soggy, squishy mess. You could see why things had gotten run down, especially after your grandmother passed.
The Babineaux mansion had stood against the test of time, and looking at it, not a thing about the outside had changed since you were a child. It was odd; almost as if an episode of the Twilight Zone was about to start and Rod Serling's deep voice would pop up beside you.
The key that your mother had given you still worked, although you were told some of the staff still worked inside, their salary part of your grandmother’s will. Inside, it was like stepping twenty years into the past. Everything looked and felt the same, even the lingering scent of your grandmother’s Chanel No. 5 was the same.
You set your bags down, almost overwhelmed by how familiar and stuck in time it all was. You pulled out your phone to call your mother to let her know you made it safely, looking up the grand staircase to make sure your grandmother wouldn’t walk down one last time.
“Who might you be?”
The voice boomed front he left, and you nearly slung your phone up into the chandelier. Standing there in the hall was a man, a very tall and elegant looking man who wore gloves and a suit nicer than any clothing you ever owned.
“You scared me!” You blurted. “I didn’t think anyone was here.”
The man strode towards you, carrying a confidence you never had. He had cat-like eyes and fine silver hair that was slicked back and tied into a long ponytail.
“You must be the new mistress. I am Flauros, your butler.” He bowed before you then took your bags. “This way to your chambers. I had them prepared for you just as your grandmother asked.”
“The name sounds familiar,” you followed him up the stairs. “How long have you worked here?”
“Long enough, your grandmother was quite strict with her orders that I tend to you.” He took you down a long corridor which was all pink and greens.
Perhaps it was your grandmother you heard the name from, but something else about this butler resonated with you in a strange way. “I know my grandmother left your salary as part of her will, but aside from caring for the house, I’m not sure what I need tended.” You laughed nervously, cutting it off as Flauros turned to look at you.
“This is my home as well as yours, Ms. Babineaux, and since you are the last of the name, it is my duty to see after it.” He walked you into the room which, right away, you were stunned by the blooming gardenia tree outside the massive windows.
“Oh wow,” you breathed.
Flauros set your bags aside then stood in attention. “Is there anything you need, Ms. Babineux?”
Your eyes were fixated outside the window at the gardenia tree. Beyond it, you could see the small dock with your grandfather’s little boats. “I haven’t had lunch yet,” you murmured as you inched closer to the windows. “But I can make myself something later.”
“I’ll prepare something so you can unpack.” Flauros looked you over and smiled. “There’s a letter for you from your grandmother on the bed.”
You caught Flauros’ eye, noticing the dark color looked like a shade of blood red. “She left me a letter?”
He pointed a gloved finger back. “On the pillow, just as she instructed. I’ll call for you when lunch is ready.” He left the room, somehow closing the door silently.
You sat down upon the bed, looking at the little pink envelope sitting upon the pillows. Your grandmother’s handwriting was instantly recognizable, spelling out your full name which only she used.
Inside was her usual stationary, you remembered it from countless birthday cards and christmas letters.
“To my darling, only grandchild. I am dead.” You're sad, but it’s also worth a chuckle. “You are home now as well, and that is what matters most to me. I know you will be safe here, taken care of by the home that brought up the Babineux’s ancestral and modern. In these walls I want you to find comfort, and in my selfishness an heir. That is why I have left Flauros to you.”
You stopped, setting down the letter as you tried to process what was said. Was Flauros a stud?
“Flauros has been a dear friend of mine for, well, too long to mention. I’ve included instructions on how to deal with him and care for him. Since I summoned him long ago, I had made sure he would be the proper partner for-”
You dropped the letter again. Your grandmother was always eccentric, often called the Wicked Witch of the Bayou (especially by your mother), but this seemed wild even for her. She left a butler to knock you up?
“-you, my darling granddaughter, in hopes of bringing a new Babineaux into the world. Make sure you wear the necklace I’ve left for you in the jewelry box by the bed, and Flauros will be yours for eternity. As a demon, he does not need much to survive, but I do ask you to treat him with kindness and affection as he brought some joy to my final years after your father passed. He is like a son to me as well, and the only lad I will ever approve of for you in my lifetime. Love, Grandmother Babineaux.”
You’re stunned, unsure if this is an elaborate joke or your grandmother genuinely meant all this. “Wait a second.” You look back through the letter. “Did she call him a demon?” You then reached for the jewelry box on the bedside table. Inside was a chain with a strange charm attached. The charm was triangle shaped with a strange ruin carved out of the middle. It would have been pretty had you not read that letter fifty times trying to figure it out.
There was a knock at the door and Flauros stepped inside. “Ms. Babineaux, your lunch is ready.”
You held up the letter. “Did you read this?”
His catlike eyes flicked to the paper and then back to your face. “No, it was personal.”
You chuckled nervously. “My grandmother was always a kook. But uhm, she said some pretty wacky things in this letter.”
Flauros’ eyebrow arched. “Such as?”
“She...she said she left you to me to uhm-” It was almost too ridiculous to say.
He nodded. “To use if you wanted to sire an heir. I am aware of that stipulation, Ms. Babineaux. Was there anything else that alarmed you?”
He was being too calm and collected for this, which unnerved you even more. “That’s crazy though! Right?”
“I’ve been charged with worse things in my life, Ms. Babineaux.” he started walking across the floor towards you. “It is much tamer than most as well.”
You swallowed and laughed anxiously. “She called you a demon as well. Is that...a cute nickname?”
“Your grandmother never gave me a nickname. It wasn’t her style.” Flauros stood before you, pristine and not a hair out of place. His smile was strange, and his eyes appeared much redder than before. “I prepared a special lunch for you, I would hate for it to get cold.”
“My grandmother wants me to bang a demon?” Your voice came out quiet and meek.
His smile grew. “Bang is such a vulgar word for what it is. Your grandmother wanted me to make love to you, Ms. Babineaux. Deep, penetrating, floor shaking, love.”
You avoided his gaze and stared into nothing as his words repeated over and over in your head. “Huh-”
“Or would you like lunch first?” He chuckled.
“Lunch, please,” you said breathlessly.
In the dining hall as you ate, Flauros sat across from you. He didn’t eat, but he did serve himself tea. His sharp eyes were focused upon you, and there was something familiar about him that still nagged at you.
You ate in silence as you didn’t want to bring anything up. You were already deciding that this was some joke on your grandmother’s part. You ate slowly, not hungry at all, but eager for something to excuse the silence.
“Does this arrangement bother you?” Flauros asked.
“A little,” you muttered. “Was my grandmother a demon worshipper or something?”
His sharp eyes kept beckoning to your memory, pulling at a thread so deeply buried it wouldn’t come out. “She didn’t worship anything, but she believed in power. And she believed her only grandchild should wield an ultimate power for herself.”
“Demonspawn?”
Flauros smiled. “Only if you want that. But wielding a demon is just as fun.”
You frowned. “And you have no issue with this?”
Flauros sipped his sea. “I like it here better than back home. And since I’ve given up my past, the best thing I can do in this world is fuck.”
“You barely know me though.”
His smile cut through again. “We’ve met several times, Ms. Babineaux. I know you already.”
Your brow pursed and then the mountain in your mind fell, allowing the memory to spring forth. “Oh my god!” You clapped your hand around your mouth. His eyes! They were the same as the young man you’d lost your virginity too. He had been a groundskeeper when you were attending college.
“Do you remember me now?” Flauros chuckled. “I took a different form then, but surely you remember me.”
“I thought your name sounded familiar!” You blurted.
His long, red tongue darted out along his lips. “It’s been a while. Do you still like being called a good girl?”
Your cheeks grew hot as you remembered a steamy session in the dock shed. You could feel the rough touch of the ropes against your back while his strong hands, still clad in gardening gloves, gripped into the back of your thighs. His raspy voice calling you a good girl and daring you to say what you wanted.
“Uhm-” You cupped your hand over your face.
Flauros stood up from his seat. “You are a very lucky woman, Ms. Babineaux.” He undid his tie and opened the first few buttons of his shirt. “You’ll get the best of me this time. All of me.” His skin turned pale, almost pure white. A second set of eyes opened under his main set. Sharp teeth appeared behind his lips and horns grew from behind his ears. His face took on a leopard-like quality, and a tail swished behind his back.
“This house and I are all yours. And you may certainly use me as you desire.” He removed the top half of his clothes so his chest was bare. He pulled on each finger of his gloves, and removing them his large hands extended out with bright pink talons on each tip. “I promise, my touch will be gentle, unless something else is desired.”
“Right now?” Your voice cracked.
His brow furrowed. “I was hoping for a shower. The drive was...long and hot.” You hated your words, but you also had no clue what to do.
Flauros huffed and picked up his clothes. “Bath it is,” he sighed and trudged out of the dining hall.
You had spent a lot of time here during college, and you had spent a lot of that time with Flauros. He had appeared much younger then, around your age, and had helped you destress during exams and studying. You had liked him a lot but had been too shy to say anything.
You went upstairs, back to your room so you could take a shower. As you were looking for clothes in your bags, Flauros walked in with clean towels.
“Thanks.” You shyly took them, still too nervous to look him straight in the eye.
“Would you like some help?” he asked calmly.
You sighed and finally looked his way. “You still as good as you used to be?”
He grinned. “And then some.”
You grabbed his clawed hand and dragged him into the bathroom with you. “I’m not, so just, give me a minute.”
Flauros turned on the faucet so that the shower came on. While you slowly removed your clothes, he stepped into the shower with a chuckle. “Ready whenever you are, love.”
You looked back at the shower curtain then down at yourself. You’ve put on weight since the last time you saw Flauros. You sighed heavily then went into the shower. Flauros smiled as you stood before him, pushing his wet hair away from his face.
“Let's see here.” His hands pressed into your back then curled around your sides. He stroked down, grabbing your hips between his palms. “You’re not nervous are you?”
“It’s been a while, shut up,” you grouched.
Flauros laughed and wrapped his arms around you, pressing his bare chest into your back. His big, clawed hands scooped up your breasts into each palm. The sharp talons dug into your flesh, but they didn’t hurt.
“I am yours to command. There’s nothing to feel anxious about.” He kissed your neck and shoulder as he squeezed your breasts playfully. “I remember this body well and how I loved to play with it. I used to take all that stress from school and turn it into a puddle.” he chuckled into your ear. “You used to get so wet.”
You whimpered and reached back, pressing your hand against his hip. “Be still a second.”
He chuckled into your ear. “You were shy then too, but once I started eating that sweet pussy you really let go.” He licked your ear and bit the lobe. “Your thighs were so soft, I used to love resting my cheek on them as I sucked your clit.”
You pinched your thighs together. “Yeah well-”
He nuzzled into your neck. “Did you like that? Or were you faking it?”
“No-” You whimpered. “I never faked.”
He kissed the back of your neck and moaned against your shoulder. “You know, in this form I’m even better. Bigger even.”
You bit your lip. “Stop talking and do something about it then.”
Flauros turned your head back, kissing you deeply. His long tongue curled around yours then down your throat. He moaned against your lips while he pinched and tugged your nipples. The hot water fell over your sensitive skin, making you more aware of each and every touch.
“Good girl,” he purred. “Now turn around for me.”
You did as asked, pressing your back to the wall. His hands clawed down your body and the smile grew upon his face. He knelt down, making you put one leg up on the side of the tub. He smiled up at you before disappearing between your thighs. Then, his tongue pressed against you.
You yelped, cupping one hand around your mouth while the other sank into his hair. You pulled his hair as they long tongue slithered and writhed against you. He moaned against your folds, pressing deeper, slurping and salivating. You gasped for breath, clinging back to the wall. His mouth felt hot, his tongue coaxing liquid heat from inside you.
Flauros pulled back with a grin. “You still get so fucking wet.” He opened you with his fingers to see. “Do you still like it?”
You nodded in silence, watching him as he slicked his fingers along the folds. The dangerous look in his eyes felt just as good as his touch. He went back in, licking and suckling until your knees buckled.
“That’s enough.” He laughed. He stood up and helped you out of the shower. “Dry off a bit,” he handed you a towel. “I’ll finish this in the bedroom.”
You kissed him, pressing your wet bodies together. Flauros kneaded his hands into your ear, nipping your bottom lip as he pulled back.
“There’s my girl,” he growled. “Just where I left her.” He smacked your rear as you went into the bedroom. “Now, kneel down a bit, that’s a girl.” He ran his claws through your hair. “I’m yours, what do you want from me?”
You saw his cock bobbing between his thighs. It was blood red in color and curved upwards. The glans were shiny and flared at the ends, and already the tip was dripping.
“You’re huge.”
“I know.” He shoved you onto the bed, grabbing your legs and bending you in half. “I bet you still like this, don’t you?”
“I do,” you whimpered.
Flaurous pressed his tip against you. He began pushing in, opening you up and burrowing deep inside. He was so much bigger, so much more than before. He stretched you and you cried out once he penetrated deep.
“You’re still so fucking sweet,” he growled. “My good girl took every inch of this demon cock.” He licked his lips. “Do you like your demon cock?”
You strained to speak, gasping first then nodding your head as he began to rock you.
“Say it,” he growled.
You clung to the blankets, crying out as he bucked harder into you.
“Say it!” Flauros snarled.
You cried out. “Oh fuck! I love your cock! Give me all your demon cock!”
“That’s my good girl!” he crowed triumphantly. He bent over, crashing down harder into you. He pushed into the deepest reaches, awakening that lust that he had brought forth once before.
“Good girl,” he panted. “Very good girl. Do you want more?”
“Yes!” You whined.
He grinned. “Good, because you’re going to get everything I have for the rest of eternity.” He wrapped your legs around his waist and kissed you, driving himself hard into you until your eyes rolled back and your toes curled.
Later that evening you woke to a call from your mother. After speaking to her for a bit you laid back in bed and breathed slowly. The demon beside you stirred and pulled you into his powerful arms His clawed hands gently touched your skin and his lips fell upon your cheek.
“I missed you,” he purred.
You smiled. “I missed you too.”
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