Chapter 3: Christmas with my Incubus
Sunlight filtered through the windows as Lia stirred in her empty bed, the silk sheets still holding a whisper of warmth where Malachai had lain. The aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafted through the air, carrying with it memories of childhood winters and holiday magic. Her eyes fell upon a porcelain plate on her bedside table, where three perfectly golden cookies sat beside a glass of milk.
The first bite of cookie sent waves of bliss through her body – crispy edges giving way to a center so soft and warm it practically melted on her tongue. Dark chocolate chunks, still glistening and half-molten, created pockets of rich sweetness that made her eyes flutter closed in delight. “Mmm, this is so good,” she murmured between bites.
The milk was a perfect counterpoint, ice-cold and refreshing as it chased away the lingering sweetness. “Good morning princess. Merry Christmas.” Malachai’s voice, deep and smooth as aged honey, preceded his appearance. Before she could respond, he swept down to capture her lips in a kiss that tasted of chocolate. His tongue darted out playfully, catching cookie crumbs from her lips with deliberate slowness that sent electric shivers racing down her spine. She responded in kind, her tongue finding traces of rich hot cocoa on his mouth, the warmth of his breath mingling with hers in the cool morning air.
“Come on,” he whispered against her lips, “I have some surprises for you.” His hand found hers, fingers intertwining with a familiar perfection that still made her heart skip.
The living room took her breath away. Twinkling lights cascaded from every corner, casting rainbow shadows across walls draped in silver and gold garland. A towering evergreen dominated one corner, its branches heavy with vintage ornaments that caught and scattered light like captured stars. Presents in every size imaginable crowded the tree’s base, wrapped in papers ranging from sophisticated metallics to whimsical patterns decorated with prancing reindeer.
“This is so beautiful,” she breathed, drinking in the sight. The air was rich with an intoxicating blend of aromas – roasting ham, fresh herbs, and sweet spices that made her mouth water. Malachai’s voice carried a note of pride as he detailed their feast: “I’m cooking a Christmas dinner for us. Ham glazed with honey and cloves, sage-scented stuffing, sweet corn fresh from the cob, garlic mashed potatoes, butter biscuits that melt on your tongue, a triple-layer chocolate cake, and…” he paused for effect, “a bottle of 1980 red wine that’s been waiting decades for this moment.”
Before she could express her amazement, he pulled her into his embrace. His kiss was different this time – hungry, passionate, full of unspoken promises. She melted against him, a soft moan escaping her lips as his tail – smooth and warm – slid beneath her silk nightgown to massage the sensitive skin of her back. The initial shock of its touch gave way to pleasure as it traced patterns along her spine, each movement sending waves of sensation through her body. His touch was otherworldly, impossible to describe in human terms.
When she finally pulled away, her chest heaving slightly, her lips tingling from his kiss, Malachai’s eyes were glowing with an inner fire that made her heart race. “Let’s open your presents, princess.” He settled onto the plush carpet, drawing her onto his lap.
The first gift was wrapped In pink paper that shimmered like rose quartz. Inside lay a pink Nintendo Switch, complete with every game she’d ever mentioned wanting. Joy bubbled up inside her like champagne. “We can play together!” she exclaimed, pressing a kiss to his cheek that made him beam with pride.
A blue gift bag revealed a dress that seemed to capture twilight itself – deep purple fabric scattered with white flowers that seemed to glow from within. “This was on my list too,” His smile turned slightly mischievous. “I had my father access your computer to check your list. Everything you wanted is here. You deserve the best, princess. You always have.”
Emotion welled up inside her, spilling over as tears that soaked into his shirt. “I never thought I’d find my true love,” she whispered against his chest. “I thought it was too late to start over, too late to find someone who would truly love me. Every day was darkness because of him. I lived in constant fear. I wanted to die rather than suffer anymore.” Her voice grew stronger. “But now I want to live. I want to be with you. You’re my second chance at happiness. I love you, Malachai. Thank you for saving me.”
His response was a kiss that spoke volumes – tender yet fierce, protective yet passionate. She returned it with equal fervor, desperate for the connection, the reassurance of his touch. He was her fairy tale ending, her proof that sometimes dreams do come true. The thought that she deserved someone as magnificent as him still amazed her.
“As much as I adore kissing you,” he murmured against her lips, “dinner needs my attention.” She nodded, understanding. “I’ll finish with the presents." As he moved about the kitchen with supernatural grace, he couldn’t help but watch her, his heart swelling each time her face lit up with joy at another perfectly chosen gift. He’d searched tirelessly to find everything she’d ever yearned for, determined that from now on, his princess would want for nothing.
Hours passed in a blur of cooking and delight as Lia tried on her new clothes, twirling in front of mirrors and squealing with joy. When dinner was finally ready, he wrapped her in his arms once more, claiming her lips in a kiss that started tender but quickly deepened into something more urgent. Her soft moan vibrated against his mouth as she pressed closer.
He pulled out her chair with old-world courtesy, and they settled in to their feast. “This looks absolutely amazing!” she exclaimed, overwhelmed by the spread before them. “Anything for my princess,” he replied, his eyes never leaving her face. The food was divine, but they found themselves more interested in exchanging heated glances and secret smiles. His tentacle, smooth and warm, wrapped playfully around her leg. She caught it with a grin, guiding it beneath her new dress. The wicked smile that crossed his face told her dinner was about to be cut short.
What followed was beyond her wildest fantasies – an hour (or was it hours?) of ecstasy that defied description. Every touch, every kiss, every moment was perfection. She never expected tentacles and a tail to bring such pleasure. When they finally collapsed together, spent and satisfied, he cradled her close, pressing soft kisses to her neck. “That was incredible,” she managed to say. “There’s more where that came from, princess,” he promised, his voice rich with suggestion. She nestled against his chest, feeling safer and more loved than she’d ever been. “I love you,” she whispered. “I love you too, princess,” he replied, holding her close as they drifted into contented sleep.