The pup is on the way! Try not to panic! Plus I go through a little bit of her growing up and them getting use to having a little one around.
Ch 23: Little Light in the Dark
They walked slowly to the den. They tried to convince Heart to just go into Alastor's cave to give birth but she refused. She worked so hard to get the birthing den ready for her and the pups. She wasn't going to miss this opportunity during her first litter. As they walked, Heart had to stop when a contraction hit her now and then. It was hard to get there and hopefully they would soon.
"Are you doing ok love?" Alastor asked for the tenth time already.
"Al, I'm fine, please stop asking." Heart snapped at him. She put her ears back after she realized what she did. "Sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me."
"Just your hormones." Veronica told them as she walked beside them. "It's normal so don't feel bad, ok?"
Heart whined and just stayed quiet as they walked. She didn't want to feel this way but I guess with everything going on right now, it would be harder to keep control. Plus, after what they just went through with Mimzy, she was scared. She didn't say anything so that no one would worry, but she hadn't felt the pups move or kick at all since they started walking. Only contractions. It made everything in her body want to break down but she had to stay positive and stay strong.
She saw what Alastor did to the mountain goat, but she wasn't sure if Alastor actually killed her or not. Demons could heal and take blows more so than normal. Even so, she didn't care. Mimzy deserved what she got and if she died then so be it. She'd rather have that scum suffer than let her pups die because of their jealousy and ignorance. To think she would try to risk killing Alastor's mate and his future kin all because she didn't want her around.
Soon she spotted her old den and she walked a little faster towards it. She was ahead of everyone else and she went into the den. Everyone stayed outside as they watched her crawl into the den and disappear. She went over to the bedding she had and made sure it was comfortable before laying down. She sighed happily.
Alastor walked up to the entrance. "Darling, do you want one of us to come in there?"
"No…please. Just leave me be for a moment." Heart said from inside the den.
Everyone that was around the entrance backed up and they all just stood there and felt some slight worry, but understood. She did just go through a lot so she might want to be alone because of everyone around her. The small group just sat down and tried to distract each other.
"You guys don't have to stay, you know. I can always update you if anything happens." Alastor told them.
They all shook their heads.
"We are staying put. Heart needs us." Violet said.
"Yes, we will stay until she says she wants us to leave." Olivia added.
"Besides, we want to be here to help." Jazz also voiced.
Alastor sighed. "Very well." He started to pace around the small clearing.
While they were outside, Heart was in the den crying. Worrying over things and concerned about everything that was going on. Mimzy really hurt her and almost killed her, but that impact might have hurt the pups. She hadn't felt them moving and it scared her. Hoping that nothing happened to them. She also had this wound on her chest, but luckily that wasn't hurt as bad right now since they got it patched up.
An hour passed before things started to get hard to bear. Everyone outside was quiet. Laying down in the meadow around the den to keep an eye out on anything suspicious while Heart was in the den. They all were worried about everything that happened but they knew Heart and the pups would be ok. They were strong and they all thought positively as best they could about everything.
A contraction hit and the wolf hissed in pain and tried to breathe. The feeling of her breath caught in her throat as she tried to catch it. She was holding it in too much and not breathing correctly. She felt lightheaded and when it was over she cried again. It was becoming too much. She might need someone. Someone to keep her calm through all this.
The only one she could trust with something like this…was Veronica. She went through being with pups before. Maybe she could help her. Once she got her bearings back from the contraction she called out. "Veronica." She paused and tried to catch her breath. "Veronica, please help me."
Alastor was worried when he heard his mate call out for the fox. He stood up and went over to the den entrance with his ears down. A spike of worry hit him hard and fast. He wanted to be there with her.
Outside the white fox heard her name being called and quickly went to the den entrance, standing next to the deer. "Heart…you called?"
"Please help me." Heart repeated.
"Hold on dear." Veronica said and turned to Alastor. "Please stay out. She's ok, but it's probably her contractions." She said then went into the den. She spotted the wolf who was breathing heavily while on her side as she cried. "Heart, what is wrong love?"
"It hurts." She cried with her eyes squeezed shut. She was panting. "I can't…get my breathing…under control."
The vixen's ears went back and she went up to the hybrid and rubbed her face against her neck. "Shh dear, it's ok. Just calm down. You're ok. I know those contractions are hard to get through."
Heart cried a little harder for a moment. "I don't know if I can do this."
"Yes you can. You have to." Veronica told her sternly. "Heart, look at me." Thru her tear-filled eyes she looked at the arctic fox. "You'll be ok. Trust me. Just do what I do with your breathing, ok?"
Heart calmed and nodded. "I'll try." She spoke. Just then another contraction hit and she hissed in pain. She already started to hold her breath.
"Heart, Heart, no. Don't do that." Veronica said quickly. "Look at me. Do what I do." She told her and started to do a small breathing technique she had for herself.
The hybrid looked at her and started to do what she did. It was…actually helping. She stopped crying and was calmer about the whole thing. She was glad to have the fox there to help her. To show her how to breathe and keep her calm the entire time.
The contractions went on and off for an hour. After that she started to feel her body start to do something. It wanted her to push and started doing it without a thought.
Veronica noticed this and got excited. "You got this Heart. You can do it."
"This hurts." Heart cried as she stopped her pushing.
"Count to ten Heart. It will be better if you take a break between." The vixen told her.
Heart nodded and took a few breaths before she felt the need to push again. She counted to ten and then stopped to breathe. She could feel a pressure that was starting to become uncomfortable. She then started to push again and that pressure became pain. She cried out a moment from it.
"You're almost there. I can see something. Keep going." Veronica cheered her on.
"I can't." Heart cried for a moment.
"Yes, you can. Come on Heart." Veronica said with a determined voice.
The hybrid took a moment to regain herself and started to push again. The pain and the pressure she felt went away quickly. She then felt and heard a small plop to the bedding below her.
"Heart, you did it! You did it." Veronica said happily and bounced up and down.
She took a moment to regain her breath but she looked over and lifted her leg. She felt a kick start in her heart as she saw a little bundle there, covered in blood and other fluids. It looked like a wolf pup, a little bigger than a normal pup though. Usually, they only weighed a pound but this one looked to be almost two and was bigger.
At first, she didn't know what to do but her body moved on its own and she leaned over and got the umbilical cord cut then started to lick the small being. It did hurt a little because of her wound but she didn't care or let that stop her from getting to the pup. It didn't make a sound nor did it move, this made her worry. She kept licking though and cleaned up everything she could. The pup had red fur with black tipped ears and paws. After a few minutes the pup still didn't do anything. She tried not to panic.
"Veronica…am I doing something wrong?" She asked the fox with a worried tone.
The vixen's ears were back as she looked at the pup. "No love, you're doing everything right. Just keep going. Want me to help? Maybe the two of us together can do it."
Heart nodded then started to lick the pup again. She even was nosing it close to her belly so that it would drink from her when ready. The fox came over and started to lick the back side of the pup while Heart licked its head. With their combined efforts it didn't seem to be doing anything. Heart was starting to cry as this was going on, what made this happen, what did she do wrong?
Veronica heard her friend start to cry, "Heart don't cry please." She said softly.
"This is my fault…I did this…I couldn't do anything right." Heart said between her tears and curled up around the pup. "I'm sorry I failed you little one."
"You did nothing wrong my friend." Veronica said softly and curled around the other side of her. "Things like this happen. Do you feel anything else? Maybe you'll have more than one pup."
Heart shook her head. "I don't feel any pain or anything like that. I think this pup was the only one. Even still, I failed one of them and I failed my mate."
The vixen went quiet and tried to comfort her friend as best she could. As she laid there, she looked at the pup that they curled around and she knew this feeling well. Blaming yourself for the loss of a pup. As she looked at the red pup, she noticed it wiggle a moment. Heart had her eyes closed and was crying too hard to even see it happen.
"Heart. Look." Veronica said softly and nosed her friend.
She managed to control her crying and opened her eyes. She was a little blurred from the tears but she looked down at the pup and saw it move a moment. Her ears perked up and she couldn't take her eyes away. She sniffed the pup and started to lick it again. Her tail wagged happily as she saw the pup move more. Soon enough it let out a tiny squeak and whine as Heart continued to lick it. She managed to nose the singular pup to one of her nipples that was ready for milk. The pup whined and squeaked until it managed to find her nipple and latch onto it. I started to drink feverously but calmed down. It still made little squeaks and stuff as it drank from her.
"They're ok." Heart cried again and then turned to Veronica. "They're going to be, ok?"
The fox nodded with a smile. "They gave us a scare but we got them breathing and eating. Congrats Heart."
The hybrid's tail wagged. "Thank you, my friend. For being here and helping me. I don't know what I can do to repay you."
"You don't have to do anything, love. I was glad to help you and be here for you plus your pup. You'll be a wonderful mom, Heart." Veronica said with a smile.
She nodded. "I hope so." She sighed. "Boy, do I need a rest already and all I did was pop out one pup."
"Well, it's one big pup. Speaking of, let's see what their gender might be." The Vixen said and went to the pup and moved its tail out of the way. "Looks like it's a girl. Congrats."
"Oh this is so wonderful. I can't wait for Alastor to see her. We never did talk about names so hopefully we can think of something." Heart said excited as the pup was still drinking from her. "Speaking of…can he come in now?"
"If you think you're done birthing but then again it's almost been an hour and you haven't had a contraction again." Veronica pointed out.
"I was hoping to have more than one pup for my first litter but honestly I won't complain." She looked down at the little pup who was now drifting off to sleep, "I'm just happy to have her here now."
"Then I'll go get him." The fox said and went out of the den.
Everyone was waiting and Alastor was still pacing. When they spotted Veronica coming out of the den, they all stood up and waited patiently for the fox to say something.
Alastor was the first one to speak. "How is she?"
"She is fine." The white fox said with a smile and a wag of her tail as she looked at everyone. She then put her eyes on the deer. "She only had one pup. They gave us a small scare but they are ok. We don't think she has anymore so it looks like it's just one. Congrats Lord Alastor." She bowed her head.
He was worried a moment when she said the pup gave them a scare but let out the breath, he didn't know he was holding. He was relieved. "I'll take one over none." His small tail wagged happily. "Can…I go see her?"
Veronica nodded. "She wants you to go in. Just so no one crowds them we'll give you two alone time together." She said and went to the small group.
Alastor's tail wagged more and he walked into the den. When he got in and spotted Heart in the faint glow his heart leapt for joy. He heard a small squeak and his ears went up. The hybrid looked at him with happiness. She was sore. Not just from giving birth but also from the wound and attack that was dealt to her earlier. She just wanted to rest.
"Hello my great buck." Heart greeted with her tail wagging. "Want to meet your daughter?"
"Daughter?" He repeated and started to walk over slowly to where the hybrid laid. He looked down and saw the wiggling pup still drinking from her but he could tell she was getting sleepy. His ears went back in content. "She is beautiful."
"She is and cute." She chuckled. "Gave us a big scare at first…I thought…we lost her." She nuzzled the pup and gave it a few licks. "I'll definitely keep an eye on her for a good bit. She is strong though and she is alive and doing so well already." She told him.
"I'm glad she is ok." He went up to the pup and sniffed her a moment and started to lick her as well before nuzzling her. "Strong just like her mother."
"Her father is pretty strong as well." She smiled at him and leaned up to kiss his cheek.
The deer smiled and nuzzled his mate affectionately. He made a small purring type of noise and Heart made happy yips. The two were just so happy to finally have a family of their own and they would be happy. Alastor went and laid behind Heart in the bedding. He laid his head down across her shoulders and watched the pup as it yawned and nuzzled into Heart's warmth. The smile on his face never left, his sharp yellow teeth showing so much joy he had never felt before.
"Mind if the others come to see her?" Alastor asked.
Heart nodded. "I know they must be worried, so let's put their minds at ease."
Alastor sent a shadow to fetch the other demons outside. One by one he wanted them to come in. First was Chicka, as she wanted to see the little one probably the most. Especially since she watched over Heart most of the time during her pregnancy. The small bird was so happy and was flying around with joy at seeing the small pup that was sleeping. The bird even went and nested close to the pup for a bit while the others came in to see.
Jazz came in after and was amazed by the little one, thinking she was honestly so cute. Then Olivia walked into the den and didn't say much but she did congratulate the two. Violet had some trouble because her antlers were bigger than Alastor's but she managed to get into the den to see the small pup who had stayed asleep the whole time. Veronica then came in to congratulate the both of us and how honored she was to help the hybrid birth the pup. Heart was grateful for her friends help and she would repay her
With everyone all visiting for the time being, they all left them to be alone. The hybrid gave a yawn as she settled down. "We need to name her." Heart said softly as she got comfortable against the deer.
"Do you have anything in mind?" Alastor asked as the wolf got comfortable.
She closed her eyes and sighed softly in content. "Elena."
"Elena?" Alastor repeated and smiled. He looked down at the pup that was now curled up asleep against Heart. "I like it. Seems fitting." He leaned down to lick the small pup. When he looked back at his mate, she was already asleep. The deer smiled and looked down at the pup again. "Our little light." He said before he rested his head again on her and just sighed happily.
The lord was happy to finally be here. He never thought he would be. Having a mate, having a family, having a life he never knew was possible to him. The rest of his life was going to be interesting and exciting. Raising a young one, of course with help. He couldn't wait to see the little one grow and to help raise her to be a strong demon.
Two weeks after Elena was born it went by differently for the new parents. Alastor didn't do his rounds as normal. He left Chicka in charge and if she needed him for anything serious, he would go. For now, he was focused on helping Heart with little Elena. Honestly for the first week the pup didn't do much except explore the small bedding, wiggling around till she got the use of her legs with her eyes still closed. She would just feed off Heart about five times a day but the new mother didn't mind and just laid in the bedding with her, watching over the pup like a hawk. She was growing though and that made her happy to see the pup getting stronger.
Alastor kept an eye on the pup too. It was nice the deer would bring Heart food every other day. She had to build her strength back up and make sure she ate good for Elena's sake since she needed her. Heart honestly felt so happy. The happiest she has been in a long time. These moments being a new mom made her thankful for what she had and that she could have these moments now.
During the second week, Heart had woken up to see the pup starting to try to stand. Her ears went up in surprise and she watched the pup. "Come on Elena, you can do it." She encouraged her softly. The pup soon fell after that and made a sound of annoyance. Heart smiled and nuzzled the pup. "Don't worry my pup, you'll get it." She said and licked her head.
The puppy huffed and tried to stand again. It took her a minute but she managed to stand on all four paws. She was wobbling a lot but she did it.
"There you go Elena. Good job." Heart cheered and her tail wagged.
The pup was still hard of hearing still but she knew it was her mom praising her so she had her little tail wagging as well.
"Your eyes should open this week." Heart said excited. "I wonder what they look like." She sighed happily and watched as Elena tried to walk but soon fell and started to whine. "It's ok little one I'm here." She said and nuzzled at the small pup.
Elena seemed to calm with that and her whining turned into yipping, happy that her mother was still here. The pup went and nuzzled into her mother's warmth and started the hunt for a meal against her belly. Soon she found a nipple and started to suckle happily, letting out a happy sigh from her nose.
Heart smiled as the little one fed and she relaxed and laid down as the pup drank. Her mind wondered and when she felt the pup fall asleep, she stood up from the bedding. Making sure not to disturb the sleeping pup, Heart went outside to stretch her legs a bit. It was a lovely day out but she saw some storm clouds might be on the horizon. She trotted a little way from the den to head to the lake for a drink.
Once at the lake she breathed in happily and went to take a few laps at the water. When done, she licked the droplets from her chin and looked at the island in the middle of the lake. She sighed happily as she looked at the place and her tail wagged. That island meant more to her now than anything else. It was a special place for Heart now as well as Alastor. She had a big smile as her tail continued to wag. She turned and headed back to the den; she didn't want to leave Elena alone for too long.
When she got back to the den, Elena was still asleep so she decided to sunbathe for a bit while the sun was out. In the distance she heard the thunder of the storm that was approaching. They needed a good rain. Heart sighed happily and just relaxed the best she could in the sun for a bit. When she felt the first drop of rain on her nose, she opened her eyes and saw the gray clouds overhead. "Guess my time in the sun is over." She sighed and went back inside. Just in time too because Elena was awake and standing in the bedding. She was doing little barks that were sad cries. "I'm here honey, it's ok." Heart said as she walked up to the pup. Then she noticed her eyes were open! "Oh, my look at you. Taking so many steps today." The wolf smiled.
Heart knew the pup was still pretty much blind still, she could make out blobbed shapes. Elena turned to her mom and gave a small bark in excitement to know her mother had returned. Looked closely she noticed that her eyes were a faded red, of course her eyes might change color but for now they almost looked pink in color.
The pup tried to walk closer to her mom but she fell as she still was getting use to her legs. Heart chuckled and heard another crash of thunder outside and the rain was falling. Figuring the entrance would be nice to watch the storm, she grabbed the pup by her scruff so she wouldn't crush her and walked to the entrance of the den and laid down, looking out.
She put the pup down as well and the pup kept crying a bit. Just a slight change of scenery since the rain was starting to fall. Elena was standing again, getting use to her newfound leg strength and nuzzled against Heart as she went to go feed. She managed to get to her mom's belly and quickly found a nipple to suckle from. Heart watched her and smiled, when the pup latched on, she turned her attention to the rain that was coming down. The lightning flashed and the sound was heard not long after. The sound made the pup jump but didn't stop her from drinking.
As the rain fell and it got harder outside, the wind was picking up, lightning was becoming violent that is when Heart started to worry; Alastor isn't back yet. He was staying with them in this den for the time being until Elena was starting to explore more. Heart felt Elena start to finish and the storm outside was getting to be too much. She grabbed the pup and headed back into the den to sit on the bedding. The pup didn't struggle and yawned as Heart moved. Once they were in the bedding, Elena snuggled up next to Heart. She pushed her way to be under her front paws, close to her chest. She fixed herself so that the pup was between her paws and close to her as she fell asleep. Heart looked down at the little one and smiled.
Looking out of the den entrance she had that spike of worry hit her again of where Alastor was. Hoping he wasn't lost in the storm. She knew the buck could take care of himself but that didn't mean that she didn't worry about him. She sighed and put her head down and around the pup so she didn't disturb her. She closed her eyes to try and sleep, but it just wouldn't come to her. She was too worried.
As the storm still was going on outside, Heart heard the sound of wet steps in the grass. They were running. She picked her head up and tried her best to look outside the den entrance. Soon enough, a very wet and out of breath Alastor came charging into the den. He was panting and his eyes were wide.
"Alastor?" Heart wanted to make sure he was ok.
It took the deer a minute to gain his composure. He shut his eyes, took a deep breath, and shook his pelt for a moment. He looked at Heart, "There was a human." He spoke.
Heart's ears went back as he said that. "A human? Here? How?" She asked worried as she curled around Elena more.
"I don't know, he was armed. The storm was starting then so it was hard to see. He shot at me but missed." He saw the worried look on his mate's face. "Don't worry, I took care of them. They won't hurt us." He walked up to the hybrid and licked her muzzle. "Nothing will hurt my family."
The wolf sighed in relief, "Thank goodness. You weren't hurt after though, were you? Did he try to shoot you again?"
"Not a scratch on me." He reassured her with a smile. "I didn't know how long the human was here for. So, I was just over taken with this new come fear. I took care of him and then quickly ran to you." He nuzzled her. "I was starting to think too much about what would have happened...Especially if they got to you two."
"Don't worry Al, nothing happened to us. We're safe." Heart told him and licked his cheek.
His tail wagged. "That I am glad for." He shook his pelt again. "I know I'm all wet but I'll try to dry myself off before I join you. I don't want to get your bedding wet."
"You're ok Al. You can lay outside the bedding for now, I'd be ok with that." She told him.
"Thank you dear." He said and got to the edge of the bedding to lay down. He looked at Heart and then down at Elena who was still asleep. He smiled and gave the pup a kick on her head before nuzzling Heart.
The three laid they're as the storm went on outside the den. They were all safe and sound and nothing would come to hurt them. It was rare to see humans but at least they didn't have to worry about that one.
After two months after Elena was born, they soon started to move back into Alastor's den. Leaving Heart's old den to where their home truly was, Alastor's cave. Plus, to get Elena acclimated to where she would be. The pup had grown so much in those two months. She was getting the hang of walking now; she still was falling now and then but she can explore on her own. Her eyes had fully developed so she could fully see and was now a deep red color, like Alastor's. She was talking a little bit now. She would say words but it was good to see her starting to develop some things. She even tried meat for the first time, it was small so she could chew it but now she could eat meat on her own.
They haven't taken Elena to a full moon meeting yet, but she will soon. After today she will be a little independent but she is still young and doesn't want to go far from her parents yet. Hoping they have everyone meet to need young predecessor of Alastor. Plus, she was cute, who could hate a small pup.
"Wait!" The pup called from behind her parents as her short legs carried her along the way to their new spot.
"Sorry Elena." Alastor apologized as they both had stopped to let the pup to catch up.
Once she was caught up to them, they started to head on together. Elena was between her parents as they walked. Being a new parent was still a learning process, but they knew they could get the hang of it eventually. No one was perfect when it came to raising young. They wouldn't replace it for anything though. Elena kept a place in their hearts that couldn't be filled any other way.
"Are you excited to see your home, little light?" Alastor asked the pup.
"Excited!" Elena repeated and jumped a little.
They both chuckled at her.
"Well, you'll enjoy it. Don't you worry. It's big enough for all of us." Heart told her.
"Yes, I'm even going to carve out your own spot in the cave so you have your own personal area." Alastor added.
Heart turned to her mate. "How will you do that?"
"I do have magic, my love. You'll see." The deer answered her with a wink.
The pup was excited and jumped around her parents with happy yips. She couldn't wait to get to the new cave. It was starting to get too small in the den with all three of them. When they arrived at Alastor's home, Elena jumped the spring, but almost fell in. Luckily, Heart was beside her and grabbed her scruff to pull her along.
"Welcome home." Alastor said softly as his tail wagged. He watched as Elena laughed and happily ran into the cave with Heart right behind. His smile was wide and he just enjoyed the moment. This moment with his family….something he never thought he would have. It made him happiest he's been in decades.
Heart noticed Alastor not following but saw the smile on his face and his tail wagging. Elena stopped and was looking at her mom from a little further in the cave. The hybrid smiled as well as her mate. "You ok hon?" She made sure.
That snapped Alastor out of his thoughts. "Yes dear, I'm coming." He said and walked forward into the cave. He gave Heart a lick on her muzzle then nuzzled Elena before he went inside with them.
Later that night, it was time for another meeting. This time, this meeting was to introduce Elena to everyone since she was old enough to walk now and speak some words. He just hoped they didn't have a bad reaction, especially since Elena looks more wolf than anything. He didn't want to worry though; he was Lord and what he does and who his family is should be none of their concern. Everything tonight would be fine. Especially with Heart's friends there to support her.
Alastor rose the firework in the sky to say that the meeting was starting. "Welcome, gentle demons, to another full moon meeting. Thank you for coming."
The group stopped their paws and hooves on the ground.
"So, for this meeting, I don't have much to talk about in regard to anything happening around the territory. There have been no more human sightings since the one last month. I will take your questions and concerns after as always if you need, but I have something to do first." He turned to the cave. "Come out dear." He said softly.
Heart appeared out of the cave first and then behind her, slowly, Elena was walking behind her. She was nervous, being in front of all those demons. She looked out but spotted Alastor, which made her feel a little better. Knowing her dad was up there and he would protect her. Soon they were beside the deer and all of the territory was looking at them.
Alastor nuzzled and licked Elena's head. "I want everyone to meet my daughter, Elena. She is my first born and I wish for everyone to treat her with respect as you would everyone else."
Most of the group bowed their heads in response to the young pup. The little one was wagging her tail and smiling. Although it seemed a few didn't do anything except give a dirty look towards the three.
He seemed to notice this and he was spiked with anger slightly but held it back. He snorted to clear his mind. "If anyone has anything negative to say, then I will kindly ask you to keep your comments and remarks to yourself." He told them sternly. "This is my family. I love them and I'll do whatever I can to protect them. So, if you don't want to be in my territory anymore then you are happy to leave."
Elena heard the tone in her dad's voice and she put her ears back and nuzzled up to the deer's leg. Alastor looked down at the pup and smiled. He leaned down and gave the girl a few licks on the head. "It will be ok, my light. No one will hurt you." He whispered.
The pup nodded and just stayed close to Alastor. "Thank you, daddy." She said softly and just stayed there with her face in the deer's leg.
The rest of the night went smooth. No one said anything about Elena and when the meeting had ended some even came up to introduce themselves to her and made her feel welcomed. This made the pup happy and she smiled, her little tail wagging. By the time they all were gone, she was tired and gave a yawn.
"I think it's time you went to bed, little one." Heart said as she noticed the pup becoming tired.
"Tired." Elena replied and her eyes were droopy.
"Let's get you to bed, pup." Heart went and picked the little one up by the scruff to head back into the cave.
Alastor walked with them back into the cave and watched as Heart put Elena down on the main pile of furs. The hybrid went and joined the small wolf, lying beside her and nuzzling her head. The little one yawned as she snuggled up next to her mother's side. The deer walked in closer and nuzzled Heart as the pup settled down. He put his head down to Elena and licked her head in a kiss.
"My two favorite demons. Right in front of me." He said with a wide smile as he looked at them lovingly.
Heart chuckled and she felt her ears get hot with a blush. She looked up at the deer. "Al, your so cheesy sometimes."
"Ah, only the cheesiest for you, my love." He chuckled in return and went to lay down behind Heart. "I'm glad tonight with Elena went ok."
"I'm honestly glad to. They all seemed to welcome her and I'm happy about that." Heart sighed in relief as she leaned back against Alastor. "Makes me happy to see my home grow." She looked up at the deer. "I'm so happy you let me stay here. I don't know where I'd be without you."
Alastor smiled and licked the wolf's cheek. "I'm happy I didn't turn you away. Otherwise, I wouldn't be the happiest I've ever been."
The wolf's tail wagged. "I love you, Al, so much." She said and gave his lower jaw a few licks.
"I love you too, Heart." He said and gave her kisses back.
They two then settled down with the pup and the night was sound and quiet for them.
Just one more chapter….hard to believe. It's going to be a small time skip. I want to thank everyone for going on this adventure with me. I honestly really enjoyed this fanfic. After the last chapter I have nothing else planned for it but we will see for the future.
