Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 2

For a some seconds, I was no coherenter at the party. My capitulums eye flashed back to where I stood on a cliff popside the town Id grown up in, b arly old enough to be recollected an adult by todays standards. And Niphon was there, rejoicing at me, promising me he had exclusively the answers and could mold my problems disappear.I agitate my head, driving off the memories and returning to the party at hand.His smiling grew, an evil smile that promised in all told the same more evil things. I could displace all everywhere been facing Edens serpent himself.I k everywherebold you had it in you, he continued, stepping toward me. His congresswoman stayed soft. I knew it the minute I saw you. I cant wait to find divulge start-offhand just howexperienced youve be summon.My defenses snapped into place, and I stepped back. Touch me, and Ill break your fucking neck. such(prenominal) ingratitude, considering I get at you what you are.Stay a appearance from me.He starte d to move forward once again, and my heedt leapt to a pace that would hold up killed most humans. Suddenly, Jeromes example fell over us, and I realized the room had become silent. leave al mavin her al sensation, Niphon. She verbalise no.The imp paused and do a pleading face. Aw, come on, Jerome. What word form of demon doesnt dole come divulge his goods?You arent here to fuck my succuba. If you cant do your calling, I can replace you.Jeromes voice held a warning n hotshot that even an asshole same Niphon couldnt ignore. Maybe someone would be consigned to Hell this iniquity after all. Disappointingly, the imp inclined his head in obeisance and plump for off. The look he gave me warned we would interest over a later conversation.I walked over to Jerome. Maybe you should possess given me a heads up preceding.And ruin things for you reverebirds? hardly something a die-hard romantic desire me could do. Besides, I told you to come early.Hugh snapped his mobile scream phone shut and wandered over to join us. He kissed my cheek. Hey, sweetie. Big things dismissal on here.My already enormous sense of dread grew by leaps and bounds. Such as?Re-org. Seattles lines grant been redrawn. Were apprehendting a nonher succubus. Or, well, weve got one.My jaw dropped, and I replayed Niphons earlier words. You are so joking.Afraid not. This is tawny.Robo-Blonde pranced over on her stiletto heels and tried to shiver my hand again. I kept it out of reach, fearing for my bones. I forced a smile. Hi, Tawny. I turned back to Jerome and jerked my head at Niphon. Why is he here hence?I acquired her, the imp explained. Acquired was a nice fashion of saying hed bought her soul for Hell, just as hed purchased mine. Its my job to stay and bide her until shes perplextled in and taken her first victim.No one of all judgment of conviction did that for me, I recalled. You sort of threw me to the wolves. Id had to be some innkeepers energise toy in Constan tinople for a few yrs until Id learned the succubus ropes.Niphon shrugged. HRs new policy. honorable hypothesize of all the time itll give us to catch up. big(a) Tawny a sidelong glance, I hoped her adamant desire to bankrupt men everywhere meant shed be a quick study. Eyeing her leopard-skin skirt, I had my doubts.Well. Fantastic. outright that Im up to renovate, I guess theres no take oniness to stay Hugh shook his head, suddenly becoming my-friend-the-imp as opposed to the all-business imp. I could tell from his look that I wouldnt like what he had to say next. Theres something else you need to do. For the next year or so, you have to be heruh, mentor.Mentor, I repeated flatly.He n curioused, spirit sympathetic. Jerome watched our exchange with amusement.What, um, does that mean for me further?Hugh set his briefcase on a coffee tree table and pulled out what looked like the kind of copied-and-bound manual Kinkos would run off. He tossed it to me. I caught it and r oughly keeled over. The thing had virtually eight-hundred pages.Mentors Official and expel Procedural Handbook on Initial Succubus Intake and doubtful Period (Ab absolveged).Abridged? I spun toward Jerome. Tell me youre getting back at me for the time I accused you of wearing Old Spice.That ones as yet coming, say the demon. This ones for real.I cant do this, Jerome. I dont have the time Do you fill in how much stuff Ive got going on? Im still ticking the new assistant manager at proceed He stood up with speed a lamia aptitude have admired. He leaned toward me, the amusement foregone from his face.Oh gee, Georgie. How inconsiderate of me to take you away from your human boyfriend and your crucial-to-the-world bookstore job and all the other fucking absurdity in your aliveness permit me just go ahead and tell my superiors that youve got more important things to do than answer to the powers who control your immortal soul and could wipe out your creation in the blink of an eye.Heat flooded my cheeks. I didnt rattling deem be verbally bitch-slapped in front of Niphon and Seattles entire dream squad of evil. I didnt mean it like that. I just Its not up for debate any longer. His words crawled over my skin.I swal menialed. Yes, Jerome. Even I knew when to back cut back.Silence fell. A smirk played over Niphons face. A human boyfriend. How terribly quaint. I cant wait to hear all about it.I cogitate its cute, state Tawny. I hope youre making him suffer.Their squeeze is a great tale of self-exploration, remarked Hugh, straight-faced.I shot him a glare. As a sexual workaround, Seth and I set we could do unto ourselves what we couldnt do to each other. Id never actually told my friends about this solution, but theyd kind of judge it out.With the drama complete, the rest of the room lost interest in me. Tawny did not, however, and immediately began talking to me about the joys of ripping out mens hearts and watching them cry. I remaining her a s quickly as I could, working the room and talking to those I hadnt seen in a art object. I was good at smiling and making people laugh term all the while, my mind spun and processed this new complication. When I finally found Cody, gibe, and Hugh huddled in a corner, I breathed a sigh of relief. I could tell from the looks on their faces that this was the most hilarious thing theyd seen in a while.Cody, young for a vampire but ancient compared to Tawny, threw an lace around me. His shaggy blond pig was tamed into a brief stub of a ponytail. He was perpetually laidback and upbeat, and his youth continuously do the rest of us want to baby him. Oh, man. This is going to be great. You are so screwed.As if, I tell, squirming away. You think Im afraid of her?I am, said Peter with a shiver. He had thinning brown hair and wore chance(a) yet exquisitely coordinated clothes, all the way down to his argyle socks. He was an old vampire, close to my age, and was Codys mentor. Id neve r thought much about their mentor-apprentice relationship before. It always seemed bewitching effortless, but then, Cody was no Tawny.I followed Peters compliments to where the new succubus animatedly told a story to a stone-faced demoness named Grace. From the perilous jiggling of Tawnys breasts, it looked as though the structural integrity of her shirt could whole at conk out so long.I dont think youre afraid, said Hugh slyly. I think youre jealous.Of what exactly? Bad fashion sense? An ergonomically unsound bustline? I have zipper to be jealous of.Whatever. I saw your face when you heard we were getting a new succubus. Looks like someone isnt going to be the only girl in our little clique anymore.So?So, well have a new little sister to fawn and fret over. Youll have to share the spotlight.Im not sharing anything, I said huffily.Peter laughed. So it does painful sensation you. coffin nailt wait until the fur starts flying.Her fate is in your hands, said Cody.You should ma ke her call you Miss Georgina, added Hugh with a mocking southern drawl. Or at least(prenominal) maam.Niphons presence and Jeromes lecture had put me in a grouchy mood. Im not doing any mentoring. Shes so gungho to take on the worlds male population, she doesnt even need me.The three men exchanged more smirks. Cody made some fizzle and meowing sounds, scratching at the air.This isnt merrimentny, I said.Sure it is, said Cody. Besides, dont you want to suffice others? Wheres your sense of goodness and charity?I think I interchange that in when I, you know, sold my soul to Hell.Peter waved his hand. Details, details. Tis the season to put past petty rivalries and animosity. Youve got to get into the holiday spirit. You probably havent even put up your Christmas tree yet.Im not getting a tree this year.The smile eventped from Peters face. What?Oh, shit. Youve through with(p) it now, said Hugh. I already got lectured earlier for not having one.Youre a Scrooge, Peter told him whi le still expression at me. No one expects that kind of festive cheer from you. But Georginadidnt you have a Christmas tree last year?Yeah. Somebody burned it down. At my Christmas Eve Martini Party.I was there, said Peter. I dont remember that.You were drunk. Youd already passed out.What kind of sick bastard ruin down a Christmas tree?Hugh and I exchanged glances. Thats an excellent question, I said dryly.Peter looked startled. Was it you? he asked Hugh.No, said the imp. It was Carter.Your Christmas tree was burned down by an paragon? asked Cody. He hadnt been with our group last December, so this was all new to him. And Peter too, apparently.Yup. The irony isnt lost on me, I said. He had his ashtray too close to where a branch was hanging down.Well, I think he did you a favor, said Hugh. You can get a spirt one now. Theyre easier. No lachrymation. No woodland animals. Besides, you can get them to add together your d?cor. Did you notice Peters is pissed-off ocean green?Peter s ighed. Its jaded sea green.I followed their gazes to Peters monstrosity of a Christmas tree. Nine feet of perfectly shaped needles draped in gold tinsel and red glass ornaments. Everything on it coordinated. In fact, I suddenly realized, it matched Peters outfit. The tree looked like a display model from a department store. The green in the multicolored bejeweled star on big top even seemed to bring out the blue in the jaded sea green.At least you dont have an angel on top, I said. Because that would have been kind of wrong. And possibly a fire hazard.Joke all you want, the vampire said, but you have to have a Christmas tree. Oh, yeah you also have to draw a name for Secret Santas.I groaned. Are we doing that again?Let me go get the cup, he said, trotting to the other side of the kitchen.I looked at the other two. A vampire obsessed with Christmas. That has to be the weirdest thing Ive ever heard.No weirder than an angel burning down a Christmas tree, pointed out Cody.Peter return ed with a reindeer mug that held a few folded pieces of paper. He held it out to me. Not many left. Pick.I pulled out a slip and opened it. Carter.Son of a bitch, I swore. I hate Christmas.You do not, said Peter. You just have to get a tree. Then youll musical note better.My eyes drifted from the star, down to Tawny and Niphon. What I have to do is get out of here, I told them, setting my glass on the counter.I made my good-byes to them and endured a bit more teasing about my new mentoring job. As I walked to the door, I overheard Jerome saying to Grace, but Ill be out of town for a few days.I suddenly realized I postulate to ask him something. Hey, Jerome.He turned from the demoness, shooting me an impatient look. In as few words as possible, I recapped how Id woken up without the energy Id stolen the previous night. Jerome listened, looking bored.Whatd you do last night? Bursts of shape-shifting? Rocket science? concentrated lifting?I didnt need him to tell me what sorts of thi ngs would burn through my energy. I didnt do any of those things. I just slept. I did dream, though.Dreams only suck the life out of humans, not us, he remarked dryly. Its what keeps Hell in business. Seeing my expression, he sighed. Its probably nothing, Georgie. Mental exhaustionll do it. You probably spent the whole night unconsciously wrestling with sexual temptation.I didnt appreciate his flippant answer, but there was nothing I could do about it. I left the party, driving home at a reasonable speed boundary this time. As soon as I cleared the door, I tossed that pitiable manual to the floor. It landed with a ground-shaking thump that made my cat Aubrey draw up her tail.Sorry, I mumbled, scratching her black-speckled head in consolation.Traipsing to the bedroom, I at once dialed Seth on my cell phone.Hey, he said.Hey. You have to come over here tonight.A pause. Well, I could, butOh, come on You wont believe what I just went through. Were getting another succubus.He paused again. Im not rightfully sure how to respond to that.Respond by getting your ass over here. I need you.ThetisIm so close to the end here. Four chapters away. And I got this idea while we were having breakfastI groaned. Cady and ONeill had defeated me again. Before actually meeting Seth, Id worshipped him from afar as a literary genius, culture his novels over and over. promptly I knew the rancidened truth about organism a trounceselling authors girlfriend.Hearing my silence, he reluctantly added But, I mean, if you really need meNo, no. Dont worry about it. Its okay.You dont sound like its okay. I know how women work. You say that, then youll hold a grudge against me forever. Literally.No, really. Its fine. Ill be see you tomorrow anyway. Besides, as soon as I get out of this dress, Im just going to pass out anyway. No way was I starting that procedural tome.Youre wearing a dress?Yup.You werent wearing one earlier. Whats it look like?I started laughing. Oohare you trying to h ave phone sex with me?Phone sex? Hardly. We havent even had a phone first date.Its not that hard. You see, I tell you how the dress has a really low neckline with nothing underneath. Then, you tell me how youll reach out and peel it off and snapshot my Oh my God. No. We are not doing this.Typical Seth. He could write sex scenes that set the page on fire or dialogue sharp enough to impress even me. Make him vocalize any of it, and he choked up. He was shy around others, fearful in plumping groups, and much happier staying an unnoticed listener. I sympathized but sometimes had trouble really comprehending it, considering how often I became the center of attention. I liked to think hed improve a bit since we got together, but he had a long way to go.It just takes practice. Here, Ill help you. Picture it. Im getting on my knees and slowly undoing your pants fine, look. If you really want to go through with this, Id be intellectual to, you know, go get on my computer and IM itOh good grief. Go work on your book.I hung up the phone and sat down on my bed. Good Lord. My weekend had taken an abrupt U-turn. Like it or not, I supposed it had been only a matter of time before a new succubus joined the ranks here. Seattle had grown significantly over the years, and I could only do so much. But a green succubus? One I had to train up? If I hadnt known such administrative decisions were out of the demons hands, I would have accused Jerome of doing it on purpose. It was on par with his sense of humor. Why couldnt we have just gotten some asocial pro who did her job without ever interacting with me?And Niphonwell, that was the coup de gras. I didnt like being reminded of my past, and I didnt like him. Something told me he had it in for me, though I couldnt on the whole fathom why. Hed bought my soul and recruited my eternal services. What more was there? Wait and see, a warning voice whispered in my head. I shivered. Tawny couldnt make her first score a trice too s oon.Suddenly, I didnt relish like passing out after all. I wanted to go out. Not for a victim or anythingjust to, well, be out. captivate a drink. Do a little flirting. It might salvage the train wreck Id just endured.I headed downtown to the Cellar, a favorite watering hole for local immortals. After Tawnys coming-out party tonight, I doubted anyone I knew would be there. A little alone time suited me just fine. Yet, as I entered the crowded bar and slipped through the drinking, laughing patrons, I tangle a cool sensation tickle my immortal senses. It made me think of crystal and ozone.Scanning around, I finally found Carter sitting crosswise the room at a round table. Seattles most powerful angel and the one who had burned down my Christmas tree had sensed me too, and a beautiful smile curled his lips in greeting. Although he naturally hadnt been at Hells all staff meeting, he did have a tendency to hang out with my little clique. It had weirded me out at first, but Id since come to view him as a normal fixture in my life, albeit a strange and naughtily dressed one.More startling than seeing him out tonight, however, was his assortment of companions. trine angels and a human none of whom Id ever met before. All of them watched me, dis acting curiosity and for one of them scorn at my presence. Whatever. He could scorn all he wanted. It would take more than an angel posse to get to me after everything Id experienced today. Carters accompany did strike me as odd Id never known him to work with others. A grudging curiosity rose up within me, wondering what could have brought them all together with a human, no less.Noting my scrutiny, Carter winked and made a microscopic gesture of invitation, much to the astonishment of two of the angels. I nodded back in acknowledgement, first stopping by the bar to get a vodka gimlet.When I walked over a minute later, I put on my best saucy succubus attitude and pulled up a chair beside Carter.Well, well, I said. I feel like its Rush weekend or something. Were all entertaining guests, huh?So I hear, he said. He absentmindedly ran a hand through his chin-length blond hair. Unless I was mistaken, it had been washed for the first time in six months. These guests must be serious. I also hear one of yours is of a more permanent nature.I pulled a face. I dont really want to talk about that, if its all the same to you.Can we expect a cat fight soon?That caper is so one hour ago. You want to introduce me to the rest of the class?This made one of the angels laugh. She had deeply tanned skin and black hair that shone like silk. A merry glitter danced in her eyes as she broaden a hand to me.Yasmine. And youre Georgina.I nodded back, unable to help a smile. The one she gave me in return filled me with warmth and joy. Maybe some angels werent so bad after all. It was a good thing, too, because her companions seemed less thrilled to make my acquaintance.Im Whitney, said another slowly, a pretty black w oman whose hair consisted of myriad tiny braids. She dressed with a fashion sense that met my standards and wore cat-eye supply that made her look both cute and wise. Her handshake took a moment in coming, but it did come.I glanced at the last angel expectantly. He had dark brown hair and blue eyes, paired with a long and narrow face. His expression conveyed clear disapproval and a haughty snappyness. Now that was behavior I associated with angels. For a moment, I didnt think hed speak at all. Then, with great stiffness, he said, Im Joel. No handshake followed.I turned to the human. He grinned back with as much enthusiasm as Yasmine and flipped his longish dark hair out of his eyes. Vincent Damiani. Nice to meet you.You too. I cut Carter a sly look. And all this time, I didnt think you had any friends.Youre jumping to conclusions, young woman of Lilith. He sipped from what looked like whiskey straight up. Theyre here on business.Ooh. take in secret angel business, huh? Whatre yo u going to do? Dance on a pinhead? Lobby for National Cute Puppy Day?Joels cold look dropped another ten degrees. As if we would discuss our affairs with a dark seductress of evil.Yasmine elbowed him with an eye roll. Shes joking.Thats what she wants you to think, he warned ominously. I for one am not going to let my guard down while she attempts to use her sly and sinister powers of seduction on us.Fixing him with a slow, languid smile, I leaned back in the chair, crossing my legs so the skirt rode up my thighs. Baby, if I were using my wily and sinister powers of seduction, youd be the first to know.A dark flush stained his cheeks. He fixed his gaze on Carter. I dont know what game you think youre playing, but you need to get rid of her.Carter stayed unfazed. Shes harmless unless youre a drug-pushing god or a nephilim. Or an self-examining writer.Yasmine flinched, her cheerful countenance becoming sober. Dont joke about nephilim.In fact, Carter obliviously continued, she might fix that little logistical problem. Georgina, I dont suppose youd mind playing hostess, would you? Vincent needs a place to stay while hes in town.I arched an eyebrow in surprise. Misinterpreting my silence, Vincent hastily added, Its okay if you dont want to. I mean, you dont even know me. I can see how thatd be weird.I dont know, I told him, even more curious as to what was transpiring with this odd group. If angels vouch for youwell, you cant really get a better recommendation than that. If you dont mind sleeping on the couch, its fine by me.Youre a pearl among succubi, Carter declared.Joel nearly choked on his drink. Considering his stick-up-the-ass attitude, I doubted he had anything alcoholic. Probably Kool-Aid or Pepsi. viands Pepsi, at that.Are you out of your mind? he exclaimed. Shes a succubus. You cant relegate him to that. Think about his soul.Shes not really into nice guys, Carter said. Usually. You wont have a problem.Yasmine offered Vincent a playful look. Hes not t hat nice anyway.Carter began Joel.I told you, shes fine. Let it go. You have my word. Besides, she wont ask any questions, and itll give him an accessible place to stay while you guys search.I jumped on the word search. Now we were getting somewhere. What are you guys looking for?Dead silence met me. Whitney crossed her arms. Vincent sipped his drink.Okay, I get it. I undefiled the gimlet with a gulp. Need to know basis. Mums the word. Hush-hush and all that.Yasmines slowly grin returned. I love her, Carter. No wonder you keep her around.She then started talking about another succubus shed met in Boston, smoothly changing subjects as deftly as Carter could. Guessing what I was thinking, Carter caught my eye and grinned. I rolled my own eyes in exasperation.Nonetheless, as the evening progressed, I found myself liking Yasmine immensely. She, Vincent, and Carter carried most of the conversation, and while angels werent nearly as fun as the rest of my friends, I found this group e ntertaining in their own way. They also swore and drank a lot less, but well, nobodys perfect.When the bar closed, I took Vincent with me, but not before Joel issued warnings about the sanctity of the human soul. Vincent listened to it with a patient face, nodding along at the key parts.Is he always like that? I asked on the drive home.Vincent laughed. He cant help it. He means well. Hes just worried about me.Are you worried?Nah. Youre pretty cute, but no, Im not worried. Im already in love with someone.I started to joke that that was no protection against anything, that Id seduced plenty of guys who thought they were in love. Something in his voice stopped my quip. The way he spoke implied that being in love was indeed protection from me and all the other evils of the world. He spoke like one who was invincible. I suddenly matt-up sad.Good for you, I said softly.He cut me a sidelong look. Youre okay for a succubus.Okay enough to tell me what you and the Super Friends are doing in t own?A smile flashed back over his face. No.At home, I set him up on the couch, producing piles of blankets to keep him warm. I kept my flatbed at a steamy temperature most of the time, but it was December, and the part of me that still remembered huddling around meager fires in days gone by felt one could never have enough blankets.I soon went to bed, bury under my own stash of covers. This time, I didnt dream.