The days go by, the forest heals, summer turns to fall and things might be getting a little chilly but at least Heart can stay warm not only in body but in her own heart as well. Thanks to a certain stag in the forest.


Ch 16: Watching Leaves Change

After a few months things almost felt like it was getting back to normal. The spell that Lucifer put over the hurt land was healing it and making it better. Trees growing their leaves back, the grasses growing, flowers starting to bloom. Everything was coming back to life and it was amazing to see how much the forest had healed over the short amount of time. Soon enough life was brought back to the land and even the swamps seemed to be filled with better vibes then before. Even Husk and Nifty returned to help out when they could.

Olivia's cabin home was mostly destroyed by the fire, but with help from others. They managed to rebuild what they could with the forest around them. It was better than not having a home at all. Jazz's spot was fine since she lived in a small cave. Violet had found a nice spot for herself by the swampy part of the land. Veronica wasn't effected since her small den was in the mountain. Chicka had to remake her nest though but she didn't mind. Everyone was settled in good.

Heart had been helping where she could…when other demons wanted her help. Most of the time they gave her a cold shoulder or didn't want her help at all. Even after Alastor announced that Heart was Alastor's 'mate' they still didn't seem to care. It honestly hurt that most demons just didn't care and that her new 'title' meant nothing to them.

Most days that turned out that way she would go to her den and just not leave. She would just hide away, but of course when Alastor would stop by…he made it better. He would find her sulking in her den, about to cry, but he would come lay next to her and give gentle kisses and licks to her head and muzzle. It made her feel better. More than one occasion he would bring her food and she was grateful for that.

The days with Alastor made her feel so much better. Her wing had healed better as well. Good as new. She was able to fly again fine and to go where she could. It was nice to not feel so grounded. All of her was just so much better.

Eventually she managed to meet up with Ciel again and she updated her on things. She was happy things were back to normal and back to how they were. The pack has been doing wonderful since the fire. If anything, they had a tough time finding food, but with the forest growing fast the prey was returning. The pack was striving and she thanked Heart for her help. They were forever thankful. Heart just hoped Alpha would see her in a new light now.

Heart managed to visit the pack as well one day to check on them. Things were as they were, everyone was ok. The pups played in the middle of the pack as the elders watched them. The pack treated her so much better than before. They came up to her with thanks and one even gave her a gift. The whole pack treated her so much better. They saw her worth and that she could do things they couldn't. She was different but in a good way. Alpha was even glad to see her and thanked her personally for helping the pack.

After the visit with the pack, she was greeted back at her den by the deer, laying there waiting for her. She was happy to see him every night. He came back to see her like always but this time…it was different. His loving licks were always nice and reassuring to her. Was so nice.

The leaves were changing on the trees. Changing from their green colors to shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown. Fall was on its way and winter would be here before anyone knew it. Even so, they could enjoy the time and the cooling weather.

Heart was walking up that morning to the cool weather and left the warmth of her bedding to leave her den and walk around the morning. Alastor had already gone to start his rounds. Most mornings he would be there when she woke, it all depended on the day. She walked out of the den and gave a stretch. She looked up at the changing leaves and saw a few had fallen round the area.

She looked around and tilted her head. Giving an idea from when she was a pup. The elders would clean up the clearing of the pack areas and put leaves into piles. She used to play with them, mostly by herself since none of the other pups would play with her. A pile of leaves sounded awful fun right now.

Heart started to get some of the leaves on the ground and pushed them into the small clearing. She used her wings and her tail even to try to get the leaves. These moments started to remind her of back when she was a pup. Probably won't be the same, but even still it would be wonderful to experience again. At least on her own and none of the pack to judge her for it.

She soon had a good pile of leaves and she was proud of her work. Before she could do anything, she heard hooves against the ground and looked up to see Violet coming from the trees.

"Ah Violet! Good to see you!" The hybrid greeted the caribou.

"Morning, Heart. Hope you are doing well?" She asked as she walked up to the wolf.

"Doing rather good. You've been here a few months now, are you still settling in, ok?" Heart wondered as she sat down.

"It's been wonderful. I'm happy to have a whole forest to roam around in now. It's so nice compared to the little patch I was in. Just the grass under my hooves feels so nice." The Cervidae told her with a big smile on her face and she even shifted her hooves.

Heart's wings flapped with happiness "I'm happy to hear that. Living here has been the best thing to happen to me. I'm glad to hear it's the same for you."

Violet nodded. "I agree…and its thanks to you Heart. Without meeting you, I wouldn't be here."

The wolf smiled. "And I'm happy to call you a friend Violet. It's been wonderful having you around."

The caribou nodded, "You're a faithful friend, pup. Thank you."

Heart chuckled. "Hey, I was just about to play in some leaves. Want to join me?"

Violet tilted her head a moment, "Playing in leaves?"

The hybrid nodded, then looked at the pile she made. "Yea, it's fun. I used to do it as a pup. You just jump in."

Heart then ran and jumped into the pile she made and she gave a laugh as she rolled around. She popped her head out of the pile and looked at the caribou. Violet was looking at the wolf strangely as she did that, her head tilted slightly. Heart got out of the pile and fixed it a little before running around and jumping in.

Heart walked out of the pile again and looked to Violet, "See, just like that." She said excitedly.

The caribou tilted her head. She looked at Heart and then at the leaves. She shrugged and just jumped into the pile and when she did the leaves went everywhere. Heart giggled happily at seeing her do so and trotted around. Violet lifted her head from the leaves and also started to giggle as well. It was actually pretty fun.

"I guess I can see the enjoyment in this. Can we keep doing it?" The purple Cervidae asked.

"Of course!" Heart said and jumped into the leaves as well. "We can do it as long as we want."

Violet's tail wagged excited and the two continued to make the pile of leaves back up again to jump into it again. They got lost for time. Their laughter could be heard as well if a demon walked by. They stared at them strangely but continued on their way. Even a little bird heard them and came to check on them.

The bird landed on the fallen tree and looked at them. "It seems you two are having fun."

"Chicka!" Heart said as she stood up and looked at the bird. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you as well." She greeted the two. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"No, not at all. You're fine. We are due for a break anyway." Heart chuckled.

Violet nodded. "It has been fun though." The caribou agreed.

"I am glad you enjoyed yourself." Heart smiled and then looked at Chicka. "So, my feathered friend, how are you today?"

"I have been ok today, thank you. I was coming to check in on you but I see you are just having fun." The bird said with a happy chirp.

"Well, taking me back to when I was a pup, that is for sure." Heart says with a laugh. "Of course, I feel everything is better now than it was then." She says happily.

"Really? Why so?" Violet asked.

Heart could understand the reason for the caribou's question. She was still new around and only talked a little bit since their adventure. Heart then went on to explain her life as a pup, how the pack never accepted her even though her father was the alpha of the pack. The only one to take her and actually care for her was her Beta mother, Ciel. Growing up was hard for her. Then eventually to where she got kicked out from her pack after losing a fight to her half-sister. Finding her home here in the forest of Lord Alastor.

"I've found people who accept me for me. I have friends and I care for them. I know they care for me too. I'm happy as can be." Heart smiled widely.

"I think there is one thing you missed, my little wolf." A voice called out from behind the group.

They all turned their heads to see Alastor gracefully walking out into the small open field where they laid. Heart smiled more and stood up with her tail wagging when she saw him walking towards them.

"What would I be missing, my great buck?" Heart wonders in a small playful tone.

The deer walked up to the wolf until he was in front of her, looking down into her eyes. "I think you forgot the part where the deer fell in love with some crazy wolf hybrid that invaded his land." He said playfully back with a tiny chuckle.

Heart's eyes softened as she looked up at him and she laid her muzzle against his neck and sighed. "What am I to do with you?" She chuckled.

Alastor laughed lightly and leaned down to give the top of her ears a few licks.

Violet looked at them and then stood up. "Sorry to cut this short, but I have to go. It was fun to play with you Heart." She bowed a head to Alastor and started to walk off.

"Ok Violet, have a good rest of the day." She said as she watched the caribou walk away.

Soon she was gone and Alastor looked at Chicka. "Anything to report, my little chickadee?"

The bird shook her head. "Nothing sir, just a calm day. I hope you have been enjoying it so far?"

"It's been lovely today, yes darling. I just finished my rounds and all seems calm. Everyone seems happy and content now." Alastor said to her.

"Happy to hear it sir. Would you like me to leave you alone?" Chicka asked as she looked between the two.

"For now, yes. I'd like to talk to Heart alone. Come back in ten minutes." Alastor told the bird.

"Will do." The bird saluted with a wing and then took off.

Alastor watched her fly off and then turned in attention to the wolf in front of him who looked up at him with cute puppy dog eyes as she wagged her tail. "Aw, my wolf, you are so adorable when you do that look." He says as he leans his head down and rubs his nose against hers.

Heart giggled and rubbed her nose back. "I know, I couldn't help it."

The deer chuckled. "I love you."

"I love you too." She said with a happy look on her face.

"Can we head inside for the time being?" Alastor suggested.

"Sure, come on in." The wolf said and headed towards her den and crawled inside.

Alastor followed close behind her and saw the hybrid go over to her bedding and lay down in it. She had made her bedding bigger recently since a lot of moss was growing back now, thanks to the spell Lucifer had on the land still. She made it bigger so that both of them could lay down together comfortably. The deer went over and got on the bed and laid beside the wolf.

Heart leaned herself against him and made happy playful yips as she started to give him kisses to his under jaw. Alastor's tail wagged at her with her happy demeanor and her kisses. Heart rolled over slightly and Alastor took that as an opening to roll her onto her back and get on top of her. The wolf was surprised and looked up at him, her ears hot with a blush at the position they were in. The deer snorted and started to lick her muzzle.

"So affectionate today." Heart giggled.

Alastor pulled away and he felt a blush as well. "Sorry love, I think it's because my rutting is coming up and I can't help it."

Heart felt her face get hotter. "O-Oh, I…um…don't know if-"

"Don't worry my wolf." Alastor interrupted. "I won't do anything to you if you're not ready."

"You're ok, you can use me for what you need. I won't mind, I just…don't know if I'm ready. Especially with winter…I'd be afraid."

Alastor looked at her confused. "Afraid?"

"Winter, from what I have experienced as a pup, was awfully hard on us. It was hard for us to raise a litter if they were born during the winter months. Most of the time, they ended up dying because there wasn't enough food." Heart explained sadly. "I would have died if Ciel didn't help me each year. They never wanted to feed me."

The deer looked at her sadly and nuzzled his nose into her neck. "I'm sorry love. I wish I could have been there for you."

"This is my first winter on my own. I don't want to have to worry about myself and have to worry about pups at the same time." She closed her eyes as she didn't' want to cry thinking of it all. "I'd be scared I wouldn't be able to care for them."

Alastor nuzzled the side of the wolf's face. "Heart look at me." He whispered. The hybrid did as told as she opened her eyes and they were glazed over with tears that hadn't fallen yet. "You won't have to worry. I won't do anything to you. Even so, with winter, if you ever need help. You can come to me. I am not an ordinary deer. I actually keep a stock of stuff in my cave. If you ever need help, you can come to me."

The hybrid nodded and sniffed for a moment. "T-Thank you, Al. I appreciate you looking out for me."

"I always will love. Don't you worry." Alastor said as he licked her face.

Heart chuckled lovingly and just relaxed with the deer on top of her.

Soon enough though, the deer got off her and stood up with a shake. "I need to head back out, but Heart, I would like for you to come to my cave tonight and share a meal with me."

"Really? Share a meal…with you?" She asked as she turned back over. He has honestly never asked her before to do that. So, it was a nice gesture in her opinion. Plus, something new, she has never been in his cave before.

Alastor looked back at her with a smile. "Yes, I know. It's just that you've never seen me eat so I think it's time I showed you." He said as his smile flattened. He wasn't too fond of people watching him eat. He always ate alone. It's not that he did anything disgusting, it's what he ate that worried him. What they thought about him. He had to show Heart, if they were to be together, then he had to show her.

"I won't be afraid Al, I promise." The hybrid said as she stood up and went up to him and rubbed her muzzle against his shoulder.

The deer smiled down at her. "Besides that, though, I would like to have a nice meal alone with you. With just us plus the peace and quiet."

Heart's tail wagged. "That sounds fun honey. I can't wait." She yipped with excitement.

The Lord chuckled. "You're so adorable." He gave her head a few licks. "Now I must be off. See you tonight my love. Right after sunset."

"Right after sunset, got it!" She repeated to make sure she heard correctly.

Alastor nodded, "Au revoir pour l'instant, mon petit loup." He spoke before exiting out of the den and headed on his way. (Goodbye for now, my little wolf)

Heart had no idea what Alastor said before he left, but it left her swooning and she couldn't wait till tonight.


The sun had set and there was a wolf-dragon on her way to a certain deer Lords cave. Her coat was clean and shining in the moonlight. She had jumped into a nearby river and tried to get herself clean. Then she rolled around in some flowers so she could smell good and she even put a flower in her tuft of hair on her head. She wanted to make sure she looked a little more presentable than normal for Alastor. At least for tonight. It felt special after all.

Heart made her way to the cave until she reached the opening where the cave was located. She jumped over the small creek and made her way to the entrance. She stopped and looked at it for a moment. Feeling a bit of fear behind all her excitement. She has never been inside Alastor's cave before and it was something that was a little scary. Going into the unknown.

She took a deep breath, let it out, and leaned her head in. "Alastor? Are you in?" She called into the cave and it echoed a tiny bit.

"Coming darling." He called from inside the cave and soon enough his hoof steps were heard coming closer to her and he appeared out of the darkened cave. "Welcome, my little wolf. My, don't you look adorable." He smiled.

Heart's ears went hot with a blush. "Thank you." She shifted her paws. "I wanted to seem a little more presentable."

Alastor's ears went back in content as he looked at her. "Aw darling you didn't have to do that for me."

"I know…but I wanted to." She said to him with a smile.

The deer leaned his head down and nuzzled it in the side of her face. "You're so cute. Now come, let's head inside. I promise there is nothing to worry about." He says as he turns and starts to head into the cave.

Heart felt nervous for a split second but nodded. She walked beside Alastor into the dark entrance but soon enough the cave opened up. There was an actual light source in the cave, thanks to some candles that littered the entire place. There were some pelts on the floor of the cave to make sure it was soft. A shelf full of books and scrolls. Some other knickknacks were around as well, most of them human things if Heart wanted to take a guess. There was also a pile of furs on the one side of the cave, which she guessed is where the deer slept.

"Your cave is so wonderful Al." The hybrid said as she looked around.

"Thank you, love. I tried to make it seem a little bit like home. Comfortable and warm." He said as he gave her a smile. "Come this way, I have one more spot to show you."

Heart did as told and followed the deer back into the cave. He moved a piece of wood out of the way and went down a dark tunnel. It wasn't a long one as a light was just at the end of it. She was afraid at first but when they made it to another opening, she was amazed. There was a decent sized crack in the Cieling and a beam of light from the moon came down into the room to make it bright. The wall seemed to sparkle as well. She found that odd.

"I thought it would be nice if we could have our meal here. Sorry I haven't gotten it set up yet though." Alastor apologized. "I'm not used to having guests so I had a lot of cleaning to do." He said as he shifted his hooves slightly.

"No worries, Al. If you need help just ask and I'll help." Heart suggested.

"No no, I got it." He reassured her. "Won't take me to long, just watch this."

Alastor tapped the tip of his right hoof on the ground and with a small flash there was a blanket with some furs on it. On the blanket part was two legs of what looked like a deer. Even some candles appeared here and there. Heart was amazed by the display and how quickly it came about.

"Wow, how did you do that?" She asked as she looked at him.

Alastor chuckled. "I have magic that even you might not understand my love." He nuzzled her neck a moment. "Now, how about we dig in and eat?" The deer said as he walked over to the blanket.

Heart snapped out of her thoughts, "I won't question anything. Although I definitely could eat."

The two laid down on the furs that were on the blanket and Heart sniffed the leg a moment before taking a bite. Sometimes she forgot that Alastor was no ordinary deer. His sharp yellow teeth that lined his mouth reminded her of this. Especially since he ate meat as well. It was different and weird but she accepted it just like how he accepted her.

When they started to eat, Heart couldn't take her eyes off the deer as she watched him bite into the leg and rip out a chunk and start to eat it. She was interested in watching him eat. She got done with a bite and watched him get another chunk.

"Al, can I ask you something?" She asked after the deer swallowed.

The deer turned to her with a small tilt of his head. "Ask away love."

Heart was hesitant a moment but then asked, "Why is it you eat meat and have teeth the way you do? Like, so different from other deer."

Alastor paused and looked at her then down at the leg he had in front of him. "I don't know why I am the way I am. Especially after I fell. I want to say it was my cannibalistic ways. I craved the same flesh as my own and I still do. I'll eat other meat but I can't seem to get away from deer, like how I couldn't get away from humans. I guess it was all part of my design. Plus, maybe a little magic involved since I did a lot as a human."

"What kind of magic?" The wolf asked.

"Voodoo mainly. Blood magic as well. Even some other things I dabbled in. Anything I could do to get away with it." He said and took another small bite.

"Interesting. Is that why you have the weird appendages that come out of the ground?" She tried to understand.

Alastor nodded. "Oh yes. I have some shadows that I can keep around as well. I call on them when I need it." He told her.

"You really are amazing Al." Heart said as she looked at him with a small, dreamy gaze.

Alastor smiled. "It makes me happy to know that you are ok staying with me knowing all this about me." He said a little nervously.

She shook her head. "Nothing like that can scare me away. It's just a part of you and I love all of you. That is what matters. It's not about what they are it's about who they are and how they show themselves."

The deer leaned forward and rubbed his nose against hers. "I must be a very lucky demon to have a gal like you, my wolf."

"I'm one of a kind, I say sometimes." Heart smiled.

"That you are." He looked at her with a loving gaze.

The two went back to eating and just enjoyed each other's company. They were full once all the meat on the leg was gone and Heart started to chew on the bone. Alastor just watched her as he pushed his bone aside. He never really chews on them but he was enjoying watching Heart do it.

Unexpectedly Alastor asked, "Would you like to stay here tonight?"

Heart's ears perked up and she stopped chewing. "Stay? Here? I mean…if you want me to…I don't want to intrude." She says a little nervously.

"I would love it if you did. I've never had anyone stay with me where I reside. I know we usually sleep in you den, but I feel…maybe we could try something different tonight?" The deer stated.

The hybrid smiled and just nodded. "If you insist then my buck. I would love to stay here tonight."

His tail wagged happily and honestly Heart saw this and thought it was the most adorable thing to see. He did not wag his tail much but when he did, the wolf thought it was the cutest thing. Her own tail started to wag and she leaned over to lick the deer's cheek. Alastor felt his ears get warm from the action and he just felt his chest get warm and content. He got up and moved closer to her and rubbed his face against her neck, being careful of her collar. She smiled at his action.

Heart went and started to chew on her bone again as Alastor made sure to stay as close to her as possible, their fur touching. She enjoyed the closeness and the feeling of him against her. Eventually the deer laid his head on her back, right above where her wings were and he sighed in content.

"Are you tired Al?" The wolf asked as she stopped chewing.

"No, just enjoying this time together." He answered softly.

She smiled and agreed with him. "Maybe we could lay somewhere more comfortable?"

"Agreed." Alastor said and then lifted his head. "Come with me my dear." He stood up and started to walk back to the main cave.

Heart took the bone with her and started to follow him. When back in the main part of the cave, Alastor went and walked over to the pile of furs. It must have been where he slept and honestly it looked wonderfully comfortable. She followed him, got onto the pile of furs, and settled down. It honestly was nice, different then her moss and stuff she laid on.

"This is comfy." She stated as she dropped her bone and then rolled onto her back, her paws in the air.

"Indeed. I usually like to keep pelts of things that have died or I have killed. It makes it warm as well when it's cold." He told her.

Alastor noticed that she had exposed her belly to him. That is the most vulnerable part of a wolf's body and she was ok showing it off to him. That means she trusts him enough to do this. He looked up and down her black fur and took in what he saw. He went over to her and stood above the hybrid. She looked at him and her ears flattened, but that didn't last long as she reached a paw up and touched the underside of his face. She chuckled.

"Thanks for letting me stay by the way." Heart said as she smiled.

"Of course, my love." Alastor answered and something popped into his mind. He didn't know why it did, but he wanted to see. "Heart, may I…lay…on top of you?" He asked nervously.

Heart's ears got hot with that question as she blushed. "Oh…um…I don't think it will hurt. You can try. You shouldn't be that heavy."

The deer went to the other end of her and put all four of his hooves around her. She looked up at him as he looked down at her and they smiled. He lowered himself down till her belly fur was touching his. He tucked his front hooves in and his back legs were around her.

"Are you ok?" He asked once he was fully on her.

"Yea I'm fine. You're not hurting me. This actually feels kind of nice." She told him.

Alastor smiled and laid his head down next to hers and nuzzled their faces together. "We don't have to stay like this for long. Just wanted to see how it felt."

"I understand." She then yawned. "Oh sorry, guess I'm more tired than I thought."

"No worries." Alastor chuckled and then stood up. "We can get ready to sleep. Do you mind if the candles were blown out?"

"I don't mind." She said and rolled back onto her stomach. "I like the dark."

"It gets really dark in here. I do keep one candle lit though at the far end of the cave. It shouldn't be a nuisance." Alastor told her, he stomped a hoof, and all the candles blew out except for one. "Now, let's get some sleep."

Heart nodded and got comfortable on a nice fox fur and yawned before putting her head down. She felt Alastor come over to her and then lay next to the wolf. He made sure their sides were touching and he then laid his head down across her neck.

"Goodnight my little wolf." Alastor whispered and licked her ear. "I love you."

"I love you too. Goodnight my buck." Heart replied back and just closed her eyes to sleep.

This night they spend together was nice. It was different and they enjoyed it very much. Sleeping in Alastor's cave was a nice experience and it was something Heart might get use to.


I had to add all the fluff. I've been held back long enough!