Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

       Fall could be such a lovely time of year, on Earth, perhaps. Down here in Hell though, there was no perfect season. Not even a perfect day. Fall was the beginning of many sinners’ mating seasons, and it could be difficult to avoid unwanted advances. This season, however, Emma was left perfectly alone, even as she witnessed multiple overheated demons pant and touch themselves; they stayed well and far away from her.

      It would seem that there were multiple benefits to being mate to the Radio Demon. As she made her way to Vee Tower, a smile formed on her black lips, crimson eyes narrowing in delight at her new discovery. Emma had thought his scent marking simply adorable earlier, but seeing its full effect at work, she happily decided to ask him to do so every day they were together!

       Not that she couldn’t take care of herself- especially after the battle of Extermination Day, Emma had proven herself absolutely lethal to any adversary who may come her way. Plus, she now had angelic weapons at her disposal! Princess Charlie gave all her soldiers weapons that day, and they had all kept them for when ever she should sound the call again.

      It had been a little over a month since the great battle. She had learned that Heaven would be sending down an ambassador once a month for a progress meeting with Charlie, after discovering that Sir Pentious’s brave sacrifice earned him a spot upstairs. An incredible discovery and feat of love!

        Once in the lobby of Vee Tower, Emma made her way up to Velvette’s floor. Muffled angry yelling met her ears before the elevator doors opened, and she made her way towards the noise.

      “-and I can’t even use it! That stupid cunt is useless!”

       With an inward groan, Emma fixed her face to be sympathetic and sweet.

       “Did somebody order a therapy fox?” She entered the room Vox was currently pacing in. She heard an audible crack as Velvette turned her head completely around to look gratefully to her.

        “Fucking finally! Look, Voxxy- Vixy is here to help. Come pet this adorable puppy and calm your ass down,” she demanded, grabbing Vox’s hand to pull him over.

        With a kind smile, Emma’s body warbled and grew to her large vixen form. As Vox stared up at her, his eyes grew wide with an almost childlike awe, before reaching a large hand to run reverently through the fur of her shoulder.

       “Okay Vel, you win. I can’t be mad when there’s such a cute little fox in front of me,” he conceded with a chuckle.

       As the energy of the room calmed, Emma laid down and showed her belly, thumping her tail as her tongue lolled and she yapped. The two overlords cooed and gave her the best belly rubs she’d had in a good long while. Granted, it wasn’t often Emma took this form, so it was a rarity anyway.

      This would only be the second time Velvette had felt the need to enlist Emma’s service since making their deal; she asked for pelts far more often. As the two overlords talked and pet, Emma allowed herself to close her eyes and get a good puppy nap in. When in “soothing mommy mode”, Velvette’s voice was… well… velvet. It never failed to put Emma into a peaceful state.

        When finished with the session Vox seemed to have a bit better of an energy, rubbing his screen against Emma’s belly one last time with a thank you before heading off to wherever he was needed next. She let Velvette cuddle for a bit longer before the doll also needed to continue her day, giving Emma a strong hug with thanks before a light punch to her shoulder.

       Continuing on her rounds, Emma made several more fox therapy visits before making her way to a run down looking hole-in-the-wall. Stopping in front, she flared her aura and reached for the rusted door handle. It opened up to a much cleaner professional medical office inside. Multiple floors with offices, sitting areas and a small library made up the dimensional space pocket, ready for any authorized patient needing services.

       There was a gentle tinkling as she entered and made her way to the corner office, where one of her favorite owned souls sat, reading through something on her computer. Knocking gently on the open door, Emma gave a small smile as the ram looked up to her.

     “Looks like someone’s had a long day,” she commented, sliding her large red glasses back up her nose as she swiveled her chair to face the vixen. Emma’s face fell as she blew out a large breath, her posture deflating.

      “Six therapy fox sessions in a row. That’s the busiest I’ve been in this industry in a while. How was your day, Nita?”

     Anita leaned back in her chair to stretch her limbs with a yawn. “Not too bad. Had a couple of appointments, but mostly catching up on paperwork. It looks like there’s a turf war brewing, so we may need to move, but I’ve got Louis and Nipper keeping their eyes and ears on the situation. Hopefully it will settle soon,” she said. “Do you need a session?”

      Emma took a moment to take stock of her body before shaking her head. “Nah, I’m doing good right now. Definitely still on for my regular next week though,” she replied. “I was actually wanting to see if we could arrange a provider meeting soon. I want to run an idea by everyone and see if anyone would be up for it.”

      Anita cocked her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Another pet project, dear?” Emma chuckled in reply, leaning on the doorframe. “Maaaaayybe,” she teased playfully.

      “Can I get a sneak peek?”

      “I don’t know how exciting it will be, but depending on if there’s anyone willing to do it, I will be approaching Charlie to offer our services in house. I’m thinking since the renovation of the hotel, and with the presence of King Morningstar helping to protect the property, that we could take up residence on one of the floors there. We can always maintain our regular arrangements, but it would be so nice to just have one permanent spot to stay in. They would get our professional services to support their residents, and we would get a permanent place to live and work. Well, living there would need to just be an option, not requirement, but free room and board is a pretty picture. It would be a win-win!”

      Anita’s golden eyes widened as Emma finished her proposal, dropping the pen she’d been playing with. “Are you serious? You think they’d go for it?!” It would seem she had at least one volunteer already. Chuckling, Emma gave a nod in affirmation.

      “I think so. From what I’ve seen of the princess, she’s an absolute sweetheart who genuinely wants to help her people, she just needs a little help figuring out the recovery process. I think you’d really like her, she’s even bouncier than you.”

      Anita gave an excited bleat, clapping her hands as she bounced in her chair. “Well, if you can’t tell, I’m definitely down! My landlord has been propositioning me since I moved in,” she groaned.

        Emma’s smile twitched at that- demons like her were often seen as easy prey. Hell, even she had trouble, and she was technically a predator! Cruel people saw a small, vulnerable looking creature and they wanted to crush them. “Do you need some help? My service is yours, Nita. What’s the point of our deal if you just end up putting up with the same shit?”

       She kept her voice soft, not wanting to push her away, and she shook her head.

      “I’m good, sweetheart. He’s all talk,” she waved the notion off.

      “Well, don’t be too nervous if he somehow disappears,” Emma replied with a wicked grin.

        Anita gave an exaggerated sigh, “just wait until we’re sure we get to shack up with the royals, yeah?”

       Throwing her head back, Emma gave a hearty laugh. “I suppose I can wait to play with my new toys,” she gave a shrug. She received a soft smile before the ram looked to her computer, checking everyone’s schedules.

       “I’ll post a community note but I think we should all be able to get together next Tuesday after 3:00pm.”

       Emma nodded thoughtfully, taking out her phone to add the day to her calendar as a possible meeting time. “That should work- I’m heading over there soon so I should be able to bring up my proposal either tonight or tomorrow. I’ll be sure to text you when I have a for sure answer,” she said, before turning to make her way home.

       “See ya later, boss!” Anita called, and Emma waved to her as she left. “See ya, darling!”

       Making her way home, she noticed animal sinners shrinking away from her, looking quite frightened. Oh how wonderful it was to smell “dangerous”. Emma always held her head high, but she had never struck fear in the hearts of those she passed. Idly she wondered if they knew why they felt fear when she walked near. It made her feel ominous and powerful, and Emma quite enjoyed that feeling.

      When finally she reached her home, she opened the dimensional front door and breathed a sigh of relief once the door was sealed and Emma stood in her living room. Her emotional battery was running dangerously low- it was time for some self care.

     Pointing to the record player in the corner, the latest Verosika album crackled into the air, and Emma took her shoes off before padding into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she was disappointed to see no meat, and little else in the way of fixings. Maybe she could grab some cuts after her meditation.

       Grabbing some chips from the pantry, she ate a few before sitting herself down on the plush rug on the living room floor. It could be extremely difficult to just sit and be with herself, not that Emma was ever truly alone. Her shadow warbled under her folded legs- a reminder of that fact. They had a much harder time stilling themselves, being an amalgamation of all of Emma’s emotions, but as music danced through the air, they both focused on calming their thoughts. Just be in the moment.

         The music helped her to relax, and after about 30 minutes of song had passed, she began stretching out her limbs, resting in a few yoga poses before ending with some breathing exercises. The final song faded out and the record player went silent, aside from the occasional crackle.

           Pointing the record player off, Emma stepped up to a green and blue marble that rested on the hearth, her lips quirking in an evil grin. She was reaching out to grab it when she felt her mate shadow in behind her. Well, she could always restock her meat later. Hell, Alastor might even feel up to a little show.

           “Good evening, my darling. How are you feeling today?” Turning around, Emma’s wicked grin softened when she caught sight of her love.

        “I am well, ma chér. Another stunningly successful day of dullness,” he shrugged nonchalantly, and Emma noticed the slight twinge in his brow. He walked over to enfold her in his arms, rubbing his cheek over her hair. Snuffling contentedly, he sighed- he must really enjoy his scent on her.

      “Did you-“

     “Talk to his shortness? Hahaha! I’d rather have my eyes plucked out by hellcrows.” His statement caused Emma’s eyes to narrow.

      “Al, it’s been over a month. I know you’re an all-powerful masochistic overlord, but even you gotta admit how much pain you’ve been in.”

       “Dearest, I am fine. These things just take time to heal,” he soothed, an annoyed tick at the edge of his permanent smile.

       “Uh huh. Why don’t you prove it’s healing then, hmm?” Her challenge caught the other demon off guard.

     “How are you proposing I do that?”

     “Well, why don’t you try reaching for that stash on the top shelf?” Her suggestion made Alastor huff as he walked over and went to fulfill her request. He paused when his arm reached a certain point, and Emma sent her shade to grab it before he pulled a stitch.

      Once he realized she’d already grabbed it and were working on rolling a blunt, Alastor deflated with a hum and walked over to join her on the couch. Snapping his coat off, he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, and Emma swallowed the screech that wanted to claw its way up her throat. It had been a while.

      “You know that holy energy needs to be siphoned out,” she said as she worked. Her mate stayed silent, truly a man-child moment. “You know only an angel or holy entity can do that.” Silence.

       Lighting the blunt, she passed it over to him and he took a long hit before handing it back. Lungs of steel- that one. They passed the blunt back and forth for a while as a dragging tune sounded in the air.

     “Okay, so what is it about Lucifer that you don’t like? From what I’ve seen, he’s been perfectly pleasant, if not a little bit of a try-hard.”

       Alastor’s brows knit as he blew out smoke. “I don’t trust him,” he said, turning his head away.

       Emma couldn’t help but laugh; the man was huffing and puffing like a child and she could cry from frustration. So she laughed instead. Alastor turned back to her, looking thoroughly offended, and Emma laughed harder.

      “Why should you need to trust him? Darling, if the King of Hell wanted to do anything to you, he would do it, and short of my kiss, there is nothing you or I could do to stop him. You’ve been butting heads since you met, and he hasn’t so much as flicked your nose. I think it’s safe to assume he would be just fine taking some angelic energy from the man helping his daughter,” she said, taking one last hit before handing it back for him to finish.

      “The man grates on every single nerve I have,” he growled out, leaning back against the couch with a slight flinch from the movement.

      “Tis the season, my love. Maybe if you got that wound taken care of, we could take care of those pesky nerves,” Emma purred out, running her fingers lightly over his exposed forearm.

      Alastor stiffened for a moment, his eyes darting to where their skin touched and he swallowed, licking his bottom lip. “I will think on it…”

      “Well, remember you have one more week before I go to him myself.” Emma’s warning had his ears pinning, a small groan leaving his throat. “No sass, Mistah Radio Demon,” she teased, grabbing a large hand to nip at.

      “You are a cruel demon, mon cœur,” he whined, but his eyes glowed with softness, and Emma smiled. Leaning forward, she gave him several small kisses and rubbed her nose against his.

      “Would you like a demonstration, my darling? I am fresh out of meat and was about to restock when you arrived.”

       Understanding lit in Alastor’s crimson gaze, and his smile grew wide in joy. “I take that back. You are a cruel goddess, my little Vixen,” he purred in reply as he captured her lips once more. Sighing into the kiss, her hands rose to stroke his face and neck.

      Standing from the couch, Emma offered her hand for Alastor to take before picking up the marble housing her dearly departed exes. “Let’s convene to my realm of darkness. I like to harvest a bit from everybody at a time, so my little darklings will help keep track of everyone as I work.”

      Alastor grinned excitedly as he followed her up the narrow staircase and through her bedroom to the closet. There on the back wall, sitting inconspicuously behind the racks of fashion, was a black drawing of a door. Pointing to it, Emma whispered out the incantation to open her realm, and the door popped before creaking open, the darkness beckoning for her to join it.

       As they stepped in, her little pack of shadows swirled around her in greeting, most even snuggling up to Alastor. He chuckled and Emma noticed his shadow warbling before they split from him to offer their own greeting. That got her little pack very excited, whirling around the unfamiliar shade in fascinated curiosity. Emma cooed at the adorable sight, and her own shade split to greet and zoom with their little family. How precious!

      Emma’s violent little darlings were definitely more receptive to Alastor’s shadow. Interesting. Perhaps they felt more similar in energy or were just more comfortable with the demon in general now… or something. Either way, the sight warmed her dead heart.

       Pointing an ergonomic settee with plush pillows into existence, she gestured for Alastor to sit. With an almost disappointed sigh, the demon made himself comfortable. This was still the most exciting “activity” she’d allowed him in her presence since his injury, so he’d hardly complain.

       “Would you like anything to eat or drink, my darling? Or would you prefer to see the menu first?” Emma gave her mate a wicked smile, and his gaze softened on her before he snapped a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses on a small table next to him.

       “I believe I’d like to see the menu first,” he replied, pouring himself a glass. “Would you care for a rye?”

      Emma’s smile softened as she nodded, taking her glass when filled. They clinked their glasses together and Emma  took a long drag, the liquid burning a trail down her throat to warm her stomach.  

       Leaning down a bit, she gave one last peck to her darling’s lips before straightening and turning to the open darkness in front of her, holding the marble up in her open palm. The marble began to glow as it rose to hover over her hand, before streaks of rainbow light shot from it. Nine different beams formed the pathetic lineup of demons before them.

      “Good evening, my dearest fiancées! It is time for me to harvest your flesh again! Who wants to go first?”

       The group of demons looked haggard, to say the least, and Emma felt that wonderful demented sense of schadenfreude at their suffering. Perhaps she would let them go some day; their sentence would carry on until she felt better about what they did. And today would definitely not be that day.

      Nine demons. Nine men who, in one way or another, used Emma to climb the ladder of power and respectability.

        “Oh, but where are my manners? My darling, allow me to introduce you to our dinner menu.” Walking down the line of demons, Emma reveled in the way they shrank away or flinched as she held a shoulder or arm. “Here we have Walter (a bull), Roy (a weasel), Frank (the tastiest of elk), John (a deer), Donald (a pig), Paul (not the tastiest of sharks), Abel (a snake), Timothy (a delicious bison), and last but certainly not least, there’s Harry (a fox).” 

       Oh, how delightful! It looked like a few of her little snacks were enduring their seasons as well. While Emma refused to use sexual violence against anyone, the added effects of her pheromones would make their suffering that much more painful. She wasn’t in full-on heat, but she was certainly in her early stages. Alastor’s rut season was also just starting to effect his temper- this would surely brighten his mood.

     “Please, Emma … Hasn’t it been long enough? How long will you force me to suffer this hell?” Harry croaked out his question, his voice weak from the constant screaming. “Won’t you ever find it in your heart to forgive me? I truly did love you,” he finished.

       “Aww, aren’t you sweet, my little kit?” Her cooing made the other demons in the room flinch. They knew exactly what would be coming, and her saccharine tone caused nothing but fear. Well, in the smart ones at least.

       Closing the distance between herself and Harry, Emma cupped the todd’s cheek and tilted her head to stare up at him. She could tell her scent was affecting him, as he leaned into her touch with a blush. She almost felt bad for him… almost.

      “I will let you all go,” she began, gliding a claw down Harry’s jawline to his throat. “When my rage for you dissolves.” She continued, pressing a claw into his racing pulse before slicing through the flesh.

      Harry gave a gargling wheeze, his hands flying to the gaping wound as he fell to his knees. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll make this easy on you,” Emma finished, and the rest of her exes shook, but stayed put. She had trained them well. Running would only make things worse.

     Emma called her violent shadows to her and they swirled around her, flaring her hair with their wind. With a quick command, the shadows each took their place beside their respective origin, two of the larger ones behind Roy and Timothy, the largest and one of the smaller ones staying behind her. Their origins were either now laying dead, or swirling around in his own marble.

    “What a splendid stock you have, my dear! I had wondered how you seem to always have venison for me. What a lovely revelation!”

      Emma turned to Alastor behind her and had to swallow the screech trying to surface. Her mate looked absolutely terrifying, positively drooling over the feasting possibilities. She would need to attend to herself after such a wondrous display.

       Alastor’s nostrils flared, and he grinned wickedly. “You are just precious, ma chér. Perhaps you would enjoy a bit of dessert after dinner?”

      “Now that’s cruel,” Emma laughed in reply. “Perhaps after your chat with Lucifer, my heart. Until then, all of this belongs to me.” She made a show of licking Harry’s blood from her finger, her eyes narrowing in delight at the whine she received.

      Turning back to her old flames, Emma walked up to Timothy next. Her throat tightened and her gut clenched for a moment as her eyes locked with the bison, but she smiled wide at the tired demon anyway. He belonged to her. He could never hurt her again, the wretched beast. Emma saw the spark in his eyes- if she didn’t own him, he’d still want to hurt her. Well, at this point she couldn’t exactly blame him, with the almost century of retaliatory torture.

     He, Emma doubted, would ever receive release. She felt her rage boil, and she conjured her cleaver as bright red chains appeared around the bison’s wrists and ankles.

      “I don’t really like the way you’re looking at me Timmy. You of all people definitely belong right where you are.” She sent a command to the chains and Timothy was wrenched to his knees. The bison sneered, but lowered his eyes and growled out, “I apologize, ma’am.”

       Emma snorted and scraped the edge of the cleaver up the edges of the bison’s face, tapping a horn with a hum. “I don’t think I believe that apology, darling. But good on you for the attempt,” she said,  grin widening as she grabbed an ear and sliced easily through the cartilage.

        Timothy screamed through clenched teeth and Emma chuckled at the attempt at defiance. Tossing the ear aside, she raised the cleaver and brought it down on his shoulder blade (there’s nothing like a good chuck steak). That earned a bit louder of a cry, but Emma knew he could do better than that. Leaving the cleaver lodged in his shoulder, she conjured an ice pick and lined it up at the uninjured ear.

      “Come now, little calf. I know you can scream better than that. Let’s give my mate a nice show,” she said jovially. That was when she slid the ice pick in his ear canal, just enough to pierce the ear drum.

      “There’s that lovely voice,” she cooed as Timothy wailed and writhed to get away from the pain. The air was filled with the music of tortured screams as Emma worked on butchering the bison. Never would she give him a gentle death like she had Harry. She had taken most of the meat from his back when his body began seizing, and Emma cackled at his suffering, her shade breaking out the ribs with a malicious grin.

      Timothy finally died when she was halfway through his front side, and Emma was absolutely covered in blood. Snapping to remove her clothing, she shook some of the viscera off, turning at the sound of interference.

      Alastor was definitely enjoying himself, black eyes devouring Emma’s bloody form. “Enjoying the show so far, my darling?” She cocked her head with a manic smile and licked blood from the cleaver, her predators eyes flashing.

      Alastor hummed as he moved to pour himself another glass of whiskey. “Quite so, mon cœur. I believe this is beginning to convince me to visit our feathered royal friend,” he replied, his smile wide and sinister as he brought the glass to his lips.

       Emma’s tail swished flirtatiously in response. She should have done this sooner- she should have known a show of wrath would be the trick to her stubborn buck. “You have no idea how happy that makes me, Al,” she purred out. “Are you feeling ready for a meal?”

      Alastor’s black eyes glowed, “I can wait for the main course, but I’d love an appetizer! May I claim a sirloin from that tasty bison?”

     “Of course!” Crouching slowly, Emma spread her legs as she reached for the correct cut, her arm covering her wet cunt from her mate’s famished gaze. Rising with a heated stare, she stepped over to hand him her prize.

       Lifting the meat in offering, Emma’s heart melted when her monstrous mate leaned forward and took a bite, red dials switching at her. She cupped his cheek, stroking a bloody trail with her thumb.

      “You look so very lovely in red, ma chér,” he said, leaning into her touch as he chewed. He seemed to enjoy the flavor, a happy moan leaving as he closed his eyes. “Simply delicious!” He exclaimed after swallowing the meat.

      “Flattery will get you everywhere, my handsome buck,” Emma replied, placing a chaste kiss at the green ‘X’ on his forehead. Alastor gave a happy bleat at the affection, and pulled her in for a series of gentle, dragging kisses before letting her go. Giggling at the adorable display, she kissed the tip of his nose, and turned around to get back to work.

      “Now, who wants to go next?”

        As she crept her way over to the remaining trembling demons, Emma’s smile widened and her eyes lit with a manic gleam.

       How she’d missed letting off steam!

       When finally the bloodbath was over, Emma was a panting, bloody mess. Alastor sat happily working on a sample platter as he watched her shake gore off of her skin and hair. Her shadows danced and swirled around her and she joined them. Alastor’s shadow chittered at her, offering their hand and she took it as Alastor played a cute love song for them.

       Twirling, dipping and swinging within the shadows, Emma laughed and let herself go. Now this was how to recharge a battery!

        When she was danced out, Emma had her little darklings pack up her fiancées’ meat, the packages each labeled. Turning to look to Alastor, she offered any meat he may desire, and he chose some elk, bison, deer and pig. They each placed their respective meat in stasis dimensions before making their way to the bathroom to clean up.

        As Emma pointed the shower on, Alastor snapped the bloody footprints clean from the floor before pulling her into his arms. “I would warn you about getting your clothing all bloody, but I rather enjoy seeing you wearing my handiwork,” she teased, running her tongue along his jawline. He chuckled darkly at her display and brought his lips to hers, the laughter morphing to a wanton groan when their tongues met.

      “Would you like dinner, mon cœur? I could prepare something while you clean up,” he offered. Oh how wonderful her darling was!

      “Sure. How about a flank steak from the elk. I’ve already stocked the fridge. Medium rare, if you will,” she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips as she stepped back and made her way to the shower. Once she was in and under the running water, Alastor snapped the rest of the blood from the floor (and himself) and headed out to fix her meal.

      The water felt wonderful beating against Emma’s sore muscles, and she took her time washing herself until the red water ran clear once more. When finally she felt refreshed and relaxed, she turned the shower off and wrapped herself in a big fluffy towel.

     Sniffing at the delightful aroma of sizzling meat, she quickly dried herself, zapped herself into a soft black day dress and made her way downstairs.

       Emma loved seeing the domestic side of her mate, standing at the oven in a cute frilly pink apron that read ‘Kiss the Cook’ as he bent to place something in the oven.

      “You’re making it smell amazing in here,” she complimented, wrapping her arms around his waist. Satan, she loved his scent- she would need to ask for a used coat for when her heat struck. She shivered at the very idea.

     Alastor rose and closed the oven door, turning in Emma’s arms to smile warmly down at her. “Thank you, darling. Dinner is ready, and there’s a mocha chocolate cake in the oven,” he replied, hooking a finger under her chin to bring her in for a kiss. Emma leaned into him with a contented sigh, mindful of the large unhealing wound at his chest.

     “Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?” She rubbed her nose against his with a gentle purr, and her darling gave a happy bleat. “You have, but I shall never grow tired of it,” he said, his ears drooping and smile turning buttery as he preened under her praise.

     They stayed like that for a long moment, simply enjoying each other’s presence before parting to sit at the table. Alastor snapped Emma’s dinner in front of her and she yelped excitedly, tail wagging behind her chair. He giggled at her little happy dance and took a sip from his drink. He’d prepared short ribs along with her steak and they each shared food as they planned the rest of their evening.

     “Oh! I wanted to see if Charlie would be available for a proposal meeting, not that it needs to be formal.” Her words had Alastor’s ears pricking and head cocking in curiosity. “I’d like to offer her the services of myself and that network of therapists and doctors I told you about. If she would be willing to supply a floor of the hotel, we could provide care for your residents. It would also be nice if I could secure room and board within the hotel for the providers, should they wish to live where they work.”

     Alastor hummed and took a moment to mull over Emma’s words. “I believe our dear Charlie would be over the moon to welcome you and your colleagues. We’ve gained a single new resident, however at the moment there seems to be a smear campaign against the project going around. I’m afraid your friends may be quite bored with the lack of clients,” he explained.

      Oh, that’s right. Ugh. Emma really felt for the dear princess. To be honest, if it weren’t for Alastor’s presence, Vox would probably leave the hotel alone; he could be extremely petty, not that her mate was much different. Her buck just loved to egg the tv on, and reveled in the rage he induced.

      “That wouldn’t be an issue. In fact, if our current clientele were to see the safety and amenities offered by the hotel, you may gain some new residents.”

     “A splendid idea, my darling. Would you like to sleep at the hotel tonight? We could see if our little princess is still up, or bring it up tomorrow if she’s not,” he offered. Emma smiled softly between bites of that delectable cake. If she didn’t have a hard on for her darling kitchen man before, that cake certainly did the trick. She couldn’t be completely certain, but that cake may very well be better than sex. It would be a very close race though.

     “That sounds like a good plan,” she replied, moaning as she took the last bite and licked the plate. “This was absolutely wonderful, my darling. Thank you so much,” she said, rising from her chair to kiss Alastor’s cheek. After zapping their dishes clean, she slipped on a pair of black ballet flats and Alastor stepped over to offer his arm, his shadows swallowing them up.

        When next she opened her eyes, they stood in the hotel lobby. Emma really hoped she’d be able to learn how to do that someday. The lobby was empty, save for a sleeping Husk at the bar, so they both decided to head up to Alastor’s room.

       Sleep called to her and they both climbed into bed, Alastor curling into Emma’s chest as she wrapped her arms around him with a purr. Tomorrow was full of potential, and she couldn’t wait to begin.

Chapter Text

     “Oh Emma, this is so amazing! Thank you so much!” Charlie squeezed Emma in her arms and spun around, overjoyed at her offer of assistance.

     Emma could practically hear herself squeaking like a chew toy from the crushing strength of the young woman. Well, at least she could enjoy the pain. By the time the hyper princess set her down, she was seeing black at the edges of her vision, and she gulped at any air she could get.

    “No problem, my dear,” she wheezed out, Vaggie patting her back beside her. “I will be having a meeting with the providers next week, but I already have one therapist who’s volunteered, so I have high hopes. Once I have a firm number, I’ll get back to you and see about office and housing arrangements.”

     Charlie had stars in her eyes at the very idea of new possible souls to save. She seemed to be healing alright from the sacrifice of Pentious, especially after learning that his soul had made it to Heaven, but Emma could see a shadow in her eye that hadn’t been there before. She’d seen violence plenty before, but seeing a loved one snuffed out right before her eyes, in sacrifice for her, no less… She had taken it hard, and Emma really hoped she wouldn’t have to endure such again. Charlie deserved nothing but happiness and love.

      “Okay great! I’ll get dad to help me set up a space for your offices. Actually, would you be able to help with that? We would need to know what exactly to build. Maybe we should-“

      “Did you need help with something, sweetie? Whatever you need, you just say the word.”

      Emma, Charlie and Vaggie all looked past a wincing Alastor to see Lucifer making his way down the stairs, and Emma giggled at her mate. Charlie lit up and greeted her father with a warm hug. It looked like the two were really making up for lost time- how sweet!

     “Hey dad! You’ve met Emma, right? She’s just offered to help with the hotel! She’s gonna hook us up with some doctors and therapists who specialize in the human mind! Isn’t that exciting?!”

      Lucifer looked over to Emma as Alastor kept his back turned, looking himself to be contemplating a shadowy escape. Emma waved and gave a small smile from around her mate, and Lucifer cocked his head with a quirked brow before looking back to Charlie with an apologetic smile.

      “Uhhh I’m sorry sweetie, I’m afraid I don’t remember,” he apologized and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. You had seen Charlie perform that exact mannerism before- how cute!

     Looking up at Alastor with an uptick of her lips, Emma saw his brow twitch as she moved to walk around him, her tail brushing affectionately over his leg as she passed. She felt him stiffen as a small hum of radio static flared from the action, a sense of sadistic satisfaction filling her core.

     Walking up to greet the short king, she held her hand out with a warm smile. “That’s quite alright, your majesty. The name’s Emma, or I also go by Vixen- it’s a little easier to remember since I love to fox around!” She wagged her tail and wiggled her ears, and Lucifer lit up.

     “Oh ho my golly, you’re a fox! How cute; weirdly sexy, but mostly cute!” The other demon took Emma’s offered hand and shook it with a nervous chuckle, and she snorted. Charlie looked ready to dig her own grave, and Vaggie just appeared to be amused by the whole situation.

     “Well, at least on that sentiment, we can agree,” Alastor’s clipped tone sounded beside Emma as he set a large hand on her head to muss her hair, and she grinned slyly at the irritated buck.

    “Dear Vixy here is my mate,” he said, and Lucifer choked for a moment.

    “You actually got someone to tolerate you? Wow, Bambi, I never thought you had it in you! Good for you! Vixen, my condolences,” Lucifer teased, bringing Emma’s hand to his lips to kiss in a show of mock sympathy. 

    “Hah! Ya know, Vix and I was in a porno that started a lot like this once,” Angel said from the bar, and Emma burst out laughing at the faces and noises spluttering from the two men beside her.

     “What’s my favorite saying, Angie?”

     “Make fuck, not fight?”

     “I’ll accept it.”

     She laughed with Angel, and Charlie gave a halfhearted chuckle, her eyes squinting in unease.

     “That would be so much funnier if you weren’t talking about my dad,” she said. Vaggie patted her back with a soft smile, adding a loud, “Don’t even think about it,” to Angel who looked ready to wreck the poor princess with whatever he was about to say next.

    “Angel, you are a dear friend. I will miss you should you ever suggest such a thing again,” Alastor ground out, twisting his head completely around as his eyes flashed black. This only seemed to make the spider want to poke the proverbial bear more and Emma chuckled at her mate.

    “Well to be fair, he’s not wrong, darling. ‘How to Solve a Love Triangle in 669 Positions’ was one of our biggest hits! Alas, we can’t all solve our rivalries with raucous love making,” she shrugged and turned back to Lucifer with a kind smile. “Back to the subject at hand though, your majesty. I-“

     “Just Lucifer is fine, dear,” he interjected. He seemed a bit overwhelmed, so Emma nodded and continued.

     “Lucifer. Well, as Charlie here mentioned, I work with a network of professionals who specialize in the mind. My hope is to get some, if not all, to live and work here at the hotel. The space we currently use is dimensional, so if everyone is on board, I’ll just reposition the space itself in a room here. In that scenario, I would just request living quarters for the staff. If I’m not able to get everyone, then we may request your help in remodeling an area on one of your floors to provide the right space.”

     The king nodded, seeming absorbed in his thoughts. “Hm, yes, fascinating. Welp! If you end up needing me just let me know! I’ll just be in my office doing… important… things. It was good to see you again Maggie!” He hugged and spun Vaggie before squishing Charlie in a hug with an, “I love you sweetie,” and waved awkwardly goodbye to everyone else as he zipped out of the lobby.

      Charlie and Vaggie both seemed dazed, while Alastor looked confused but pleased. Angel looked like… well, like Emma before a kill. She knew what he was thinking, but she also knew he was finally beginning to value his afterlife. He would have to let that bone go. ‘Still good spank bank material,’ she thought, shooting Angel an amused grin as she shook her head.

       ‘Oh! Almost forgot,’ she walked over to Angel at the bar. “How’s my new favorite costume designer? Have things been going okay with Vel?” Sitting next to him, Emma zapped his salary in front of him and accepted the whiskey offered by Husk with a smile. Angel leaned into her with thanks and a fond smile before zapping a sketch in front of her.

     “You tell me. What do you think about this for that event?”

     Looking down at the sketch, Emma’s breath caught; this would be perfect! “Angie, you’re amazing sweetheart! This is gorgeous!”

      Her exclamation brought a curious Alastor to look over her shoulder, and she felt more than heard the static creeping along her skin.

     “You are quite the talent, Angel dear. A lovely design,” he said jovially. He seemed uncomfortable, and Emma couldn’t exactly blame him. The outfit was for a “birthday” celebration Valentino and Velvette were planning for their partner, and while sexy as hell, the burlesque costume screamed ‘Vox’.

     “Aww, should I make a radio demon one too, deer daddy?” Angel’s sly grin widened at the glare Alastor shot him.

     “An unnecessary gesture, my friend. You could put this belle in a wool sack and she’d still be the most dazzling dame in the room.”

     Emma really wanted to ask Lucifer to heal her mate already; his words soaked her underwear, and she leaned back against his stomach and wiggled in her seat with a groan. She would need to seclude herself soon- she was getting wet just from sweet words.

      “Such a charmer!” She exclaimed, nuzzling against Alastor’s coat. ‘Ahhhh… that scent…’

      “I should head home,” she said, her voice drifting as her mind began to wander into the danger zone. “I’ll be home resting and writing scripts for the next couple of weeks. It’s the season for lazy Vixy.”

      Angel gave Emma a sympathetic gaze and hugged her. “Enjoy shark week, toots. You gonna be shooting it again?” Emma shook her head and finished her whiskey before dropping from the stool and looking up at Alastor beside her as he offered his arm.

    “Nah, I feel like just relaxing this time around. Maybe next time- wouldn’t want to over saturate the market,” she shrugged and gave Angel a small hug before hooking her arm in her mate’s. Together they walked out of the lobby and down the street, Emma’s grin turning sinister as she watched demons scurry away in fear.

     “May I ask you something, mon cœur? I do not wish to offend.”

     Emma looked up at her mate curiously; it was rare for him to ask her permission to ask a question, so probably work related. “Of course, dearest. It would be quite difficult for you to ever offend me with curiosity,” she replied with a soft smile as they walked, leaning into his side just a bit.

      “Are you intimate with Vox?”

      That certainly caught her off guard. Pausing in her steps, Emma took a moment to process what her mate had just asked, and burst into laughter. Alastor stopped walking with her and looked away, fully resembling a pouty child, and Emma laughed harder, leaning on him to keep herself up.

      Her emotions were all over the place, and this had completely set off her giggles. After a long moment of trying to breathe, Emma straightened herself and took Alastor’s arm once again to resume walking.

    “Forgive me, but that must be one of the funniest things you’ve ever suggested. No, my darling, I have never been interesting to, or interested in Vox. He sees me more as a cute pet, and I enjoy the scritches he gives. Does it bother you? My performing for his party?”

     Alastor hummed and tightened his hold on her as they neared Cannibal Town. “I’m not entirely certain, in all truthfulness. I think perhaps concern more describes the feeling. I don’t wish to keep you from doing what you enjoy, but… I would like you to be cautious around him. That picture box is devious- a master manipulator, if you will. I wouldn’t put it past him to use your connection for nefarious purposes. This campaign against the princess’s hotel is bold of him, especially with both me and the King of Quack actively defending it. Just… be wary?”

     How she loved her darling. He was by far the most understanding partner she’d ever been with. Leaning her head against his arm, Emma smiled and purred; his scent was incredibly distracting.

     “I love you, my heart. I will use caution, but I don’t think you need to worry for me. Velvette would disembowel his sorry ass if he ever hurt her puppy and fur supplier!” She laughed at her own terrible joke, and Alastor joined her.

     “I believe you may be correct in that assertion. However, it is the ones that trust him that are the easiest for him to use,” he said, and Emma looked up at his face. Would it be okay to ask? ‘Oh come on, girl! If he has the bravery to ask about you and Vox, then you can show a little pluck. Don’t be a coward,’ she thought, and took a deep breath before speaking.

       “May I ask you something? It can wait until we’re home if you would prefer.”

      Alastor stiffened as he continued his way, his smile perfectly in place, yet his eyes drifted around (seeking) as his mind worked. “Let us finish our lovely walk, ma chér. I see the most adorable hellcat ahead; perhaps we can catch up to it for a cuddle.”

     Emma kept her face neutral and squeezed his arm gently to show she understood his warning. ‘Hellcat’ was the safe word they used when indulging in each other. She felt a surge of pride and heat at her mate’s intelligence- she would expect nothing less from the powerful overlord. 

    “Keekee would probably love a companion; perhaps we can catch the little one and keep them.” Her reply instantly deflated the demon, and they picked up their pace as they passed polite cannibals with smiles and nods.

     When she’d closed the door to her dimension, Emma heard her mate breathe a heavy sigh as he sat in the corner of the couch and snapped himself a lit blunt to smoke. He looked thoughtful… sad… his eyes staring off into a space unseen.

    “Can I get you anything?” The question caught his attention, and those lovely crimson eyes drifted to meet hers. He took a moment to consider, before asking, “may I have some water?”

     Emma nodded and pointed the faucet on, grabbing a glass to hold under the stream before stepping over to hand to him. “If you don’t want to talk about it, my heart, you don’t have to,” she reassured him as she sat and accepted the blunt he passed. She received a soft smile and glowing eyes as he leaned back to sip his water.

      After a moment, he set the glass down and took a deep breath, “You wish to know the reason behind our animosity.” It was said matter-of-factly, and Emma nodded, passing the blunt back. “I get hunches every now and again, but I don’t wish to assume.”

     “I loved him… but it was not they type of love he wished for. I put my trust in him and he took advantage of that trust- I told you I’ve never been raped,” his eyes found Emma’s , a swirling mix of emotion behind the gaze; she offered her hand for him to take, and without hesitation he claimed it.

      “That was the closest I’ve ever come… That cultish fucker used his hypnotic powers to try and force my submission, but I hold more power than he could ever hope to possess, and was able to end the game before he could call checkmate.”

      Alastor moved close to her and pressed his head against her chest, ears pinning as he wrapped his arms around her. With a soft whine, Emma enfolded him in her embrace and rubbed her cheek against his hair, mindful of the sharp antlers.

      Kissing the top of his head, she spoke. “Thank you for telling me, Al. I know that couldn’t have been easy. I’m sure you already know this but I will say it nonetheless. It was never your fault for what he decided to do. The whole, ‘he led me on’ thing is utter bullshit, and the fact that he took advantage of your love and trust is despicable. He deserves his place down here, and if he ever says or does anything in that direction, he’ll earn himself my kiss and some dinner plans.”

      Alastor chuckled at that, nuzzling into the plush softness of Emma’s chest before sighing. “I don’t know why I ever feared telling you. I suppose I just don’t wish to bring even worse memories to your mind,” he confessed, and she pet his hair and stroked his ears as he snuggled her.

      “It’s good to let yourself feel those terrible feelings, as long as it’s not taking over your entire afterlife. In fact, that’s kind of how I spawned my realm of darkness. It’s my safe place to go and feel those horrible things, cry, scream if I want to. It’s where I gave birth to my little darklings after capturing the souls of those who’ve wronged me. As long as I’m not making you uncomfortable when I talk about such things, I welcome the discussion… And, Alastor…” Her mate hummed his acknowledgment, eyes closed as he shakily breathed against her.

     “Trauma is not comparable… We’ve both been through things we never should have experienced, and, for me at least, sharing those experiences only makes me feel more love for you. More admiration… You are my everything, Al,” she said, her heart clenching from the flood of emotion as she tightened her arms around him. Fucking heat cycle, always amping up the feels.

      Alastor gave a small bleat, planting a soft kiss to her chest before settling once more. “Thank you, mon cœur,” he whispered, and she kissed his head. “Would you like to move to the bed for a cuddle nap?”

     Emma didn’t need an answer, his shadows swallowing them up to deposit them in her bed. With a contented, yet exhausted sigh, Alastor stretched himself out, and Emma kissed his head once more, humming an old lullaby. She wanted to kidnap and murder that fucker a few times, but that would just prove to Vox that he had gotten to Alastor.

        Emma had always known the type of man Vox was, and the most frustrating part was that he didn’t see his own behavior; or perhaps he was willfully ignorant. He always seemed to be the victim- hell, he’d probably paid people off back in his human days to avoid scandal. Hypnotic power was a manifestation that Emma had only seen in a few demons, but it suggested, as Alastor (quite the professional himself) had pointed out, a highly manipulative personality. It had always confused her that he’d never shown any sexual interest in her, being that he tended to sexually harass his employees every now and again, but Emma counted that a blessing, as she’d much rather just be an occasional amusement than a target.

       Curling her tail to drape over Alastor’s back, Emma fell asleep holding her love.

—

—

—

       She awoke to cramps and the munchies, clenching her teeth from the tightness in her muscles. It wasn’t nearly as bad as her human days, but the first week of heat was filled with light cramps and bleeding as her body did its thing. Mood swings ranged from pissed off, territorial vixen, to flirty screaming-for-sex, capital ‘V’ Vixen, but her most common mood was sleepy-hungry stoner Vixy. That would appear to be her current setting.

      Alastor slept peacefully on her chest, his ears flopping and aimed toward her heart. There’s no way she could move with such a precious creature resting on her- idly Emma thought he was her little hellcat. His personality certainly matched. Closing her eyes, she sent her shadow to grab her stash and begin fixing tea and snacks. She would need to go easy on the caffeine until her heat was over- hydration was everything.

      As her shade set to working in the kitchen, Emma closed her eyes and simply listened to her mate breathing. How he soothed her frazzled senses. She really didn’t want to send him away. Leaning in, she breathed in his scent and felt heat rise in her cheeks.

      ‘Fuck, time to think of something else,’ Emma worked to focus her mind on something… anything other than the warmth of his skin against her, the sharpness of the claws that grazed her hips occasionally as he resettled. ‘Fucking stop woman!’

      Raising her free hand to rub at her temple, she stifled the groan threatening to escape and accepted the box her shade handed her, wicked knowing smirk on their lips. She shooed them back to their tasks and pointed at the stash; the box opened and a blunt rolled itself. She picked it up once it was ready and brought it to her lips, the lighter rising to light it for her. How wonderful it was to have magick at her disposal.

      Sleepy coral eyes blinked open as she blew smoke away from his head- well, at least she had tried not to wake him. Nuzzling and placing a soft kiss to her chest, Alastor let out a cute yawn and flared his nostrils as he sniffed at her. “Interesting…” he spoke to himself, fully resembling a scientist making a new discovery.

     “What is, my heart?” Emma smiled softly down at the adorable demon on top of her and took another hit before offering the blunt to him. He took her offering and considered his thoughts for a moment before speaking.

      “Well my dear, I’m guessing your heat is in effect. You have a scent of blood and that lovely spice that has mixed with your normal scent, only it’s… warmer. It is… most pleasing… incredibly enticing…”

     With a heated gaze, her mate leaned over and kissed her, letting her breathe in his smoke as their tongues met. Oh now that was just plain unfair! Emma whined into the kiss, and Alastor responded in kind, the claws of his large hand scraping her scalp as he pulled her closer, hips bucking against her leg.

      “You are cruel, my lovely mate…” Emma groaned as she clenched her thighs together- Lucifer, she wanted him to chase her down and fuck her into the dirt of that little bayou she’d made him, race through a forest together hunting any prey they could find, hunker down in her proverbial den and mate until they died from sheer ecstasy.

      “Oh I’m not teasing, my vixen. I’m offering,” he spoke low, nipping at her jaw as she struggled to think. “And I would wholeheartedly accept, if you weren’t grievously angelically injured right over your heart, my stubborn buck,” she teased, grinning at him with an evil gleam in her crimson gaze.

      Alastor growled in frustration, but relented with one last peck to her lips before pulling away to stare at her. “You would accept me in your den… if I were healed?” 

      Emma’s heart seized at the sweet hopeful gaze her mate was giving her and she cupped his cheek, rubbing her nose against his. “Yes, my heart. A thousand times yes. I simply don’t wish to pester you with my excessive… drive. I can be quite demanding and needy when in heat, so I typically spend it with myself.”

      Alastor cocked his head, and Emma rubbed an ear the way he liked. “So when dear Angel inquired as to whether you’d be filming…”

      Emma nodded in affirmation, “I call the series ‘In The Shadow of a Vixen’. Not the most inventive title, I confess, but I’ve released a good seven films of my heat- all staged and shot by yours truly.”

      Radio static flared as those cute ears pricked to attention. Giggling at the adorable reaction, Emma captured his lips in a sweet, gentle kiss. Alastor sighed into her mouth and pressed his body closer. “I will be back, my little mate,” he growled out. In a swirl of shadow he was gone, and she felt the loss instantly.

      With a soft sigh, she curled up and reached for the remote on the bedside table, flipping the television on to scroll through options. She felt like a good romcom, and decided on, “Cloaca Confusion.”

     Her shade zoomed in a while later, bearing meaty treats, chocolate brownies, and jasmine tea. Oh how spoiled she was! With a happy whine, Emma nuzzled gratefully into their neck, and they chittered back to her, ‘my precious other.’ Placing the tray on the space beside her, they swirled around Emma and snuggled her happily- a good provider, a good mate. Truly, self-love at its finest.

       “Thank you, dear one. This looks delicious,” Emma said, accepting the fried bacon they held to her lips. Perfectly crunchy! Humming at the flavor, she settled into her shade and enjoyed her movie.

      The night was blissfully uneventful, eating, smoking and watching movies. Romcoms, comedy horrors, even a few revenge horrors! A lovely evening that left Emma’s emotional batteries fully charged as she fell into a gentle slumber. She should have asked Alastor to leave his coat for her- his scent was there, in the blankets and pillows, but a coat would have been much better.

-

-

      When next she woke, her underwear were absolutely soaked, and Emma moaned as she rubbed her thighs together. Her shade warbled around her and slid their hands over her stomach, laying a palm flat over her womb as they nibbled at her neck in affection. Oh Satan, how she wished for her mate to fill her. She wanted his scent to surround her as he drove into her. She wanted those crimson eyes to devour her; hell, she wanted those sharp fangs to devour her- to rip her flesh and swallow it while she watched.

     Growling against her throat, her shade parted her legs and pressed their mound into her, eliciting a wanton groan as she met their thrusts. She felt their body growing over her and between her slick folds, her panties rubbing over her clit as their phallus pushed against her entrance. With a screech, Emma snapped her clothing off and wrapped herself around her shadow, biting into the dark shoulder above her. She was needy and selfish as she rutted against her lover, and they were happy to indulge her.

       She screamed into their shoulder as they thrust roughly into her wet heat. Her body was alight, sparking with pleasure everywhere their skin connected.

     “Mmmnn… haah… yes. Yes. Fuck, yes! More, please!”

      Screaming and screeching in need, Emma lost control of her mind as a lusty fog drifted her into blissful ecstasy. How she loved her shadow, and everything they did for her, always there beside her, vigilant and thoughtful. Ready to tend to every need they each felt. Her pleasure was, quite literally, their own- they knew what she wanted, because that was their desire as well.

     She felt the shadow’s phallus swelling within her, stretching her muscles as she clenched and pulsed around them. They snarled and bit into the flesh of her shoulder as they stilled, phantom knot forcing them locked together. Emma cried out as she squirted around her other, arching her back as her body tensed in release.

     Panting and whining, she wriggled her hips. More… she needed more. Her shade drug their tongue along her neck and rocked into her wet cunt as they adjusted the size of their knot for her. She couldn’t help but wish for her radio demon. She wanted him to know she was thinking about him during their separation.

     Flipping her over as they pumped into her, the shadow grabbed Emma’s tail and ripped it from her body. She screamed as the next orgasm hit, her mind going blissfully blank from the combination of pain and pleasure, her body falling limp to the mattress as her shade rode out their own end.

     Her cunt pulsed around the phantom knot of her other, and she shivered with each aftershock, soft mewling moans leaving her kiss swollen lips. The open wound from her tail throbbed, and the shade pressed their claws into it as they kissed along her shoulder blades. Emma’s body twitched and jerked, the overstimulation blinding as she lost consciousness.

     She wasn’t certain what day it was, and as Emma sank into the warm water of her bathtub, she tried to break through the haze of heat to figure it out. Why in the seven circles had she scheduled that stupid provider meeting right smack dab in the middle of her season? How had it so completely slipped her mind? She would need to ask Anita to push it back, or perhaps she could just send an email out to everyone? Lucifer, had Emma become the person that sets a meeting for something that could have just been an email?

      With an annoyed huff, she dipped her head under the water and scrubbed the sweat from her hair. This heat was taking its toll; she had barely eaten anything, her shade needing to force her to drink. Even now, as sore as she felt, she slipped her fingers between her folds, over and around her swollen clit with soft, noiseless moans that bubbled around her.

     Pinching a nipple, she let out more breath as she worked her clit. The loss of air singed her lungs, and she bucked her hips in tired ecstasy, her fingers sliding past her tight muscles to pump another orgasm from her. Idly Emma was grateful for already being in the tub, squirting into the water as her body convulsed and she snarled, claws piercing her breast.

     Her eyes opened wide under the water when she felt her mate shadowing in close by, most likely the bedroom. Why had he come? Didn’t he understand her when she explained how needy she would be? Did he truly wish to tend to her? Emma felt a surge of guilt for what was about to come (pun fully intended). She hated needing to be taken care of- something she still desperately needed to work on in therapy.

     Looking up, Emma saw a murky visage of her darling step into her line of sight to stare down at her. She should probably surface; she really needed to breathe. Releasing a bubbling growl, Emma steeled herself and rose slowly, pushing her hair back as it floated around her. She waited a moment before taking in air, when his fresh scent hit, her legs went weak and she screeched for her mate.

    Shadow danced and swirled around her as Alastor formed in the water, his clothes instantly soaking as her mate swept her into his arms with a responding bellow, crushing his lips against hers. The feel of his warmth against her was unlike any other, and as Emma wrapped her legs around his waist, Alastor snapped his clothing off and pushed her into the wall of the tub.

     Breaking the kiss, her eyes sought his chest, an elated whine of joy leaving her throat when she saw a healed scar. Tears filled her eyes and she nuzzled into the fluff around the scar. “Thank you, my heart,” she cried and whined as she wriggled against him. He wasn’t hard, but he didn’t need his cock to please her- there were so many things to do that required zero dick, and he was well versed in her body.

     “Anything for you, my vixen. I should have done it sooner. I will admit, our tiny king is not as bad as initially thought,” he replied, his eyes glowing down at Emma’s display.

      Tilting her head to look up at him slyly, “Is the Radio Demon making a new friend?”

      Alastor snorted at that, kissing Emma’s forehead as he pressed himself into her. “I wouldn’t go that far, but let’s say he’s not an enemy,” he replied. “He understands quite well what it is to miss one’s love.”

      Cooing and nuzzling against his neck, Emma raised her head in ask, and he eagerly granted his kiss. Their lips met and her body lit up. With a licentious keen, she rubbed her wet cunt over his stomach, and he growled into the kiss and nipped at her bottom lip.

      His hands and tentacles were all over her, and as he thrust a limb into her, Emma screamed into his mouth. He took full advantage, tongue invading as he savored her noises. Oh how she had missed her darling. He enfolded her entirely in his essence, shadow nipping and licking her shoulder and neck as they pulled Alastor’s tentacle from her.

      Emma whined in need, and Alastor and his shade responded to the call with loving ferocity. The shadow thrust their cock into her, and she saw stars.

     “Oh, fuck yes! Al, please. I need it, I need it… need— haah!”

      Alastor sank his fangs into Emma’s throat and held her in place as his shadow rut into her. She heard the shade chittering and growling as they wrapped their lower body around her hips, adjusting their shape and size as they pounded into her- figuring out her body for themselves. “Such a good little mate,” they chirped against her sensitive ear.

     Emma screeched and Alastor moaned against her throat, releasing his fangs and licking the blood that spilled easily with the lapping water. He rose his head to watch her, eyes filled with love as his deft fingers glided over her clit.

      “Alastor… oh my love, yes! Right there! Aah!” She was so close… muscles clenching and pulling at the phantom cock of her lover. “Need it… need… knot…”

       Her own shade came away and wrapped around Alastor’s with an amorous chirp. Alastor’s shadow swelled around Emma, within her as they listened to her shade telling them exactly what she wanted.

      Alastor crashed his lips against hers and slid his palm around and against her clit, pressing against her pubic bone as she bucked against her lovers. Such exquisite ecstasy! Claws, teeth, skin. Oh how lovely that skin looked covered in her bloody slick. She felt Alastor’s shadow working to push a swollen knot into her opening and Emma screamed into her mate’s mouth.

        Where were her hands? Her legs felt nonexistent as Emma floated and rocked against her lovers. The knot pushed in and her mind blanked, body tensing, pushing and pulling all at once. The last thing Emma noticed before losing consciousness was the soft kisses her mate peppered over her as he took care of her.

       Darkness took her mind and she was so very comfortable. She had no need to worry about anything as she leapt happily into dreamland, her mate’s soft voice reassuring and oh so lovely.

-

-

      Waking was a difficult task, and Emma groaned at the stiffness in her muscles. Arms tightened around her as her mate snuffled into her hair with a whine.

     “What do you need, my vixen?” His voice was so sweet, eager to care for his needy mate.

      Stretching out her entire body with a wide yawn, Emma worked to answer his question. “Hmm… hungry for something, but not sure what. Let’s start with a smoke, shall we?”

     Nuzzling his cheek into hers before kissing it, Alastor snapped his fingers and handed Emma a lit blunt. His shadow slithered off and her own shade chased, chittering amorously and nipping at their partner as they left the room. Emma chuckled at how cute her shade acted around the other. So incredibly adorable!

     Taking in a long hit, she held her breath to soak in all the relief she could before letting it go. She felt so spoiled, snuggled up to her darling, who seemed eager to tend to any whim.

     Coughing a bit, she noticed how dry her throat was, and before even asking, a glass of water appeared in front of her as Alastor took the blunt. She accepted with a sheepish smile, ears drooping at the attentive care. She knew Alastor was a romantic by now (at least with her), but the sweet way he looked at her as he took care of her set Emma’s tail to thumping. Such a wonderful mate!

       Setting the water on the bedside table, Emma leapt onto her darling, startling the demon as he held the blunt away from her hair. Whining and yapping happily, she nuzzled her cheeks against any skin she found and wriggled her entire body against his, tail thumping on the mattress.

     Alastor cooed and laughed at the display, snapping the blunt away and wrapping his arms around her. Emma’s mind felt hazy as she snuggled him, taking in his musky scent- he smelled like safety, like love and joy. He was home.

    “What day is it?” The question earned a chuckle as Alastor peppered kisses over her hair and face. Emma closed her eyes, tail wagging as she soaked in his affections. Between kisses, her darling hummed as he thought.

      “We can make certain, but I believe it’s Sunday around 3 o’clock. Is there anything that you needed done?”

      Emma softened, her heart swelling with love. “I had scheduled a meeting with those providers on Tuesday, but I think I may give my therapist a call to either reschedule or give her the information so she can do the presentation. Ugh, it’s hard to think,” she rubbed at her face, and her mate cooed, resuming his kisses to her cheek, her nose and her lips.

     Emma felt as though she were still floating, sighing against his mouth as he slid his tongue between her lips. With a wanton groan, she hooked her leg over his hip and rolled against him. He responded with a growl, claws dragging along her side before gripping her ass to pull her closer.

       She shivered when she felt his cock hardening and pressing against her clit. “Want you,” she whined as their bodies pressed and moved with each other.

      “My sweet little mate,” he growled, his body and antlers growing around her. Oh sweet Satan, she wanted him. She wanted him so badly Emma felt she would die if he didn’t take her right then. Why had he even bothered dressing her? Kind as it was, the clothes were keeping her from that delicious cock.

     “Please, my buck… breed me… fill me… I need you…”

      Her words earned a debauched moan as Alastor snapped their clothes off and slid his tongue along her throat, nibbling gently as he pushed her on her back and moved lower. Emma whined and bucked at the loss of contact. She wanted to be surrounded by him. Oh but his breath heating her skin was just lovely.

      Alastor’s body was easily twice her size, his eyes bleeding into black as he bit from her breasts to her ribs. Licking a trail from her hip bone, he took a small piece of thigh with a staticky moan.

     “Oh, fuck Alastor. More, my buck. Please. Take more. Fuck me. Eat me. I need…”

     Was she hallucinating, or was the world itself bending around them? Oh who gives a fuck? He was her world, and Emma wanted to live in him for the rest of eternity.

     Pain and agonizing pleasure hit all at once as teeth ripped a chunk of thigh from her while a tentacle pushed past the muscles of her entrance. “Haah! Yes! Yes!”

     His mouth was all over her, and as Emma watched her buck attend her, she whined and moaned and panted at the sight of him.

    Large, gnarled antlers defied physics as they caged her, and Emma grabbed hold of them, running her tongue over the rough texture and arching her back to rub her sensitive breasts against them. Alastor snarled and nipped at her drenched mound before he was lost to her. His tongue replaced the tentacle that was fucking her, and the environment around them completely altered. Static filled the air, and Emma watched her mate devour her bloody slick. He was a man starved, offered a five star dinner. He licked slowly, bit at her labia, sucked her swollen clit and licked along her glistening slit, only to shove his tongue back in to fuck more nectar from her.

      Ecstasy. Heavenly- no, infernal euphoria. Her body was alight with desire, pleasure and pain as she cried and screeched and bucked. That tongue was pure perfection, those dial eyes pure fire, those claws… “Satan, you drive me to madness, you beautiful creature,” her demon growled as he stared her down, nipping at her labia one last time before rising to cover her.

     He’d grown even larger, almost thrice Emma’s size as a large hand wrapped completely around her waist and yanked her body down. Looking down, Emma screeched in need- he was magnificent, rock hard and dripping with precum.

      “Love me, my heart. I need you,” she whined and arched into his larger frame, gliding her claws along his chest as she breathed him in.

     “Forever, mon cœur…” came the reply, and he was inside her. Oh how sweet it was, that burning stretch.

      Emma’s head flung back against the mattress and she screamed. Fuck, she didn’t need a knot, the sheer size her darling had grown to completely filled her. Her sensitive cunt squirted over her lover and he snarled at the pressure of her body pulsing around his cock, his own body rigid as though holding himself back.

      “More, Alastor… don’t— mmn… hold back. I want it all, my monster. Use me. I’m yours, my buck. My mate,” she nuzzled as her body twitched in its release.

      Alastor whined above her, his cock twitching inside her. “You cruel, wonderful, twisted woman. I’m going to ruin you, my little Vixen…”

    Then he was moving inside her as his shadows swallowed them both up, and they were in the bayou she’d made him. He pressed himself entirely within her and she keened. Delicious…

      Sliding his other hand under Emma’s head and shoulders, her darling pulled her up to straddle his large hips as he crouched. “Mine…” came the distorted growl of her lover as he began to pull her slightly off his drenched cock, moaning at the bloody slick covering him. “Perfect…”

     He slammed her back down onto him and Emma screamed in pleasure, wriggling and circling her hips as best she could with his hands the only things holding her. She nuzzled a large finger and bit, rubbing her hands over her breasts to squeeze at her nipples.

     Alastor’s dial eyes flickered and switched down at her as he worked her over his cock, that sweet, mad love shining as he savored Emma’s pleasure. Leaning his large head down, he slid his tongue along their joined bodies, eliciting desperate whining as her pussy clenched around him. Quickening his pace, Emma felt the swell of his cock as he pulsed within her.

      Clenching his eyes shut, Alastor forced her body as far onto him as he could and ground against her. Emma screamed and latched on to her mate as he spent himself, biting him, aggressive and needy as she rubbed herself on him. She was coming again after the second pulse of seed hit, and Emma bit harder, grinding her teeth as her tail whipped. Good luck getting her off of the demon, they were completely attached, as much as they could be. This man was hers, and Emma had staked her claim many a time.

      She hadn’t heard the bellow her mate released when she bit him, her brain was on fire as she worked through her orgasm. Such wondrous sensations!

     Emma panted and purred as their bodies pulsed together, as though one large, beating heart. Slowly, Alastor shrank back to his normal size, and his shadows brought them back to bed as they snuggled and soaked in the afterglow. Rubbing her face into his neck, Emma sighed happily, “you’re amazing, my darling. Thank you so much for taking care of me,” she spoke, her heart full of love for the demon beside her.

     With a happy bleat, Alastor squeezed her and nuzzled her hair, placing a soft kiss to her forehead before moving her to sit up.

     “I believe I heard someone say they were hungry.” He smiled down at her, and Emma saw their shades slink in holding a tray of her favorite treats. Oh, how spoiled she was!

    Her body broke into a happy puppy wiggle, and Emma yelped happily. “I am the luckiest demon in Hell! Thank you so much, my darlings!”

    She would have to thank Lucifer. This was turning out to be the best heat Emma had ever experienced!

Chapter Text

     “Aaahhh… yesss… Al, fuck… sooo good. Mmm…”

      A loud crack sounded, and Emma cried out in ecstasy, tail shivering as her lover worked her body. Was there anything those deft fingers couldn’t do?

Pop-

Snap!

      “Fuuck.”

     “Feelin’ good, ma chér?” Alastor cooed over her sensitive ear, and she wriggled below him as he moved- such a cruel, wonderful demon.

    “You have no idea, my darling. Those hands are made of magic,” she moaned and arched against his pressure. Alastor chuckled and stopped his ministrations to pour more oil into a palm before returning to massaging.

     Her heat was finally subsiding, and Emma was ready to be done with it. Her muscles were so stiff, and she counted herself incredibly lucky to have such a caring mate. That and the sheer stamina of the demon.

       Perhaps symptoms of his rut; her buck only seemed to gain energy when she woke from each reprieve, ready to provide any need, no matter how small or large. He’d made sure she’d stayed hydrated, well fed when hungry, comfortable, and entertained when not fucking her absolutely senseless. Emma was certain to look back on their first season together fondly, but fuck if she wasn’t exhausted and sore right now.

       Alastor moved a leg to settle, and that’s all it took. A screech left Emma’s throat, and her buck yanked her hips up with a responding bellow. Leaning to cover her, he wrapped an arm around Emma’s waist to hold her up and pushed into her with a staticky moan. Seven Hells, how could he still feel so fucking good?

       “Aahh yes… Oh, Al…” Her words slurred as pleasure lit her brain, and Emma squeezed her legs, eliciting a low whine from her buck.

        “My sweet little Vixen…” Static and dragging kisses peppered across her shoulders, the low gravelly tone of her lover’s voice sending shivers through her core. The hand holding her pressed against her womb as she cried out, desperate and wanton, circling her hips and pressing as much into him as she could.

        “Satan… you feel so good wrapped around me, ma belle amoureux,” Alastor growled against Emma’s neck, tongue savoring the sweat of her heated skin. Dragging those clawed fingers up her stomach, ribs, between her breasts to wrap around her throat, her mate hauled her up to rest flush against his chest as he crouched. She felt a slick tongue glide along her clit as her lover pumped into her and Emma moaned, bucking desperately against his shadow.

      “Alastor! Oh, my love. Yesss…” The new position stretched her dripping cunt, and Emma screeched for her lover as he thrust into her, slow, controlled, and oh so sensuous. “Lucifer… you’re so— haaah… perfect…”

      Alastor chuckled low against her neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive flesh. “How odd, calling another… person’s name when… ngh! You’re so thoroughly filled,” he teased, and Emma gave a breathless laugh, nuzzling as much as she could. “You say that like Satan is just a— mmmn… fictional deity. If I’m gonna choose— aaahhh… a sin to call to… it’s gonna be— oh fuuck me…”

     Alastor bit into her shoulder while his shadow sucked at her clit, rubbing a hand over her womb as they formed a phantom knot around his cock, the buck groaning at the added sensations. “What was that, darling?” His voice was distorting, the environment around them fizzling and flickering as he took his own pleasure. His hands were all over her, rubbing, kneading, gouging.

     “M’ gonna… haah…” Clenching her teeth, Emma’s head fell back as her body tensed in release, giving a high keening whine. Alastor bit harder at her shoulder, a rumbling snarl leaving his throat as he slowed his thrusts, savoring the pulsing heat of his mate’s cunt around him.

      Once her body relaxed he moved faster,  pushing and grinding into her, a territorial bellow sounding as he came to his own end. Such exquisite pleasure! Libidinous moans poured from Emma’s lips; the sensation of his seed spurting was such a powerful thing. Pride coursed through her body from the cries escaping her lover’s throat- the glowing warmth from his semen filled her with a primal satisfaction like no other.

      “Mmm— haah… my buck… you take such good care of me,” Emma drawled, stroking his hair behind her as she nuzzled and rested her head on his.

       Alastor gave a contented hum, happy bleats sounding as he held Emma close and peppered gentle kisses over the wound at her shoulder. His hands glided over her sensitive skin, lowering her back to the bed.

        “Such power behind such simple words, my vixen. It stirs… much passion…” He nipped at a drooping ear as he squeezed her hips. “How did you put it? Ah! You’ve scratched my dom itch quite satisfactorily!”

       Emma laughed at her mate’s jovial proclamation, turning over to pull him into a kiss. He moaned against her lips and she gave a soft sigh, wrapping her arms around his neck- she felt so content like this. Precious and cherished.

        “How are you feeling, ma chér?”

        With a contemplative hum, Emma took a moment to check in with her body- perfectly relaxed, better than she’d felt in ages, albeit a bit sore. Alastor’s massage (outside and in) had really set her right. Nuzzling and hugging her mate close, she gave a happy yelp and thumped her tail as she kissed him again. And again. She could never get enough of his affections.

       “I’m positively floating, my darling. A nice hot bath sounds lovely though,” she replied, rolling over to go to the bathroom.

       Alastor grumbled a bit. Definitely in rut season- the notion of ridding herself of his scent raised his hackles. She couldn’t help the small chuckle that left her lips, “I love you, but I am very dirty.” She leaned over to kiss his cheek, and he pulled her back down under him, rubbing his nose against her with a bleat.

      “You smell like mine,” he cooed as he peppered kisses over her face. With an embarrassingly yelpie giggle, Emma closed her eyes and thumped her tail as her ears drooped. “Well, you’ll just have to find a way to make me smell as such again.”

      She received a groan and nip at her throat for the tease before Alastor let her up again, leaning on his arm as he watched her walk away with a smile. The adorable soft boi.

       When done with the toilet, Emma pointed to fill the tub and sat at the vanity to brush the tangles from her hair. She heard gentle knocking, and turned to smile at her mate. “May I join you, darling?”

        Rising from the seat, she padded over and wrapped her arms around him, placing a kiss to his chest. “Of course, dearest,” she replied, nuzzling in his fur before gazing adoringly up at him.

       Those cute ears drooped, and Alastor pressed kisses over Emma’s forehead as they soaked in each other’s presence. She yipped when he picked her up to carry her into the tub and giggled- she felt like an absolutely spoiled queen! Best. Heat. Ever!

     They played between washing each other, splashing and frolicking as they laughed. Emma gave a bite to Alastor’s hand when he’d caught her; that must have fanned his own flames. With an erotic growl, he wrapped himself entirely around her, his shadows spiriting them to his little bayou. Well, she could always finish washing up later.

      “Remember our safe word and gesture, my little Vixen?”

       Fucking shit, how that man weakened her knees, the low hum of static sending shivers down her spine as he purred his words. Tapping the correct gesture, Emma spoke out, “hellcat”, an evil grin spreading across her poison lips.

      Alastor’s dial eyes glowed and switched down at her, and he lowered his head to rub his nose against hers before placing a soft kiss to it. Then she saw that gleam fill his flickering gaze; she’d only seen it once before.

      A thrill of fear hit her gut with the arousal, and Emma whined as she pressed herself against his growing form. The gleam flared to a blaze as his smile turned sinister, a dark chuckle leaving his dripping lips.

       “Run.”

      It took her a moment to follow the order, her feet not wanting to move. She was uncertain… scared. Incredibly horny, but scared. She wanted to stay, to present herself and calm her contorting buck.

      Eyes switching at her, Emma’s monster leaned to tower over her, his abnormally long neck stretching down to her eye level, black blood streaming down his chin.

      “I said… Run.”

      And she did.

     Zipping through the trees, Emma didn’t look back. She wasn’t completely certain she wanted to let him catch her. That gleam in his eye, the only other time she’d seen it was… After Extermination Day. He wanted to hurt her.

     He’d made sure to emphasize their safe word, but if she actually were to invoke it, would he honor it? He’d said on that day he would have hurt her even without her permission. Warning bells were flooding her senses through the haze of arousal, and Emma’s heart wanted to break, but she steeled herself, and leapt in a tree.

       She heard the bellow of his mating call behind her, and a pulse of hope thrummed in her chest. He would heed her call, should she choose to use it. And if he didn’t, then at least Emma would know, and could end this all-consuming romance while she still had the nerve to do so. Never would she lose her autonomy again.

      ‘Try not to think about that. He’ll listen. I know he will.’

      But it was still there. And as Emma watched his dark aura follow her scent, her heart began to race more and more, and that fear just kept. On. Growing.

       Emma ran.

       She kept running. She didn’t want to let him catch her. If he caught her, this could all end. And Emma’s heart would break yet again.

        He was different. Al would listen if she called for him to halt his torment. He would…

      “Fuck, stop it Vix!”

      She stopped running.

      Closing her eyes, Emma worked to ground herself, working to get her breathing back under control. “It’s just you. Al will listen. If you need to call it quits, he’ll listen.”

       Emma breathed, and her shadow warbled in warning. Her buck was near. Did she want to keep running? Or could she face her fear?

        Through the branches below, Emma could see Alastor’s twisted form break through the shadows. Oh how she loved her darling monster. She kept her breath low and steady, keeping herself as hidden as she could. She was still very much in fight or flight mode, and as her mate looked around, she watched his every action.

       She could take him. If Emma could get her fangs into his flesh, he would have to completely respawn before taking his revenge. She could poison him if he even grazed her black lips. If he thought she would be a good punching bag, he had a very rude awakening coming his way. He’d said it himself, after all. If he ever stepped a toe out of line, she’d have every right to tear the other demon utterly asunder.

       Adrenaline coursed through Emma as her mind made itself up, and she grabbed a small twig to break. That caught the man’s attention. Her predators eyes flared to life as she sized up her opponent, and his reaction was both adorable and utterly infuriating.

       “I had every intention to feast on you, my goddess, but I think perhaps it is you who requires a sacrifice at the moment.” The buck lowered himself to his knees, black eyes never leaving Emma’s form as she cautiously leapt down and slunk towards him slowly. She was angry. This isn’t what she wanted.

      “No, my buck. I want to serve you tonight. What cut would you prefer? Or perhaps you’d like to rip it from my bones yourself?”

      Her voice was saccharine, slow like honey as she pinned the male with her glowing eyes. ‘Show me who you are, Radio Demon.’

       Alastor groaned as Emma cupped his cheek, raising his large hands to grip her hips and pull her close. Even kneeling, her twisted monster was eye level.

        “Hellcat.”

         That broke through. Blinking slowly, Emma cocked her head at Alastor as he raised a hand to cover the one on his cheek. “I don’t know what‘s turn’n in that head of yours, ma chér, but I want to soothe it. There is something wrong.”

         How? How did this demon just completely flip the rug out from under her swift feet? ‘See? He didn’t even need you to do or say anything. He’s safe. You know that.’

       ‘No. He noticed, and he simply made a counter move.’ She needed to know just what he was wanting when that gleam flashed at her. Was it just her pain he wished for? ‘Or total control?’

       That’s what this was. That’s what Emma was worried about.

        “Darling?”

         “Vixy.”

        “Emma… Please tell me what’s wrong,” her mate was pleading with her on his knees, eyes fading back to coral on crimson as his form shrank. He stayed on his knees, giving a soft mimic of the whine she’d give him.

       “I think my brain is being a brat again… I… Shit, I’m sorry.” Rubbing at her forehead, Emma lowered herself to the ground next to him.

       Alastor seated himself and offered his arms, but she couldn’t deal with touch right now. She didn’t need to say anything- he lowered them and adorably did his best to not look disappointed.

      “You have nothing to be sorry for, so do try your best not to be, dearest. Do you want to talk about it? Was it something I did, or are you being haunted?”

     “I don’t know…” 

      Silence surrounded them both as he sat with her. Just... sat. His shadow warbled below him, but stayed put.

     Soft static fizzled occasionally as Emma worked to ground herself. Her eyes opened as a snap sounded, and Alastor offered her a lit blunt.

      With a soft smile, Emma took the offering. The smoke helped, but now she just felt guilty.

      “You really are one of a kind, Al… Thank you.”

       She heard a snort and looked over at the blushing, preening demon. “I’m quite certain you can obtain your own weed. It’s nothing, darling,” he replied sweetly. Emma smiled and took another hit before speaking again.

      “Not for that… Well, yeah, that definitely does help, but… for this. Just… Being here… Sitting here with me. It helps… You have no idea how rare you truly are,” she replied, scootching next to her darling to rest her head against his arm.

      With a hum, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hair. “Not as rare as you, mon cœur. You are my most precious, treasured person,” he said, his hold tightening. “I wish I could swallow you whole and keep you safe within myself, but I know how much you enjoy socializing.”

       The small jest brought a chuckle to Emma’s lips, and she nuzzled against his chin. “You can hold my heart, if that would suffice…”

     Silence filled the air around them, her mate stiffening beside her.

      “Is that a genuine offer, Emma?”

      Lifting her head to look up at him, “If you would accept it, you may take my heart as many times as you desire, my sweet buck.”

       Alastor stopped breathing for a moment, eyes scanning Emma’s- seeking sincerity.

       “You will tell me if it’s too much. I will stop,” he said, his voice strong, confident and firm in his convictions.

       Emma couldn’t help but melt in his arms, reaching for him in ask of a kiss. Alastor responded with eager helplessness, sighing against her lips when they met.

Safe…

         She was safe here, wrapped in her love as he stole her breath away.

Loved…

       Emma felt so loved. Safe. Comfortable, warm and oh so loved… Such blissful luxury!

      “Would you like me to use a knife, my dearest? Or my claws?” His hands roamed and squeezed at any fat he found, a wanton moan leaving his throat. He gave a nip to her bottom lip before finishing. “Or perhaps, my fangs?”

      Lowering Emma gently to the ground, he dragged his lips across her jaw, over her throat and shoulders, lifting her arms and showering them in the same loving attention as he watched her.

        It was hard to speak, watching him worship her body did things to her.

       “You’re so beautiful…” Emma whispered in awe- such lovely glowing eyes.

       A soft love tune sparked in the air as Alastor kept the hand he’d been kissing in his, and leaned to press his lips to hers. “As are you, my dearest one. The most beautiful work of art I’ve ever encountered,” he replied between kisses.

        “I want you to devour me as you planned. Fangs, claws, knife- any method you prefer. Rip my ribs out and save them for your supper if you like. Tear up my whole body and revel in my blood. I want to bring you as much pleasure as you bring me.”

      Her mate melted on top of her, happy bleats escaping as he snuggled and nuzzled her. “Oh, you do, mon cœur. You give me so much pleasure, simply by allowing me in your den during such a vulnerable time. You teach me every day, and I revel in each and every moment in your presence, my sweet little mate.”

       Such darling sincerity in that lovely gaze. Emma’s tail set to thumping in the mud, and she knew she was definitely gonna need that bath. Granted, if she needed to respawn, she’d do so nice and clean- shiny and new like a penny.

        Her emotions were all over the place as she wriggled and whined. Alastor’s breath caught as he stared down at Emma and ran his hands through her muddy hair.

        There it was again. That gleam in his eyes. He wanted her pain; or perhaps it was something yet identified. She needed more information.

       And so Emma moved. Grabbing a handful of mud, she smeared it over his cheek, down his neck and pressed it into the fur of his chest. A simple enough gesture. Two very different meanings, depending on how he took it. She waited, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

      With a growl, her darling bellowed his mating call and crushed his lips against hers, hips pressing into her. His eyes turned hazy, and Emma screeched as his teeth sank into her throat.

       Oh, what joyous relief she felt as he thrust his cock into her. He was safe. That mud only had two objectives- would he take the human meaning of disrespect? Or would the cervid in him take it as a gesture of desire? His reaction spoke volumes to her, and it eased Emma’s worries like no other. He still saw her as his mate. She could trust his words. Could trust him…

       “My Vixen…”

       Bites. So many wonderful, stinging bites. The pain brought such wondrous, aching joy, and love swarmed through her body, ebbing and flowing through her veins as though a chaotic school of fish.

      “Ahh! Oh, Alastor… You feel… sooo good…”

     Hands, claws, fangs. He left no flesh untouched, desperate, whining cries her only response as her mate lost himself in her. Emma’s heart swelled when he spent himself, hips grinding into her as he buried his fangs in her chest.

      This was it- how he wanted to take her heart. Buried and connected as close as possible, he thrust his claws between her ribs, and Emma screamed as her orgasm washed over her.

      What a way to go; what sensational, conflicting and utterly intoxicating feelings coursed through Emma’s veins as her beautiful mate broke open her ribcage and began to feast. Truly a monster… ‘My monster,’ she thought, eyes closing in blissful agony for the last time. How she loved him so.

….

…

..

.

       Her mind began to wake up, and as she rubbed her head in confusion, she worked to figure out just where she had respawned. The sky was that deep blood red, so she was at least in the Pride ring- it wasn’t often, but occasionally she landed in Lust and would have to travel back to Pride. She was naked (no surprise there), but the great thing about being a fox? She didn’t need shoes, and as soon as Emma figured out where she’d ended up, she could zip back home so fast, hardly anyone would notice.

      Scenting the air, she caught her general location- the tech district. Nice and familiar. The Vintage Vantage around the corner helped reorient her, and as Emma slunk through the shadows of alleyways, she figured out exactly where on the map she was, and zipped off to home.

       When she opened the dimensional door, Emma was surprised by the shadow that zoomed to wrap around and snuggle her. With a soft chuckle, she hugged them and kissed their cheek before her own shade separated to chase and swirl around the other, chirping and chittering in amorous glee.

      Footsteps sounded, and Emma looked up to her mate with a warm smile that quickly devolved into a seam-ripping fit of laughter.

       “What ever am I to do with you, my messy buck?”

      A very dirty Alastor shadowed down to embrace her, nuzzling and kissing all over her hair and face.

    “Forgive me, ma chér. I couldn’t bear ridding myself of you until your return. I’m feeling most… vulnerable, I think,” he replied sweetly, and Emma melted.

    Rubbing her nose against his, she spoke, “I’m here now…”

     Brushing her lips to his, Emma stroked the matted fur of his chest in long, soothing strokes and purred. Alastor whined cutely and wrapped himself around her, clingy and needy as his shadows swallowed them up.

     He must have started the bath when he felt her aura nearing; the large tub was almost filled already.

      “I will be but a moment, my dear. I believe a quick scrub down is in order before attempting to bathe,” he said, mischievous gleam in his eye. Emma wouldn’t argue. With a soft chuckle, she pulled a large hand to her lips to kiss and turned with a swish of her tail to enter the warm water. Her new muscles were a bit stiff from the earlier use, but after the toll of her heat, she was immensely glad to have a fresh body. What a great little afterlife hack! Perhaps from now on, Emma would offer her death after every heat! She felt like a new demon!

        She swam around and enjoyed the surrounding warmth. There was a hint of honeysuckle and sandalwood hanging on the air, and it tickled her to think of Alastor trying to decide which oils to use. She had such a thoughtful mate.

       Emma was running conditioning oil through her hair, soaking on a corner seat when a mostly clean, dripping wet Alastor shadowed in to join her. She giggled at the adorable image and held her arms open for him to shadow into.

      With a happy bleat, he appeared on his knees in front of her and pulled her to him to cuddle.

      “Aww, is someone feeling amorous?”

      Her darling chuckled and nuzzled into her chest with droopy ears. “Perhaps,” he replied, a contented sigh leaving his lips as he settled against her. “I am unused to the intensity of my current desire, my lovely little mate,” he said, before his brows knit, and he quickly added, “Not that I don’t normally desire you. What I mean to say is… Ugh, it’s hard to think straight.”

      Emma cooed at the adorable demon, and nuzzled into his wet hair, rubbing out any blood or mud remaining in his fur. “You are simply precious, my Alastor,” she chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “Its alright, my love. I understand your meaning. I will take care of you, my darling mate. What do you need?”

      Oh how the tables had turned; Emma felt refreshed and energized, while her sweet mate pressed into her, a craving fog clouding those crimson eyes. Idly, her mind worked to figure out how far into his season he might be. No matter. She didn’t even know what day it was, or how long they’d been sequestered- it wouldn’t do to dwell on such matters. Her mate had seen to all of her obligations several days prior; Emma needn’t worry about missing anything. Now, it was her opportunity to offer comfort.

       Alastor had yet to speak, his nose pressing and rubbing into the softness of Emma’s chest as he bleated and nipped at her. So precious…

        Guiding him to the center of the tub, Emma let her mate cling to her as she worked to wash him of the rest of her blood. He was endlessly fascinating to her- most males would be trying to dominate and mount by now, but her darling seemed to simply need her close and affectionate. He whined when she pushed him from her to wash his front side, but it didn’t last long, morphing into a moan as her hands massaged.

       She looked up to meet his gaze and his breath caught, raising a clawed hand to cup her face, the pad of his thumb gliding across her lower lip. Leaning into his hold, she pressed a kiss to it.

      Radio static danced in the air as several genres of music flipped and switched, meshing and melding into his own unique blend. Vulnerable, he’d described the feeling, and Emma saw it all in his eyes as he leaned down to kiss her. So gentle…

     She pet his hair and ears as he explored the planes of her body. His lips swallowed her soft mewls of pleasure, static crackling around them. She began trailing kisses along his jawline, his neck, nipping at his collarbone, and he whimpered.

      “I want…”

     Emma paused her attentions to look up at her flustered, blushing mate. Rising to cup his cheek, she pressed several soft kisses to his lips before rubbing her nose to his. His hands were still moving over her heated flesh, and the feel of his claws pricking as he squeezed at her fat sent jolts of pleasure to her core.

       “What can I do for you, my heart?” Ears drooping, Emma stared adoringly at her ever-softening demon.

     Alastor cleared static from his throat, and Emma had to really work not to laugh at the adorable awkward expression.

      “Well, ahem… Will you… I want you to… Ugh, this shouldn’t be so difficult!”

      Emma cooed and stroked his chest as he worked to overcome his embarrassment. “Would it make it any easier if I guessed?”

     His ears were pinned, and he sank to plant his face in her chest as he nodded hesitantly. So incredibly cute!

    “Is it something we’ve tried before, or something new?” Her question had him stiffening as he worked to form his words.

     “New,” he replied, and Emma’s heart leapt in excitement. She loved introducing people to new experiences, and for her darling to express interest in expanding his repertoire with her… Oh, such joy!

      Her tail was beginning to wag, dragging and splashing the water around.  “Would you like to stay in the tub, or is there another space that you’d feel more comfortable in?”

      That seemed to help ease her mate, his body relaxing as he giggled at her happy tail. “Dry and in bed sounds like a good start,” he replied, his demeanor easing as they moved to exit the tub. Once out, Emma zapped both herself and Alastor dried- a wonderful bit of magick dear Velvette had not-so-patiently taught her.

      Alastor gave an impressed hum, shaking his fur out before he gave a startled pop of interference. Emma had to stifle the laughter that wanted to burst forth at the sight of her buck.

      “Well, that feels a bit better,” he chuckled as he bent to pick up the fallen antler from the floor. He noticed her intrigued stare and offered the shed piece of himself to her, his smile soft. “Would you like them? They tend to carry a small bit of energy and make excellent knives. Or I can make a display to show your conquest.”

       ‘My conquest…’

       Damn, that demon knew how to set her on fire. Walking over to him, Emma growled and licked the blood at his skull before staring down at him.

      Predators eyes flaring and glowing, she groaned at the idea of dominating him. He definitely noticed her reaction to his words, and that hazy fog clouded his gaze once more. “I want you to take me like a woman,” he moaned out, leaning to pull Emma close and drag his tongue over her nipple.

       Ozzie give her strength.

      “Fuck, Al…” She ripped his mouth from her breast to crush her lips to his, and he whimpered against her, doing his best to fold into her body as Emma pulled him close. His shadows spirited them to rest on the bed, and she pushed him gently down, straddling his waist as they kissed.

      “I love you so much, my heart…”

      Emma’s soft words had her mate wriggling, arching his chest against hers as her claws trailed lightly under his back. She moved her kisses over his cheeks, his nose, down his jaw and throat. “Let me know if I do anything you don’t like, or if you want me to do something else,” she finished with a small bite to his throat, and he bucked his hips with a high pitched cry.

      Her lover panted and whined beneath her, but nodded in acknowledgment, and she nuzzled his chin in approval. Calling her shadow, Emma asked them to bring her some supplies and set to worshiping the beauty beneath her.

      Blood began to soak the sheets below, and Emma reveled in the feel of it on her skin, the taste of him on her tongue…

     She kissed, bit; licked any flesh she found as Alastor moaned and cried out her name, pleading with her for more. Who was she to deny such a precious creature?

    She ripped a piece of thigh from her contorting mate and groaned as she chewed the meat and swallowed. She felt absolutely feral watching his reactions- she hadn’t even touched the leaking cock in front of her yet, but she could tell. It wouldn’t take much to bring him to his end.

      Emma’s ear twitched as her shade zoomed over to her to unceremoniously drop the items she’d requested, only to zoom back out as quickly as they came. She couldn’t help but giggle at them- if her darling’s spoken wishes were anything to go by, his shadow was in for quite a treat.

      Her mate whined when she moved away for a moment and Emma couldn’t help the chuckle again. “There there, my sweet buck. I’m not going anywhere,” she soothed, grabbing her special spillicone underwear to roll on. They would be perfect for her task- An incredible feat of fashion technology, they simulated a penis that could grow or shrink with the remote, and had a ribbed opening for clitoral stimulation; Ozzie had designed them himself, along with a female version that simulated a vaginal canal.

       Alastor looked up to see what Emma was doing and whined, his face going bright red when she met his stare with a mischievous grin and began stroking the new attachment.

     “Well, that certainly is convenient,” he spoke, a spark of curiosity and intrigue lighting his crimson face.

     Sitting up to examine the apparel, he reached out to feel the material, breath hitching when he made contact. “It feels like skin, but it’s not… How interesting…”

      Emma smiled at how cute her old man was. “There are many luxuries and oddities to be sampled from this time, my darling. I will gladly give you a tour,” she purred, wrapping her hand around his and squeezing, a soft moan passing between them.  “The size is adjustable, according to what feels comfortable to you, and it vibrates. They’re designed to bring both parties pleasure.”

     Alastor was quite lost, but when those sweet eyes met Emma’s, she leaned down to kiss him and he melted, wrapping his arms around her shoulders as she parted his legs and bent to cover him. He let out a lascivious moan as her cock slid against his own, the lubricant slick and cool would be a sensation all it’s own.

     The pride that surged through Emma as her darling fell apart under her could flood the entire ring. He wrapped himself around her as she rubbed her cock along his, sighing and panting and oh so lovely. He made such a beautiful sight- flushed cheeks, ears twitching and drooping as Emma thrust against him; those hazy, needy eyes that called her to serve.

     And oh would she serve. “My beautiful little mate… You feel so good,” Emma croaked out, grinding her hips into his. “Mmm…” her clit was sliding against the stimulator, and as she quickened her pace, she heard Alastor’s frantic cries and sank her fangs into his throat, flicking on the vibration.

      Alastor screamed. The very air around them shifted and distorted. “Hah! Emma! Yes! Yes! Yes!”

     Crushing her in his embrace, he stilled before his body began spasming, and Emma felt his seed pulse against her stomach. Fuck, he was so fucking sexy like this. He let out a whining groan and relaxed against the pillows, panting to catch his unsteady breath as Emma turned off the vibration, licking and kissing at the wounds she’d created.

       She showered her darling in affection as he came down from his high, nuzzling and snuggling close with a contented puppy whine. He giggled and nuzzled back when able, letting out a long sigh.

        “I seem to just keep making a mess of myself,” he laughed breathlessly, and Emma rested her forehead to his.

        “And I love you for it,” she replied. How utterly she adored this demon.

        Alastor blushed and rubbed his nose to Emma’s, before she moved down to lick her prize from his flesh, and he groaned as he watched.

        When finished, she zapped the underwear off and in the bathroom to clean, before moving to lay back down. Pulling her darling into her arms, Emma kissed his forehead as he snuggled in, her tail happily wiggling against the mattress. She couldn’t believe how utterly lucky she was- never in her life or afterlife had Emma expected to find a love like this. Someone to treasure in every way she wished, and who wanted the same things.

       Shifting just a bit, she flinched when something sharp stabbed into her side. Grabbing the offending object, Emma had to stifle the giggle that wanted to bubble forth.

       An antler. Her conquest.

       With a soft smile, she brought the token to her lips and kissed it with loving reverence, before setting it on the bedside table.

        What a hell of a way to spend a heat. Listening to Alastor’s soft breathing even out, Emma held him close and pressed her nose to his hair. Home.

        Sleep took hold, and she welcomed it as an old friend, her mind conjuring stories of a life. A life that almost seemed impossible to imagine before. But what a beautiful life it would be.

Chapter Text

      “Breakfast is ready, my beauty. Are you ready to eat?”

       A sleepy Alastor gave a large yawn as he stretched out his entire body. His eyes found the tray in Emma’s hands and softened as he gave a pleased hum. “You spoil me, sweetheart. That smells delightful!”

     A surge of pride filled Emma’s chest as she walked in and set the tray to hover over the bed while she climbed in and gave him a soft peck. She yelped when he pulled her down under him, giggling as he nuzzled and snuffled against her hair with a contented hum.

      “I love you, mon cœur,” he sighed out, resting his forehead to hers with a soft smile. Whining happily, Emma rubbed her nose against his and pressed one more kiss to his lips before he released her.

    “I love you, my heart,” she replied, rising to sit as Alastor picked up a piece of fried bacon.

     “I think I’m ready to get back out in the world today- perhaps a walk, and check in with everybody. What do you think?”

      Alastor hummed as he savored his breakfast, swallowing before speaking. “I suppose we can’t hide away forever. I believe I feel up for an outing if that is your wish… If I may make an odd request?”

     Emma smiled around the bone she was gnawing at, nodding for him to continue. “Will you keep my seed on yourself for today?” He watched her crack her bone with a soft smile, and she couldn’t help but feel tickled that he enjoyed her messy foodie side. Such a soft boi. A true friend as well as lover. She felt like the luckiest demon to ever manifest!

      “You are so precious, my buck. I shall proudly wear your seed. Would you like me to wear any special apparel for you? You could choose something, or I could surprise you.”

        Emma’s offer had Alastor’s ears pricking to attention, a small flare of static buzzing around them.

        “You wonderful, wicked woman,” he chuckled out between bites. “You are an endless well of entertainment!”

       Emma’s smile turned mischievous at his reply, and she flashed her predators eyes as she leaned her head to the side. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” she countered, and Alastor laughed around his meat.

      “As well you should, ma chér! The highest I can give! Hmm…” He became lost in thought for a moment, tapping his fork against his teeth as his mind worked. “I require more information before making such an important decision…” he spoke softly to himself, before his gaze roamed to find Emma’s.

      “Do you already have something you were planning to wear for me sometime?”

     Her smile widened in response, and Emma made a point of taking another bite of her pancakes. Static crackled around them as the fork stopped its tapping.

      “I believe I’d like you to surprise me.”

      Emma laughed heartily at the adorable demon. “I suppose I can figure out a little something,” she sighed out, acting as though he’d made the most inconvenient decision. It wasn’t a good act of course, but her exaggerated damsel performance earned a giggle and kiss to her cheek.

      When finished with breakfast, they both frolicked and made love once more in Alastor’s bayou before finally moving to begin their day.

       Emma had made her mate wait downstairs to reveal the special outfit she’d been saving. The whole ensemble took almost ten minutes to fully adorn, her little darklings helping to style her hair into a half-up art piece of curls after assembling the attire.

      The victorian fusion dress was a stunning work of creativity that Velvette had imagined up for her, and Emma felt positively giddy with anticipation to wear it. Mesh stockings that had inverted pentagram microphones stitched on the front, just high enough to accentuate the tall black stiletto boots that reached just above the knee. Next came the black laced corset, then a maroon under layer wrapped over a ruffled black petticoat, halter top open in the shape of an old cathedral radio to show off her cleavage, a thin layer of gold tulle to simulate the speaker. Little red and black radio dial buttons were snapped together to close the layer, and her shade helped her into the pinstripe halter overcoat. The coat itself flared around the petticoat, not quite touching the floor.

       As one of her little darklings were finishing adjusting the matching bow tie, another sidled up to her holding several of the tails she’d ripped from herself through her rough heat for assessment. They would need to dry a few more days, but the ideas flitted through Emma’s mind for all the gifts she’d make from them. If her darling felt like exploring his feminine side, she would make a most splendid piece for him to drape himself in. But she was most excited to begin work with Ozzie to build what she had designed after the tour of her mate’s home. It would be the perfect addition to his collection!

      With the final touches in place, Emma’s largest darkling slithered up to her, the specially crafted staff held up with both hands.

       It certainly didn’t work like Alastor’s totem, but the prop was nearly identical, with a coral heart in place of the sentient eye. Emma took the cane with a grateful kiss to the shades head, giving them a good ear scritch for their efforts.

       She knew precisely when Alastor saw her, the static rising to a fever pitch in the room as she walked down the stairs.

      “What do you think, my darling? I’ve had this little getup sitting in the back of my wardrobe for a good few weeks waiting for the right occasion. Does it suit your taste?”

       A silly question. The look in her mate’s eyes told her that he definitely liked the outfit. Emma’s grin turned wicked as she glided towards the choking demon, and spun for him, ending in a vogue pose.

       Alastor gushed.

      “My darling, dazzling Vixen, you are the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on! Oh sweetheart!”

      Emma couldn’t help but giggle at the conflicting emotions flitting in his gaze- he seemed torn between lust and pure joy, and it made for the cutest little expressions. He reached his hand out and bowed in ask of hers, and she accepted with a soft smile.

      Music began to play and Alastor began to sing to Emma as he swept her into a dance. Oh how she adored her darling demon! They swung and glided in her living room as he quite literally sang her praises, their shadows swirling around them as they moved. His magic flared the fireplace to life as he twirled and dipped her,  green hellfire lighting up that lovely sinister grin.

       “I can’t decide whether to parade you around town, or whisk you back to bed, my dear,” he finished his adorable show with a soft smile and a breathtaking kiss. Falling into him, Emma gave a whine as she swooned.

       “We could always try getting out again tomorrow,” she offered, nuzzling into his neck as he held her, eliciting a small chuckle from her mate.

       “Ah, but therein lies the problem, dear Vixy. I simply must show you off! In fact…”

       His eyes went wide for a moment before he snapped a notebook into existence labeled ‘Experiments in Passion’ and began writing furiously. Emma couldn’t help but snort- how many subjects had he had to explore since they’d met? She found him absolutely adorable- always wanting to research and take notes, no matter the subject. It seemed to help him sort out the tangles of his mind, and the way he stuck his tongue out to chew as he concentrated on whatever held his attention made her heart swell. So cute.

        “Since you’ve got your experiment notebook out, may I pose a question for you to ponder?”

       Alastor looked up as his hand continued to write his thoughts, his head cocking. “Of course, ma chér. What were you thinking about?”

         Emma smiled as she watched him go back to his writing before speaking. “Yesterday you asked me to take you like a woman. It made me curious. Is that because you wished for me to penetrate you, or would you like to explore your feminine side? There’s much to explore, and should you wish it, I would happily indulge you in whatever way you desire, whether it’s makeovers and going dancing, or showing you other pleasures. And as for penetration, the term is ‘anal’ or ‘pegging’, should you decide you’d like to try.”

        Alastor stiffened as red crept up his face, his pen stopping as he thought about Emma’s words. “Pegging… such an ugly word, but noted. I believe that is what I was wanting at the time, but also not. How do I explain?”

       The pen tapped against his sharp teeth as he worked to organize his words. “When we make love, you always look so… blissful… It made me want to know what you were feeling… to be surrounded and consumed wholly until nothing else exists. I have a feeling it is a difference in our sex and/or sexualities, but I would like to know for sure. Does… that make sense?”

          Her face softened on him. “I utterly adore you, my Alastor. For me, what makes the biggest difference is who I’m having sex with. What brings me that bliss is knowing you have me, that I’m safe and wanted, and so very well loved. We can of course try whenever you’re ready. Annnnd, should you decide you’d like to try on any feminine clothing, I’m happy to share my wardrobe with you. All of my clothes are spelled to fit perfectly on whatever body they’re wearing…”

          Alastor quirked a brow at Emma, searching and analyzing before giggling.

         “I take it you might enjoy that,” he purred, resting the pen against his bottom lip.

        Emma shivered as the image of a dolled up Alastor in nothing but her fur burned its way into her mind, and her mate burst into laughter.  “Perhaps we will try on a night we’re staying in. However currently, with the way you look in that dress, we’re definitely going out!”

      Alastor finished his writings before snapping the notebook gone and hugging Emma close. Humming and snuffling into her hair, he squeezed at the boning of the corset before groaning.

      “You are the very embodiment of temptation, ma belle…” he spoke, placing a chaste kiss to her forehead before stepping back and offering his arm with a soft smile.

     Emma melted at her darling’s words, rubbing her thighs together as she swished her tail. Semen and slick mixed and melted into her underwear, and she noticed Alastor flaring his nostrils before a prideful grin overtook his features. Which only made Emma wetter.

      “This will be more of a challenge than I anticipated. Think we can make it for three hours? That should give us time for everything,” she spoke slyly, finally taking his offered arm. Alastor snorted-  of course he could make it.

“My dear, I’m hoping to just make it for one,” he retorted, and Emma stumbled in her steps, eyes darting up to his own heated stare. For a moment they stared at one another, and then it just happened.

       ““Pfffthaha! Hahahaha!””

       The two devolved into a giggle fit.

     It took a while to calm down after that, both leaning on the other to stay upright. Looking up to her mate’s teary face, Emma worked to speak as she caught her breath, “There’s always the odd dark alleyway, but let’s compromise and try for two?”

     Alastor’s eyes flashed black as they found Emma’s, his grin demented. “How do you do that so well?” Oh what a cad! Alastor in the throes of his rut was such a treat!

      “I have a good partner to bounce off of,” she replied with a wink, booping his nose before reaching for the door handle.

    She received a happy bleat for the effort, and out the door they walked.

       The walk was incredibly refreshing, and they both stopped by a small buffet to greet friends and swipe a small bite. Alastor kept Emma close, their arms linked as they made their way through town. Checking in with Anita, they learned that everybody had had a meeting with Charlie- they’d scheduled moving day to occur in a few days, Lucifer offering to move the dimensional space if Emma were still unavailable. She felt a swell of love for the fallen angel. He was turning out to be a wonderful friend- even if he didn’t know it yet.

     Anita and several others had already made the move to their living quarters, and gushed about how friendly dear Charlie was. She couldn’t believe how wonderful a princess of Hell could be.

     “I had a feeling you’d get along like a couple ‘a hellcrows,” Emma said, her smile soft.

     Anita chuckled before turning sheepishly to Alastor, who had been following Emma so closely, if he weren’t The Radio Demon, one could almost mistake him for her shadow. “I wanted to thank you sir. You probably don’t remember me, but you once saved me in a difficult situation. I was a bit… shaken… at the time, but now that I’ve gotten the chance to meet you again, I gotta say thank you.”

      Her words came out a bit faster than her usual cadence, but he’d heard it all, humming in response. “Not to worry my dear. I love a good impromptu slaughter. It was quite fortuitous in fact! I haven’t had gator in years!”

      Emma’s eyebrows rose at the exchange, lips tucking in a frown. “Nita…”

     “Don’t you ‘Nita’ me. It was three against one! You’re good, but you’re not this guy,” she lectured.

       “Ow. My pride,” Emma deadpanned, placing her hand over her heart. Her mate giggled behind her, placing his hand on her head. “My dear, I believe if this dame ran into three goons in nothing but her tail, they’d need five more and still not compare. Why, this little darling cut my throat like it was Sunday brunch!”

         Anita stared at the two, mouth agape as she processed Alastor’s words. “You know what, this-“ she pointed between them, “makes waaaayy too much sense now.”

        Emma snorted at that, laughter bubbling in her chest. “Yes, well, all that aside, next time, call me. For someone who constantly says to put faith in others, you sure have a hard time doing that yourself.”

        It was gentle, but the message was received, Anita’s ears drooping as she looked away. She was so adorable, chubby cheeks puffing out as she crossed her arms. A huffy child receiving an unwanted but necessary lecture.

        “Yeah yeah, I get it. You’re an all powerful, mystical mystery woman who don’t need no man,” she replied, her eyes rolling playfully.

         Emma chuckled before heading towards the door. “Damn right. But this one’s definitely a keeper,” she said proudly, enjoying the way her mate drug his claws lightly over her soft curls as his hand left her head.

          “Oh you are just sickening! I’ll see ya in a few days, ya love bugs,” Anita spoke as she waved goodbye, Alastor’s shadow waving back from behind them.

         Continuing on their way, Emma decided to just text Velvette to check in, scheduling both a fur delivery (for which her sweetheart was ecstatic) and a girls day. One of the best things about her darling doll- as impatient as she could be in the midst of a task, she was never so if one forgot to say hello. Odd as it was, she was simultaneously a high and low maintenance friend.

       ‘Neurodivergent’ as the youth would say. Emma wasn’t certain what type of neurodivergent, but she definitely hit the mark in her opinion. She understood things in fantastical ways, and refused to play sweet just to appease those who perceived themselves to be above her. She was an absolute gem among women.

        Emma didn’t need to worry about paying attention as she walked and texted. Arm in arm with her darling, his sinister aura engulfed the area around them. A demon would be a complete fool to impede their journey. Although she did notice the odd admirer from afar, which wasn’t exactly new, but it wasn’t exactly common either. Most of Emma’s fans were normal and incredibly respectful when she met them, usually stumbling and stuttering as they tried their best not to stare at her tits for too long.

       As they got closer to the hotel, Emma noticed the low buzz of static that hung around her mate was steadily growing, and she squeezed his arm to catch his attention. Those lovely bright eyes met hers, and she whispered with an evil grin, “should we find an alley?”

       Alastor softened, chuckling at her jest (not a jest), before shadows swallowed them up and they were standing in front of the hotel. “I’m afraid we had some uninvited company along the way,” he said, his eyes darkening.

       “You get used to it. They usually don’t do anything, and if they do, hey, free dinner and entertainment!” Her jovial attempt at reassurance did not have the desired effect.

       “You shouldn’t have to put up with that. I understand your having to work with that vile moth. That’s business. But stalkers?” Rage blazed and danced behind those crimson eyes, contained but only just. Oh, he was just such a darling!

       “You’re so sexy when that wrath fills your gaze,” Emma purred, tail swaying in seductive delight.

        A record scratch sounded and she laughed at the spluttering demon. “We’re in Hell, my darling overlord. Unfortunately the rules down here are dog eat dog (forgive the pun). As well equipped as I am, I appear small and vulnerable to most other people. It is their mistake for thinking as such. Those who try receive my Hell for however long I decide. That’s not exactly fair either, but again- we’re in Hell. I’m a demon. And a damn nasty one, if I may say so. And you, my darling mate-“ she brought his hand to her lips to kiss. “Are the biggest, baddest demon in Pride. Who in their right mind would mess with your woman?”

        Alastor stiffened, radio static flaring as his brows knit. “I appreciate the attempt at placating, but you are my mate, not “my woman”. I’ll not have you denigrating yourself just to soothe me.” He cupped her cheek and Emma melted with a hum.

      “I love you, you adorable teddy bear,” she replied, tail wagging slowly. She lost herself in his gaze, leaning into his hand with a soft happy whine as her ears drooped. Her mate mirrored her and pulled her in for a tight hug, his chin resting on her curls.

      “Only for you, mon cœur. And I will bring horrific nightmares to any who even think about hurting you.”

    “Awww… My darling demented demon,” Emma purred. “Such sweet words create such a challenge.”

     Alastor’s eyes flashed black for a moment, radio dials switching down at her as he registered her words. “How long has it been?”

       Emma laughed at the question before producing her pocket watch. “It’s been about an hour and a half. Your room is just upstairs. We can easily take a break before getting back to it,” she offered, a sweet smile playing on her lips.

      Alastor responded with a soft, frustrated growl as he rubbed at his temple. “I’d rather wait until we are done with our tasks for the day,” he replied, kissing Emma’s forehead before her nose. “Because by the time I’m done with you, ma chér, you won’t be able to stand, much less walk.”

        ‘Shit,’ she thought, a bright blush rising in her cheeks. How this demon set her very soul ablaze!

        Straightening with a chuckle, Alastor opened the door for her, and Emma had to quickly step aside as a blurry mass flew past to land in an explosion of dirt. Her eyes met Alastor’s, each quirking a curious brow.

       Crawling out of his crater, the hotel’s newest guest, Baxter, grunted and muttered as he walked back toward the door he flew out of- something about crazy degenerates and trust exercises. He paused when he noticed his audience.

     “So you’ve returned. Dare I hope to presume your mood has improved?” His question to Alastor earned a sly grin and giggle from Emma as he tensed, humming static flaring in the air.

     “My good fellow, my mood is simply a reflection of the company. Have you been enjoying your stay?” he asked, his grin turning sinister as he stared down the small demon. Baxter bristled and made his way to go inside.

      “These redemption exercises are completely illogical to a learned scientist such as I. Such childish romps are foolish. I can’t imagine why you’re hovering around this pipe dream,” he replied, casting Emma a disgusted glance.

        A laugh track sounded and her demon leaned on his cane, his neck stretching to meet the little angler’s eye, smile so wide his black gums peeked out. As the little guy halted his steps and held his hand over his nose, Alastor spoke.

        “Why that answer is simple, my friend. My favorite entertainment is watching you climb that ladder of hope, only to fall into the fiery pit of failure.”

        ….

      Baxter said nothing, his eyes squinting in discomfort before he squeezed past the intimidating demon. Her mate did so love to strike fear in others. Not exactly conducive to healing and rehabilitation, but hey… baby steps. Plus, it was such a turn on to see his monstrous visage.

      “Come now darling, let’s not scare off your guests,” Emma chuckled and moved to walk in, her mate making way for her, his smile softening.

       “Disgusting…”

        Emma heard the muttered comment, but she was used to such manners by now. Her sweet mate, however, quite obviously did not approve.

        “You could stand to learn some manners, little guppy. I am so looking forward to the day when you go back to your boss in shame. He did tell his last little spy to kill himself, but I’m sure he will be most forgiving to you,” he retorted, voice chipper, but his eyes… Rage boiled behind his carefully controlled mask. Emma wanted to both jump the dashing demon, and cuddle him until he couldn’t take anymore. Such a darling man.

       “Al, is that you?” They heard Charlie before they saw her, and Emma couldn’t help but devolve into laughter when she appeared in the doorway. The woman was absolutely covered in paint and stickers!

       “Oh Charlie! What a splendid welcome! Hahaha! What a treat! What ever could you be working on, my dear?” Alastor questioned between giggles- there he went again, shoving that rage down. Oh well. Perhaps they could work on that. When he was ready, of course. Honestly, it was impressive how well he could force that wrath down- an unfortunate perk of being raised by the fist. You either learned to mask, or you died.

       Charlie smiled sheepishly, rubbing more stickers into her hair as she looked off towards the lounge. Walking in, they saw the whole gang working to decorate the hotel lobby. Vaggie and Frank worked on painting their signs, while Angel and Husk looked like they were plotting something over by the bar while looking over towards the retreating Baxter. Keekee chased Razzle as the little dragon snickered and taunted her. The sweet little hellcat had been extremely affectionate toward the dragon after losing Dazzle. Even Fat Nuggets was toddling around, oinking playfully with them before settling in at Angel’s feet.

      Taking in the room, they saw several large (obviously lovingly handcrafted) ‘Welcome Friends’, ‘Welcome Home’, and ‘Walcum Dockturz’ signs drying around the room. Well, now she knew why the stickers- they were almost completely covering one of the signs.

      Emma’s heart swelled at the sweet gesture, and she was fairly certain she had hearts in her eyes. They were such sweet, thoughtful demons! Charlie noticed Emma’s emotional reaction and cooed, wrapping her in a tight hug. She let the vixen go after a moment and their heads turned when they heard Lucifer greet her mate.

       “Heya Bambi! How was the honeymoon? I’m surprised you aren’t taking more time off.” The fallen angel was flying down, holding a very excitable Niffty, and landed gracefully in front of Alastor. Niffty zoomed up to Alastor’s shoulder to hug his neck, stories of new species of bugs she’d encountered spouting frantically from her lips.

      Lucifer cupped his cheeks, eyes sparkling at the cute little demon, and Emma cooed at the whole scene. Love filled her whole body as she watched her family work together. Yes, that’s what this little motley crew had become. A true, loving family- something Emma certainly wasn’t given starting out in life, but here in Hell of all places, it seemed she was finally getting to experience this feeling. How utterly ridiculous and wonderfully splendid!

       Once Niffty had finished her dramatic monologue, Alastor praised her prowess as he lifted her from his shoulder to set down, his gaze soft. The little demon zoomed off happily, and the two men watched her disappear before Alastor spoke to Lucifer.

       “My sabbatical has been pleasant, my friend. It’s not quite finished yet, but I should be officially back for the big moving day. In fact, we’ve just finished visiting with dear Anita,” Alastor explained. He actually seemed to be a bit more relaxed around the shorter man, and Emma hoped that little moment of solidarity would be the seed to start a beautiful friendship. The man could certainly use some more friends.

        Lucifer’s eyes widened as he looked between the two before he gave a low whistle. “Huh. Most sinners can’t stay off of each other when in their seasons. Gotta admit, I’m impressed. In that case, permission to greet your mate?”

       Emma’s heart melted as she watched the interaction; what a sweet little angel! Alastor’s smile widened as his chest puffed up a bit. A prideful buck if ever there was one. “Of course,” he said, soft gaze turning to Emma as she left Charlie’s side to join the two men.

       Lucifer smiled sweetly to her, keeping his distance respectfully as he spoke. “Vixen, how are you feeling? I hope this idiot has been treating you right.”

         Static flared as Alastor’s smile and shoulders hitched, and Emma laughed. “I’m positively delighted seeing such a wonderful welcome being prepared! It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lucifer.” She stepped closer to shake his hand, lowering her voice to a whisper. “And thank you for healing my darling idiot,” she added with a wink.

        Lucifer blushed lightly before laughing at whatever face said idiot was making behind her. “Well, I’d say it was nothing, but you and I both know how stubborn he is,” he replied, sly grin adorning his face. Emma chuckled and nodded in agreement before stepping back to Alastor’s side, said demon letting out a huff of annoyance.

       “My Alastor? Stubborn? Surely you jest, my dear,” she teased. “We just wanted to drop by and check in with how things were progressing. I’ll be available to move the office space, but of course you’re welcome to come as well. The process usually doesn’t take me too long, so it should arrive by noon.”

        Charlie nodded excitedly, Vaggie walking up to join her. “I can’t wait! I’m so excited to learn more about the human mind!”

        Emma chuckled at the adorable woman. “As far as I seen, the human mind isn’t much different to a hellborn’s. But I too am interested to see what differences there may be.”

       Charlie perked up at her words. “Really? That honestly makes a lot of sense. I’ve had the hotel as experience, and I’ve been trying my best to recruit sinners off the street, but most people I meet don’t really want to talk. Or you know, want their ‘parts’ touched.” She’d whispered that last line, and Emma couldn’t help but feel for the poor dear.

       She patted her back and noticed Alastor leading Lucifer away- he would have been able to hear the princess’s words. Vaggie rubbed the other side of Charlie’s back, soft vengeance radiating from her gaze. Hmm… Interesting. The angel held much behind those lovely eyes.

       “Charlie dear, you deserve so much better than what you’ve been saddled with. When, and if, you ever want to try therapy, I highly recommend it. In fact, your uncle Satan has his own personal therapy assistant. I’m uncertain if you’ve seen each other recently, but while he still has trouble, and is very much on a journey, he has made a lot of progress.”

      Charlie and Vaggie gave her all of their attention, looking surprised. “Oh! That’s right- you haven’t seen my demon form yet, have you?” The two women looked to each other and back to Emma, shaking their heads. “Well, I work as a therapy fox as one of my jobs. I’ve worked with him several times over the years,” she explained.

      “Oh, but I’m getting off track. Forgive me, I’m still a bit ditzy. Should you decide to give it a try, I would be so happy to schedule you an appointment. You’ve been through a lot, and you deserve to heal from it all. Or… if you just need a friend to talk to… I’ll listen. For either of you… I must confess, I love you as I would my sisters.”

      Charlie’s eyes went wide, large tears welling as Vaggie gave Emma a soft smile, rubbing Charlie’s back as the sweet woman began to tremble. Emma opened her arms, and Charlie nearly fell into them, crushing the vixen in her embrace as she wailed.

     “I love you so, so much! Thank you Vixy!” Emma cooed at the display and ran her fingers over her hair, gently picking out and discarding stickers that littered the strands.

      “I leave you alone for two minutes and you make my daughter cry. I think that’s a new record, Vixen.”

      Charlie looked up and laughed as she wiped at her eyes. “What can I say? I have a talent,” Emma shrugged with a grin.

       It would appear to be time to head home. Her mate shadowed right behind her, placing a large hand on her head to muss her curls. “Shall we continue with our day, my dear?”

        Emma grinned at his eager gaze, and Lucifer laughed, Vaggie joining with a small giggle. “I think that’s a good idea,” she replied, holding her arm out for him to tuck into his own. They said their goodbyes after a quick hug from Angel, and headed back home.

        Emma was honestly quite surprised that Alastor didn’t just shadow them both back, but he seemed to really enjoy testing his limits. He loved a good challenge, in any area, it would seem. How long could he wait before he needed to give in?

          As they made their way home, Emma enjoyed watching as other demons scattered and ran from her mate. His aura was almost oppressive in his current state, crimson eyes glowing in sinister delight as he too enjoyed his effect.

         They’d made it about halfway home when Emma was suddenly yanked to the side, around the corner and against the brick wall as her lover stole her breath away. Oh, how spoiled she was! She felt positively giddy as those sharp claws pressed and dragged up her arms and over her exposed shoulders.

          “Care to play, my lovely vixen?”

         Emma let out a whining moan against his lips, arching her back to press her chest into his. Alastor groaned and gripped her hips to pull flush against his. She couldn’t help the screech that left her throat when she felt his erection through the layers of her skirts, and she zapped her panties off to her pocket dimension- they would only get in the way.

        Alastor’s nostrils flared and he gave her a cocky grin before he lowered himself to his knees and hiked one of her legs over his shoulder. Dipping his head under her skirts, Emma felt his tongue glide between her slick lips and she keened. She hadn’t expected him to entertain the idea of fucking in an alleyway, but as that skilled tongue stroked and rubbed her into a panting mess, the fact that her darling radio demon was on his knees to please her in public only made her more wet, more wanton.

        The man was on a mission, and Emma was ride or die. Hell, she was ride and die!

        She was close, and Alastor knew it, that cruel, wonderful demon. His lips closed over her clit to suck at once more before his head left her cunt, and Emma growled in frustration. Her mate glared seductively up at her and licked his glistening lips before rising to kiss her again.

       Emma jumped on him.

      He caught her easily and pushed her back into the wall, sadistic joy gleaming in those lovely crimson eyes. She heard his zipper before she felt his cock filling her, throwing her head back against the wall. 

        He gave her no time to adjust, and Emma loved him for it, lascivious cries escaping her lips as he used her body. His claws sliced the fabric at her neck and the top layers fell away, black corset the only clothing left to cover her. She watched as a lusty haze filled that glowing gaze before those dripping fangs found the flesh of her throat.

         Emma screamed as she came to her end, wrapping herself entirely around her mate as he cried out at the sensations. He didn’t last much longer, and she felt the delightful scraping of the brick wall against her tingling skin as Alastor leaned himself into her and released his fangs. It took him a moment to catch his breath before shadows swallowed them up, and they were in her bedroom.

        “That was both nerve wracking and exhilarating, but I think I prefer to keep you to myself,” he spoke, soft and low as he pressed soft kisses along Emma’s clavicle and shoulders, up her neck, jaw and finally her lips.

        She sighed contentedly against his lips and let him carry her to bed. He laid her down and lavished her in affection, happy bleats sounding as his lips trailed over her chest. Emma chuckled and cooed at the adorable demon, petting his hair and ears as she watched him worship her.

       His fingers began to unlace her corset and Emma quirked an eyebrow at the other demon, smile widening in amusement. Alastor noticed her reaction and let out a dark chuckle, leaning over to kiss and nip at her lips.

         “I believe I told you that by the time I’m done with you, you wouldn’t be able to walk. Well my dear, I’m a man of my word, and you are in for a long night.”

        ‘Satan give me strength, this man will be my second death.’ Emma’s tail set to thumping against the mattress and her mate let out a hearty laugh. How easy it was to make her a happy little kit.

      “Well then, my darling mate, let’s begin,” she countered. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, Emma pulled her darling down and into her depths.

Chapter Text

       Emma awoke to the smell of sizzling meat, stretching her limbs out with a yawn before rolling out of bed and padding down the stairs to the kitchen. Soft jazz played as Alastor hummed along, working on stirring a pot and flipping over a few pancakes. An ear twitched as she walked towards him to wrap her arms around his waist, rubbing her forehead against his back.

     “Good morning, mon cœur. How are you feeling?”

       Smiling against the soft cotton of his shirt, Emma answered, “after last night, I’ve got the world on a string, my darling. How are you feeling?”

      Alastor hummed, setting his utensils down to turn in her arms. He giggled at her messy bed head and ran his claws through the tangled strands. “I’m feeling more like myself finally. Breakfast is pancakes, bacon, and a bison quiche- would you like anything added to the menu?”

        While finishing de tangling her hair, he kissed her forehead, kissing her lips when done. Emma sighed into the kiss, pulling him closer before letting him go. Those lovely crimson eyes glowed down at her and she smiled up at him.

        “That sounds lovely, darling. Is there anything I can help with?”

       Alastor placed one last kiss to her nose before turning to check his work. “you could set the table and pour us some drinks. I’m feeling like a mimosa,” he replied, and Emma set to your tasks.

       When done, she sat down and sipped on a gin as she watched her darling pull a delicious steaming quiche from the oven. He snapped the food onto the table and Emma yelped excitedly, mouth watering as she began grabbing a bit of everything to try.

       Food was one of the greatest pleasures in life, and Emma’s appreciation for it only grew in her afterlife.

        By the time Alastor sat down, the excited vixen had already shoved two pancakes into her mouth, moaning at the flavor of the blueberry compote. He laughed at her puffed up cheeks and wiped a finger at the side of her lips, bringing it to his own to suck at.

         “Thith ith amathing Al! Thank you tho much!”

         Alastor chuckled, eyes glowing as Emma continued to stuff her face, before digging in to his own bloody feast. The morning was slow and easy, the two demons enjoying the monotony as music filled the air- soft, happy, sometimes positively silly jazz.

          With a full belly, Emma made her way upstairs and to the herbal cabinet in her bedroom, picking out what she would need before heading to the closet.

         “Brewing potions, little witch?” Alastor breathed against a ticklish ear, and Emma jumped. Her mate had actually gotten the jump on her! And the joy that shone on his face was almost worth it. How he loved to scare people.

         “Oh, you little snot!” Her exclamation only made the other demon laugh and smile wider as she whapped his arm playfully. “Yes, I’m brewing a potion to turn you into a frog,” she teased, lifting her hand to point as she whispered the incantation to open her realm of darkness.

         “Awww, you don’t need to transform me in order to get a kiss, ma chér,” he countered, giving a small bite to the tip of her ear. With a small yelp, Emma leaned her body into his, tail swishing gently.

         “I’m getting a birth control tea blend started. I must admit, I never thought I’d be preparing it for myself, but I find myself quite giddy now that I get to do so.”

         Radio static rose softly, and she turned to examine Alastor’s face. “Darling, I’m certainly willing to have the children talk, but it’s a bit early in the relationship to bring little demons into the world, don’t you think?” (Not to mention the whole ‘hellborn can’t just respawn’ thing, exterminations, etc. But she said nothing about that bit.) Her sly grin brought a bright red blush to her mate’s face, a small pop of interference sounding.

          Looking off to the side, ears drooping, Alastor spoke. “Forgive me, chér. I believe I’m still experiencing symptoms of my rut,” he chuckled and looked back to Emma, running a hand through her hair. “My instincts are telling me to spirit you away and keep you thoroughly filled.” His eyes glowed as he continued.

          “However my mind is very aware that I’d most certainly make a terrible father,” he finished with a small laugh. Emma couldn’t help but melt. The sheer discipline of the man impressed her to no end, and the fact that he felt secure enough in their relationship to be so honest with his thoughts made her heart swell.

          Cradling his hand in hers, Emma brought it to her lips to kiss. “Thank you for sharing that with me, Al. While the idea is sweet, I doubt I would have the emotional bandwidth for little ones. So it would seem we are in agreement in sentiments,” she said, and Alastor’s smile softened.

          “My dear, you would make a wonderful mother, and I have no doubt that your kits would be the most adorable little hellions to ever live. But yes, for now at least, we are in agreement. No hellspawn for us,” he said, hugging her close and snuffling in her hair.

         Giggling and nuzzling against him, Emma separated to walk through her door and set up her work station. She laid out the ingredients- rue, cotton root bark, and wormseed as her little darklings swirled around them in happy greetings.

       Alastor giggled behind her, and Emma noticed her previously wary shadows cautiously greeting with wagging tails, quickly zooming away if he got too close before coming back to try again. Fucking cute as fuck! As he worked to gain their trust for a proper greeting, Emma set to work on grinding the herbs, asking one of the shades to get some water boiling.

        As she worked, music filled the air and she felt her shade split to play with everyone. It didn’t take long at all to fix the tea packets; not even an hour had passed when she’d tied the last dose. Packing the little bags up, Emma couldn’t help but soften when she spotted Alastor gently petting two of the darklings that had surrounded him, his own shade long since split curled up in a darkling pile. She kinda felt bad making them all stay in her realm, but they tended to have a problem of being violent to others without warrant. They’d definitely enjoyed their playtime on Extermination Day though, that’s for sure!

         “I’m sorry, my little darlings, but I’m stealing our Radio Demon,” Emma spoke, small whines sounding from the shadows as Alastor looked up to her, grin widening.

         “I do believe these little sweethearts are finally warming up to me,” he said gleefully, giving the shades one last rub to the ears before standing.

        “What else do we have planned for the day, my dear?”

           Alastor’s question made her ponder. Was there anything that needed doing before moving day tomorrow? She couldn’t think of anything.

         “I can’t think of anything that needs doing. Was there anything you would like to do?”

        Her mate hummed in thought as they exited her realm, sealing the door behind them.

         A stroll through town might be nice, if you’re feeling up to it. We could see if Rosie feels up for a visit,” he said, and Emma’s tail began wagging slowly. “A walk sounds splendid, darling!”

        With a chuckle, Alastor snapped his suit on before casting Emma a long glance. She smirked and held her arms up, as if at the tailor for a fitting.

        “You know me too well,” he teased, eyes roaming over her form, concentrating.

         After a moment he snapped, and Emma felt the telltale breeze of styling. Once he was finished she spun for him, ending in a pose, and he clapped, an audience track joining in. Emma couldn’t help but chuckle at her adorable mate.

         Walking over to examine herself in the mirror, she was quite pleased with Alastor’s choice.  The outfit was something she would have worn back when she was alive for an evening out with her favorite lady. A red flared skirt that fell just below the knee, sequined black top that blended seamlessly, and a thin soft red and coral sweater. A sensible strand of pearls around her neck matched a pair of teardrop earrings that hooked through loops of hair that sat on either side of her face, accentuated by the half up hairstyle he’d chosen. Finishing off the look was a comfortable pair of black and red oxford heels. Lifting up a foot, Emma was tickled to see the little hoof prints adorning the bottoms.

        “Do you approve, ma belle?”

        She couldn’t help but to sink into the strong arms of her mate as he pulled her to him and rested his chin between her ears. With a happy whine, Emma snuggled closer against him, eliciting a chuckle from the man.

      “Very classic. I adore it. And I’m incredibly impressed with your knowledge of undergarments- the silhouette is spot on!”

        “Hahaha! You would be more impressed with underwear than jewelry,” he replied, kissing a twitching ear before the top of her head. With a snort of laughter, Emma turned in his arms to rub her nose to his.

        “Jewelry is lovely, but nothing compares to a comfortable bra,” she countered, pressing her chest against him. Her mate snorted in response, pulling her into a soft kiss with a groan. “Then I shall shower you in as many undergarments as you wish.”

         “I love you, you wonderful demon,” Emma said, eyes soft as they took a moment to just soak in each other’s presence.

        “I love you, my Vixen,” he finally spoke before letting her go. Her soul was alight with those warm fuzzies, tail swishing in joy as they made their way down the stairs and out the door.

        Fresh screams met her ears, and Emma smiled as she took in the scent of blood and a few unsavory other things. Her mate seemed to be both excited and wrathful at the same time, and she wondered what he was feeling. Not that she would actually ask while out in the open like this.

      The feel of Alastor’s aura flaring to full strength left her weak in the knees, and she was grateful to have his arm in hers to lean on. Of course he noticed his effect on her- Emma caught the cocky grin that formed as she leaned into him. Ever the prideful buck. Not that she minded. In fact, it only served to arouse her.

        As they walked arm-in-arm, they both enjoyed watching the chaos around them. Most demons fled, some didn’t even notice, and some were in the process of murder or mugging. A few cannibals hovered around a small buffet, and Alastor looked as though he wished to join, but he made no move to do so.

     “Did you want to stop for a bite? I’m sure they wouldn’t mind sharing,” Emma offered, and Alastor shook his head. “Rosie would have my liver if I ate before a visit,” he chuckled out, pulling her hand to his lips to kiss before setting it back in his arm.

          “I’m surprised. I would have guessed you’d enjoy that,” Emma teased, and Alastor laughed. “Perhaps I would, but not with that withering glare set upon me for bad manners.”

          “Ah yes. You are, if nothing else, ever the consummate gentleman,” she replied. Her mate hummed with a nod, chest puffing in pride. ‘So cute,’ Emma thought, ears drooping at her prideful buck. She would raze Hell for this demon.

      “Alastor? Oh Alastor! Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in weeks! - Hello, Emma sweetheart, how’ve ya been? - Alastor, you owe me an explanation, mister.”

      Rosie had swept them both into a giant hug when she noticed the two walking in her store. The sheer strength of the woman was baffling- Emma’s yelp sounded more like a squeak toy than anything coming from a canine. How Alastor managed to not make a sound, she could only guess.

       “Rosie dear, how have you been? Forgive my prolonged absence; I’ve been on sabbatical with dear Vixy, but I’m back now. We were hoping you’d have a bit of time to spare for your friends.” Alastor bowed once Rosie released them, and the woman gave a hearty laugh.

        “Always such a charmer,” she praised before wicked understanding lit in her obsidian orbs, and she shooed any lingering customer out the door.

          Once she’d flipped her ‘open’ sign to ‘closed’, Rosie grabbed each of their hands to gush excitedly. “So by sabbatical you mean—“

           “Our mating seasons, yes, yes. Let’s not get overexcited, sweetheart,” Alastor cut the woman off with a roll of his eyes, and Emma giggled at the embarrassed flush of his cheeks.

        “Aww, you adorable little thing! I’m proud of you sweetie- helping your partner during a heat is a big step, and a really sweet gesture. Emma,” she turned to look at the vixen. “Do you want a little something for afterwards? I have medicine for welcoming extra company, or if you enjoy the afterlife as is, I have an aid for that as well.”

         Emma gave her a soft smile- such a thoughtful woman. “Thank you darling, but I’ve already made my own medicine. Al and I have decided we’re not ready to raise little hellspawn.”

         “For now, at least,” Alastor added, and Rosie chuckled.

         “Good for you two, sweethearts. That being said, if you do ever decide to take on the challenge, I get first dibs on auntie privilege!”

         “Of course, sweetheart,” Alastor replied.

         “Who else would teach the little gremlins how to make a decent cup of tea? You’re absolutely terrible at it!” Rosie’s tease made Alastor snort.

         “Coffee is always a superior beverage, no matter the occasion,” he responded.

         “Oh yes, I can see it now- little Alastors hopped up goin’ buck wild cause all their daddy knows how ta make is black coffee,” Rosie scoffed, sly grin on her lips.

           At that the couple groaned, and Emma noticed Alastor’s ears pin as he rubbed at his eyes, smile tight. “Rosie dear, let’s change the subject. Have you heard any interesting news lately?”

          Rosie took the hint, releasing the other woman’s hands and moving to head up stairs. Emma followed, and Alastor trailed closely behind her. She felt his claws run gently through her curls as they made their way, and she smiled softly, chest swelling with love.

          “Well, sweet Charlie seems to be bringing in some professional head shrinks to incorporate into the hotel, but you probably already know that. Ol’ Luci seems to be re-emerging to help out as well- I saw him on Vox 2night tryin’ to hype up the project, but I gotta say, it was a littllllle… lackluster.”

            Emma snorted at Rosie’s attempt at sugar coating. “You mean to say he was a panicking nervous wreck?”

          “Oh hoho! Now that is something I would have loved to see! Did you happen to get a recording? Oh, never mind that, I want to witness that crash for the first time with said wreck,” Alastor got out between his laughter.

          Playfully smacking his arm, both Emma and Rosie grinned at each other. “Is a man not allowed to enjoy a good train wreck in peace?”

        “Never in peace, my dear,” Emma replied, wicked grin widening when he sighed in defeat.

          “Where’s the entertainment in that? You’re in Hell, Al. If we ever give you peace, we’re not doin’ our job,” Rosie added, sharp smile overtaking her features as her face grew skeletal for all of two seconds. What a delightful treat!  How Emma would love to witness her full demonic form.

        “Well anyway, the whole thing kinda blew up in Vox’s face cause Luci won the public over. All the gals are gaga over the powerful but shy and handsome King Morningstar. Not sure if it’s the attention y’all really want for the hotel but hey, business is business. And who knows, maybe dear Charlie will get a new mama!”

         “I’m fairly certain dear ‘Luci’ is perfectly content to wait for his wife’s return, but it will be very entertaining watching him squirm,” Alastor replied.

           “Huh, that almost makes you sound a bit sentimental,” Rosie countered with a chuckle before her face lit up.

          “Oh, but where are my manners? Come, sit, sit! What can I get’cha? I’ve got a fresh batch of candied pinky fingers- oh, what am I thinking? I know you like your venison- I think I’ve got a nice leg in the meat locker. Emma hunny, what about you? What would you like sweetie?”

           The woman was practically vibrating in her excitement, and Emma felt a small short pang of guilt. She had kept Rosie’s best friend from her for who knows how long, and here she was offering her love and hospitality in return.

           ‘Oh come on Vix, you know that’s not how they see it,’ she thought, but the tightness in her chest was still there, so Emma spoke. “A thigh would be sublime, darling,” she started, grabbing Rosie’s hand to cradle in both of hers.

          “I’m truly sorry we didn’t tell you where Al was. I know that must have hurt, and neither of us would ever wish to cause you harm,” she finished and Rosie cooed, cupping her cheek in her free hand.

          “Oh you are just adorable, Emma! I’m not really upset. I just gotta give our boy a hard time!” She swept you in a spinning hug and kissed the other’s forehead, an exaggerated, “mmuah!” leaving her lips before moving to leave the room to get some food started.

          “Could you use some extra hands? I find myself unwilling to leave your glowing company,” Alastor enquired, and Rosie gave a high pitched squeal before giving him the same treatment- spin and all.

        “Oh I am just so happy you two showed up! You always brighten up these walls, Al; of course you can join in! Emma, d’you like to cook?” Rosie set Alastor down with a big kiss to the forehead, and he rubbed at the spot like an embarrassed child. With all the hormones simmering down, Emma still felt that grand swell of sweet love at the sight.

          Family. She felt well and truly loved; in such a way she found difficult to get used to. Angel probably had no idea just how grateful Emma felt for his romantic meddling. Not only had he gifted her a goofy, sappy, gorgeous love to match her freak, but he gave her the opportunity to wriggle her way in to a family… of sorts.

          “Emma? You alright there sweetie?”

           Rosie grabbed Emma’s attention by waving a hand in front of her, and the vixen’s mind came back to register the question.

           “Oh don’t mind her. You just gave the poor dear what I like to call a ‘love lock’. It’s the most adorable hilarity! Throw your most wicked sexual desires her way and she doesn’t even blush, but give her sweetness and she positively freezes with adoration”

            Well, that at least got her mind working again. Fucking overlord and his stupid people reading skills. Rosie was laughing with Alastor, and Emma wiggled her toes to feel a bit more present.

           “In answer to your question dear, yes, I do enjoy cooking, though I’m a better baker, so I could whip up some dessert while you two handle the dinner?”  Emma’s words finally came as they all began walking back to the kitchen.

          It was a classic style, and Emma noticed some of the appliances had magick buzzing around them- probably spelled for convenience.

          “Mind if I rummage around and see what you have?” Her question caught Rosie’s attention and she nodded gleefully before she and Alastor disappeared through the meat locker door. Idly Emma wondered if it was dimensional like the one Alastor had conjured just before extermination day. Perhaps she’d even taught him that bit of magick; she was older than both of them after all, already an overlord before Emma fell.

          ‘Focus Vix,’ she thought, and stepped over to look through the perfectly organized cabinets. Rosie truly was a foodie by all counts. She had literally everything! Her cabinets were spelled for (what seemed to Emma at least) infinite storage, housing every herb and spice under every ring! Different types of flour, multiple colors of sugar… ‘Oh my Satan.’ Fresh vanilla bean!

          Well, what did she expect? With Rosie’s power, she could probably communicate and receive offerings from earthen souls. For all Emma knew, she could even manifest herself up top. She was completely in awe of the simple beans. It wasn’t that you couldn’t get vanilla down here, but to obtain the plant itself, you either needed a connection up top, or be able to go up and get it yourself.

          After surveying the cabinets and fridge (another marvel of infinite and diverse supply), Emma grabbed a few ingredients and set to work. Simple, but delicious.

          Rosie and Alastor joked and jibed with each other as they walked back through the meat locker, arms laden with meat, and Emma’s mouth began watering.

          Music filled the silence after the laughter died down, and they all worked on their designated projects in contentment.

          Lunch/dinner ( linner) was a splendid affair, and by the time the couple left, the sky was darkening. Walking arm-in-arm, Emma barely noticed the fleeing demons, too full to take enjoyment from their fear. With a groan, the vixen slouched over to hopefully lessen the strain of her gut.

        “I ate too much,” she complained, and her mate chuckled as he stroked her hand. “If you ever leave Rosie’s without eating too much, that would be the day—“

        Looking up to see what had caught Alastor’s attention, Emma noticed a small black drone ducking just behind a smoking chimney.

         ‘Really bro?’ Her brows lowered and lips tightened as she looked back to gauge Alastor’s emotions, but he had set his steel mask firmly in place, smile wide and unbothered.

            “Come along, Vixy. It’s been hours since I’ve tended my lovely mate. I simply must rectify this and cover you… Thoroughly,” he growled seductively, but with his smile so wide, his face looked more irritated (aka not sexy mood) sinister than anything, aura flaring and wrapping around her. Emma noticed his shadow warbling and played along. He was apparently still dealing with symptoms, his body rigid as she opened her dimensional door and they walked inside.

            “Do you want to talk about it?”

          Her question elicited a short record scratch, and Emma turned around to look at her contorting mate. His breathing was heavy, chest puffing out as he tried to catch his breath. Was he… having a panic attack?

          “Alastor, what do you need? I’m here…”

          Cautiously, she crept slowly toward him, giving him time to notice her, stopping once close, but not touching.

         With a low growl, Alastor pulled her flush against him and rubbed his cheeks over her hair as he worked to steady his breath. Wrapping her arms around his hips, Emma nuzzled his chest with a soothing purr, ears drooping as she snuggled her love.

          Shadows swallowed them up and deposited them on her bed, but Alastor made no move to take her, seeming only to need to hold her close, simply laying atop her as he worked through whatever he needed to work through. Emma wished she could snap to fix problems. Unfortunately, if that magick existed, she’d certainly never heard of it.

          “Is there anything I can do?” Emma’s question caused his arms to tighten as he breathed her in and snuffled into her hair.

         “You’re doing it right now, chér. Just… stay here with me,” he breathed out with a soft sigh, his body relaxing, if just incrementally.

           Emma stayed there, wriggling closer and nuzzling as she purred, tail moving to drape over his hips. Her shadow split to wrap around him as they laid together, and Emma thought of an old lullaby her mother would sing… before she ran away… without her.

          ‘Never mind that, you selfish kit, comfort your partner,’ she thought as she began to sing.  She couldn’t remember all the words- something about longing to be with loved ones over seas and mountains. A hope for a bird to carry the song to the one they love.

       “Over the mountains, over the sea

              back where my heart is longing to be

             Oh, let the lark that sings to me

              sing to the one I love.”

         It was old, passed down from mother to child over decades, and as Emma finished the last choppy verse, her mate sighed out some more of the tension, his weight settling on top of her. His nose glided along her neck as his breathing began to even out, long lashes tickling her cheek.

        “Thank you, mon cœur…”

         Tightening her arms around him, Emma kissed the ear closest to her and hummed. “I love you, darling. I wish I could snap and make it better, but sadly that magick continues to elude me,” she replied, earning a soft chuckle.

          “If you ever figure that out, dearest, you would rule all of Hell,” he replied, running his fingers through Emma’s hair as he rested on her. She giggled in response and kissed the top of his head.

         “Would you like a smoke? Maybe something to drink?” She felt Alastor’s lips upturn against her throat as he sighed contentedly.

        “Actually, chér, would you mind very much,” she felt his tongue slide over her clavicle, “if I partake of your flesh?” His sharp teeth nipped gently at her shoulder, and Emma’s breath caught as she worked to settle her body’s reaction. He wasn’t asking for that, after all.

         Kissing his head, she smiled sweetly to him as their eyes connected. “Eat your fill, my sweet buck.”

        Alastor melted on top of her and brought his lips to hers in a gentle kiss, a small bleat leaving his throat. “I love you, Emma,” he whispered against her lips, and then he was feasting.

        Emma’s screams filled the air as her mate took bite after bite, slurping at the blood that spurt from a particularly deep wound at her forearm. He moaned and sighed as he savored her taste. He was so very lovely covered in her blood. The sight of him filled Emma with a sense of possessive adoration- he was hers.

           He didn’t take very much this time, languishing his tongue along her wounds between gentle, dragging kisses. He looked far more contented now, nuzzling and bleating as he took her into himself.

          When satisfied, he curled himself around Emma’s bloody form and kissed her head, her cheek, nose, and finally her lips. Those lovely crimson eyes watched her as her body worked to heal from his attentions. It didn’t take very long at all, most of the wounds quite shallow.

           “Thank you, my sweet vixen…”

         “Anything for you, my darling,” Emma spoke softly, bloody yet healed hand cupping his equally bloody cheek. With a soft hum, her mate kissed her once more, fingers trailing up her arm and over her back.

         It was difficult not to let her mind wander down into the gutter as Alastor quite literally pet her. Once she was more settled, Emma was able to enjoy the soft touches. Adoring, predatory, positively glowing eyes watched her all through the night, the last image to pull her into slumber. Wrapped up in Alastor and their shadows, Emma’s sleep was gentle and forgiving, a blissful dark pit of respite, and by morning she felt ready for what lay ahead.

        Time to move a dimension.

Chapter Text

            A muffled scream carried through a towel clenched between teeth as a sharp blade sliced through flesh, and when her femur snapped, Emma saw white behind her closed eyes. Thank Satan she was sitting down!

            With a quick slice, her shade separated her leg from her body, and Emma tightened the belt around the gushing wound as she grit her teeth and growled. Setting the offering into stasis, her shade slithered over and wrapped their arms around her, nuzzling and kissing her head as they checked the tightness of the tourniquet.

          With a contented whine, Emma snuggled close and waited for the worst of the throbbing to subside, hoping she hadn’t woken her slumbering lover upstairs. After about 15 minutes, the stub began regenerating, and after 30, it had grown just past the new knee.

         Emma mixed up some biscuit dough while her shade went to their next tasks- scrambling eggs, frying bacon, and starting a nice, spiced venison sausage gravy. She hummed as they worked together- it was starting out such a lovely day!

         An ear twitched at the sound of hooves making their way downstairs, and Emma passed the biscuit tray to her shade to stick in the oven. They’d finished their tasks, the eggs and bacon in stasis, the gravy simmering on the stove as her groggy mate walked in, nose high in the air as he sniffed.

       “Good morning, dearest. Did you sleep well?”

         Sleepy coral eyes found Emma in her chair, soft smile adorning her lips. “Good morning, mon cœur. Apparently, I slept very well. It smells delicious in here,” he complimented, walking over to lean down and kiss her. With a happy whine, she rubbed her nose to his.

        “My shade and I have prepared a special treat for you,” she teased, and her mate cocked his head, smile growing sly.

        “You spoil me, darling,” he replied and sat down excitedly. Her shade sidled up next to him and, with a chuckle, he kissed their head before they placed her leg on the table in front of him.

       Eyes widening in glee, Alastor looked from the leg to Emma’s face before shadowing over to hug her.

       “This is just splendid, my dear! I’m the luckiest demon in Hell! Thank you!” He kissed all over Emma’s face, happy bleats sounding as he showered her in appreciative affection. Emma couldn’t help but giggle, that demented swell of love filling her demonic being as their lips met at last.

         Shadowing back to his seat, Alastor examined his prize before breaking off the foot and biting off the big toe, a happy moan sounding as he closed his eyes and chewed. Emma melted as she watched him enjoy his meal, thanking her shade when they set the cooked food on the table next.

          “What would you like to drink, darling?”

        Alastor paused between bites to swallow before speaking, “coffee, please.” Her shade took care of the request, snuggling him once more before stretching and slipping back into her.

         Breakfast was delicious, the two sharing food as they listened to Alastor’s selection for the morning. Emma had her own personal record player wherever she went with her darling in tow. Though she doubted he knew anything modern; she’d need to introduce him to Verosika’s work sometime. He’d probably scoff and proclaim everything after his day to be oversaturated drivel.

        “What time did you say we were to be at the office?” Alastor’s question broke through her distracted mind, and Emma looked to the microwave clock.

       “I’d like to get to the hotel by noon, so if we leave in forty minutes or so, we’ll be right on time,” she answered.

       The oven timer dinged, catching her attention, and Emma stepped over with her new foot to pull out steaming biscuits. Leaning over the tray in her hands, she inhaled the delectable scent and moaned. She placed them in a breadbasket and set them next to the gravy, grabbing two to set on her plate.

        Alastor had begun working on the thigh when he paused to watch Her spoon gravy over torn pieces of biscuit. Swallowing the meat, he reached his fork over to Emma’s plate, gathering a good combination of gravy, sausage and biscuit before popping it in his mouth.

       Quirking a brow, Emma took her own bite, and her tail set to wagging as they both hummed in foodie delight. Alastor really enjoyed the venison sausage grabbing his own healthy portion.

       Once finished devouring his leg, three biscuits, eggs and a few pieces of bacon (a bottomless pit, that demon), Alastor snapped the cooking equipment clean for her. Emma finished with her own breakfast and had one more cup of coffee before moving upstairs to get ready for the day.

        With a short shower and a ‘quick dry’ zap, Emma headed to the closet to find an outfit. She wanted to be comfortable yet professional, deciding on a pair of black ‘slack’ sweatpants, red button up shirt, and black loafers. Adding the pearls Alastor had gifted her, she braided her hair to finish off the look before opening her realm of darkness and welcoming her darklings into herself. She would need to be whole in order to control the office dimension.

      Closing her realm, she met Alastor in the bedroom and they made their way downstairs. Shadowing down, he opened the front door for Emma with a bow, and she chuckled with a, “thank you, darling,” before stepping through.

       The walk was lovely, and they both enjoyed a brief show of a few cannibals chasing down a terrified newcomer. The chase soon turned into a buffet, and they continued on their way, offering praise to the victorious predators as they passed.

        When they arrived at the office, they met everyone in the waiting area. The group was a wide array of species, some happier than others to be moving yet again, but at least (as far as Emma could tell) this would be the final move… Hopefully.

         “Vixy! Mr. Alastor! Good to see you! We’re all ready to go when you are,” Anita greeted the two. With a smile, Emma walked to join the group.

        “Hey Nita! We’re good- ready for go time! Hey guys! Sorry to be so MIA lately, but this should be our last move. At least for a good long while. And no more worrying about turf wars turnin’ up our soil!” She gave everyone their preferred greetings- hugs, pats on shoulders or backs, fist bumps and handshakes, and they all made their way back outside. It was much easier to move dimensions if they were clear of any active soul energy (aka: no people meant much lighter concentration). It was much like towing a vehicle of sorts.

          Closing her eyes, Emma placed a hand on the closed door and concentrated on the feel of the boundaries. The space was incredibly large, almost half the size of Vee Tower, and Emma felt as though she were falling as she absorbed each floor, each room, each couch, plant and computer. She took it all in, her soul a spacial vacuum of demonic energy, her shadows wrapping around it all to hold it together inside.

           Opening her eyes once settled, she looked up to everyone and smiled. “All ready to go! Shall we?”

         The group sounded off their yeahs, okays and grumbled affirmations, and Alastor led the way to the hotel.

        Since Anita and a few other providers had already moved in, they could remember the way easily, and they reached the hotel without any trouble with Alastor at the head of the group. He scared off any would-be attackers better than any security guards.

        As they walked up the hill, Emma saw the entire gang waiting excitedly (Charlie was bouncing) outside for their arrival. What a warm and lovely welcome! Niffty zoomed over and climbed Alastor to hug his neck before taking a seat on his shoulder to observe the group behind him.

        “Hello everybody! I’m Charlie! I know some of you already, but once Vixen gets the office set in place, if you’d like to live with us here, please come and meet me, Vaggie- oh! This is my girlfriend, Vaggie- say hi, Vaggie,”

          “Uh, hi,” the angel waved at the group with a nervous smile.

           “-or Alastor, and we’ll get you set up on the floor below your office. We have a fully stocked kitchen if you want anything to eat, and we’ve got a workout room and we’re thinking about putting in a pool. We have a fully stocked bar- this is our bartender Husk, and sitting on Alastor is our housekeeper Niffty! And-“

        “Babe, why don’t we let them inside first?” Vaggie asked her partner patiently, an exasperated love shining clearly on her face as she pat the other woman on the back.

        Charlie grinned sheepishly to her girlfriend, rubbing the back of her head. Such an adorable little darling!

           “Right! Um, come on inside everybody! Vixy, you wanna set up shop? I can take you all up, so you know where you’ll be.” With an amused grin, Emma nodded and moved to follow.

           “Oh, you guys! This is so lovely! Thank you for such a warm welcome!”

          The residents had put up their handmade welcome signs, balloons were tied wherever room could be found, and tables were lined up with all sorts of treats! “You guys really went all out!”

         Niffty zoomed off of Alastor’s shoulder to grab a tray of steaming buns to offer. They smelled of spiced meat, and Emma’s mouth watered as she took one before the little bug offered them to the rest of the group. When she bit into it, she couldn’t help melting! Curry! Her favorite kind, at that! It was delicious!

          They ate as they walked, taking the elevator to the third floor. Making a quick and easy decision, Emma chose the room directly across from the elevator- it would be the perfect position!

          Depositing the dimension was much like taking it in, an extreme vertigo falling over Emma as she released the large office. She felt the strong arms of her mate catch her when she swayed a bit, and she let out a heavy sigh as she looked up to him gratefully.

           “Is… Is it done?”

           Husk’s deep voice caught her attention, and Emma nodded with a soft smile. “Yep! Why don’t you try going in?”

         Husk stepped past her to try the handle, but when he opened the door, they were all met with a simple hotel room. Husk’s ears dropped in disappointment, and Emma chuckled.

         “Now close the door and give me your hand,” she said, and Husk did as told, looking much like a child being shown an interesting magic trick.

          Grabbing his hand, Emma flared her aura and felt his react, storing the signature in the dimensional ‘keypad’. “Now, remember how to flare your aura on your own?”

          Husk nodded, and she told him to try again while flaring it.  The door opened and they were all met with the large medical office waiting room. Husk let out a laugh and slapped Emma’s back, looking positively boyish in his delight.

        “That’s really something, Vixen!” He exclaimed, wide grin matching hers. She did so love showing off, but seeing Husk light up like that? So much better of a high! He so rarely got excited about anything, and she wanted to see that adorable kitten face more!

       “You know, you could always join Angie and I for magick lessons if you’d like,” she offered. A smile tilted his whiskers up before Emma noticed him falter and slouch back into nonchalance; and was that fear in his eye?

      “No pressure, of course,” she tried to reassure him, but the man shook his head.

      “Nah. Thanks for the offer, though,” he said, his voice disinterested. Hmm… ‘Don’t get all mother hen now. You know better than to pry in front of others,’ her shade warned from within, and she nodded.

      A large hand plopped between her ears to muss her hair, and she looked up to glare at her rowdy mate. Snickering sounded from the group around them- her colleagues would be teasing her later, that was a certainty.

       “Now that that’s out of the way, why don’t we show everyone to their rooms and get the party started? It seems our sweet Charlie has arranged quite the soirée!” Alastor had an odd glint in his eye, and Emma tilted her head to try and puzzle it out. It was almost angry, but also sneaky?

        “Right! So, do we need a sign or anything for guests to know where to go?”

       An ear turned before her head, and Emma smiled to Charlie. “No need, dear. The best part of our clinic is that it’s only for clients to know. You’d be surprised how many people get followed. This method keeps our patients safe and unfound, at least for a little while,” she explained, and the princess nodded in understanding.

        “If this place is as safe as you say it is, I’d bet my afterlife’s savings every one of em’ stays here.” Reginald piped up, and Charlie turned to the pelican with an excited smile.

         “You really think so? Oh, I hope they do! I want this project to work so badly! Think of all the souls we could save!”

         Anita bleated out a laugh, “I don’t know if they’ll be sincere in wanting redemption, but I love your optimism, princess.” 

       Charlie and Vaggie both softened at the little ram, and was Vaggie blushing? Well then, if that panned out, Emma would need to think about returning her soul. But no need to worry just yet. Hopefully Anita would know when she was ready to take it back.

         The group got back in the elevator, exiting into the lobby, and Charlie, Alastor and Vaggie handed out room keys to the souls wishing to stay. Walking up to Niffty, Emma requested the location of anymore of those delicious curry buns, and she eagerly showed her to the correct spot before giving a quick hug to her leg and zooming off to clean up after her guests. Emma couldn’t help but melt at the adorable little demon.

        She was halfway through her fifth one when Angel sidled up next to her, his face playful, but his eyes held concern. “Heya Vix, ya got a minute to catch up and fuck around?”

        Straightening, Emma nodded and smiled, waving to Alastor to let him know she’d be back. He nodded back to her as he continued his work, and Emma followed Angel to his room.

        He was silent the whole way, huffing out a sigh once the door was closed. His mask fell, and he walked to pick up Fat Nuggets before sitting on his bed. Emma joined him and waited silently for him to speak, patting the cute little hellpig’s head.

         “You know Al’s an overlord, yeah?” The question was cautious, so Emma nodded, biting the tease that she wanted to reply. Did anyone not know? “He uh… He owns souls and stuff.”

       “Yes, Angie. I know he can be quite cruel to said souls as well,” she replied, tilting her head in confusion. What was he trying to get at? She tried her best to quell the annoyance that wanted to rise in her gut.

         “You know he owns Husk’s soul?” Well, now she did. Honestly, it made sense; why would he want to work here when there were no paying customers? “Niffty too, but she says all the time she likes it, so… I guess take from that what’cha will,” he shrugged, Fat Nuggets lifting his head to lick at Angel’s chin.

         Ah. That’s what that look was earlier. He’d been reminding the other demon of his place. The pieces clicked in, and Emma could see Angel analyzing her- trying to ascertain her reaction.

        “I can’t say I’m overly surprised. A bartender for a hotel with no customers makes very little sense. I will take that into consideration when we interact. Perhaps you’d like to suggest tagging along for magick lessons when Alastor isn’t around?” Emma grinned slyly, but Angel didn’t cheer up much.

        “Has Alastor done something?”

         Angel shook his head and shrugged. “I don’t really know what all he does. Husk and me, we shit talk a lot, but… I dunno. Maybe it’s nothing, but I know he ain’t happy being a slave.”

         Emma took a moment to formulate her thoughts before speaking. “Angel, do you know that, technically I’m an overlord?”

          Angel jerked as his eyes flew back to her. “I own souls. In fact, I own several of the souls downstairs. I’d like to say that I was benevolent, but personally I don’t believe there is such a thing as a benevolent slave owner. No matter how kind you are, you still own slaves.”

         “Yeah, but you said so yourself when you offered me that deal, that you’d give it back when I felt ready. So that’s the kind of person you are. Al, he- well, I can’t say he’s exactly nice to Husk, but he probably ain’t goin’ full Val on him. I don’t even know if Huskie’d talk about it, even with patient confidence, or whatever you guys call it.”

         “I won’t pretend I’m a saint, Angel. Ten of my souls have known nothing but torture since I claimed them. I would need some more information, but if you believe Alastor is being needlessly cruel, I will do what I can to help. But Angel…” Her friend had taken a real risk coming to her with this- she would need to tread carefully.

         “I don’t know how much I will be able to help. You know better than anyone how cruel overlords can be. I hate making comparisons, but when we live in a place where our literal souls are able to be taken, sometimes it’s better the evil you know. Do you think Husk is likely to lose his soul again? I could offer Alastor a trade, but I would need to get to know Husk more before offering his soul back.”

        Angel cocked his head, and Emma sighed. Time to show her own cruelty. “I will not give up a soul that I deem unworthy. It is in my own vain fault. I am a particularly nasty demon to others with certain… backgrounds.” Angel sat silently for a moment before he seemed to put the pieces together. “Oohh… I don’t think Huskie’s the type to hurt anyone who ain’t askin ’for it. He actually saved me from a roofie once, ya know?” That caught Emma’s attention, and Angel noticed, chuckling at her expression.

        “It was a while ago. I was… well, I was kinda self destructing; couldn’t see a way out, ya know? So I just… let it happen… Honestly, the love drops made things better. Easier…” His face softened before he continued.

         “And in comes this fluffy asshole, slapping away my drink and startin’ a brawl before yankin’ me out by my coat!” He laughed and Emma smiled at how cute he was. The man was in love. “So there I am, pissed off my night’s ruined and here comes Husk singin’ about how I’m a total loser, and we actually do a whole fuckin’ broadway number! Then we get interrupted by the same guys who were trying ta fuck around earlier, and we blast the bastards!”

         Emma smiled to the other demon. “So you believe he is a good man.” He nodded excitedly, and she chuckled lightly. “I will speak to both Husk and Alastor, without letting them know what we’ve discussed today. I don’t know what all will come of it, but if Husk wants his freedom, and I can trust him not to be needlessly cruel, I believe he deserves it.”

         Angel pulled Emma over Fat Nuggets for a hug and she laughed before separating.

        “Soooo, when are you gonna tell him how you feel?” Her question earned a bright blush from the man, and she laughed harder. It would appear she wouldn’t be getting an answer.

         Once she’d settled down, they both hugged again before standing to leave. Angel offered Fat Nuggets a walk, but the little guy went back to his bed to curl up in with an oink.

          By the time they got back to the lobby, most everyone had either found their rooms, or left for home. Alastor turned from his conversation with Lucifer to widen his smile at her, eyes squinting, analyzing. Emma smiled and gave him a wink before walking to the bar for a drink.

        Husk handed her a mystery drink with a grin, and her tail set to wagging- he did know how to make an amazing cocktail! She would need to find time to talk with him without Alastor in earshot, but that was a tall order; his hearing was incredibly impressive.

        With grateful thanks, she left the bar to walk over to Alastor, who seemed to be enjoying Lucifer’s company more now, bumping her hip against his thigh in greeting. He looked down and kissed her hair before turning back to Lucifer.

        “Hey there Vixy! How’s it hangin’?”

       Emma couldn’t help but snort at the awkward greeting. The poor dear was not used to socializing. “Lucifer, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’ve been well, and you? Staying out of trouble, or makin’ a little mischief?”

       The little angel grinned, “well, I am a master at mischief, but I know how to play nice.” He finished with a wink, and Emma chuckled. “What have you two been plotting over here? Anything interesting?”

              “Wellll, I was just asking Bambi here if you would be moving with your colleagues. If you wanted a room here, it’s yours, or I could make some extra space in Al’s room. If… that’s… well, yeah,” Lucifer trailed off, and Emma noticed her mate stiffen beside her.

           “I’m perfectly capable of adding space myself, thank you. I would reply that Vixy and I have yet to discuss such plans, but she would be within her rights to do so,” her mate looked almost haughty. “If she wished to,” he finished, and Emma giggled at the careful response. He was too cute sometimes.

         “I can always stay with Al sometimes, but I prefer to have my own space,” she replied, and Emma felt her mate deflate just a bit. Did he actually want to live together? Hmm, perhaps a talk was in order on multiple subjects.

       “Ha! Well, I can’t blame you there. Lilly likes her space too,” Lucifer, his gaze turning to a sad softness.

       Offering an empathetic smile, Emma spoke, “you know, therapy is for everyone, fallen angels included- if and when you feel ready.” He brought a hand to rub the back of his neck as he looked away.

        “But on a more fun note, we should totally have a sleepover sometime!” Lucifer lit up as Alastor let loose a record scratch. “We are demons, not children. That would-“

          “Be amazing Vixy!” Strong arms lifted to spin Emma, a surprised yip leaving her throat. Once down, she looked up to see Charlie with stars in her eyes. Oh, how adorable! “I didn’t know human children had sleepovers too! Do you watch movies and eat popcorn too?”

            That had apparently caught little Niffty’s attention, the little demon zooming up to rest on Charlie’s shoulder. “I love sleepovers! I can make snacks! Popcorn, sandwiches, muddy buddies, absinthe-“

          “Damn, Niff, what kinda sleepovers did you have? How about some pizza?” Angel joined in, using Emma’s head as an elbow rest.

           “Well, apparently, we need to throw a sleepover night. We could all wear onesies and pig out!” Emma’s excited suggestion received mixed reactions, “okay, okay… Onesies optional,” she amended, receiving giggles in reply.

         “Do we wanna do this tonight, or when?” Angel was beginning to squish her just a bit, and Emma bumped her ass against him to get him to loosen up, receiving a mischievous smirk.

            “Why don’t we plan on this weekend? We could make a hotel bulletin for activities and put up a flyer on the bar,” Vaggie suggested, everyone turning to her in question. “Everybody visits the bar,” she shrugged, and they all hummed in agreement. Anita shimmied in next to Emma excitedly. “Grown up sleepover! Yes!”

          The little ram bleated, bouncing on her heels, and Emma’s ears drooped at the adorable woman.  She really hoped she could thrive here. Eternity is a long time, especially in Hell.

         “How does Saturday evening sound to everybody?” Alastor chimed in, and everyone agreed.

        “Whelp! I’m turning in. See you later!” Lucifer flew off with a wave, looking all together a man on a mission. At that, the others began going their own ways, and Emma felt absolutely tickled to see Charlie and Vaggie speeding up to Anita to talk more. Oh please please please!

          Soft laughter pulled Emma from her thoughts, and she turned to look at her darling. “I can see the wheels turning under those little ears, mon cœur. How do you say? You ‘ship it’?”

         Chuckling, Emma leaned into Alastor’s frame to nuzzle his arm. “Am I that transparent?”

          His arms curled around her, and he kissed her forehead. “You are an open book, my dear, especially with romance,” he teased, tilting her chin up. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he finished, before pulling her in for a small kiss.

         Tail wagging happily, Emma gave a soft yelp, receiving a giggle with glowing eyes.

          “Your place or mine?”

           That earned a hearty laugh, and Alastor offered his arm to lead her to the elevator. Apparently, it was his place tonight.

           Emma felt incredibly relieved to have a (hopefully) permanent place to host the clinic, and having it finished put such pep in her step.

        “Emma dear, I wasn’t lying, you know.”

        Looking up in question, Emma noticed a light blush dusting Alastor’s cheek as he elaborated. “Should you wish it, my home is yours.”

         ‘Awww…’/ ‘Awww…’

        It would seem her shade was in agreement- her mate was positively adorable!

        “I utterly adore you, darling,” she spoke softly, pulling him in for one more kiss before the elevator doors opened to his floor. “I love spending time with you, but I also want to keep my space. Does… that make sense?”

        Alastor’s eyes glowed down at her as he ran his claws through her hair. “It makes perfect sense, chèr. That being said,” he reached to turn his doorknob and opened the door for her.

         “I want you to have your own space in my space as well,” he finished, and Emma’s ears pricked as she took in the changes he’d made.

          A small gasp escaped her lips as her ears drooped. Blending into his bayou dimension, the greenery shifted into something new and incredibly familiar. He’d built her a forest! “Oh, Al… This is…”

        Stepping further into the room, Emma noticed a small staircase next to the library and looked to him in question. “I added a private kitchen upstairs; there’s also a wardrobe and bathing spa. I find myself particularly fond of it.”

       A huff left him as Emma zoomed over and crushed him in her arms, nuzzling his chest as her entire body wiggled from the sheer strength of her wagging tail. “I hope I haven’t overstepped?” He chuckled, and Emma shook her head vehemently.

        “No, my darling. This is absolutely perfect! Thank you!”

         At that, her mate deflated with a sigh. “I was worried you might think it a bit forward,” he confessed, and Emma laughed.

       “You fuck me senseless for two weeks and this is too forward? My darling, this is the perfect solution! Why, we must build you your own space in my home! You darling, darling man!”

        Emma jumped on him, frantically nuzzling as he giggled at her display. “I love you, mon cœur,” he sighed happily as she settled.

       “I love you too, Al,” she replied, cupping his cheek as they gazed at each other.

        “Feel up for a little hunting?”

     Cocking her head in question, Emma saw her mate’s smile widen.

      “There are earth traps connected to the mortal world within your forest. I thought you might enjoy a taste of home.”

      This. Fucking. Man!

      Happy fox yips filled the room as Emma planted kisses all over his face, adorable bleats joining as he soaked in her affections.

      He set her down and Emma snapped her clothes to lay on the bed. With a chuckle, Alastor’s bowed and swept his hand out, “after you, ma belle.”

      Taking his hand, Emma pulled him with her, and he followed. They spent the night exploring Emma’s new forest, catching prey and feasting together. She could broach the subject of Husk’s soul later. Tonight, she would enjoy the company of her sweet mate.

Chapter Text

        “Vixy dear.”

        Ears flicking, Emma turned from her new vanity mirror to look at her mate. Alastor walked to stand behind her bench and kissed the top of her head. “I was working on my show notes earlier and realized that I’ve yet to fulfill a part of our deal.”

        Emma’s tail began swishing, and she perked up in anticipation. “Would you like to broadcast our session today?”

         Her reaction would probably be answer enough. Yelping excitedly, she turned and leapt into his arms to pepper kisses over his face, her shade splitting to zoom around the room. His own shadow split to give chase as Alastor laughed at her happy response, hugging Emma close as he soaked in the affection.

       “Yes,” kiss, “yes,” kiss, kiss, “yes yes yes!”

       When finally she’d settled, Alastor set Emma down to finish getting ready, sitting next to her and opening his show notes. They talked as Emma finished her skincare routine, Alastor jotting down points.

         “I think that’s all I need. I’m going to set up some equipment; I’ll need you to be there 10 minutes early- does that work?” With an excited nod, Emma leaned for him to kiss her once more before he shadowed away.

        How wonderful! She’d actually forgotten all about that little last-minute addition to their deal, but her dear sweetheart had remembered everything. Such a darling man! Reaching for her pocket watch, Emma checked the time and decided to grab a drink before heading to the bayou. No need for clothes, she simply stayed in her robe- a lovely blood red satin her mate had stored in her new wardrobe.

        Heading to the kitchen, she poured two glasses of whiskey to set on a tray and made her way downstairs and to the bayou dimension. Alastor was tinkering with equipment, turning to smile gratefully as she offered him a drink. They clinked glasses before Emma seated herself to watch her mate work. He was so in his element, a gleam in his eye that lit her heart.

          The whiskey went down smoothly, warming her body as she relaxed and enjoyed the music that danced in the air around them. Time passed as Alastor fiddled with his wires- they hung from a black portal connected to his hotel radio tower. He was so creative with his magick.

          When finished setting up, Alastor seated himself in front of a small desk that held his notes, two microphones and a small switchboard connected to the wires. Turning to smile at Emma, he leaned over to press a quick kiss to her lips.

         “Ready to begin, my dear?”

        Emma gave her mate a wicked smile, “break some legs, my darling!”

         Alastor laughed before flipping some switches, a red light flaring to life as he began his broadcast. Emma felt positively giddy with excitement! How many fantasies had she allowed herself over the long years of listening? She did her best to keep her happy tail from making too much noise.

          “Welcome all you wayward sinners! It’s noon and I have a very special guest star to share with you! Meet Vixen: a lovely lady you may have seen on the silver screen over the years. Welcome to the show, Vixen!” A clapping track played, and Emma leaned to speak in her microphone.

         “I’m delighted to be here! I’ve been quite a fan,” she replied, enjoying the way Alastor’s chest puffed out just a bit at the compliment. He was just so cute!

          “My dear, flattery will get you everywhere! Dear listeners, you’re in for a real treat! Vixen has graciously agreed to share her world with us. Today, we will be performing a live skinning while dear Vixen will remain perfectly still, conscious and content! Yes, listeners you heard right! Our special guest today is a professional in pain! A titan of terror! A siren of screaming!” Ooos and ahhs sounded and Emma had to keep herself from giggling too loudly.

         “Indeed! The screams you will hear are completely consensual, and I would like to warn not to try this yourself without someone you trust to stop should you need to. As your humble host has stated before, I am a professional and can handle much more than someone just starting out.”

        Alastor’s eyes glowed at the trust comment, and he placed a hand over Emma’s to squeeze as he continued the dialogue. “That’s a great point, Vixen! So, let’s clear a few things up for the audience. What is a ‘safe word’?”

         “A great question- a safe word and gesture is used in the BDSM community to indicate the desire to stop whatever activity is occurring. Your role today will be the ‘dom’, or dominant partner, and when the submissive partner, or ‘sub’, calls out the safe word, you must stop what you are doing and check in with your partner. The dom should check in regularly anyway, but a safe word is something simple that both partners can use at anytime.”

        “So even this ‘dom’ has the ability to use the safe word?”

            “Precisely! And a safe gesture is used when words are not available- say if you’re gagged or choked. A short, recognizable pattern can be tapped in order to call for the session to end.”

           The talk went well, Alastor pointing to a note when he wished for Emma to bring up an extra point. She couldn’t help but love him more for this- he took consent just as seriously as her and it set her heart reeling in adoration.

          “Well, dear Vixen, shall we begin removing your pelt?” Alastor smiled, wide and sinister as he rose from his seat and offered his hand. Predators eyes flashing, Emma accepted the invitation.  “By all means, darling! Let me just get comfortable,” she responded with a wink and rose.

         A wolf howl sounded as Emma slid her robe off and she laughed at her adorable mate. “Feel free to take a bite once the skin is off. You look a bit hungry,” she teased, smile widening at the bright blush that joined his famished gaze.

       “Well dear listeners, this certainly is a first! What a lovely offer- dinner and entertainment!”

          As Emma transformed, he narrated her new appearance, his own form growing to full size. He grabbed his knife, and she rolled over to show her belly with a happy fox yip, wagging tail earning an audience’s cooing. Alastor commented that she was an adorable little kit, and she thanked him for the flattery before tentacles held her still and he began his work.

         Emma was in absolute ecstasy! Her lovely mate sliced and pulled and ripped, her howls and cries widening that lovely sinister smile. He even took her up on her offer, taking several bites as he pulled her pelt away. He made sure to vocally check in with her, praising his sweet little kit between secret kisses. She was truly impressed with the professionalism he kept, even as they exchanged heated glances.

         The show itself lasted only about forty minutes, but through the terrible, wonderful pain, Emma felt eternity in the agony. When finally he pulled the flesh from her face, she let out a final cry and shrank back to her usual form. Her mate shrank down and picked her up bridal style to carry to their shared bed, pressing a gentle kiss to her bloody forehead. He finished out the broadcast, jovially thanking her for a raucous good time and reminding the listeners where they could find her best films.

          Emma’s heart was in the clouds as he entered her field of vision, bloody and beautiful in his joy. Her pelt hung over the large stretcher, ready for the next stage, and she felt that demented pride and love fill her being as she thought of Velvette cuddling happily into the fur.

            Alastor laid down next to Emma, carefully avoiding full touch until the new thin layer of skin had begun to form.

           “You did so well, my sweet little vixen,” he purred, those lovely crimson eyes glowing as he watched her heal. Emma smiled as best she could with no lips, closing her eyes and drifting into an easy nap.

            With the bite wounds and broken bones, Emma’s healing took about two hours for everything to grow back correctly. Alastor stayed next to her the entire time, watching over her as her body mended.

           When she felt all fixed up, Emma cuddled her darling for a while longer before rising to get dressed. Alastor snapped himself clean and offered his arm for her to take.

         “Do you feel up for a bit of dinner?”

         Emma nodded with a soft smile, wrapping her arm in his and shadows swallowed them up to carry them to the hotel’s kitchen.

         Angel looked up from the sauce he was stirring and smiled. “You look happy. I’ve got some chicken cacciatore started, but there’s also some leftover sandwiches in the fridge if you’re starving.”

         Ears pricking in interest, Emma walked over to sniff at the sauce and moaned. “This smells amazing Angie! I’ve never had this before, but I can tell I definitely want to try some when it’s done.”

         Angel brightened, opening his arms to pull her in for a hug.

        “Oh! Velvette was by earlier to drop off your outfit for tomorrow night. I left it on the counter over there. She also said something about making adjustments to your deal, so you may wanna text her or something.”

        Odd. “Thanks for letting me know, babe.”

        Walking over to the package he’d pointed to, Emma opened it up and took out the articles to look at. She decided that after tomorrow’s performance, she would avoid anymore Vox related jobs. As gorgeous as the burlesque costume was, she felt rage boil in her gut for her best friend’s partner. She was uncertain as to what adjustments Vel was wanting to make, but if she could get her to nix the fox therapy, she’d be forever grateful.

        Clawed fingers ran gently through her hair, and Emma turned to see her mate watching her cautiously- he seemed concerned, and she couldn’t blame him in the slightest. She wouldn’t put it past Vox to kill her a few times just to get at Alastor. Hell, he’d probably even record it and send it to him.

          “You don’t have to perform if you don’t wish to, but if you’re only worried about what I think, don’t. I trust you implicitly, mon cœur,” he spoke low- just enough for her ears only.

         Emma couldn’t help but soften and melt. No, she wasn’t worried about him suspecting her. She simply didn’t wish to remind him of such an ugly experience with her thoughtlessness.

          “It’s not that… I just… The thought of making the beast happy boils my blood,” she replied, brows knitting as she frowned, irritatedly tapping a claw on the replica top hat. One tap was a bit too hard, her claw piercing a small hole in the top.

        Alastor gently took the offending hand and pressed a kiss to a finger. “We can burn it in my hellfire when you’re done if you’d like.” His eyes glowed softly as he gave her a teasing grin, and Emma felt a pang of guilt in her gut. “You don’t have to do that. You’re the one I’m hurting with this. I’m so so-“

          Lips stole her words as shadow surrounded them, and Emma leaned into her lover. Alastor pulled away and they were back in his room, the costume and box sitting on the floor next to the fireplace.

          “The only thing that worries me is what he could do to you, chèr. You are not hurting me simply by working. I want you to do what you enjoy, and knowing Velvette favors you so helps immensely. I think I would worry for you no matter what. You carry my heart, my sweet Emma, and I want to protect my heart.”

           Her own heart ached, and Emma wished to cry for a moment as her mate stroked her cheek. She didn’t deserve this man- how could he be so… so quintessentially Alastor?

         “I love you, Alastor. I never want to cause you pain. Ever,” Emma croaked out, swallowing the lump in her throat. Her mate softened further, ears drooping as a small bleat sounded.

         “I believe I quite enjoy it when you bring me pain, my little vixen,” he teased quietly, sliding his thumb past her lips to press into a fang.

         With a moan, Emma’s eyes fluttered shut and she bit, sliding her tongue along the small cut to taste his blood. How wonderfully he soothed her nerves. She tried to keep her body from reacting too much, but she could tell she was failing miserably.

          Opening her eyes, Emma saw that she wasn’t the only one affected. With a soft whine, she leaned into him and pulled his head down for a kiss. He wrapped himself around her, and she felt his hand card through the length of her hair. This was her Heaven- wrapped in her darling as he stole her breath away.

          “Alastor…” She whispered his name like a dark prayer, her lips dragging against his before they began exploring his cheek, his jaw, chin and back to his lips. When finally Emma pulled back, she rubbed noses and rested her forehead to his. “My darling Alastor, I love you so.”

         Alastor responded with a bleat, and Emma chuckled at how adorable he was. Music flared to life, and he began leading her in a dance. She fell into step with him, her heart swelling at his soft expression.

          She could worry later.

             “Hey, Vel! How are you, darling?”

            With a warm hug, Emma greeted her friend before separating. Velvette gave a low whistle as Emma spun for her, grin proud.

           “I’m good sweetness. That Angel is turning out to be a real asset- you look gorgeous!” She pointed to Emma’s hair and styled it into lovely long ringlets, the curls light and bouncy as she walked.

          “Oh! Angie was saying you were wanting to make some adjustments to our deal?”

           Velvette cocked her head, a flash of confusion filling her gaze. “No, I don’t think so. That’s…” She paused for a moment, and Emma moved to settle her.

          “It’s no big deal, darling. I was actually wanting to talk to you about that anyway. I’d like to cut out the fox therapy if you wouldn’t mind. I’m afraid my energy around Vox would not be conducive to a healing experience. My fur is still yours whenever you wish it. You don’t mind, do you?”

            Velvette’s eyes flashed, and Emma felt a pang of warning flare in her gut.

           “Fine. Yeah, maybe it’s for the best,” Velvette sighed and held out her hand.

             Breathing a sigh of relief, Emma stretched out her own hand to clasp the others, and with a gentle breeze of energy, the deal was fixed. “Thanks, Vel,” Emma spoke, squeezing the doll’s hand and pulling her in for a hug. “Yeah… No problem,” she replied quietly, nuzzling her head in Emma’s neck before they separated.

               “Ready to rile up the crowd?” Her question made Emma giggle before pulling a quick spin and pose. “Let’s pop some boners,” she teased, receiving a bark of laughter and punch to her shoulder.

          Slow jazz began to play as Emma seated herself on her swing, her mic secured with a bit of spirit gum to her cheek. The swing began to lower, and her voice crooned to life as she moan-sang the intro.

        “A guy what takes his time, I’ll go for anytime,

         I’m a fast movin’ gal who likes them slow.

        Got no use for fancy drivin’, wanna see a guy arrivin’ in low

         I’d be satisfied, electrified to know a guy what takes his time.”

        The crowd whooped and whistled below her, and Emma came alive. This adrenaline was one of her favorite flavors; the power she felt was delicious and intoxicating. Her glossy black lips smirked as she took it in, stretching her body and swishing her tail in wicked delight.

             “A hurry-up affair, I always give the air.

         Wouldn’t give any rushin’ gent a smile!

    I would go for any singer who would condescend to linger a while.

        What a lullaby would be supplied to have a guy what takes his time… Ohh”

           She began to swing over the crowd, spotting Velvette with Vox and Valentino in a box. The “birthday boy” was laughing with Val as Velvette looked away annoyed, and Emma sent a wink her way. Valentino must have made a joke at Vox’s expense- the tv demon was blushing as he worked on his drink.

          “A guy what takes his time, I’d go for any time,

      A hasty job really spoils a master’s touch,

   I don’t like a big commotion, I’m a demon for slow motion or such. Mmm

    Why should I deny that I would die to know a guy who takes his time?”

          Swishing her tail, Emma tossed her long curls and tipped her hat to Vox, predators eyes flashing as she imagined ripping off his good antenna.

         “There isn’t any fun in getting something done

      If you’re rushed when you have to make the grade.

       I can spot an amateur, appreciate a connoisseur in trade, ooh

       Who would qualify, no alibi, to be the guy what takes his time? Oohh… ohhh ohh!”

           The crowd erupted into cheers, whistles and whoops as Emma finished her performance, the swing rising back through the ceiling. Her body rushed with the adrenaline from a successful show, and Emma wanted nothing more than to rush home and have her mate rip her clothes to shreds. Maybe even take him up on his offer to burn it in his hellfire.

          She was removing the long bustle when the man of the hour himself walked into her dressing room without so much as a tap.

          “You never told me you could sing, Vixy! That was a helluva show! What would you say about your own segment on Vox2Nite?” The man was clearly intoxicated, and Emma had to take a moment to regain her composure at the sudden intrusion.

        “Dear Vox, I know you’ve had a few drinks but do remember to knock in the future. I wouldn’t want to have to hurt you at your own birthday party,” she grit out, fixing her posture and face to appear more relaxed.

          The other demon at least had the decency to look abashed, giving a small apology for the sudden intrusion.

         “As flattering as your offer is, I have more than enough work to keep me happy and busy, but that’s very kind of you. How are you enjoying your party, dear?” Emma made a show of turning her back as she continued removing her bustle before wrapping herself in her red silk dressing gown. No way would she allow him to think he was the one in control here. Emma was very practiced in the art of nonchalance.

         She subtly watched Vox deflate in the mirror, making sure he stayed right where he was. “Sorry Vix. I’m not exactly at my best right now. Haha,” he awkwardly chuckled, rubbing the back of his screen.

         With a snort Emma replied, “Clearly,” turning back to pat his arm. “Where are your partners? You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

          Vox blushed and coughed, looking to the open door. “I’m not really sure. I got over excited, and cable travelled here,” he responded. “You really are a beautiful singer, Vixen. I hope you’ll consider singing again for me. Maybe produce a record sometime.”

           Emma forced a smile on her lips and cocked her head. “I’ll think about it. Thank you darling. Now, let’s go find your partners before I head out. I don’t want you by yourself right now.”

          Vox gave a cocky grin and leaned close to her, and Emma had to keep herself from backing away. “Would you keep me company tonight? I wouldn’t be alone then,” he purred, and Emma quirked a brow, wholly unimpressed.

         “I’m a mated demon, Vox. As charming as the offer is, I have someone at home waiting for me.”

       “Oh yeah, I noticed that. I never thought I’d see the day the radio demon would fuck in public, but I can see why. That was really hot,” he groaned as he ran a clawed finger over one of Emma’s curls.

       “Then you can understand why I have no interest in any other, and that includes you, Voxxie.” Thank Satan for self control. Emma wanted nothing more than to bite this fucker. She wasn’t so foolish as to think it was she he was so interested in. He was playing a game he wouldn’t win.

         Vox paused before letting out a sighing chuckle. “Alright, alright. I get it,” he relented with a sigh, releasing Emma’s hair before turning back to the door. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll go find my Vees,” he said, before cabling away in an electric flash.

        Closing the door, Emma deflated with a sigh. That fucker had been watching Alastor! Fury bubbled up from her gut and she hurriedly got dressed, shoving the burlesque costume back into its box and into her pocket dimension before opening the door and gliding out.

         The walk to the hotel helped to calm Emma’s anger, and her heart melted when Alastor met her at the door, pulling her into his arms with a bleat. “Did you knock their socks off?”

        With a soft chuckle, Emma kissed his cheek before he turned to press his lips to hers. “I believe boners have been inspired,” she laughed, running her claws through his hair.

          Alastor’s lips quirked a sly grin, his eyes flashing down at her, and Emma wanted to take him. He was hers, and no one could take him from her.

           “Why don’t we go upstairs and burn these rags?”

           Alastor’s smile widened, and he kissed her once more as his shadows carried them to his room. His fireplace was already alight with green flames, and Emma pulled the costume out of her pocket dimension. They each took turns pulling out pieces, the flames swallowing the fine material up in a satisfying flare.

          Music danced around them, and they danced in the light of the fire, Emma’s mood lightening exponentially as she gazed into those glowing crimson orbs. The song hadn’t even finished when Emma jumped on him, crashing her lips to his in a forceful, possessive kiss. He groaned as his hands flew to her ass to hold her to him, lifting her to rub against his erection.

          A lascivious moan left her throat as Emma ground against him. “Take me to bed, my buck,” she demanded, earning a bellow as he moved to obey, throwing her unceremoniously to the mattress.

         Emma giggled as she landed, her mate leaping to join her, crashing his lips clumsily to hers, and her hands flew to cup his face. Teeth and tongue clashed as Alastor pressed into her, her hips wriggling to gain some friction.

         Hooking a leg around his hips, Emma flipped their positions and ground against him, his moans fueling her need as she ripped open his shirts. Her teeth found the flesh of his throat and clamped down as he bucked and keened under her, his hands flying to grip her hips. The pain of his claws piercing her skin earned a growl from her throat, and Emma released her fangs to lick and suck at the wound as she rubbed against her lover.

         Alastor whined beneath her, and Emma’s breath caught as she watched those long lashes flutter at her. “You are so beautiful, my darling Alastor,” she groaned, running her hands reverently over the fur of his chest. “I want to taste you,” Emma spoke low, dragging her claws down his stomach to stop at the band of his trousers. “May I?”

         Alastor’s eyes clouded over as he nodded, claiming one last kiss as his hands helped Emma undo the buttons of his pants. With a wagging tail, Emma kissed, bit and licked a trail down his chest, his ribs, his stomach and hips. She heard his shoes hit the floor, and pulled his trousers off, deciding to leave the socks and garters- they were unbelievably sexy.

         Setting her predators eyes on her mate, Emma licked her lips with a wide, sinister smile. “I want to taste all of you, Alastor,” she purred, and Emma saw understanding light his eyes. Even as he blushed crimson, his breath quickening, he spread his legs for her, his hands gliding over his thighs in an erotic show of submission.

         Emma growled and climbed back on the bed between his legs, her lips finding a knee to kiss. She drug her teeth gently over the sensitive flesh of his inner thigh, pressing small kisses as she moved down. When finally she reached his cock, Emma nuzzled the large erection and kissed the tip. Her affections earned soft cries of passion, a high-pitched keen sounding when she nipped at the head.

          “Emma… Mmm… Haah, yesss…”

           She glided her tongue around his head and down the shaft, pressing soft kisses to his testicles before rising again to swallow his cock. Radio static danced along her skin as she took her time enjoying his reactions. Dragging her fangs over the heated flesh, Emma bit down, and Alastor cried out, his hands fisting the bloody sheets below.

           She felt his cock pulse against her tongue, and Emma pulled away, earning a whimper from her needy mate. How sweet he looked, how utterly wanton.

            Emma brought her lips down to engulf a testicle, running her tongue around the taut bulb and sucking before lathering the other in the same affection. It wouldn’t be enough to bring him to his end, but the music of his moaning sighs shot straight to her cunt, and Emma slid her tongue up his cock once more before gliding it down his sac and over his opening.

             “Mmmnhaah….” Her mate whined at the new sensation, and Emma felt him press against her- it would appear he may enjoy this. Emma moaned as she brought her hands to her mouth and spit, wrapping them around his cock and wringing them gently down as her tongue teased the muscles of his entrance.

            Alastor was a beautiful mess beneath her, bucking his hips and wriggling against her to gain more friction. Bringing her hand to her cunt, Emma gathered the dripping slick and coated her fingers, claws retracting completely before reaching to his ass.

             His muscles had relaxed to the point of sucking her tongue, and as Emma replaced it with a slick finger, her mate keened in pleasure. He was tight, pulling her finger further in as she lifted it to press and rub against his prostate. The environment began to fizzle and flicker around them, and as Emma sealed her lips around the tip of his cock, Alastor screamed and bucked, his hands flying to Emma’s hair to pull her down further onto him. Fuck, her little fawn was really enjoying himself.

              She added a finger and picked up the pace, swallowing around his cock and rubbing her chin into his balls.

           “Fuck, Vix- haah. I’m going to- Ahhhh…”

           Emma bit the base of his cock and thrust into him one last time before he tensed and began spasming, a whining keen leaving his throat as he held her head fast against him. His cock pulsed and twitched as he released, and Emma swallowed every drop gratefully. She could never get enough of him.

            Emma crawled back up to watch her handiwork, enjoying the way he moaned and panted to catch his breath. When at last he opened his eyes, she leaned to press a soft kiss to his forehead and laid down next to him, resting her head on his fluffy chest as he came down.

           “That is definitely an activity we can enjoy again,” he breathed out, stroking her hair with loving reverence. Letting loose happy yelps, Emma rose and leaned to nuzzle and kiss Alastor’s cheek.

         He giggled and turned to capture her lips, rolling over to cover her. Emma groaned when he slid his tongue past her teeth, placing a hand on his chest. He paused to look at her sweetly. “I want to please you too, chèr,” he purred, and Emma softened.

          “Only if you want to. I’m perfectly content and satisfied,” she spoke softly.  She wasn’t lying- she would be perfectly happy with just the memory of her writhing mate.

              Alastor grinned wickedly, trailing a claw between Emma’s breasts to slice open the fabric of her dress. “You’ve had your fun, mon cœur; now it’s time I had mine,” he teased, leaning to kiss her once more before lowering his head to nip at her chest.

           “Mmm… You spoil me, darling,” Emma cooed, scraping her claws against his scalp as he lavished her in his affections. Her mate chuckled as he worked his way down, biting and lapping the blood that bloomed.

           “You are very easy to please, my dear,” he teased, and if this was what he called easy, Emma would wholeheartedly agree.

            She felt his fingers glide between her slick folds and whined. She was absolutely soaked from her earlier desires, and her mate growled as he rubbed her labia and clit between his deft fingers.

            “Oh fuuuck, Al…”

             Bucking her hips, Emma moaned and whimpered in need. Alastor lowered his head, and she felt his tongue glide along her slit. Her breath caught as he thrust two fingers into her slick heat, a screech leaving her throat at the delicious stretch. His lips closed over her clit and sucked as he moved within her, his eyes glowing up at her as Emma watched him pleasure her.

           A third finger entered her, and Emma screamed, squirting into her lover’s mouth as he continued his ministrations, a low groan leaving his throat as he slowed his thrusting. Her pussy pulsed and clenched, another suck bringing on a secondary orgasm.

           Emma’s legs shook violently, and Alastor pulled his soaked fingers from her to lick clean as he watched her spiral.

            Crawling slowly back up, Alastor peppered gentle kisses over Emma’s shaking body until finally their lips met. Emma moaned at her taste on his tongue, nipping at his bottom lip as she settled.

           Her mate chuckled breathlessly and laid down beside her, stroking her cheek with a gentle finger.

           Sleep came easily after that, and as they wrapped their bodies together, Emma snuggled and nuzzled into him as much as she could. Her heart and mind welcomed the darkness, surrounded in the safety of her love. She would die for this man. She would kill for this man… Either way, what bliss!

Chapter Text

          “Hey, Nita, you wanna get an extra bag of popcorn going? It looks like this is a hot ticket item,” Charlie called from the theater Lucifer had added. A large projector screen filled the entire wall, five rows of three bean bag couch beds filling the room itself. Emma had never seen such luxuries before, but decided to add one to her own living room. They were unbelievably comfortable!

       “Coming right up!” Anita yelled back from the hallway. Alastor shadowed in along the floor to form beside Lucifer at the refreshment table before snapping it full of different drinks. Lucifer brightened up and grabbed what looked to be a mimosa.

        “Mmm! Not bad, Bambi. No cherries though?” he complained with a sly grin, peaking out from the corner of an eye to enjoy the other man’s reaction. A scratch of interference sounded, and Alastor hummed, an eyebrow twitching as he snapped his fingers. Lucifer’s drink spilled over him when it filled halfway with maraschino cherries, and he froze in shock.

        Lucifer registered the ‘amendment,’ looking about to yell before letting out a laughing huff as he softened. “You couldn’t just snap a bowl on the table?”  He snapped his yellow duck onesie clean and dry, shooting Alastor a sly grin.

         “If I did that , you wouldn’t have anything to complain about. Think of it as part of the service, my dear,” he teased, receiving a light punch to the gut (well, light to Lucifer , that is). The taller man let out a grunt and glared down at the angel, receiving a cocky grin in return. 

       “Alright, you two; behave ,” Emma gave a teasing scold, flicking each man on an arm as she stepped up for a drink. Picking a glass of whiskey, she took a long swig, giving a satisfied hum at the flavor.

         Alastor huffed and rolled his eyes but leaned toward her to kiss the top of her head. Lucifer chuckled out a “yes ma’am,” and leaned against the table to watch the demons walking into the theater. About half of the crowd decided to wear onesies, the rest wearing pajamas or other comfortable clothing.

        Emma wore a brown and tan, lightweight ‘what does the fox say?’ onesie. Charlie and Vaggie wore matching duck onesies- a gift from Lucifer. As terrible as the man was with names, he tried his best to make Vaggie feel part of the royal family.

           Surprisingly enough, Alastor already owned a reindeer onesie from one occasion or another, and the sight melted her. He’d even put on the matching red nose for a moment to earn her laughter! Even Angel and Cherri participated, wearing lightweight short onesies with Fat Nugget’s face printed on the front. Said mascot oinked happily from Angel’s arms, little black eyes sparkling as he accepted a piece of popcorn from a cooing Charlie.

        Husk walked in (usual attire not surprising her in the least) holding more drinks to add, nodding with a small smile when she greeted him. At least he and Alastor seemed to be a bit less on edge around each other. Key word: seemed . Emma knew all too well how unsteady the soul contract relationship could be. Once dismissed, he joined Angel and Cherri; the three sat on a single couch bed, Angel in the center as he produced a bag of popcorn. Emma couldn’t help but wonder if that was one of his manifest powers. He always had it at the ready for any drama.

         “Vixy?”

          An ear flicked and Emma turned her head to look up at Alastor beside her. “Sorry, what was that?”

        Her mate cocked his head with a quirk of his lips. “Have you found a sufficiently comfortable spot for us?”

        Ah. She must have spaced out while people watching. A talent, really. Pointing to the back left corner, she spoke, “How about there? Nice and cozy.”

        A fine brow rose, and Alastor considered for a moment before speaking. “You don’t wish to be centered?”

         Emma let out a snorting laugh. “Would you like to be centered?”

         “Yes, and a bit closer too, perhaps the next row up,” he stated, offering his arm as he grabbed a whiskey.

        With a small groan she relented, taking his arm and grabbing a bag of popcorn from Charlie on the way to a couch bed.

        Once everyone seemed comfortably situated, Lucifer pointed up to the projector, and a movie began playing. Whoops and dejected groans sounded as ‘My Fair Lady’ bloomed on the screen, the orchestra sounding perfect with the surrounding speakers. Emma had never seen the original movie, but seeing a very lovely human begin singing, she fell in love !

         A soft chuckle sounded, and she looked up to see Alastor’s soft expression gazing back. “Have you acquired a new crush, my dear?”

        His whispered words earned a soft laugh as she cuddled closer to him, tail draping over his lap for him to pet.

         “Hmm, maybe. This Audrey Hepburn is quite the charming ingenue,” she whispered back, and offered him some popcorn.

         “Shhh!”

          Turning to glare at Baxter behind them, Angel snapped, “aw shush yaself! We ain’t bothering anybody!” It would seem they weren’t the only ones gabbing, at least.

          Baxter grumbled but settled as Charlie handed him another bag of popcorn. While not being close with anyone just yet, he did seem to gain respect for the sweet princess after she sang to him about learning new hobbies.

        The rest of the movie night was uneventful, and as they made their way up to Alastor’s room Emma hummed with an occasional skip in her step.

        “What a lovely evening that was! I simply must have one of those couches in my living room- Luci did a magnificent job with that theater!”

       Alastor chuckled behind her, grabbing her hand to stop and twirl her before pulling her in to kiss her head with a bleat. “You are utterly adorable , my little vixen,” he cooed before letting her go to open the door for her.

       Giggling at his affectionate gesture, Emma pulled him through the door to hug him close and rub her cheek against his coat with a happy whine. “Cuddle me, my darling,” she sighed, and before she’d even finished her words, he picked her up bridal style to carry her to the bookshelf.

        “Your wish is my command, ma chér!” he declared, reaching for a book he’d started working on when not occupied. “Would you like to pick something, or are you ready for bed?”

        Looking to the selection, Emma was surprised to see several romance novels among scientific, radio technology, horror and magickal research books. He even owned a few science fiction novels! As her eyes scanned, she paused when she came across a title she knew all too well, freezing with a blush.

           Of course her mate noticed, cocking his head and looking for what could have caused such a reaction. “Now what could possibly have you blushing so cutely , hmm?” He leaned to rub his nose to her cheek, his arms tightening around her.

           “Ahem! Sorry! I just wasn’t expecting to see one of mine in your collection,” she spoke, pointing to one of the romances on the shelf.

         A surprised pop of interference sounded as Alastor looked to see where she was pointing before a booming laughter filled the air.

        “No wonder dear Rosie was so excited when I first brought you through her door!” The man laughed and laughed as he held her, finally calming after a few minutes. “One of her many humorous gifts through the years. Trixie Cummings is a favorite of hers.”

         His reply brought a spark of joyful pride, and Emma’s tail wagged under Alastor’s arms. “Aww, really?” She let out happy yappies, which only caused more of her mate’s laughter as he squeezed and snuggled her.

         “You are just too precious, sweetheart!”

          With a whine, Emma soaked up the affection before picking out a nice romance she hadn’t heard of before, and Alastor carried her to bed.

         “So now I’m curious , darling. Have you actually read any of those little gifts?”

         With a snort, her mate climbed in next to her and pulled her into his side. “I found some of the content useful, but I don’t see myself reading them for personal enjoyment,” he said, opening his book with a tentacle to keep his hold on her.

        With an intrigued glance, she cocked a sly grin, “ useful , huh? Do tell…”

      She felt him stiffen just a bit, a small flare of static crackling as a blush rose in his cheek. “I may have used them as research before attempting to court you...”

        Yup, that tracked.

“You’re too cute , Al!” With a hearty chuckle, Emma nuzzled and nipped at his jaw before settling into him and opening her own novel. He hum-grumbled, but placed a soft kiss to her head.

           “Only for you, my dear,” he spoke softly, turning the next page with a tap of his finger.

          The night ended in blissful contentment, falling asleep in the arms of her mate as he pulled the book from her limp fingers and laid down beside her.

         Dreams that night (no matter how they started out) twisted into curling, creeping nightmares. Emma had become very skilled in maneuvering her dreamscapes over the years of terror, but this time something kept tap, tap, tapping to get in.

          No matter how many times she took control back, a sense of being hunted always followed, before the dreamscape changed once again.

          How long had it been since she’d last woken up screaming in unadulterated fear?

        She hadn’t screamed like this in years. Her throat ached and heart pounded as she fought an invisible captor, claws slashing and teeth ripping into unseen flesh. Too many appendages held her down, and no matter how much she tried, no matter how many times or how hard she bit, the invisible captors held firm.

         A sinister, growling voice snarled against her ear, and her struggling renewed.

         “No, no no no no nononono!”

         When at last her eyes finally opened to focus, a drop of something wet hit her cheek, and Emma looked up to see a very distraught Radio Demon. Large tears dripped across and down her cheeks as Alastor held her firm against the mattress, his body shaking above her.

       “I…”

         Red dialed eyes flickered and switched down as she worked to form words. Now that she was awake, Emma could see just what she’d been biting and slashing at- her poor mate was covered in blood!

         “Al… Oh Satan, Al! Are you okay? I’m so so-“

         The words left her mouth in a huff as her love crushed himself onto her, frantically nuzzling as he squeezed her tightly.

       “I was terrified … You would not wake, and you were… What had you wailing so?” He turned his head to press his nose to her throat as they both trembled. “Who can I slaughter? Any being that brings such sounds from your throat deserves nothing but utter annihilation ,” he growled, his large body growing as his own storm brewed, and Emma worked to settle herself.

       “I’m sorry I hurt you, my darling. I’m so sorry,” she shakily spoke. Her mate stiffened atop her, and she felt the frustration in his voice, static cracking at her skin as he spoke against her neck. “Do not apologize right now. I have no wish to hear it. What I want is a name .”

          Clearly they were not on the same page here.

          “Alastor…”

          Turning to look down at her monstrous mate, Emma pressed her lips to his forehead, stroking his hair and attempting a soothing purr. It didn’t work, and she tried to breathe again; tried to shake the frazzle out of her nerves.

          “I’m not feeling gentle right now, Emma,” he warned, and she growled in annoyance, snapping back. “Yeah, well I’m trying to calm down, and I need my mate , not some vengeful knight in shining armor. I need affection.”

          More tears fell as Alastor whimpered and crumpled once again atop her, arms and tentacles clutching desperately as he broke. That really did her in, and Emma clung to him just as desperately, shaking from the aftershocks of terror that still filled her.

         Morning had come and gone, and when finally they’d both calmed, Alastor rolled off of her and she tried to sit up. A wave of vertigo and nausea hit, and Emma moaned as she laid back down and curled up. A large hand rested at her forehead before a finger stroked her cheek.

         “What do you need, sweetheart?”

          How long had it been? How long had it been since she’d dealt with such severe symptoms? More importantly, why was she experiencing such severe symptoms? “I’m sorry. I don’t know why, but my brain has decided to be a total asshole today,” she groaned out. “I’m feeling sick… Would you mind fixing a joint, dearest?” 

         Alastor whimpered beside her as he pet her hair, snapping and handing her a lit blunt.

          She took short, small hits and waited for her body to calm, the gentle petting of her mate pulling her back into a more forgiving slumber.

        When finally she woke once more, Emma noticed that her mate completely surrounded her, the fluff of his chest warming her back as he held her. A glass of water sat next to a fresh blunt, and Emma’s heart melted at the attentive care, followed by a wave of guilt. She had terrified her mate, snapped at him, hurt him, and just gone back to sleep like a selfish kit.

        And yet he’d remained … He’d stayed with her and cared for her, even as he reigned in his own violence. He deserved so much better than some broken, spiteful whore…

        ‘Don’t do that. You are not your father, so stop thinking like him.’

        She couldn’t help the horrible feelings though. They simmered around her mind like an infection- growing larger and louder as she simply tried to breathe.

        “Mmm, Emma? How are you feeling, mon cœur?”

        Turning to snuggle him, Emma let go of her breath with a hum. “Better, but still a bit off. Thank you darling. I’m so sorry I hurt you,” she sighed and nuzzled at his jaw.

       “Please don’t apologize, Emma… That hurts more than any physical pain you could ever inflict.” His voice was soft, cracking under the weight of unshed tears.

        “It is necessary , Alastor. No matter the excuse, I still caused injury and snapped when all you were trying to do was help me.”

       Her explanation quieted his protest as he searched her eyes. “Then you must also accept my apology. You were in the grips of a night terror and all I did was hold you down and help your assailant. When finally you did wake in need of affection and assurance, I met you with selfish anger.” 

         “I suppose that’s fair enough,” Emma replied, a small smile pulling at her lips. “How are you feeling now?”

      Alastor took a moment to consider, pulling her closer to breathe in her hair before responding. “Better, but still off kilter. I’d still very much like to eviscerate whatever caused such distress, but I assume it lies in your collection and is currently swirling in misery?”

      With a soft chuckle, Emma snuggled in and began to purr. “To be honest, I can’t even remember what the nightmare was about . Whatever it was about, though, it’s over now,” she reassured him, lifting her head to kiss his chin before his lips met hers.

       Claws scraped her scalp as her love held her closer, pulling at her hair gently as he deepened the kiss. They stayed like that, Emma sinking into him as they simply kissed and cuddled, taking comfort in each other’s presence.

        Pushing her slightly to her back, Alastor rolled to cover her, his gentle claws dragging through her hair as he kissed and nuzzled and nipped. Emma continued her purr as he continued his comfort, enjoying the sensation of his claws and fangs pressing into her flesh.

          He was ever fascinating to Emma- never moving to take her, even as he worshipped her body. If his own body was any indication, making love was the furthest thing from his mind. She finally understood though. He was soothing himself as much as he was her , lips and teeth covered each place he’d pinned down earlier- an apology and a promise all in one act of service.

          He was finishing a kiss to the last place at her ankle when Emma spoke cautiously.

          “Thank you, Alastor…”

            An ear twitched as those lovely crimson eyes gazed up at her in pleased confusion, cocking his head as he crawled back to claim her lips once more.

          “Whatever for, mon cœur?”

           “Just… for being you .”

            A bleat sounded as his ears drooped, and Alastor rubbed their noses together before resting his forehead to hers, lovely crimson eyes aglow.

            “I love you,” he replied, kissing her forehead before leaning to grab the glass of water on the side table. “You should drink something. You’ve had nothing all day… Are you hungry, or would you prefer a smoke first?”

             Taking the offering with thanks, Emma drained the cup and tried to catch up with the time she’d missed. “I could probably eat something after a smoke.”

              Pulling her phone out, Emma checked the hour and frowned when she noticed several texts from Velvette, Val, and Vector. At least she hadn’t had anything scheduled that day.

           “Do you have any interest in having dinner with a coworker and his husband? I had completely forgotten- he’s extended an invitation,” she asked, typing replies to Vel and Val as she talked. She would need to schedule the costume fitting for her movie with Vector tomorrow just before the shoot- much tighter than she was really comfortable with, but oh well. That’s what you get when your brain decides to take the entire day off.

         “As long as it’s someone you enjoy, then I’d be delighted to,” he responded, kissing her head and snapping the blunt into his hand to light with his hellfire.

          “He’s a total sweetheart, and his husband is an absolute riot . I think you would get on swimmingly,” she said, taking a drink of the automatic-refill water. She’d have to ask him to teach her that one.

          “Splendid, my dear. Just let me know when you two come up with a time.”

          Typing out a reply to Vector, Emma settled on the next week for dinner before tucking the phone away in her pocket dimension.

         Alastor handed her the joint and she took a few small hits before attempting to rise. Thankfully the nausea didn’t return this time, and Emma made her way to the door and down to the kitchen.

         The hour was late, the hotel empty and silent save for she and her mate. Rummaging through the fridge, she settled on an omelette, chopping up vegetables to add and heating the stovetop. When finished with her meal, Alastor walked her home.

 The night air was slightly cool- a rare luxury in Hell, but Emma couldn’t enjoy it as she typically would. She was still very much unsettled, but Alastor kindly gave her the time and space to calm herself. The thing that kept scratching at her brain, though, was that same sense of being hunted .

        She kept thinking about that horrible nightmare. Unfortunately it was coming back to her, but what it meant, she had no clue.

        Prescient dreams were one of the more dodgey powers out there. It all depended on the dream, and how the dreamer interpreted it. Sure, you could avoid danger, but it could very well turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy if you weren’t careful.

        “Would you like company tonight, chér, or would you prefer some alone time?”

           Alastor’s voice was cautious, rubbing his thumb over the hand tucked in his arm. Turning her head to look up at him, she gave a soft smile.

         “You are such a wonderful demon, my heart. You are always wanted,” she replied, nuzzling her head against his bicep. “I definitely need to meditate though, so it might be a little boring for a while.”

         Alastor hummed his acknowledgment, and she noticed him let go of the breath he’d apparently been holding.

          “Why don’t I come back in a couple of hours? I have a bit of contract maintenance to tend to anyway.”

          Opening the dimensional door, Emma turned to smile reassuringly. “That sounds perfect, darling,” she replied, whining sweetly when he leaned down to press a chaste kiss to her forehead.

         “I’ll see you soon, chér,” he said, smile and eyes soft as he cocked his head. Always analyzing, even as he dipped and faded into shadow.

        After closing the door Emma deflated, releasing a large breath as she leaned back against it. She still felt utterly exhausted , that undertone of anxiety vibrating just under the skin. How long had it been since she’d felt that level of fear? Maybe just after her fall? No, before her death. Before she’d even killed her first fiancé . Before her first taste of human flesh…

       Pushing off the door, Emma pointed the record player on and settled on the floor as music filled the air. Closing her eyes, she began breathing and worked to clear her mind- a tall order, but she did her best, focusing on the music as she simply breathed.

        Slowly but surely, her body began to relax, and Emma allowed her mind to replay the dream.

        If she removed Alastor’s interference, Emma could almost see the person to avoid. Almost. The scent was completely skewed by her mate, and she had to work to separate the familiar from the foreign.

         Steel. Angelic steel and fresh blood. Something else… what was it?

        Death was closing in…

       Shifting uncomfortably, Emma pushed further on. Sure, her fear of ultimate death may have gone up incrementally after falling in love, but it wouldn’t have caused such visceral terror. There wasn’t much that phased her after all these years in Hell. ‘Focus, Vix. What happened next? What are we looking for?’

         Fear… Fear for her life and autonomy. Body… no longer hers… Voice unable to cry out… Will fading as a sinister, altered voice snarled devastation until—

        Eyes flying open wide, Emma had to quickly zap a trash can in front of her before she lost her dinner.

       “Fuckin’, come on…” she groaned as she worked to catch her breath. Chittering as they wrapped around her, Emma’s shadow began combing their fingers through her hair.

         ‘ Whatever we face, dear other, we’ll face it together,’ chirped the shade, and Emma chuckled through her gasping breaths.

           “I’d rather avoid this particular trial, but thank you, dear one.”

           They snickered halfheartedly before kissing her head and zooming off to fetch a blunt.

          Emma acclimated herself and zapped the trash can gone before climbing up the stairs to open her realm of darkness, but held back. Perhaps tomorrow she would feel better- more confident…

         Turning away, she showered and brushed her teeth before climbing into bed. If Alastor decided to come home, he could easily shadow in.

        Still unsettled, Emma curled up and tried to relax, darkness creeping around her mind and dragging her into a more forgiving sleep.

Tomorrow was a new day, and Emma would need to be ready. For now, though, she simply needed to rest.

Chapter Text

        “Mmm…. Oh yes…”

            “Vixy, baby, you’re making me go limp. Where’s the fire? I want sparks! Passion! Not… Whatever this is. Everyone take five! Vixen, can I speak with you in your dressing room for a moment?”

           With a groan, Emma rolled out of Vector’s tentacles as he set her down, and followed Val. Her head just wasn’t in the game today. She needed to get out of her head and into her body. She’d written an absolute masterpiece once Vector had expressed his interest, and it deserved her best efforts.

         “Vix, what’s going on with you? You’re usually the last person I have to worry about,” Val questioned, doing his best to reign in his frustration. He knew better than to try to manhandle her by now.

        “Sorry Val. I just need to try to turn my mind off. Lemme see if I can get right, and I’ll be out after break.”

        Valentino nodded silently before pulling out a love potion to set on the dresser. “No pressure, but this does help,” he spoke softly, patting her on the head before leaving.

       She was taking a few breaths when Vector cracked the door open and tapped gently. “Can I come in, sweetheart?” 

           Turning with a soft smile, she welcomed him with an apology. “I’m sorry I’ve been so distracted V. You’ve been so great,” she said, accepting a hug from the half naked kraken.

         “We could try to fluff you up a little, if you want,” he offered, and Emma stepped over to the love potion in contemplation. It wasn’t her favorite thing to do, being artificial lust, but she may have to take some. Turning to look at Vector, she accepted his help, letting him take the lead as he swept her into his arms and set to work.

          Kissing as a kraken demon took a bit of skill with these features, but Vector was old- he’d become an expert in his profession for a reason. His mouth tentacles cupped and stroked Emma’s cheeks as she pressed her lips to them.

          Thicker tentacles began to slide over her skin as they wrapped up and around her legs to settle at her thighs. His arm tentacles began squeezing her hips, her waist, just around the swell of her breasts before lifting them to wrap with suckers.

          “Haaah…” Emma’s breathing began to quicken as she arched into the sensation, and Vector leaned down to suckle at her throat.

      He gently massaged her muscles and lifted her back into his mass of limbs. “How’s that, sweetheart?” 

        The deep rumbling of his voice helped soothe her, but still she couldn’t completely let go. With a sigh, Emma asked him to let her down and uncorked the waiting love potion.

         “Can you make sure I get home safe? I’m gonna need a little help to get my groove back.” She turned to Vector and he nodded.

          “Sure thing sweetie. Leave everything up to me,” he assured, and Emma downed the sweet liquid.

           The rest of the shoot went by seamlessly, and she was able to forget about her worries as she sank effortlessly into the pleasure of her character. She imagined the need she was possessed with as her monstrous lover introduced her to ecstasy she’d never been able to achieve before.

           “Show me your light, my angel. My Katelyn,” cooed the heroine’s kraken, and she finally came apart with an award-winning, crying moan. Emma’s body convulsed as Vector slowed his rhythm and transformed back to his smaller frame, carrying her to a large antique bed.

          “Rest now, dearest. For tomorrow, eternity begins,” Vector said the last line, and Emma snuggled into him, pretending to sleep as he kissed the top of her head.

          “Annnnd cut! Alright everbody, that’s a wrap! Trevor, let’s —-“

          Emma tuned out Valentino’s voice as she wriggled and moaned- it had been a couple of years since she’d had a love potion, and it was much stronger than she remembered. Even after six orgasms, she sought more.

          Thankfully Vector was a great friend, helping her to her dressing room, showering both of them and (despite Emma’s protests) slipping a dress over her head. He left the room for a few minutes to gather his things from his own dressing room, but those few moments were all it took for that feeling to hit her again. The feeling of being hunted. A sinister aura Emma hadn’t felt before. Fortunately, or unfortunately the love potion still boiled in her blood, and she began to touch herself.

          Heart pounding, Emma moaned and spread her legs wide. If something wanted to scare her, they’d be sadly disappointed. “Do you like to watch me?” She groaned out, a defiant heat in her eyes as she slipped her fingers back into her cunt. “You want me scared? Well, guess what, fucker? I eat entities like you before breakfast. You, my dear, are nothing but a stale, leftover hors d’oeuvre,” she growled out, squeezing her legs around her hand as she rubbed her palm over her clit.

         The feeling intensified, and Emma could swear someone was right behind her- close enough to touch (or kill).

         Closer still… All she had to do was look up, and—

         “Okay, little missy! Let’s get you home so you can masturbate in peace, shall we?”

          Emma nearly jumped out of her very skin as Vector swept through the room to pick up her work bag and pop it in his pocket dimension. Her hand had frozen in place, and her head turned away from where that sinister presence had been to glance wearily at the door. Hopefully she could make it home without needing release.

         Taking the hand from between her legs, Vector wiped it with a small towel before pulling Emma up to her feet. “Shall we, ma chérie?”

         With a soft groan, she nodded and walked with him, turning back once more to scan the room. No one; no scent even. Just that overwhelming sense of being watched…

           “Hey, V, do you feel anything… out of place?”

           Vector turned to focus on the room, eyes squinting as he concentrated before relaxing once more. “I don’t feel anything, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something amiss. What’re you thinking, sweetheart?”

           He stayed put as Emma gave one last sniff to the air before holding his arm out for her to take.

            “Maybe it’s just the love potion. I can’t really explain what I felt,” she replied, snuggling closer to her safety line. “I’m probably just being paranoid. I don’t smell anything off- it just… I don’t know. Can you take me home please? I’d rather not hold you up any further,” she finished, and Vector chuckled beside her as he led her through the studio to the elevator.

            The walk home was surprisingly quick, Vector laughing as he steered Emma away from, or cut down, any of the hopeful suitors she tempted. She had to really concentrate to open her dimensional front door, and as soon as she passed the threshold she was met with her smiling mate.

              “My darling!” Emma’s excited greeting earned a softening of that sinister grin, but then his eyes focused on her kraken companion, and the smile grew ever wider as his eyes hardened. “This is Vector- my coworker and friend! I needed a little help at work today and he made sure I got home safe and sound.”

          Her explanation seemed to cool that demonic temper, and he reached his hand out to shake Vector’s tentacled limb. “Alastor. A pleasure to be meeting you, quite a pleasure! It would seem you’ve had quite the busy day; would you care to come in?”

          Vector’s arms rose quickly as his mouth tentacles rumpled with mirth. “I think it best I go home. Poor Vix here needs some private time to let the drug wear off. Still on for dinner next week though! Take care, sweetheart,” he gave Emma’s ear a pet and zapped her work bag on her couch before turning to make his own way home.

           “Bye V! See ya later, darling!”

          After waving him off, Emma shut the door and planned a beeline to the bedroom, but her mate halted her with stern brows. “What drug have you consumed?”

          With a whining groan, she answered, “just a love potion. I couldn’t get out of my head and needed a little help to let go. Can I please go masturbate now, sir?”

          Her tease stiffened the demon beside her, and she had to work not to get overly frustrated. She was expecting him to tease back when his crimson eyes glowed down at her, perhaps let loose a haughty retort, but he responded with earnest curiosity.

        “What does it feel like?”

           With a snort, Emma moved closer and hooked a finger under his chin. “Would you like to find out, darling?”

           Her attempt at seduction caused a booming laughter to fill the air. “Oh no no no no no! I have no wish for myself to experience such. My rut is more than enough illumination. I am much more curious as to how you feel, chèr,” he responded, bringing a hand to stroke her cheek.

            She really needed to get upstairs. The sweet, simple gesture had her wet and wriggling in front of him.

          “You know, if you let me go upstairs and tend to myself, you can join me and take notes while I dic… tate,” she purred with a wink.

           Alastor chuckled and grinned wide down at her before leaning in for a light, teasing kiss. “You know me too well, ma chèr,” he cooed, rubbing his nose to hers.

            And then they were in her bedroom, Emma floating above the bed before dropping abruptly with a huff. When sitting up, she couldn’t help but giggle when she noticed Alastor sitting in a comfortable chair with his ‘Experiments in Passion’ notebook at the ready.

          With a quick snap, he summoned her toy chest and opened the top with a long tentacle. “Choose carefully now- you only get one.”

           “Well, someone’s feelin’ dominant,” Emma countered coyly, tail swishing with the taunt.

            Her lover’s eyes glowed, bright and fierce as his sharp fangs glistened. “And do you mind, mon cœur?” The tentacle stroked her cheek gently and Emma shivered in delight.

          “Not in the least, sir,” she spoke low, wriggling her hips as she moved to peruse her stock. It took a minute to find just what she was looking for, a cheerful exclamation sounding as she instantly perked up. Predators eyes flashing, she pressed the button and the Dragon Driller 5000 burst into existence, her arms shaking as the powerful magickal engine came alive. The large tentacles that surrounded the kaiju cock wriggled and sought flesh to stroke, and Emma was moving to lay down when radio interference sounded.

        Looking over to her guffawing mate, she burst into a fit of laughter. “I can’t imagine that bringing pleasure in any way, shape or form. How do you even fit—?”

           He looked fascinated and unnerved at the same time, and as Emma finally settled down, she plopped herself back against the pillows and wrapped herself around the monstrous vibrator. “It’s not much bigger than you when you get all big and scary. You’re about to get a hell of a show, Radio Demon,” she purred, closing her eyes and letting go of a moaning sigh as she rubbed against her toy.

         “I didn’t realize… Dually noted! The wonders of demon biology never cease to amaze me!” He exclaimed, waving his pen hand as he focused on his little vixen’s movements.

The Next Day

The Hazbin Hotel Lobby

“Heya Vixy! Alastor! What’ve you guys been up to?”

Angel swept Emma into a hug, and she laughed as he spun her.  

      “Trauma, Angel dear. We’ve been up to trauma,” Alastor spoke, and Emma laughed at his exaggerated remark.

        “Oh please, you’re the one who wanted to observe and take notes,” she retorted, bumping her hip into his with a wink.

         Angel took a moment to process, before laughing and ruffling her hair.

        “Leave it to the little vixen to scare all the big bad overlords!” He laughed, leaning his lower hands on his knees, and Husk came up to see what the commotion was about.

        “Let’s just say, Husker my friend, there are some sights you will never unsee, and I am off to work! Have a good day, my twisted little Vixen.”

        Alastor patted Emma’s head before promptly turning and taking his leave. She couldn’t help but giggle- the sweet little cinnamon psycho. ‘Flay your mate alive and devour her, but Hell forbid you see her pussy gulp down a kaiju cock.’

           Emma’s thoughts were interrupted by Anita walking up to greet her. “Hey Vix, you ready to fox out?”

         With a smile and a hug, Emma replied, “You bet! I’m refreshed and ready to snuggle!”

         “Why don’t we do it down here for the first time? That way everyone coming in can have a pet, and we can end in the office for current clients wanting more security?” Anita suggested, and Emma agreed. May as well try and woo potential guests with a weekly pet sesh with a friendly, giant fox.

            Form warbling and growing, her vision of Anita, Husk and Angel wavered and sharpened as her vantage rose.

          She could practically see stars in Husk’s eyes as he debated with himself whether to go for it or not. Angel saw his hesitation and took hold of his larger hand to lead him up to her and place it at her shoulder. There was that adorable kitten face! How precious!

          Anita chuckled as Emma lowered herself to show her belly with a happy yip. She could definitely tell that Husk wasn’t used to cuteness overkill- the poor thing looked about to happy cry as he slowly pet.

         Not many potential guests came in to tour the place throughout the day, but Emma made sure the few who did express interest knew of the hotel’s mental health services, reiterating the whole ‘it’s free to stay here’ thing. Was there really any downside?

           Charlie and Vaggie were enamored with Emma’s demon form, Vaggie commenting on the softness of her fur.

          “If you’d like, I would happily gift you a pelt. It’s great as is, or in fashion. You’ve met Velvette before, right? She works with my fur often and is a master in all her crafts.”

       Vaggie looked as though she might actually accept, but poor Charlie looked a little queasy at the thought, so she shook her head, she and Emma chuckling together as the poor princess pressed her fingers together and smiled nervously.

        “Char Char, what were you thinking about the— Oh ho my golly! Is that Vixy?! Oh how cute! Look at her wittle fluffy cheeks!”

         A very excitable Lucifer popped up next to the small group, looking all together smitten with the massive fuzzy vixen.

         With a yippie giggle, Emma thanked him for the flattery and offered her belly. “And you can talk in this form? That’s super! Oh gosh, this is softer than Bee when she’s feeling cuddly! I could live in here!”

         “Fox bed!” Anita squealed and hopped onto Emma’s belly to join Lucifer, who’d burrowed himself almost completely within the fur at her chest. Angel and Cherri decided to join, settling under Lucifer on her chest to each rest on an arm joint. “You know, I think the last time I saw you all foxy was when I flayed you alive,” Angel commented, a sly smirk tugging at his lips.

        Lucifer paled for a moment before shaking his head. “You sinners really confuse me sometimes. You act as though you enjoy hurting each other- and not in a sexy way…” He continued petting from within his fluffy nest, and Emma and Angel laughed together.

       “Well, that particular session was for a film- turned out pretty sexy in my opinion. ‘Flay Me, Love’ was quite a hit. But yes, some of us enjoy more… unorthodox pleasures,” Emma said, unable to see how the little angel was handling the talk, but his energy was at least calm.

        “Yeah, and Vix set everything up herself! She gives her pelts to Velvette whenever she asks. Skinning’s Al’s job now, though. Actually broadcasted it one time. Pretty fucked up.”

         Blunt, but true. Angel was really shining, and it warmed Emma’s heart to see him thriving. It did make her a little sad, the thought of losing him to Heaven, but as she listened to him chat with their friends, she did her best to feel happy for his progress. He deserved Heaven. He probably wouldn’t be able to bring Fat Nuggets with him, but the adorable little Hell pig would always have a home at the Hazbin Hotel. As long as Princess Charlie kept her strength of heart, there would always be a home for the hellborn sweetheart.

           Said princess sat atop her belly, Vaggie in between her and Anita as the gang cuddled and talked about everything and nothing. After a while, the giant vixen’s eyes drifted shut and she fell into a contented slumber, the soothing sound of her little family talking and laughing the perfect lullaby.

           The nap was exquisite, and by the time she awoke, the evening had rolled in, and her mate was announcing dinner to be ready. It must have been quite a sight, a giant fox dead asleep, little demons scattered on her belly chattering away.

            Alastor’s booming laughter filled the room, and Emma turned her massive head (careful of the tiny light bringer in the fur near her throat) to take in his pristine form. In her own current form, he looked so small. ‘So cute,’ she thought, giving him a dopey puppy grin as her tongue lolled to the side.

         “Should I arrange for a picnic on a pup?”

        Angel lit up at the idea and Emma gave him a deadpan stare before swaying in a gentle warning. “Don’t even think about it, little spider,” she said.

       Everyone chuckled and moved to rise, groans and moans sounding with the pops and snaps of stiff muscles coming back to life.

         “So, what’s for dinner, Bambi?”

          Lucifer hopped down after everyone else, patting the taller demon on the back. Said demon was not impressed, stiffening as static filled the air. “I don’t know why you insist on this moniker but do keep its use to a minimum. That charm will only get you so far,” Alastor retorted, shaking his hair out and adjusting his monocle.

        Lucifer pouted, his face elongating as Emma’s vision wavered with her transformation. “But you’re so fun to play with, Bambi. Like dangling fruit in front of a fawn,” he countered, pout curving into a sly grin.

          “Still offering fruit after all these years, little devil?” Alastor snorted, not-so-subtly tapping and scraping his shoes against the tile.

           “And dinner will beeee…?” Angel interjected, quirking an eyebrow as he bit back whatever else he wanted to say.

            “Ah yes! We’ll be having a Cajun seafood boil! You’re in for quite a treat, Angel dear!”

          Angel lit up, along with Charlie, Lucifer and surprisingly, Husk. The bartender gave a short whoop and began mixing a large punch bowl of multiple liquors. Whatever he was making, it was going to be strong as hell.

         Alastor gave a quick pat to Emma’s head, his shade leaning out to kiss her cheek, before sinking into his shadows. Even as he made his rounds to announce dinner, he still beat them all to the dining room, pulling out a seat for his mate when she made it to his side.

         Each circular table was decorated with piles of succulent crawfish, octopus, crab, lobster- even shark! Surprisingly, everything had been purchased from a regular butcher! Even Baxter (the grumpiest of guests) seemed to be pleased with the faire.

         Niffty zoomed over to sit next to the little angler, giving him a quick hug before seating herself excitedly. Baxter actually blushed as he grumbled about her “incessant need for affectionate gestures.”

         Well now! That was a new development!

           And of course sweet Charlie would notice! Vaggie had to keep her settled as she squealed in delight. Anita wasn’t much help, giggling and cooing at the whole scene as she leaned into Vaggie.

          “Well then, bon appétit everyone!” Alastor cheered, and Husk tapped on the giant punch bowl. Glasses filled automatically with hurricanes, and everyone dug in excitedly.

            Dinner was a splendid affair, and by the time they were settling into bed Emma was half asleep already, mumbling a sleepy “love you” to her mate’s completely unrelated question. What was he asking? Who could care with such a full belly, especially when her darling was rubbing said belly and humming in her ear?

         A Few Days Later

         Vee Tower- Velvette’s Studio

          “Veronica I swear to fuck if you don’t walk faster, you’ll be on janitorial duty for a month!”

         Said unfortunate demoness worked to pick up the pace, taking several wobbling steps on her single spiked sandals before a sickening crack sounded, and she went down with a scream. The poor thing’s neck snapped as she fell off the large catwalk, landing in a crumpled heap.

        Velvette growled in annoyance and kicked at the limp gazelle before her attention turned to Casey behind Emma. She could hear the large gulp they swallowed as the overlord called the lemur forward. Pointing her finger at them, Velvette zapped the killer steel spikes onto their feet, and Casey wobbled a bit before regaining their posture.

        The tall lemur was zapped up to the catwalk, and they began their trek. Velvette zapped different variations of the outfit as Casey continued their walk, finally landing on a silver and black body suit.

        “It’s retro, but I think it works. Alright, let’s try the show again!” Velvette clapped her hands as she shouted commands, and Emma took her place in line. “Go, go, go, faster Kayla!”

       The show finally finished filming, and by the time Velvette called cut, some of the models had actually passed out off stage. Emma had even begun to break a bit of a sweat under the strong corset the doll had wrapped her in.

        As models began filing out to changing rooms, Emma sauntered up to Velvette with a coy grin. “Someone’s got somethin’ scratching at her brain,” the vixen teased, and Velvette gave a frustrated huff.

        “You know what, yeah. Fine. I could actually use a break,” she sighed out, zapping Emma back into the black shorts and tank top she’d arrived in. She could grab her shoes later- right now, her friend definitely needed to chat.

          They entered her apartment, and Velvette closed the door with a heavy sigh. “I’m a fucking lesbian, Vix…”

          Well, that was an unexpected revelation. “That’s great Vel! What made you reali-“

         “Fucking Carmilla Carmine…”

          “I’mmmm getting the idea you’re not pleased with this revelation,” Emma spoke cautiously, moving to the kitchen to pop some popcorn in the microwave.

        “I can’t stand her! Even her fucking face pisses me off! She corrects me all the time, hardly ever takes advice, so fucking bossy!”

        “Annnnd you want her to step on you and show you who’s boss?”

       The vixen’s tease had Velvette blushing a deep crimson, her mouth opening and closing as she searched for a counter. “Y-yeah… I… Fuck, I can't believe this shit!”

      “Awwww, Vel… You’re so precious!” Emma swept her doll into a crushing embrace, twirling before setting her down and rubbing her cheek to the other’s.

       “Oh stop it, you evil freak,” Velvette made a halfhearted attempt to push Emma.

       “I’m your evil freak, and you, my dear, have a crush on a lady,” Emma replied, pulling the doll’s head down a bit to kiss the top.

        Velvette groaned, rubbing at the spot like an embarrassed child. “This isn’t a good thing, Vix. What do I tell the voys? I don’t want to fuck everything up.”

       “Babe, I don’t think there’s anything you could do to make those two hate you. Are you thinking of going monogamous or something?”

        Velvette walked over to plop herself on the couch, snuggling into a throw she’d made from Emma’s pelt. “Honestly, I’ve never really been attracted to either of them, but I love them, you know? They’re my family.  Occasionally I’d take a love potion and go freak mode with them; you know, like bonding. But if I pursue this, I’m effectively putting a wall up between us. Does… that make sense?” She looked up in question, and Emma melted at the sight. For such a ruthless overlord, she could be so thoughtful- when it was someone she cared about.

         Grabbing the popcorn and pouring it into a large bowl, Emma sat herself cross legged next to her friend.

        “It makes total sense. This must have been bothering you for a while, huh?”

       Velvette nodded, grabbing a bit of popcorn to munch as she leaned against the vixen. “You’re not mad?”

       Head tilting, Emma smiled down at her. “And why, pray tell, would I be mad?”

       Velvette averted her gaze, suddenly shy. “Well, I’m not attracted to you. Hell, we’ve never even fucked experimentally!”

       Emma couldn’t help but laugh, Velvette blushing as she humphed and crossed her arms.

       “Sweetheart, I love you. But I think we’ve very well established that we’re not each other’s type. You’re one of my best friends, and you don’t need to fuck your friends to keep them happy.” 

       Grabbing her chin, Emma flashed her predators eyes and grinned seductively, “do you suddenly want me to show you just how submissive you can be?”

          A series of snorts sounded as Vel tried to tamp down the laughter that burst forth. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! You’re right, babes… definitely just friends!”

         With a soft smile, Emma rubbed the other’s back and offered to make drinks.

           “Yeah… yeah, that sounds good. Get me a mango margarita,” she said, snuggling back into the fur as she grabbed the tv remote. “What sounds good? Looks like we’ve got some new horrors out.”

         “Hmm, whatever you feel like, darling. Tonight is all about you,” Emma replied, grabbing the ingredients she’d need and setting to work.

       “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

       Emma’s heart melted and she giggled at the bubbly feeling. “You have, but I will never grow tired of hearing it.”

       As she sat back down and handed Velvette her drink, Emma grew excited to see her friend’s choice. A new cosmic horror she hadn’t seen yet!

       The night passed by as they clung to each other and screamed, laughed and laugh-cried as the last protagonist fell to a monster that immediately dissolved into mist. It had been a terrible film, but oh how they both loved it! There’s nothing like a good/bad movie!

         “I’m here, Vel, whenever you need me, okay? And while I highly doubt your partners will take this too hard, you are always welcome in my home.”

        Emma’s offer brought small tears to Velvette’s eyes, and she pulled the vixen into one more hug before letting her go. “Thanks Vix. Love you babes. Get home safe,” she replied, and with that, Emma stepped out of the apartment and into the elevator.

          Stepping out into the lobby, Emma made her way to the front door, halting as her name met her ears.

          “Vixen! Hey, do you have a minute?”

          Stomach churning, she turned with a friendly smile. “Vox, how have you been, darling? What’s up?”

          Vox looked rather dapper, white suit accented with his signature blue and navy, little heart buttons closing the layers. Velvette’s work, most likely.

             “Hey, I’ve been doing well. Hey, since I’ve caught you, I wanted to run an idea by you.”

           He kept a respectful distance, and Emma listened patiently as he proposed a deal to advertise the hotel with a song after an interview he’d scheduled with the princess. How brazen can one demon be? He’d already tried to make a fool of King Morningstar, and he expected her to play show dog?

          “An interesting proposal. And what kind of performance are you wishing for? It would be a one-time thing unfortunately if I do accept. If we’re advertising the hotel, it certainly wouldn’t be a burlesque show,” she explained, enjoying the small, dejected twitch of his smile.

          “Ah, yes. As much as I loved that show, you’re right. Maybe you could sing about the hotel itself. Charlie did something like that before we all found out redemption is possible. It didn’t go well the first time, but I’m sure if we can get you both on, you could get more sinners to check in.  

          Thinking over the proposal, Emma nodded to herself. The princess could use a friend to ease the tension on set, but she would need to pass it by her first.

         “I will see what Princess Morningstar would like to do, as I would be interrupting. I’m certainly not a representative of the hotel. I can get back to you in a day or two after I speak with her.”

        Vox’s smile lowered exponentially before resettling. “You need permission from the princess to do anything? That doesn’t seem very fair,” he spoke, leaning closer as he stared intently into her own gaze.

        That was when Emma felt her heart skip a beat, and an ebb of desire passed through her. ‘What the-‘

       “I… don’t want to overstep, Vixy, but are you okay? I know we haven’t exactly been close, but I do care about you. How could I not after all these years?”

        He stepped closer, and Emma’s breath quickened.

        “I’m perfectly well, Vox… I can’t say I feel close, but I do wish for your well-being. And as for needing permission, the only time I need permission to do anything is in a domination scenario,” she chuckled, doing her best to remain nonchalant and normal.

          Why the fuck was she suddenly wanting him? Was it because technically he was almost free game? Maybe Velvette’s confession unlocked an attraction? No, that wasn’t it. Maybe-

        “Is that so? I can’t lie, I’d love to see that,” Vox purred, and Emma felt wetness in her underwear as he leaned ever closer, reaching a clawed finger toward her before he paused, and stepped back.

       “I’m sorry, Vixy. Unless you decide to welcome a new relationship, I’ll step aside. Though…”

       His gaze never left hers, and she whined softly as he grinned seductively. “I am a bit… envious,” he finished, taking her hand to press an electric kiss to.

        “Good night, Vixen,” he spoke softly, rising and cabling out of the lobby, and she was left to deal with… whatever the fuck that was.

       The walk home was at least soothing, the air slightly cool as Emma breathed in the death and blood. Perhaps a hunt could help her odd mood. She couldn’t kill Vox, but she could easily find someone. Her wardrobe choice for the day made it easy to find a target.

        Continuing her walk, Emma waited only twenty minutes before some hapless buffoon was yelling at her. She slowed her pace and began her act, arms holding herself as she cowered and gave a worried face.

       “Hey, I said come here, bitch! You wanna piss me off?”

      Covering her chest, Emma backed into a dark, secluded alleyway, ever the weary damsel. “I’m sorry sir. I don’t know what you want, but please. I don’t want any trouble,” she pled, ears flattening and tail curling.

       And then the beast was on her, sealing his fate.

       He slammed her against the brick wall, and Emma’s head spun for a moment from the impact. ‘Tough little bastard, aren’t you?’

        Shaking her head, she began sobbing, which only seemed to excite the alligator attacking her. His claws went straight to her shorts, slashing the skin as he cut the fabric.

       ‘Oh you little—‘

        “Those were my favorite shorts, you little shit!”

        That earned a punch for her face, but Emma was ready now. Her little façade dissolved as she wrapped her legs around the alligator’s waist.

         Arms twisting, she pulled as hard as she could until a satisfying ‘pop’ sounded, and the beast screamed before she slammed her forehead into his snout.

      He lost his balance with a cry, and she untangled her limbs quickly to leap off the falling demon. It looked like this sinner was unused to pain- how delightful!

        “Well, darling, it looks like it’s your ass tonight,” Emma purred, kneeling down next to the sobbing demon.

        Anger filled his gaze, and he made one last attempt at kicking her- a mistake. With a wave of a claw, Emma sliced his Achilles tendon, and the guttural scream that met her ears in reaction brought such ecstasy!

       “Please… I’m sorry, I won’t… do it again!” He pled between sobs, and Emma straddled his hips as she leaned down to kiss his forehead.

       “Do remember this in the future, darling. Nobody likes to feel helpless,” she spoke, summoning her favorite blade.

       “Yes! Yes ma’am, I won’t forget!” He frantically squirmed, attempting a smile with his crooked, bloody jaw.

       “Good boy,” Emma purred, before plunging the blade into his heart.

        She watched the light leave his eyes, and a bit of the frustration waned. For a moment she debated whether to save the body to sell to Rosie- hell, she may even offer it as a gift. They were essentially friends, so perhaps she wouldn’t find it inappropriate.

           That sinister aura ebbed against her, and Emma was suddenly very alert. Fuck the body; it was time to go!

            Standing and holding her ripped shorts together, she began a brisk walk towards the entrance of the alley, and the aura began following, closing in a little too quickly for her liking. ‘Run’ her shade yelled from within and, for once, Emma simply obeyed.

         Faster than the blink of an eye, she ran. She ran all the way home, finally losing the aura when she reached Cannibal Town. Thankfully Alastor wasn’t home, and she leapt up the stairs to clean herself up.

         When finally he did come home, she was already in a purple silk nightgown, fixing dinner in the kitchen with a humming tune.

          Arms encircled her as she stirred ingredients together, and Emma giggled when her mate happily snuffled into her hair.

          This was right. This felt right.

          Perhaps tomorrow she would worry about the princess and her upcoming interview. Tonight she would wine and dine her darling mate, dance in his arms, and sleep by his side. Tonight, there was nothing to worry about.