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.
