Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 2

For a few seconds, I was no longer at the party. My minds eye flashed pricker to where I stood on a cliff prohibitedside the township Id grown up in, b bely old enough to be c onlyed an adult by todays standards. And Niphon was there, smiling at me, promising me he had all the answers and could make my problems dethaw.I shook my head, driving off the memories and returning to the party at hand.His smile grew, an evil smile that promised even more evil things. I could concur been facing Edens serpent himself.I knew you had it in you, he continued, stepping toward me. His voice stayed soft. I knew it the minute I saw you. I cant wait to find out firsthand further howexperienced youve become.My defenses snapped into place, and I stepped back. Touch me, and Ill break your fucking neck.Such ingratitude, considering I made you what you are.Stay a focal point from me.He started to move forward again, and my fondness leapt to a pace that would contrive killed nigh humans. Suddenly, Jeromes voice fell all over us, and I realized the room had become silent. Leave her alone, Niphon. She give tongue to no.The elf paused and made a pleading face. Aw, come on, Jerome. What kind of demon doesnt share his skilfuls?You arent here to fuck my succubus. If you cant do your job, I can replace you.Jeromes voice held a warning note that even an asshole like Niphon couldnt ignore. Maybe almostone would be consigned to Hell to shadow after all. Disappointingly, the imp inclined his head in obeisance and backed off. The look he gave me warned we would live a later conversation.I walked over to Jerome. Maybe you should exact given me a heads up earlier.And vituperate things for you lovebirds? Hardly something a die-hard romantic like me could do. Besides, I told you to come early.Hugh snapped his cell phone shut and wandered over to join us. He kissed my cheek. Hey, sweetie. Big things personnel casualty on here.My already enormous sense of dread grew by leaps and boun ds. Such as?Re-org. Seattles lines have been redrawn. Were acquiring another 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 shake my hand again. I kept it out of bear upon, fearing for my bones. I forced a smile. Hi, Tawny. I sour back to Jerome and jerked my head at Niphon. Why is he here then?I acquired her, the imp explained. Acquired was a nice way of saying hed bought her soul for Hell, just as hed purchased mine. Its my job to stay and watch her until shes settled in and taken her first victim.No one ever did that for me, I recalled. You sort of threw me to the wolves. Id had to be some innkeepers sex toy in Constantinople for a few years until Id learned the succubus ropes.Niphon shrugged. HRs new policy. Just moot of all the time itll give us to catch up.Giving Tawny a sidelong glance, I hoped her adamant desire to destroy men eve rywhere meant shed be a quick study. Eyeing her leopard-skin skirt, I had my doubts.Well. Fantastic. immediately that Im up to speed, I guess theres no need to stay Hugh shook his head, of a sudden becoming my-friend-the-imp as opposed to the all-business imp. I could tell from his grimace that I wouldnt like what he had to say next. Theres something else you need to know. For the next year or so, you have to be heruh, mentor.Mentor, I repeated flatly.He nodded, looking sympathetic. Jerome watched our transmute with amusement.What, um, does that mean for me exactly?Hugh set his briefcase on a coffee table and pulled out what looked like the kind of copied-and-bound manual of arms Kinkos would run off. He tossed it to me. I caught it and nearly keeled over. The thing had nearly eight-hundred pages.Mentors Official and Complete Procedural Handbook on Initial Succubus Intake and Probationary Period (Abridged).Abridged? I spun toward Jerome. Tell me youre getting back at me for th e time I accused you of wearing Old Spice.That ones still coming, state the demon. This ones for real.I cant do this, Jerome. I dont have the time Do you know how much stuff Ive got dismission on? Im still training the new assistant manager at work He stood up with speed a vampire might have admired. He leaned toward me, the amusement gone 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 life Let 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 existence in the blink of an eye.Heat flooded my cheeks. I didnt real appreciate be verbally bitch-slapped in front of Niphon and Seattles entire dream team of evil. I didnt mean it like that. I just Its not up for debate whatsoever longer. His words crawled over my skin.I swallowed. Yes, Jerome. Even I knew when to back down.Silence fell. A smirk played over Niphons face. A human boyfriend. How terribly quaint. I cant wait to chance on all about it.I say its get alonge, said Tawny. I hope youre making him suffer.Their romance is a great tale of self-exploration, remarked Hugh, straight-faced.I shot him a glare. As a sexual workaround, Seth and I tack together we could do unto ourselves what we couldnt do to each other. Id never actually told my friends about this solution, scarcely theyd kind of figured 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 room hearts and watching them cry. I left over(p) her as quickly as I could, working the room and talking to those I hadnt seen in a spot. I was good at smiling and making people laugh enchantment all the while, my mind spun and processed this new complication. When I in the long run found Cod y, Peter, and Hugh huddle together 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, newborn for a vampire but ancient compared to Tawny, threw an arm around me. His shaggy blond hair was tamed into a short stub of a ponytail. He was perpetually laidback and upbeat, and his youth always made the rest of us ask to baby him. Oh, man. This is going to be great. You are so screwed.As if, I said, squirming away. You think Im afraid of her?I am, said Peter with a shiver. He had thinning brown hair and wore casual yet exquisitely coordinated clothes, all the way down to his argyle socks. He was an old vampire, airless to my age, and was Codys mentor. Id never thought much about their mentor-apprentice relationship before. It always seemed pretty effortless, but then, Cody was no Tawny.I followed Peters gaze to where the new succubus animatedly told a story to a stone-faced demoness nam ed Grace. From the dangerous jiggling of Tawnys breasts, it looked as though the structural integrity of her shirt could simply stick out so long.I dont think youre afraid, said Hugh slyly. I think youre jealous.Of what exactly? Bad expressive style sense? An ergonomically unsound bustline? I have nothing 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 nevertheless 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 bother you. Cant wait until the fur starts flying.Her fate is in your hands, said Cody.You should make her call you Miss Georgina, added Hugh with a mocking southern drawl. Or at least 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 manly population, she doe snt even need me.The three men exc strikeed more smirks. Cody made some hissing and meowing sounds, scratching at the air.This isnt funny, I said.Sure it is, said Cody. Besides, dont you want to helper others? Wheres your sense of goodness and charity?I think I cashed that in when I, you know, sold my soul to Hell.Peter waved his hand. Details, details. Tis the season to put by 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 slipped from Peters face. What?Oh, shit. Youve done it now, said Hugh. I already got lectured earlier for not having one.Youre a Scrooge, Peter told him while still looking at me. No one hold backs that kind of festive shelter 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 burns 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 apotheosis? 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 fake one now. Theyre easier. No watering. No woodland animals. Besides, you can get them to match your d?cor. Did you notice Peters is pissed-off ocean green?Peter sighed. 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 m odel from a department store. The green in the multicolored bejeweled star on top even seemed to gain 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 throw out 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 inscrutable 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 ghost 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 re saturnine 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 thumb better.My eyeball 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 needed 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? Heavy lifting?I didnt need him to tell me what sorts of things 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 probab ly spent the strong 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 limit this time. As soon as I cleared the door, I tossed that ridiculous manual to the floor. It landed with a ground-shaking thump that made my cat Aubrey puff up her tail.Sorry, I mumbled, scratching her black-speckled head in consolation.Traipsing to the bedroom, I promptly 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 really 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 fro m afar as a literary genius, reading his novels over and over. Now I knew the dark truth about being a bestselling 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 sightedness you tomorrow anyway. Besides, as soon as I get out of this dress, Im just going to pass out anyway. No way was I showtime that procedural tome.Youre wearing a dress?Yup.You werent wearing one earlier. Whats it look like?I started laughing. Oohare you trying to have phone sex with me? mobilize 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 stroke my Oh my God. No. We are not doing this.Typical Seth. He could write s ex scenes that set the page on fire or dialogue clever enough to impress even me. Make him vocalize any of it, and he choked up. He was shy around others, dreaded in large 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 improved 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 Okay, look. If you really want to go through with this, Id be happy 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? O ne 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 antisocial 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 entirely fathom why. Hed bought my soul and recruited my eternal services. What more was there? appreciation and see, a warning voice whispered in my head. I shivered. Tawny couldnt make her first score a moment too soon.Suddenly, I didnt feel like passing out after all. I wanted to go out. Not for a victim or anythingjust to, well, be out. Grab 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 topical anaesthetic immortals. After Tawnys coming-ou t party tonight, I doubted anyone I knew would be there. A little alone time suited me just fine. Yet, as I entered the crowded interdict and slipped through the drinking, laughing patrons, I felt a cool sensation tickle my immortal senses. It made me think of crystal and ozone.Scanning around, I finally found Carter sitting across the room at a round table. Seattles most powerful angel and the one who had burned down my Christmas tree had comprehend me too, and a slight 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 mischievously dressed one.More startling than seeing him out tonight, however, was his assortment of companions. Three angels and a human none of whom Id ever met before. All of them watched me, displaying curiosity and for one of them abominat e 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 company 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 small gesture of invitation, much to the astonishment of two of the angels. I nodded back in acknowledgement, first stopping by the prohibition to get a vodka auger.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 perma nent 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 drollery 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 deep tanned skin and black hair that shone like silk. A merry glitter danced in her eyes as she extended 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 woman whose hair consisted of myriad tiny braids. She dressed with a fashion sense that met my standards and wore cat-eye glasses 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 w ith a long and narrow face. His expression conveyed clear disapproval and a haughty coldness. 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, Daughter of Lilith. He sipped from what looked like whiskey straight up. Theyre here on business.Ooh. Top secret angel business, huh? Whatre you 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 gua rd down while she attempts to use her wily 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 introverted writer.Yasmine flinched, her cheery 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. believably Kool-Aid or Pepsi. Diet Pepsi, at that.Are you out of your mind? he exclaimed. Shes a succubus. You cant subject 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 that 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 finished the gimlet with a gulp. Need to know basis. Mums the word. Hush-hush and all that.Yasmines easy 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 entertaining 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 sanctitude 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 felt 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 town?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 apartment 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 blanket s.I soon went to bed, buried under my own stash of covers. This time, I didnt dream.