Succubus Revealed Chapter 9

It wasnt until I arrive in Seattle on sunshine stilling that the full surreal nature of my weekend in Las Vegas hit me. Being thither had mat so . . . natural. I suppose discriminate of that was just having old friends like Bastien and Luis more or less. Yet Id been pleasantly move at how easily I got along with my newer acquaintances, like Phoebe and Matthias. Id even grown to like Jamie, though I never did peck him after that night. Despite my efforts to find him and ask him round Milton, the imp had remained sturdy for the wait of my sex.And the show . . . how had that happened? I couldnt even get a solid job here in my current hometown, yet hours after walking off the plane in a strange city, Id landed what was, in many ways, my dream job. By the time wed finished our second practice, Matthias was already talking ab forth a special part he planned on creating for me, and several of the former(a) dancers were so frustrate at me leaving for a month, youd figure wed co gnise each other for years.It had, in spite of my misgivings, been a fantastic weekend.Reality set in when I walked into my condo. romish was out, with scarcely a none denotation Bowling practice tomorrow night to mark his passage. Natur onlyy, the cats were as happy to see me as unceasingly. gelt their heads in turn, I began to think virtu wholey the logistics of moving some(prenominal) of them with me across state lines. Id be victorious them away from Roman, whom they loved, only if there was nothing to be d star for that. He couldnt come with us. As a nephilim, he was in constant danger of being hunted follow out by other perennials, and it was only Jeromes protection that every last(predicate)owed him to encounter a seminormal liveliness in Seattle. Roman certainly wasnt outlet to give that up, and besides, Las Vegas was belike the worst place in the world for him to attempt to hide out.A vase of pink-tipped white roses sat on the kitchen table, filling the air with sweetness. I opened up the card and read curings scrawled writingWelcome home. Ive been enumerate the minutes. SI texted him that I was back and received an answer urging me to come over to terry and Andreas for dinner. After leaving a note for Roman assuring him Id be at practice, I headed out, my sense unflustered spinning with more of the consequences of moving. The condo. Id throw to sell it. Unless I postulateed to rent it to Roman? madho riding habit would likely compensate any moving costs, notwithstanding itd be up to me to start making the existent arrangements now for things like movers and whatnot.I was soundly at making plans and organizing things, provided all of my skills were useless against the unmatched thing I wanted to bring with me to Las Vegas the intimately Seth. I still had no solution for what to do with him.I was met with the usual outpouring of love from his nieces when I arrived, just in time for a higgledy-piggledy family dinner. With the additional family members, theyd given up any pretense of eating at the kitchen table and had simply taken their written report pformer(a)s and homemade pizza off to the living room. The casualties of food and furniture were unrivaleds Terry and Andrea were long since utilize to, moreover Margaret couldnt focus on her dinner for fear of constantly watching the girls and what she perceived as threatening tomato-stained disaster.I was happy to see Andrea out with the family, which wasnt slightlything that happened very often lately. She looked tired but was in good spirits, and from the way the girls vied for position next to her, it was clear they were delighted to have her up and around withal.Seth says you were out of town, she told me. Anywhere fun?Las Vegas, I replied. Visiting friends.Man, express Ian. I wish I had friends in Las Vegas.I encounterd itd be too commercial for you, said Seth, deadpan.Ian swallowed a bite of his pizza it apparently wasnt a vegan day in advance responding. Only if you stay on the Strip and their overpriced luxury hotels. If you poke around in some of the out-of-the-way places, you could find some really cool and obscure dives.It took nine-year-old Kendall to say what the rest of us were thinking. Id rather stay in luxury. wherefore would you want to stay in a dive, Uncle Ian?Because its nonmainstream, he told her. Everyone stays at the nice places.But I like nice things, she argued. Dont you?Well, yes, he said, frowning. But thats not the point Then why would you want to stay at bad places? she press.Youre too young to understand, he said.Seth chuckled. Actually, I think she understands perfectly.Andrea decided to rest shortly after that, but not before extracting a promise that someone deliver her dessert later on. After doing dishes (which was passably aristocratical with paper plates), our group dispersed into separate activities. Kendall, Brandy, Margaret, and Terry started up a game of Monopoly while Kayla and the twins colonised down to watch The Little Mermaid. Ian joined them, excited for the chance to show how the movie was an example of capitalist economy destroying America. Seth and I curled up on a nearby loveseat, ostensibly to watch the movie, but instead used the time to catch up.How was it, really? he asked me in a low voice. Ive been brainsick about you. Was it as bad as you thought?No, I said, leaning my head against his chest. It was actually . . . pretty good. Would you believe I have a job already ? Like . . . one thats not on sinnings payroll.You cant even get one of those here, remarked Seth.Yeah, the ironys not lost on me. Im going to be a Vegas showgirl, get by with sequins.Seth trailed his fingers through my hair. Thats actually kind of awesome. And hot. If you want to practice, Id be more than happy to give you some constructive criticism.I grimaced. Well see.There was a long pause. So . . . its real. This strong thing.Yeah, I said in a small voice. I ts real. I felt him tense and sensed the worry radiating off of him. Its okay. Well figure this out. Its still a month away.I know we will, he said. You and I have overcome crazier things than this, responsibility?Crazier doesnt always mean harder, I pointed out. I mean, when Peter tried to make a retro wick sconce out of a Pringles can last month, that was pretty crazy but it was also pretty lenient to deal with once we found his fire extinguisher.You see? said Seth. This is what I love about you. I dont even consider that crazy. I consider that ordinary life with you, Georgina. You change all the definitions.He pressed a kiss to my forehead. We fell silent and watched the movie, though I suspected Seth was paying as little wariness as I was. We were both lost in our own thoughts, and I didnt really snap out of it until I heard Ian set uping Morgan, I like the original fairy rumor better. Its pretty alternative, so youve probably never heard of it.I glanced at the clock and s at up. Im going to go check on Andrea and see if she wants her dessert. Both Margaret and Terry were quick to offer to do it instead, but I waved them off, assuring them I was fine and that they should return to their game.Andrea was awake, propped up on pillows and reading a control when I came in with the pie. You didnt have to do that, she told me. You shouldve asked Terry.Hes busy buying and selling property, I told her, helping her find out the plate on her lap. I couldnt ask him to interrupt that. Besides, he does plenty.He does, she agreed, smiling wistfully. They all do. even you. Its so strange, having others take care of me. Im too used to facial expression after everyone else.I colonized down on a chair near her bed, wondering how often it must be filled lately. Andrea always had someone watching over her. Its just for a little while longer, I said.That got me another smile as she chewed a bite of pie. Youre very optimistic.Hey, why shouldnt I be? You look great today. dandy ironically, as Ian would say. She ran a hand through her limp blond hair. But I do finger better than I have for a while. I dont know. Its deceptive, Georgina. There are days I quality confident Ive beat every cancer cell in my body and others when I cant believe Im still managing to walk this earth.Andrea No, no, its true. She paused for more pie, but her eyes took on a vast, knowing look that reminded me eerily of Carter. Ive accepted it, come to terms with the fact that theres still a good chance Ill die. No one else has. No one else will talk about it. Im okay with that. If thats what God wills for me, accordingly so be it.I felt a knot clench in my stomach. I couldnt say frequently about God, but Id seen bounteous of Heaven and Hell to get angry when I heard humans accept their constituent as part of some higher purpose. Half the time, it seemed to me the divine powers were making up this game as they went along.Im not worried about me, Andrea continued. But I am worried about them. That serenity faded, replaced by very real human concern, a mothers fear for her children. Terrys strong. So wonderfully strong. But this is hard on him. He cant do it alone, which is why Im so glad Seths here. I dont know what we would have done without him. Hes the thrill supporting us all right now.The anxiety inside me eased for a few moments, replaced by a spreading warmth as I thought about Seth. Hes wonderful.Andrea set down the fork, finished, and lengthy her hand to me. So are you. Im glad youre part of our family, Georgina. If something happens to me Stop No, listen. I mean it. If something happens to me, Ill rest easy knowing the girls have you in their lives. Seth and Terry are great, but the girls still need a strong woman role frame utilization. Someone to help them through growing up.Im not that good of a role model, I said, not meeting her eyes. I was a creature of Hell, someone full of impuissance and fear. What could I possibly have to offe r such bright, promise-filled creatures like the Mortensen girls?You are, said Andrea adamantly, squeezing my hand. They love you and respect you so much. I know theyre in good hands.I swallowed back tears that were threatening to provoke me. Well, I said. Theyre in even better hands with you, since we all know youre going to get intimately soon.Andrea nodded, giving me an indulgent smile that I suspected shed perfected after weeks of listening to others insist she was on the verge of recovery. A yawn soon betrayed her, and I carefully took the plate away and asked if she needed anything else. She aware me she didnt.I crept back downstairs and returned the plate to the kitchen, where I found Brandy and Margaret eating pie of their own. I did a forficate take back toward the living room. What happened to Monopoly?Kendall bought us out, said Margaret.Man, I hate playing with her, grumbled Brandy. No one her age should be that good.Dont knock it, said Seth, strolling in. Shes goin g to be supporting us all in fifteen years. He rested a hand on Brandys shoulder. Did you ask Georgina?Brandy looked at her feet. No. direct me what?Its nothing, she said.Clearly its something, I replied, exchanging looks with Seth. Whats up?Is this the Christmas dance you were talking about before ? asked Margaret.Brandy flushed. A holiday dance. Its nothing.No way, I said. Im a big fan of dances. But isnt school out? Yeah, but this is at church. Its a formal they have every year. She was using a Its no big deal tone, but her twist betrayed how interested she was.The church part surprised me, since last I knew, the Mortensens didnt attend one. But obviously that had changed. maybe Andreas illness had played a role. Whatever it was, I could see reliance wasnt on the line here, so much as a teenage girls simple desire to participate in something fun with other people her age. It was a normal rite of passage, one I was guessing she didnt feel worthy of, in light of everything else going on right now with her family. No wonder she was hesitant to point out it. I wondered if maybe there was a boy involved too but certainly wasnt going to ask. She looked chagrined enough to be having this discussion in front of her uncle and grandmother.You need to shop for a dress? I guessed. People always called me for shopping. I used to be bothered by that but then reckon I should accept what Im good at. Brandy nodded, still looking embarrassed. When is it?Tuesday.Tuesday . . . I frowned, thinking of my schedule. Tomorrow, Monday, was taken up with change state and wheel practice. That didnt leave a lot of time. We magnate be cutting it close.If you dont have time, its fine, Brandy assured me. Really.No way, I told her. We can do it Tuesday morning.Brandy looked down again. My dad can pay you back. Ill ask him how much we can spend.Forget it, said Seth, rustling her hair. She squirmed out of his reach. Send the bill to me. You know where I live.Brandy protested this, b ut Seth was firm in his offer as well as his urging that Brandy not mention it to her father. But once Brandy and Seth were in the other room, Margaret caught hold of my sleeve and pulled me back into the kitchen before I could follow. Our interactions hadnt exactly been antagonistic (aside from our initial meeting with the baseball bat), but they hadnt always been pleasant either. I buttressed myself for some admonishment about dressing Brandy like a whore.Here, said Margaret, shoving some cash into my hands. I looked down and found two fifty-dollar bills. Seths not the only with income around here. He cant keep funding the whole family. Is that enough for what she needs?Er, yes, I said, trying to hand it back. Id actually planned on cutting Seth out as well and carrying the bill myself. Definitely. You dont have to do this.Margarets response was to give me another bill. ticktock her shoes too. She closed my hand around the cash. I dont know what girls her age need when it comes to clothes, but I know you do. The money I can provide. The rest I rely on you for.That sentiment that faith in me was too much, too fast on the heels of the conversation Id just had with Andrea. Its not enough, I blurted out. What Im doing, compared to everyone else. Theyre all giving so much. Whats a shopping trip next to that?Margaret fixed me with a piercing regard that bore no resemblance to the conservative, sweatshirt-wearing matron Id categorized her as. For a girl growing up too fast, whose life is crumbling around her? Everything.I hate this, I said. I hate that this is happening to them.God only gives us what we have the strength to endure, she said. Id always hated that maxim, largely because it too seemed to go along with the idea of a universe having a plan for everyone, something Id seen no evidence of. They have the strength to get through this. And they have our strength to help them.I smiled at that. Youre a remarkable woman, Margaret. Theyre lucky youre here. I meant it. She and I might have different philosophies about premarital sex, but her love for them was undiminished. I wasnt the only role model in the girls lives.She shrugged, looking both flattered and embarrassed by my praise. Like you, Im just trying to do enough without wearing out my welcome at Seths.He loves having you, I said promptly.She rolled her eyes. Im not stupid. I want to keep helping, but I know I cant stay with him forever. Hes a grown man, no matter how much Id like to pretend otherwise.That made me smile even more. Dont worry. I wont key out him you said so.Nonetheless, I went home with a heavy heart that night. Seth expected to be up late and hadnt wanted me waiting around for him. We were both conscious of how little time wed had together recently, though, so he told me hed join me for tomorrow nights bowling practice. As a general rule, he tried to avoid imsomebody goings-on, but I think he had a morbid fascination with the idea of bowling for damn honor. Thank God, said Roman, when I walked in the door. I thought you were going to stay at Seths. Theres soup on the stove.No, thanks, I said. I already ate.Your loss, he said. Judging from the way the cats were circling him for handouts as he settled down on the couch with a bowl, I guess they agreed with him. How was it?My mind was still on the Mortensens, and for a moment, I thought thats what he meant. Then I remembered his single-minded focus and knew he was referring to Las Vegas.amazingly good, I told him, sitting down in an armchair.His eyebrows rose. He hadnt expected that answer. Oh? Tell me about it.I did, and he listened attentively while eating his soup. When Id finished the weekends recap, he grilled me on nearly everyone Id met there, immortal and mortal alike. In two days, I didnt have that much life history to report but gave him what I could.Well, he said, isnt that lovely. He made no effort to hide his sarcasm.I sighed. You still think this was part of some greater con spiracy ?I think its terribly convenient that this seemingly routine convert is fulfilling every possible wish you might have.I scoffed. Aside from the fact that Im being transferred in the kickoff place. Thats hardly something I wanted.Roman straightened up, and the cats ran for his abandoned bowl. He ticked off points on his right hand. Well, lets do a tally, shall we? When I first met you, I asked what your dream job would be. What did you say? A Vegas dancer. And wow Look what conveniently falls into your lap. And who put it there? In a city full of conniving, backstabbing succubi, you were fortunate to find one as levelheaded as you, complete with the same sense of humor and interests. Funny thing . . . did you even run into any other succubi that entire weekend? In a city packed with them?Roman No, no, wait. Theres more. Howd you meet this wonder succubus anyway? Through your closest immortal friend, who just happened to have been coincidently transferred to Las Vegas, hir ed on by your favorite boss of all time. Are you following this fantasy so far?But why would And, he continued, lest you grow homesick for the wacky idiosyncrasies of your friends back here, Vegas is ready to tack you with new ones. A zany drunken imp. Seth 2.0. If youd stayed longer, they probably would have unearthed an angel and a touch of vampires for you. And lets not discount the fact that youre going to Las Vegas in the first place The single easiest place for a succubus to get by.Okay, I get what youre saying. I threw up my hands in exasperation. It is perfect. Maybe too perfect. But youre missing one fundamental point. Supposing this is true, that someone has set up the most perfect scenario for me ever, a situation designed to keep me happy, why would they do it at all when the thing that would make me the most happy is to stay in Seattle? Why bother with this alternative? Why not leave me as I am?Romans eyes gleamed. Because thats the one thing they dont want you to ha ve. They want you out of Seattle, Georgina. They want you out, and they dont want you to complain or look back.But why? I protested. Thats what I cant figure out.Give me something else to work with, he said. Hells not that good. Even the most picture perfect setup has to have a flaw. Was there anything, anything at all this weekend, that felt disingenuous? That smacked of a lie?I gave him a wry look. I was in Las Vegas, hanging out with servants of Hell. Everything was disingenuous.Georgina, think Anything that seemed legitimately odd. Any contradiction.I started to deny it but then paused. The timeline.He leaned forward even more. Yes? What about it?I thought back to my first hours in Las Vegas. Luis and Bastien both went out of their way to act as though my transfer and Bastiens had been in the works for a while like Jerome said. But once, Bastien slipped. He sounded like he hadnt been there for very long at all not nearly as long as theyd said before.Like that maybe he was cur tly pulled in on a moments notice to coincide with your transfer?I dont know, I said, not appetency the thought of Bastien being part of some potential conspiracy centered around me. He change by reversal himself, said he misspoke.Im sure he would say that. Roman leaned back now, letting all of this dangle in.Bastien wouldnt lie to me, I snapped. Hes my friend. I trust him. He cares about me.I believe you, said Roman. And I believe that he wouldnt lie to you about something that he thought might harm you. But if his higher-ups asked him to tell a white lie fudge a few days here and there dont you think he would?I nearly denied it but then had to wonder. Bastien had been in trouble off and on with our superiors, his Seattle conjecture last year a desperate attempt to restore status. If he were pressured enough threatened, even to tell me hed been transferred longer than he actually had, would he? Especially if he thought it was harmless and knew of no sinful reason behind it?But what nefarious reason would be behind all this? I muttered, not realizing Id spoken my thoughts aloud until Roman straightened up again.Thats what we have to figure out. We have to figure out whats happened to you that wouldve gotten someones attention and that happened recently, to spur such a fast response. We know about your slacker record. And we know about Erik looking into your contract.I blinked. Milton.I quickly told Roman about Hughs information, about Miltons secret assassin status and trip to Seattle lining up with Eriks death. I also told him about briefly mentioning Milton to Jamie. Roman leaped to his feet.Jesus Christ Why didnt you tell me about this sooner? I couldve investigated Milton while you were gone. Shit. Now Im trapped here under bowling duty. Nephilim had the same travel limitations as lesser immortals. They had to physically travel to places. No teleportation like greater immortals.Im sorry, I said. I wasnt thinking. I didnt connect it. And I didnt get a chance to ask Jamie more about Milton. He wasnt around the rest of the time I was in town.Roman was nodding along with me as he paced. Of course he wasnt. Im sure they made certain he was unavailable before he could tell you any more. And explain again why your initial conversation with him didnt go that far?I shrugged. He was drunk. He got distracted by a debate over gin with Luis.One that Luis initiated, no doubt.I I thought about it. Yeah. I guess he did. But youre not saying . . . I mean, thats idiotic. Using gin as a distraction to cover up some spot?Romans sea green eyes were gazing off in the distance, thoughtful. Its not the most ridiculous distraction Ive known a demon to use. He couldve brought up bowling.Not that again.Roman snapped his attention back to me, frustration all over his face. Georgina, how can you be in denial about this? How can you refuse to believe that Hell is playing some larger game here? After all youve seen and been a part of?I shot up, angr y at the insinuation that had been creeping along here, that I was too oblivious to see what was going on. I know I know theyre capable of it. I know they can use means both ingenuous and simple like gin and bowling to get what they want. Im not denying that, Roman. What I just cant grasp yet is the why. Show me that, and Ill get on board with any crazy outline you want. I need to know why.Roman came to stand in front of me, resting his hands on my shoulders as he leaned close. That is exactly what I intend to find out. And when we do, I have a feeling well have blown the lid off of the biggest conspiracy Hells had in centuries.