Episode 10: 
New love and new beginnings

I slept. By the gods, I slept as if I were dead, with no dreams, and certainly no nightmares. Just blissful uninterrupted slumber. I couldn’t recall how long it had been, the memories of peaceful rest having been long lost to me.

Her scent, sweet like honey and floral like roses, was the first thing I processed when I finally pulled from my sleep. I groaned and pushed my face to my pillows, not wanting to wake just yet. I felt her hand on my head, rubbing and lazily stroking my long raven hair, my heavy black tail thumping against the mattress while she doted upon me.

A few more moments, I wanted just a few more moments of peace and tranquility. Drawing in a deep breath through my nose, I realized my pillows were not pillows at all. I blinked my eyes open realizing I had my head resting upon the rabbit’s chest, her plump breasts having been my makeshift pillows. My arms were wrapped around her small body possessively and as I gathered my wits about me, I started to rise from her.

“No need to rush, I do not mind, my fox...” Alice’s voice came to me in a loving whisper, almost motherly and doting as she gently placed a hand to the back of my head, guiding me back down against her chest.

I felt the black silk of her nightgown push to my cheek as I relaxed once more, sighing out and nuzzling into her ample breasts. We stayed that way for several minutes before I finally spoke out to her. “How long… have I been out?”

“Our business was concluded within an hour of starting our sleep. It is now two hours past midnight...” The rabbit hummed the words lovingly into my ears as they flicked and brushed her lips.

“Gods… all day and most of the night.” I growled the words and shook my head. “And you have stayed here with me the whole while?”

“I have. You were too cute to leave while you slept like a puppy.” The rabbit giggled and rubbed at my ears gently. “Not to mention you have a death grip upon me, clinging to me like a favorite stuffed animal. I had little choice in the matter.” Alice laughed the last of the words and I felt my heart jump slightly at the cute sounds of her giggles.

I forced myself from her arms and rose, looking down upon the rabbit. She smiled up at me, her ears folded, her blonde hair a mess from the long stint in bed. She gave me a childish grin, her sky blue eyes sparkling and reminding me a little of Elias’s.

I hesitated before I spoke to her. “So all of that… that was...”

“It was real, yes… well, real in the dream world sense of things,” Alice spoke the words and gave a lazy stretch before scooting right under me, her hands moving up to my shoulders.

“You risked your life… After everything, I had done. You still risked yourself to help me.” I blinked upon her, shaking my head in disbelief. “Why, Alice?”

“Do I need a reason? Can I not help out a beautiful fox in distress?” She cooed the words as I felt her arms wrap around my neck and she pulled me down. I grunted slightly and collapsed onto my elbows, my face inches from her own.

“You go to great lengths just to seduce me?” I huffed the words, my eyes staring into her own, my lips so very close to hers. I could feel the natural pull from her, the desire to taste her lips and explore her body.

“I do not seduce you, I’ve got my power all shut down right now I will have you know.” The rabbit pouted up at me, her blue eyes shining in the low light of the chamber. “Were I cranking my mojo, my eyes would be burning red, would they not?”

“I do not assume to know how that all works, Alice.” I pushed my forehead to her own and gave a ragged sigh. “Still… to know you did so much for me...”

“I did it because I wanted to. I did it for you and Elias, for Silverpaw.” She gave me a strong look, then gave me a nod. “I did not do it to lay with you. Had I wanted that, I would have just coaxed it from you or demanded it under our agreement.”

My head nodded at her words and I felt myself frowning. “I see… I apologize for assuming such.” I felt my heart sink slightly at the words. I didn’t understand why, why did I care so much? It’s not like I had pined for this rabbit. I reigned the self-pity in and gave her a smile. “Thank you, Alice. I’m sorry to be so accusatory, I will-”

She pulled me down the last few inches and shoved her mouth to my own. I barked out against her lips and felt her energy and will flood into me like a freight train. I couldn’t help but moan against her and pushed back, tasting her lips against my own at last. The rabbit growled and ran her fingertips through my hair before grasping it tightly. I grunted out and then felt her tongue push in, exploring my mouth before I met it with my own.

Her body was smaller but she deftly shifted her hips and easily rolled me over. I broke the kiss with a huff as she pushed me into the mattress and rested her palms upon my shoulders, looking down upon me with that same playful smile. “Do not misinterpret my words, Sarnai… I want you and have wanted you since the moment I touched you that fateful night… When I pulled forth so much of your will into my own and saw what you were.”

“A-and… what is it that you saw, that makes you want me so?” I perked my ears and gave her a curious look.

“A strong confident woman, a kind loving mistress of her house… A loving wife of my Master who was wracked with guilt over hurting him and her family...” Alice tilted her head and gave me a direct look filled with not a hint of lust or desire. “Why do you want me?”

The words caught me off guard, I didn’t have a reason, I just did. I blinked up at her several times before shaking my head. “I cannot say… just that I find you interesting. I’ve only ever looked upon one other woman as I have you. Perhaps it is the strength of your will and earnest-”

I yipped as she cut me off once more, pushing into another heated kiss with me. I threw my arms around her neck and pulled her smaller body down on top of my own, feeling her breasts pressing against mine. Our tongues rolled together as my palms moved down her back before moving under her silky gown, grabbing at her rear curiously. I could feel her small white tail flicking excitedly and brushing near my fingertips while I squeezed and kneaded at her backside.

“You just like short girls,” Alice spoke the words with a playful grin after breaking the kiss with me.

“It has nothing to do with that!” I huffed out, my cheeks dark with a faint blush as I continued to grab and squeeze at her, feeling her shift and straddle my lap.

“It’s okay… as a succubus, I technically don’t have a type.” She hummed the words as she sat up and peeled her nightgown off, her perky full breasts I had been sleeping against, now fully revealed to me. Her peaks were hard and her skin had a faint hue of blush to it from her obvious eagerness.

My body just seemed to act upon its own as I sat up and shoved my mouth against her breast. I heard the rabbit make an excited huff of a sound as my tongue lashed against her hard little peak. Alice moaned and rubbed my ears while holding my head against her chest. “No… perhaps I do have a type… A strong-willed, loving female...”

I felt a growl bubble up from my throat as I dragged my tongue against her peak, eager to hear more of the sounds she made for me. Her soft panting moans just seemed to spur me along and before long I had rolled us back over, pushing her to her back.

“Perhaps I am still mad… I’ve not been here for two weeks and here I am in your arms, ready to ravage you.” I snarled the words, my hands moving to the blue panties she wore.

“Ravage me will you? Have you even laid with a female before, my fox?” Alice cooed the words, her hips rising to allow me to peel her panties away, exposing the wet eager folds of her to my eyes.

My eyes widened at the view and the scent of her. She was right, I had never laid with another female, but even I had some idea on where to start. I gave her a challenging growl and moved my hands under her knees, jerking her legs open wider for me. The rabbit’s playful grin faded, her small tongue showing as she started to pant out for me.

I didn’t think, I simply let my body and desires take hold. Her blissful sigh filled my ears and made my heart leap when my tongue pushed against her folds. The sounds she made seemed to encourage me to keep doing what I was doing. I dragged my tongue against her folds and sensitive little pearl, feeling the rabbit’s hips buck in my grasp.

“Such a good fox… such a...” She gripped both my ears, unable to finish her words before she cried out in a deep throaty moan. I felt my cheeks grow dark at the sounds she made, realizing I had brought her to release. My tongue gently lapped at her, coaxing her pleasure and tasting her honey, her soft groans music to my ears.

A few moments passed as she recovered, then the rabbit shifted to sit up next to me. I bit my lower lip as she grasped at my own nightgown, tugging it off me impatiently, my own breasts spilling forth, heavy and full. The rabbit cooed eagerly at the sight and practically tackled me to my back once more.

I barked out with a huff as my back hit the mattress, then Alice had her mouth over my left nipple. I clenched my teeth, whimpering as she teased at my sensitive teat. They had always been tender to the touch and the decades without affection simply made the sensation all the more powerful. She sucked at my peak somewhat roughly and I couldn’t help but hiss out from 
the pleasure and ache it gave me.

“I apologize, my fox...” Alice cooed the words after popping my nipple from her lips, the tip of my breast looking dark. “I wanted to let Elias have you first… let you and him make love together after your head was clear… but here we are...” She spoke out the apology while peeling my black lace panties away, exposing me to her and seeing my own eagerness.

“I… I am thankful for the consideration… but-” I barked out as she grabbed under my legs and forced them to part. I didn’t get much time to process things before her mouth was against my folds. I cried out as her tongue dragged against my sensitive spot and my whole body burned with a desperate ache for release.

“Huff… I know… so long for you, my fox… don’t hold back...” She panted the words, lapping and kissing at me. I clenched my teeth hard, shaking my head as she hastily tore down a wall I had built up for decades. The rabbit snapped down on my pearl and suckled hard while looking up at me with her burning red eyes, it was too much for me to handle.

She didn’t just push me over the edge, she threw me over it. My nails dug hard into the bedding and I howled out in a loud throaty moan. My tongue lolled and tears filled my vision as I crested, giving in for the first time in decades. I moaned and whimpered out, panting as if I were in heat while she lapped at my honey.

“Good dog… huff… my good dog...” The rabbit cooed the words, feeling me spasm and jerk as she lapped and coaxed my orgasm until it finally eased.

“W-Who… said I was… yours?” I groaned out the words as I collapsed onto my back, panting and weakly slapping my tail against the bed.

“Do not read too much into my talk as a succubus, Sarnai… I am a possessive thing when I’m in bed.” Alice sighed the words while grabbing my leg and repositioning herself.

“W-What are you doing?” I huffed out the words weakly, then widened my eyes as I watched her slip into a position where our legs were tangled together.

“Just this...” She sighed out and pushed her hips forward, bracing on her palms. I barked out as her wet folds pushed against my own and she began to grind against me. I shook my head and found my own hips responding, both our bodies grinding and pushing against one another.

“I… I have no idea what I’m doing you know!” I panted the words, clenching my teeth as I braced upon my own palms, awkwardly mimicking her own movements, feeling my body growing closer and building up quickly.

“You’re doing… ngh… great my fox… just like… that… oh yes...” She moaned out and I felt her shudder, obviously giving in upon me while we made love. My own eyes smoldered red like her own, I could feel her will and energy rushing through me with each movement and jerk of our hips.

“F-fuck… my gods… I- I can’t!” I shook my head and yipped out, my tongue showing once more as she drove me over the edge again. I felt myself viciously release, my eyes rolling upwards from the euphoria. I collapsed onto my back, my hips twitching as I panted heavily and tried to stop my hips from writhing.

“One more… I want one more, my fox!” Alice groaned the words, her hips still grinding and pushing against my own.

“Y-you’re going to kill me… I’ve already given you so much… I feel faint...” I moaned the words, shaking my head as her hips bucked and ground with more purpose in them.

“Faint after I’m done with you!” She snarled the words and pushed harder against me. I snapped my teeth together, whimpering as I felt my body starting to build towards another release once more.

“Ha… I… I can’t… I don’t-” I moaned out and shook my head, whimpering and thrashing my tail as she kept taking me.

Alice showed me a look of nostalgia as if she had been in this position once before. She gave me a cocky grin and pushed hard to me, grinding there. “Y-You can… and you will… now give it to me, fox!”

My eyes widened at her words, something in me breaking. My body simply gave in as if on command. I grit my teeth, my ears folding and my tail going stiff as the orgasm crested. I came with another howl of a moan, feeling her shudder as she gave in as well. She ground her hips and I weakly mimicked hers until my euphoria eased.

“P-please… n-no more...” I panted the words as I flopped back, whimpering and feeling drunk.

She shifted and climbed over me, collapsing against me and sighing drunkenly into my ears while hugging close to my chest. “So good… that’s my fox...” I felt the rabbit nibble at my black ear while it weakly flicked against her lips.

“That was… really amazing… my… my rabbit?” I spoke the words with a pant, awkwardly saying the ‘my’ part.

Alice cooed and hugged closer to me, kissing my lips briefly before settling against me. “I like hearing that… you calling me yours...”

I couldn’t help but smile at the words, feeling my arm pulling her closer, holding her possessively against my chest while she sighed happily. “I… I see… that makes me happy.” I felt so much energy and power inside me. It was as if simply laying with her, had focused my mind and sharpened my skills temporarily.

“It’s already so late… let me stay like this today… let us have a drink and share the bed one more night… Katrina and Elias will understand.” Alice cooed the words, holding close to me while I held her.

That sounded wonderful in my mind for some reason. I longed for my husband's arms, but this rabbit in my arms also filled me with joy. I nodded my head and felt my fingertips brush her large white ears, watching them lazily flick about. “Okay, my rabbit… that sounds lovely...”

She was still a sex demon after all. After we had some blood and a little recovery time, she was all too eager to pick right back up with the lovemaking. We explored one another several times through the rest of the night and the following day, each session leaving me feeling all the more invigorated for some reason.

#

“Forgive me, but I must ask, where do we stand, Alice?” I frowned and looked upon her, my arms folded over my stomach. We had just finished a shower together which had also led to more sex. The night was young and we had both changed into more appropriate clothing to begin the activities of the night.

She gave me a playful smile and moved to brush her lips to my own, giving me a quick kiss before stepping back. “That’s up to you… I wouldn’t mind seeing you regularly if you’re willing.”

I felt my heart jump at her brief kiss, then focused my mind on the topic at hand. “How would Elias and Katrina feel about that?”

The rabbit gave a shrug of her shoulder as if the thought didn’t concern her. “Elias will not care, our arrangement is I may love whom I want, so long as he is my only Master.”

“L-Love?” I grit my teeth and put a finger to my chin, thinking about things and shaking my head. “Alice… isn’t it a bit early for such notions?”

She giggled and gave me a playful grin. “Silly fox… I wasn’t saying I loved you! I simply stated I am not bound to only them.” Her blue eyes sparkled and she put her hands behind her back, giving me a gentle smile. “Admittedly though… I’ve seen what’s in your heart and soul. I think you’re someone I could fall for easily… So much like my Master. It’s no wonder you two managed to stay strong for so many years.”

I felt guilt fill my soul and looked away. “Tch… that was Elias being strong for me. He is a good fox that endured me, even as I slowly lost myself. He is the pillar of strength, not me.”

“Shush now… you clung to him and kept yourself together as best you could for him, and did so for so long...” Alice moved to me and pushed against my chest. I felt her will fill me, a sense of comfort washing over me as my arms embraced her. “I do not think any of us could have handled it as well as you did. I could only imagine going through that for so long.”

I barked out a soft laugh and pulled her close, enjoying the scent of her freshly washed hair, recalling digging my nails into her scalp as I lathered it for her. “You give me too much credit… Thank you though.”

We stayed like that for several moments before I eased our embrace and cleared my throat. “What of Katrina? She dislikes me and is valid in those feelings. Will this not cause tension between the two of you?”

Alice frowned and shook her head. “She does not dislike you, Sarnai, quite the contrary. She simply is fearful for her family.”

I clenched my teeth and looked away, feeling the pangs of guilt bite in once more. “No doubt… I can’t blame her for how she feels. Perhaps I should let her break a few bones as well.”

“If we were mundane, it may have been of concern.” Alice smiled and stepped from me to look upon me fully. “She and I have injured ourselves in training to the point of broken limbs before. Nothing, some blood and a little time didn’t fix.”

“You think she would readily forgive me?” I folded my arms once more, cocking a brow.

“Yes. She is a strong good cat, and she will listen if you speak earnestly to her.” Alice gave me a confident nod that made my tension ease slightly.

“Even if I come to her stinking of sex with you?” I showed my teeth in a playful grin, rubbing the back of my head, my hair still slightly damp from the shower.

“Even so… she has learned to deal with being in a relationship with a succubus. She will understand.” Alice set me with a strong look and put a hand to her chest. “She knows I love her very much… knows I would die for her.”

I pursed my lips and nodded. “To answer your question about… us.” I looked away awkwardly. “I’ve only laid with two others before you… courting and sex are still somewhat awkward for me. That said, I would like to see you again… uh… does dating sound too juvenile?”

Alice set me with a bright grin and I saw her eyes sparkle at the words. I could tell she enjoyed the idea, but she set me with a question instead of an answer. “Will you grow jealous? You must understand my love is not finite. Not just those here in the house, but Val and Lorelai as well.”

I flinched at the mention of her name and shook my head. “N-no… I do not mind. I am a married woman after all. Having you as a partner is already asking too much.”

She gave me a sad smile and put her hands to her hips. “Sarnai… as long as Elias and you are happy, do not worry so much about titles. Live and love whom you please… that includes a certain sheep.”

The mention of her made me wince and I shook my head. “That ship has sailed, Alice.”

“So go sail after it and board it. Isn’t that what you used to do for a living, Captain Sarnai?” Her words came to me with confidence and pride.

I met her eyes and felt her will pushing against me, trying to fill me with courage. I gave her a nod and focused my eyes on hers. “You, you are right… perhaps I should talk to her when the time is right.”

“There will never be a ‘right’ time, my fox. I can tell you with certainty that only being forward and direct will reach her. She has softened over the decade she has been with me, but she is still very guarded.” Alice clicked her tongue and raised a finger. “Annnnd that’s all the advice you’re getting about my girlfriend. Any more personal details would be rude and I will not disrespect her like that.”

A grin showed on my face as I shook my head. “You’re a kind rabbit, Alice. I’m starting to understand why so many love you.”

“Kind?” The rabbit snorted a laugh and gave me a lazy look. “More like dumb and horny.”

We shared a grin and I hesitated before turning to leave my chamber. She came to me right away and I felt her fingers lock into my own as she held my hand. The rabbit gave me a cute smile, her eyes red as she focused her will, pushing her comfort into me as we strode out into the house hand in hand.

#

“Alice said you wished to speak with me, sister. What’s on your mind?” Katrina spoke the words politely, but I could hear the edge in her voice.

I frowned at the cat and put my hands upon my hips. “Would you like to break my arms so we can call it even?”

The black cat showed her teeth as she hissed out a reply, “I’ve suffered much more grievous injuries in battle, do not concern yourself with it.”

“Very well.” I nodded and tilted my head. “I will cut to the chase, what can I do to ease your mind?”

She snorted out a bitter laugh and flicked her tail, her fingertips lazily running through her crimson hair. “Why should you care, fox? You have your husband back and apparently even get my only other partner in the deal.”

“Does it bother you?” I quirked a brow, folding my arms.

“You fucking know it does,” She hissed the words, her gaze growing sharper and her body language shifting as well as her eyes.

“If you are jealous-”

“It’s not jealously you stupid bitch.” She sneered at me and clenched her fist. “Decades I watched my master withdraw in upon himself and suffer. Now you stand to hurt him all over again, only now you also have my rabbit’s heart involved.”

The madness had left me but I still felt the surge of anger from her insulting words, but I quickly reminded myself she was valid in them. “Katrina, sister… you have my word-”

“You’re word doesn’t cut it, Sarnai. I can forgive you for what you did to me, but you hurt him deeply,” She hissed the words and clenched her teeth in anger.

I frowned and shook my head. “You hate me, I get that. However, if my word isn’t sufficient, I can do little more than simply try to show I am genuine with my actions.”

Katrina sighed and eased her stance slightly. “I do not hate you, Sarnai. If anything I respect your fortitude for what you had to go through. Alice… she told me what happened between you two. She told me that you had conquered the demon in you.”

“Conquered? More like, came to an agreement. Ah, but that is its own matter. Yes, sister. The madness has left me and I can clearly see how terrible I have been to all of you, especially him.” I gave her an apologetic bow once more, my ears folded.

“What do you want from me, Sarnai? He is your husband and I can’t tell him what to do. Likewise, I will not try to tell Alice what to do either,” Katrina grumbled the words and set me with a calculating look.

“I cannot even say if Elias and I can fix this. However, I simply wish to ask you to give me a chance to try. You are his lover now and I will not try to come between the two of you.” I gave her a point-blank look, resting my hands upon my hips.

"So… if you do not receive my blessing, you will fuck off and stay out of our lives forever?" Katrina tilted her head, raising her eyebrow curiously.

I snapped my teeth together and looked away. "If that is what it takes to keep my husband and his family happy, yes."

"Tempting… but no, so long as you don't hurt either of them, go ahead and settle up with my Master. I simply want my family to be safe and happy." She set me with a hard glare as she folded her arms. "All of my family… Even the new ones to the name Blackpaw."

I grunted at her words and folded my own arms. The two of us stood there for a long moment before I gave her a nod. “Thank you. I am sorry you came to the family in my darkest days, sister.”

“I… it is fine. No, had it not played out like this, I would never have known his embrace. I truly hope me and Alice do not cause you pain, but realize how much I love them. Consider it, a silver lining.” Katrina shrugged and turned from me then looked over her shoulder. “Will you speak with him soon?”

“Soon, but not right now. I have to tie up a few loose ends.” I gave her a cocky grin and flicked my tail.

“Loose ends, eh?” Her black ears lifted and she looked away. “You know… it will be messy, but I hope it works out. I hope we all can just be happy together.”

“Thank you sister, that means the world to me. I hope for that as well.” I bowed my head respectfully.

“Did Alice return your powers in full?” Katrina asked me curiously, still looking away and at the city in the distance.

“She did… everything but the small bit she took a decade past.” I clenched my teeth and made a tight fist, black flames pouring off my hand. “Keen to test yourself against the full might of nearly six centuries, when it’s not clouded by madness?”

“I am. I would like to see what you’re made of when you’re not a slobbering mutt and actually using that mass under your ears.” She showed me a cocky grin and snapped her black tail a few times like a whip.

“Ah… this family is full of fledglings that think they’re stronger and older than they are.” I huffed the words with a haughty tone in my voice, my arms folding, the black flames now rolling off my tail and ears.

“The night of several weeks ago should have taught you it’s not all about age, sister.” The cat lifted her fingertip as she spoke, the tip clearly dripping with blood.

“I jest with you, I have indeed been sufficiently humbled. I do wish to spar with you in earnest to see what you are capable of. I never had the chance in my madness.”

“Here I am.” Katrina turned to me, cocking her eyebrow expectantly.

“Indeed you are...” I growled the words and looked her over. She was indeed a fine woman, a little taller than the rabbit and much curvier. I found my eyes wandering her form, admiring her chest, it was around the same size as my own but in a smaller package.

Katrina seemed to see what I was doing and licked her fingertip, sealing the wound. “You stare upon me as if you are ravenous, sister.”

I clenched my teeth and felt my cheeks darken. It was unlike me to hunger like this. Elias and I had always had a healthy sex life, but it remained between us. I questioned if this was the side-effect of laying with the rabbit and taking on her energy. “I- I do… I apologize, sister. This sensation inside me… I don’t quite understand it fully.”

She gave me a knowing smile and sauntered over to me. I felt her pull me into her arms and embrace me. The faint push of will and energy filled me, similar to what Elias had done. An inkling of what the rabbit could do, but it was there. “You will grow used to it, sister. I also find myself eager. It is something Alice has reawakened in all of us.”

My arms held her and I drew her head against my chest, my fingertips lacing into her hair, enjoying the scent of the cat while I pressed my face against the top of her head, feeling her ears flick. “My life… it is going to grow complex, I can feel that.”

“Is that what you feel?” Katrina purred the words and pushed closer, her face looking up to my own as her palm brushed my cheek.

“Amongst other things.” I gave her a gentle smile, feeling my own hand drift to her cheek, our lips drawing closer to one another.

She drew in a controlling breath and pulled from me, shaking her head as she broke from our embrace. “N-no...”

I bit my lower lip and felt my heart sink as the moment crashed down around us. “Ah… my… apologies? I did not-”

“It’s fine!” She snapped out and held a hand up. “Look… I’ve always found you beautiful, Sarnai, always had- Look, I’m even interested, as crazy as that sounds... Until now I’ve only wanted her and him, but I’ve always-” Katrina shook her head and sighed. “Now is not the time for this, I need to see where things go between you and him.”

My arms folded and I tilted my head. “What if we cannot fix things?”

She gave me a cocky smile. “You will… However, to humor you. I would still be interested, it just would take on a different dynamic. Do you understand my reasoning?”

“I do… all of this is new to me, but I admit hearing those words. It makes me happy for some reason. I suppose it’s because next to Elias, you are the one I have known the longest here.” I gave her a genuine grin and reached a hand out to her.

Katrina grasped my hand in her own and quickly pushed to me, her lips pressing to my own. My ears lifted and I started to draw her closer, but she pulled away before I could, parting from my fingers. “You should, you should settle things with him. We can have that sparring match later, Sarnai… T-then maybe we can go out and have a girl’s night together, take a movie in or something.” She quickly spoke the words out and spun on her heel, fleeing from me at a rapid flight.

“S-sounds good...” I spoke the words softly, touching my fingertips to my lips. My mind whirled with conflicting thoughts. In all my years I never would have blatantly pursued like this, but something in me hungered for her. Perhaps it was the aura of my husband and the rabbit coming from her. Then again, it could just be something in me had changed since the demon in me was silent now.

I took a controlled breath and calmed myself. There was much left to do and this situation would have to wait.

#

“You played me pretty well, Rachel,” I growled the words to the angel as we sat at a table together in an all-night coffee house.

“I was just as unaware of things as you were, Sarnai.” The platinum-haired fox spoke to me gently while sipping upon an elaborate sugary coffee drink.

“Willful ignorance is it? You knew the magi were feeding you falsehoods.” I drummed my fingertips on the table, my untouched mug of coffee growing cold.

“I was aware but was trying to relay messages in the way they were told to me. It was not my job to analyze them.” The fox stuck her nose up as she spoke out dutifully.

“Indeed… so uh… let’s cut right to it then.” I set her with a business-like look. “You know why I’m here.”

She set her mostly drank frappuccino down and gave a nod. “I do indeed...”

“How long have you known? From the start?” I lifted my ears, my eyes softening as I looked upon her.

“No...” She looked away and set her jaw. “I was not supposed to ever know… that’s kind of how things work when you become a celestial. You sign on and you lose those memories for the greater good.”

“So now you have them?” I tilted my head, my tail growing rigid, showing my anxiety at the topic.

She lowered her head and gave a pitiful bark of a laugh. “I- I do… well some of it. Toroah and the other archangel’s let me have the last few years back.”

“I don’t… when was this?” I focused on her, feeling my ears lower and my heart start to beat inside my chest.

“Shortly after Samantha finished the scry… right before we told you about Elias.” Rachel clenched her teeth and folded her ears. “I desperately wanted to tell you, but Torah made me give my word. Said it would work out… said I needed to wait.” She sighed and ran her fingertips through her hair, rubbing her left ear. “Said if you knew too soon, we wouldn’t be able to save you.”

“So… I’m saved now?” I cocked my brow and showed her an amused grin.

“As saved as a damnable abomination can be, yes.” She huffed the words at me, showing her own grin.

“Hell of a way to talk to your daughter, Mom.” I barked the words, feeling my voice already cracking.

“You were… you were much less disrespectful as a teenager, I don’t know where… I went wrong.” Rachel huffed the words, shaking her head with a smile, her eyes clearly showing tears as were mine.

“Fuck it...” I growled the words and climbed from the table. She did the same and we embraced. It burned a little but I was surprised to feel that it wasn’t nearly as painful as it had been in the past.

Rachel sighed and hugged me tightly, nuzzling my cheek, her wings folding around me as she held me, of course, the mundane couldn’t see that part. “I have longed to hold you… to tell you… I’m such an awful mother...”

“Shut up… you were amazing… you and father saved me...” I growled the words and nuzzled her back, the warmth of her embrace leaving me euphoric in a way I had not felt since I was a child, nearly six centuries ago.

“You grew up strong and intelligent, as a woman of our tribe should. You hit some bumps in the road, but you are a good fox, Sarnai. I am proud of you.” She growled the words, her hand moving through my hair as she petted me while we clung together.

I shook my head and gave a ragged sigh. “I’ve… I’ve killed a lot of mundane, Mom. I think calling me ‘good’ is a stretch.”

“The eye of the beholder, my pup… All the same, I am proud of you for growing to be such a strong vixen.” Rachel whispered the words into my ear, then pulled from me, obviously to ease the pain for me from our touch.

“Th-thanks, Mother...” I huffed the words and wiped my eyes, composing myself as she did the same. I took a controlled breath and looked upon her. “Any idea… What happened to father?”

Rachel folded her arms and shook her head. “We were both called upon, but I do not know if he accepted or if he chose not to serve. He could be amongst us now, lost to a war, or who knows.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, it must be tough on you.” I frowned and folded my arms, thinking about the possibility.

She gave me a sad smile and put her hands before her, clasping them. “It is not… The archangels only gave me my memories of you, my pup. I know he was a strong and kind fox, that is all though. I hope whatever path he chose, it satisfied him.”

I gave her a nod. “Well… it would have been nice to get you both, but hell if I’m complaining.”

The angel gave me a grin and then nodded her head as she stepped from the table. I followed her as we left the cafe and began to walk through the streets of the city. “How are things between you and Elias?” She spoke out conversationally, the barriers around her all stripped away, speaking now as if she were genuinely interested.

“T-they’re okay as can be. I’ve not approached him to actually validate if we are still a thing and getting back together.” I grumbled the words and walked next to her, still trying to come to grips with this situation. I was having a family talk with my mother who died nearly six hundred years ago and was now an angel.

“Why ever not? Do you not long for his arms again?” She tilted her head as she looked upon me thoughtfully.

“Of course I do… However, he has Alice and Katrina now. Shit… he and Val are even seeing each other.” I grumbled and felt my cheeks darken. “I wonder if he even has any room left for me in his damn harem.”

Rachel gave an amused laugh and smiled upon me. “How complicated… still, you and I both know he keeps that fire burning strong for you. The situation may be more complex than before, but I think you both know that you can’t be without one another.”

“S-sure… but he’s got so many lovers now… I’m not the jealous type but-”

“You feel you’re not enough?” She spoke out, interrupting me.

I sighed and shook my head. “Yes… what if-”

“Doesn’t Alice have plenty of lovers he doesn’t share in?” Rachel hummed out the question.

“Well yes… he says he’s okay with it, so long as he is her only Master.” I nodded at the question.

Rachel cleared her throat before speaking in a deeper, more masculine tone, “It’s okay my love, I don’t care who you’re with, so long as I’m your only husband.”

I snorted at her tone of voice and grinned. “Yeah… sounds about right, but that impersonation was shit.”

The fox pouted and put a hand to her chest. “Sarnai! How could you talk to your mother in such a vulgar way?”

“Yeah yeah… you’ve heard and seen me do much worse, Mom.” I showed her a playful grin and we both stopped and faced one another.

The angel smiled and tilted her head. “Sarnai… my pup. Where does all of this leave us?”

I frowned and rubbed the back of my head. “I have no idea… Mom. I’m an arch-vampire according to you guys, and you’re a high bishop. Should we even be meeting and hanging out like this?”

“Fuck it,” The angel barked the words and stuck her nose up.

I barked out my own laugh and grinned. “Such vulgar language!”

The fox opened one eye and smiled at me. “Well, I’m the parent. Do as I say, not as I do, my pup.”

“Yeah yeah...” I gave her my best sassy teenager voice and we both grinned at one another before we embraced once more. I growled and pushed into her throat, taking in her scent. I thought back to all the nights I had seen her mutilated body and felt myself shudder as I held her tighter.

“It’s okay, my pup… it’s the past and I’m here now...” She cooed the words dotingly into my ears, rubbing them while I nodded against her throat.

“This isn’t a dream… right? I’m not going to wake up am I?” I whispered the words in an unfamiliarly timid voice while she held me.

Rachel cupped my face, my cheeks burning faintly from her touch as she lifted my head and kissed my forehead. “It is not a dream, my pup. I am here, as are you.”

I bit my lower lip hard and nodded, blinking the tears from my eyes. “Can I see you again?”

“Of course you can. You may call me anytime and I will try to get together with you as often as my schedule allows.” Rachel pulled from my arms and gave me a warm smile.

“How will I call you?” I frowned and folded my arms.

The angel blinked at me a few times, then withdrew her cell phone from her pocket. “I’m a celestial, Sarnai, not a barbarian. Your Mother knows how to handle modern technology, don’t worry my pup.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the words and gave my mother a cheerful smile. “That’s good, because I’m not the one to call when you need tech advice.”

We both shared a long moment of just staring at one another as if processing this exchange was really happening. Rachel cleared her throat after a minute or two and smiled. “I should go, my pup.”

“Yeah… the sun will be up soon. I should head back to the house.” I nodded and felt my eyes growing wet once more.

“We will see one another again, Sarnai. Do not fret.” She gave me another bright smile and shook her head.

I put on a strong face for her and nodded. “Y-yeah… we will.”

Rachel put her fingertips to her chin in thought, then looked at me curiously. “Do you remember my original name?”

My ears lowered and I frowned. “I do not… I always referred to you as my mother back then. I rarely heard your real name spoken and time has worn that away.”

She smiled and shrugged. “Well, it matters little I suppose.” She tapped her chin and lifted her ears. “Oh! Speaking of names, I’ve been meaning to ask a question about your family.”

“What’s up?” I tilted my head curiously.

The angel wagged her tail as she spoke out. “Those mice, the twins. Why do they have such uh… western names, when they were born near our part of the world?”

“Ah, you mean Jeremy and Jennifer?” I grinned at the question, remembering when I asked it myself so long ago. “Lorelai adopted them when they were mere children. The sheep had traveled far and wide and enjoyed western-style names. Even back then they were unorthodox names though, not nearly as common as these days.”

“Well, that explains things. It’s been tugging at my curiosity for decades.” Rachel hummed the words as she turned from me and spread her wings.

“Ah… Mom?” I reached my hand out, feeling my heart sink slightly at the thought of her leaving.

Rachel gave me a wide proud grin. “You will be okay, my pup. Go live your life and know I love you.” She barked the words and launched into the air, quickly disappearing into the early morning sky.

I stared upon the sky for a long moment, seeing the faint traces of sunrise starting to show, giving it a soft purple look. I held my hand to my chest, feeling my heart thumping heavily in my chest. “I... love you too...”

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