Welcoming Reggie

[Reggie]

Lights tried to lead me, but I was sure of myself and didn’t need them. It took an hour to make it through. I was tired as hell when I entered a pretty little clearing with a cherry tree in it.

There was a ring of stones alternating between dark and light around the tree. Even though it was obviously a young tree, it was heavy with fruit. Some fruit might be nice while I waited for my king to arrive.

The clearing was so familiar. It must mean I was in the right spot. Plucking some of the fruit from the tree, I munched while I waited. I knew someone would be alerted I was there and come to get me. It was just how it worked.

-

After some time, and about twenty cherries, a large man entered the clearing. I peered out from behind the tree. He was well-built and tall with dark hair and eyes. I could make out his wings and tail. His long hair was tied back.

He had a presence that drew me in. It was my Vasili. I could feel the pull of his power. He was definitely strong. I was proud to have such a king.

“Welcome, Reggie. I’m Veles, the Vasili. Are you ready to come give your report?” He said.

His voice was firm, yet gentle. I bet his mates loved that. I wondered if my male mate would have a voice like that. I imagined something deeper and more growly, though. Maybe they’d be here.

“Yes. I’d kill for a shower first.” I grunted as I walked out from behind the tree. “And a bed. I’ve been living rough for a while now, Vasili.”

I put on my human form as I neared him. It was finally safe to put my demon away. I would need a lot of rest and food before she could come out again.

“We appreciate your sacrifice. Come with me, we’ll put you up in the Alpha house.” The Vasili smiled and led me down the path he’d exited. “You can call me Anders, if you like. My patron said you’re a concubus. How did you avoid being detected all these years?”

“Kept myself to myself and didn’t use my natural form.” I replied.

“Your wings are strange. I’ve never met a demon with angel wings.” He chuckled.

“I’ve never met one with dragon wings. So, I guess it’s a night of firsts.” I snorted. “I have to put my demon form away for a while. I’ve been feeding on flesh for two months. It could take a week or so before I can change without needing to kill.”

While we followed the path, I looked around. The property was like a mixed campground. A lot of new structures, some sturdy older ones, and tents.

In some areas, animals were curled up on the ground. I could smell they were shifters. It made me smile. A true community of supernaturals.

“Right, the blood sickness. We can get you someone to feed you. There are males and females available. Just speak to Gail and she’ll set you up with a couple feeding partners. Will you be alright for tonight?” Anders asked.

“Yeah. I ate an enemy incubus earlier. I’ll talk with her tomorrow.” I told him.

We entered the back of the house and Anders guided me down the hall. We stopped at a door and he opened it up. The room was wonderful. There was a queen size bed, a couple nice nightstands, a dresser, and an armchair. I ached to sleep in a proper bed, almost as much as I craved a hot shower.

“You don’t have any bags, no clothes then… I can go look in the storeroom for something to wear. For now, there’s a robe in the bathroom. We keep soap and stuff in there, so you can go shower while I grab you something to wear in the morning. My room is just across the hall if you need anything.” He told me.

“Thank you, Vasili. I appreciate it.” I bowed a little and headed into the bathroom.

-

Hot water was one of the most amazing things in the world to me. I smelled the soaps and shampoos in the cupboard until I found some I liked. It would be wonderful to smell like something other than animal urine and mud.

The best part about the whole thing was that the water didn’t get cold. I was sure I’d been in there for over an hour just washing and rewashing, trying to get rid of every scent that didn’t belong to me or the pretty soaps. The water was still hot when I finally felt clean enough.

I stepped out of the shower and wiped the steam from the mirror. I dug through the drawers and came up with a brand new hairbrush, toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and a hair dryer. With a grin, I wrung out my honey blonde hair in the towel and used the dryer to finish drying it as I brushed. It was so much better than air drying and using my claws to get tangles out.

When I was dry, brushed, and orally refreshed, I put on the thick, violet robe and went through the door to my room. The bed looked inviting, but I was feeling a little hungry. I opened the door and let my nose lead me to the kitchen.

Opening the refrigerator door, I marveled at the options and began pulling stuff out to make a sandwich. Meats, cheeses, some veggies, my mouth watered at the idea of all the different flavors. It would be the most complete meal I’d had in a long time.

Living in the wild for the last couple months, had wiped out any semblance of propriety. These were my people. They would be okay with me taking stuff for one sandwich. I put away the clean dishes from the dishwasher so I could load the dirty ones in as I worked. It was only polite.

“Makin’ a lotta noise at four in the mornin’ isn’t gonna earn you friends here.” A deep voice chuckled from the doorway.

I’d smelled him before I heard him. That was the only reason I hadn’t jumped at the sudden intrusion to my thoughts. I looked up.

That was one big man…. He was thick and muscular, with dark hair and eyes. He looked like a cross between a strongman and a prince. I wondered what his wolf looked like. I bet it was gorgeous.

“Sorry. I didn’t realize I was hungry until I was clean.” I laughed. “You want a sandwich, too?”

“Sure. I’m Ford. The Ulric.” He said as he sat at the counter.

“I’m Reggie, the concubus. Nice to meet you.” I smiled.

“Anders said we got a female concubus in.” Ford replied.

“I can feel you staring at me.” I told him as I worked to build a second sandwich.

“Just tryin’ to figure you out a little.” He answered.

“Not a lot to figure out. I work hard. I’m loyal to the movement. And I have just finished making two amazing sandwiches.” I laughed.

I handed Ford a plate as I sat beside him at the counter and started eating. We enjoyed the meal in silence. I was happy he wasn’t a talker. I wanted to finish my food and go to bed. By my figuring, I could get four or five hours of sleep before someone disturbed me.

-

Once we finished, Ford grabbed the plates and started putting things away. I started wiping down the counter where we’d had our snack. I wanted to feel useful.

“You head to bed. Anders said you’ve been sleepin’ rough. I’ll keep everyone away from you until after trainin’. About noon. Can’t make any promises past that.” He said.

“Thank you, Ulric.” I smiled and went to my room.

When I got there, I took off the robe and curled up under the blankets. It was a little heavenly. Soft, clean cloth bundled around me, not having to use my tail to lash myself to a branch. And the very best part, no creaking tree limbs trying to support my chubby butt. With a chuckle, I drifted to sleep.