FSE

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A few weeks after the events at the cabin Allison and Coal were beginning to strike a rhythm in their everyday routine that worked for them both, with Coal now under the official guise of pet/service animal. Coal was integrating into Allison's life seamlessly. Even with that paperwork settled Allison was having a hard time getting a grasp on the ins and outs of her "Guardian". Her bedside table was crowded with books of varying sizes and ages. Her laptop sat at the foot of the bed; several tabs were open on the subject as well the current was titled "Bestiary of Mythological Creatures". Scattered across her bed and around her were several others of similar caliber. Exhausted from a long night of fruitless research she hardly roused at the sudden shifting of weight and clatter of books hitting the floor as something crawled over her creating a nice pocket of shade over her in the morning light of the vaulted window behind her headboard.

"Go away." she groaned hearing that familiar sniffing at her head before something tugged the covers down slightly. A cold wet snout grazed an ear lobe.

"You are going to be late Allie," Coal whispered. She groaned in protest clutching her pillow to the sides of her head. "Allison..." he said a little louder now. Still, she refused to move. Coal was going to have to change tactics. He left, the shadow above her disappearing. But in the next instant, her covers were torn away leaving her exposed to the frigid morning air in just her T-shirt and panties.

"Cooaaaal!" Allison whined, curling into a fetal position.

"You cannot miss this court date, get up!" Coal barked. Finally, Allison began to move. Today was the day of the hearing for her protection order against Garret, her violently insane ex. Until recently Allison had been on hiatus to get away from Garret and allow her close friends and family to gather her belongings without any conflict between the two while the temporary no-contact order was in effect. Allison had a lot on her plate between Garret, Coal, and settling into a new apartment over the Christmas holiday. Client deadlines were starting to creep up as well. Her only saving grace was this spare room her best friend let her move all her boxed-up belongings into. At least those that weren't destroyed or sold by Garret.

“Did...did you make, is that coffee?" Allison froze with a look of worry and surprise. The brute sat on the edge of the bed grinning from ear to ear as he raised a blue and purple polka dot ceramic mug full of steaming liquid pinched gently between 3 fingers. In Coals hand the mug looked like a toy teacup. “oooo" Allison smiled and took the mug before warming her hands on the sides while she took a whiff. “Smells good" she added a little more enthused before taking a small sip. Coal's tail began to swish across the sheets until it got caught up. Allison sputtered a little and wiped the dribble from her chin. “Mmmm!" she lied “How many scoops did you use?" Coal blinked for a moment; his ears started to flatten slowly.

“Scoops?" he asked, his jaw-dropping a little. Allison giggled setting the mug on one of the many books before leaning forward and hugging his giant arm, burrowing her face into his fur.

“it's OK! You did good! “She giggled and pulled herself up to plant a kiss on the side of Coals concerned muzzle. He blinked and scratched at one of the straps of his harness. Itchy at times and uncomfortable, he was still getting used to the burden of the “Service dog" title in today's world. Allison set the caffeinated syrup strength coffee aside and shuffled to the bathroom for her morning ritual.

This gave Coal time to clean up the books before claiming the bed as his own. Allison emerged a short while later clean and a little better dressed. Nothing fancy just her favorite sweatshirt and skinny jeans, this was a formal hearing after all.

“I come too?" Coal groaned from the comfort of her sheets, once again in his large husky like appearance. Allison smiled at the lump in her bed, one ear poking out near the pillow.

“No, you wouldn't want to sit in that hot courtroom for God knows how long. How about we do something after I get back? You have been cooped up in here for too long." Allison suggested as she donned her coat.

“You are anxious... I am coming! I will eat Garret!" Coal's head popped up suddenly.

Allison stood in the bedroom doorway, her hand on the knob.

“No! Coal! you stay HERE. Watch TV, bark at the birds, hell bug Nora just DO NOT FOLLOW ME. Not today buddy." With that Allison closed her bedroom door leaving Coal in silence. Nora was Allison's “Hippy Witch" best friend The same one lending her this spare room. They had met in high school and ended up going to the same art college where they bonded. Nora was... the ying to Allison's yang. The apartment they share is a 2-bed joined by a single bath. This meant all the soundproofing Nora had in her room was moot as whenever her bathroom door opened, the drum solo of whatever metal band was playing in her room blasted across. Coal's whole head snapped to the bathroom doorway to see a zombie-like Latina woman shuffle up to the bathroom counter. Brown dreads dangled around her shoulders and chest. A gold bull ring and two neon green gauges in her lobes drew his eyes to focus just a little more. Clad in just an old torn up NIN shirt and a pair of Nike branded short shorts. Her numerous tattoos were visible ranging from a Chinese dragon spiraling down her right leg, to a pentagram just below her navel that was also pierced. Two half sleeves with some details he couldn't see clearly from Allison's bed.

For the most part, Nora ignored Coal. She wasn't a big dog type and hated fur everywhere, so they tried not to cross paths too often. However, when Allison started asking odd questions, and if she could borrow some of her “books" about magic and the like, Nora's interest was piqued. Coal watched her with one lazy eye open as she washed her face and went about her morning routine. The large husky looking beast stretched on the bed with a tongue curling yawn before settling back in for some sleep. Perhaps later he would rummage through the fridge or try to find something on tv. While brushing her hair Nora closed one of the bathroom mirrors and caught a glimpse of Coal leaving Allison's room. For a split second, she thought she saw some large wolf creature duck under the doorway. Moving the mirror back she only saw his tail again as it exited the door.

“what ah phuk?" she mumbled through a mouthful of toothpaste. Am I seeing shit? That looked like some kind of monster but...it had Allison's dogs' harness... Nora stood there for a long moment just thinking, water running in the sink endlessly, toothbrush still dangling from her mouth. All of sudden she was in a panicked rush as if she had just come to some realization. Scrambling to dig through her makeup bag she found a small clamshell mirror. Nora disappeared in her room before reemerging slowly with a youth size aluminum bat in one hand and her clamshell mirror in the other. Still wearing naught but her sleepwear Nora tiptoed out to the living room where Coal was curled up in the middle of the couch. Some documentary played softly on the tv holding Coal's attention more than one would think for a dumb dog. Knowing just how sensitive Coal's ears and nose are, Nora took a deep breath before making her approach praying the hardwood didn't betray her. From behind the couch, Coal was just the giant black husky he appeared to be. But as Nora's hand trembled, raising her tiny mirror above and behind him. What the actual fuck? That's him! The monster from my dreams! Nora had been plagued by nightmares as of late, of some kind of monster and Allison had apparently brought it home. Coal's ears twitched as Nora lost the breath she was so desperately holding. His head turned to see her with a bat raised behind him and snarled. A scream echoed through the apartment followed by a loud crash.

Elsewhere in the city Allison sat under the pale fluorescent light of a stuffy room vaguely assembled to give the impression of a courtroom. At the far end at a large table sat “the judge" and by the looks of it, he was skimming through the police reports of the domestic filings and the filing for the protective order. Allison was sat only feet away from her abusive, manipulative devil of an ex. She could feel his eyes boring through her. He wouldn't stop staring, the entire time the judge was reading Garret just stared and smiled like some kind of psycho. Allison closed her eyes when Garret decided to speak to her.

“How have you been? “He asked. Allison swallowed hard. Even his voice triggered her now. He is not even supposed to be here for this what the fuck!? The panic his presence incited gave her intense nausea and made her chest ache, one leg began to bounce nervously. “I heard you got a dog. That's good... you know... I do miss you." Garret continued. Allison gripped her keys till they dug into her palm so hard she thought it might bleed. Anything to distract her from Garret until the Judge made a decision. Seconds felt like hours. Still, she kept her eyes closed. Allison needed no reminder of Garret's lies. He dresses well and has no tattoos or piercings but it's all a ruse. That short military cut, trim physique. Just the thought of him made her angry, and physically ill.

“Shut up and listen to the judge." The Bailiff snapped his fingers at Garret. Allison was taking slow deep breaths trying to keep her composure, her fingers ached from her grip on the keys. A few more minutes of torture and she was free. Free of that room and Garret hopefully for the foreseeable future. After what felt like another hour, the protective order was granted. She was going to go home and celebrate, or nap. This was an exhausting ordeal with Garret around. But it seemed at least to her, whenever one problem was snuffed out. Another was ready to take root. Coming down the stairs in the courthouse Allison turned her cell service back on. The moment it connected her phone began to explode with notifications and missed calls. All of them, from Nora. Allison called her back.

“Holy fuck Nora what's happening!? You called like-" She paused holding the phone away slightly. Through the phone anyone nearby on the steps of the courthouse could hear Nora yelling about demons in the house and her dog. “What do you mean you HIT Coal with a bat!? You tied him up with what!!? He's...how...don't go anywhere I will be right there." Tearing across It wasn't long after that Allison came roaring up the street. Her tires squealing as she came to a stop and stormed up the stair well and into the apartment not bothering to take off her boots or coat. Before she could even call out, she heard Nora shouting from what sounded like her bedroom.

“In here!" she called. Allison nearly sprinted in through their joined bathroom, blood was smeared on the linoleum leading to Nora's room. Allison's hands clapped over her mouth as she crossed into the Nora's room.

“Oh my god! Coal!" Allison went to comfort the brute. His arms and legs were well wrapped and bound with a particularly soft red rope that also had him tethered to an old water pipe that passed through Nora's closet from floor to ceiling. His left temple looked matted and caked with blood where Nora had caught him with the bat.

“Oh, hell no!" Nora snapped blocking Allison with the bat. Coal whimpered, his tail beginning to wag as his eyes met Allison's.

“I'm sorry “he whined. Nora raised the bat as if to hit him again, Coal thrashed as best he could having been wrapped up like some kind of worm. Allison grabbed the bat.

“Nora stop! What are you doing!?" she pleaded. Nora yanked her bat away looking confused and hurt.

“Are you fucking Serious Allie!? You KNEW about him and didn't say a word!? “Nora shouted.

“He is harmless why did you hit him with a bat!" Allison shouted back. At this rate, someone was bound to call the cops.

“Harmless? You call an Incubus HARMLESS??" Nora was shocked. Allison still looked very confused.

“incu what? An Incubus? What is that like the band?" Nora was flabbergasted. She lowered her bat. Nora's eyes narrowed and turned to focus on Coal who was sitting quietly now while the women argued.

“He's my guardian, A Failinis familiar, whatever that is. I'm still unclear really, that's what I wanted to borrow all those books for." Allison explained. Nora shook her head and laughed in disbelief. Turning she kicked Coal in the chops once eliciting a yelp. Allison grabbed her by the arms.

“STOP hitting him!?". Nora pulled away from Allison by putting her back to the wall.

“Your Incubus has been feeding off of ME ever since YOU brought it home!" Nora shouted pointing to Coal.

“What is an Incubus? Explain Nora!" Allison begged. Nora took a deep breath having got herself worked up.

“An Incubus is a demon. A demon that specifically preys upon women in their sleep, it sustains its existence by having sex with them either physically or in dream form. It sounds great except for they are feeding off a woman's soul essentially and eventually the woman dies. Usually from exhaustion." Nora said as if she was reciting some sort of text.

Coal struggled against the ropes causing them to creak and strain a little as he grunted and struggled.

“It's not like that, Allison! I swear!" he begged. “I can't explain how all this works but you're not some human I want to bleed dry...maybe before you shot me… but you were so kind, you could have killed me up there in the mountains... please, these hurt." he whimpered, straining against the rope. Nora shook her head and rolled her eyes.

“I thought demons liked pain? Oh, I forgot to mention your kind of powerless against an incubus's advances, unless you know it's happening. It's like a trance they put you under." Nora snickered. Allison clapped her hands over her mouth again.

“This...sounds exactly like what happened at the cabin... oh my god, Coal you have been lying to me all this time? Just to feed off me through some sort of sex-driven ritual?" Allison dropped to her knees her hands going to her forehead as she pulled her hair back as all this started to sink in.

“Please..." Coal whimpered. Tears started to bead up in Allison's eyes. “If I wanted you dead, why have I been feeding off Nora instead of you? AND it's been weeks! Don't you think one of you would have collapsed by now?" he explained. Nora looked disgusted.

“I... think it's caught feelings for you... you're being crushed on by a killer dog sex demon. Fucking gross" Nora Mocked.

“I breathe and bleed the same as you! Is it not possible that I might feel and love the same as well?" Coal begged.

“You lied to me..." Allison muttered; tears began to dot the carpet.

“Allison! Please! So, what if I am! What I said is still true! I'm not a monster!" he bellowed. Allison dropped to her knees. “First Garret, now this? I don't know how much more stress I can take." She looked up, giving Coal a scowl of anger as much as sorrow.

“If not a monster, then what ARE you?" Allison muttered. Coal's jaw dropped open to speak but no words came out.

“Disgusting." Nora gave Coal a look to match her choice of words.

“I swear it's not like that. L-let me prove it to you!" Coal flopped to his side and tried to wriggle over to Allison. The rope around him and the thick old pipe going taught. Nora stepped in between them and raised her bat again.

“Don't..." she warned and rolled him back with her foot.

“What do we do now? what do “I" do? I can't deal with this right now... I need... I need to lie down." Allison sighed and took a deep breath before tucking her hair behind her ears trying to compose herself at least a little.

“Go ahead and get some sleep Ally. He's not going anywhere anytime soon; I've made sure of that." Nora pushed Coals legs out of the way and closed her closet doors." We can decide what to do with him later. I'll see if I can get some actual info out of it." Nora helped Allison up and out.

“don't leave me here like this! Allison! “Coal groaned from the closet behind them. A while later outside the sky was beginning to take on a much warmer palate in the onset of the evening. Allison finally woke from her rather restless nap. She certainly didn't feel any better. Sitting up she rubbed her eyes and blinked a bit. Near the front door a glint of the evening sun blinded her for a moment. It was Nora's bat propped against the hinges. Blood and fur still caked on the end of it.

“Nora?" Allison called weakly.

“Out here Allie." She called from the steps. Allison shuffled out her room to the front door that was cracked slightly and opened it. There propped against the stair railing was Nora. A cigarette dangled from her lips as she read a rather large book set in her lap. For a moment she quickly skipped a few pages ahead then back again. “How ya feel?" she asked holding out her half burnt and partially crushed cigarette. Allison sat across from her and took a long drag off it before handing it back.

“Like shit." her face twisted slightly as she exhaled. “Ew when did you go back to menthols?" Nora rolled her eyes and gave Allison a sarcastic head bob dreads flopping around.

“Special occasion don't'cha know?" she replied with a Canadian twang.

“Mm, how is he?" Allison asked, biting her bottom lip a little. Nora rolled her eyes again.

“Not that you should care but he's fine. He fell asleep last time I checked in on him." Nora snatched her book up to her chest with both hands and leaned towards Allison. “SO!" She paused and raised her eyebrows. Allison knew well what this meant. Nora was about to go on some magic, pagan, witch, tirade. “I've been scouring some of my old stuff on specific demons and mythological monsters and there's are a few... actually several things that don't add up." Nora lowered her book and turned it around so Allison could see.

“What do you mean?" Allison craned her head forward looking at the book where Nora pointed.

“Well, he doesn't look like any incubus I've ever heard of or seen described in any book. Demons that feed off “sexual energy" so to speak like the Incubus and succubus demons generally only show up when the person is sleeping and only at night." Nora explained. Allison seemed to perk up slightly.

“So, wait. He wasn't lying then?" she asked.

“Well... it gets complicated when we're talking offspring of things like this. Apparently when demons decide to breed it's not a 50/50 pull from the pair, it's more of a crap shoot across the board. Could be more one than the other with a few bad traits." Nora trailed off in thought before snapping her book closed. “Hold on speaking of lying. Coal has been in this apartment for almost 3 weeks now? When were you planning on telling me he was some kind of...THING?" Nora said looking more annoyed than anything.

“How did you figure it out?" Allison countered.

“Mirrors" she replied.

“Mirrors?" Allison wasn't following.

“Whatever trick or magic he's doing to make himself LOOK like a dog only seems to work directly. Looking at him through a mirror or maybe something like a camera seems to circumvent his... camouflage." Nora took one last drag off her cigarette before putting it out on the steps. Allison slowly nodded.

“I guess that makes sense." she added. Nora gave her a look as if to say is that it? “OK I know I fucked up but, in my defense, I thought he was totally harmless. Besides you wouldn't have believed me If I had told you any way." Allison crossed her arms and returned the look she was given.

“Probably... still, you should have said SOMETHING!" Nora sighed, letting it slide for the moment. “Regardless, you owe me, like BIG time." She said raising her brows and pointing a finger at Allison.

“Oh? For what, giving him brain damage?" She said as she glanced at the bat just inside the door again.

“No... for doing all of this research for you. If it wasn't for me, you would still be pawing through all my stuff like Helen Keller...AND for leaving it in the house with me." Nora smiled. “You said he was your guardian or your familiar or something?" Nora asked.

“Yeah, that's what he told me at least" Allison nodded Nora shook her head.

“Well...he's not entirely that either. Familiars are bound to you to protect you, provide guidance and support. And generally speaking, you don't see them unless they are specifically called upon."

“That sounds a lot more like him... or at least the Coal I thought I knew.... what do I know though? Coal crawled out of a collapsed mineshaft." Allison mumbled.

“Well, the dreams I have been having for the past week and the bags under my eyes beg to differ!" Nora said matter of fact. Both women looked at the open door as an eerily sad howl echoed through the apartment. “Fuck...its awake." Allison's hands clapped to her cheeks with worry.

“What do we do?" She whined. Nora's lips pursed tightly as she started to pick at one corner of her book seeming to not want to answer her. “What?" Allison asked.

“I don't think it should stay here and I REALLY don't want it to. But it's not like you can just give something like that away and I doubt he will just leave..." Nora trailed off.

Allison gave her a suspicious look as another howl came from Nora's room.

“What? What is it?" Allison probed.

“We might have to just...kill it." Nora muttered and kind of shrugged.

“NORA!" Allison exclaimed, appalled that she would even suggest such a thing.

“Allie be real, think about it what-" Nora tried to reason but Allison wasn't having any of it as she got up and shook her head before she could finish.

“No! Absolutely not, I don't care if he is a lying, soul sucking demon were not killing him!" Allison started to go back inside.

“Hey, Allie come on, just- Hey what are you doing?!" Nora scrambled after her to stop whatever she had planned, but Allison was already halfway to Nora's room. “What are you doing?"

“I'm going to go talk to him!" Allison snapped. Nora grabbed her by the arm.

“And then what Allison?" Nora gave her a stern look. Allison tried to pull away, but Nora kept her grip. “Do NOT untie it." Warned Nora. Allison's eyes narrowed, she took a deep breath and pulled away.

“I already almost killed him once. If he was dangerous, I wouldn't be here Nora. You might not trust him. But I do. He's never once tried to hurt me. So, until that changes, I'm going to go talk to him at the very least." Nora knew there was no changing her mind. She just watched silently as Allison brazenly walked back in and folded one of the closet doors open. Coals tail began to thump against the floor at the sight of his mistress.

“Allie! Your back!" he exclaimed. Allison couldn't help but feel terrible. Even before she knelt down next to him, she could see the gooey matted welt on the side of his head and Nora's hasty hog tie looked just as painful. Still lying on his side, she scooted closer putting his head onto her lap.

“Oh my god...she got you good" Allison muttered scratching behind one of his ears, the other combed through the matted fur. Blood coated her fingertips as He winced when they found where the bat had hit him. Cola withdrew painfully. Allison rubbed her index and middle finger together, now sticky with mostly dried blood and a few strands of black fur. “I'm so sorry." Her eyes began to well up.

“You have nothing to be sorry for." Coal grumbled resting his head on her lap, a minor relief from the pain he was in. “I've told you only half truths about my existence. This is all my fault. I should have told you everything up front." Coal sighed nuzzling against her leg.

Allison looked down at him as she started to gently stroke his fur.

“Why didn't you?" She asked.

“I myself don't entirely know how I came to be and was afraid you would turn me away, or worse shoot me again... was I wrong?" he asked looking back up at her. “I live only to serve and protect YOU Allison Moss. Perhaps I preyed upon you at first but, you showed me kindness. I'm not quite an Incubus nor a familiar. I am the spawn of something older.... not from this land. A Middle Breed unwelcome by my own and my makers." Coal stopped suddenly; his eyes were fixated on something behind Allison.

“You're some sort of freak half breed thing?" Nora asked now, standing in the doorway, aluminum bat again at her side.

“Of sorts I suppose. I am the product of selfish forbidden lust among those less mortal in Tír na nÓg, the Land of The Young" explained Coal.

“So, you have to feed off women?" Nora raised a brow with her question.

“Think of it like living on spoonful's of peanut butter as opposed to a home cooked meal. I can go without and sustain myself by “normal" means. But eventually I will get sick if I don't feed in “that" sense at least once in a while..." This set Nora off, her grip tightened as she sneered.

“Once in a while? You look pretty well fucking fed to me!" Nora said through gritted teeth.

“I may have gotten a little zealous in my efforts." Coal smiled bearing all the fangs he had to offer. Having been feasting on Nora he knew she was very receptive to bite play. A mistake he would not repeat.

“I'm going to smash every one of those fucking teeth in!" Nora yelled, raising her weapon and stormed over.

“STOP! BOTH OF YOU!" Allison screamed and huddled over Coals head.

“Allie! You realize that if anyone ELSE had found this out. Anyone other than ME would have already killed it or worse called the cops or exorcists or something!" Nora scolded. Allison didn't respond, she didn't so much as look up from her huddled position. “Allie...what if I had died?" Nora added as she moved to stand behind Allison.

“I would never of-" Coal started to retort but Nora cut him off.

“No!? My world has been turned inside out. Thinking I was going crazy, falling asleep at work. I feel like shit all the time! But you would NEVER go too far? Just close enough, is it?" Nora had had enough of this absurd debate. “I'm not going to argue with something that's not even human! Allison if you're not going to do something about it." She stopped herself as her head shook in disbelief. “I have to go to work, Allie if that THING isn't gone by the time, I'm home…" she stared at Alison still hunched over crying quietly. “I'm going to be late; I'll call you later. But I won't sleep another night in this apartment with it. No way in hell. “Nora grabbed her coat and keys before walking out still shaking her head. Their very friendship, now being tested. Allison sat and continued to cry into coals fur while he comforted her for several minutes after Nora had left. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you everything up front. I was afraid this would happen, and I fucked it up anyway. “Allison sniffled. “You should have told me we could have figured something out." Coal smiled nuzzling her knee. “Had I… what would you have done?" Allison shook her head unsure. “And what will you do now?" Frustrated Allison wiped her eyes.

“I don't know Coal, I don't, OK? I need to think about it." Coal whimpered a little but nodded.

“Could I be untied first? “His tail thumped against the floor as he smiled. Under any other circumstances Allison wouldn't have hesitated. But he almost killed her best friend and lied to her all this time. What else is he capable of? She wondered.

“Can I? Will you run away? Kill me now that I know the truth?" Allison started to cry again. Coal set his head back on the cold hardwood floor. His ears flattened, his form curling up as best he could within his bindings.

“Forget I asked, it hurts that you would suggest I harm you. I see you do not trust me. “

“How could I!? You've lied to me the entire time! About everything!" Allison shook her head as she got back to her feet. “I need a drink." Allison wiped her tears. She could only imagine what her eyeliner looked like as she made her way to the kitchen cabinet where Nora kept all the spirits. Weed was normally her thing. There was little in the way of decision making as Allison reached for the familiar short clear bottle with large bold print reading “AGAVE" in green lettering. She rummaged for minutes through the rest of the cupboards before giving up on finding a shot glass. Popping the glass stopper off she just took a swig straight from the bottle. Her regret was immediate, coughing as she slammed the bottle down on the counter. Allison sputtered a bit more with a hand over her mouth before picking it up and downing another swig. “Ugh this was a mistake." She coughed again putting the topper back on as she fumbled with her phone. The marketplace! she thought. Pulling up Facebook she hardly got past the home page before closing the app and tossing her phone on the counter. She couldn't do that to Coal. She couldn't do that to some stranger, dump him like some shelter dog. What if he hurt them? She wouldn't be able to live with herself. Again, she reached for it but hesitated, having the same dilemma with anyone she might house him with even temporarily. The constant “what if" brought her back to square one. Allison bit her bottom lip staring down at her phone for a moment. She thought about if she kept him what life would be like

“I could never have girlfriends. “She didn't particularly like the idea especially because of Garret. More so, the thought of losing Nora as a friend, her best friend. The sudden “BRRRRR" of her phone vibrating startled her as the screen lit up with a name and number, she didn't recognize at first.

“Wait, what does Terry want?" Allison blinked and answered the phone, she turned her back to the counter leaning against it.

“Hello?" a man's voice cleared their throat before speaking.

“Terry?"

“Hey! Allison. Uh I heard you and Garret aren't... did he really?" Terry sounded like he was struggling for words. Allison's lips pursed a little angry. She didn't have time for Garret's loser friends feeling bad for her.

“Put me in the hospital? Yeah, he did Terry. He broke a couple of ribs and almost blinded me. What the fuck do you want?" Allison let her temper slip.

“Jesus, Allison I'm sorry. Hey, if it makes you feel better, I'm not gonna talk to him anymore either. That's fucked." Allison crossed her legs but said nothing, picking at one of her nails for a moment. “Listen, I know I owe you money already and all..." Terry's voice faded as Allison held the phone away and shook her head in disbelief. And now he's got the balls to ask me for more weed!? Allison put the phone back to her ear and shrugged, cutting him off.

“Well...fuck I dunno Terry why don't you go ask your bro Garret for weed from now on?" Allison hung up slamming her phone down so hard she feared she might have cracked it before burying her face in her hands. She felt used by absolutely everyone, a means to an end, tossed and torn like soiled a wrapper. Worse was the stiffness in her drawing hand, weeks of physical therapy ahead still and that soreness on her side every time she coughed just a little too hard. A constant grim reminder of the abuse she endured, and now Coal and Nora. “Wait… “Allison snatched her phone back up and redialed Terry waiting for the pickup. “Sorry Terry I'm just... yeah. “Allison looked to the half empty Tequila bottle." Terry didn't your dad foster pets for a while? Does he still do that?" She sighed remembering Garret's new year's party now, this was the bottle she brought home. While he was getting blackout drunk Terry was showing her pictures of all the German Shepards her dad had fostered. She couldn't recall how that conversation had come up though not that it mattered now.

“Uuuuhh" Terry droned thinking for a moment. “Yeah?" Allison glanced to her bedroom doorway half expecting to see Coal standing there Eas dropping.

“I need someone to watch my dog for me, like right now. Just for a day or two! Till I get something else figured out. I can get you like half an ounce if that will help." Allison bit her bottom lip again now nearly chewing on it. Anxiety was eating her up about this whole situation now. The taste of metal seeped into her mouth as she touched her lip to see a tiny tinge of red that distracted her from Terry entirely. She remembered that horrid night. That was the last time she tasted that. Right before he spat in her face and then slapped her with such strength a tooth cut her cheek. She almost had to have stitches.

“Allison? You still there?" Terry's voice brought her back.

“s- uh sorry say that again?" Allison brushed her hair back actually listening now.

“I said uh, yeah Sure I can do that. Or my dad should be able to if he's around. The kennel and stuff are all there, so I'll figure it out. Just a couple days? What kind of dog is it?" Allison glanced at the doorway again.

“Hés uh....German... German Shepard and Husky mix, I think. He's a mutt really." Allison started sucking on her lip now drawing the taste out. Maybe I should just tell him never mind.

“Cool! Yours or? “Allison hesitated to give a response. Did she admit that Coal was another of her demons to deal with? Eventually, she bit the bullet. The tequila “shots" were starting to kick finally.

“...Yeah... he's my service dog so he's well trained. He should be easy. Keep him away from mirrors though."

“Mirrors?" Terry asked. Allison winced a little. Fuck that does sound weird.

“He uh, gets aggressive and just kind of weird if he can see himself in them? Just keep them above eye level or cover any that are floor level, and you should be fine. Just best to avoid it.

“Cool, cool, goofy dog." Terry laughed. “You uh got food and stuff for him? What's his name?" Allison closed her eyes at the realization. She didn't plan this through at all. Coal refused to eat any sort of Kibble or traditional dog food. Raw stuff only. It made sense to her now, but she couldn't explain that to Terry.

“His name is Coal. He uh, he's a kind of a diva?" Allison could hear Terry just laughing on the other end of the line.

“He's a diva?"

“He will only eat raw stuff, meat and veg of whatever kind really, dog safe variety of course."

“Ooooh raw diet? Spoiled pup." Terry chuckled.

“I wish, he throws anything else up it's a huge mess." Allison sighed. It sounded believable enough to her at least.

“A service dog that's weird about mirrors, and has a sensitive tummy... I think we can handle it."

“I'm serious about the mirrors don't mess with him." Allison warned.

“I promise. Fucking with unfamiliar animals is just dumb. He'll be a pampered pup like any other." Terry reassured her. This wasn't his first foster either. Allison actually felt a little better. This might work, even if it's temporary.

“Okay, um give me like a couple hours. Come by at 6 ish. I should have your stuff and he will be ready by then." Allison started walking back to her bedroom.

“Sweet. Ill swing by then." Terry hung up as Allison walked in to find Coal right where she had left him. Sitting by him she started undoing his bindings. His head lifted slowly at first and then as soon as the ropes were loose, he was up in front of her still half tangled. Yellow eyes darted over her face tickling as he sniffed feverously searching before fixating on the small spot on her bottom lip she had chewed up.

“You...w-why" Coal looked heartbroken. Heartbroken she had drawn her own blood, damaged herself. Because of him. “What have you done? And you smell of... liquor." His head cocked.

“Don't worry about it." she tried to smile but the effort alone put her on the verge of tears.

“Everything I do...every breathe I draw is for you, Allison." Coal nosed under her chin lifting her head a little before staring into her eyes longing and half lidded. “Be it through the devilish blood of my sire, or the familial soul my deliverer. I need you, and I thrive when you are at your best." The partially bound brute gave her cheek a gentle lick, nuzzling the spot until that cold nose caught her earlobe and froze. His big head pressed to hers. Allison couldn't help but wrap her arms around that warm soft neck and bury her face into it. Coals hands found her sides, cautious and gentle on the one as he whispered.

“And in turn I can feel what you need, what you want without a word." Coal scooped her up as she cried softly into his fur. I can take your wounds, take your pain in as my own. Spare you from it all if you desire. All you need to do is ask. Your wish is forever my will." Coal carried her to her bed and set her in the center where she just laid there for a moment. The black mountain of fur moved over her as well settling behind, encompassing her. Allison wrapped Her arms around his forearm as he embraced her. Hugging it to her chest as Coal pulled her whole body back against his in an identical motion. The solid warmth of him against her back gave her more relief than she thought. Letting out a heavy sigh. She smiled as that nose huffed through her hair for a moment taking a few heavy sniffs before nuzzling into her neck. “I'll always crave your scent, your soul. I want it all. I want you as a whole. So, I will do whatever I have to. To make that happen." Allison loved him, she did but with all the hurt she had to endure. It was hard. Never mind he was not a man by any normal stretch, a beast, an animal even a demon by nature sure. But not a man. How happy could she be dodging mirrors and other women just to be with or even have coal around?

“Terry is coming to pick you up in a few hours. You say you will do as I ask, prove it. I want you to be, the best service dog Terry's ever seen." Coal whined.

“You are… sending me away then? Will… will I be able to see you? Will you call? Can I at least hear your voice?" Allison nodded, shutting her eyes tight tired of crying and all the heart ache.

“It's just for a few days till I can figure something else out." Allison sniffled before wiggling to roll over and curl up against his warm chest for what could possibly be the last time.