Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

11pm, and owing to the long lunch break she had taken with the other sisters, her chores were not yet complete.  Luckily, there was only one last task on her list before she could retire for the night, back to the sisters’ quarters, and maybe even read one more chapter of her book before she gave in to slumber.  Unfortunately, that last task was to tidy the band’s practice room.

When she had passed by the practice room earlier in the day, she had heard some of the ghouls arguing, and hissing at each other like feral creatures.  She had scurried along as quickly as possible, keen to stay out of sight.  She anticipated that they might have made quite a mess of the place, and had heard from one of the other sisters that she could hear their screeches continue in their den later in the afternoon. 

In truth, the ghouls frightened her more than she liked to admit. Something about their lingering stares and sneaky grins made her feel uncomfortable, especially when they locked eyes, perfectly still except for a dancing tail.  The small one they call Dew, which seemed much too sweet a name, in particular always made a shiver run down her spine. 

Turning down the corridor, she was pleased to not hear any sound from the practice room, confirming they had all left.  Just to be safe, she pressed her ear to the door, before pushing it open a centimetre.  Empty.  Also, to her surprise, the room was almost completely tidy, save a small pile of drumsticks on the floor next to the kit.  The guitars were neatly placed in their mounts, the table was clear of cups, and the sofa cushions were plumped. 

She placed her cleaning supplies on the sideboard by the door, and went over to collect the sticks, checking the floor for anything else that might need more attention.  As she did she heard the door behind her swing open. With a gasp, she turned to see a tall ghoul standing behind her. She jumped up, and instinctively stepped backwards.

“Sorry to startle you,” came a low, gentle voice. His politeness surprised her almost as much as his presence. He cocked his head slightly, and she caught her own reflection in his mask.  He was dressed in black jeans and a long sleeve black t-shirt, both with a loose fit.  He wore no shoes, just plain black socks which went up past his ankles.

“I’m sorry,” she squealed, “I thought it was empty, I will leave.” She stepped to leave, until she realised that he was blocking her path. There was something so clearly inhuman about him, including his scent, which instantly transported her to walking through the woods behind her childhood home after a heavy rainfall.  It was like being wrapped in a memory, heady and woody and warm and revitalising.

“We made a real mess earlier,” he continued, unmoving. “Dew and Cirrus had a bit of a catfight, so I wanted to come back and clean up.  And then I decided to just play a bit more to calm myself down before bed.”

Something about his stoic tone calmed her heart rate down enough to form a coherent reply. “You didn’t need to do that, but thank you.” 

“What’s your name, sister?”

“Lilith”, she replied quietly.  

“Lilith,” he repeated.  Her name sounded different in his mouth.  Like a dance on his tongue.  She’d never really liked her name before, but hearing him say it gave her a new perspective.   “I’m Mountain.” He took a step closer to her, with his hands up in front of him. “You don’t need to be afraid of me, sister Lilith, I promise.”  He smiled meekly. 

She blushed, and bit her lip. “I’m sorry, I’ve never really met a ghoul before.  And when I’ve had… encounters… in the past…”

Mountain laughed.  “You’ve probably had a run in with Dew or Swiss,” he admitted, “who do revel in trying to spook out the sisters.  We’re not so scary, I swear.”

“You are demons, summoned from the depths of hell…” she countered.

He nodded, “that’s true,” he conceded, “but even hell can be quite charming.”

“Really?”

“Well, no, but anyway.”  He relaxed his posture, and moved over towards the sofa.  “Have you been here long, sister?” He gestured for her to join him, and despite her previous hesitance, she did.

“Actually I was born here.  My mother was also a Sister of Sin, serving Papa Nihil.”

“And yet you’ve avoided the ghouls your entire life!” He laughed. “That’s quite a skill!  Was your father in the clergy?”

Lilith shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.  Mother told me I was a gift from Satan himself, but she never elaborated further.”  She shuffled back in her seat, and crossed her legs beneath her.  Mountain leaned back too, spreading his long arms across the back of the sofa.  His hand almost reached across to her shoulder, and she snuck a look at his fingers.  His palm was wide, but proportional to his height, while his fingers were longer.  His skin was slightly grey tinted, and darkened towards his fingertips.  He had long black nails, which were pointed at the end.  Again, she was struck by close to human he looked, but how her brain distinctly knew he was not.    

He chucked, seeing her gaze lingering, and turned over his palms for further inspection. 

Feeling more confident she reached forward to touch his palm. She expected his skin to be cold, but it felt very normal.  There were light callouses across his fingers, presumably roughened from his grip on his drum sticks.  Her touch lingered on his smooth palms, until she met his eyes and realised she was simply holding his hand.

“You have lovely eyes,” he said softly. “They’re almost lavender coloured, just a hint of something more than blue.” She frowned slightly, having never really thought of them as anything more than common.  Looking back into his eyes, through the small holes in the mask, she could see little but darkness. As he smiled, she glimpsed… fangs? They were certainly longer than human canines, and sharper.  Were they longer when we was unglamoured?

“Can I see your face?” she whispered, reaching for his mask.

Mountain tilted his head, and rolled his shoulders.  He was visibly uncomfortable. 

“I would prefer no… If you don’t mind.”  Seeing her disappointment, he reached forward to rest his other hand on her arm comfortingly. “But it’s only because... it’s not my face.  My appearance is glamoured you know? I am in a human-like form, but it’s not how I really look.  I don’t like this face.” He sounded mournful.

“Why do you play in your glamoured form?” She enquired.

“We have to on stage, so we always play this way, so it’s familiar.  And we mostly stay that way unless we are in the den, so we don’t frighten the sisters.  Or frighten them less.” He chuckled.

“Can I see you unglamoured then?”

He laughed.  It was a genuine, relaxed laugh, and the sound rumbled like thunder. “You were scared to be within five metres of me a while ago, and now you want to see the big scary demon ghoul?  No, you’re not ready for that.  Maybe next time.”

“Next time?” she smiled, and he nodded.

“I’m sure you’ll see me again, sister.” 

She smiled, and whispered, “I hope so.”

There was a moment of easy silence between them, in which she became aware of the still quick pace of her heartbeat.  Was she flirting with him? Was he flirting with her?  Before she could ponder this further, he moved to stand.

“You should go to bed sister, it’s after midnight.” He leant forward, and offered his hand. She took it, and he raised her to her feet.

“Yes, you’re right. I should.”  She had not yet let go of his hand.

Another moment of silent passed, before she reluctantly took her hand back, and walked to the door.

“Good night, Mountain.  Sleep well.”

***

Later, lying in bed, she held her own hand under the duvet, imagining his touch. 

“Mountain,” she whispered, rolling the letters around her mouth, quietly so as not to wake the other sisters.  She smiled to herself.

***

At the same time, Mountain returned to the den.  Some of the ghouls had gone to sleep, but several remained in the common area, lounging about on the sofas and munching on snacks. Cirrus and Dew were amongst them, bodies wrapped around each other, and quarrel clearly behind them. 

“What kept you so long?” Phantom chirped from the floor, where he was receiving a back massage from Aurora.

Mountain smiled to himself. “Nothing terrible.”  He waved goodnight and slipped off to his nest.

Inside, he hung up his mask on the hook, and peeled off his clothes, folding them neatly onto the ottoman. Finally, he released his glamour.  He cracked his back, ruffled his silky ears, and snuggled into his bed.  Breathing in the comforting smell of petrichor that drifted about his room,  filled as it was with plants on every surface, he wriggled his long limbs into a comfortable ball, and rubbed his hands together soothingly.

“Lilith,” he whispered under his breath, smiling.

Chapter Text

Three weeks had passed since their first meeting, and Lilith was yet to see Mountain again.  After the first week, she had become more brazen, sneaking past the rehearsal room during the day in case he appeared.  By the end of the third week, she was even walking past the den, but she still did not see him – or indeed any of the other ghouls. While she was still cautious of them, she had truthfully spent almost every minute since that day with Mountain on her mind.

After receiving her tasks for the day that morning, and seeing no reasonable way to cross paths with him once again, she decided to take matters into her own hands while several of the Sisters were gathered for breakfast in the dining hall. Leonora, her closest friend in the ministry, often knew the most about where each Sister would be, so Lilith hoped that would be a good place to start.

“Leonora, are you cleaning the practice room later? I will be over in that wing of the ministry myself later, so I’m happy to take that task off your list?” 

But Leonora simply shrugged. “It’s not needing cleaned this week, but thank you.”

“Not needing cleaned?” Lilith queried.

“Have the ghouls suddenly become house trained?” Sister Maria piped in, laughing.

“I’ve heard one of them was injured or something, so they’re taking the week off?”

Lilith’s breath caught, suddenly struck by visions of horrible scenarios in which Mountain might have been seriously hurt.

Leonora continued, “it was one of the ghoulettes I think? So they’re just doing regular ghoul things this week.”

“Like murdering cats and seducing virgins?” Maria suggested, and the thoughts of injured Mountain were replaced instantly with thoughts of Mountain seducing her… locked eyes, gentle words, his warm breath on her neck… did he have a forked tongue? A blush erupted on her face, but fortunately the others Sisters didn’t notice.

“I know that the big purple one, Aether, runs like a ghoul infirmary, and the really tall one, Mountain, has a greenhouse.  He grows plants for rituals, but apparently he grows marijuana too!”

With those words, a new plan began to emerge.

***

Lilith had already been planning on baking something for Leonora that weekend, as her birthday was the following week.  But alongside the pastries she had intended, she decided to do something savoury. Perhaps a focaccia?  One with a good sprinkle of fresh herbs?

Heading down to the garden on her lunch break she found herself almost skipping.  She had spent so little time in the garden as of late, with her tasks having increased ten-fold when she took the cloth.  As a child she had loved rushing between the long grass, hiding from her mother and causing trouble with her friends.  The ministry grounds were expansive, and the gardens had seemed infinite to her as a child.  She had had almost free reign, except being warned to stay away from the large greenhouse, and the Sisters who worked hard there.  As an adult she knew that the Sisters tended to the allotments, but that the greenhouse was exclusively Mountain’s domain. 

Mountain… Her heart beat pounded in her chest.

“Stop it!” she whispered angrily to herself.  “He’s a ghoul! You cannot have a crush on a ghoul!”  But the feeling was undeniable.  His imposing size coupled with his gentle mannerisms had sparked something inside, and lying in bed at night (even with the other Sisters sleeping nearby) she couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have her body pressed up against his.  His hand on the small of her back.  His nails scratching her and pulling her closer.

Her breath hitched, and she shook her head determinedly. The greenhouse loomed ahead. Even from a distance, she could sense him moving inside.  The space seemed imbued with energy.  As she got closer she could see him darting about, humming as he tended to the plants, and drumming gently on the surfaces.  She smiled to herself as she pushed the door open.

The inside was meticulous, with neat planters and troughs stacked in tiers and lined up in aisles.  The humidity was almost overbearing, but there was a delicious smell – both sweet and herby.  Mountain was ahead of her, with his back turned.  He seemed engrossed in planting, with his fingers deep into a tray of soil. 

“Hello? Mountain?”

He turned with a start, and then broke out into a smile. “Lilith! What brings you down to my neck of the woods?”

“I heard a rumour you might be the man to speak to regarding herbs?”

“Man?” he laughed, shaking his head softly.

“Ghoul. Person? The one to speak to.”

“Herbs I do have.  What do you need?”

In her excitement for this plan, she had failed to think about which herbs she might actually want.

“Oh, erm… I’m making focaccia? So…” she let the words drift off, hoping he would fill her in.

“Rosemary perhaps?” He suggested. “Thyme, oregano, sage? I have some garlic too?”

She nodded.

“All of the above?” He smiled, and began to collect some snippets for her. Suddenly, he twinged in pain, and bought his hands together.

“Are you okay?”

 “Yes, just a bit sore.  I think I overused the muscles doing some digging yesterday.  Not ideal, though, since I’m back to practicing tomorrow!”

Lilith stepped over and reached for his hand. “I can massage it if you would like? I massage the Sister’s hands when they cramp from sewing.”

Mountain slowly put his hand out to her, and she took it gently into her own.  The first touch felt like electricity to her, but he seemed to not notice. With tender caution she began to rub her index finger knuckle into the centre of his palm, and along his fingers. 

“You’re very good at this,” he murmured, as his head rolled back slightly. He emitted a gentle sound,  somewhere between a chitter and the bleating of a lamb.  Lilith pursed her lips to stop herself from smiling too widely, but continued earnestly in the hopes of hearing the sound again.  “Aether gives great massages too,” Mountain continued, “but he cheats – uses his quintessence.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s his element, he can use it to sort of scan ghouls – he uses it in medical checks.  He can slightly influence sensations too, and he can soothe pain.”

“I heard one of the ghoulettes was hurt?  Did Aether help her?” She asked quietly, trying to avoid a silence in which her own heaving breaths could be heard.

“Aurora.  She’s okay, she’s just been working too hard recently. She’s started to play the keyboard as well as sing, and she’s a real perfectionist.”

“What are the names of the other ghouls in the band? And ghoulettes?”

“So you’ve probably seen Dew – he used to play bass and now he plays lead guitar.  He’s a little fire ghoul, and suitably hot headed.  He’s got a good heart really, but he likes to scare the Sisters, and cause a nuisance to us too.”

“Why is he called Dew, if he’s a fire ghoul?” Lilith asked. 

Instantly, a cloud came over Mountain. “That’s a story for another time,” he replied sadly. “But the others… There’s Swiss, Rain, and Phantom.  Phantom’s a quint ghoul like Aether.  The ghoulettes are Cirrus, Aurora and Tempest.  There’s quite a few older ghouls too, who used to play, but now just live in the den with us, or in their own other den down in the woods.  Chain, Alpha, Omega, Aero, Crust, Lake, River, Delta, Pebble, Mist, Ivy, Ifrit, Zephyr, Sunshine, Cumulus, Aether, Cowbell, and Phil.”

“Phil?” She asked in disbelief.  “There’s a ghoul named Phil?”

“You’re fine with a ghoul named Cowbell though?’ He smirked.

Lilith laughed and shrugged her shoulders. “Do you get on with each other?”

Mountain nodded, and smiled.  That same genuine smile she had seen the night they met when she had bravely asked to see him unglamoured.  There was something about that smile that made her heart flutter.

“They’re my pack,” he replied. “Having so many ghouls of different elements in a small space can be tough sometimes, and there’s definitely fights for dominance more often than there should be, but we’re all so lucky to have been summoned, and to be here together.  I said last time that hell could be quite charming, but it’s complicated.  The pit, where ghouls reside, it’s a wild place.  Being a pack is like being family, but it’s more.  I don’t know how to explain in human dynamics.  But it’s very special.”

All the while, as Mountain had told her this, Lilith had never stopped rubbing his hand and gazing into his eyes. As he finished speaking, her looked down at her, and their eyes locked.  Time seemed to freeze. Never removing his hand from her grasp, he took a step closer to her. A heat rose inside her, and blossomed up her chest to her cheeks.  Was he about to kiss her? Her lips puckered in anticipation, and her core clenched. Then he paused, stepped back, and slipped his hand free.

His demeanour changed suddenly, like a dark cloud passing over him.  He stepped back again, and turned to finish cutting the herbs.  Not making eye contact, he handed them to her, with a look of chagrin.

“You’d better get back to your tasks, Sister.” 

Sister.  Not Lilith, but Sister. Her heart sank.  Maybe she had misread the entire situation. Maybe she had made him uncomfortable, or sad, thinking about the pit. She nodded solemnly, took the herbs with a formal curtsey, and headed to the exit.

Only once, halfway up the garden path, did she allow herself to turn back towards him.  Mountain was stood watching her, with one palm pressed against the glass. She sighed, and made her way back to the ministry.

Chapter Text

Three weeks had passed since their first meeting, and Mountain was yet to see Lilith again.  Since that evening, he had found himself distracted during practice, wondering if he lingered around long enough after practice whether she would reappear. By week two, he had ‘accidentally’ taken a wrong route back to the den in the evening, and ended up outside the Sisters’ dining hall, but there had still been no sign of her.  After Aurora’s exhaustion had granted them relief for practice for a fortnight, he had retreated to the greenhouse for some much-needed quiet reflection. 

That evening he was engaged in some potting, moving his seedlings from their initial tray into individual pots.  It required a steady hand, scooping the best seedlings from their locations without damaging their delicate roots, and gently placing them into their new homes.  There were over 300 seeds planted, which had resulted in almost 200 seedlings – a good return.  But only the strongest 100 would be planted now, and the rest would be composted.  He examined them mindfully, stroking their leaves and inspecting for signs of weakness. 

There was a change in the air – someone was here.  A human, a woman.  Sweet like lilac, and she was excited.  That was abundantly clear.  Her scent was heavy in the air, but he could almost feel her rapid heartbeat pulsing through it. 

“Hello? Mountain?”  He could barely trust his ears when he first heard her call, but when he span around he saw Lilith stood in the doorway.  Her habit was slightly disbelieved, and had long grass stuck to the bottom.  There was a flush in her cheeks, and her long hair was tucked between her ears.  They had a slight point to the tips, giving her an almost elven look. 

He broke out into a smile.  “Lilith! What brings you down to my neck of the woods?” 

“I heard a rumour you might be the man to speak to regarding herbs?”

 “Man?” he laughed, shaking his head softly.  Last time they had met she had been terrified of ghouls.  Had she compartmentalised him as a human?

“Ghoul. Person? The one to speak to.”

His heart fluttered imagining her talking about him with the Sisters.  What had she said? Had she mentioned their evening in the practice room? 

“Herbs I do have.  What do you need?”

Her face dropped.  “Oh, erm… I’m making focaccia? So…” her words drifted off.

“Rosemary perhaps?” He suggested. “Thyme, oregano, sage? I have some garlic too?”

She nodded enthusiastically, but without any real indication that she had a preference.  Did she even know what they were, he wondered.  Suddenly, the idea that the focaccia was just an excuse to come to see him crossed his mind, but he pushed it out as quickly as he could.

“All of the above?” He smiled, and began to collect some snippets for her. Suddenly, he twinged in pain, and bought his hands together.   It felt like a stab of lightning had struck his palm, and radiated through his wrist.

“Are you okay?”  Lilith leaned forward, eyebrows knitted in concern. He thought for a moment about pretending it was worse than it was, in the hopes she might feel the need to nurse him.  This small gentle human tending to a the aching muscles of a hell-summoned ghoul… he blushed.

 “Yes, just a bit sore.  I think I overused the muscles doing some digging yesterday.  Not ideal, though, since I’m back to practicing tomorrow!”

Lilith stepped over and reached for his hand. “I can massage it if you would like? I massage the Sister’s hands when they cramp from sewing.” 

Mountain slowly put his hand out to her, and she took it gently into her own.  He tried to keep his face as neutral as possible as her soft, warm fingers kneaded into his tender hands, starting in his palm and tracing along his fingers. How would it feel, with those same fingers tracing his body?  Stroking down his torso? Wrapping around his thick cock? His breath hitched as he felt the blood travel down his body as he started to fill out.

“You’re very good at this,” he murmured, as his head rolled back slightly. He suppressed a moan, but a humiliating sound still slipped out.  He sounded like a kit, bleating gently. 

“Aether gives great massages too,” Mountain continued, hoping she hadn’t heard him, “but he cheats – uses his quintessence.”  He tried to focus his mind on Aether’s massages, instead of the sensual touch he was experiencing.  Aether’s massages were deeply practical, and borderline awkward sometimes, although the relief was incredible – especially when they’d been on tour, and Mountain had spent weeks crammed into a small tour bus bed for nights on end.

“What’s that?”

What was what?  He tried to remember what he’d just said.  Quintessence? Of course, Lilith knew next to nothing about ghouls.  She probably couldn’t even tell that he was an earth ghoul!  “It’s his element,”, he explained, “He can use it to sort of scan ghouls – he uses it in medical checks.  He can slightly influence sensations too, and he can soothe pain.”

“I heard one of the ghoulettes was hurt?  Did Aether help her?” She asked quietly.

 “Aurora.  She’s okay, she’s just been working too hard recently. She’s started to play the keyboard as well as sing, and she’s a real perfectionist.”  Mountain adored of all of the ghoulettes, but Aurora in particular, as the smallest of the ghoulettes, brought out his protective side.

“What are the names of the other ghouls in the band? And ghoulettes?”

“So you’ve probably seen Dew – he used to play bass and now he plays lead guitar.  He’s a little fire ghoul, and suitably hot headed.”  On any normal day, he might have left it there, but his mind drifted back to how Dew had surprised him that morning with a plate of warm waffles.  Even though he could be hard to handle, as the two oldest ghouls still active in the band, there was an easy rhythm between them.  They flowed together like a stream erodes a hill over time. “He’s got a good heart really, but he likes to scare the Sisters, and cause a nuisance to us too.”

“Why is he called Dew, if he’s a fire ghoul?” Lilith asked.  It was an innocent question, without any concern behind it.  It hit Mountain like a truck.

Dew writhing in pain on the ground as the ritual candles flickered around him.  Wails of despair as his body temperature spiked. His essence, bastardised by cruel experimentation.  Mountain and Aether, clinging to each other, unable to help. 

 “That’s a story for another time,” he replied sadly, trying to push the memories from his mind. “But the others… “ he continued. “There’s Swiss, Rain, and Phantom.  Phantom’s a quint ghoul like Aether.  The ghoulettes are Cirrus, Aurora and Tempest.  There’s quite a few older ghouls too, who used to play, but now just live in the den with us or in their own other den down in the woods.  Chain, Alpha, Omega, Aero, Crust, Lake, River, Delta, Pebble, Mist, Ivy, Ifrit, Zephyr, Sunshine, Cumulus, Aether, Cowbell, and Phil.”  Alpha, Omega and even Ifrit were still regulars in the den in the evenings, so he saw them both regularly.  Aether had never moved out of his shared nest with Dew after he retired from the band.  Cumulus and Sunshine had stayed in the den too, although they had nests in the second den, and could usually be found in one of the other ghoulettes nests.  But the others… He hadn’t spent enough time with them recently.  He made a mental note to plan an evening with Crust, Pebble, Ivy, and Cowbell, his fellow earth ghouls.

“Phil?” She asked in disbelief.  “There’s a ghoul named Phil?”  

Their names had been chosen at their summoning by either Papa or the other ghouls, typically honouring their element.  Phil had been summoned by accident, and was quickly found to be fairly useless both magically and musically, and thus was not granted a dignified name. 

“You’re fine with a ghoul named Cowbell though?’ He smirked. Cowbell had been summoned very intentionally, but unfortunately was not able to master any instrument besides the most basic percussion.

Lilith laughed and shrugged her shoulders. “Do you get on with each other?”

Mountain nodded, and smiled.  “They’re my pack,” he replied. “Having so many ghouls of different elements in a small space can be tough sometimes, and there’s definitely fights for dominance more often than there should be, but we’re all so lucky to have been summoned, and to be here together.  I said last time that hell could be quite charming, but it’s complicated.  The pit, where ghouls reside, it’s a wild place.  Being a pack is like being family, but it’s more.  I don’t know how to explain in human dynamics.  But it’s very special.”

Like a movie montage, images from his past flashed through his mind.  He had been so afraid of other ghouls when he lived in the pit, but there was a fear-induced solidarity that he’d felt from the moment he was summoned, which had quickly turned into a deep respect, and later a genuine love.  While ghouls of different elements rarely interacted in the pit, they had formed a true pack topside. Some pairs had even moved from pack mates to mates, like Dew and Aether had. While the love between him and his packmates was unfathomably deep, and there was no shortage of intimacy between them, he had always hoped one day he might meet someone that he could share himself with completely, above all others.

All the while, as Mountain had told her this, Lilith had never stopped rubbing his hand and gazing into his eyes. As he finished speaking, her looked down at her, and their eyes locked.  Time seemed to freeze. Her lips puckered slightly, and his mind fogged.  All he could think about was whether her lips were as soft as her hands. He inadvertently took a step closer to her, heat rising once again in his chest, and his groin.   

She was a human.  She was a Sister of Sin, in service to the clergy. She was not a ghoul. Shame overtook him, and his throat constricted.  It was wrong to think these things of her, and she would be horrified if she knew his mind, no doubt. He stepped back quickly, and slipped his hand free of hers, to finish cutting the herbs. 

“You’d better get back to your tasks, Sister.” 

She nodded, took the herbs with a formal curtsey, and headed to the exit without looking back.  His eyes followed her up the garden path, and his hand reached out to her until his palm pressed against the glass.  Just before she turned the corner, she turned back for a second, and their eyes met. And then it was over, and she was gone.

Chapter Text

Mountain’s fangs nibbling his lower lip as he smiled.  His claws scraping her lower back. Him pulling her closer.  Her body, pressed against his.  His strength, and his massive hands, splayed across her waist.  His eyes, staring deeply into hers, filled with lust and…

“LILITH,” Leonora exclaimed.  “Are you listening at all?”

The pair were sat on the marble bench under the covered alcove that faced the garden, taking a brief lunch break. The rain was pelting down behind them, but after a few days of sweltering heat and humidity, it was a very welcome change. 

“I’m sorry,” she muttered. “My heads completely in the clouds today.”

Leonora cocked her head knowingly.  “I know exactly where your head is,” she whispered. Lilith head swam – could she really know?  Would she judge her? She knew that sexual relationships with ghouls weren’t completely unheard of, and that some of the sisters joked about it quietly, but it was still a slightly taboo subject to many.

“You’ve got a crush,” she continued.  “A big one.” She popped the ‘b’ seductively, with a smirk. She leaned in closer, conspiratively, and whispered even more quietly, “who?!”

Lilith breathed out a sigh of relief.  She hated to deceive her friend, but she wasn’t ready to share her feelings yet. “He’s a cardinal,” she lied, “a new one.”

“Cardinal Antonelli?” She gasped in mock horror. “Scandalous!  But he is quite handsome.  Did you speak with him recently? When!?” She shuffled in closer on the bench.

“We met a few weeks ago, actually,” Lilith replied, “but only briefly.” Luckily, before she was forced to construct an entire story on the spot, the bells rang.

“Shit, we’ve got to head back,” Lilith said, jumping to her feet and grabbing Lilith’s hand.  Lilith made a mental note to brainstorm a story while she worked that afternoon.

***

In the ghoul’s den, Rain was lounged out on the large sofa watching television. His glamour was down, and his tail swayed contently as he flicked through channels.

“Stressful afternoon?” Mountain called mockingly, swinging the door open suddenly.

“Leave me alone,” Rain whined. “It’s not my fault you’ve been working overtime in the garden for the last couple of weeks.  What’s got into you?”

Mountain jumped onto the sofa beside him, and lifted his long legs onto the foot stool.  “Yeah, I’ve had a lot on my mind actually,” he admitted. “It’s been good to keep busy.”

“Want to talk about it, buddy?” Rain said sweetly, pouting his lips, and snuggling up to Mountain’s chest.   

“No, I…” Mountain hummed. “I don’t know, I’m still processing.”

Rain’s face shifted, realising that Mountain was feeling more sombre than he’d at first realised. “You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to, but it might help? I can be serious, I promise.”  He sat up straight, as if to prove his sincerity, and crossed his legs, facing Mountain.

Mountain hesitated for a moment.  In truth, he did want to talk about it, and although Rain could be a little childish, he knew he could trust him to keep his confession a secret.

“I appear to have… developed feelings… for one of the Sisters.” His voice was low, and quiet, and tinged with shame.

“Ooooh!” Rain squealed. “Mounty!” 

Mountain rolled his eyes, but Rain waved his hands in apology. “No, that’s lovely.  Which one?”

“Her name is Lilith.  But, I don’t know… I still think ghoul and human relationships are a bit weird?”

“Do you think she likes you too?” Rain enquired.

“I do,” Mountain admitted, and then quietly added, “I can smell that she does.”

Rain flapped his hands excitedly. “Eeeeek!  I love this! Look, there’s nothing wrong with shagging a Sister.  If she’s up for it, and you’re up for it… You’re not exactly the first!  Heck, I’m pretty sure Zephyr had a whole harem at one point.  And we all know about Omega and…” Rain let his voice trail off, raising his eyebrows and pursing his lips. “Besides, we all love you, and we know we can satisfy some of your… wants… and needs… but we’d love to see you find something more.”

Mountain blushed.  He wasn’t used to this level of affection or attention. “What about you, Rain?”

“Nope, we’re talking about you. And your CRUSH!”

Mountain sighed.  “She was terrified of me when she first saw me, but even if she’s got used to me in concept she’d probably die of fright if she saw me for real.”

“Even I rarely see you out of glamour,” Rain conceded.

“I don’t fit through the doorways,” Mountain replied sadly. 

Rain grimaced. “You don’t have to give her eight-foot tall, full horns, right away? You could just… get your tail out or something?”

Mountain laughed, but didn’t reply.

“I mean it Mounty.  I know you don’t like wearing your glamoured face, but there can be a compromise.  Show her your tail.  Then your horns. Then your eyes. Take it slowly, like you’re undressing. But over the course of several weeks perhaps.  Give her a chance to show you she can handle you. She deserves a chance.  And you deserve to be happy.”

A comfortable silence fell between them for a moment.

“Right, enough of that, it’s time for Desperate Housewives.  SWISSSS!” He bellowed through the den to the multi ghoul’s lair.  Mountain groaned and rose to his feet, heading back to his nest.

Before he left the room, he turned back to Rain. “Thank you, Rainy.” Rain smiled gently, and nodded.

***

The next day was back to torturous heat, as if the rains had never come.  Mountain had spent the early morning tending to his plants, before retreating to the den for the middle of the day, seeking refuge from the sun.  The den was bustling with likeminded ghouls, excluding the fire ghouls who were happily lounging in the direct sun in the courtyard, and the water ghouls who were in their special bath.  Mountain was tempted to join them, but he knew on days like today they preferred to stay under the surface and communicate in their own special clicks, so he would be bored anyway. Besides, with the air ghouls working together to maintain a constant wind cycling in the den, it was tolerable.   

Omega and Aether were playing chess, with such concentration that they barely seemed to notice Mountain arriving.

“Who’s winning?” he asked Swiss, who was refilling the jugs of ice water in the kitchenette.

“Not a clue,” he replied, and Omega and Aether simultaneously yelled “Me.”

He took one of the jugs from Swiss and made his way to the giant sofa bed in the middle of the den.  Phantom, Cirrus, Aurora, Tempest, Cumulus, and Zephyr were lying across it, trying their best not to touch each other.  Sunshine was sat on the floor, combing and braiding Cowbell’s long hair.  Placing the jug on the side table, he nudged Phantom. “Room for one more?” Phantom grumbled, but shuffled himself over to make some space for the large earth ghoul. He settled down comfortably, and before long felt himself drift off to sleep.

*

When he awoke, only Cirrus and Zephyr remained, nestled together with tails entwined.

“Evening, sleepyhead,” Cirrus chirped. “It’s 8pm, by the way.”

“Ho!” Mountain chuffed. “That’s… I only meant to stay here for a couple of hours.”

“We thought we’d leave you to it, hon,” she reached her hand over to his and patted it gently. “You’ve been looking tired recently.  We thought you could do with the rest.”

“Yeah, it’s been a hot week, I’ve been restless.”

“Is that all it is?” Cirrus enquired, gently. “You’ve seemed a bit… elsewhere. For a few weeks now, to be honest.” Zephyr remained quiet, but nodded in agreement, nuzzling into Cirrus’s collarbone with his horns, with his long white hair draped across most of his face.

Mountain crinkled his nose. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about me.  But thank you for the breeze.” He waved his hand above his head to indicate the strong wind that continued to swirl above him. 

“Come sleep with us ghoulettes if you want,” she smiled. “Tempest, Aurora, and Sunshine have been in with me and Cumulus for a few nights, and we’ve managed to keep it cool.  And you know we love to snuggle you.”  Zephyr made a disgruntled noise.  “I know, baby,” She cooed. “But until you and ‘Lus can learn to share me, you’re banned from the Girl Cave.”

“I might take you up on that,” Mountain replied, “But I’d better get to the greenhouse for now – there’s still a few things that need wrapping up.”  He rose slowly to his feet, stretched himself out, and trundled outside.

*

The gardens were quieter than expected.  Mountain had anticipated some of the other ghouls, and even the Sisters, might be enjoying the cooler twilight hours outside, but perhaps the heat had exhausted them too. Feeling confident he would not be disturbed, he unglamoured his tail – it could be useful with his tasks with opening doors and even holding small, light items. He contemplated unglamouring completely, and fully stretching out, but that seemed risky.

He was giving some fertilizer to some of the tomato plants, when he heard a trio of Sisters walk past in the distance.  He went still, keeping his tail out of sight. One of the Sisters glanced his way.  His heart leapt as he saw it was Lilith. He gave a small wave. She was still for a moment, and then she spoke to the Sisters, and waved them on.  Mountain watched with curiosity, as she appeared to turn back on herself and return to the ministry.  Seconds later, when the Sisters had continued their way along the path, she returned, and made her way up to the greenhouse.

“Hi,” she whispered, pushing open the door. She looked at him squarely, with steely determination.

“Hi,” he replied, solemnly.  There was a moment of silence between them, rife with tension.  “I’m glad to see you.”

“Me too.” She stayed still as a statue, hovering in the doorway.  Mountain could tell that she was hurt by how he’d dismissed her the last time they spoke.  He wanted to tell her that he was sorry.  That he cared about her.  That he felt foolish for having been afraid.  That he was ready to be brave. 

He couldn’t think of any words that expressed these sentiments, so instead he walked over to her and pulled her in for a kiss.  

His silver mask nudged against her soft cheeks.  Calloused fingers wrapped around her face as he tugged her closer, and she grabbed his shirt in fists to bring his body closer to hers.  His toned body pressed against hers, and his soft lips migrated slowly down her neck.  Tenderly, he planted each kiss along her collarbone, as his other hand slid down her back.  She hungrily mouthed against his neck and his ears.  He moaned gently into her chest as she nipped at his ear lobe.

“Fuck,” he whispered, pulling himself back to look into her eyes.

They were both breathing heavily.  She tried to ignore the growing tightness in his pants.  His tail peeked out from between his legs to wrap around hers. His tail!

“Your tail!” She exclaimed.

“Yes.”  He bit his lip, waiting for further response from her. She looked back up from it and smiled. Her fingers tentatively snuck forward to hold the spade at the end in the tips.  It was roughly textured and reminded her of the pad of a dog’s paw.  She rubbed it gently between her fingers and saw him keen. 

“Does that feel good?” She whispered seductively.

He stepped forward again, pulling her closer with both hands and his tail, and nibbled at her neck.

“Lilith,” he signed, arousal dripping from his lips.  His hand traced down her back to her arse, and he slipped a hand up her skirt to find her silk underwear.  As he did so, another gaggle of sisters passed by. Mountain and Lilith ducked beneath the tables of plants, giggling. 

Mountain leaned in closer and whispered into her ear, “Meet me at the lake tomorrow at midnight.”

Chapter Text

“Meet me at the lake tomorrow at midnight.”

All day, all Lilith could think about was Mountain, and how it felt to have him kissing her neck while their bodies were pressed together, his erection grinding gently against her stomach.  As soon as night fell, she returned to her room to get changed out of her habit.  She dug out her black silk dress, which hugged her curves and her hard nipples. 

She snuck away from her room without being spotted, and through the gardens to the lake.  In the daytime, the lake was a popular spot for a picnic or even a relaxing swim, but all the Sisters knew that after the sun had set the lake belonged to the ghouls, and that they were to stay away. She was a little nervous to run into another ghoul here, so she stayed hidden behind a tree while she waited for Mountain. Luckily, she wasn’t waiting long.

“Why are you behind a tree?” He whispered, appearing to her side and causing her to startle.   He was dressed in a black t-shirt and black jeans, with his mask still on, but his tail sticking out. 

“Mountain!” she squealed, and then laughed. “I didn’t know if the other ghouls might be here, so I thought it best to stay out of sight.”

“You know they can smell you from a mile away though, right? So it’s not much of a disguise.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes, ghouls have very good smell.  We can tell a lot about you from just your scent.”

“Like what?” Lilith said curiously.

“Well, I can smell that you’re a young woman, and I can also tell your smell specifically, so I knew it was you.  And I could smell that you were nervous, and also… excited.”

Lilith bit her lip, and leaned closer. Mountain followed suit, until their faces were almost touching.

“Excited?” She replied cheekily.  Mountain exhaled through his nose sharply, and nuzzled against her neck.

“Very excited,” he whispered back, nipping at her gently with his fangs.

She pulled him hungrily into a kiss, lips and teeth smashing together messily, and pulling him to her by the waist of his jeans until she could feel him growing hard against her core.

“Less nervous than before though,” He smirked.

“You’re all I’ve thought about since we met Mountain,” she replied earnestly. “I want you.. I need you.”  He hand snaked around his waist to palm his rock hard cock, which was now straining against the zip of his jeans. 

He pulled back suddenly, and pushed her away gently.

“I want you too,” he puffed, “but I’ve planned a nice evening for us, so you’re going to play along nicely for a bit.”

Her cheeks bloomed pink in embarrassment, but his firm tone only aroused her more.  She nodded silently, and reached out her hand to his. He smiled, and planted a kiss on her knuckles, before leading her up the path along the edge of the lake.

It wasn’t long before they came across a little scene – Mountain had laid a blanket, some candles, and a bottle of wine with two glasses. The moon was almost full, and its reflection danced in the ripples of the lakes surface.  There was a slight breeze, bringing it to a perfect refreshing temperature.

“Mountain, this is so lovely.” She squeezed his hand, and he sat her down and poured her a glass.  He sat beside her, tail thumping gently against the grass. 

“I wanted to do something special,” he admitted. “I like you Lilith.  I Wanted to show you I can be romantic.”

Lilith shuffled closer, and placed a hand on his knee.  He wrapped his arm around her back, and held her as he rested her head on his shoulder.  She sighed contentedly.

“I really appreciate it.” She turned to him so her lips were against his ear. “Even if I had been quite excited for you to fuck me against that tree.” Mountain growled gently, and his hips bucked into the air.  Her words were so unexpected – she had seemed so shy at first.  But it was clear that her thoughts had been occupied, as his, for the last few weeks. “But no, we are just having a lovely glass of wine by this beautiful lake.” 

Defiantly, her hand trailed up his thigh to rub again at his cock.  He bucked again, before pushing her hand aside and unzipping the fly. It bobbed up, with a small wet patch on his boxers at the tip.

“Oh?” she replied, in mock surprise, and trying to mask her delight.

“We are enjoying this lovely glass of wine.” And then, more quietly, “but it was getting a bit painful pressing against the zip.”

“I’m sure,” she purred, sliding her hand back to his shaft.  He was long, and thick, and he wasn’t pushing her hand away now.  Her cunt fluttered, and she could feel her own wetness pooling. Impatiently, she slipped her fingers beneath the elastic waistband, and wrapped her fingers around his length.  He gasped as he felt her firm grip, and her small movements made him roll his head back and thrust into her palm.

“I thought we were going to have a nice chat in private,” he growled again.

“We can talk anytime,” she hissed. “I need you to fuck me, Mountain.” At these words, he flipped onto his knees and grabbed at her dress, pushing it up over her waist.  He hooked a finger around her panties, and pulled them down without a word.  He locked eyes with her, pupils blown wide with lust and an intensity that made her freeze.  His jeans and boxers were still on, but his cock and balls hung out of the open fly, heavy and full.

“Do you want me to touch you here, Lilith?” he snarled seductively, as his fingers traced her inner thigh towards her pussy. There was something animalistic in his eyes that she hadn’t seen before, burning between the holes in his mask. She nodded desperately, knocking the almost full glass of wine onto the glass as her hands gripped the blanket in anticipation. 

He tenderly stroked her labia, holding eye contact with her as her eyelids fluttered with want.  The lightest touch, but it sent jolts of electricity through her entire body.  He grinned at her responsiveness. His middle finger tapped firmly against her clit, and she panted. His tail wrapped around her thigh, pulling her legs further apart.

“Please,” she begged.

“Please? Please what?”

“Please,” she repeated, unable to think straight with desire.  Slowly, but firmly, he pushed two fingers into her aching cunt.  She bucked her crotch against his palm, as he massaged her clit with his thumb.  His fingers curled inside her and she was a mess.  He continued to thrust in and out, curling his fingers every time, until his fingers were coated, and her juices were trickling into his palm.  He lifted his hand to his mouth and licked lavishly. 

“Mmm,” he groaned, and shoved his fingers into his mouth before sucking her juices off them loudly. “You taste incredible, just like you smell.  Sweet, juicy…” 

“Mountain,” she panted.

“I need another taste,” he said, before plunging his face between her thighs.  The colder edges of his metal mask against her inner thighs were a strange sensation, but the feeling of his hot tongue lapping against her as driving her wild. She could see herself reflected in the silver across his forehead. “You want more?” he whispered.

She nodded furiously, but as she did, he leaned back to look into her eyes again.  Before she could protest, he opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue erotically. “Twice as much?” he whispered.  His tongue changed – unglamoured.  It was longer, thicker, and forked at the tip. The two ends moved in isolation, and her head swam.  He dove back into her cunt, and the forked ends wrapped around her clit.  Pushing his fingers back inside her, he could feel her breathing start to become more erratic.

“Fuck,” he gasped between licks, “Are you going to cum for me, Lilith?  Are you going to cum on my mouth?”  His words sent her over the edge, and she clenched around his fingers as her orgasm blossomed.  He fingered her through it gently as she panted and moaned, until she started to pull back from overstimulation.

 “See how pretty you taste?” he whispered into her mouth before pulling her into another sloppy kiss. A drop of sweat ran down her neck between her breasts, and his eyes followed it like it was prey.  She slowly pushed him back and pulled the dress up over her head, leaving her completely bare on the blanket.  He responded by pulling down his jeans and boxers, and then his t-shirt.  His skin looked almost fawny in this light, and there were markings across his chest like dappled silver.  Her fingers traced them.

“These markings resemble my markings out of glamour,” he explained.

“They’re beautiful,” she whispered, and he smiled.  He leaned in again, with more tenderness than his previous impatient kisses. Her fingers inched down his chest to his cock.  She rubbed the bead of precum across the tip and he thrust into her palm again, throbbing. He shook his head as he changed position, guiding himself to her entrance, rubbing his tip against her.

“Tell me what you want.”  His voice was ragged.  “I need to hear you say it.”

“Take me, Mountain,” she begged. “Make me yours.” 

He made a strangled sound as he eased himself inside her, inch by inch.  Her vision went hazy as his girth filled her, until he finally bottomed out, his weighty balls pushing against her.  The stretch was intense, but she was so turned on she didn’t care.  His head lolled forward, and his damp hair tickled across her breasts.  He started to move more steadily inside her and her head fell back against the grass.

“Look at me.” There was a need in his voice she hadn’t heard before – a desperation.  He carefully lifted off his mask, and placed it on the grass.  He had an angular jaw, a sharp nose, and messy brown hair.  A tear rolled down her cheek as she smiled back at him, timid and grateful for his trust. He kissed her again, and she felt his nose brush her skin for the first time. She kissed back harder, and he started to increase the speed of his thrusting.  She moaned into his mouth as he found the angle that made her feel so good.

“Please don’t stop,” she begged, as her breath became ragged.  He continued to pound her, and massaged her clit as he kissed her neck.  He was gentle with his fangs, leaving little nips of pressure but nothing painful.  “I’m close.” Her voice was barely above an exhale now, until she released a single “fuck!” as she came undone.

He followed quickly, releasing into her with a growl, muffled in her neck.  He went slack for a moment, barely holding himself upright in the aftershocks of his orgasm.  Trembling, he grabbed her body and rolled over so she was lying on top of him, cock still inside her. Her head rested on his chest, and she took a deep breath.  He smelled like being deep in a forest.

“Stay here with me for a while?”  

She said nothing, but snuggled closer into his chest.

Chapter Text

The rising sun warmed her face, and woke her up slowly.  She was still on the picnic blanket, with Mountain spooning her from behind.  Shit, they’d fallen asleep!  She glanced at her watch – luckily it was only 4am, so there was still plenty of time to get back to her living quarters before she was noticed.  As long as she got up soon… but Mountain was wrapped around her so comfortably.  She wriggled deeper into his embrace and felt him nuzzle against her shoulder.  His chin felt soft.  She didn’t remember seeing facial hair last night when he’d taken off his mask, but it had been dark.  Glancing down at his arms she saw he was covered in a soft downy fur. 

He wasn’t glamoured. 

As slowly as she could, she rolled over, without waking him.  While the face in front of her was still recognisable as the one he’d revealed beneath the mask last night, there were clear differences.  He had longer, pointy ears, with little cream tufts of fluff at their tips.  His fangs were longer, more pronounced.  And his horns…  they were forked, like small antlers, about four inches long and slightly iridescent. 

She exhaled reverently, and reached her hand to touch one.  The texture reminded her of granite, and she rubbed her thumb against it.  He didn’t wake, but stirred slightly, a soft and happy moan slipping from his lips.  She gasped, and continued rubbing it, as he snuggled his head into her shoulder.  He moaned again – a primal, desperate sound.  She felt a heat pool between her legs. She rubbed him harder, not caring if it woke him now.

“I didn’t mean for you to see me like this so soon,” he murmured, eyes still closed.

She took his chin lightly with her fingertips and pulled it up to meet hers as his eyes flickered open.  She leaned closer, until their foreheads were pressed together. 

“You’re beautiful,” she whispered against his lips, and kissed him deeply.  It was a worshipful act.  A weight that he hadn’t even realised he was carrying slipped from his shoulders, and tears welled in his eyes. “How does it feel?”

“Against my horns?  It feels good, really good. They can get really sensitive.”  His breath hitched again as she continued to rub it while resuming to kiss him. Pressed between their bodies she could feel his growing hardness.

She nudged him gently, and he rolled on to his back, legs parting gently.  He was still unclothed, and as she looked down at his body she saw more of his unglamoured form.  He was taller, by at least a foot.  Even in glamoured form he had dwarfed her, but now she really understood where his name had come from.

Her other hand roamed down his body, inch by inch, until her fingers wrapped around his naked cock.  As she began to drag them along his length, she felt him grow harder still.  His balls were huge, full and twitching, as he throbbed in her palm.  A bead of precum appeared at the top and her mouth watered.

He tried to move his hand to her waist, but she pushed it back, shaking her head.

“No, Mountain.  Let me show you how beautiful you are.”  She returned her hand to his cock as he began bucking his hips to meet her rhythm. 

Mountain looked like he wanted to protest, but in his sleepy and extremely aroused state he just bit his lip and tried to relax into her touch.  She sped up slightly, and he whimpered.  

“Does this feel good, big boy?”

His breath was shaky now, and she could feel him starting to lose control.   “Fuck, yes.  Don’t stop.  Don’t stop rubbing my horns, please.  I’m… I’m close.”

“Cum for me, baby.” Lilith dipped her lips to his neck and began gently nibbling and sucking him.   One slightly firmer nip and she heard Mountain sob as he released violently into her hand.  Ropes of his pearly cum spirted out and over her knuckles, as he slowed his thrusts.  She stayed with him, following his speed, until she felt him pant, and collapse back to the floor. 

His eyes were glassy, and his mouth was slack, as he watched her take her hand to her mouth and lick off his spend sloppily.

“How did I find you?” Mountain’s voice was barely audible. “You’re beautiful, you’re sweet, and you’re fucking filthy.”

Lilith laughed and fell back to his chest, wrapping her arms around his chest.

“I could stay here forever.”

“Give me a minute, and I’ll be ready again.”

She scoffed. 

“Trust me, ghouls are more… resilient, than humans.  I can go again, and again, and again…” he nipped her neck affectionately with his fangs, and slipped his fingers between her legs. 

“And I would love to let you return the favour, but I have to go back to my quarters before the others wake up.”

Mountain nodded reluctantly. “Yeah, shit, sorry.”  But still, he pushed a finger between her wet folds, and then brought it up to his mouth.  He sniffed deeply, and gave it a deep suck.  “That should keep me going for now.”

***

She managed to sneak back into her quarters without being spotted, and rushed to the showers.  There was grass in her hair, despite the picnic blanket, but she realised she felt well rested, and now refreshed.

She spent the day in the library, returning books to the shelves that the clergy and the academics had borrowed.  The library was cool, and smelled beautifully of leather and old books, and with her mind still swirling from the incredible night, her heart was full.

When she arrived back at her quarters that evening, she could hear a small commotion between the girls.

“Sister Lilith!” Squealed Sister Jasmina.  “There’s something here for you!”

Confused, Lilith put down her bag and walked over.  On the table was a beautiful bouquet of orange flowers, speckled with brown.  They were in a glass vase, with a note tied on with brown string.

Lilith

Tiger Lily ( Lilium lancifolium)

Made me think of you.

Chapter Text

At long last, a break had come in the stifling heat.  Not just a period of heavy rain, however welcome that had been, but a few days without humidity or even sun. Lilith had never been so glad to see grey clouds.  There’d been a spring in her step all day, that the blaring sun no longer suppressed.  She had plans to see Mountain in the greenhouse at the end of the day, but for the first time in weeks she was able to relax and be present during her daily chores. When he had texted her that afternoon she had felt like dancing.

Mountain:  I have a surprise for you Tigerlily. Come by after work. xxx

There were butterflies in her stomach as she peeled off from the gaggle of Sisters after dinner.  

“Hello handsome,” she called into the greenhouse, closing the door gently behind her. 

Mountain bounded over, beaming, with his hand concealing something loosely. “Close your eyes, and open your mouth,” he instructed.

“Should I kneel down, or…” she laughed.  He ignored her comment, and popped something inside her mouth to cut her off.  She chewed tentatively. “That’s the most flavoursome strawberry I’ve ever eaten,” she confessed.

“Why, thank you.” He pulled her into a tender kiss, arms curling around her waist.  His tail thumped lazily behind him. “I’ve been working on a new fertilizer formula.”

“You mean it’s not just magic?” She feigned disappointment.

“Everything I do is magic.”  He smiled, and peeled away to remove his apron, and hang it on the hook by the door. As he turned back to her, she spotted a change in his face – a slight apprehension.  “I was wondering… would you like to come back to the den this evening?”

She hadn’t been expecting that at all.  Images swirled around her head suddenly like a storm – dark, damp and cavernous, ghouls crowding around her and…

“I promise, whatever you’re imaging… it’s just our living quarters and communal area.  The main area is just a kitchen, dining area, and a space for us to hang out together.  I won’t lie and pretend that all the ghouls are sunshine and cuddles, though they mostly are, but you don’t need to be afraid.  I just want you to be a part of my world.”

The sweetness and sincerity caught her off guard even more than the original question.  Things had escalated so quickly since that first encounter, but she cared about Mountain deeply.  Having a space where they could be together besides the greenhouse was also quite appealing.

She nodded slowly. “I’m not scared.”

“You are, and that’s okay.  It’s hard to recalibrate your entire mindset so suddenly.  But I really think you’ll like it there, and some of my packmates.”

“Some of them?”

He laughed, “I’m not sure if you and Ifrit will be sharing a milkshake any time soon.  But Rain, and Aether, and the girls – I think you’ll enjoy the den.”

She beamed, and reached her hand out to him bravely. “Steer the way then, darling.”

“My Tiger Lily,” he cooed, and lead her out of the greenhouse and towards the ministry.

*

Outside the door to the den, she felt the trepidation return. The heavy door was marked with scratches from claws, and looked like hell itself might wait beyond. If Mountain sensed her unease, he didn’t show it, and swung the door wide open, pulling her through. 

The den was quiet.  As described, there was a large kitchen off to one side, and a communal eating area beside it.  As they rounded the corner, she could see a collection of well-worn armchairs and sofas, along with a large middle platform – like several beds attached together, and covered in blankets and cushions.  There was a large television on the wall, which Lilith hadn’t expected.  The image of ghouls watching TV in the evening  was hard to reconcile. 

A sound from the corner – a page turning.  In the large leather armchair she realised a ghoul was sat reading a heavy, leather bound tome.  He was huge – not as tall as Mountain, but broad.  He reminded her of a bull, or a rhino. His skin was vibrant purple, and his hair was icy white.  Thick dark horns protruded from his forehead, and as he looked up, she saw glowing pupils in his sunken black eye sockets.  Lilith felt a pit open in her stomach as he closed the book with a thump, and his eyes bore into hers.  And then he broke out into a grin. 

“Lilith, this is Aether.  Aether, Lilith.”  

As soon as Mountain spoke, Aether bounded to his feet, and rushed to Lilith, grasping her tiny hands in his.  The fear evaporated instantly, but the shock that lingered rendered her dumbstruck.

“Wonderful to meet you!” 

Lilith remained silent, but fortunately Aether was too excited to notice, or to take any offence.

“This is your first time in the den?  We don’t get a lot of visitors, if Mountain had let me know I could have tidied!”  He gestured around him at no particular mess, giving Mountain a gentle slap on the arm. 

“Yes,” Lilith croaked shyly, “First time.”

“Welcome, welcome!  Are you staying for dinner?  Our dear ghoul Rain has ordered some pizza.”

Lilith hadn’t had pizza in many months – the Sister’s dinners were often quite boring, and she had little money for excursions into the town.  Her mouth watered at the thought.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” laughed Aether.  “And maybe you’d like a beer?”  He walked over to the kitchen fridge, and Lilith swore the ground shook a little with each footstep.  As he cracked open the bottle and handed it to her, the door swung open behind them.

Another ghoul entered.  He looked a lot like Aether to her untrained eye, but his horns were curled like a ram.  He looked irritated, but barely seemed to register Lilith’s presence. 

“Heads up,” he growled, “Alpha and Ifrit are on their way.  They’ve been at each other’s throats all day, and they’re ready to explode.  They’ve managed to keep it in check outside, but I reckon when they get here…”

Barely a second passed before the door flew open again, and two furious ghouls elbowed in.  The temperature in the room seemed to swell with their arrival, and Lilith felt a prickle of sweat on her neck.

“Know your place,” barked one of the ghouls, with a barely contained vehemence.  His skin was black as coal, but rivulets of red snaked across his skin like lava trails.  He clawed at the face of the other with great force.

“Fuck you, Alpha,” roared the other, presumably Ifrit, as he swung back.  He had dark red skin, long black hair, and golden horns.  He was adorned with piercings, which jingled slightly as he shook with anger.

Alpha lunged at his neck with his fangs bared, and pinned Ifrit to the floor.  Lilith looked away as she saw blood drip on the floor.

“ALPHA.  IFRIT.” Mountain bellowed.  His voice echoed through the den like thunder, and the ghouls paused their hostilities.  “Take this elsewhere, we have a guest.”  He gestured to Lilith, and as Alpha and Ifrit’s eyes scanned to her they saw he cowering between Aether and Mountain, whose arm was wrapped across her front protectively.  

They gawked at her, with claws still wrapped around each other’s throats and arms.  Mountain took a lunge forward, with a growl, and then released their grip.  Omega nudged them to their feet, still hissing at each other, and Mountain dragged them down the corridor, leaving Omega, Aether and Lilith behind.

“I’m sorry, Lilith,” Aether whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder. “That must have been quite frightening.  I promise it looked worse than it was.  Alpha and Ifrit are fire ghouls – they run hot in both body and mind.  They have these little tiffs sometimes…” (tiffs, he had said, like it was a spat between kittens) “but they just need to let off a bit of steam.”

“Did he… did Alpha hurt him? I thought I saw blood.” 

“A little, but ghouls are more resilient than humans.  We can be quite scrappy, even just in play.  Especially fire ghouls - My mate, Dew, is the same.”

“Dew is your mate?”  She paused. “What actually is a mate? I understand like with animals, but… I don’t know about ghoul dynamics.”

Aether cocked his head with a smile. “It’s a special bond, a commitment.  Sort of like a human marriage?  We aren’t exclusive – that’s just not in our nature – but we put each other first.  I’m the only one that can really control the little gremlin,” he said with pride. 

Mountain reappeared from the corridor, and hurried back over to Lilith.  He wrapped his arms around her, and nuzzled against her head protectively.

“All okay?” Omega asked, nodding towards Ifrit’s room.

“They’d basically stopped arguing by the time I opened the door,” Mountain signed.  There was an exasperated tone in his voice.  “I’m sure they’re making up right now.   They both just need to relieve some tension.”   He said the last word seductively, and winked at Aether.

Lilith realised with a start that sometime in the last minute the situation had developed from a confrontation into… foreplay?

Omega frowned.  “Maybe I should make sure,” he muttered as he rose to his feet.  His voice sounded genuinely concerned, but the tightness in his pants suggested he might have an ulterior motive for joining them.

“Have fun,” Aether called, as Omega scurried down the corridor.  

“Who’s having fun? Are we having fun?”  A sleepy, quiet voice murmured from behind them, and Dew slunk through the door and across the room before tumbling into Aether’s embrace.  He was a lithe, pale ghoul, with short sharp horns sticking out of his long blond hair, and skinny tail. Compared to the fearful creature of Lilith’s memory, he seemed now more like a grumpy kitten than a hell-summoned demon. 

His eyes were closed as soon as he landed in his lap, and he hadn’t noticed Lilith’s presence at all.

“Oh darling,” crooned Aether.  He stroked Dew’s long blond hair as the tiny ghoul nuzzled against his large chest.  “You look too tired for fun, Spark.” 

Dew shook his head with furrowed eyebrows, but his eyes remained closed. 

“Let me take you to bed,” Aether insisted, and hoisted him up into his arms, like he weighed nothing at all.  

“Maybe we should retire too,” Mountain suggested.  “Would you like to spend the night in my nest?  Or would the other Sister’s notice?”

Lilith cocked her head. “After your little gift arrived, I ended up making up a secret boyfriend.  I can stay.”

Mountain grinned, climbed off the sofa, and helped her to her feet.  He led her along the dimly lit corridor, past a series of equally spaced doors.  It reminded her of college dormitories from American films, how each door was slightly decorated – a small expression of whoever lived within.  She couldn’t tell, yet, which room belonged to which ghoul, until she reached Mountain’s room.  It was painted in sage green, and covered in tiny botanical illustrations. 

“Did you do these?” She stroked a finger gently against a beautiful purple flower which started near the top of the door and hung to around her eye level.

“It’s Wisteria.  One of my favourites.  No, I painted it green myself, but Sunshine and Ivy did this together as a surprise on my summoning anniversary.”  He pushed the door open, and beckoned her in. “Welcome to my den! I hope it’s… okay? You’re the first human visitor I’ve ever had.”

The room was naturally gloomy, but every inch of wall was covered in shelving for Mountain’s hundreds of plants, and the grow lights which were nestled between.  The room was cool, a little humid, and smelled incredible.  There was an old wardrobe in one corner, and a massive bed in the other, strewn with blankets and pillows.  A large toy turtle sat on the top of the pile. 

“I didn’t take you for a plush toy kind ghoul,” she giggled, lifting it up. 

“Ah that’s Rain’s – he spent the night a while ago and must have left him here.”  Mountain brushed the toy aside, and lay down on the bed, dragging Lilith down with him.

She draped an arm over his chest and snuggled into his arm pit.  There was a minute of silence, before Mountain turned to face her.

“I feel like you want to ask me something, but you’re hesitating.”

“What, can you smell that too?”

Mountain shrugged, and then pulled her in closer.  “Talk to me.”

“Do you and the other ghouls…” She paused, unsure how to continue.  “Like Aether and Dew… or like Ifrit and Alpha… and Omega…” she shook her head, and started again. “Like when you said Rain spent the night…”

Mountain finally realised what she was asking. “Do I have sex with my packmates?”

Lilith nodded. 

“Yes, I do.  Or, I have, at least.  We all enjoy each other’s company.  Is that strange to you?”

Lilith blushed. “No, I was just curious.  Lust is a sin – it’s only natural that you should indulge.  I meant more… Aether said Dew was his mate.  Do you have a mate?”

Mountain smiled shyly. “No, I don’t.  I am very close to several of my packmates, but I’ve never felt… that way… with any of them before.”

Mountain expected her to ask more questions on this line, but was surprised to hear her whisper “Which of your packmates?”

Mountain laughed and pushed his face right up against hers.  “Why are you asking, Tiger Lily?”  She blushed and he cackled. He probed - “does it turn you on?”

Lilith gushed, but she didn’t deny it. 

“Aurora, Rain and Swiss most often.  Phantom sometimes.”  Mountain bit Lilith’s lower lip gently, hearing her breath deepen as he spoke.   “Sometimes I like to fuck all the ghoulettes at the same time – Cirrus, Cumulus, Tempest, Sunshine, Aurora… I get greedy.”   Lilith was slack-jawed hearing this.  Her cheeks were bright pink.   “Fuck, this really does turn you on, doesn’t it.  Sometimes we have whole pack orgies.  We tear this place apart.”  Mountain snaked a hand between her legs, feeling her damp underwear.   “You wouldn’t be so scared of Dew if you saw how he begged me to fuck him.  How tiny he looks in my hands.” 

Lilith moaned gently, and pulled Mountain into a sloppy, passionate kiss. Her hand pushed hurriedly down his torso, when she heard a call from outside.

“PIZZZAAAAAAA. PIZZAAAA!!!!   I BOUGHT PIZZA.  COME HAVE PIZZA. I HAVE PIZZA.  MANY PIZZAS.  WHAT IS THE PLURAL OF PIZZA?” 

“I think Rain bought some pizza.”

“Mmm, I think I heard something to that extent.”  Lilith paused, hand hovering just above Mountain’s waistband.  “I am fucking starving, to be honest.”

Mountain gripped her hand and gently moved it back up his chest.

“Maybe we resume this after some pizza?  Ready to meet some more ghouls?”

Chapter Text

Mountain guided Lilith back to the kitchen, where five ghouls were already digging in.  Ifrit was amongst them.  He seemed a completely different ghoul to earlier, relaxed and contented, tearing a slice of pepperoni pizza and sitting down at the table with the others. 

“You already met Ifrit,” Mountain grabbed a slice of the vegetable pizza, and Ifrit nodded at her, with a rueful smile.  “And this is Tempest…” Across from him was a ghoulette with ghostly white skin, voluminous pearlescent hair, and jet black eyes. “Rain…” An eerily beautiful ghoul with blue skin, luscious deep blue hair, and little gills on his neck. “Swiss…”  A charcoal skinned ghoul with long black hair and piercing eyes.  “And Phantom.”   A younger ghoul with a mop of wavy hair, half black and half white.  Each of the ghouls smiled and waved as Mountain introduced them, but Phantom remained focused on his slice of pizza, which was piled high with chillies.

“It’s so nice to meet you at last,” gushed Rain, clapping his hands together with joy.

Swiss wrapped an arm around Rain’s shoulders. “Yeah, since Mountain first mentioned you, Rain has been desperate to get to know you.”

Rain beamed.  “It’s true – I just love to see Mountain so happy.  He’s like a little kit!”

Swiss nodded, “He’s even more insufferable than Phantom.”

Phantom looked up at last, but he didn’t look amused.  Instead, his face was scrunched up in disgust.   He snorted angrily, and returned to his pizza.

“Don’t be mean, Swiss, Phant’s feeling a little sensitive today,”  Ifrit teased.  Phantom banged a fist on the table.

“Everything okay, bug?” Mountain looked concerned. 

Phantom’s face softened. “Yep, just… it’s been a long day.  I don’t feel amazing.”

Rain frowned gently, and subtly turned to face Mountain, who returned his look.

Swiss was oblivious.  “He’s been a whiny little bitch since breakfast.”

Phantom jumped to his feet with a growl.  His fangs seemed longer, and there was a terrifying burning in his eyes.  He was panting heavily, when his eyes suddenly widened.  He span around and sprinted to his room.

“Phant,” Swiss called after him, “I’m sorry!”  Turning back to the group, “What’s wrong with him?”

Mountain glared at him, and then sighed.  “I’ll go find out.” He pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. Lilith jumped up after him, following him down the corridor to Phantom’s room.

“Phantom?” Mountain called softly, rapping his knuckles against the deep purple door, painted with tiny stars.

A mournful wail came from inside, and Mountain pushed the door open.  Inside, the young ghoul was curled up on dark floor, trembling.  His den was sparse, but lightly decorated with Halloween decorations and toy bats.  Hearing them enter, he rolled over, grimacing.  He was clearly in pain, and clutching his stomach.   He let out a gentle sob, as his hand tugged at his trousers, and his strong erection. 

“Oh Bug,” Mountain cooed, and kneeled at his side. “It’s okay, we’ve got you.”  Turning to Lilith, he said gently “could you go and fetch Tempest?  Let her know he’s running hot.”

Lilith was confused, but she rushed back to the kitchen, where the ghouls were still eating their pizza.  “Tempest, Mountain needs you.  He says Phantom is running hot?” 

Tempest nodded, clearly understanding something which had gone over Lilith’s head. “Oh, our baby bat!  Of course.”  She stood up, and Ifrit rose up behind her.

“I can come too, in case I’m needed.”

They rushed back down the corridor.  When Lilith pushed open the door, she was shocked to see Phantom completely naked on the bed.  He was writhing in discomfort, and whimpering.  More surprisingly, Mountain was lying next to him, stroking his hand down Phantom’s erect cock, and rubbing his thumb over his swollen head.  He was nipping gently at his neck and whispering soothingly into Phantom’s ear. 

“Oh baby, you need us to take care of you?” Tempest cooed, and began to strip off her clothes.  She was slender and toned beneath her baggy t-shirt, with small pert breasts.  As she peeled off her briefs, she snaked a hand between her legs to rub at her clit.  Phantom whined and bucked harder into Mountain’s hand.  She climbed onto the bed over Phantom and took over from Mountain on pleasuring Phantom.  Ifrit too began to strip, lay beside them, and began to kiss Phantom deeply.  The anger and passion he’d shown earlier was gone, and he was being so tender.  It wasn’t long before Tempest was lowering herself down onto his weeping cock, and began to ride him. 

“They’ve got this covered,” Mountain said quietly, climbing off the bed and taking Lilith’s hands in his.  “Let’s go to my room, let me explain.”

*

In Mountain’s room, sat on his bed, Mountain cupped Lilith’s face in his hand.

“Are you okay? That must have been confusing, and a bit scary.”

Lilith nodded.  “Mostly confusing.  What does running hot mean?”

“It’s just what we call it when we go into heat. Do you know what that means?”

Lilith shook her head.

“Ghouls have fertility cycles like humans, but ours are slightly more intense, and less frequent.  When they first start, it’s a pretty uncomfortable feeling if you can’t recognise it, and you don’t know how to handle it. Phantom’s only been topside for three heats so far, so he doesn’t always know when it’s coming, and it took him by surprise.”

“What does it feel like?” Lilith lay back on the bed, tugging Mountain’s shirt to lie down next to her.

“It’s… a strong feeling.  A need that makes you itch from the inside.  A very primal need.”

Lilith raised an eyebrow. “A need for what?”

“To fuck…” he sighed, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.  “and more.   To breed, honestly.  Male ghouls get this swelling at the base of their penis during sex while they’re in heat, we called it a knot.  It locks inside, to keep… everything in.  It helps with procreation.   The heat can last a few days, or it typically goes down after knotting.”

“Okay that does sounds kind of terrifying actually.  How long does it last?”

“It goes down after about half an hour, so you’re kind of locked together until then.”

“And you’re only fertile in this period?” 

“No, technically just more fertile.  Quint ghouls like Phantom are especially fertile, so Tempest will take some precautions.”

“Should I be worried, about…?”  Lilith tried not to sound too alarmed.

“No, we’re… not compatible.  Don’t worry.  Male humans and water ghouls, male or female, and Male quint ghouls with human females...  The older ghouls have done a lot of research in this area…”  Mountain smiled and kissed her gently.  “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t take any risks with you.  Speaking of which, normally I wouldn’t be happy with you in the den around a ghoul in heat.  They can get quite aggressive.”

“What about you?  When is your heat? Do you get aggressive?”

Mountain nodded.  “At the start, now I know what to do, it’s just fun.  But when the peak comes, if I haven’t dealt with it … You can guess how strong I am.  When I’m in that state, I’m not completely myself.  I wouldn’t want to be near you in case I hurt you.”

Lilith’s mind flooded with images of Mountain pinning her down, filled with lust.  She flushed with shame, thinking about how much this filled her with desire.  She felt her cunt flutter with need. “Who takes care of you?” She whispered, and then tugged at his lower lip with her teeth.

He shook his head in disbelief, hearing this sweet girl, voice slurred with desire.  “What, you like the idea of me like that? So desperate for you?”  He leaned in closer, until his voice was just a low growl in her ear.  “Desperate to fuck you, fill you up?”

“Who takes care of you?” She repeated slowly. 

Blood rushed to his cock, and he moved slowly to chase some friction inside his trousers.  “Early on in my heat, when it’s not so intense, Rain and Swiss like to play with me.  And Phantom.  They love to get me all worked up, until I lose control.  Until I fuck them like the little whores that they are.”  Lilith moaned, and Mountain slid his hand up under her dress and into her pants.  She was soaking wet, and so responsive to his touch.  “The ghoulettes like to use me like a toy sometimes – I take them all one at a time.”  She whimpered as he pushed a finger into her needy pussy.   “But when it gets really bad,” he growled. “I need the big guys.  Omega and Aether.” 

“You fuck them really hard?  Bend them over and dominate them?”  Her voice was a whine.

“Oh yeah, I ruin their little assholes with my thick cock.  Sometimes I like to fuck Aether while Omega fucks me.” 

Lilith pawed at his crotch, and found he was hard and leaking in his boxers. She tore his clothes off and needily began to palm him. 

“Oh you like that idea, Tiger Lily?  You want me to ruin you?  You know what I want? I want to fuck your pretty little mouth.” 

Holy fuck.  Lilith couldn’t believe how hot it was to hear Mountain talk to her like this.  She hurriedly dropped to her knees and began to kitten lick at his purple tip.    He laced his fingers through her hair, and began to guide her pace on his cock.  She gagged as he pushed his length to the back of her throat.

“Oh fuck, Lilith.  You like this baby?  You like it when I use your throat to get myself off?”  His head rolled back as he thrust into her mouth harder.  She gripped his knees with her hands and hollowed her cheeks. He growled like a feral animal, and lifted up his foot to her cunt.  She humped at his foot while she sucked, moaning weakly as a tear escaping from the corner of her eye.

“Oh Tiger, I’m not going to last long if you keep making noises like that.” 

Lilith glowed with pride as she continued, faster and harder than before.  His breath began to hitch, and he grabbed her hair with his other hand too, shoving her head down on him until her nose was nestled in his crotch. 

“You want me, baby?  You want me to cum down your throat?  You’re going to swallow every drop for me, for your Mountain?” His words were slurred now and his rhythm was sloppy.    She nodded as best she could, and lightly took his heavy balls in her hand.  She rolled them in her palm and felt Mountain tighten. 

“You’re everything to me, baby.  Take me, take every drop.  Please.” He choked as he came, pouring over her tongue and down her throat.  She held his gaze and she swallowed him down.  “So good.  So good to me.”  He released his grip on her.  “Come here baby.” 

Lilith climbed on the bed beside him, grinding against his knee needily. 

“You like it when I’m a bit rough with you baby?  You want me to take care of you too?”  Lilith nodded desperately as he pushed two fingers deep inside her.  “If you want me to fuck you hard, Tiger Lily, you gotta be able to let me know when I need to stop okay?”   Lilith pushed her crotch forwards, shoving his fingers deeper inside her.  But Mountain pushed her back, and hooked a leg over her.  He was pinning her down with such ease, and she couldn’t move an inch.  “This is important, baby.  You know the traffic light system?” 

Lilith nodded furiously, trying to wriggle free. He held her even tighter.

“No.  Bad girls don’t get rewards.  You don’t want to be a bad girl?” She shook her head desperately, completely overwhelmed by her need for him.  “Okay, so show me you understand.  What colour are you baby?”

“Green!” She shouted enthusiastically, and Mountain grinned.  He lowered himself down, and started to grind his cock, filling out again already, against her needy, wet cunt. 

His lips found her neck and his ears. “Good girl, Tiger.  You want my cock in you?  Want me to make you squirt?”  She turned to face him and kissed him deeply.  His tongue danced with hers, and without warning he sunk down into her in a single thrust.

She was so hot, and wet, and tight.  She felt like heaven.  As he fucked into her, he couldn’t believe how incredible it felt to have her little body beneath him, swallowing him whole. 

She was completely boneless, wilting beneath him, and letting his strong hands pull her around like a ragdoll.  He gripped her hips and lifted her off the bed to fuck her deeper.  She’d never been taken like this before, like she weighed nothing. But it wasn’t possible to feel anything but worshipped when he looked into her eyes with such adoration.

He shifted slightly, changing angle and hitting a spot inside her that felt extraordinary.  She felt like she was turning inside out, weightless and tingling all over.

“You’re killing me baby, I’m close again already.”  His teeth grazed her shoulder and he growled with barely controlled restraint. “I need to feel you cum on my cock Tiger.”

She felt herself tumble over the edge at his words, and her orgasm swelled through her whole body.  As he followed her he nipped his teeth against her shoulder instinctively.   Realising how close he had come to biting her he pulled back suddenly.  

“Fuck, baby, I’m sorry.   Ghoul instincts nearly overtook me,” he crooned. “I wanted to mark you, show them all that you’re mine.”  She moaned again, collapsing into his arms, spent.

“Yours.” She murmured.  “I am all yours, Mountain.”

Chapter Text

A few weeks had passed since Lilith’s first trip to the Den, and she no longer felt afraid in the company of the other ghouls.  She had yet to voyage down alone, but after a long and stressful day, there was nothing she wanted more than to climb into Mountain’s embrace.  He had texted to say he wanted to see her that evening, but there had been radio silence for the last hour.

She pushed open the door tentatively to find Aurora, Sunshine, Swiss, and Phantom in the common area.  Aurora and Sunshine were wrapped around each other intimately, like tendrils of a climbing ivy.  Swiss was sat behind Phantom, with legs wrapped around his waist, and fingers deep in his hair.  Phantom was purring deeply as Swiss massaged his head. 

“Hey Lili,” Swiss called. 

“Hey Swiss.  Is Mountain in his room?”

Swiss shook his head.  “He’s just leaving the greenhouse.  He texted to say he had a little treat for us.”

“Fuck, I hope it’s what I think it is,” Phantom chirped.

Right on cue, Mountain arrived back in the den, and bounded over to Lilith.  He wrapped an arm around her waist and tenderly nipped her earlobe with his fangs.   “The harvest is ready!” 

Swiss fist pumped the air in glee.

“Are you joining us ladies?” Mountain asked Aurora and Sunshine.

“No thank you, but save us some for later?” Aurora giggled.  She clearly had no intention of leaving Sunshine’s cuddle any time soon.

Mountain nodded, and tugged Lilith towards his room, with Phantom in hot pursuit.

“I’ll get Rain,” Swiss called, jogging down the corridor.

*

In Mountain’s room, Phantom immediately pulled out a box from under Mountain’s bed, and began digging through a record collection.  Finding one quickly which fit the bill, he set up the record player. 

Mountain pulled a little leather bag from his back pocket, and tipped out a couple of thick blunts into his hand. He tucked one behind his ear, and placed the other in a wooden box on his side table.  He pulled the one back out from behind his ear, and showed Lilith proudly.

“I grow it myself!  Do you... partake?” 

Lilith nodded eagerly and Mountain beamed.  He pulled her to the floor, leaning against his bed, arm wrapped around her shoulder.  Phantom joined quickly as the record began to play, and Rain and Swiss arrived quickly after.  Seeing them all sat on the hard ground like this reminded her of being a teenager, when she and the other Sisters had snuck marijuana into their quarters in the night.

Mountain lit up, and took a deep drag before passing it to her.  It had been several months since she last smoked, and she was afraid she might cough and make a fool of herself – but no, it was the smoothest, silkiest blunt she’d ever smoked.  Within a few minutes she could feel the fog start to engulf her.  The edges were worn away, and she was smooth like a rolling stone. 

The music sounded incredible.  The ghouls were so funny, and so insightful.  And Mountain… every time his fingers brushed against her neck it was like static shocks.  He nudged his lips against her ear, and she moaned softly.

“Doing okay Lili?”  

She nodded slowly, and nestled into his chest. 

“It’s an amazing guitar,” Swiss was saying to Rain and Phantom. “I should really take better care of it, but I just get so….” The conversation seemed to fall away from her, and all she could hear was Mountain’s breath in her ear.  She nestled her head into his chest, and traced her hand up and down his chest in time with his breathing.

Mountain nuzzled back, and gently took her earlobe between his fangs, tugging softly.  Lilith’s hand glided lower, grazing his crotch nonchalantly.  The others seemed oblivious, continuing their chat enthusiastically.  Feeling bold, Lilith ghosted her hand over his groin, feeling his cock start to fill out as he realised what she was doing. He looked at her deeply, eyes wide, and kissed her deeply.

“Are we interrupting something?” Swiss snickered. 

“Don’t stop on our behalf,” Rain cooed. 

Blushing, Lilith brought her hand back up to Mountain’s chest.  His nipples were hard, and he moaned softly as he fingers grazed them. 

“Oh yeah his nipples get so sensitive, don’t they?” Phantom whispered, shuffling closer to the pair.  He placed a hand on Mountain’s chest, next to Lilith’s, and lightly twisted Mountain’s nipple, making the big ghoul buck slightly.

“Phant… Not the time or the place.”  Mountain shook his head ruefully, pushing the little quint away. 

“Don’t worry bug, you can play with my nipples anytime!” Swiss tugged Phantom back over, and gave him a sloppy kiss.  Rain rolled his eyes, but he still smiled when Swiss gave him a kiss too.

Lilith raised an eyebrow cheekily, and pulled Mountain into a passionate kiss, to the whoops and cheers of the others. 

Mountain growled sensually.   “Okay boys, it’s your time to leave.”

Phantom pouted. “Are you sure?  She might need a little extra attention?”

Mountain growled more angrily this time, and Swiss dragged the boys out of the room, handing the nearly finished blunt to Lilith as he did.

She took another deep drag, and rose to her feet.  Turning her back on Mountain, who remained kneeling on the floor, she changed the record.  Something smooth.  Lofi, with a steady beat.  She dropped down onto the bed, legs splayed temptingly.  Her eyelashes fluttered seductively, and she bit her bottom lip softly.  Mountain stood up, and stepped between her legs. He slid his hand up her legs, under her dress, and rubbed his thumb against her underwear.  She was wet.

“You like a little exhibitionism?” he said softly, caressing her. “Did it get you really turned on, honey?”

She nodded slowly.  He bit his lip, and unzipped his jeans, before pulling them down with his boxers around his ankles.  His cock was hard, and hanging low, sticking out from under his tshirt.  He snuck a hand under her waist, and repositioned her like she weighed nothing at all.  Pulling her wet panties over her knees he smiled, and continued to gently stroke her. 

Every sensation was heightened.  He wanted to plunge into her so badly, but seeing her writhe and moan under his touch was driving him crazy.  He began to buck subconsciously forwards, thrusting into nothing. 

“Do I make you feel good?” His breath was ragged, and his words seemed to tumble out of his mouth without his permission.

She nodded, gasping. “So good, Mountain.  It feels amazing.”

“You want more?” He asked, almost begging.

“Please, Mountain.”

“What do you want baby?”

“I want you inside me. I want you to stretch me open.  Fill me up.”  Lilith gripped the sheets as she wailed.

Mountain lined himself up and nudged his head against her tight entrance.  Her cunt fluttered and clenched around nothing.

“You need this? You need this cock?  Want me to fill you with my cum?”

Lilith leaned forward and tugged his nipple.  Mountain moaned deeply, and pinned her wrists down before thrusting into her deeply.   Every sense was heightened, and he could feel each breath as a twitch in her cunt around him.

He pulled out slowly, before thrusting back in without a pause. She could feel him in her chest.  The roll of his hips felt like riding a wave.

Her body felt like it was floating, or falling.  Like she and Mountain were fucking in a cloud, wrapped tightly in a thick haze of weed and lust. She had no capability to do much besides lie there, with her limbs leaden down.  But there was no discomfort, no urge to change anything.  It was like a dream. 

“Right there,” she moaned, “fuck, yes, just like that.  Right there.”

Mountain was whispering to her, but she could barely follow him. She heard individual words sneaking into her brain, like “angel”, “whore”, and “full”.  She was his angel whore, and she was full of his cock.

 It wasn’t long before she could feel herself get closer to the edge.  At the same time, he started to tense up.  He gripped her chin with his hand, and forced her to look into his eyes, and shake off the intoxicating fog.

“I’m going to be dripping out of you for days,” is all she heard as his eyes rolled back, and he emptied himself into her.  Her orgasm felt like a freefall.

*

They dozed, tightly embraced, for Satan knows how long.  Lilith woke up to Mountain’s phone buzzing.  Reluctantly, he picked up his phone, bleary eyed, to see he had several messages from Phantom and several in the group chat.

Baby Bat: Why did you kick me out???  She wanted me I can tell

Baby Bat: I can come back if you need help

Baby Bat: Pleaassseee I’m so horny

Baby Bat: Don’t worry, Rain and Swiss are fucking me harder than you ever could anyway.

There was a photo.  Mountain clicked to download it without thinking, and he and Lilith were surprised to see a selfie of Phantom balls deep in Rain, while Swiss fucked his mouth.

Lilith’s eyes were wide. “I have questions about ghoul anatomy…” she said, craning her neck to look closer.  “Does Rain have a vagina? And also a tentacle???”

“It’s too early for that discussion.” Mountain sighed, switching to the group chat.  

Spitfire:  Can someone gag Phantom?

SwissArmyGhoul: On it

Lus: Dreamy

Several hours later…

Aether: I’m making some breakfast. 

Spitfire: Waffles?

Aether: You know it baby.

Rainy<3: With syrup?

Aether: If you’re quick.

“Oooh that sounds good,” Lilith sighed, “and my mouth is so dry.”

Mountain nodded, but as Lilith tried to roll out of bed, he tugged her back in. “There’s something I wanted to ask you first.” 

There was a pause, and he scrunched up his nose as he tried to decide how to word it.

“Last night, when Phantom…”  He huffed, and started again. “Would you ever be interested in… I know it’s not the same with humans but group sex is more of a thing with us?  I totally understand if you’re not up for trying it…”  He trailed off.

Lilith cocked her head. “Yes, I think I would be willing to try it?  But maybe keep it small to start with?”

“Small in terms of numbers, or small in terms of… Dew? Aurora?”

Lilith laughed.   “Small numbers.   A threesome?”

“Who... would you be most interested in?”

“Is this a loaded question? Are you going to rip the throat out of whoever I say?”

Mountain laughed.  “No, but I am curious, I must admit.”

“Rain.” She whispered.  “He’s so beautiful.”

Mountain bit his lip.  “You like a pretty boy, huh?  Let me have a chat with him later…”

Chapter Text

“Who  would you be most interested in?”

“Rain.” She whispered.  “He’s so beautiful.”

Mountain bit his lip.  “You like a pretty boy, huh?  Let me have a chat with him later…”

Two nights later, and Rain, Mountain and Lilith were sat on Mountain’s bed together.  Lilith was overcome by shyness, and the boys were staring at her with amusement.

“I’ve got some wine?” Mountain ventured, trying not to laugh.  He couldn’t believe his Tigerlily had been reduced to a blushing puddle, especially after she had been so excited that morning.

Rain nodded, and got up to pour three glasses. Mountain snuggled closer to Lilith and whispered in her ear, “It’s not too late to back out, if you’ve changed your mind, sweetheart.” 

But Lilith shook her head. “I haven’t, I just… I don’t know how to start?”

Rain placed their glasses on the side table and sat beside her, on the other side to Mountain. “How about I kiss you?”

The light was low in Mountain’s room, and the moonlight streaming in through the window cast an ethereal glow on Rain.  His creamy blue skin was dappled with iridescent markings, and his thick, navy waves floated over his shoulder as though he was underwater.  His horns were a deep teal, with lighter ripples.  It looked like how light refracted at the bottom of a swimming pool.  His tail swooshed around like a metronome behind him. All in all, it was impossible to deny that Rain was incredibly beautiful.

Lilith nodded.  Rain leaned in, until his lips were brushing against hers.  They were soft, but surprisingly cool.  When she inhaled, she swore he smelled like salted caramel.  Or honey and seaweed, less romantically, but somehow in perfect harmony with each other.  He pressed his lips against hers, and she finally relaxed her shoulders.  She pulled closer, and parted her lips to feel his tongue slide in and curl around hers.  She moaned softly into his mouth. 

He pulled back, smiling, and stood up.  Slowly, he peeled his white shirt off, to reveal a slender but sculpted chest.  As he undid his belt, Mountain slid a hand over her leg and began to stroke her inner thigh tenderly.  Rain pulled off his jeans and underwear, and stood proudly in front of them both nude.  Between his legs was a glistening cunt.  But no tentacle.

“Have you ever licked a cunt before, Lilith?”  He crooned, watching her drool at the sight.

Lilith nodded slowly, not taking her eyes away from the beauty in front of her.

“Do you want a taste, sweety?”  Rain stepped closer, and wrapped one leg over Lilith’s shoulder.  She leaned forwards, and planted a sloppy kiss on Rain’s heat.  His taste was warm and salty, and he was wetter already than any Sister she’d met.   

“The water element has some advantages,” Mountain snorted, as she lapped at his folds.

She pushed a finger in between his slick folds and felt Rain clench around the sensation.  Lilith was a little tentative though, as Rain didn’t have a clitoris, and the tentacle was still absent. She tried her best to make Rain moan with her mouth and her fingers, as Mountain started to rub at her wet cunt through her underwear.

Rain rocked back, pushing his crotch into Lilith’s palm.  “I think she wants to meet you,” he gasped.  As he did, Lilith felt something move inside Rain. 

Lilith pulled back in shock, but something gripped her wrist and prevented her from moving away.  Rain’s tentacle had emerged from inside his cunt, and was tugging her fingers back inside him.  It was slick with Rain’s juiced, at least ten inches long.  Rain’s tail stroked her legs calmingly.

Rain pushed Lilith to lying down on the bed, and straddled her chest.  Mountain chuckled, and kneeled at the foot of the bed between Lilith’s legs, pulling off her underwear. As Lilith continued to lap at Rain, Mountain began to mirror her actions on her own pussy. 

Rain’s tentacle released its grip on her wrist slowly, and Rain took her chin in his hand.
“She wants a kiss too,” he murmured.  Hesitantly, Lilith kissed the tip of Rain’s tentacle. He moaned deeply, and bucked into her mouth.  Continuing to finger him, she began to more confidently lick his length, and run her tongue across the ridges, while moaning from the incredible sensation of Mountain’s tongue against her sensitive clit.

“Oh Mountain, her mouth is incredible,” Rain gasped.  “She’s killing me.”

“You should feel her pussy,” Mountain moaned.  “Fuck, swap with me.”

Rain laughed as he pulled back and moved to the end of the bed.

“She’s a good quiet little toy,” he sniggered, teasing her clit with his fingers.

“She’s not normally,” Mountain admitted, “She must be feeling shy.”  Quietly, he whispered in her ear, “everything okay baby?”  His tail flickered nervously.

Lilith nodded, and kissed him deeply.  

“You tell me if you want to stop?”

But Lilith just wailed as Rain added another finger.  “Fuck my mouth, Mounty.”  

Mountain nearly choked on these words, and tugged at her lower lip with his thumb before sliding his weeping cock into her mouth.

“Can I fuck your pretty little hole?” Rain moaned.

“Please,” she begged, voice muffled by Mountain’s cock.  He pushed into her with his tentacle slowly, giving her time to get used to the sensation.  It wasn’t firm, and it didn’t stretch as he pushed in, but once he was fully seated he seemed to mould to her shape.  She felt divinely full, as he started to slide in and out of her.  Her first orgasm came so quickly and unexpectedly, taking her breath away.

Mountain gripped onto the bedframe as he struggled to control his urge to increase his speed.  He was already so close, and his mind was spinning.

Rain gripped her hips, anchoring himself as he thrusted into her. “Fuck you feel amazing.  So warm, and tight.”  A tendril of hair fell across his face and he blew it softly out of his eyes, not moving his hands from her body.  “Feels so good.  I’m not going to last long.” 

As he said this, Mountain slid out of her throat.  Lilith panted to regain her breath as Mountain pushed Rain away.  “No one cums inside her but me.”  His voice was gravelly, and serious.  Rain didn’t argue, but stepped back mournfully, stroking his tentacle. 

Mountain took Rain’s place, kneeling between Lilith’s open legs.  He massaged her dripping pussy for a second before thrusting deeply into her, hitting her in that spot that made her eyes lose focus.  She could feel something at the base of his cock nudging against her entrance, but he was making no effort to push it into her. His knot. He reached across to rub her clit and whispered in her ear, “Mine.”

Rain came back to Lilith’s mouth, straddling her with his face to Mountain’s.   He was even wetter now, juices dripping out onto Lilith’s face,  as he tugged his tentacle roughly, grinding his cunt into her tongue. Mountain leaned forward to take Rain’s tentacle in his mouth.  The three of them were grunting and moaning and flexing in tandem, as Mountain’s smooth rhythm started to falter. 

“Mine, Lilith.  Aren’t you baby?” He growled deeply. “Made for me to worship.  Made to take every inch of me.”  His voice was barely more than a grunt now.

Rain wailed as Mountain dove back to licking and sucking him.  Rain’s fingers wrapped around his antlers and tugged him deeper and deeper into his crotch.  “I’m going to cum Mountain, can I please?” 

Mountain nodded gently, and nuzzled his nose into Rain’s bush as he hollowed his cheeks.  Rain arched his back as he came violently, spilling down Mountain’s throat and gushing into Lilith’s mouth.  Mountain swallowed hard, keeping his eyes locked on Rain, even as he climbed off Lilith to lie beside her.

“Mounty, fill me up, please,” Lilith wept.  “I want to feel you fill me up.”  Her breath was uneven. 

“I want you to cum with me, Lili.  Can you do that?  Can you cum on my cock as I empty into you? Are you ready for my load?”

Lilith screamed as she released, gripping the bed sheet with one hand, and Rain’s hand with the other.  Mountain’s swollen knot pulsed as his orgasm approached.  His mouth went slack as his core constricted, and his balls emptied into her.  He fell down between her and Rain, pulling them both onto his chest for a tight hug.   Their tails wrapped around each other right away.

“Did Rainy make you feel good baby?”

Lilith nodded lethargically.

“She sure made me feel good,” he replied softly, taking her hand in his.  “I should clean up but I can’t be bothered.”

“We can take a shower in a bit.  I’m just so comfortable.”

The three of them snuggled closer, until they fell asleep, warm and sticky.

Chapter Text

Mountain was the first to arrive to the small outhouse that morning.  It had been built back in the 60s as a guest house for friends of Papa Nihil, but over the years it had become a secret hideout for the ghoulettes.  And Mountain.

Mountain was the first ghoul to be told about the outhouse, a great honour which had taken a lot of deliberation for the ghoulettes.  His invitation was conditional that he only visit for the monthly ghoulettes brunch, and he took that oath seriously.  He took great pride in being the most reliable and trusted of the ghouls, and looked forward to these brunches with great anticipation.  They were a chance for the ghoulettes to unwind completely without needing to mind the ghouls, and to frankly talk about them behind their backs.  Invitations were always extended to the older ghoulettes, but they rarely accepted.

Mountain always went overboard with his offerings to the brunch, and this morning was no exception.  His basket was overflowing with ripe strawberries, raspberries, and fresh eggs.  He laid the basket on the long wooden table in the dining hall and vegan to decant the berries into bowls, before carrying the eggs to the kitchen.

“Goooooooooood morning!” Sunshine called loudly as she bounded into the outhouse, followed by Aurora, Cirrus and Cumulus.  She and Aurora came to either side of Mountain, and stood on their tiptoes.  As per their ritual, Mountain squatted slightly and the two planted kisses on his cheeks. “Morning my darlings,” he crooned. “Where’s Tempest?”

Cirrus grabbed the eggs from his hands and began cracking them into a large ceramic bowl. “She’s running a little late, she had a meeting with Papa last night…”  Cirrus winked at him, knowingly.

Cumulus handed her a bag of flour and a pint of milk from her bag, and started heating up a frying pan.

“Okay, so we’ve got pancakes, fresh fruit, orange juice,” Aurora nodded to Sunshine who was holding two bottles of juice the size as her head, “bacon, syrup, and coffee!” 

“Shall I do the coffee, Rora?” Mountain took the bag of grounds from her and set up the pot.

*

Fifteen minutes later, they were sat around the table with a heap of food, and full, steaming mugs.  Cirrus and Cumulus were sat together on one side, Cumulus with her arm draped around Cirrus’ back. Aurora and Sunshine sat on the other side, picking away at the berries like feasting birds.  Mountain was at the end, chair pushed back from the table as his knees couldn’t fit underneath. 

The door creaked, and Tempest rushed in, dropping a bag on the floor and diving into the remaining seat at the other end of the table.

“Sooooo sorry I’m late!” She took a hearty glug from the coffee and visibly relaxed into the chair.

“Another late night with Papa?” Sunshine asked innocently.

“Working hard?”  Lus asked, before taking a large bite from her pancake.

Tempest nodded earnestly, and then realised Lus’ meaning. “We were working hard all night,” she insisted, “getting plans together for the show next month.  Papa still has so much to finalise, and he was very stressed.”

“How does Papa like to relieve stress?” Cirrus enquired.  She was smiling slyly, but there was a genuine curiosity in her voice.

Tempest sighed, and took another swig of coffee.  “Yes, we were intimate.” She conceded. "He feels safest with me, I guess because I’m his first summon.  And I feel the same way, to be honest.  I like being with him.” 

Cirrus waved her hand encouragingly. “More details please, so that we may serve our Papa to the best of our abilities.”

“Does he like pegging?” Aurora suggested.

Tempest choked on her coffee. “Rora, over breakfast, really? Let him tell you what he likes himself.  Don’t you miss the thrill of a new experience? Of slowly learning someone’s desires and pleasures?”  She took a tiny bite from a strawberry and her eyes glazed over in reminiscence.

“That’s kind of romantic, Temp,” Sunshine smiled sweetly, “and speaking of romance!” All heads turned in synchronicity to Mountain. “Tell. Us. The. Details!” With each word, she slapped her hands down on the table in glee.

“What do you want to know?” Mountain said coyly.

The ghoulettes paused a moment, looking at each other with excitement.

Cumulus spoke first. “Rainy told us when you first met Lilith, who we adore by the way, you were pretty hesitant to engage in a relationship – romantic or sexual – with a human.  How are you doing now? I mean, the sexual side we can guess.  We can hear.  But romantically?” 

The others nodded in agreement.

Mountain sighed. “Yeah, I know it’s silly.  Sex with a human is hardly a new thing.  I mean, Satan knows Terzo and I have had our fun when he first summoned me.  I’ve never been with a Sibling before though.  And yeah, romantically, that’s a whole new thing.  But I like her.  I… like her a lot.”

Aurora and Sunshine squealed with glee.  Cirrus turned to Cumulus and nuzzled against her cheek affectionately, with a little soft chirp.

“And she’s okay with you out of glamour?” Tempest said, more quietly.  She was relieved when Mountain nodded enthusiastically.

“She’s a big fan of the horns,” he laughed. “And my tail.  Yes, she was a little taken aback at first.  I mean she was terrified when she first saw me with my mask on and in complete glamour, but it took so little for her to trust me.”

“She knows a good soul when she sees one,” Cirrus said softly.

Mountain smiled wryly.  “The first time we met, she touched my hand, and I felt something… like a bond between us.  It almost felt like a pack bond, but I know it wasn’t.  I like to think she felt it too.”

“Oh Mountain, it sounds like love at first sight,” Cumulus hummed.

But Mountain shook his head. “I think at first it was just a harmonised curiosity. But I was so excited to see her again after that first time, and as the days passed it morphed into something else.  When I saw her again, I realised there was lust.  But not just sexual desire, something else. I quickly started to feel romantically for her.  Somewhere along the line it has turned into something more.”

There was a pause, and the whole room felt like it was hanging on a wire.

“Mounty, honey, are you in love?” Cirrus whispered.

A blush spread up his neck to his cheeks, and he nodded gently. “I am.”

Tempest whooped loudly, and Cumulus gripped Cirrus’ leg in joy.

“Have you told her?” Sunshine squeaked.

Mountain shook his head.  “I only just realised this myself, so no. I haven’t told her. Yet.”

Aurora clapped her hands together decisively. “We need to spend more time with this girl, ladies.  Check she’s good enough for our boy!”

“Agreed,” Tempest nodded sincerely.

Sunshine cocked her head. “Are you not fully on board, Temp?  I thought you loved her!”

“I do! But any excuse for a girl’s day frankly.”

The ghoulettes chuckled, and tucked back into their breakfast.

***

Later that afternoon, Mountain was relaxing in his room with Lilith, sprawled out across his massive bed, when his phone buzzed.

Zephyr: I’m coming over – I have a new record for us. Zzzzzzzzz

“Zeph is coming over with some music,” he said, tucking a loose hair behind Lilith’s ear. “He lives in the outhouse with the older ghouls, I don’t think you’ve met yet?”

Lilith shook her head.

“He’s an odd soul,” Mountain sighed.  “He’s an air ghoul, summoned by Terzo, like me.  Good heart, and amazing musician, but he didn’t take to tour life.  He’s a bit of a homebody.  After Terzo died, he retired himself to the live with the old boys.  But he still came to visit me and Dew from time to time, and then he ended up bonding closely with Cirrus.  Anyway, good music taste, and he always brings wine.”

Sure enough, mere minutes later, a tall broad ghoul entered, vinyl record tucked against his body by the elbow, and hands full of wine and tumblers.  He had mottled grey and mauve skin, short black horns, and a bun of white waves. 

“Lilith!” He nearly dropped everything as he attempted to wave. “I still can’t believe Mounty is shacking up with a human after all the fuckin’ judgement he showed me.”

“It wasn’t the humans,” Mountain insisted, “it was their sheer, simultaneous quantity. What does one ghoul even do with ten Sisters at once?”

Zephyr winked at Lilith, “if you ever want to know the answer to that question, hit me up.”  He gently released the glassware and bottle onto the bed and turned to the record player. 

Mountain opened the bottle, and poured a generous glass for each of them.

The album started, overlapping sounds and a gentle guitar, like a dream. Zephyr smiled, and wiggled onto the edge of the bed next to Mountain, who promptly handed him a glass.

The three drank the first glass slowly, in a comfortable silence.  The music wrapped them in a soft cocoon.  When Lilith finished her glass, she leant backwards.  Mountain and Zephyr followed her shortly after, and they lay on the bed, limbed entwined.  Something about the nostalgic songs made her feel immediately comfortable, even with this complete stranger.  When their eyes caught each other briefly, he smiled softly, and a shared understanding was passed between them, like a secret handshake.  She rested her head on his shoulder and wiggled her feet in time with the beat.  Mountain copied her.

“September, you watched me come undone as you said

‘remember the backyard sprinklers getting you wet?’.

I always surrendered, eighteen, where was my head?

Whatever, I’ll think of you forever.”

“This is awesome, it’s so spacey,” said Lilith.

Zephyr chuckled. “They’re called Spacey Jane, so that feels appropriate.”

The moment was interrupted somewhat by Mountain’s phone vibrating again. With a small grunt, he lifted it above his head to read the screen.

Cirrus: Honey, can you send me Lilith’s phone number? We want to invite her out tomorrow <3

“Cirrus wants your phone number, Lil.  She’s probably going to invite you to a ghoulette group chat, which Sunshine will inevitably fill with GIFs.  Do you consent?”

“I can always mute it,” Lilith joked.

Mountain sent her number over, and nearly instantly Lilith’s phone buzzed. Zephyr sat up to refill their glasses.

Cirrus:  Lilith! Ghorrrrls spa day tomorrow, are you in? Mountain told us it was your day off!

Before Lilith could reply, Sunshine had responded with a GIF of a quokka waving its hands with the text above glittering ‘WELCOME!’

Lilith: Sounds great, I’m in!

Zephyr took Lilith’s phone from her hand, followed by Mountain’s, and put them in the top drawer of Mountain’s dresser. 

“Less texty, more drinky,” he said, passing them filled glasses.  “Anyway, you’ll love this song Mount, it’s the one that made me think of you.”

“Water me darling, love is a garden…”

Lilith signed contentedly, downed the glass, and flopped back down.  Zephyr drank his more slowly, with a wry smile, and then snuggled down against her.  It wasn’t long before she could hear both ghouls purring.

At some point the record ended, but by this time the three were fast asleep.

***

When she woke up in the morning, Zephyr was gone.  Mountain was still curled up by her side, one arm tugging her against his body.  His head was pressed into her neck, and she could feel each hot exhalation against her skin. In her previous dalliances, with other Siblings of Sin, she had always snuck out in the night back to her own bed to get a good night of sleep.  But even since that first time, she’d never slept better than in the large ghoul’s arms.  Her anxiety melted away when he touched her – after all, what was left to fear with a hell-summoned demon by her side.

Her phone buzzed, and she saw she had several unread messages on the group chat.  Mountain groaned, and nuzzled tighter into her neck, and hiding his face under her hair.

Lus<3: What time are we getting started gals?

Roarrrrra: I am CHOMPING at the bit.  chomp chomp

Sunny: Why is everyone awake so early?

Tempest: Sunny it’s 11 AM.

Cirrus: Is Lil up? Not getting out of bed until I have to.  We’re sooooooooo comfy

Gently, so as not to disturb Mountain, she replied:

Lili: I’m up but not averse to a bit more snoozing..?

Aurora replied instantly:
Roarrrrra: I am averse. Get up. Kitchen in ten.

“Are you getting up?”  Mountain stirred gently and rubbed her belly with his large hand.

“Sorry baby, looks like it’s time.”

Mountain grumbled, and slipped his hand into her underwear, sliding his fingers against her folds, and rubbing her clit with his thumb. “Sure I can’t convince you to stay?” He pushed two fingers sharply inside her, and she moaned into the pillow.

“Maybe you could…”

He continued with growing enthusiasm, and rutted his half-hard cock against her ass, before pushing her onto her back and straddling her. His strong arms caged her in, and her breath laboured as his girth pressed down against her mound.

“I don’t think I want you to leave this bedroom all day,” he growled. “Keep you here, under me, cock drunk and full of me.”

Lilith bucked into his hand, feeling him start to fuck her with his fingers. He was canting too, thrusting into the air above her impatiently.  She could tell he was torn between pleasuring her and ravaging her.

And then without warning, the door swung open and Aurora bounded in. 

Mountain and Lilith froze.  His naked cock bristled in the draft, and a deep blush spread across her chest.  She pulled the covers over herself as quickly as she could.

“Room for one more?  No, sorry, I mean it’s time to get up!”

Mountain grumbled shyly, pulling the cover further over Lilith.  “She’ll be out in a moment, Rora.  Go wait in the kitchen.”

“Are you sure, because it kinda seems like you’re going to wait until I leave the room, and then you’re going to fuck her.”

“It does seem a little bit like that from here too,” Lilith said in mock sincerity. She rolled out from underneath Mountain, wrapping herself in the sheet, and seeking out clean clothes.  “Don’t worry, I won’t let that happen.”

Aurora laughed and headed out to the kitchen. “See you in a moment.”

“Sorry baby,” Lilith tutted, pulling on her clothes.

Mountain sat on the edge of the bed, legs parted, and erection standing firm, red and leaking. He leaned back and stared at her silently.  His cock twitched and he smirked, sure she wouldn’t be able to resist the sight.

Lilith leaned over, and kissed him deeply. “See you later big boy.  No touching yourself until I’m back, okay?” Her tone was dark.

Mountain chuckled, and then his faced dropped seeing her sincerity.  His mind clouded with thoughts of his delicate Sister of Sin punishing him for disobedience and his cock spurted a dribble of pre. Holding eye contact, she swiped a finger across his cock head, and sucked the precum off her finger. He sobbed, and she left the room with a cackle.

***

“Okay, I have these hair clips and hair bands to keep hair out of the face masks,” Sunshine said, passing them around between the girls.  The six of them were sat in a circle on the woven mat on the floor of Cirrus and Cumulus’ room.  The room was decorated in shades of pale blue, pink, and orange, like a gentle summer sunrise. 

Lilith took a hairband, and twisted her long hair into a tight bun.  Cumulus, sat to her left, handed her a tub of red clay and a small brush.  “Can you do me, sweetie? And then I can do yours?”

“Absolutely!” Lilith scooped some of the clay onto the brush and began to paint Cumulus’ face. 

“I feel like you’re a painter,” she whispered.

“And you’re a work of art,” Lilith smiled back. 

When she was done, and passed the pot over to Cumulus to reciprocate, she felt Tempest take her hand. “Can I paint your nails?”

Lilith mumbled in affirmative, trying not to move her face as Cumulus painted her.

“Ooh Tempy does nail art!” Sunshine, sat opposite her, thrust out her hand to show her bright yellow nails, adorned with small sunshine motifs.  “I love to paint, but I can’t do the fiddly stuff!”

“What do you fancy? Or do you want me to surprise you?”

Again, Lilith nodded meekly, trying to hold in a laugh as the clay stiffened.

Cumulus turned to Cirrus and began to paint her face.

“This mask smells beautiful,” Cirrus said, taking a deep inhale.

“Cowbell made it for me, it’s got lavender in!” Sunshine beamed.

“Right, what is the deal with you and Cowbell?” Aurora blurted. “He’s got moony eyes for you!  I can’t ever get him to talk, but he follows you around like a little dog.”

Sunshine blushed so hard, it was even visible under the clay mask.  Her warm, umber skin was tinged with pink all the way along to the tips of her pointed ears. 

“We’re friends!” She insisted, but hey body language told another story.

“Do you FUCK?” Aurora squealed in disbelief. “What does he even have down there?”

“What’s his element?” Lilith asked unsurely.

“He’s an earth ghoul, just like Mountain.”

“He’s not just like Mountain,” Aurora retorted.  “He’s completely feral.  He never learned English, or Italian for that matter, and only speaks in single words in Ghoulish.  He’s got shaggy long hair – you’d mistake him for a highland cow!”

“He’s just shy!  He gets on perfectly well with Phantom and I!”

“Phantom, naturally – he’s also only got a single brain cell.  What do you talk about?” Cirrus cackled.

“Maybe they don’t talk.” Aurora mimed obscene sexual acts, and Sunshine batted her across the face half-heartedly.

Cumulus handed Lilith a wet cloth to remove her mask, and used another to gently wipe off her own. “Let’s drop it,” she said sternly. “If Sunny doesn’t want to describe what Cowbell does to keep his hair out of his face while he eats her out, that’s her business.”

Sunshine fumed for a second, before bursting into hysterics. “Anyway, enough about me!  My little clouds, isn’t your anniversary coming up?”

“Anniversary?” Lilith turned to Cirrus with a smile.

Cirrus rubbed her head against Cumulus’ shoulder affectionately.  “Six years since we took the unholy vows - the infernal rites.” 

“Feels like only yesterday.  I loved you the moment I met you.” Cumulus nibbled Cirrus ear tenderly.

“Awwww!” Sunshine gripped Aurora’s hand, who immediately shook it off with disgust.

“I don’t know where that hand’s been!” She spat with a laugh.

***

Several hours later, there was a knock on the door.

“Come iiiiiiiin,” called Cumulus, scratching Cirrus gently behind the ears as she rested against her knee.

Phantom poked his head around the door with a grin. “Mountain has made dinner, if you’re hungry?”

“Oh, fuck yes.” Tempest jumped to her feet. “I’m honestly famished.”

The others followed soon after, and slotted into the empty seats around the dining table. Lilith snuck into the seat next to Mountain, who kissed her on the head affectionately as he ladled gnocchi into her empty bowl. 

As he sat down, he cocked his head, and took her hand in his.  Her mind flashed back to their first meeting, and how his hand dwarfed hers. His thumb stroked gently over her thumbnail, which was decorated with tiny ivy leaves. 

“Tempest did them for me,” she beamed. “I think she had you in mind.” She showed her other hand too, and he saw more botanical pieces, including a fire red tigerlily.

When dinner was finished, she and Mountain cleared up the plates, and returned to his room. 

“I’ll have to go back to my own room to sleep,” she sighed sadly. “I have an early start tomorrow.”

“But can you stay a little?” He wrapped his arms around her waist, and as she nodded, he tugged her to the bed.

“Were you a good boy for me?” She whispered, recalling her earlier command.   

He moaned at the question, surprising himself by how arousing it was to hear. “I had a very, very cold shower, and decided to do some hard work in the garden.”  She tugged at his trousers, and he slowly stripped himself off, as she did the same.  He pushed her down to her earlier position, caged between his arms.  “Care to resume where we left off?”

She kissed him deeply, but slowly, before shaking her head.

“Good ghouls deserve to be rewarded.  Let me treat you.” She pushed his shoulder, and though the slight difference meant that she barely nudged him an inch, he obliged and rolled onto his back.  As she hitched up her dress, he saw she wasn’t wearing any underwear.  He let out a low groan.

Straddling him, she began to grind her naked crotch against his, feeling him fill out.  She twisted his nipples gently between her fingers and he sank his head back into the pillow.

“You’re so wet for me, Lili,” he gasped. “I can feel it dripping on my cock.”  He gripped his fingers into her hips and pushed his erection between her folds. “Sit on my baby, take it please.”  His face was flushed.

“Anything for you, darling, since you’ve been so good.”  He keened again at her praise, and she lifted herself up slightly. Taking his cock in her hands, and positioning herself above him, she paused. 

“Please baby, I can’t wait.  All day, all I’ve wanted to do is pin you down and fuck you like an animal.  Like a wild beast.” He was almost incoherent now, his want clouding his mind as he thrusted his hips up to meet her.  “I’ve been so good,” he wept.

She could feel his precum dripping down his shaft onto her fingers.  “Yes, of course you have, baby.  Are you ready for me?”

“Yes,” he whined, “Please…” His words were cut off as she sank down onto him, taking every inch in one movement. “So wet.  So fucking hot and wet and tight.” He babbled. “You were made just for me, Lili.  We’re a perfect fit.”   She bounced slowly on his cock, tormenting him with her pace.   

Only a few minutes passed before she could feel him start to tense up, like a spring within him was being wound up tightly. “I want to fuck you all night, baby, but I can’t.” He looked up at her with pleading eyes. “I’m so sorry, I’m so close.”

She stroked his hair out of his face. “It’s okay baby, you’ve been so good. You can cum for me whenever you want.”  With her words, he spilled forcefully into her. She continued to ride him slowly through his orgasm before he nodded gently, and she climbed off his lap. 

After cleaning herself up, and handing him a warm cloth, she snuggled down next to him.  

“Just a few minutes,” he begged.  She nodded, and clambered into his arms, nuzzling into his fur. “I need to tell you something.”

She rolled over to face him.  “Ominous,” she joked.  He smiled meekly, and she wondered if she should be concerned. “Mountain?”

“There’s something I’ve known for a while, and I’ve wanted to tell you, but I wasn’t sure if… if it was okay. If it was too soon.  If you felt the same way.  I was scared that if you didn’t, I would ruin things.  But I have to – I have to tell you.”

Lilith’s heart swelled, and she gripped his hands. “Tell me what, my dearest?”

“I love you, Lilith.”  He took a deep breath. “I’ve loved you since-“

“I love you too, Mountain.”  She grabbed his face and pulled him into a passionate kiss.

Chapter Text

It felt like only yesterday that the heat was finally breaking, but that morning there was a definite chill in the air.  Autumn was coming.

Lilith finished her daily tasks with record breaking speed, running between locations to preserve warmth.  Tomorrow she would be better prepared, and wear her woollen socks over her stockings.  But today, she simply ran, and hopped on the spot when she should be stationary. As soon as her list was complete, she scurried down to the den.

Aether broke into a smile as soon as she arrived, lounging on the pillow pile in the living room. “Hi Lil’, Mountain’s not…”

But Lilith waved a hand dismissively. “Where’s Dew?”

Aether laughed and rolled over to reveal the smaller ghoul tucked into his armpit.

“Is it too much to ask that you might just miss me?” He snarked. “Or are you also here to steal my warmth?” 

She had the decency to smile meekly before sliding in next to him.  Before she their skin even touched, she could feel the heat emanating from the fire ghoul.  As she gently wrapped an arm around his waist and snuggled against his neck, she felt his warmth seep into her bones.  She had grown closer to Dew in the last weeks, mostly through spending time with Aether, but she still felt the tinge of intimidation until he nuzzled her back.

“You need to save some of these hugs for Mountain, though.  He’s having a bit of a rough day,” Aether confessed.

“Oh?” Lilith hadn’t heard from him all day, but she knew he was extremely busy.  The band had their first show in many months mere weeks away, and preparation had really kicked up a notch.

“I don’t know if he has really spoken to you about ghoul politics, but it being the first show since Cumulus retired… things are different now.”

Lilith shook her head. “Why does Lus retiring change things?  Doesn’t Tempest fill her shoes?”

“It’s not about the music, really.  Ghouls have a hierarchy system in packs… it’s complicated to explain to humans.  But Cumulus used to be the leader, so to speak.”

“Really? She doesn’t seem… leader-y?”

“It’s decided based on factors that you could try and learn for centuries, and never fully grasp.  It’s innate for us, I suppose.  But yes, and she was phenomenal.  She kept us all safe, and united.  Which is not always easy – ghouls from different elements don’t form packs in the beneath.  But when she retired from the band, she retired as leader too.  We need our leader to be travelling with the band, since having so many ghouls in close quarters is when things get really hairy. And those of us back home are few and far between anyway.  And so… Mountain rose to the occasion.  He was chosen, partly by us, and partly by… nature.”

“I had no idea,” she whispered reverently.

Aether nodded. “He’s humble.  But in exchange for the responsibility he carries, he has our unwavering loyalty.  Problem is, he’s terrible at asking for help.” 

There was a weighty silence in the room for a moment as Lilith let this new knowledge sink in.  She was about to ask another question when Mountain arrived back.

His shoulders were sagging, and his eyes were glazed.

“Oh honey.” Lilith jumped to her feet, and ran over to cuddle him.  “Do you want to just go to bed?”

Mountain nodded wordlessly, and let himself he led by the hand to his room.  He peeled off his clothes slowly and flopped onto the bed dejectedly.

Lilith lay beside him. “Wanna talk about your day, big guy?”

Mountain shook his head silently, and then after a beat he apologised meekly. “Sorry Lili, I’m not much fun.  I’m just stuck in my head.  Between every breath I feel like I’m counting bars, and there’s a constant to do list just whirling around my head like a tornado.  I just need to get out of my own brain.”

“Do you want me to help?”  Lilith tucked an errant lock of hair behind his ear.  As her fingers traced the back of his neck, his tail thumped against the bed.  “Does that feel nice?” She whispered.

He nodded slowly, with a soft smile on his lips.  She continued stroking behind his ears. “Just like a sad little puppy dog, my poor darling.”  Mountain groaned, and tried to subtly adjust his trousers, but Lilith could see his cock fattening up. “What, you like the idea of being my puppy?” 

Mountain nodded desperately, and pushed his head harder against her hand.

“Are you going to be a good boy for me, then?”  She trailed her hand down his neck, across his shoulder, and down his torso.  Her fingers ghosted against his cock.  He bucked into her hand by instinct, but one look in his eyes and she could see he was still elsewhere.  She gripped him hard, and he startled. “Eyes on me, puppy,” she commanded.   He nodded softly, as she undid his trousers, and pulled them down around his thighs.  She began stroking his length, her thumb stroked across his slit, and he huffed gently.   His hand slid across her thigh, and inched between her legs.

“Bad boy!” Lilith snapped, slapping his hand away, and gripping his cock again, slightly too hard. He whined in discomfort, and for a moment she wasn’t sure if she had gone too far.  Having him under her domination like this was arousing her like she’d never felt before, even if she knew he could take back control in a heartbeat.  “Colour, puppy?”

“Green,” he whispered, nodding deeply, and pulling his hands into the air in a show of obedience.

“Will you be a good puppy for me, then?”

He nodded enthusiastically, eyes locked on hers as she had commanded.

Smiling, she stepped back from the bed to stand in front of him.  He whined softly for losing her, and then again as he saw her fingers trace down her neck, her stomach, and between her legs.  Her eyes were locked on his the whole time, and his cock kicked heavily in the air as she thrust her fingers between her folds.  The sound was filthy, wet and lewd, against the otherwise silent scene.  She continued fucking herself for a moment, biting her lip to keep from moaning, before pulling them out and pushing them forward towards him. 

“Lick it up, pup.”  His pupils blew with lust as he lunged forwards to lap at her fingers, sipping at her juices like they were an unholy wine.  “Is it tasty, puppy?”

His voice was garbled as he tried to respond, but he was so deeply under her spell he was unable to form a single word.

“Puppies don’t speak, do they?  They just woof. Woof for me, Mounty.”

His cheeks erupted in a blush as he woofed for her – quietly at first, and then louder as he saw her giggle with glee.

“Oh my good boy!  Get on your knees, puppy.”  He leapt from the bed to his knees before her, and his tongued lolled at anticipation.  She nodded silently as she locked one leg over his shoulder, grinding her wet cunt into his open mouth.  He lapped at her, suckling on her clit as she gripped his horns to keep her balance. 

With her eyes closed, she let the waves of pleasure wash over her, until she felt something firm penetrating her.  She stepped back immediately, slapping his fingers away with mock disgust. 

“Did I say you could use your paws?”  She shook her head, and saw his shock as she pushed him back.  His body was glistening with sweat now, and his cock was hard and weeping against his stomach. She grabbed his belt, and stepping behind him, tied his hands behind his back.  His neglected cock was twitching as he looked up at her with his giant eyes.

“Fuck you look so hot like this baby, I just want to put a collar on you.”  He huffed harder now, and a spurt of precum gushed from his tip.  “Oh you’d like that, would you puppy?”  He nodded desperately. “For now, these will have to do.”  She stepped back again, so he could watch her slowly peel off her stockings.  With a wicked smile, she looped them around his neck loosely.  She stepped to his side, and tugged his ‘collar’ to get him back on the bed.  His eyes were glassy, barely able to focus on her, despite his desperate focus. 

“Fuck, baby, you’re just brain dead right now.  Just my good boy, aren’t you?”  He wagged his tail, whining. “Good boys deserve rewards.” She clambered onto the bed beside him, on all fours, tugging his collar again so he tucked in behind her.  With his hands still tied behind his back, and his brain barely firing, he was struggling to get the angle right to enter her.  When he finally managed he almost sobbed, rutting into her like a feral animal.  He leaned his chest against her back to keep his balance, mouthing into her shoulder as he fucked her.

“I’m so close,” he gasped.  “Where?”

But she shook her head.  “Not yet, puppy.  I’ll tell you when you can cum.”  He keened and attempted to regain enough clarity to control himself.  His attempts were made harder as he felt her begin to finger her clit, her tight cunt clenching around him as she crept towards her own peak.

Just when he feared he wouldn’t be able to hold on for a second longer, she murmured, “Now, puppy.  Cum inside me.”

It was instant – like obedience.  His back arched as he spilled into her.  She screamed in joy as she joined him in ecstasy, feeling his hot seed spurt into her and flood her insides.  

She released her grip on the stockings wrapped around his throat and they fell to the floor.  They stayed like that for a moment, neither with enough energy to move, until she repositioned herself to release the binds on his wrists. She kissed them softly, and nudged his chest to push him onto his back.  She tried to stand, but he gripped her wrist.

“Let me clean us up, baby.”  But he simply shook his head and pulled her back to the bed with every ounce of strength he had remaining. She curled up on his chest, feeling his spend drip down her thigh.    

“Thank you,” he whispered, almost inaudibly.

“Is your head feeling a bit clearer?” she replied softly, but Mountain didn’t reply.  When she turned her head to face him, she saw he had fallen deeply asleep already.

“Sleep tight, my love.”