Tag: fantasy romance

Chapter 39: Tea and Roses

Hook and yarn in hand, Nieema cackled at her cousin’s bullshit. With family living so close, it was normal for her house to be packed. Kids, grandchildren, cousins, extended family, and friends were always welcome. It’d be a cold day hell before she closed her doors. They were unlocked for anyone she loved or cherished. Food, a bed, or support. Being there for her people, whether strangers or not, was important.
She found room to love everyone who walked into her life. But family? That blood? The familiarity and bond were untouchable.
And for vampire kind, community was scarce but sacred. A tight-knit coven was uncommon. Nieema was thankful for her father and his insistence on sticking together.
Oftentimes, fledglings were left to fend for themselves or sired far too soon. As a result, they were quick to depart from their sire or family. And some of them got lost along the way.
Nieema found the ones she could and offered them a home. Some were excited, others refused, a few poor souls cried in thanks, and a handful wanted nothing to do with covens or her.
But it was this need for community that brought them together.
Gathering at Nieema’s house for food, dance, and fun had become tradition. Every moon cycle folks’ from both the coven and the town showed up ready to partake.
Not every full moon function was met with her hospitality or presence.
Blue moons were for celebration and camaraderie. Hunter’s moon was for reconnecting with their vampire roots and spending time with the coven. Pink moons? Well, Nieema used her for love. Twelve hours in the dungeon. No air or sleep, just pure, undiluted magic.
True love at its finest.
Thinking of her ol’ man, she smiled.
“Girl, don’t piss me off!” Loretta shouted. “Nimmy, we out here having a good time. Don’t be doing allat.”
“What you mean?” Nieema giggled, playing her hook the mind Loretta wanted. “I’m good. Who winning?”
“Me! And you know that already.” Monroe cocked his head and pointed at Loretta. “You can not see me in Spades, heffa. The only way you finna win is if you cheat.”
Nieema laughed as them two started bickering. Loretta wasn’t to be played with as a blacksmith. She was built for battle and knew how to wield any blade. At six-two, three-eighty, she had height and weight on deck.
Though most let her brown eyes, long lashes, and doll-like features fool them. She was soft but mean as a mama badger. Two sides of a coin. Loretta balanced both effortlessly. She was a lover who also loved to tussle.
“If y’all are about to start hollering, take that shit outside!” Mace yelled over the din of old school RnB and cussing.
They were a loud and heavy-handed bunch. Out back, on the patio, Nieema lounged, crocheting yet another scarf for Tre. The man wanted a new one every single full moon. It was a task Nieema committed to with gladness.
Everybody was happy doing something. They erupted in laughter and heated discussions.
A boisterous group mingled around the grill, where Uncle Charlee burned the hot dogs.
The kids played tag yards away, and family was talking about throwing hands at the card table. Monroe, Loretta, Auntie Pearline, who smoked like a vexed dragon, and Jo glared at each other.
Folks committed to whatever made them happy. Nieema included; she was at peace with her hook and wanted to stay as is, but her soul wouldn’t allow such a thing.
“I mean it,” Loretta snapped from the table. “Nimmy, that man is fine wherever he at. Shit!”
“You think they was newlyweds,” Uncle Charlee shouted. “Makes me sick.”
“I think they’re cute,” Jo said.
“Thank you, grandson.” Nieema paused to gulp her liquor. “Mace? Mace, baby, come here.”
Mace left Uncle Charlee’s side and was unimpressed. “Can you get grandma some ice?”
Mace gave her a side eye before looking at the cooler not ten steps from her chair.
Nieema lifted brows and dangled her glass. “I got a pain in my neck. Inna back, I can—“
He snatched it and she gasped. “Boy, you lost your motha fuckin mind. Snatching from me.”
“Sorry, Grandma.”
“Yeaahh, don’t do that. Don’t wanna get on my bad side. Ya know I kill—“
“A frost ogre!”
Every voice near and far hollered in unison.
“We know, GG, you not to be messed with. We knoooooww.”
She twisted around and grimaced at Jo’s uncalled-for two cents.
“Wasn’t nobody talking to you, lil’ Jo.”
“Huh.” Mace handed off the ice.
“Thank you, baby. Say, you know a lot about technology. I told Jasper about your skills. She needs a website; I told her you can make her one, no problem.”
Macion scoffed and giggled. “Grandma, why you tell her that?”
“Cause you got a computer business.”
“No the hell he don’t!” Tre laughed and pointed at Mace with his loaded hot dog. “GG, he has a free site where he makes business cards and shit. Mace only got like two clients.”
“Aye, at least they’re loyal.”
Nieema shook her glass, rattling nugget ice. It had a lil’ sugar and blood in it, too. Chunky, easily crunched, with an incredible mouthfeel. She was in love with an ice maker and might catch a body if someone tried to steal it.
“Nooo.” She squinted, trying to recall the conversation. That’s not how Nieema remembered it at all. “You said you had a computer business where you make computer software.”
“No I did not.” Mace, filled with mirth, and snickered. He scratched his head and said, “Grandma, I helped you with your website one time and showed Papa Buck how to use his social media accounts cause Bernadette, your media manager, was on maternity leave. What I have is digital content business. I make digital fliers, displays, and logos. It’s hardly a business, more like a side hustle.”
“Speak it into existence,” Maggie bellowed from inside the house. “Stop doubting yourself, nephew.”
Mace rolled his eyes. “Anyway, if Jasper needs help setting up a website, I can do that. But I can’t promise much; I’m still learning my damn self.”
“Thank you, baby. I’ll let her know. She needs something. That woman got too much talent. Jasper should be doing it for a living.”
Nieema crunched, losing focus quickly. Distracted by the thumping behind her ribs. The telling rhythm and sudden hot flash made her grin.
“I know you lying,” Nieema mumbled, setting her glass in its holder. “I’ma be back.”
“What I tell yo’ hardheaded ass?!” Loretta snipped.
“Etta, ain’t nobody listening to you.” Nieema flapped a hand and set off toward Gallow. “Gimme thirty!”
“More like five hours.”
“Shut your damn mouth, Jo. And stay outta grown folks’ business.”
The sensations popping off within sent Nieema into a flitting cauldron of bats. She took the quickest route to reach her destination. It was urgent, and she was eager to taste the sweet scent which stained the natural forest musk.
She landed on the balcony, perched on the slippery ledge like a carnivorous gargoyle. Nieema inhaled greedy gulps of what she knew to be her man’s spent and sweet succubus cream. She licked her lips, eyes pinned to the glistening puddle. If this were the time, she’d slurp it up. Every god damn drop. Nieema salivated, thirst growing wicked. She acted upon instinct and slipped into the tree house as a swirling mist. In this form, she blended well with shadows. Though there weren’t many in Buck’s place. He loved natural lighting, lanterns, and crystal lamps. There weren’t too many nooks and crannies, either, but she found them.
Rolling with a subtle breeze, Nieema swirled about upstairs and slipped beneath the door.
She spilled into the room like a dense fog and paused. Awestruck and lusty, she listened.
They orchestrated a symphony of claps and moans. The music caused her to quiver and rise.
The show was obscene, steeped in eroticism. Whatever hesitations Jasper had were good and gone. Buck was a man who fucked as if it was his obligation.
It pleased him to rend one orgasm after the other from Nieema. She’d been on the receiving end for more than a century.
One, two, three was never enough. And tough Jasper was a hell-bred succubus; she was irrevocably cooked.
Nieema’s old man had them legs tied, locked, and in the air. His vicious vines knotted and imprinted upon her skin. The roping dug into her luscious thighs and framed her pussy.
It was the perfect view. Hiked up in his very own suspension system, Jasper was wrung loose. Her cries were weak and threaded with pleasure. A mess of curses and pleas.
Nieema whipped about and circled the knocking bed. The damn box spring never held for longer than a year with Buck’s relentless beating.
He gripped bound thighs and fucked the shit out of Jasper. The woman had covered him in gold and god damn, he was pretty. Strong-willed and sparkling with her surging release. His skin glowed as sweat dripped from stray curls.
Nieema ached to yank on his swaying, thick braid and make him bow at her feet.
“Gimme one more, you can do it.”
“Uggghhhhh—I can—hnng.” She whimpered and panted. “One more! Oh gods, it-just one more! I’m coming agaaain.”
Buck, on the edge, talked her through it and Nieema wallowed above them. She ascended, watching like a true, horny, freaked-out voyeur.
“Thaaat’s it, darlin’,” Buck said, stroking her slow and easy while he came down off what was probably nut number five. “You make me proud, demon. Lemme look atchu.”
Nieema’s form shivered and shuddered at his precious words. Perhaps she was ready for a little collar time.
“Bananas,” Jasper roared. “Fucking, bananas. I’m done.”
Nieema’s sneaky husband laughed as Jasper growled. She wasn’t having it.
“Understood,” Buck nodded and stripped Jasper of every vine. They decorated the bed and floor. The clutter and scraps were about to piss Nieema off a little bit. Somebody had to clean that and them sheets.
But as Buck released Jasper, of course his ass just lay there. Head on Jasper’s fabulous tiddie. He was about to fall asleep, and with how Jasper scratched his scalp, he was about to start snoring.
Jasper sighed and opened her eyes. She tilted her head and smirked.
“You’re a creep.”
“You ain’t say that earlier and—“
“Not you,” Jasper said, staring at Nieema’s misting form. “Your wife.”
“Nimmy?” Buck sniffed the air, eyes still closed until he lifted them. “Ooooweee. You nosy somthin’. Rude dame.”
Jasper giggled and shrugged. “It’s all good. I sensed her a few minutes ago. Didn’t mind the company. Would’ve stopped if I did.”
Jasper’s acceptance and the mess they were lying in were enough to get Nieema down. She dropped into her full, corporeal form with hands on her hips.
“Buck, get your ass out this bed and wash up! You too, Jasper. Shit. Lying there with nut on your tiddies.”
Buck groaned and kicked at crackling vines. “Woman, ain’t nobody tell you to come over bothering me. If I wanna sleep in the wet spot, I will!”
“I know you will, filthy motha fucka. Get on somewhere, old oak.”
He rolled and shot out of bed, grinning like a damn fool. “I like how you wearing that house dress, beloved.”
Nieema gave him a coy shoulder and smiled. “Well, it is your favorite color.”
“That it is, baby.”
He captured her by the waist and snatched her ass into his solid, damn body. Nieema allowed his wildness to spread like a balm. His kiss never ceased to renew her. It was in his arms where she was born anew every night.
Though Buck was greedy and biting, his dick wasn’t up for it. Soft as marshmallows, flaccid, just dangling there. Not even a twitch.
Nieema laughed, breaking their kiss. She tugged on his balls and the man hissed.
“She sucked you dry, boy.”
“I ain’t sucked shit.”
“Not with your mouth,” Buck muttered on his way to the bathroom. “C’mon in here and let me wash your feet.”
Jasper cackled and sighed, sliding a dulled, tired amber to Nieema.
“He’s obsessed with my feet.”
“He into toes real bad.”
Jasper snickered and sat on the edge of the bed. Nieema glanced at the pillowtop folds of her stomach and heavy breasts. She was a fine piece of woman, and Nieema counted down the hours until they touched again.
“It’s funny, cause I’m a foot girl. I make feet content.”
“You do what now?!” Buck slid into their conversation, hair free from its tight weave. Nieema grunted as her husband puffed out his chest. “You sell what?”
“Feet pics. I make pretty good money. But it’s not enough to pay all my bills. I haven’t posted anything in ages.”
“Why not?” Buck asked, staring at her cute, chubby toes. “I wanna see ‘em dressed up. Can I choose the next color for you?”
Nieema rolled her eyes. He never picked the right shades. But Jasper was soft on him, so she agreed. She’d come to regret the decision. Nieema only laughed at her naivety as she picked up the small trash bin.
“Go on, girl. Get yourself together.” Nieema batted them away and got to cleaning.
While they shared water and giggles, Nieema used vampire agility to tidy up. She cleared vines and stripped the bed. After redressing it in fresh linens, she jogged downstairs and prepared the tea.
Buck always needed a hefty hot cup after good sex. She flushed at the thought of him and sighed; wistful and enamored.
It was a wonder how she still swooned over the old man. Moths and bats fluttered in her belly as she threw a lil’ something together. A midnight snack hit harder after multiple orgasms.
A couple slices of homemade lemon pudding cake, strawberries, and sun tea for the lady. It’d tide them over until later.
With nothing pertinent to do, Nieema headed back upstairs and headed for the loft. It was her favorite place to relax and read sometimes.
Buck’s tree house was essentially his space. His domain. And she didn’t stop by often. Not that she wasn’t welcome, but Nieema wanted her husband to have something of his own as she did.
Setting the loaded tray on the coffee table, she eyed the bookshelf stacked with freak nasty offerings. It’d do absolutely nothing for the throbbing ache between her legs, but she’d grab one anyway.
“Let’s see,” she skimmed spines and snatched a title she hadn’t read yet, “The Maid Gets Milked. Dear goddess, yes.”
Buck stayed on top of his selections and kept it fresh. There was no telling what’d be up in here tomorrow. He was unfussy when it came to his reading material. If the man read anything at all, it was some form of erotica.
Taboo, piss, sentient objects, lactation. He didn’t give a damn. Whereas Nieema wasn’t about to read any old thing. Some stuff she never touched. But she wasn’t about to pass up a book with milkmaid in the title. Hell nah.
Feet kicked up and crossed on the couch, Nieema waited. She flipped pages and stuffed her face with tiny, marinated cubes of raw beef. As titillating scenes finally grabbed her fixed attention, Jasper appeared.
Fresh out of the shower and wearing Buck’s favorite sheer robe, she was a treat.
“Hm.” Nieema eyed the demoness. “You didn’t even leave none for me.”
The woman blushed and nabbed snacks. She dared not look Nieema in the eye.
“He was insufferable, Your Majesty.”
Happiness filled her chest and belly. Nieema turned a page and said, “He tore your ass up, chile.”
“No crumbs!” Jasper collapsed onto the opposite sofa and groaned. “Your husband is persuasive and charming. Hard to say no when he’s so sweet.”
Nieema wagged a finger and nodded in agreement. “He can be generous when throes have him by the antlers.”
Jasper chewed and mulled, eyes like a banked fire spoke of her curiosity.
“Antlers?” She considered this and went for another slice of cake. “You know, this house is immaculate and built with love. But the furniture is overlarge. Counters are higher than most. Am I correct to assume there’s more to Buck than what I’ve seen?”
Nieema smiled behind paperback pages and noted her quiet spouse. He arrived with loose, damp hair and a thin wrap tied at the waist. His slutty ass knew how to tempt a weak-willed woman.
It wasn’t often they got to strut around booty butt naked. If not in their room, the dungeon, or his tree house, they had to put some clothes on.
Their main house was never empty enough to have tiddies out.
“You’d be right, darlin’,” Buck said, smelling like sex and vanilla. “But I ain’t looking to scare you off so soon.”
His saccharin scent would drive Nieema to madness. When the moon was high and full, her thirst intensified.
Jasper smirked and noshed on her last corner of coke. “If you’re not wearing clown makeup, I’ll be good.”
“You’re scared of clowns?” Nieema asked, finding this confession adorable as hell.
The demon dusted off her hands and nodded. “Full face makeup in general creeps me out. Not like foundation and shit. But like, costumes and face paint. It terrifies me. Though, the latter is ceremonial in Undervell. It’s always scared me. Since an underling.”
Buck nabbed his tea, added a piece of cake to his saucer, and dropped into his recliner.
With her book and beef, Nieema wanted to be content, but she was starving for his honeyed blood. She wasn’t sure if Buck was even up for it after his marathon with Jasper.
“Imma eat this, then feed you,” Buck said, grinning. Nieema winked and let him eat in peace. “You scared of clowns, that’s fair. I’m scared of snakes.”
Jasper laughed at this and beamed. “You, scared of snakes?”
“Yup. Iown want to see one, hear it, feel it. Hell no! Keep them far away from me.”
“Even garden snakes,” Nieema muttered. “I love them, though. Cute little dirt noodles.”
“Nope. They be in attack mode.”
“They keep bugs from tearing up your plants.”
“Do I care?!” Buck shouted with a mouthful.
“Every time he sees one in the field, he comes running to me.”
“That’s right! You love ‘em so damn much. Shit.”
Jasper giggled but deadpanned. “You are in the forest now, Buck. I’m sure there are snakes aplenty here.”
“As long as I don’t see them, I’m straight. Mm. This tea is good, my love. You can make a nice cup when you want to.”
“What you saying?”
“Huh?”
Buck shook his head and tried not to laugh. “Nothin’. Just you know, sometimes your tea is kinda bitter.”
“Bitter?!” Nieema sat bolt upright and grimaced. “Hol’ on, cause whose tea you calling bitter? I was putting the kettle on before you was even born, my guy.”
“Wait, you’re older than him?” Jasper asked, grabbing her glass.
“By a hundred years or so.”
“Daaaammmmnnn,” Jasper snickered. “You like them seasoned, Buckley.”
“You right.”
“Seasoned?! Why I never…” Nieema gasped and threw her book. Laughter threatened her stern delivery. Feigning vexation, she snarled. “You know what? Both of y’all finna get put on my list.”
Their trio laughed as Nieema rose and sashayed on over to her man. She retrieved his empty dishes and set them on the tray.
“Woman, I wann’t done with that yet.”
“You ate every last bite, hush your mouth.”
Buck pulled her close and into his lap. No matter the years or countless memories they shared, Nieema was giddy when up in his space. She looped an arm around his neck and laid two pecks upon his cheek.
“You need to shave,” Nieema mumbled as the man rested his head on her breast. “And with a straight razor, too.”
“Stop bothering me.”
“It’s scratchy, and them electric ones don’t work as well.”
“I don’t get cut with them, either.”
He kissed her neck, and she tittered. “Teasing me. Mmmhm, my big baby.”
Nieema held him close and squeezed, loving their silent connection. It thrummed within her veins and danced on the heart strings which tether their souls.
She kissed the top of his head and inhaled her sleep aid. While Nieema lavished her king with affection, she noted Jasper’s quiet joy.
“What’s got you smiling like that, dear?”
“Your love.”
Nieema blushed as Buck patted her hip and nuzzled her jawline.
Heat might have grazed her cheeks. “It’s carried us through much.”
“We’re not perfect, Jasper. We worked hard for this here.”
Buck nibbled on Nieema’s cleavage, and she popped him in the head. His dark laughter delighted an old vampire. Though, it wasn’t something he could promise tonight.
He bumped her chin and called for her attention. The world lay in his eyes. They gleamed with life and vitality. Nieema had come to adore his uniqueness. Dignified scars on his brow, upper lip, and temple made him handsome. He was no blemish-free vampir,e and Nieema loved that most.
“It ain’t always tea and roses.” Buck grunted and locked into their eye contact. He pressed upon her soul and heart. “Every marriage has its trials and droughts. We aren’t the exception. But I am still here because Nieema is worth more to me than being right. Her love inspires hope and brings me peace. She is my better half. My queen of all. And the reason I choose to be the best version of myself. I wake every night praying I make her proud.”
Nieema bared her fangs and hissed in his face. “You know good, and damn well I’m proud of you! Every single—ooo, you gon’ make me cry in front of company?! Buckley, look here—boy, I oughta…whew.”
Nieema blinked as tears pricked. Her throat clenche,d and her tongue refused to work. She averted her gaze, turned away from Jasper, and placed her head on his broad shoulder.
“Girl, he’s too much.” Nieema swallowed a lump of hot coals and said, “I swear to the gods. Makes me sick. Can’t stand his ass.”
“You’re a terrible liar.”
Buck rubbed her back and patted. His gentle reassurance was more than enough to calm the pyre in her gut. He soothed the emotional influx and tapped her thigh.
“G’head, baby doll, I know you need it.”
“I do,” she pouted. “You smell too damn good. Like vanilla bean ice cream and Jasper’s pussy.”
The succubus coughed and hacked. She dribbled with purpling cheeks. “Shit, Nieema. You’re far too bold.”
“Well,” she popped her shoulder and angled her old man’s head just so. “You got something I can’t resist, dear. And just so you know, we vampires aren’t known for tact or propriety.”
Nieema grabbed a fistful of Buck’s hair, unhinged her jaw, and sank fangs an inch deep into his throat.

Chapter 38: Cozy Comforts

Unbelievable. He was impossible to deal with, and Jasper didn’t know how to handle Buck’s statement.
“What the fuck?” Jasper scoffed. “Why does how I feel matter to you?”
He winced as if wounded and sneered. “You’re a living, breathing person with a bleeding heart like everyone else. That’s why.”
Buck snatched the last vine-fashioned clamp from her nipple, and she stifled a moan. His show of aggression and irritation was glorious. And hell of a lot better than the soft, sweet nothings he’d tried to recite.
“You deserve care and tenderness, Jasper. It don’t matter who you done dealt with or what they have said to you.”
Free to move, Jasper rubbed her wrists and focused on the mess they’d made instead of Buck’s undressing gaze. She wanted to feel bad for squirting all over him, but couldn’t find a single fuck to give. He’d been rough and thorough, giving.
“I can’t—“ Jasper screwed her eyes shut as he removed dangling vines from her waist and thighs. “This can’t be a big thing. I don’t want special treatment. If I start overthinking it, I’ll—“
“Look at me,” Buck demanded, cutting her off mid-rant. His textured palms cradled her cheeks. Positive fuzzy emotions mounted and rebounded. Jasper didn’t want to fold and bend, but her aching heart…
Against common sense and better judgment, Jasper matched his stare. Buck’s sincerity screamed from within. His solid, heated lust had been wrapped in a gauzy warmth.
“This isn’t special treatment, woman.” He was earnest and honest. His delivery might have touched more than her mind. “It’s called respect. You don’t gotta be mine for me to care about you. I’m merely tending to the mess I made, and the gorgeous succubus who done worked me up to it.”
Despite her hesitations and fears, Jasper laughed. She giggled and kissed the man twice.
“I don’t think I played a big part in it.”
He beamed and caressed her padded waist. She had never been self-conscious about her rolls or dimples. And it seemed Buck enjoyed them too. He massaged and kneaded with round two on his mind.
It wasn’t hard to sense or feel him bobbing to attention.
“Don’t get any ideas,” Jasper asserted. She slid to her feet and arched an unimpressed brow. “You get nothing more from me tonight.”
“You know how to play, darlin’.”
“I’m the best.” She patted his cheek and sniffed. “If you’re intent on pampering me, then you better get to it, Mr. Sunside.”
Jasper brushed past Buck and stepped over her glimmering, golden pool.
“I won’t be spending the night, so be about your time.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
True to his word, Buck hustled and scooped her from behind. Jasper hollered in laughter and complained. He had no right to carry her like a newly wedded bride.
“You’ve lost your mind,” Jasper snapped. “I am perfectly capable—“
“You moving too slow for my taste.”
“I am not to be rushed.”
“Shiiid.”
Jasper chuckled again as he set her down in a packed bathroom. She hadn’t breeched the master during the tour and had no idea what awaited. The washroom kept on theme with healthy leaves and thriving botanicals. Though fresh and inviting, it was humid. The moisture-rich air was another reminder of home.
Dredge Bathhouse and its hard workers were above reproach. Fire, head, booze, and free food.
“Go ‘head and pick out something you like.” Buck gestured to a cluttered shelf wedged between a rain forest and a massive claw-footed tub. “Nimmy keeps it stocked. I got a few favorites. Oils, salts, bubbles, or petals, take your pick.”
She padded across a soft rug, unconcerned with the show of nudity. Happy as hell to get a soak in, Jasper perused and plucked while Buck filled the tub.
Rose milk powder, pink salts, oats, and coconut oil. With a handful of goodies, she twirled about.
“Got what I want.”
“Let me see.”
After handing her haul over to Buck, he added each item to the water.
“You got some good stuff.”
“I like milk baths more than bubbles.”
He snickered and glanced her way. “You and me both. Nimmy love her some foam, bombs, and bubbles. I don’t need allat.”
“It’s fussy.”
“You ain’t wrong.”
Waiting, with arms crossed, Jasper admired from afar. Buck wasn’t small or athletic. He’d put on muscle and pounds like a fine three-piece suite.
A man who loved food and lifting. Days, months, and years of hard labor had turned him into a masterpiece. Soft brawn came to mind as his wide shoulders and thick, bone-crushing thighs tensed.
“C’mere.” Her attention lingered on his girth. She hadn’t seen it, but then again, she didn’t need to. He’d stretched her well. “Up here, succubus.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re not.”
“I’m not.” Moths fluttered in her stomach the moment she took his hand. “You’re not a small man.”
“Who you telling?”
They shared a smile and stepped into the bath. Jasper nearly moaned. He hadn’t bitched out on the water temperature. Most would tell her it was too hot, but steam rolled during their descent.
Once fully submerged, Jasper uncoiled her tail and groaned. “This here might be better than sex.”
“Well, that ain’t something you hear a succubus say every day.”
Sitting across from Buck, legs outstretched and straddling him, Jasper closed her eyes. The tub was big enough for two, maybe even three. With the ample amount of space, it was easy to relax.
The build was great for anyone who wanted to rest. And Jasper was one of those people. The bath pillow was soft as hel,l and water scolding. After being well fucked, she was due for a nap and almost slipped into it before Buck clutched her foot.
He held her for a moment, waiting for permission. Buck was going to be such a good boy.
“Well,” Jasper prompted, cracking his lids. “Do what you like.”
He grinned and squeezed just right. With thumbs tucked into the arch, he pressed, and Jasper whimpered.
“Ohmygods, yeees. Get in there!”
“I love your toes,” Buck said, adding pressure to her heel and sole. “They chubby and a soft.”
“Not the first time I’ve heard that.”
“Can I ask you something, Jasper?”
“Depends.” She cleared her throat and let her lids fall. Her head lay on the pillow as Buck worked magic. His hands were a gift. For this, and many other reasons, she considered Nieema lucky.
Jasper briefly wondered what it’d be like to receive such treatments year-round.
“What makes you happy?”
Her head popped up at his query. She eyed Buck for a minute, if only to get her bearings. It was a loaded fucking question no one had ever asked her.
“What do you mean?”
He tilted his head as confusion trickled between them. “What brings you the most joy and happiness? Be it person, place, or thing.”
“Oh, fuck,” Jasper grunted as he stretched her toes, bending them backward. It was so good her pussy almost clenched. “Uhm, uh…I—well, I love to cross-stitch, as you know. But I love nature photography. Annnnd I enjoy video games and—“
“All that is great, and I wanna know every last detail about you. But you not telling me what you eat, feel, or experience.”
She laughed, though nervous. Rubbing her forehead, Jasper fought with her thoughts and sighed.
“I love baths, hot springs. And let me tell you, nothing makes me happier than sweets. I have the nastiest sweet tooth. Also, I feel my best at night. With the moon. There’s nothing like it in Undervell. I fell in love with it immediately.
“And I kid you not, I love exploring and doing new shit. Just going somewhere. It doesn’t even have to be fancy or anything. To be honest, I’ve lost all interest in fine dining, white tablecloths, and galas. I just—I wanna take pictures of animals and stitch. I love that. Doing what I want brings me the most joy. Being who I want to be is of the utmost importance to me. It’s changed something in me. I’m not quite where I wanna be, but I’m close. It’s the reason why I’ll never go back to Undervell. I get homesick and nostalgic, sure. I miss my friends and family, but I’d never be my own person there.”
Jasper paused and splashed her face with water. She scrubbed and settled once again. Jasper set her sights on the high ceiling festooned with ivy.
“I love it here,” she whispered, as Buck swapped the left foot for the right. “Indigo Plains is special. Something about it makes me feel at peace. Like I’ve found a home.”
“And you did, darlin’. This is your home now. You got a large community of folks out there just waiting to get to know you.”
“I know, I know.”
“How about you and me go out tomorrow night? I’ll show you around some of my favorite spots and people.”
“I have to work, sorry.”
“Who writes them checks?”
She cackled and lifted her head. “Do I have enough PTO for it?”
“Mehhhh, maybe after work then.”
They shared more laughter, and Jasper warmed. It was in his genuine smile and interest. The care he took and questions he asked. It went beyond sex. Like he wanted more than his next demonic nut.
No man had ever, ever looked deeper than her skin and bones.
And for the longest time, Jasper thought that was healthy. Turns out, no, it wasn’t. Therapy had been good for her. The lessons were hard, but she learned quite a bit.
Now, she knew better. Though following all the advice given was scary as fuck.
There were layers to what she had with the Sunsides’, but Jasper didn’t want to unpack that right now.
Not before dealing with her past and Trevor Voaremont.
“Enough.” Jasper spouted, retrieving her appendage. “I want your hands somewhere else.”
Their stares clashed as Jasper planted her foot on his dick. He jutted and kicked on contact.
She pressed and ground, testing the man. He gripped porcelain and bore into her.
“You like a pain with pleasure, don’t you?” She didn’t need him to answer. It was her nature to exhume these details. Kinks were private, until they weren’t. Until she was given access, until they let her taste them.
“Yeaaah, I know.” She lifted her foot and popped forward. “But until I see fit that you can handle it, you’ll get none of that from me.”
“Oh, I can show you better than I can tell you, baby.”
Jasper slid into his lap and sat on top of his stiff length. Smashing it under her ass. Water sloshed as she bounced and used her tail to fondle his heavy sac.
“I think I can go for one more.”
He answered her with a kiss, and she relished it. Jasper melted as his arms locked around her.
She still couldn’t stay over, but may the Undergods help her, she was in no hurry to leave.

Chapter 37: Touching Gold

Totti was an excellent tour guide, and Jasper stood impressed. Every nook and cranny had been well cared for. Clean and meticulously crafted, it caught her wandering eye.
Intricate artwork had been etched into the wood. From moldings, to columns, to balustrades. It’d all been decorated by the same hand. Even the picture frames and accent tables were embellished.
Everything was built by two big, rough, magical hands.
Tracing the filigree and swirls trimming yet another doorway, Jasper’s curiosity piqued. He’d done this. Buck had created the serene environment and turned it into a masterpiece.
His tree house was more than just an herbal apothecary. It was a romantic getaway. A festooned feat of ingenuity and the imagination. He was an artist and a skilled architect. It made sense that he owned a construction company.
“This is unbelievable,” Jasper muttered, puttering about. She stalled up stairs, in the loft. Taking in the bar, reading nook, and what appeared to be a rather large collection of erotic stories, she mused. “He’s so hard edged and dark. I never thought—“
“He’d like you to believe that, encourages it,” Totti said, using the bartops edge as a tightrope. She balanced on the tips of her toes and laughed. “It’s not his fault, you know. Alotta people get the wrong idea. It’s in his blood. His Ma and Pa…” Toti shook her itty bitty head and sighed. Jasper waited for her to continue but didn‘t push. “Anyway, he was born with expectations and was supposed to be other than who he is. Buck charted his own way and he’s better off for it. What you’re sensing isn’t wrong, but there’s so much more to him than that. Life has brought the best out in him.”
Jasper couldn’t protest. She peeked over the railing and chuckled at the sight. Torti sat on the mans head as he worked on his tea making. What Totti had divulged was true. Jasper couldn’t negate a thing because he was a walking contradiction.
Buck had been kind from the moment they met. He’d offered her and Kit a warm bed for nothing. He’d apparently been charitable his entire life, according to Totti. Buck hadn’t always been well-off, and even impoverished, he managed to help others. This, and among other things made him irresistible. He was an enigma. How did one so compassionate as he, exude such darkness.
Perhaps Totti was right, life had treated him well. It was quite obvious, Buck wasn’t born to be this strange, caring man, but he was. He went against his blood, and shit, Jasper hated and loved how they had something else in common.
Buck lifted his eyes and found her staring. Jasper waved an empty cup and Buck smirked. His glittering, inky fixed stare worked to unfurl her soul.
Jasper’s breath hitched as her heart pattered and claws nicked the delicate cup.
Her tail twitched as their stares clashed. It tightened around her thigh as walls swelled. On the verge of falling over the railing, she snapped back and severed the taut tether between them.
“Alright, show me more.”
Jasper followed Totti for another thirty minutes. Two bed, two bath. She had no idea how the plumbing worked, but was sure magic had something to do with it. After showing off another shelf packed with old, defunct birdhouses, they ventured outside, onto the balcony. And it was there, Jasper sat.
She enjoyed the surrounding forestry and its nocturnal concert. Dropping into another piece of overlarge furniture, she kicked feet up on the ottoman.
“From the time we are born, we’re told what we must be.” Jasper didn’t need to see him when her demonic senses told all. The second he took the stairs she sipped and nipped at his soul. “’You are bred to please. To be of service. For the betterment of the kingdom. You are to be happy and ask for nothing, daughter mine. You are to uphold our name and carry on, bring us strong offspring. You are Undervell’s future’.”
Buck lowered into the lounger beside her and groaned. “Sounds like hell.”
“Funny guy.”
They laughed and let silence reign for a bit. Jasper allowed droplets of lust to rest upon her and spread. He filled her essence with mere crumbs. His wife was no different. Their energies were satisfying, nourishing, even in small quantities.
“I know how it feels,” Jasper hedged, eyes on her twiddling fingers. “To be seen as something you’re not.”
“Totti can’t hold water.”
“Don’t worry, she didn’t tell me anything I don’t already know, or can’t sense for myself.”
“Is that right?”
Jasper nodded and met the man’s scrutiny head on. This shouldn’t have bothered her so much. It was unsettling.
She was strong willed before Trevor. Unashamed, blunt, maybe even a tad verbose. More often than not, domineering.
Some part of her wanted that feeling back. She wanted to be the succubus men fawned over. The kind they submitted and crawled to.
Jasper lost so much, even portions of her personality. But maybe, there was a way to retrieve what had been filched.
“Tell me, darlin’. What you sense about me?”
Jasper licked her lips and scoffed. She settled into the lounger, linked fingers behind her head and sighed.
“You’re mystifying. A dark mass I can’t seem to penetrate. But, I see you all the same. You, Buck Sunside got the makings of self assured man. An arrogant mother fucker who knows what he wants and gets it by any means.”
She grinned, showing more fang than appropriate. Buck was unflappable. Unreadable as his iris’, flecked with colorful shards of green, blue, red, and violet, dilated. She’d never seen anything like it.
The display should have stopped her then. But Jasper carried on, emboldened by his scent and sparking, frenetic energy.
“I see it all,” Jasper stressed, transfixed. “Even what you hide from the world. I sense your desire, Buck. And I’ve tasted it before. You are strong, powerful, and intimidating. But you’re also needy and desperate. You’re the type I can bend and break with unimaginable pleasures.”
She dropped both arms and legs, popping upright. Jasper turned in her seat and faced him.
“You want so much. You’re sick with it. Twisted and tight, trembling.” And he was, Buck quaked as Jasper leaned in. She bit her lower lip and hummed. “You wanna crack me wide open, but you won’t, not yet. Naaah. Nope. Because you crave my permission. My consent. My god damn authority. Lo’ I have always been weak for a self-aware, power-drunk sub.”
Jasper scooted closer to him, dragging the chair with her. She snaked an arm behind his head and planted the other in the space between his legs.
Jasper gripped cold steel and whispered in his ear.
“I will give you want you want, but only,” she brushed his temple with her nose, “if you promise to be a good boy tonight.”
A heady growl bubbled up from his gut as he snapped to attention. His eyes flashed silver and swallowed the whites.
“There he is.” She went in for a kiss and stopped, just short of their lips meeting. “How magnificent you are.”
Buck purred and shuddered, smiling like a starved hellhound. His blackened soul spilled and streamed.
Jasper almost choked on his desire as she spoke. “You may fuck me now.”

Five words sprung him loose. Buck lunged and tackled the succubus. He was parched and dry, in need of the nectar between her thighs.
In an act of desperation, he captured Jasper by the horn and locked an arm around her waist, pinning her to smooth, warm wood. Unable to ignore his starvation a second longer, he claimed her mouth and demanded entry. Buck tripped and careened the moment their lips fused. Better than the first time and weaker than the next, Buck forsake the urge to breathe.
This was more important. Her body, plush and flush against him was his only concern.
Refusing to stop, he slipped a knee between her legs. Jasper moaned and arched into his embrace. The heat within her extended outward. He’d known too many succubi and bed more than a few, the sensation was familiar. It caressed him, from the top of his head to the tips of his dusty boots. Her magic and ability coiled around his pine-hardened dick. She supplied pleasure with no effort on her part.
Hands scrabbling down his back and trembling, Jasper accepted his weight.
Though, Buck was more than happy to collapse here and now, his body called it. Plus, he rather stay conscious for this.
Buck drew back and gasped. “You right about one thing, darlin’. I am a needy sonofabitch, and that extends to you.”
He ground his knee into her throbbing, wet pussy and smiled. “Cause what I need more than anything else right now, is to see you blossom and bloom for me. I need them waters to nourish my old bones tonight.”
Jasper keened with the added pressure but found her nerve. “You won’t get another chance to handle me, Buckley. You better use your time wisely.”
Buck cackled and released her horn only to snatch her wrist. “How familiar are you with bondage?”
Her low-lidded, smoldering stare stirred his soul. She tightened the demonic tendrils around his dick and purred.
“Well versed. Are you offering?”
“Light work,” Buck drawled, nuzzling her jaw. He dropped his knee and nudged Jasper to the left. “Nothing too fancy.”
“Sounds good to me.”
He laughed once more and beckoned the roots tattooing his skin, gripping her waist. With zero effort on his part, he lifted the woman and set her fine ass on the railing. It was more of a ledge, than a rail. Good for sitting and fucking on.
“You gon’ enjoy this, I’m sure.”
Buck shivered as iridescent vines dotted with tiny, illumine flowers escaped from his person. He manipulated them, called each one to creep, slither, and twist around her.
Unwilling to deny himself the luxury, he peppered the swell of her breast with kisses. Jasper giggled and wriggled as vines bound her. “This tickles.”
“For now.”
He worked quick, though, he wanted to savor her. Instincts wouldn’t allow it. With wrists locked above her head and legs at ten and two, Jasper was a delicious sight. On display, shorts soaked through. Her blazon glare dared him to do the worst.
Buck grunted and cupped his heavy dick, she’d been playing and teasing since he started tying her down. “Stop that, or I won’t have nothing to give you.”
“Surely you have more stamina than that.”
“Ha! You got a mouth, that’s for damn sure.”
He tugged on his handy work and grazed the wet patch with a single talon. Jasper’s breath caught and Buck reveled in her immediate reaction.
“This isn’t perfect, we on the balcony after all.” He plucked a vine, testing its strength. “These solidify like nothing else. Synthetic fibers can’t do better. Now, how attached are you to this cute lil outfit you got on?”
“It was was eight dollars on clearance.” Dragging in a lungful of her scent, Buck planted hands on her thighs.
Jasper purred as he kneaded and squeezed, inching toward what he wanted most.
Not once had she strayed or averted her attention. “You a bold, demon.”
“Why are you still talking?”
In response, he sneered and tore her bodysuit right down the middle. Thin, stretchy fabric parted and exposed what he wanted oh so bad.
He lingered at her entrance and teased with the pad of his fingertips.
“God damn, you are positively dripping for me, darlin’.” Jasper turned into a whining mess and gripped him tight. Buck hissed and stepped back, admiring his work.
“Oh, my—dont you fucking dare. I finally let you hit, and you tease me?!”
“Oowee, you a splendid vision.” Buck stroked his chin and enjoyed the view. “All done up in red and gold. You glow somethin’ awful.”
Jasper tried her best to yank and twist about. She’d get no where with his masterful rope work. It was hard not to stare and yearn for it. She was beautiful with her desire running freely from them puffy, purple walls. Succubi were enchantresses of the highest order. Their pussy was perfect, both inside and out. But Jasper, juniper berries. He’d never seen a succubus stream gold. Thick as honey and sweet enough to drink.
“I tasted you on my woman’s tongue and it’s all I been thinking about,” Buck rasped as Jasper’s glistening pussy flexed and pulsed. It only made his yearning worse.
“Fuuuuck,” Jaspers eyes rolled as her juices cascaded. “You taste so gooood.”
“That’s what I been told.” Staring at her large, heavy breast and dark, pierced nipples Buck took to his belt. He unbuckled, unzipped, and came up outta his shirt. He tossed it over his shoulder and dropped to his knees.
“You’re so pretty, darlin. Fat and leaking just for lil ol’ me.” Massaging her inner thighs, Buck sampled her offering and moaned. A thimbles worth made him gasp and seek seconds.
“Ugggggh,” Jasper whined. “Pleeeease, yessss. Taste me, Buck, please.”
“Imown do more than that, baby. Trust.”
Her praise and desperation urged him forward. Buck went all in and lapped, flattening his tongue. He laved, scooping every drop from within. He slurped and gulped her down. Loving her slippery, sopping wet flesh and unique artistry. A ribbed, petal-like labia, textured, rippling walls and supple lips.
Buck grunted as more spilled and filled him.
He wanted to bathe himself in gold and swim in her hellfire. It was too god damn good, he couldn’t keep his wits. Circling her clit, he freed a fresh set of vines.
They were thin, smooth and rounded. He snaked them up and around her pert nipples.
Buck tightened them and called for each one to vibrate. The subtle pulse matched hers.
“Ah! Shiiiii-oh Undervell hell!” Jasper preened and heaved. “I’m gonna come, I swear to the gods. What the fuuuuck, is happening?”
Buck twirled the clit and suckled while two extra glossy vines stretched her.
As an extension of himself;another limb, or in this case, a second dick, he was in full control.
Moaning with a mouthful, Buck put them to use and set the speed. Slow and deep made her cuss and squeeze his length.
The instant pleasure caused Buck to stammer and whip his shit out. He joined her demonic handjob and tugged, unhurried.
Jasper yanked on her binds and growled, gushing more by the second.
“Wh-wha-fu-Buuuck,” she wailed and babbled. “Why—you so fucking heavy! God…”
She uttered nonsense as Buck increased rhythm and pace. Needing her to snap, fracture and burn him asunder Buck gave up the neck. Lacking civility and care, he nibbled and lashed, licked until Jasper stopped breathing.
She gritted her pleasure and pulled the vines up into her, locking them in place. She spurted and squirted pure molten gold, making a complete mess. And Buck didn’t give a fuck as his body tensed. He leaked like a sieve and jacked to his feet.
Her hold be damned, he dropped jeans, seeing more than stars and blazing suns, Buck lost every cell of sense Mother of Soul gave him. He squeezed between two decent sized vines and entered her.
“Shit,” Jasper hollered. “I can take it, I can tak—you filthy son bitch, if you don’t fu—oh!”
Buck slammed into her and cussed. “Tell me what it do to you, darlin’?”
“Good, damn good.” Jasper heaved and panted, purring with each breath. “I’m so full, Buck. Move, fuck me, bust me open. Do something!”
“I know that’s right.” he slipped fingers under the vinework leading to her nipples and gripped them. He tugged and pulled. Jasper garbled nonsense and flushed.
Her skin glimmered with sweat and golden flecks. She was the demonic Divine and he was due to bow at her feet. “Imma get you there, baby. Don’t worry, I gtchu.”
Hissing, Buck retreated, in no rush, and salivated at the sight of her coating his dick. She was soaked and in turn, made that glide easier. Buck dipped back in and drew back. “Oooooo shit, you got sumn’ worth my time here. Fuuuuck, look at you.”
Jasper whimpered the moment Buck returned. He held fast to the organic roping and demanded the vines straddling him to join.
“Oh my god,” Jasper wailed.
“Let that shit go,” Buck said, adding pressure. He widened his stance and got up in it quick.
He clutched them lines and used it. While tweaking her nipples he cut her down the middle.
The dance was set as he cracked her times three.
Jasper creamed and spilled but gave her all. She clamped hold of his balls and made him growl. Delivering blows, Jasper had him ready to beg as pleasure knotted against his prostate.
“Woman, god damn you!” Buck handled her right and clapped that pussy. He hemmed her ass up and pulled vines.
“Oh shitshitshiiiiit, Buck.”
He focused on their connection and nearly collapsed.
She’d taken him, front to back while he dug her out. Form heavy, snapping, and loud. Their melody dampened everything else.
She stroked him deep and made a mothafucka go harder.
“I’m com-I’ about to come.”
“Looktchu now! Cumming on this dick like I done hurt you. Let it loose! Let i-“
Jasper whined and cried, she pushed it out. Her orgasm splattered, painting his body and jeans in her golden waves.
“Keep going!” She shouted, a mess of growls and curses. “Don’t stop! Fuck me through it. Please plea—”
Buck showed up and out, he hit that shit while she came apart. Vines and dick touched her stomach at an alarming speed. And Buck kept at it even as her magic intensified, making his knees knock. She pegged him, better than sweaty back shots she gave him the most.
Buck yoke her ass in and fell upon her lips. She tasted of vanilla, bergamot, and Nieema. The obscene delivery had Buck’s heart racing and hips hitching.
He growled into the kiss and welcomed her third release.
Jasper nutted on him and it was a wrap. She put all her power into stabbing his ass.
Seconds later, his brain folded right along with his spine.
He blew his shit and clapped twice before burying himself eight inches deep.
Vines and all, he rolled within as she writhed. Jasper bit his lip and snatched free of their mouth action. “You’re a monster.”
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
She giggled and he wiped sweat from his eyes.
“You wanna try for another, darlin’?”
The succubus flinched. “Gimme a minute! Damn! Matter fact, let me go.”
Buck snickered and snapped her binds. He started at her wrists, cutting the vines with the tips of his sharp, curved talons. Though the taut lengths were stiff and quite solid, his magic broke them with ease.
“Alright, alright.” Buck worked as Jasper mumbled about reprieves and hitting the door. “I’mown get you loose, but don’t misunderstand me.”
Buck had at the clamp on her nipples and gently untangle them. Jasper gasped, lips parting. Her precious scent stained the air, his lungs, and quite possibly his heart . “I don’t want you to go, cause I need to see to your care. How you feel before, during, and after is important to me.”
It was a long shot in hell, but he had to try. Jasper Marrow wasn’t like the rest, and maybe it was too soon, but he was certain. Buck wasn’t going to play about her, but she had to let him prove it first.

How y’all doing? Everybody feeling good? Alright! I hope you had a lovely holiday, but if you worked, I feel your pain, bookie. Cause so did I! But listen, we made it through and here we are. Chapter 37! Hellooooo. Jasper and Buck have done the damned thing! A little bondage, a smidgen of back talk, and some light edging. They’re so cute! And Buck is falling like a damn brick. He’s someone who loves hard and fast. Not necessarily a love bomber, but he’s got a sixth sense about things. Connected the earth and organic matter, that might just extend to people. Also, he’s not afraid to fall in love, even after Lin abandoning them. Where as Jasper, is letting her past dictate her present. But her situation is different, she has just cause to be scared. To close up, let her body speak instead of her heart. Though, she has little choice, I fear. True love always wins.
Anyway, this was all about their desire’s finally being recognized and acted on. I was so happy writing their moment, and let me tell you, this can get a lot freakier, and it will!!
Per the norm, I wanna say thank you and please, stay hydrated. Punk ass summer is still skulking around. She is a stubborn wench! Have a great day y’all, until next week. Byyyye.

Chapter 36: To The Gallows

Jasper was quick and proud, putting herself together. She donned a blush-pink short set and iridescent body powder. The combo highlighted her best assets and made certain her glowing, cherry-ember complexion popped. After capping horns with glittering emerald gems, she hurried out the door. Well-worn flip-flops echoed her swift departure.
Late August heat clung to her skin and exposed thighs. She loved the warmth and cozy, tepid breeze. It reminded her of home. Not that she ever wanted to go back, but Jasper missed some things. Like the weather, coal fields, and fully blossomed pyre mounds.
Scorching flames of the Great Undervell delta paled in comparison to the fire in Buck’s eyes. His attention held fast and dared not stray. He was always much to behold and sense. Heavy, rich, and dense. She battled an intense urge to take him on the porch. Buck didn’t make it easy as he assessed every inch of her. From painted toes to capped horns, Buck ate her up.
“Shameless wretch,” Jasper snapped, pushing past the unabashed king.
“What I need shame for? It would mean I feel guilty about something. And I don’t.”
She giggled and cleared the steps in a single bound. Twisting about, Jasper smacked her lips at the old fool’s messy tongue.
“You could at least be a gentleman about it.”
Buck grinned, heading their journey. “I ain’t never been no gentleman. Why beat bushes when we both know what time it is?”
She snickered, big-headed as fuck in the moment. It wasn’t so much that a man wanted her; no, it was that he did. Jasper was used to and familiar with advances, propositions, and the like. They were dime a dozen, but she’d declined every one…until him.
Buck wasn’t normal; nothing about him screamed average or innocent, and yeah, she found him enthralling. Her infatuation had everything to do with his abysmal soul, the dark, mysterious fae underneath the brawn. Beneath his ruggedly beautiful features lay a soul Jasper wanted to dine upon for hours. The inky spirit of him piqued curiosities and made her drip with intense anticipation.
As they aimed for the woods, Jasper stared at his upturned full lips.
“You’d be one of many,” Jasper announced, afraid of where their candor might lead. She needed something, anything to stave off her hunger for this man. “I’ve lain with more than most. I take what I need and leave nothing to question.”
“Including my wife.”
At this, Jasper turned coy. The thought of Nieema set her heart aflutter and aflame. She ignored the smitten succubus within and smiled. Nothing good would come from admitting it, so she stayed quiet on the matter.
“It’s alright,” Buck said, grinning like a shameless wolf intent on devouring their prey whole. “She does that to me too.”
“She is a goddess,” Jasper happily replied.
“You ain’t lying.”
“And you are her devotee.”
“Every damn day of my life.”
“I love this most about you, Buck. The love and respect you show Nieema have worked in your favor.”
Their stroll continued for a spell, following a serpentine footpath toward a darkened wood.
The night was calm and quiet, as Indigo Plains always seemed to be. This peace and place eased more than her stress. The ranch, their home, and the land it resided on brought about freedom.
Jasper was free to breathe without worry and burden. There was something here that spoke to her. Soothed her. She loved the sweet air and sky blanketed with stars. The city didn’t offer this, and Jasper, though broke and strapped with a cursed house, was happier here.
During their walk and light conversation about local fauna, it took more than natural strength to fight her inner demon.
“My brother is terrified of the woods,” said Jasper, breaching the tree line. “And he is misguided.”
From stone to moss and fat canopies. The trail wound through an enchanted thicket. Most woods, even in Undervell, were dark, moldy, and riddled with felled, rotten trees.
“What do you call this place?” Jasper asked, stricken with wonderment.
“Gallow Forest.”
Jasper grimaced and wanted to spit. “The word doesn’t fit what you have here at all. The hell do you mean Gallow?! Nothing is frightening about it.”
Jasper admired what they called Gallow Forest and scoffed at the lunacy. It had to be a joke. Starting along the buoyant moss trail, she focused on its beauty.
Trees, wise giants of old, kitted with lanterns, towered. Their fragrant perfume and warmed honey wax calmed her disquieted essence.
“We don’t have anything like this in Undervell. Trees, or their equivalent, are made of volcanic rock. Ropes of ash and dragon scale shed hang from spindly limbs. This, this is majestic, overwhelming even. Arresting, to say the least.”
“They’re older than me, older than Nieema and her coven. The soil is powerful, too. There ain’t much it can’t cure. Even the common cold. Folks come running during them winter months.”
Russet bark streaked with gold drew her attention first. Jasper marched to the closest tree and examined it by touch. She pinched, poked, and sniffed.
“Is this—“
“Gold? Yeah. Sap infused with gold, that is.”
“What in the name of—how is it possible?”
“You gotta ask the soil. I have no idea.”
Jasper squinted and observed tittering insects that called the tree home. They were strange yet pretty. A fluffy avian sort with four legs and numerous eyes.
“I wanna bring my camera out here. Do you mind? I’d love to get a few pictures.”
“Be my guest,” Buck said, checking on some manner of berry bush. “Photographers from all over have been through here. They got some good shots but ain’t explored much. Too scary, I ‘spose.”
She wanted to hold the cute bug and sought to. Seconds from picking it up, Buck tutted.
“Aht. Don’t even think about it. Them critters got a poison that’ll eat through your skin.”
Jasper flinched and slid backward. She giggled and said, “Good call. I heal fast, but I’m sure the process isn’t fun.”
“I ain’t never tried to find out.” Buck nodded for company, and she skipped right over. “C’mon, don’t wanna keep Torti waiting. I’m sure he’s ready for his stories.”
“Torti?”
Buck gleamed beneath slices of moonlight and dim wicks. Lanterns dangled and bobbed from boughs, lighting their path.
They moved onward, inching deeper into the forest. Surrounded by brush, berry bushes, and shy mammals, Jasper wanted to inspect it all.
Especially the luminescent mushrooms. The glowing clusters varied in sizes and colors. Magical was the only descriptor she’d ever attach to Gallow Forest. Even the deer seemed regal and otherworldly.
She expected them to scatter and flee, not to follow.
“Should I be worried about the rabbits? They’re big as hell, and I swear to the Undervell gods that portly one has been eying me.”
Buck cackled, ruining her serenity. The sound was intolerable, as it only proved to worsen her cravings.
“Woman, that’s just Jimmy.”
Jasper arched a brow but didn’t speak on his wild claim thanks to the multi-level tree house.
Built around an ancient trunk and within its thick canopy was an impressive home. She’d never seen anything like it.
“This you?” Jasper asked.
“Yup.”
“Oooof course it is.” She laughed, taking in the natural opulence. Butter-soft lighting shone through windows on both levels. “You sure don’t do anything half ass.”
“Never. Come on up, I wanna show you how to make the perfect cup.”
“After you, King Sunside.”
“Don’t get cute, na’.”
They shared a smile as Buck jogged up the spiraling staircase. It was a quick climb, despite how high they were.
“That’s quite a drop,” Jasper muttered, hands gripping the smooth railing. “Damn.”
She looked down, knowing damn well how heights sometimes got to her.
“You ‘fraid of heights?”
“Depends.”
“Ladies first,” Buck piped, holding the door open.
“I’m hardly a lady.”
“Who told you that?”
“You’re insufferable.”
“So they say.”
She entered his domain and lost every syllable on her tongue. It was cozy and homey, but without being small.
Buck was a walking void, a darkness she couldn’t name, and yet, he surrounded himself with comfort. Worn linens, lived-in furnishings, and adorable knick-knacks.
The tree house was peaceful and packed with plant life. No corner or counter was left untouched. Potted, hanging, and creeping overhead. Ivy snaked around beams and columns while dried herbs swayed from an unusually high ceiling.
Spices percolated, making her feel at home, happy, and safe.
It smelled like him.
“You are a great wonder.”
“What a thing to say.”
His timbre and proximity turned her around. Jasper gasped, facing the sneaky man. He’d crept in close but kept his hands to himself. She wanted to bite him for having the gall to extend both patience and respect.
He hadn’t tried anything since their kiss and dared not to move, even as their desires twisted and coiled within the slip of space between them.

The luxurious notes of her scent made him want to hoot and holler. Sing her praises from the peaks of Mount Keyholde. This was beyond her smooth, sanguine complexion and goldenrod freckles. It wasn’t just about her sexy horns, cute white hair-do, or the way she put that shit on. Nah.
There was more to this woman than her fine features. Though, he’d be a god damn lie to say Jasper wasn’t a feast for the eyes.
With each and every instinct tackling him, Buck stood before the succubus in a state of yearning. A desire so deep it surpassed sex. He wanted nothing more than to comfort and console her. To dig up them rotted roots and tend to what Trevor had long neglected; poisoned.
Loving the mischief in them sunflower yellow eyes, Buck smiled. “Talkin’ nice ain’t gon’ take you too far, darlin’.”
“What are you?” Jasper whispered, her sharp claws tapping on his belt buckle. “There’s something inside your soul I can’t describe.”
“Wanna find out what it is?”
“Yes.”
A shimmering puff of pollen exploded between them, and Jasper sneezed while Buck laughed.
“Where is my new mattress, mother fucker?!”
“Evenin’, Torti’. How you doing tonight?”
The teeny, tiny phoenix poked Buck in the nose with his trusty thorn blade. The small man was dressed for battle. He wasn’t fucking around.
“What am I looking at?” Jasper shook with mirth, staring at Torti’s hovering form. The wee sprite huffed and rolled his big ol’ pink eyes over to her. “Hello, there.”
Buck’s best friend shrugged. “You must be the demon he won’t shut up about.”
“Is that so?”
Buck glared at Torti and swatted them with a limp wrist. “Hush, now. And don’t come up in here starting with me. I ain’t in the mood. I told you, when I get the time.”
“You always say that!” Torti pouted, stashing his ancient dagger. “Lying bastard. It’ll be months before I get another one. Stop staring at me, lady! Are you a creep? Buck, is she a funky old pervert? Because—“
A second blast of pollen sent Torti flailing through the air. Totti appeared, making Buck smile. She was a sight in a frilly pastel gown fit with flowers and beads. The woman landed on his shoulder and giggled.
“Please excuse my brother, he can be quite the spirited sprite. My name is Toti; it’s nice to finally meet you, Jasper.”
The succubus had the nerve to blush. And whew, did purple look good on her. She smiled, though uncertain.
“Uh, yeah. Hi. Seems like I’ve been the topic of conversation lately.”
“Sometimes,” Totti said. “Buck gets into his work and forgets to eat, though. So I haven’t heard much. Or nearly enough.”
“Are y’all, like, fairies?”
“Ew! Fuck no,” Torti shouted as the TV blared to life. “It’s a common misconception, I assure you. Sprites and fairies aren’t the same thing.”
Torti had long ago learned how to turn the damned thing on. He stepped on buttons to change channels and choose which service to use. He was a pain in the ass about his tube time.
“He’s right,” Buck said, turning into his kitchen and workstation. “Fairies vary in sizes, species, and creeds. From benevolent to wicked.”
Buck grabbed a few items from the cupboard and fridge. After locating his favorite sun tea, he poured a cup for them both.
“They have a hierarchy and classes,” Buck continued. On the turn around, he noted Jasper, perusing one of many shelves. “You can find fairies on every continent, in every climate, and even leagues below the sea. They reside in cave systems, on mountain ranges, and even in the sky.”
He trekked across his home apothecary and offered Jasper the tea. She accepted it and nodded her thanks.
Buck leaned against a column and swigged the cooling summer blend as Totti took her leave. She flitted about and landed on the tippy top shelf, where a row of tiny birdhouses awaited her arrival.
“Though sprites are diverse in culture and species,” he went on to say, “They are always small, and you can only find them in the forest. Not a wood, but a forest. Namely where there’s a strong magical presence. Also, they’re not to be confused with pixies.”
“Sluts!” Torti barked from the couch. “All they do is hump each other and make babies. Bleh!”
Jasper lifted her cup and said, “I like him.”
“He’s a brat,” Totti amended from her perch. “Never content or happy unless there’s a cock—“
“Don’t be a nettle wod, Totti. My god.”
Jasper pointed at the sprite’s kin. “She’s a delight as well. I take it y’all are friends with His Grace?”
“Since he was sapling,” Totti admitted. “Found this babe of a monster waddling in the forest buck naked. Frolicking without a jacket or care in the world. Talking to himself and singing.”
Toti recalled them dusty old days, and he wanted to interrupt, but couldn’t find the nerve.
Her warm smile made Buck busy himself with tea matters.
“He was the first giant child I had ever encountered.” Totti laughed and sat in her tiny rocking chair, twiddling with a mini stuffy Nieema had made for her. “Not many would go galloping through our forest. Back then, word spread about Gallow. Regaled, honorable knights and kings avoided it. Opting to go around. But this wee one, he was brave and adorable. I was but a child myself, so we got along quickly. Our brood didn’t much care for his sort, being fae and all. But me and Torti have never been the sort to listen to our mothers.”
Torti laughed, and Jasper glanced at the sprite man. “So you’re childhood friends?”
“Unfortunately,” Torti grumbled.
“You old bitch,” Buck snapped. “You can get the hell out.”
“Don’t worry me while my stories are on Buckley; I’ll bring you hive dick.”
Jasper dribbled tea and giggled as Buck tried his damnedest not to. Totti went on about their fleeting, adolescent years and Buck nabbed his apron.
He continued to sort and pack the seasonal blends. About two hundred more and he’d be done. To get in the flow of things, he cracked kitchen windows and reveled in the gust of fresh forest air. It swirled in a rush and tussled with the wind chimes.
The soothing, hollowed oak and crystal melody eased his rowdy soul. It was Jasper who riled him and called for more than a decent conversation. But this was her show, her game, and her life.
Buck wanted Jasper in his dungeon, that much was certain, but he wanted her consent first.
He needed Jasper loose and ready to dominate if need be. She was the one for it; most succubi were. And after paying witness to how she handled Nieema, Buck was sure. There wasn’t anything her plush, pliant body couldn’t handle.
Buck caught himself gawking at the curve of her ass, wishing to see her tail. The imprint was enough. He grunted at the obscenity, packing sachets without proper attention. She’d tucked it, just there, under the cuff of her generous behind.
“You’re wasting it, old buck,” Torti whispered in his ear. “You know, when I want to fuck, I ask for it.”
“Would you shut your mouth? Always talkin’ crazy.”
“Well, you’ve never brought anyone up here except for Nimmy. This gotta be serious.”
“Shush,” Buck demanded, hoping Jasper hadn’t heard the sprite.
Totti started the grand tour, but they hadn’t made it on upstairs yet. She followed his best friend, who bragged about how Buck crafted their birdhouses and how Nimmy made their clothes.
Jasper had stolen his will to breathe with her soft-hearted gaze. They shared a smile and a brief, quiet moment. Sadness was still trapped in there, but she beamed nonetheless. As if shy, Jasper turned away and took the stairs two at a time.
“May the soil save me, I’m hooked, Torti. She got me bad.”
“Yeah, well, you should do something about it.” Torti chose to sit on top of Buck’s head. It was his favorite spot aside from his antlers. Tiny, bare feet dangled and tapped his forehead. “You smell like you’re about to go into a rut, man.”
“Shit, I might. The woman is so close to triggering me. It’s gon’ be me and the wife hole up for five business days. I ain’t got time for that right now!”
“If you don’t handle this, nature will.”
“Who you tellin’?” Buck shrugged and laughed. He poured loose leaf and cinched pouches. “There ain’t a damn thing Nimmy can’t solve. That one’ll calm the beast howling for trouble. She gon’ get me right every single time.” Buck distracted himself and fought like hell not to follow Jasper. After regrounding with a second cup of sun tea, he threw on some music and got to work.

Wings & Willows

Two days until Valentine’s Day…
Whima is content with her cottage, cauldron, and bubbling waxes. There isn’t much an exhausted old woman needs or wants. She has music and the promise of infinite rest…until a handsome fairy breaks in, disturbing her peace and cozy solitude.
Two days until Valentine’s Day, and all Shade, Prince of Mothend, wants is a way out. He’s unhappy with his sudden arranged nuptials and has devised a plan to stop it. Find the witch of Bane Woods and procure her services…not her heart.
It’s two days until Valentine’s Day.
Will Fate have the last say, or will a centuries-old curse keep Whima and Shade from what they desire most?

Wings & Willows is a Romantasty novella about true love, loss, and family curses. I wrote this as a love letter to everyone 35+! You can find love with a handsome prince at any age!

Wings & Willows will be available on KU this Saturday!! In two days!!

Chapter 34: A Ghoulish Meeting

Across town and underground, Nieema admired lofty stacks. She’d been in the castle’s library for a minute, reading shorts to kill time before her guests’ arrival. Not in a particularly romantic mood, she went for comedy. Slapstick, irreverent, or absurd. She wanted to laugh without thinking much.
Nieema didn’t like staying in the subterranean castle for long. It trudge up an unsavory batch of memories. Those darkened by the past and present. Nah, she would rather not dwell within these stone walls.
Though it wasn’t an ideal meeting place, she loved the grand, three-story library. It’d been her haven as a child and a stressed adult. She’d called it home once and had even fallen asleep on the same sofa she lounged upon now. Lemon wax, citrus oils, and parchment made her feel safe. It provided a hefty dose of nostalgia as well. Nieema smiled, recalling the early, adolescent years.
Her mother would read to her for hours. It was a fleeting time she remembered fondly.
Nieema settled with another book and relaxed on tufted velvet. She cracked the spine the moment her brother spoke.
“Come on down here, Your Grace.” Monroe beckoned, and she slapped the hardback shut. “I know you up there.”
“Don’t rush me, boy.”
Tossing the book, Nieema took her favorite form. She exploded into a chattering, squealing colony of bats. Her magic hummed, and psyche split. Twenty sets of eyes and ears. She saw all and heard every motha fucking thing going on in the castle.
The keep, kitchens, and chambers. To the dining hall and courtyard. Nothing was a secret when she grew wings and clawed feet.
Not only was this the quickest way to travel, but it tended to scare the shit out of everyone. Including the beady-eyed mayor who shrank and yelped.
Nieema circled him and swelled; she undulated. Swirling around the man until he cowered in his seat.
“Stop playing with the poor soul, Queen.”
She snickered and dropped into her full form. “Mayor Gloomfhut. It’s so nice you could be with us today.”
Preston Gloomfhut was a fifth-generation ghoul. Which meant he liked raw meat and looked like a god damn dead fish. He was the type who lived up to his name. A thin-lipped, sharp smile was enough. Nieema noted them shiny shoes and the gold signet ring on his sixth finger.
“I am sorry about that,” he said, crossing his legs. “The mayor’s job is never done, Your Majesty.”
Nieema unbuttoned her suit jacket and sat, adjacent to the uptight, sneaky ghoul.
“I know, but we needed to talk.” She gestured to the waiting fixin’s. “I had a little something prepared for you. Some raw cubes, aged cheeses, and dipping sauces. There’s also spiced blood. I know y’all can live without it, but I think it’s a fine treat.”
“No, no. I will not turn down a chance to have some premium blood.”
Monroe was more of a listener than a talker. Especially during times of political strain. This talk wasn’t a big hoopla, but he remained stoic, swirling his full glass.
He stood near the wet bar and sipped.
“Good god,” Gloomfhut rasped. “This is divine, Your Majesty. I can’t say I’ve ever had Moores Wind port. Can I uh, well, may I take a picture of the bottle?”
“Be my guest.”
Preston grinned, fishing his phone from his breast pocket. Those fingernails had seen better days. Blackened and chipped, Nieema grimaced at the filth. He was put together, but his complexion was off, and he hadn’t bathed in some time. Whatever the Mayor was into had him cracking and peeling on the surface.
Ghouls had come a ways thanks to human intervention. Yeah, they fucked humans, and so what? That wasn’t the problem at hand. And while his shook while taking the photo, Nieema clocked the threadbare scent of decay.
“Splendid,” Mayor Gloomfhut drawled, stashing his device. “Now, what is this about? I asked Monroe, but he was light on the details.”
“How well do you know the Voaremont’s?”
The ghoul canted his head and glanced at her brother. He crossed his legs once more and tugged cuffs. The question unsettled him. Nieema was shit outta luck reading his pulse, ghouls didn’t have a heartbeat.
They had working parts and a magic in their veins, but lacked a fully functioning heart.
“Of course, everyone knows them. They’re one of the wealthiest families on the planet.”
Nieema wasn’t about to play in this man’s face. She snapped up a glass of blood and swigged.
“Glad to see you think so highly of them,” Monroe added.
“What is this about?” Mayor Gloomfhut asked once more but with feeling.
Nieema slammed her glass onto a rose gold platter. “What does my decree say about hunting?”
“It’s forbidden.”
“No.”
“It’s against the law.”
“Continue.”
“If anyone is caught hunting or conspiring with hunters, then the punishment is death.”
“Public execution,” Monroe corrected.
Nieema exhaled and smirked, but she was unamused. “Someone is hunting in my fucking city. Misthill. The one you are in charge of protecting and providing for. So, tell me, Mayor, how has this slipped by you?”
Gloomfhut stammered and hiked up. He shook his head vehemently. “Your Majesty, I would never—“
“Don’t fix yourself to lie up in here.” Nieema scooted forward, resting elbows on her knees. She peered into the man’s unnatural, averting gaze.
“I’m gonna need you to speak your next words with care. We brought you here, to this library because it is charmed. If you twist your tongue to lie to me, it’ll be the last thing you ever do.”
Mayor Gloomfhut screwed his eyes shut and coughed. His knuckles turned white as he gripped dark, Chellian wood.
“I can’t.”
“You can’t what?”
“You don’t understand.”
“Make me.”
“Your Majesty, the Voaremonts will kill me. I can’t—I can’t. You must know that it was never my intention. I trieeeed to stop them. I swear to the Greats, I did. But—but their father, the patriarch.”
Mayor Gloomfhut snapped his head up and stuttered. “He’s—he’s—honestly, I don’t know what he is, but I don’t think he’s human. And—AND—they’d kill me if—I ain’t saying they’re doing it. But I am not saying they aren’t.”
“You know why they’re doing it?”
“I have no idea.”
Nieema huffed. He hadn’t melted yet. This told her one thing; the mayor wasn’t lying yet. Though he’d chosen to omit.
“You not talking?” Nieema whispered, anger flaring.
“I can’t rat!”
“Okay, but you’ll be staying with us until you sing, Preston.”
“Your Majesty, if I could do any—“
“Speak.”
His head dropped, and his spine loosened. Gloomfhut sagged and blubbered.
“He’s got eyes on my whole family and me. If he finds out—maybe he already knows I’m here.” Preston coughed and wiped his mouth with a trembling hand. “Do whatever you want, but I can’t risk it.”
“Hank.”
Her knight appeared as a swirling mist and solidified behind Gloomfhut. “Let’s go, son.”
“How long have you been digging?” Nieema asked.
The mayor lacked a proper nose, but he scrunched it nonetheless. After threading waxy, four-knuckled fingers through his greasy hair, he sighed. “Four months.”
“You’ll get a year for grave robbing.”
“Fine. It was only for a while anyway. I’m so god damneed stressed. The Crack Mage Gang is fucking up the city and the Voaremont’s—whatever.”
“Take him,” Nieema demanded.
Hank was gentle with the slouched ghoul. Their limbs were prone to pop off like a scared gheko. After the duo vacated the library, Monroe cussed and jacked to his feet.
“This some buuuuullll shit I wasn’t prepared for, sis. You gotta give a god damn minute. Shit.”
Her brother headed for the bar and chuckled. “He don’t wanna rat, but he is one.”
“That’s fucked up, Roe. Come on now, they hate being called rats.”
“Well…”
Nieema plucked a few cubes of aged Gouda and smoked goat. Chewing and thinking, she only grew frustrated.
“I figured him involved, but not like this. The Voaremont’s aren’t taking authority seriously, even going so far as to threaten them. Hunting in my kingdom will not be tolerated!”
Nieema kicked the coffee table, knocking allat shit over. She wasn’t about to let this slide. Trevor had hurt Jasper. In ways Nieema couldn’t fix, and his entire family was running amok, hunting in Ravensguard.
“I don’t need Preston to tell me shit.” Nieema stared at stained glass panes and snarled. Blood-boiling rage caused her fangs to lengthen. “I know what they doing cause I believe Jasper. And if Trevor is at it, then I know his brothers are too; the only question is, who are they giving these parts to?”
“If they not keeping them as trophies.”
“Motha fucka,” Nieema muttered. On her feet, she adjusted her jacket and buttoned it. “I think it might be time to meet with the wealthy Voaremont brothers. And Roe, I want Peaches and Mookie on deck when we do it.”
“Understood.”
“Ain’t this a bitch.” Nieema headed for the exit and grumbled. “There are hunters living and breathing in my town. Never thought I’d see the night.”

Happyyyyy Monday, and good evening, y’all. I hope everyone had a great weekend! You’re in recovery mode now, I know. Fourteen hot dogs and a barrel’s worth of soda’ll fuck you up good in your late thirties. Annnyhoo, here we are! Nieema has confronted the mayor, and I tell you what, she ain’t happy. The Voaremonts’ are a hunting family, and she knows this. Most of the world knows this, but they have their hands in everything. She didn’t need a gravedigging ghoul to tell her, but his omission was enough. So! We shall see where this takes us in the coming chapters. Remider, you and me find shit out TOGETHER! I am a proud panster and love a challenge.
I have been struggling, though, y’all. Keeping this light and easy has been rough. I’m trying not to be heavyhanded with darker themes (I LOVE DARKNESS). That’s not what Patchwork is about, and I will keep it as such until the very end of season one. I do have an ending in mind, but who knows if it’ll go my way. HEAs are a vow, but how do we get there? Who knows.
Soooo, with this week done, I want to bid you farewell, bookie. Until next time, stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay outta folks’ business. Thank you so much for stopping by. You’re a grand human. Byyyyyeee.

Chapter 31: Fangs and Hunger Pangs

Nieema wanted whatever the succubus wanted to give. And yes, she wanted that god damn tail. She salivated and flexed below the waist. Her pussy seeking company, someone to strangle and hold. Her tapered tail was dangerous for some and even had poisonous barbs, but now it flicked with sensual promise. It was a fat, prehensile demon with telling knots and bumps Jasper had manifested for this special occasion.
“Yes,” Nieema rasped.
She tracked its slow sweeping motion and nodded. “Yeah, I want you to put in and don’t stop.”
“Look at you, so greedy for it.”
Nieema hissed and grasped Jasper’s face, plunging into another kiss. She rocked against her pliant, buoyant form and moaned, tasting every note. Buck, Jasper, and even her own water. It spurred her into movement. Nieema rolled, more than ready to bounce and ride.
Jasper clung to her, claws catching on her ass. The tiny pricks of pain added to a new, yet familiar brand of euphoria.
Desperate, she severed their kiss and clutched Jasper’s horns. The woman was flushed. Purpled cheeks and gold dust painted her red complexion. It was beautiful, gorgeous, and quite the portrait Nieema committed to memory but hoped to see for a while longer.
“Talking won’t get you anywhere nice, demon. You can either fuck me this instant or see yourself out.”
Wolfish and sharp-edged, her smile spoke volumes. It was clear she wasn’t amused. From a striking molten ocher to hot iron, her eyes flared.
“You got too much bass in your voice, Your Majesty.”
“And you, are working my last nerve, woman! I need you to fu-fuck!”
Speared and impaled. Nieema wailed, grasping Jasper’s smooth horns. She groaned as heat radiated and seeped; spread.

Heat tackled Nieema as Jasper’s tail twisted and coiled. “Ooooo shhhhhhit.” Nieema gasped; heat and lust encapsulated them. Sweet flames of pleasure licked at her slick skin and teased.
Jasper pushed and stretched with abandon. Every knot and inch waged war against her G-spot. Nieema tossed her head back and hissed.
“Ohmyfates. You so good.” Hot, scorching lips fell upon her shoulder and neck. “Damn, girl.”
The succubus growled and purred. “I knew that pussy was good.”
Nieema bucked with her quickening motion. She keened, enjoying the slip and melody. Their bodies connected, and Nieema consumed her whole. She took her thickness and rolled on it.
With each deep dive, she whimpered. As focus waned and eyes escaped to the back of her head, the world vanished.
Magic and succubi wiles traced every curve of her body. It twined with her senses and laved over her.
As if she’d been taken by five, Nieema registered hands, lips, and fingers. In her ass, on the clit, and pinching nipples. Claws raked her back as Jasper claimed her mouth.
Her tongue slick and hot, thickened. She was transported to another plane of fiery desire. Nieema sucked on her and rode it out.
The demoness lacked decorum and shit. She was unkind inside. Jasper hemmed Nieema up quick. Using her tail for the worst, she arrived with swift punches. Her thrusts were lethal and strong, causing Nieema to lose all wits.
She held onto the woman’s horns and took it on the chin. Jasper beat her down and delved into her pussy. She made it talk back and bite. Desperate, Nieema growled and chased her withdrawal.
Jasper slapped her ass and made Nieema suck her down. She choked on it until the woman let her breathe.
“Yesss!” Nieema roared and panted, bouncing on it like she’d never been fucked a night in her life. “Shit, Jasper. God damn youuuuu…”
She tasted her arousal and mewled as Jasper clenched her throat. The demoness heaved and hugged Nieema close.
“Give me what I want, Nieema,” Jasper said, voice trembling. She worked her tail and demanded action. “You will come for me. Show me them fangs, lover!”
Nieema quaked and made her ass clap. She tussled with her thirst and urge to nut.
“Ohhhhhshiiiit. Oooodamnnnit.”
“Let me see you break, Your Majesty.”
Buck scented smoke spilled from Jasper’s lips and provoked Nieema’s hunger. She inhaled, wanting every dose she offered. Her need to feed overlapped with a painful pang to cum.
“Ffffff—uck! Tear that shit up, girl.” Nieema bit her bottom lip, drawing blood. She clasped them horns and tensed as Jasper’s monstrous magic galvanized within.
Desire, pleasure, and lust clashed with her own. It swelled and overwhelmed.
Nieema ruptured. Two-fold. She’d loosened, convulsing, shivering. Bursts of passion gushed, coating the succubi’s tail and thighs.
Jasper bellowed, calling Nieema by name. She locked arms around her and chuckled. The guttural sound was too much for her delicate sensibilities. Nieema snapped Jasper’s head to the left and begged.
“Let me feed. Pleeeease. Let me have your precious essence before you depart.”
“As you wish,” Jasper whispered.
Hot and cloying, her blood rushed. Fang deep, Nieema took her and gulped. She purred at her throat and warmed as the gorgeous succubus nourished her once again.
More than sated, Nieema licked wounds closed and kissed each mark. “Thank you.”
“The pleasure is all mine.”
Nieema swallowed, loving how her blood and pussy lingered. “I don’t know about that.”
She met Jasper in the eyes and smiled. They were back to their normal shade. Goldenrod amber. Sweet as her natural nectar, she grinned.
“Now I see why he don’t play about you.”
Nieema giggled and sighed, cradling Jasper’s full cheeks. “I can cook too, you know. And, I’m talented, smart, courageous, and fine as hell. There is more to me than my perfect pussy.”
“You are all of that and more, I’m sure.”
Nieema sniffed and dropped hands. “You cute. I’d tell you to keep talking, but I need a shower. How about you join—“
“I can’t.”
Nieema was the one who’d laid everything bare. On the table, clear for her to see. Full transparency. She’d erected boundaries not even an hour ago, and yet, she wanted to obliterate them.
Nieema didn’t want Jasper to leave so soon, but had no choice. They were here for the vibes and shit. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Okay, yeah. Of course.”
Nieema cleared her throat and figured herself foolish. Jasper was far from the first woman they’d met and fucked. And she wouldn’t be the last. Ignoring the weird prick in her chest, Nieema hopped off the woman.
Palm open and outstretched, Nieema called her house robe. After donning satin, she snatched up the woman’s clothes. Jasper had twisted and wrapped her tail.  Tucked high and out of sight around her thigh. Nieema hated it and wanted to know why a succubus born in hell was ashamed of such a beautiful part of herself. It definitely had something to do with Trevor.
Nieema forced a smile and handed the articles over.
“Thanks again, Nieema. You woke this old succubus up.”
“Happy to help.”
Sliding into them tight shorts, Jasper beamed. Fangs and a telling gleam in her eyes was quite a portrait. “I bet.”
“You fed well, I take?” Nieema asked, chin lifted.
“Indeed.” She loomed. The succubus snickered and stole a kiss. One more and she was gone. The door clicked, and Nieema grunted. “She a good one. Different. Her power is beyond any we’ve had. I thought she was gon’ tear me in half. Whew, chile. Look at you, freaky ass.”
Buck slumped in his chair. Butt ass naked, dick on limp and sullied by his own hand. Nieema cackled at the sight. “Bring your ass on, Moss Balls, let’s get cleaned up.”
“I couldn’t help it, you know how I get watching.”
“Hm. I’m sure you had quite the show.”
“Y’all was rocking steady, baby.” He high whistled, following her into the bathroom. “And she is sumn’ else. God damn, I wanna tackle allat jelly.”
“Looks like you gotta be patient.” Nieema turned on the shower and stripped.
“She just don’t know how good it’s gonna be with her teasing me like this.”
“I envy the woman,” she said, twirling on her toes. Nieema hugged her husband and kissed his hair-dusted chest. “In the meantime, you want me to scratch that itch for you?”
“You damn straight. Come here and gimmie that suga’!”
His love put the sun to shame; it brightened him. Nieema would never grow old or tired of his obsession. He was a good man who loved his woman, and Nieema was the luckiest vampire in the world to have snagged the very best Fate had to offer.

Listen, let me tell y’all something, I didn’t want them to fuck yet. I really didn’t. I wanted to make them wait another chapter or two. But Jasper and Nieema wanted this to go their way. I kept fighting it, but in the end, they won! And Nieema, the poor woman, she’s enamored. I can’t blame her. And yo, the idea of Buck being a shameless Cuck is so funny and thrilling. I love him with my whole heart.
He’s gonna crack that succubus wide open. I know it. I have an idea how and when this will happen…But I hope y’all love monster romances.
Anyway, thank you so much for being here. I couldn’t do this without y’all. Have a lovely week and HYDRATE! Byyyeee, Bookie!

Chapter 30: To Bend & Quiver

Nieema’s red, shimmering attention and emotional rise stoked more than an inner flame. Their combined presence stirred environs and Buck’s evergreen lust. As always, the meshing of their souls called to her darker proclivities. She wanted them open, vulnerable, pleading for mercies she’d edge them with.
Jasper propped her ass up on the desk and hummed. She swiped the binder and leafed through it to keep herself busy.
“What I want from everyone is transparency. I want open communication and mutual understanding.”
“Pertaining to?” the vampiress inquired.
“Us.”
Nieema’s laughter was nefarious in nature. Jasper smirked, spotting a fantastical piece. A nude figure astride a unicorn. The latter was adorable with fangs and an even sharper horn. Having a dastardly idea for this one, she plucked it.
“I was afraid I’d scared you off,” Nieema said.
“In all honesty, you did.” Jasper glanced at Mrs. Sunside. She concentrated on the patch but nodded. “I like to gather myself before jumping headfirst. I am apprehensive, not unwilling. After Trevor…” She snarled and cocked a brow. Jasper flipped another page and studied linen squares. The artist had a skilled hand. Talented, they created mosaics.
Buck cleared his throat. “You were saying?”
“Yeah, sorry. Uhm, thanks to him, I’m not in the mood for titles or monogamy. I don’t want long-term. Moreover, I don’t want any part of your high-profile lifestyle.”
Jasper sighed, pushed off, and clapped the binder shut. She tossed it on the desk and decided to peruse. She clocked the tub labeled THREADS and pulled it out. Jasper cracked the lid and whistled. Meticulously organized and colorful. “Can I borrow a few?”
“If you keep talking.”
Jasper snickered and went on, “I know royals and the expectations that come with them. Whosoever steps foot into your chamber is expected to carry themselves to a certain standard. They are watched, followed. I’m done with that shit.”
Jasper nabbed various shades of blue, purple, and red. Pastels were next. She was heavy-handed with them, but Nieema didn’t show interest in her haul.
“I’m gonna tell you just like I told your husband, I don’t want drama, chaos, or anyone in my business.”
Nieema sucked her teeth. “If that’s all you want, I gotchu, but let’s be clear, there will be times when we are unavailable. You understand? We are not beholden to you. We aren’t exclusive,e and with that, for us, come boundaries.”
“Speak them,” Jasper demanded, meeting Nieema’s sanguine stare.
“Buck and I put our marriage first. If, for any reason, we feel the need to slow or cut you off entirely, that is our right. We will communicate such things, but we expect the same from you. We are grown as hell. Ain’t no ghosting shit over here. If you’re not in the mood, say that. If you want a moment with one of us, alone, text in advance. We got a lot going on, as I’m sure you are aware. Expecting time without notice is not how we operate.”
Jasper approved. There were no strings to snap or knots. No room for questions or concerns. Nieema laid everything bare. Without negotiation. How Jasper chose to take it was a personal matter. She respected it.
“And what about you, Buck?” She set her sights on the man and shrugged. “What are your guidelines?”
He pulled from his pipe and lounged. “She told you already.”
“I like it.” Jasper bit her lip and grunted.”Plain and simple. We have an accord, your Highness.”
Nieema peered, claws thrumming on wood.
“Good. I’m glad. But you still didn’t answer the question.”
“Which was?”
“You’re cute,” the Queen said, grinning. “If I kissed you right now, would I taste my husband on your tongue?”
Heat stroked her spine and swelled. Jasper matched Nieema’s faceted fixation as the scent of burning cherry wood perforated.
“You tell me, Your Majesty.”
From sitting to standing in a single breath. Jasper didn’t flinch as the vampire snatched the box and slammed it on the desk. The tiny woman was fierce. “They say vampires are impenetrable. Unbreakable and solid. Shall we put it to test?”
A concerning growl pulled her to attention. Jasper snapped to Buck and his aloof demeanor. “What was that?”
He smoked and stared. Cool fingers gripped her chin. Nieema forced Jasper to lock in. She met the Queen’s ruby glare and purred with satisfaction.
Nieema wasn’t one to be teased or played. The kiss cracked Jasper wide and tugged on soaked coils of desire. Pressure and pleasure mounted as their lips fused. Jasper put her tongue to use. She twisted, tasting every delicious drop of lust this vampire offered. The cloying notes were almost overwhelming. Her want was thick, nearly tangible.
Falling into and under her spell, Jasper grasped Nieema’s heavy ass.
Plump and dimpled, it enticed. The woman yanked on her shorts and nipped. Jasper flinched and cut their contact. The slight sting made her walls ripple and sweat.
Nieema licked her luscious brown lips and asked, “Do you enjoy an audience or would you prefer he participate?”
Jasper clung to Nieema and cast her gaze to Mr. Sunside. Unfazed and collected on the surface, he burned below. His soul was agitated. Tasting his want and vexation, Jasper hissed.
“Until I want your company, you can watch. But you should know that won’t be tonight.”
Nieema laughed, her lips cool and grazing. Jasper kneaded all that ass and enjoyed how the queen lingered at her throat.
“I got nothin’ but time,” Buck rasped.
“Good to know.”
With patience dwindling and hands full, Jasper hoisted Nieema high. The woman scoffed but didn’t protest, wrapping legs around her waist.
Nieema captured Jasper’s lips for a second time and worsened the ache. She roiled an old succubus. Her plush form and lips weren’t enough, and as their kiss tapered, Jasper hissed.
“Where to?”
“Follow him,” Nieema ordered, nuzzling a scorched spot behind the ear.
Buck was up and leading their journey. Jasper tracked the man by way of soul. His darkened desire and irritation was delicious.
“You lucky I’m in the mood to be handled,” Nieema drawled, pecking and nipping.
“The luckiest woman in Indigo Plains.”
“Don’t sweet-talk me, demon. I don’t need that shit.”
“Understood.” Jasper slapped her ass.
Nieema yelped and bit her lobe. She giggled under the playful assault and kissed her flat on the mouth. Nieema moaned and groaned as their troop halted.
Her majesty snipped their affections and dropped to the floor. She pranced across the room and attacked her husband. While they went at it, Jasper gulped, taking her fill and a moment.
She assessed their marital chambers and shivered. Love overflowed. It drenched every surface. Staining the duvet and cal king bed, their shared lust enchanted the space.
Jasper meandered, seeking to understand. To know them. To delve into what made the Sunsides unavoidable. Their room was packed. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall. Greenery and art surrounded them. Ivy scaled and twisted around four posts fitted with iron rings.
The canopy was a nice touch. No headboard, only a mirror.
“What are these for?” Jasper asked, flicking metal. She tugged, testing it. “Who likes to be tied and bound?”
“You stalling?” Nieema asked, approaching. Her predatory gait made Jasper want to bite. Scratch and score. The vampire shoved, forcing her backwards.
“I wouldn’t call it stalling. I was starving. And y’all are good fare.”
Nieema yanked Jasper’s shorts. The small, alluring woman was as impatient as her husband.
“Is she always like this?” Jasper asked.
Buck was tucked off into an inky corner. Lavender-hued smoke and gleaming gold fangs were the only indication he was even there. She smelled him, guzzled his arousal.
A blast of cool heat caused Jasper pain. She gasped and stumbled. Fingers graced her pussy.
“Let me taste it.” Nieema convinced her with the slow dip and arrival. A single finger made Jasper stagger and collapse on the bed bench. Legs spread and claws clenching curls.
Jasper had nothing as Nieema pulled her shorts off. She kicked the fabric free and scooted. Offering herself.
The vampire knelt and kneaded her inner thighs. “Flex for me. Let me see her drip.”
Jasper did as she was told and panted. She licked her dry lips as Nieema patted her mons and belly before teasing.
“I love how y’all look when ready. Reds, pinks, and purples. Ain’t nothing so pretty as succubi pussy. I swear it.” Nieema grunted and glanced two fingers against her pulsing slit. “Look at you. Greedy.”
“Nieema, please.”
“Please, what?”
“Taste me, kiss it.”
Nieema snarled, eyes ablaze. “You don’t gotta beg when I’m this hungry, baby.”
Jasper keened the moment Nieema set lips upon her. The wet heat made lids flutter and head loll. It’d been so god damn long.
She caught a fever and melted beneath her lashing. Nieema was a skilled queen. She was careful, giving, and sweet. Taking her time, she lapped and circled in slow, torturing strokes.
She tugged, sucked. Licked and slurped. The obscene melody worked to tighten the inflamed knot in Jasper’s belly. Nieema was a master at her craft. Too damn good. She drew her pleasure and stalled it. Edging with ease.
Jasper heaved, pulling the woman’s hair. She cussed and rocked against her.
“God damn, Nieema.” Fire encapsulated her as the vampire used her abilities. She was better than any vibrator or toy. It’d been a long while, but Jasper remembered. She never had this. Never had another find the clit and dance with it.
“Shiiiit!” Jasper hollered, seeking oblivion. She tensed, thighs shaking. Heady spices, blood, and lust provoked her demonic instincts. She wanted to take and claim. Plunge and demand. “Oooooo, damn girl. You, you—oh, fuck!”
She arched and allowed Nieema to hike her up. The Queen cradled her ass and feasted as if it were her last supper.
Jasper gritted her teeth and watched the show. Lungs seizing, she rode Nieema’s face and bore into her gaze. She was vicious and powerful. Unforgiving, fangs penetrated at the same moment Jasper erupted. “Ohohohooooahh!”
Because she was a succubus, her pussy creamed and sucked fingers clean. A golden deluge streamed and painted Nieema’s lips.
Lacking finesse and with little civility to spare, Jasper yanked Nieema to her feet. She rid the woman of all layers and latched onto her breast.
Jasper explored the soft planes of her supple form and pulled her in. She locked arms around her waist and lavished Nieema with kisses. She squeezed and groped, loving her lush body.
“Turn around,” Jasper commanded. Nieema arched a regal brow but smirked. She spun about and blessed her. That ass was gorgeous. Sitting, wide, and round.
Jasper had no shame. She bit her left ass cheek.
“Ah!” Nieema rubbed bite marks and peeked over her shoulder. “You sneaky devil.”
“I’ve only just begun. Touch your toes, Majesty.”
She didn’t hesitate to bend over and present herself. “Open up to me. Spread them.”
Nieema widened her stance. Blush pink and sable had never looked so divine. She glistened and wept.
Leaving any and all worries at the door, Jasper unraveled her tail and flicked it.
“Is this what you want?” Jasper snaked her way between Nieema’s legs and tapped her clit with the tip. “You want me to fuck you now?”

Chapter 29: Of Queen and Men

After parking her truck in the garage, Nieema followed Hank through the mudroom. They kicked off their shoes, and she dropped her purse on the bench. Keys in the bowl, she grumped and carried onward.
Using her vampire will, she turned on the lights and opened curtains along the way. Their ranch house was expansive yet homey. She’d dressed every surface in artwork and lined each console with trinkets from around the world.
“I still think you went light on the man,” Hank muttered.
“He’s my cousin, sir.”
“A cousin who was spying on you.”
“Not me, Jasper.”
Nieema grimaced as they entered the kitchen, whereupon Hank wrenched patio doors aside. He shoved and pulled until a warm summer breeze greeted them.
Nieema loved fresh air. It was far better than underground stank and granite. Minerals and stoneware. Humans buried their dead in the dirt, below ground. Nieema thought that shit was hilarious, given how vampire covens preferred subterranean communities.
“Annnd, is that supposed to make it less cruel?”
“You’re right,” Nieema stated. “It doesn’t. But I’m not in the business of decapitation…anymore.” She nabbed the decanter resting on the island and poured. An aromatic blended wine made her fangs throb. “Long ago, during sword and sorcery, I woulda’ had his head. You know that. But times are different. I understand the value of life. Community service should suffice.”
Hank arched a brow, stealing the second glass of Grand Pa’nidere. He grumbled, lips to the rim.
“You just lopped somebody’s head off in cold blood.”
“We ain’t talking about her,” Nieema warned.
“You killed, Veronica!”
“She murdered fourteen vampires, Hank!”
Nieema gulped a glorious concoction and threw on some good ol’ fashion city jazz. The kind from back in the day. The music that lived in the very heart of her people. It roused spirits and pleased their ancestors.
Percussion, snares, and high hats. She closed her eyes for a beat, letting the music have the moment.
“Your soon-to-be bride snaked her way into the coven and gutted our folks.”
Her heart cramped, and blood pricked in her eyes. Dry wells stung with a dangerous vow. “How was I supposed to handle that, Hank? Huh? Because you know good and damn well if somebody hurts my family, they gotta die. And by my hand. I don’t play that shit! I would kill anyone who even thought to cross my family. My people. My kin by blood and name. Don’t act like you don’t know.”
Heat flared in her chest as she slashed a hand. Daring to send everything on the island crashing to the floor. Bulbs flickered, and the decanter rattled under her boiling fury.
“We been through the mud, boy. And now you acting like one person is above us. Don’t you fucking dare. I’m Queen of Ravensguard. It is my vow to protect and defend everyone who calls this place home.”
Hank’s steely gaze and curled lip wasn’t a good sign. “What if it was Buck?”
“Fuck outta my face with that mess!” Nieema swiped her glass and stomped past her knight. “Get the hell on before I go upside your head.”
“You don’t like how them tables turn—“
“Veronica used you.” Nieema gritted her molars and faced her illumine pool. “She poisoned you with a powerful love potion, brotha’. Think. You’d never put anyone above your honor. Not even yourself.”
“Ain’t no way,” Hank uttered, disbelief slicing into his anger. “I would have known, I—we were about to get hitched and all—nah. Hell no.”
Nieema cleared her throat and shrugged, eyes on her right hand. “I gave your blood to Maggie. She exposed all. It’s gonna take a minute for you to wake up. But the moment Veronica died, the spell was broken. You’ll come around any night now.”
“Bulllshit.” Her brother fumed as he traveled elsewhere on the ranch.
“Where are you going without shoes on?”
“To see a witch!”
“I love you.”
She didn’t expect Hank to respond, still in his feelings. This entire situation would haunt that old vampire in the months to come, and she’d be there for him when he cracked.
Doing away with one problem, she swigged her favorite bloodied wine and cracked her neck.
Back in the house, she replaced the glass with a rag and got to cleaning. Jaunty tunes and crooning made her night. She two-stepped, twirled, and dipped to horn-blowing melodies until she grew bored with housework.
Her night had just begun, but that didn’t mean she had to stay corset-ready. It was pretty, bedazzled, and hoisted them tiddies, but she was through. That was the beauty of working from home: one got to wear whatever they wanted. Nieema opted for a long, thin, leopard print gown and a headscarf to match.
At around nine, Nieema was focused on her patches. Head ducked, eyes on the needle. With quick efficiency, she worked on patches. Her sewing machine buzzing and whirring. It was a comfort she sought during those rough hours. When royal duties had her by the fang. After Veronica, she sat up in her office for ten hours straight.
Ms. Corvin was having a baby. Mrs. Briar wanted something for her grandmother, and Francis, the fire chief, needed a quilt for someone in recovery.
Music, hot bloodwine, and the humming motor calmed her nerves. After Veronica, she sat up in her office for ten hours straight. Before her, the last person she’d had to vanquish was Maudrin the Sordid. He was a nasty motha fucka who’d tried to kill her father. As General, it was her job to dispatch the Warlock, and she did just that. Three hundred years ago.
It was her last battle.
Nieema yelped at the feel of hands on her shoulders. “God damn you, Buckley!”
He laughed and kissed her cheek. “You were supposed to sniff me out, bloodsucker.”
She giggled and patted his hand. “You know how it goes when I’m up here working.”
“I do.”
Buck squeezed before release. He swaggered over to the tiny sofa, wedged between shelving units. He groaned and plopped down. Nieema assessed and smirked. He was agitated and darker than usual. Her husband couldn’t hide a damn thing.
She read the gum cracking for what it was.
“What did he want?”
He sighed, tugged free his braid. It lay across his shoulder, thick. The bound ends rested upon suede. It was time for a trim, and he’d hate it.
“Whatcbu think, Nimmy?”
“They can’t have you.”
“He knows.”
“Then, where we go from here?”
Buck flicked his gaze to the window and said, “I gotta take a trip.”
“Don’t you mean we?”
“Nimmy…”
She scoffed and picked thread from the ruined patch. Her perfectionism wouldn’t allow for faults. She cut threads and mused.
“We both know I ain’t welcome. But I’ll be damned to let you go without me. That family is unwell. What if they don’t let you leave? Or worse—oh my god. My blood pressure already taking a hit. Oooo chile. I swear—I’ll turn that forest into a marsh.”
“Calm down, woman. You gettin’ all flustered, and we know don’t nothing good happens when you’re stressed.”
“Baby, if you gotta take a trip, fin,e but I wi—“
“You signed a treaty, Nimmy.”
She tossed the thread cutter and cussed. Cooling the fire in her gut, she returned to the patch and sewing machine. Nieema tapped the paddle and steadied her hands.
“I’m the one who created that damn treaty, Buck. They get to keep them fifteen hundred acres because I say so. My daddy was due to burn the m, and that was his last option.
“If we hadn’t signed that damn thing, we’d be killed by overgrowth and fauna. Listen, if they wanna get to squabbling, then so be it. But I’m going, and we both know that’s the end of it. I gotcha, old man.” Buck affixed his softened, dark stare upon her and relaxed.
“You ain’t gotta tell me what I already know. I just don’t want to cause trouble, Nimmy.”
“That isn’t up to you. It’s on them.”
He sighed while she freed the finished patch and set another on the plate. Nieema situated it just right and muttered.
“Other than Palison, how was your night?”
“Not bad, I mighta broke the ice with her.”
Nieema smiled as he recalled Jasper’s training. She was a quick learner, but had no interest in tools. That was fine cause most folks knew what they were looking for. Nieema completed five patches while they conversed about the mundane. Kids, grand babies, the house, their shop business, and what was on schedule for Friday night in the dungeon.
Curls and coils of smoke soothed her better than any Jazzy track. His dusky lilt was the highlight of her night, making her heart swell with gladness.
She, the demoness, knocked on wood. Syrupy sweet notes preceded her.
Nieema focused on the double stitch and said, “I heard you bought a hammer. What do you plan on doing with that?”
“Building stuff. Whenever we actually get to it. I’d love to start breaking shit.”
Buck’s raspy, smoke-laden chuckle was delightful. “Day or two, and we’ll get started. You so impatient.”
“Not really.”
Nieema popped upward and drank in the woman. She’d changed. Silk and twill for cotton. A matching set. Soft, tight, and pink. Nieema had more to say than hello about how she stepped into the space.
Buck wasn’t a man with shame. He had no qualms with staring. Neither was on the same page, though her lack of tail irked.
Jasper strolled on into the office barefoot, anklets chiming with each step. She went straight for the binder loaded with commissions.
“I finished the orc piece.”
“Lovely,” Nieema intoned, not giving a fuck about the commission. “Where is your tail, ma’am?”
Buck grunted. “I was wonderin’ the same, baby.”
“Keep wondering,” the succubus clipped, turning plastic pages. “I might take about five more; the first made me anxious for more work.”
“How much you want for it?”
“Mmm, fifty—”
“No,” Buck hissed on a harsh exhale.
“Be confident, Jasper.”
“Seven—”
“I seen it,” Buck added, eyes locked on the demoness and her thighs. “Your low balling ‘bouta piss me off, ma’am.”
“Shit, fine. Two hundred.”
“Done,” Nieema chimed, happy to pay the woman. “Nice doing business with you.”
“Money well spent.” Buck wagged his pipe at Jasper and winked. “Worth every cent, Nimmy.”
Shock and awe, Jasper beamed, and Nieema loved the sultry curve of her mouth. Recalling the plush, pillow-soft kiss, she scoffed.
“It’s alright,” Jasper corrected. “Not my best, but decent enough.”
“So, what?” Buck sneered, a swirl of lavender clouds framed his menacing portrait. “You calling me a liar? I know art when I see it.”
“From now on,” Nieema started, foot on the paddle. She tapped and watched her stitch. “I only wanna hear you speak good of your projects. Because if you don’t believe in them, no one will. Oftentimes, a lack of confidence seeps. Your customers will notice. Now, tell me, Jasper, what is my husband hiding? There’s more to your moment, but he’s being coy. Maybe you can shed some light on your time with Buckley Sunside. Did my man behave himself tonight?”

Y’allllll, I don’t know what happened! I pressed publish on this thing LAST NIGHT! But tell me why I just looked to see how y’all are taking to it, to find that it DIDN’T publish. Also, I tried to publish it without a title… Listen, this is what I get for trying to do shit late at night right after I get off of work. *Crying emoji
Anyhoo, I hope you had a great weekend and have an even better week! See you soon, and as always, thank you so much for reading! Byyyyeee.

Chapter 28: The Swooning Succubus

Bone marrow melted, and the body had transformed into a pyre. She’d never been taken so ruthlessly. Buck was relentless and thorough. Her lips tingled, and pussy wanted to consume him. Every god damn inch. Jasper would damn well let him sleep in it.
His soul and desire worked in tandem to destabilize her. To provoke her. It was glorious, though, new and frightening. Their fleeting moment mimicked the minutes she’d shared with Nieema.
The Queen coated his tongue; they danced well together. Not only had Nieema’s flavor caused a flurry of sensations, but it had also made Jasper crave Buck. The thought of them pelted her soul with smoldering pleasure.
Jasper had almost burst in her slacks from the vision. Did she need a release? Yes. What Buck and Nieema beckoned would be her ruin. Jasper was certain that when this man took her wholly, she’d writhe and wither, sniveling for another.
This was cause for hesitation.
His heady passion was delicious. It satisfied and worsened her pangs. But she’d never been this bad off. Never so exposed. Wanting a man to such a degree was unbecoming for succubi. Her sisters would’ve tried to bury her in soot and drake ash.
“What the hell and highs are doing in my god damn store?!”
Leaning against the counter was an oak of verdant waves, freckles, and a fiery opal stare. He was a ravishing creature, Jasper wanted to know.
She extended a palm quick, fast, and in a hurry. “Jasper. I run this place. What do you need?”
He smelled of honeysuckle and fresh waters. His soul was brighter than the midday sun. He tasted like candy. This was a gorgeous man she’d love to sip on, though his upturned nose was telling.
He didn’t trust anyone and definitely not Jasper. She dropped the hand and clapped once, sliding over to a shelf filled with weird shit she didn’t know how to use.
She left the men to stare at each other. Bad blood and taut ties. They were family, too. Estranged kin, Jasper presumed. He was the palest man she’d ever seen, so perhaps they were cousins.
She would rather not be nosy or eavesdrop, but didn’t have a choice. Noticing unkempt shelves, she decided to tidy up while trying not to listen.
“Im’on ask you again, why—“
“You work here?” The man asked, judgment sharp enough to cut his tongue. “Why would the Queen’s consort waste his time working among commoners?”
Jasper scoffed, minding her business. She situated boxes of screws and nuts. Counted tubs of putty and swiped a finger through a pat of dust.
She took to reading. Fill, scrape, washers, caulk, wrench, drivers. Most of this shit could’ve been written in Rakish.
Bored with it, she ventured around the corner and found a row filled with hammers. Jasper perused, looking for something that fit her personality.
She spotted a pink one and snatched it. “Oooooo.” Noting the price, she cursed. “Hay!” Jasper grabbed two hammers and stalked toward the store’s owner. “You want to explain this to me?”
She showcased the tools, and both men blinked. The interruption had come at a bad time, but this needed sorting.
“What?” Buck gritted.
“This pink one is twelve dollars, and the other is ten. They’re of the same brand and size. Why is the pink one more expensive?”
Buck lifted his chin and nodded. “Funny that. Feel free to change the price. I don’t see the point. Brands be doing funny shit. Our last manager left us high and dry, but they didn’t pay attention to much. Good eye, Jasper. Set the price, and I’ll approve it.”
She hummed and smirked. “Thank you.” Twirling on her heels, Jasper listened for a moment.
“Palison, there ain’t no need for you come on up here. It won’t change my mind.”
“I understand that.” Palison sighed. “Believe me. You’re already a king. Why Her Majesty wants to stay here, in a podunk, middle of nowhere, outhouse of a town I’ll never—“
“Fuck you!” Buck bellowed. “Stupid ass bitch. Don’t run your mouth about my home. I’ll put you through it, Palison. See, you always think you better than everyone else—”
“I don’t think, I know I am.”
“What a diva,” Jasper muttered, taking her leave. Heading to the back, hammer in hand, she whistled but halted at Palison’s response.
“Half brother!” Buck countered. “And I don’t even know you. We met one other time, and it was in Lightbridge for that gala thing.”
“Brother?” Jasper whispered, standing near the EMPLOYEE ONLY door.
“This is true,” Palison said. “But as our kingdom’s courtier, it is my duty to speak with you face to face. We have two choices here, Myrrhnelle.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“It’s your namesake.”
“Nah. Never been. It’s Buck.”
“Very well, Buck…you either ascend or relinquish your crown to Thedius, in person.”
“Why can’t we just do a video call or some shit? Everybody doing it these days. I don’t gotta be there.”
“A video call? You want to cede through a fucking—Soil of Soul be with me. No.”
“Why not?”
“There are formalities, and we, as a people, stick to them.”
“That’s the whole problem.”
“You don’t have a choice in the matter, Buck. It’s one of two things: death. Take your pick.”
Jasper tutted and shook her head. More political nonsense. She’d escaped Undervell to avoid this bullshit.
Good thing this was a Buck problem and not a them problem. She had little hope. Fucking the Sunsides was inevitable. A good time would be had, but it’d go no further.
She’d never again trust anyone to do right or give her heart and soul. It was a death trap that had nearly killed her once.
Jasper’s therapist would’ve been upset, but she was free to love or not. That was the beauty of being her own person. It’s the whole reason why Jasper was here and not under her father’s shiny, gold-plated hoof.

Hey y’all, if you recognize the holidays, I hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend! With another holiday over, I present to you, chapter 28. I should know this, buuuuut, it’s a different chapter in MS mode.
Anyway, Jasper and Buck have come to that moment. The one where the unwilling gives. Where they meet in the middle. One person takes what’s offered while the other wants nothing more. THIS IS MY FAVORITE PARRRRT! Ugh. I love how Buck and Jasper are damn near evenly matched. They see eye to eye, all the while butting heads.
This chapter was short. But the next will be long and SPICY! I can’t wait. Anyhoo, as always, thank you for sparing a moment or two on Patchwork. Your support is priceless. See y’all next week and have a wonderful night. Byyye!