The Ruby Empire

The Manticore: Part Two

Female Reader x Male Monster

A couple of years ago, your father tried to kill you. He took you to the cave of the manticore, where he heard legend the dreaded creature would eat the miserable and disabled, giving the living a bag of coin for their trouble. The only reason you were miserable was that your father was an asshole. The only thing wrong with you was that you were four feet tall. Not being able to reach the top shelf wasn't your fault, if anything it was his. Well, that didn't stop him from dumping you like bad eggs.

The creature in the cave was scary, you'll admit that right away. You were terrified and afraid you'd get eaten. For such a creature as him, you'd be a pretty hefty mouthful. Instead, the manticore was kind to you. He took pity on your situation, as you found out he did to all the discarded. He gave them enough money to start life anew or even found them the help they needed. But for you, he decided to keep you. He treated you like a goddess, delivering you gifts every day. Eventually, you were smitten.

You fell for the creature and offered him the sweetest gift you give, yourself. Making love to him was both tender and wild. Looking at the two of you side by side no one would ever guess such a little thing could take the manticore's cock. Yet you did and happily at that.

For the next couple of years, you and the manticore lived in a honeymoon like bliss. You helped him with his task of taking care of those who were unceremoniously dumped at the cave. He would provide the money and you would provide them safety. With your darling manticore's fortune, you were able to build a safe house for those left behind. You would guide them there and they could choose to stay or find their own way into the world. For those who could not take care of themselves, help and a loving home were found for them. Sometimes, this required you to travel away from your beloved beast.

You were returning home from such a trip. You had just taken a young girl, born with withered legs, to a family far up north on the shore. You had made friends with a husband and wife who had a farm and took in children with birth defects and raised them as their own. They were familiar with the manticore, having met him once when the husband had gotten lost in his cave.

You ran down to the cave, huffing, and puffing as you came to the entrance, for once wishing your legs were long enough so you could run faster. As you round the curve that takes you to the entrance of your home you hear a familiar growl.

"I recognize those footsteps," he breathes. "That tiny little scurry of hurry." He steps out of the cave and you break into a huge grin. You rush into his arms and loop your arms around his neck. "My tiny bride, how I've missed you."

You kiss him lovingly and sigh with relief. "I'm so happy to be back."

He places you on his back as he walks back into the cave. You cuddle to his soft fur and wiry mane. He smells so good, like home and love.

"You must be tired," he says.

"I am," you murmur. "All I've thought about lately is our bed."

He takes you to the nest, laying you down and then curling around you. He lays his head on your chest and he sighs. "I've not slept at all."

You giggle. "Oh really?" You scratch behind his ears. "Did you miss me so?"

"Of course I did," he scoffs. "I worry something will happen to you when you're away. That keeps me awake. I've also become ill-equipped to sleep alone! I used to be fine alone. Now, I miss you beside me."

You hug him tight, curling against him. "I was worried too," you murmur. "That you were worried."

He scoffs and pinches your cheek. "I can take care of myself."