AN: Hey all! So I believe...fingers crossed Thursday will be a triple chapter dump. I know I know, I'm burning through all the stuff I have written but I really feel they all need to be posted together so you all can flip through them again to reread them and get the full picture. I've never tried this before (writing the same scene(s) from multiple characters POVs so I hope this goes over well) but I am super excited to post it and see what you all think.

Cheers!

Ellen waited for a few moments wondering if he was actually going to deny her offer. He liked deals and it was what kept her safe last time, so it seemed like an easy answer. His hesitancy only worked to make her question herself. Was there something else she wasn't aware of that kept him from taking her offer?

"I can not," he finally revealed.

Her hand dropped, giving him an incredulous look. "You can, but you won't? Talk to me."

She watched him shift uncomfortably, his body leaning closer to her again but this time she moved to the left making more space between the two. She had to bite her cheek to keep her face from softening at the sight of hurt flash past his eyes.

He swallowed, eyes turned down, cheeks only barely dusted pink, ears flat against his head, clearly uncomfortable. "I fear I am not in a good state of mind to make a solid contract."

It was her turn to turn away, biting her lip in thought. They had made a few deals, some that she was the primary, but all of the contracts they held, even the ones where she was technically the primary, he had written. She had never written one before. It was a valid concern, one she hadn't thought of, but she was positive she had seen enough to know how to write one, or a decent one at least. Maybe not as 'air tight' as any of Alastors', but enough for something small like this.

A groan pulled her from her thoughts, her gaze back to Alastor and he was watching her like he would devour her. Eyes glued to her lips through heavy eyelids.

"My dear you can not bite your lip like that."

Her mouth fell open, cheeks flushing a dark hue of scarlet. Oh she was in trouble. It felt like a weight had suddenly pulled her stomach down, a wave of heat pooling low in her gut.

She found words had failed her, her train of thought thoroughly disrupted. The air that had felt chilly mere seconds ago now felt warm, almost like someone had wrapped her in a heated towel.

She slowly threw her thumb over her shoulder, eyes still wide at how quickly Alastor had ruffled her with a few words.

"I-uh-p-paper. I'm going to get my- my notebook."

Before she could turn away Alastor had waved up a notebook for her with a pen. "And what exactly do you need to jot down so urgently, hmm?"

She blinks blankly at him for a few seconds trying to get her thought back before she grabs the notebook and pen, flipping it open to a blank sheet. "You're afraid of hurting me, so let's make a contract and if you don't think you can write one, then I'll write it."

She started writing down a few notes on what she wanted assurance of. She already knew what his biggest concern was.

"It's not exactly that simple. The wording will need to be precise, something that even I took a better part of a decade to master."

Ellen kept her eyes down, focused on what she was writing, though she could feel that Alastor had closed the distance between them again.

"I think I can write it well," she answered in a slightly nervous tone. "I like finding loopholes, word play, that sort of thing. It'll help make sure I prevent possible cracks in the contract."

Alastor hummed in thought before leaning down, adjusting his monocle to read over her shoulder.

"While I do quite enjoy your determination and intellect, that paper won't do. I only use parchment for my contacts, as I am sure you are aware."

A grin pulled to her face as she looked at the pale white lined paper of the notebook. She had figured that would be the case, even if it wasn't a big or important deal, Alastor always has to have everything official. She suppressed a giggle as she pictured a stack of contracts all neatly organized and piled in a clean stack with one, sloppily written, partially crumpled, old napkin or stained paper. An eyesore, a touch of imperfection that once seen would cause minute ire.

"This is only a rough draft," she assured him. "I'll let you read it through after, and if we both agree then I'll put it on parchment."

It was comforting and thrilling to know that he was being sincere, he really did find her intellect attractive. Something no one before seemed to have any interest in. So the more she wrote, the harder it was for her to focus.

After a third draft a gold glowing parchment was summoned. She took a second to look at the pen in her hand squinting at it in thought. The marriage contract was written and signed in blood, but the ones Dolion had created were all in pen. Writer's choice she guessed, but would Alastor prefer one over the other? Were all contracts 'binding' or was there a level of power that varied depending on the deal and its conditions and what it was written with? Could you use a pencil? That wouldn't be very 'binding' seeing as it could easily be erased and rewritten.

She suddenly felt a bit more unsure of herself. There was so much more here she didn't know, didn't understand. Was she really confident she knew what she was doing? Sure Alastor was helping where he could, but looking at the simple pen unearthed the sudden realization that this was a lot more complicated than simply putting words on paper.

Alastor made it seem so easy, writing up contracts like he was just signing Christmas cards, with ease and practiced poise.

If it had really taken him the better part of a decade to master it, how could she feel confident with the glowing parchment in her hands? Would Alastor be proud of this work if he were in a clearer state of mind? He blatantly stated he wasn't confident in his skills right now, should she really be taking his words and adjustments so openly?

They were good adjustments, and even with the rut muddling his thoughts (she knew how bad it could get, she'd been there) he still had the wherewithal to be concerned about her safety. The top priority of keeping her from harm.

Alastor's head moved down to her ear, his voice a little more gravelly than she was used to.

"Testing my patience are we? I'll be returning the gesture in kind my dear. I do look forward to hearing you beg me for mercy."

She nearly dropped the pen. Swallowing thickly, she stepped out of his hold and turned to him already knowing there was no saving face. Her face likely resembled the red of a tomato.

"I wasn't sure if you wanted to use a pen or…"

His eyes took their time leaving her face to travel downwards with a look that all but screamed 'I'm going to devour every single part of you'. She wasn't sure how well she resisted the urge to shudder at the intense look.

"Ink will do just fine."

She nodded and quickly went to work writing, arms snaked around her waist and Alastor's head rested atop hers. The two stayed like that, in a comfortable albeit heated silence. It probably would have been done quicker, but Ellen had to remind herself to stay focused as Alastor's hands hugged her tighter to him, grip ever so slightly tightening as she worked. She had to ignore the excited bulge that twitched against her back as he watched the pen glide across the parchment. She wasn't doing anything to elicit such a reaction, she was being, as he would say, behaved.

She had to admire his self control, hands traveling no lower than her hips, no higher than the bottom of her rib cage. Although she did notice that when his hands were at her hips he seemed to pull her closer to him, lifted up slightly so her butt squished against a certain excited member. The first few times she was pressed so tightly to him she could feel the heat through all of her layers of clothing. The steady but hastened beating of his heart, shaky breaths that shuttered from his chest only added to her admiration. But as the pattern continued she found her heart racing to match his, her breaths suddenly coming out in light pants, the soft billowing whisps lingering in the chilled air. A chill she hadn't felt since starting the contract.

Focus! She realized the pen had paused at some point, her mind seeming to have forgotten its task, focused instead on the demon that was clinging to her. Her cheeks flushed a bit in embarrassment. He wasn't even saying words now and she was still unraveling!

He took a sharp inhale and the smell had him shudder against her back, grip tightening on her hips even more. She could now feel the tips of his claws pressing through her clothes. She already knew what he had caught the smell of and if it were possible, her face heated more. She pressed her legs together, a fruitless endeavour at this point.

That was enough to get her back in check to finish the last of the contract, adding two lines that weren't discussed. It seemed a bit deceitful adding them without Alastor's knowledge, especially when she knew he was definitely not going to be reading it through before signing. It wasn't anything detrimental, just a couple things to add peace of mind. And well, something to challenge Alastor. This was all temporary anyway.

When she was finished she pushed the pen and parchment into his hands where, as she thought, he signed it without even looking at it. Sheesh, he really was out of it. He was either so lost in heat he didn't care as long as got to mate, or he completely trusted her with this. She was hoping it was the latter.

She signed her name with a small crooked grin, confident in her work despite the unease that still lingered in the back of her mind. She barely got a few seconds to admire it before it was snapped from existence and she was slipped into shadow, landing a little harshly on her back when she resurfaced.

"Apologies darling but I do believe you have made it near impossible to resist you any longer. You smell absolutely divine."

Her head quickly turned to take in the surroundings, fallen leaves crinkling with her movements. It was obvious she lay on the forest floor, the trees towering over her, stretching upwards with branches mostly bare and tangled amongst themselves. At a quick glance it reminded her of Alastor's antlers long, twisting and out of reach, the thought brought a small chuckle to her throat.

She had no idea where they were or how far they had travelled. The forest was a maze of trees, each one looking like the one before it. Hopefully it wasn't too far, they both wouldn't be up for walking much after this.

Alastor sat on top of her, arms on either side of her head, legs straddled her hip, effectively caging her to the ground.

"Tell me, my little doe, you aren't afraid are you?"

Her eyes took one last glance around them before finding his piercing gaze. She knew it was probably best she gave in, he'd already spent three days avoiding her, holding back. But a small mischievous grin pulled at her lips, her eyes flashing with a glint of mischievousness. She was certain she was safe no matter how rough he wanted to be and she had a few little tricks up her sleeve. If what she added last minute was worded well, this evening would be one to remember.

"Afraid, no, but I think we can make this a bit more fun and if you'll indulge me, challenging."

"I already have you right where I want you."

She raised an eyebrow knowing she had piqued his interest. "And if I slip away, then what?"

He chuckled, leaning in closer. "My dear there is no way I would let you slip from my-"

In a quick motion she leaned forward taking his mouth to hers. She bit down only enough to draw a taste of blood before she released him, a devilish grin spread across her face as a familiar forgotten warmth rushed through her veins. Oh this was going to be good.

"Watch me," she whispered as she summoned his shadow and slipped into the darkness only to reappear a few feet away.

The look on his face was priceless.

"How did…?"

"You like the chase right? Well… come catch your doe, and when you succeed, I'll give you your magic back." She paused only to add some dramatic flare, a smug grin tugging at her lips while she tried to keep her excited heart rate down. "And I suppose you'd be free to have your way with me too."

She could watch the realization of what she had done slowly seep into his eyes. It definitely added to the building heat in her stomach. She may not like the physical act of sex but the idea of being hunted through the woods, a chance to put her skill, knowledge and adaptability to the test was better than any sort of foreplay.

Her heart was already racing with anticipation and excitement to see how long she could out run and out maneuver the great Radio Demon. He was smart, cunning and fast and in order for this to be any challenge she would need to be smarter, faster and more cunning.

She knew he would inevitably catch her, he always did, but she adored the chance to show off her intellect. Her mind was already flooded with things she could do to throw him off her tail, to drag this out as long as possible. Not only for her own satisfaction, but for his as well. The more she challenged him, the harder he had to work, the more proud and vindicating the final catch would be. It worked in both their favours.

She would probably get lectured about it later, likely when this heat was over with, but for now, she reveled in the predatory glint that flashed in his eyes and the wicked curl in his grin. He was up for the challenge, like she knew he would be and with a flash of a mocking smile she slipped from his sights with a simple declaration.

"Let the games begin…"

She was trouble, always had been but this…this was trouble he could appreciate.

His little doe was in a playful mood and didn't that just get him going in ways he couldn't have imagined. A spark of arousal ignited in his veins like fire at the idea of hunting down his lady with the promise of having his way when he caught her, and he would catch her.

They had done this once before, though the circumstances were set in a completely different mood, one of fear, survival and desperation. But this set his body thrumming with anticipation, the thrill of a hunt, to chase, to catch his prey, and claim his prize.

His heart sped up in excitement knowing she wouldn't make this easy, now especially that she had managed to take his magic, a worry for later. This would probably be his most difficult and satisfying hunt yet and the thought sent a shiver of pleasure through him.

He stood, brushing off his palms, eyes and ears straining for anything to get him started in a direction. There were no rivers nearby meaning she wouldn't be able to cover her scent too well, that and the light breeze wouldn't work in her favour. But she was smart, she would try and stay downwind of him, making it harder for him to track her.

His grin pulled higher as he spun on his heels, the wind gently pushing him forward. While it wasn't impossible to be completely silent, the deadfall and furled leaves making it a difficult task, he wasn't concerned with making noise. He would hear her long before she heard him. No it was more likely he had to worry about his shadow finding him and alerting her of his presence.

She could, if she wanted, remain hidden in the shadow realm until she got tired of waiting, but where's the fun in that? No he knew she would make this a challenge, make him work for it, and that only added to his excitement. What did she have planned for him? How sneaky and calculating would she be in this little game of cat and mouse?

He stopped, head tilted up, a soft sweet smell mixed with a light earthy tone, with a hint of saltiness drifted by. Like the humid air of a greenhouse freshly watered, fragrant flowers mixing their scents so no one distinct smell could be found.

His eyes slowly moved to his left wondering why she would not remain downwind. With nothing else to go off, he turned to follow the smell, letting it lead him through the trees. He kept vigilant, eyes scanning for any traces of unusual darkness, and moving shadows. Perhaps she wanted to give him a point to start from. Or maybe he was giving her more credit than he should. It would be a shame if this game ended so quickly.

He found himself at a larger tree, the scent strongest by it. Ellen had been here. Recently too. He made a few laps around the tree, finding she had likely rubbed herself on the bark, the evidence lay by the roots, chips of bark rubbed off the tree. Cheeky girl. She had scented the tree, and it was likely she would scent more, to throw him off. A good start, but not enough to slow him down much.

He chuckled to himself indulging in one more deep inhale, letting her cloud his mind for a few seconds more before turning to continue his way downwind.

After wandering for a bit he caught the sound of a hushed voice. He slowed his pace, eyes scanning the area for any signs of life. Carefully he tiptoed closer, the voice getting easier to hear, his ears slightly twitching to the sound.

"How long do you think it'll take him?"

His grin widened. His little doe always did have a difficult time dealing with boredom. A shame she couldn't hold out a little longer.

"I thought he'd find me by now, he's usually good at this sort of thing," she whispered.

He paused again, brow furrowing as he also picked up a light crackling of static, not his own. It was almost like she was on the phone or radio, a light distortion hindering the voice. A few more paces closer and he gave up his quiet approach. She should have to have known this would have been a terrible excuse for a distraction. He expected better, though he supposed it was a distraction nonetheless.

He followed the sound, a loop of four phrases being cycled through a small handheld two-way radio that had been tied to a tree. He could tell she was moving as she spoke, the light panting of her breath, the faint crunching of leaves underfoot, he could even hear the sound of her wetting her lips.

His hand curled around it, thumb pressing the 'talk' button though his ears were turned to try to pick up sounds in the distance. These devices had a specific range and with luck she would be close enough for him to hear the high pitched chirp of the other radio.

"Very clever darling~, but you'll have to try harder than that my dear."

There was a few seconds of pause, his ears swiveling around on his head straining for any sound. Very faintly he heard his voice delayed. He was already walking away when Ellen returned over the radio. He could hear the grin in her voice.

"Don't worry, I'm just getting started."

He chuckled to himself a fresh wave of excitement and arousal sweeping through him. She was so sure of herself, a confidence she rarely displayed since being back on earth. She had something up her sleeve and he couldn't wait to figure out what it was. Oh, this was going to be quite entertaining. How delightful.

See you all On Thursday for; The Hunted, The Hunter, and The Innocent. 3