Now that Heart is part of the land, it's time for her to actually find a good place to sleep. Her long just won't cut it for the wolf hybrid. At least, according to Alastor.

Ch 4: A Home

It was the next morning and when the sun was almost full in the sky, Heart finally woke up. She definitely needed some sleep although the makeshift den in the hollow log was starting too not be comfortable anymore. She had trouble getting comfortable last night. She needed to make an actual den, but she needed to find a good spot.

Heart lifted her head and yawned. She got out of the log and stretched out her stiff muscles. Her stomach then rumbled, and she then felt how hungry she was. She decided to go out hunting and see what she could find for breakfast. She sniffed a moment but sensed nothing. She decided to walk in a direction and hoped she could find something.

She walked, not knowing exactly where she was going but she could use her nose if she had to. Soon she came to a large river. She looked down at the water at her reflection, but then saw a few fish swimming around. Normally it wasn't something she would want, but she wasn't going to be picky this morning. She sat at the side of the river and waited for the fish to come closer to her.

She stuck her paw in the water, wanting to see if the fish would take the trick. After waiting a few moments, a fish got closer and was almost to her. When it got close enough, Heart moved as quickly as she could and scooped the fish. The fish went flying out of the water and landed a little way beside her, flopping around on the ground.

Heart reacted and went over to the fish. She tried to get it before it could flop back into the water. She managed to get her jaws around it, and it wiggled a little in her mouth. Taking the fish as far away from the water as possible she tried to make her way back to the hollow log. Using her nose, to the best of her ability, she managed to get back. The fish finally stopped moving and she put it on the ground.

The hybrid laid down and started to dig into the fish, trying her best to not eat the scales. She wasn't much for fish, but something was better than nothing. As she ate there, she looked around the area and was just relaxed for the most part. She was almost enjoying the peace and quiet compared to the noise of the pack. This forest was definitely wonderful.

Last night, all of yesterday actually, was a joy ride. She tried to recap everything that happened. She met so many new demons. So many new faces to know. Although the one she hasn't forgotten was Alastor. The handsome buck made himself known to her and it was obvious that she would be under his watchful eye for a while. Honestly, she didn't mind. He made her feel safe, which was weird. She felt she could trust him.

Heart finished off the fish and cleaned her muzzle. She took care of the remains and then took in a deep breath. When she did, she picked up on something. It was familiar. Alastor. Her tail had a mind of its own and it started to wag. She tried to sit down and stop her tail, but it wasn't becoming effective. As she was distracted trying to stop her tail, she heard the sound of grass being shifted. She looked up to see the deer not far away from her.

"M-M-Morning. Lord Alastor." She managed to stutter out, her ears hot with embarrassment.

The deer had a smile on as he looked at her, "Morning little wolf. I was about in the middle of my morning rounds and wanted to come by and check on you. I hope you slept well?"

Heart nodded. "I slept well. Was a little stiff this morning but I can manage."

Alastor raised an eyebrow a moment as he looked at Heart and then looked at the hollow log where she has been sleeping. "Your sleep in that? It's kind of small for you."

Heart looked over at the log and then back to the deer. "Yea. It's temporary but it works for now."

He looked at her concerned. "But don't you need a bigger den to sleep?"

"I do." The hybrid said, nodding again. "I just need to take a look around first and find a good spot. That or an abandoned den and I can just dig it out for myself to fit my needs."

Alastor hummed and it looked like he was in thought. "I might be able to help you with that."

"Really? Well, you don't need to do that for me Lord Alastor." Heart said as she was surprised by the gesture.

He flashed her a genuine smile. "Please...just call me Alastor. At least, when we're alone."

The wolf hybrid felt her heart beat fast a moment at the words. She was surprised again, and she felt like it was all too much. He was being so nice to her. Was it all just an act or was it something more? She didn't want to think of it.

She cleared her throat. "Sure. I can do that."

Alastor nodded. "Now I myself can't help but I do know someone who can." The deer then turned to walk back into the woods. "Follow me please."

Heart didn't need to be told twice as she followed behind the deer. The walk was quiet as Alastor led the way. Heart was trying to memorize where they were and if there was anything she could see to remember where to go.

"Heart, may I ask you a question?" Alastor asked to break the silence.

"Of course. Ask me anything." Heart said as she walked to be beside him and looked up at him.

"Why don't you fly? Wouldn't it make it easier for you to get around?" Alastor wondered.

Heart went quiet. Her ears went back as she turned her muzzle to the ground in front of her. Alastor seemed to notice this mood and he almost felt bad asking. Almost.

Finally, the hybrid spoke, "I don't know how to fly. I never learned. I don't know how to use my wings except for intimidation."

Alastor went silent. He just looked down at her as she just kept looking at the ground. He almost let his smile dwindle as his ears flicked back a moment. He shook his head and quickly went back to normal.

"I'm guessing because your pack never wanted you to?" The deer guessed.

"That and I never had anyone to teach me. Alpha never took me anywhere to teach me. I wasn't allowed to leave the pack." She lifted her head and looked to the sky. "I tried to leave once. Go to the land of the dragons. I thought they could teach me." He put her head down again and looked forward. "I didn't know where I was going. I got lost. I got trapped in a mud hole, they managed to find me and get me out. My adopted mother was so worried about me. Alpha was angry. I wasn't allowed to leave the pack by myself after that."

As she finished explaining Alastor felt the feeling in his chest tighten. The dragons always had a problem with him so he wouldn't want her to go see them. He didn't want her to try and learn from them. Maybe there was a way to teach her to fly...if it wasn't' too late to do so.

Alastor took a moment to think of what to say next, "Do you want to learn?"

Heart stopped and that caused Alastor to stop. She sighed. "Maybe. I don't know. I guess I would like to try and see if I'm capable."

Alastor leaned his head down and nudged the side of Heart's head softly. "I'll see if I can find someone to help you with that too."

Heart's ears went up and she looked up at the deer. "Really? I feel this is an awful lot for just me Alastor. I don't know how I could repay you."

The deer smiled wider. "You don't have to repay me for anything." He put a hoof under her muzzle. "Think of it as a welcome gift from me to you."

Heart's ears went to the side in content as she looked at him. "Thank you. I don't know what else to say."

"No words need to be said darling. I just want you to be happy here." Alastor admitted to her.

The wolf's ears felt warm with a blush as he said that. It caused her to smile. "That means a lot to me." She said softly.

Alastor gave her a wink. "Come on dear. We have to find the demon to help you with this den predicament first." He started to walk again.

Heart followed the deer as he walked on. After a few minutes of walking, they finally stopped. They stood at the base of a big tree. It was bigger than the others surrounding it. There was a pond nearby with a frog croaking.

Alastor walked up to the tree, Heart sat down not far off. He tapped his hoof against the trunk. "Katana are in?"

There was a moment of silence. Soon they heard the sound of dirt shifting and paws working. Soon enough, from the bottom of the tree popped out the head of a red fox with one blue eye and one red eye, a scar over the right blue eye.

"Lord Alastor? How are you today?" The fox, Katana, asked.

"I'm well dear sir. I have come to ask a favor of you." Alastor stated.

"A favor?" Katan wondered as he stepped out of the hole and shook some dirt off his pelt. "What is it you request of me, my Lord?"

Alastor used his front hoof to gesture towards Heart just a little way behind him. "I know you know of some old and abandoned dens. Our new resident here needs to find one as her current living condition is unacceptable."

Katana looked over towards Heart and squinted his eyes at her. He looked agitated. The fox turned back to Alastor. "Lord if I may?" Alastor nodded. "I don't understand why I must help this wolf. I know that she probably won't be here forever. I don't see why you would want a permanent home for her."

Heart put her ears back at the fox's words. She looked away from them both and off to the side. She'd never be welcomed here, even if it were an enjoyable place so far. At least Alastor treated her nicely. At the same time, who knows how long that would last.

"You will help her Katana. She hasn't shown me any reason to send her away. So, she is staying." Alastor said to the fox sternly. "If it makes you comfortable, I will stay with you the whole time you help her."

The red fox just glared at the deer until he finally sighed. "Yes, Lord Alastor."

Alastor seemed to beam right back up with excited energy. "Fantastic. Well let's get started then. Where would you like to head to first?"

Katana groaned as he gave a stretch. "We start as far away from my home as possible."

The fox started to walk north. Alastor looked at Heart and saw that she still seemed upset. He took his snout and rubbed it against her ear quickly. She looked at him and enjoyed the gesture for him to calm her. She said nothing as she stood up and followed beside him.

The three walked through the trees and think brush. Katana stopped every now and then to make sure they were still behind him. He looked into old holes and dens from other animals. Some occupied. Others were just too small for the wolf hybrid and she would have a lot of work to do. Places the fox thought would be ok for her to be.

They walked around for a good while trying to find a den for Heart. Somewhere very unsuccessful. In the end Heart would have been perfectly fine having to dig one out. It would take a few days but if it had to be done, she would. Alastor stayed by her side the entire time. Even though he said he did it for the fox's sake, he secretly enjoyed the day. It was different and he liked it. Plus, for some reason, he was enjoying the time with Heart, even though he didn't understand why.

Soon they got to a slightly rocky hillside. A giant rock hung over the edge of the mound. The fox bolted and managed to disappear into the ground. Heart and Alastor stopped a moment to wait for the fox. Heart sat down and licked her paw. It was starting to hurt, but at least it was getting better.

Alastor noticed this. "Is your paw injured?"

"Only a little bit. I injured it the other night during my fight. It's just starting to hurt for a little bit. I'll be ok." She explained.

"I can help you." Alastor told her.

"How?" The wolf tilted her head.

The deer sat down facing her. "Put your paw on my chest." He spoke.

Heart made sure she heard correctly. "What?"

The deer chuckled. "Just do it. Trust me."

Heart was hesitant but turned more towards Alastor. She took her paw and placed it in the middle of his chest, slightly below his bowtie shaped marking.

Alastor took his one hoof and put it around her leg. Soon her paw started to glow red. She was amazing as she watched this happen and didn't even want to move. She noticed Alastor's eyes glowing bright as well as he looked down. Soon the glowing stopped, and he pulled himself away.

"How does that feel?" Alastor asked.

Heart took her paw back and swung it in the air a little and then placed it down. "Wow, it's honestly much better. I'm surprised." She looked at her paw a little bit and then up to Alastor. "Thank you."

"You're welcome darling. I'm happy to help as I said." He said to her as he smiled gently at her.

Their moment was interrupted then by Katana as he padded back up to them, "Surprised you want to help at all Alastor. You never care enough to help others."

Alastor eyes flashed with anger a moment but looked towards the fox. "What did you find friend?" He asked, avoiding the statement.

Katana huffed, annoyed that the Lord had ignored him. "I think I finally found something. Come take a look." He turned back and walked over to where he was.

He went back into a hole that was just under the large rock. Heart went forward while Alastor stayed back. She tried to follow the fox inside.

"I want to assume a bear lived here because of how big it is. Should be big enough for you, but if you need more room, I'm sure you can take care of that." Katana told her as he cleaned away some cobwebs.

Heart looked around the den and thought it was perfect. Just needed a little more digging in the back and sides. Plus making the entrance a little bigger. Then some bedding to make it comfier. She could work with this. She liked it.

Alastor stood in front of the entrance. It was too small for him to fit but he could still stick his head in a little bit. "What do you think dear?" He asked.

"I think this will work perfectly." Heart said as she got done inspecting the den.

"Wonderful!" Alastor said excited as he picked his head back up.

Katana walked out of the den with Heart following behind. "Thank you both so much for helping me. This will definitely do much better than that hollow log. Plus, I can make this more comfy." Heart said as she bowed her head.

"Don't mention it. I was kind of forced to but I'm glad I could help either way." Katana said.

"I thank you as well Katana. Very nice work. If you wish, you can take your leave." Alastor told him.

"Don't mind if I do." The fox said as he rolled his eyes and ran off back towards his home.

Alastor watched the fox go and then turned to Heart. "Don't let that grumpy fox get to you. He means well. He is secretly nice underneath." The deer said with a small chuckle.

Heart smiled. "I figured. I can tell when someone has a good heart most of the time." He looked up at Alastor. "Like you Lord Alastor. I know you have to keep your territory safe and rule with a strong hoof. Even so I can tell you have a good heart."

The deer smiled but it seemed a little on the darker side. "There are still certain things you don't know about me darling. I wouldn't jump to conclusions about me."

The hybrid's ears turned back. "My apologies, my Lord." She said with a sad tone as she bowed her head.

Alastor felt something in his chest constrict. He didn't know why, but the way she looked didn't satisfy him. Her tone of voice also struck him harder than he thought. He didn't want to let this affect him, but he still softened his gaze slightly.

"Little wolf, you may still call me Alastor in private. I do not mind this." He reminded her. "How about you start editing your den? I still have to go on my rounds. In the meantime, if I find Chicka I shall show her know where you are located now. Hopefully, she can help me with your...flying predicament."

Heart only nodded. She bowed her head and then turned back to her new den and disappeared inside. Alastor stood there a little bit longer and just looked at the entrance. He gave a small sigh as he turned and walked away. His ears went back slightly as he was concerned about upsetting the wolf. He didn't mean to have her be that way, he was only telling her the truth. Something like this wouldn't bug him but for some reason it did. He couldn't understand why. He shook his head and tried to focus. He had things to do and didn't want the hybrid to take over his thoughts. Even though slowly...she was.

Heart dug out the den the best she could. It took a lot of time and a lot of work. She was getting it done though. She was getting her fur all dirty and dusty but that was part of the job. The extra dirt she dug out she pushed out of the entrance and started to make a small spot on the rocks with it.

She was working on making the entrance a little bigger as well. She hoped that maybe she could make it big enough for the deer to fit into the entrance if he ever wanted to come in. Why she was worried about that or thought of it she didn't know. She kept picturing him with her in this den as they snuggled together. She kept shaking her head to get the image out of her mind. She couldn't understand what was wrong with her.

He was a Lord of Hell and it seemed he had some kind of powers she was unaware of. She was just a normal hybrid demon. She couldn't even fly. If anything were impressive is when she could breathe fire, but it was only a tiny bit. It was dangerous to have fire in the woods, so she never used it.

As she dug the entrance to make it bigger, she decided to take a break. She went out to go find some bedding for her to use. Usually, they didn't need bedding but she was use to sleeping on it. It was probably her dragon side that wanted to have a nest to lay in. She padded through the nearby trees to find moss and other things she could use as bedding.

Bringing the things back to the den, she eventually had a good amount and started to put it together in the very back of the den. She laid out the moss and dead grass until she was satisfied and laid down in it to test it out. She thought it needed more, but for now she was content with it. She gave a yawn; she was tired from all that digging. She laid down and just rested her paws.

As she rested, Alastor was coming back towards the new den. Chicka was on top of his head on his antlers as he explained everything to her. "So, I was hoping that you could maybe teach her Chickadee? I know it's a weird thing to ask for but I couldn't find another winged demon to help."

Chicka listed as the deer spoke to her. She thought of Heart as a good friend already, so she was happy enough to help the hybrid out. "I'm happy to lend a wing, Lord Alastor. You can count on me."

Alastor smiled. "I know I can. You're the best one for the job I feel."

"Thank you. It makes me happy to hear that my Lord." Chicka said as she flapped her wings.

Soon they arrived at Heart's new den. Chicka liked the new spot and it was nice with the hanging rock over top as well. Some dirt was pushed out and at the entrance and Alastor noticed that the hole was bigger as well. The deer tilted his head a moment. He noticed that it was bigger than the hybrid probably needed, so he was confused. He tried to not worry about it, this was her den after all.

The deer tapped his hoof against a rock. "Heart, are you in?"

A few seconds later, a shuffling sound could be heard and soon Heart poked her head out of the entrance. "Oh Lord Alastor, your back." She then saw the bird sitting on his antlers. "And Chicka! Wonderful to see you again."

"Nice to see you as well." Chicka greeted back.

Heart pulled herself fully out of the den. "What can I help you two with."

"Well for one I wanted to bring Chicka here to show her your new place." Alastor explained as the bird hopped off his antler and onto a rock close by. "Second, I found you a teacher for your flying lessons." He said happily.

"Really? Who?" Heart wondered.

"Me!" Chicka chirped.

Heart smiled as she looked at the bird. "Well, I guess I have a good teacher then."

"I think you'll have the best." Alastor added in.

"Thank you so much for helping me out with all this. I don't know what I could do in return." Heart said, trying not to get too emotional.

"Your thanks are all we need." Chicka said as she had a small smile on her beak.

Heart's tail wagged so fast. "Well, don't take this the wrong way, I don't know if I can do any flying today. I'm not done with this den. I'm dirty. Plus, I'm going to be tired the rest of the day." She informed them.

"That's ok. Tell you what, how about we start next week? That way you can be all settled into your den and rested." Chicka suggested.

The wolf-dragon nodded. "That sounds like a fantastic idea."

"It's all settled then. Next week we shall start!" The bird tweeted with excitement.

Alastor was glad as well. "Very wonderful girls." He turned his gaze to the bird. "Now, Chicka, how about we head off? I'm sure Heart would like to finish up her den."

Heart looked a little sad because of that. "You don't have to go. I wouldn't mind the company."

"I unfortunately can't stay." Alastor answered. "I'm sure the little chickadee could if she wants to."

"Are you sure you don't need me Lord Alastor?" The bird makes sure.

The deer nods. "I don't. Not today. Keep Heart company. I might return later on in the day."

"Lord Alastor before you leave, may I ask a favor?" Heart interrupted quickly.

Alastor turned to her, "Sure thing my dear. How can I be of service?" He asked.

Heart shifted on her paws a moment as she became nervous, "I was trying to make my den bigger so that you could fit inside." She then felt her ears get hot and quickly added. "If you ever had to check on me, is what I mean. I wanted to see if I made it big enough."

The deer lord was a little shocked at that and stood there a moment trying to process her words. "S-Sure darling. I can give it a look." He finally answered.

Heart's tail wagged again, and she disappeared into the den. Alastor was unsure at first but he stuck his head in and noticed that he could fit, but his antlers still stuck a little bit. He got down low and was able to get into the den. He stood up but not to his full height. His head he couldn't pick up.

"Hmm, seems I made it wide enough but not tall enough. I'll work on that." Heart pointed out loud to herself.

"Well darling it seems you have been working hard." Alastor said as he tried his best to look around.

"Yep. I wanted to make sure there would be enough room. I'll keep working on it little by little. I'll make sure you can pick up your head a little more." Heart said proudly.

The two demons were close to each other in the den. Their fur brushed against each other. Alastor's head was perfect height by Heart's neck. Without even thinking he nuzzled his nose into her neck, right above her collar. His tail giving a small wag as well. It makes the wolf's fur stand on end at the action. She felt calmed by the action and just enjoyed it. Soon Alastor realized what he was doing and quickly pulled away.

The deer was now embarrassed. He cleared his throat. "Well...um...yes...keep up the good work dear. I must be going now." He turned around in the den and made his way back out the entrance.

Heart was a little saddened from the loss, but she understood. She made her way back out as well as the deer started to walk away from the den. Heart sat there and wrapped her tail around her front paws, her ears went back, and she gave a small whine. She knew she did nothing wrong but why were things going this way? Why was it so weird but so right? She couldn't understand. What part of her was telling her...that she wanted the deer by her side.

She gave a sigh in frustration. "What is wrong with me?"

"You're falling for him...aren't you?"

Heart was jumped out of her thoughts as she looked to see Chicka. She honestly forgot the bird was still here. She was sitting on a rock nearby and looked up to Heart.

"I-I-I don't know what you mean?" Heart stuttered from Chicka's words.

The bird laughed. "Of course, you do. I can tell that he is affected by you too. He has never been like this for a newcomer. He must see something special in you."

Heart's ears went back as she looked back to where the deer disappeared, "Even if I did fall for him. I'd never have a chance. We are two different. I know in hell species doesn't make a difference, I'm a prime example, but I don't think he would want to be my mate in the end."

Chicka gave her a saddened look. "Heart, I don't want to make any promises to you. Alastor has never taken a mate. Many have tried to court him, but he isn't really that kind of demon. I don't want to say you can't try but I don't want you to keep your hopes up to have them crashing down." She still smiled. "Although this is the happies, I have see him in a long time. So, who knows...maybe you are different in more ways than one?"

Even with her words it still made Heart feel a little better from it all. "Even if I have the little sliver of a chance, that's all I could ask for." She wagged her tail as she smiled. "Well, I better get back to work. Let's chat inside." Heart suggested as she went back into the den.

Chicka just smiled as well and looked one last time out to the forest before going into the den as well.

I will say now….it will be a while before any fluffy romance happens and its killing me.