Black Coffee

Chapter 15: From Dusk Til Dawn

        "That's excellent, darling! Now, grind up that marshmallow for me, will you? We'll make a poultice with it."

       Where your darling mate came by all his energy, you had no clue, but as he hummed joyfully with his music beside you, you counted that boundless energy a blessing. After four hours of grinding, mixing, and energy transference, you were just about ready to keel over!

       Your little shadows swayed as they observed your every movement, some actually sidling up to Alastor's side for some pets and snuggles. Each of your violent little shadows were an amalgamation of your turmoil- representing a stage in your life, along with the violence of your never ending wrath. It was nice seeing the ones willing to welcome your mate. Most of these violent shadows abhorred men and those presenting as male, made even more apparent as three of them hung back within the darkness, simmering with small growls every now and then. But hey, at least they weren't attacking him- not that they could actually hurt your powerful overlord.

       In fact, Alastor seemed utterly entranced by all of your little darlings. Perhaps he had an idea of how they worked. He was a shadow manifest as well, but every demon's inner workings were different. One must learn to understand themselves if they were to 'survive' hell. And especially with shadow manifests, the rules became so much more muddled.

      "Why don't we pick this up tomorrow? You look utterly exhausted, mon cœur," Alastor's voice brought you back to yourself. You felt him press gently into your side as he leaned to nuzzle your ear.

      With a sigh, you relented and turned to cuddle into him. Soft growls could be heard from your more disgruntled shadows, but there was an underlying purr to their tone. Observing a male that cared for you was probably really good for them, even if they were stressed by the situation. You could all use a break.

      "Yes sir." You wouldn't even argue. There was still a good two weeks to get everything done.

      The smirk that rose on your mate's lips told you that you had probably scratched his dom itch. Hmm, perhaps later you could introduce him to some of your more submissive behavior. But right now, you were exhausted.

     Concentrating on your connection, you instructed your shadows on which salves and potions were ready for watching before snapping a stasis bubble around your work station. Your mate gave an impressed hum and you turned to walk back to your bedroom.

       Alastor found your realm of darkness incredibly interesting, bending and feeling against the drawing of your door once you'd sealed it. You couldn't help but giggle at his adorable excitement- he did love a good puzzle, it would seem.

       With a wide yawn and a big stretch you walked over to your bed and curled up under the covers, beckoning your darling to join you. Alastor crawled under the covers to pull you into his arms, kissing the top of your head when you nuzzled into him. You were so comfortable... Safe... Warm, and loved. Sleep took hold and you glided happily into dreamland.

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      You awoke moments before your darling, stretching your body out with a wide yawn as static hummed beside you.

      "Good morning, darling," you croaked out, turning over to greet your love. You adored seeing him like this. Messy bed head and floppy eared, he met your gaze with glowing eyes and a soft smile before leaning to touch his nose to yours- so incredibly cute!