Charlie was getting worried. Alastor was always on time, usually early. Something was wrong. She hated to bother him, but this was totally unlike him.
She stood outside his door and knocked gently. "Al? It's Charlie."
"What is it?" His voice sounded gruffer than usual.
"I was getting worried, it's nearly eleven. Are you feeling ok?"
There was a brief pause. "I'm not. Terrible flu, I believe."
"Oh, Al! I'm so sorry! Can I bring you anything? I can't get sick, so-"
"Please just leave me alone, Charlie."
"Oh. Ok then. I'll be working the front desk today, call downstairs if you need anything, ok?"
"Thank you dear."
Charlie hoped he was ok. Alastor never got sick. After lunch, she'd make him a care package of sorts. Some soup, tissues, and one of those silly mystery novels he liked to read.
Alastor was losing his mind. The downside of his form, being part deer, meant he was subject to the same cycles they went through, though luckily not as often.
He was going through a rut.
He absolutely loathed this cycle. It came once every seven years, and this was his first since joining the hotel. It always brought him great shame, retreating to one of Mimzy's brothels. But it was the only way to break the rut cycle. And unfortunately, Mimzy had banned him. He was more aggressive during his rut, and more powerful, and her imp girls were not able to handle that. He refused to speak to the moth pimp, Valentino would lord it over him forever. He was going to have to try to lock himself in his room until it was over, or give up and go to a bar.
He was startled from his pacing by a soft knock. "WHAT?"
"It's Charlie. I brought you some soup and other stuff. Do you want me to leave it out here?" Oh he most certainly didn't. Perhaps it was her status as a hellborn, but her pheromones were driving him insane. "Al?"
Charlie heard him groan and the sound of something breaking. "ALASTOR!" She shoved the door open and found him pacing angrily. He snapped his head towards her and she was startled to see him looking so…disheveled.
"I'm fine, Charlotte. Now get OUT." He closed his eyes and tried to calm down. He heard her footsteps come closer and he groaned. "Charlie, please-" her hand rested on his shoulder and he felt a wave of calm. He looked at her, stunned and confused.
"I'm a succubus. I could tell." She shrugged with a small smile. "Oh!" She was surprised when he threw his arms around her and nearly collapsed. "Oh, Al. I wish you'd told me."
"It's MORTIFYING, Charlotte."
"I know. How long does it usually last?"
"It depends on how long I fight it. Once I…scratch the itch, I'm fine. This is the first time it's happened since I've been here. How did I not know you were a succubus?"
"Al, you're shaking. Let's sit down." She slid to the floor and was surprised he did as well, putting his head on her lap. She wasn't sure what to do, so she just stroked his hair. She'd never seen him look so miserable. "My mom is a succubus. And she loves it and takes full advantage of it. Me, on the other hand…I get embarrassed by it. But I wondered if I could take some of your pain away, so I tried. I can't say it's a permanent fix though." She could see how pale and waxen he looked. "Al? You're worrying me."
"Apologies, Charlotte. I'm feeling a bit weak."
"Shit! Shit! I took too much, that's why I never do this! Oh, I'm so sorry, Al!"
"It's alright. Would you mind sitting with me for a bit?"
"Not at all. Is this ok?"
"It feels heavenly. I hate to ask another favor of you when you've already done so much-"
"What is it?"
"Will you…rub my antlers? They get rather sore and painful at this time." He felt Charlie's hand stroke one of the antlers and sighed. "That feels lovely, thank you."
"So how do you usually…get through this?"
"I'd rather not discuss it."
"Well we need to. I don't want you to be miserable. I won't judge you, Al."
Alastor groaned. "I used to go to one of Mimzy's establishments. However, that is no longer an option."
Charlie didn't want to ask too many questions. "Ok. You rest today, and we'll talk about this tomorrow, alright?" She saw the brief flash of panic and continued stroking his hair. "I'm not going anywhere. Just rest." She was surprised he listened and closed his eyes. She felt a bit like she was holding a wounded animal, though she supposed she technically was. She had a lot of thinking to do. She wanted to help him, not completely drain the life out of him. After he'd rested for a solid hour, she was struck with an idea.
She fished her cellphone out of her pocket and began typing.
I know you probably won't answer, but I have a succubus related question. Charlie hit send and put her phone aside, not expecting a return text almost immediately.
"You've caught me at a good time. What do you need, child?"
"I have a friend going through a rut phase, he's part deer. He's my friend, so I want to help but not make him uncomfortable. I was able to suck some of the pain out just by touching him, but I took too much and made him sick. What do I do?"
Dots appeared on the screen, then disappeared. Then her phone began buzzing. "I can't really talk, he's asleep beside me."
"Is this friend Alastor?" Her mother asked. It was strange to hear her voice after so long.
"Does it matter?"
"Yes."
"Then yes, it is."
"You'll have to fuck him."
Charlie nearly dropped her phone on his head. "Excuse me?"
"Alastor is a very powerful demon overlord. You've put a bandaid on for now, but it won't last long. And the longer he goes, the more violent he'll get. If you're not up to it, you can always send him my way-"
"Noooo! No. Thanks, but no. There's no other way?"
"Nope. Now, was there anything else you needed?"
"No, but, um, maybe we can catch up?"
The line was silent. "Sorry dear, mommy's busy. Toodles!" Then the call ended.
"Don't send me to your mother." Alastor mumbled.
"You heard that?"
"I have incredibly sensitive hearing and my head is in your lap."
"Oh. Right." There was an awkward silence. "So, uh, how do you want to do this?"
"I don't."
"You heard her. That's not an option."
"Yes but it doesn't have to be with you. I could never…do that to you."
Charlie snorted. "Wow, I feel like I should be offended."
"Don't misunderstand me, you're a very attractive young woman. But I couldn't look you in the eye after that."
"Al…you need to think about this logically. You could be as rough as you wanted with me and I can take it."
"While that is a VERY tempting offer, I still must decline."
"Alastor! You're making me feel self conscious. Am I that repulsive?!" Charlie felt wounded.
"No, dear, I just respect you too much to degrade you."
"Degrade me?"
"I wouldn't want to take away your virtue."
Charlie laughed so hard and so long that Alastor actually sat up to see what was the matter. "Charlie?"
"Al, I've been around HUNDREDS of years. You're about two hundred years too late to 'take my virtue." Charlie snorted. "Why did you think I was a virgin?"
"Well, because…I mean, just look at you! You're the picture of purity, half an angel. I thought you'd be one of those people who wait until marriage."
"No, no, no. Can I tell you something? It can't leave this room."
"Of course."
Charlie sighed. "I cannot BELIEVE I'm about to tell you this, but…I happen to have a membership for a certain club. Angel and I usually go together. That's our rule, we go together and we leave together, that way we know we'll make it home safely."
Alastor's jaw was hanging open. He was completely stunned. "You can't be serious."
"I am. I'm a succubus, remember? I have needs. An itch to be scratched, as you put it. And right now…we both have an itch. So?"
There was a ripping sound as Alastor's claws raked across the carpet. "Are you certain?"
"Of course. Do you trust me?"
"I do." And to his surprise, he really meant it.
"Then let me help you."
Alastor was staring at the floor. "It won't be romantic in the slightest."
"And that's fine with me!"
"It'll be rough. Very rough. I'm stronger during this time."
"Don't threaten me with a good time." Charlie grinned.
"I don't know if I'll be able to stop if you change your mind."
"I understand. So?"
Alastor was quiet for a moment. "Alright."
"Boy, try not to sound too excited about it." Charlie rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry, it's just so odd to think about."
"Hang on, I'll be back in five minutes!" Charlie jumped up and dashed out the door. Could he really do this? And with Charlie? Sweet, adorable little Charlie? Well, sweet, adorable little Charlie who apparently had a membership to a sex club. The thought intrigued him. What was she like in bed? He supposed he'd find out soon enough.
There was a knock at his door and he wondered why she didn't just come in. He opened the door and lost the ability to speak. Charlie's eyes were smoky, her lips were red, and her hair was wildly curled. She was wearing a red silk robe and gave him a smile, noting his reaction. "Well? Does this make things easier?" She untied her robe and let it hang open, revealing red lace lingerie.
"Fuck!" Alastor growled and grabbed Charlie, pulling her inside and slamming the door. "This is your last chance, Charlie." He was grinding his teeth and resisting the urge to slam her into the ground.
Charlie let the robe fall from her shoulders and on to the floor. "Let's go."
With a snarl, Alastor pounced on Charlie, tackling her on to his bed. He kissed her like his life depended on it and ground himself against her through his clothes. All that did was turn up the heat.
"I'm afraid I'm short on foreplay." Alastor panted as he continued grinding himself against her.
"Then cut to the chase and take your pants off." Charlie smirked.
With a snap of his fingers, he vanished both their clothes and resumed kissing her. Then he grabbed her suddenly and flipped her over. He pulled her up by her hips and shoved his face between her thighs. He had to taste her, he NEEDED to taste her. He was pleasantly surprised to find that she was already wet. It was odd, he'd never had the urge to do this with the nameless whores at Mimzy's. Maybe it was because he wanted to make sure she was satisfied, but he was eating her out like a starving man.
Charlie hadn't expected THIS, though she certainly wasn't complaining. She moaned into the mattress as he attacked her with his tongue. She gasped when he inserted two fingers and began pumping them in and out of her. Hooooooly shit. She was going to orgasm faster than ever before.
Charlie began making the most delicious moans and he knew he was running out of control. As Charlie gasped and cried out, he made sure to catch every drop of her release. "Ready?"
Charlie mumbled in agreement. He picked her hips up higher, then rammed into her.
"FUCK!" Charlie cried out.
"Apologies. Too much?" Alastor was grinding his teeth.
"Nope. Continue!"
He didn't need any further prompting. His hips were slamming against hers and her face was shoved down into the mattress. Luckily she didn't seem to mind, based on the noises she was making.
"Are you…ok?" He panted.
"I thought…you said…it'd be rough!" She turned her head and grinned at him. He'd been holding back, but then he remembered who he was dealing with. He grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled, arching her back and making her cry out. He dug his nails into her flesh and blood pooled to the surface. He let his primal side take over, antlers growing and eyes glowing. His mind was just screaming one thing over and over again: DOMINATE.
Charlie could tell he loved being in control, and she'd let him for awhile. But now it was her turn.
Alastor was drenched in sweat and getting tired. It happened so quickly that he didn't even know HOW it happened, but he was now pinned down on the mattress. "Charlie!"
"My turn." Charlie's eyes were glowing red and locked onto his. He couldn't look away if he wanted to. He felt like he was under her spell and he didn't mind one bit.
"How's it feel to not be in control?" Charlie smirked as she rode him.
"I'm surprisingly ok with it." His eyes were still locked onto hers.
"Good. Hold on tight."
Her hands wrapped around his throat and her whole body began to glow. He wasn't sure what exactly she did to him, but he was fairly certain he was going to pass out and someone was screaming. Was it him? Then he was out cold.
Alastor's eyes fluttered open. What happened?
"ALASTOR!" He was being tackled by Charlie. "Thank god! I thought I'd killed you!"
"I'm not entirely sure you didn't." He groaned and sat up. He was suddenly VERY aware that they were both still naked.
"Do you feel better?" Charlie stroked his cheek and he jumped and scrambled back, pulling the covers around him. "Oh, Al. Please. Just tell me if you're ok. We don't ever have to talk about this again."
"I'm feeling much better, thank you."
"Do you need anything before I go?"
Part of him wanted to beg her not to leave. The other part of him was terrified.
"I'm alright. Thank you, dear."
"Uuuuum, what did you do with my clothes, by the way?"
"They should be in the bathroom by the laundry basket."
"Thanks. I'll get out of your hair. You should get some rest." She strolled across his room buck naked and retrieved her things from the bathroom. "I took a lot out of you, so you'll probably feel like crap for a few days. It's weird, it's almost like a pressure cooker. I could tell you've been dealing with this waaaay longer than you should have." Charlie tied her robe on and walked back over to him. "Don't let it get that bad again. Just come see me, ok?" She kissed his forehead and then she was gone.
Alastor had a LOT to process. He fumbled for the pen and paper he kept on his nightstand because he needed to write this down. He took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and put pen to paper.
Charlie is apparently a succubus/sex goddess?
That was the best sex, living or dead, I've ever experienced.
I can't stop thinking about it.
I want her to hurt me
The last one caught him by surprise. Typically, he liked inflicting pain, not receiving it. But when she'd pinned him down and choked him, my GOD. She was probably the only one capable of doing that and turned him on immensely. He continued his list.
Do I want to pursue a relationship? Perhaps just a sexual one? No, I want more
It was almost as if someone else was writing his innermost thoughts. He'd actually been disappointed when she left. What the FUCK did this woman do to him?! He knew what he needed to do.
AVOID HER AT ALL COSTS
He couldn't let this happen. He couldn't let her invade his thoughts and feelings and distract him. He needed to keep his distance without hurting her feelings. He'd figure that out when he woke up, because he was quickly losing the battle against fatigue.
Charlie hadn't seen Alastor in two days, but she wasn't surprised. She imagined he was embarrassed and uncomfortable. She'd respect that and keep her distance as well. That had been some pretty fantastic sex though. She wondered how often he had his rut. She'd be more than happy to volunteer her services again. Nearly a week went by and she only caught a glimpse of him every now and then. He was definitely avoiding her. Crap. She hoped he didn't want to leave because of what they'd done. She'd have to chase him down and talk to him.
Alastor was going mad. His every waking thought was Charlie, Charlie, CHARLIE. Even sleep wasn't safe from her, as she was in every single dream. He couldn't eat. He couldn't sleep. He'd tried drowning his sorrows in liquor. He couldn't keep going like this. Nearly a week had passed before he figured out a piece of the puzzle. He needed to talk to Charlie.
Charlie was getting ready for bed, brushing her Rapunzel-esque hair and separating it into sections, when there was a knock at the door. "Come in!"
"Are you certain?" She recognized Alastor's voice.
"Yeah, my hands are occupied at the moment." She had to neatly braid her mass of hair, or she'd choke herself with it trying to sleep. It was NOT an easy task.
The door opened and she saw Alastor hesitantly step in the doorway. "Al, it's fine, I just can't let go of this braid. What's up?" She smiled at him in the mirror, then couldn't hide her shock. "Alastor! Are you alright?!"
"No, I'm not. Can we talk?"
Charlie felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. "Oh god, I took too much, didn't I?" Alastor looked like shit. His hair was disheveled, he had bags under his eyes, and his skin was an even sicklier color than normal.
"No, it's not that. Well, it has to do with that." He walked over to her, practically stumbled, and fell at her feet, his head resting in her lap. "What have you done to me?!"
"I'm sorry?"
Alastor looked up at her and he looked to be in pain. "How do I rid myself of these feelings? I should've resisted, but now you've got me under your spell and I'm miserable! All I do is think about you and it's driving me crazy! I beg of you, remove this affliction!"
Charlie blinked at him in confusion. "Wait, do you think I put some kind of curse on you or something?"
"You must have! I've never had these feelings before! Charlotte, my princess, my queen, I submit myself to you and ask for your mercy." He was clinging to her legs and nearly sobbing.
He heard a muffled snort. And then a giggle. Then full on belly laughter. He looked up at her in confusion. "Why are you laughing?"
"Oh, Al." Charlie sank down to the ground with him and took his hands. "You are just the CUTEST."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Al…first of all, I think you've read too many books. Secondly, I didn't put a curse on you. That only works on living humans who I intended to kill. Already dead humans are immune to it. If that wasn't the case, every lover I've ever had would be following me around like a puppy dog. You're not cursed. Which brings me to point number three: I'm going to guess this is the first time you've ever had a crush. Am I right?"
"You make it sound so simple. It's more than that, it consumes me!"
"Which is why you're the cutest. You loooooove meeee." She was beaming at him.
"I most certainly do not!" Alastor scoffed.
"So you DON'T want me to kiss you right now?"
"I didn't say that either." He looked like a pouty child.
"Aw, come on Al! Being in love with me can't be that bad. I think I'm pretty great." Charlie grinned.
"What do I do with these unrequited feelings? I've avoided you all week but it didn't help."
Charlie leaned forward and kissed him, startling him. "Who said they were unrequited?"
"I just assumed-"
"Aha! You assumed. And you wasted a whole week of Charlie lovin' because you were being a drama queen."
"I suppose I do feel a bit ridiculous. Especially after the way I behaved a moment ago."
"Oh I didn't find it ridiculous at all. Charlie grinned and crawled towards him. "I thought it was really hot."
"Oh?" Why was he sweating? He never sweated this much. He was going to ruin his suit.
"Mmmhmmm. Do you still submit to your Queen?" She pounced on him, pinning him to the ground.
"Absolutely." He grinned up at her.
"Absolutely your majesty."
"Apologies. Absolutely, your majesty."
"Now THAT'S more like it!"
The next morning, Alastor sat at the breakfast table with a grin on his face and markings all over his body. Everyone else was exchanging wide eyed glances. Angel finally broke the silence. "What happened to you, strawberry? Ya look like you lost a fight with a tiger."
"I suppose that's one way to put it." He grinned even wider.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you got some tail. You're even more smiley than usual."
"That's no one's business but my own. Pass the jam, please." He looked up as Charlie entered and smiled at her lovingly. "Good morning, dear."
"Morning, Al! Oh!" A shadow tentacle had snaked out and grabbed her, tugging her over to him. He perched her on his knee and whispered to her, making her giggle. She whispered something back, and Alastor jumped up, tossing her over his shoulder like a fireman, and carried a squealing Charlie out of the room. It was dead silent once again as they all tried to absorb what they'd seen. "I'm gonna need more coffee." Angel poured himself a cup and sipped it. "Now let's spill the tea."