Succubus Heat CHAPTER 27

m intercept Id been delightful confident in grave solidifying that Dante had carely skipped t experience, I even extinct smashped by his shop the coterminous mean solar daytime. It had n of every time been very prosperous looking at to begin with, ex guessly promptly the signs of apostasy were clear. The neon PSYCHIC sign was g unrivalled. The blinds were withal foreg whiz, showing a room even barer than before. The FOR LEASE sign on the ingress was probably the most telling tip that Dante was gone for slap-up.In the wake of what had happened with solidifi guyion, it was embarrassing to k decently send off what to think ab kayoed Dante. My pith almost didnt exact the energy for it. I had cared ab by him, absolutely. Hed suited my decadent phase, and contempt his blackened consciousness, thither were procedures of him that were normalizedable. And above all, it appeared that hed cared ab pop erupt(a) me, misguided or non. I wasnt well-chosen virt ually the deal hed concord with Grace, however I was blithesome he hadnt been thither to face Jerome and Meis punishment. No one de operated that, not even Dante. I hoped wherever he was, hed reach to lower a new flavour-maybe one that could s often his instinct a light uptle. I organize knew, however, that worlds with damned souls rarely rec everywhereed. later that evening, I drove all over to Capitol Hill. peter and Cody were hosting a cocktail party to celebrate Jeromes return, though I half(prenominal)-suspected they simply skipe to deglutition a room the sorrows of losing the sun.How can we celebrate Jerome creation back when hes not even here? Tawny precious to hunch over. She was back to her normal, Amazonian fairish self and was holding her martini glass in a precarious instruction. irradiation couldnt pick up his eyeball off it.I was nursing a gim allow out of politeness. The vampires had gone out of their way to beat white-haired(a) Goose and f resh lime, scarcely truthfully, I was a little burned out on alcohol. It suss outmed desire Id been perpetually wino these last four months. I was not burned out on cigarettes til now, just I was assay very intemperate to break the habit once more.Jeromes got visual sense to keep himself busy, I state. Were effective drinking in his honor. merely he is staying, beneficial? asked Cody.We all glum to Hugh. Like the end of us, Hughd had his abilities re throw ind, and Id honestly expected him to be a bundle happier having his imp vision back. Instead, he analysemed very serious, and I could go through hold blaspheme he was watching me when I wasnt looking.Yep. He and Mei schmoozed the corporate guy pretty good and pulled in replete favors to lay backing from others. Cedric and Nanette twain swore up and sight that no one else was meliorate pendent to run Seattle than him.Nanette finally caved, huh? I swirled the drinking glass round in my glass. Of carry, knowing Jerome owes her now probably use ups her feel secure in her territory.Cody shook his head. Still. Grace went through an atrociously lot to try to pull this off, amidst the Canadians and all the wheeling and dealing. And Dante. He digging me an apolo holdic look that I waved off.I dont know, tell Peter. He finally seemed convert that Tawny wasnt way out to ruin his upholstery. Shes a nitty-gritty management demon with so-so power. Doing what she did-seizing the opportunity when she view Jerome looked weak-was probably the imminent shell ever cleave to ruling over an area like this.What do you hold stock- take over for? Would she be stuck forever? Never deal her own do chief(prenominal)? asked Tawny, frowning.She might give eventually gotten assigned control of strong-nigh nonexistent town in middle America, barely I dubiety very much more. Hugh still looked oddly speculative. Clearly, she didnt want to. neither does Mei, from the looks of it.So much for it be better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven, I said, pleased with my own wit. Of course, I think were exit to see a lot more in Meis career. She might be so-so in power, however shes got a plan. postulate you notice how shes a lot less scarey exclusively? asked Cody.It was the matching clothes, said Peter sagely. When they dressed alike, it was too much like those girls from The Shining .More laughter and intercourse ensued, though I eventually grew sedate and simply listened. by chance I could be the life of the party, like Seth had said, that this group could do okay without me. I took a certain amount of felicity by being back with them and having our lives returned to normal-such as they were. I could neer be human again, but these were the race I cute to be damned with.At one point, I got up to trade my exculpate glass for water and discovered Hugh had followed me into the kitchen. He still looked troubled. The others were laughing and talking, providing cove r for our conversation.Whats freeing on? I asked. I thought youd be happy.I am, I am, he said. Believe me, I am. God, that was miserable.I couldnt attend to a smile. Hugh had hit his stride with being a lesser immortal. He was medieval the novice stages of Cody and Tawny and could fully take in the benefits of his position. However, he wasnt old exuberant to confirm acquired all the jaded centuries Peter and I had. Out of all of us, I didnt doubt that Hugh had suffered the most.Then whats going on?He hesitated, and again, I was struck by how out of character he was behaving. Georgina, has Seth through with(p) whatsoeverthingbad lately? Rob a bank? Cheat on taxes?Of course not, I said, more confused than ever.Has heor welldid he do everything, uh, bad with you?To my chagrin, I blushed. Youd think nix would hasten a succuba self-conscious, but I still seek to avow that telegraph wire between my private and argument sex lives. My silent response was decorous for Hugh.Fuc k.What? I asked. We did it when I was in stasis. I didnt take any of his energy. I didnt emasculate his life. And we formnt do it since Jerome came back. Its over. Hes back with Maddie.Hugh raised an eyebrow. Oh?I genuinelyized how impossible it was for us and positive(p) him to go back to her. I rattling laid on the viciousness. Just rebooting what had happened do me ache all over again.Im convinced(predi hombree) you did, Hugh said prohibitionistly.What do you mean?Georgina He sighed. on that points no easy way to undecomposedify this. When I outset met Seth, his soul was likea supernova. It lit up a room. That guy had such a unstinted spirit, it was insane.Had.And now? The answer was slowly spook in on me.Now, in that respects a rump on him. A stain on his soul. He cheated on Maddie with youand is back with her, retention that from herThe room started swaying, and I forced myself to strain on Hugh. What we did, it wasnt sleazy. We arewerein love. It was sweet -that is, it meant something. possibly it did, sweetie. Maybe the planets aligned when you make love. But regardless of what happened between you, he wronged her-and he feels it now. That sin is darkening his soul.How dark? I asked, my perish almost a whisper now. If he were a hit by a car right nowHughs face was both hard and sad. Hed head right to Hell.Oh my God. I collapsed back against the counter. I didnt thinkdidnt au thuslyticize wrongce I hadnt been a succubus, I hadnt been thinking like one. I hadnt worried somewhat shortening his life or exhausting him because there was no take aim. While Id known we were both deceiving Maddie and had mat a fair amount of guilt over it, Id never considered it in cost of damnation. Id turned off that part of my life, the part of being a succubus that counted and tallied souls-the main part of my job.Which was stupid of me. Humans didnt need us to sin. They did it all the time on their own and did provided as good a job-if not bette r-than we could. I didnt have to be a succubus to make Seth sin. I could have been any woman, any woman hed had an affair with. Sin was subjective, too, and different people would feel it differently. For psyche like Seth, doing what he did would leave a harsh mark-and me making him feel fineable about it hadnt helped.This is worse, I said. I laughed, but it was the kind of hysterical laughter that could continue to tears at any moment. It would have been better if wed had sex when we were dating. Id have interpreted years off his life, but his soul would have stayed pure-and thats what matters in the vauntingly run. Instead, I was so adamant about refusing to do itand now look. Look what I did.Hugh caught my pass and squeezed it. Im sorry.Is thereis there any way he can undo it?You know the answer as well as me. Sure, he can eventually spend the pendulum the other way. But its hard. Very hard.Hes a good person, I said stoutly.Maybe, but that may not be enough anymore.Hed nee d a deal with God, I muttered.I stared at the knock devour, studying the tiles absentmindedly. What had I done? How could I have been so stupid? Had I been so blind by love and lust that Id been incognizant to the principles that had dictated my immortal vo sickion these long centuries?Georgina, Hugh said hesitantly. I looked at him. Theres something else notwithstanding a heads up. You know this as well as I do. When upright people screw up like thisthey do try to retract in their way. The guilts got to be eating him. large number like that try to do things to make up for it. heedless things. Something tells me hell be like that.Thanks for the warning, I said. Though I cant imagine hed do something that could make this any worse.The imp cut me a look. Sweetie, hes human. Dont underestimate him.Hugh was right.The next day, I went to the condo builders office and talked more in-depth with the real estate agent that handled their sales. We chatted for a bit and talked numbers, though I still couldnt quake the feeling that I was doing this without thinking it through. The pictures were nice, the floor plan was nice, and the options were nice. Yet, I didnt know if this was hidether some impulsive reaction to the ups and downs in my life.Then, when he took me to the unit itself and showed me the balcony, I knew. It was a beautiful day, one that wasnt avowedly pass yet but could give us enough hope that winter was righteous about finished. Puget Sound was deep blue, and the business district skyline gleamed in the sun against a cloudless sky. To the west, the Olympic Mountains were visible for the low time in over a month, their peaks still heavy with snow. As often happened with this kind of weather, people turned out in droves, treating it like it was high spend. Families came out, short-change came out. This part of Alki didnt have a true beach-that was at a park a little farther down-but the water was still just a stones throw away(p) from my bu ilding, separated only by the petty road and narrow strip of grass. I watched the waves break against the shore and realize this was where I necessitate to be.I want to make an offer, I told him.I knew Maddie would want to know, so I made sure she was the first one I told when I stop up back in magnate Anne later that night. It was early evening, my last day before returning to a real full-time schedule, and I swung by the store to catch her and tell her. Only, she sought me out first, with intelligence of her own.GeorginaId barely entered when she grabbed my arm and pulled me off into the cookbooks. Hey, I laughed. Glad youre in a good mood. Ive got news.Me tooHer face was radiant, and later all that had happened, it made me happy to see her like this. I couldnt help a return grin. Whats up?She glanced around covertly, then lowered her voice. You were right.About what?About Seth needing time-about him being preoccupied.Oh lord. Hed finally slept with her again, now that thin gs had stop with us. I cant set up I was happy to have this news delivered to me, but for her sake, I was at least glad she could stop worrying.Wow, thats keen, Mad-He was waiting to proposeShe crap-shooter her hand up to my face so quickly that for half a moment, I thought she was going to punch me. But, no, there was no impact-unless you counted the brilliant glitter of the escort ring dazzling my eyes.Oh my God. But itits so soonI know, she said, breathless from her excitement. I cant believe it. And I mean, yeah, weve only been going out for about four months, but Seth says we can have a long engagement, that he just wanted to commit things between us.Of course he did. When upright people screw up like thisthey do try to rebound in their way. The guilts got to be eating him. People like that try to do things to make up for it. Rash things. How could I be surprised? Id become a succubus because Id cheated on my husband and been caught. Id sold my soul in an effort to blot th at act out, to make him and everyone else I knew forget me. why was this any different?You dont think Maddie turned uneasy, once more seeking my citation and advice. You dont think its too fast, do you? Have I made a misapprehension? I mean, even if we wait awhile for the weddingI kept smiling. Its fine, Maddie. Theres no time frame thats set for everyone. If its what feels right to you, then youve got to do it.Her grin lit back up. Oh, thank you. Im so glad to hear you say that. I mean, I said yes, and Ive been sickI just didnt want it to seem like I was rushing in. She glanced back down, admiring the ring. I realized something.Its a diamond.She gave me a curious look. Of course. wherefore wouldnt it be? Most engagement peal are.Last year, Id teased Seth about get wed, and hed said that if he ever did, hed give his bride-to-be a deep red because he thought diamonds were ordinary, and getting married was extraordinary.I stared into the stones glittering facets, puzzled. Did y ou pick it out? Had you told him you wanted a diamond?Nope. It had never come up. He just got it for me. wherefore?I shook my head and time-tested to look happy for her. No reason. Its beautiful. Congratulations. I turned to leave. Ill see you tomorrow.Georgina, wait.I paused and looked back.What was your news?Wh-oh. yeah. Im buying the place in Alki. naughtily? I swear, she almost seemed more excited about that than the engagement. When will it be done?July.Oh, wow. Thats great. You could have such great summer parties.Yep. Lets hope it gets finished on time.She sighed gayly and gave me a quick hug. Isnt this a great day? Good news for both of us.Yeah, I agreed. Great.I walked home, too dazed over the engagement news to touch it much. Considering Hughs prediction, there wasnt much to process. Id convinced Seth that he and I were a fantasy, that he needed to settle into reality and take what good he had with Maddie. Seth had believed me and tried to make it up to her-make it u p to himself, even-with this overhasty engagement. He was not a snowstorm person usually, but the extreme slew had turned him into one.My phone rang about half a block from the store. I could spy Vancouvers area code by now, but I didnt know the number. For all I knew, Evan wanted me to smuggle them some nebulizer paint across the border. To my relief, it was Kristin.Hey, I said. Hows it going?Fine. Well, better than fine. Great genuinely. There were a few awkward seconds of silence. Me and CedricwereThe first effervesce of enthusiasm Id felt in a while leapt up in me. in truth? You guys are athing?Yeah. There was wonder in her voice, like she could hardly believe it. He told me that you were the one who said that he should go out with me.Oh, well. Ijust suggested he was looking in the wrong places.Georgina, there is no way I can thank you enough for this. Her voice was brimming with emotion, something I wouldnt have thought possible of the businesslike imp. This isIve wanted this for so long. Loved him for so long. And he never noticed me until you made him just pause and look. Thats exactly how he said it too. That hed been so busy chasing everything else that hed never seen what was in front of him.I thought I might get choked up too. Im glad for you, Kristin. Really. You deserve it.She laughed. Most would say us damned souls dont deserve anything.Were like anyone else, deserving both good and bad. Im not sure being damned has anything to do with it.She was quiet for a moment, and when she spoke again, her voice was low, almost hard to hear. I actually stopped walking and stepped off down a side street to get away from the din of traffic.Its funny you mention that, she said slowly. Becausewell, I did something for you. I abruptly had an image of Tim Hortons donuts showing up on my doorstep.Er, thats really not necessary. I didnt do that much.You did, though. To me, at least. And soI wanted to do something just as big for you. I, uh, went and looked at your contract.I caught my breath. What?Weve had a lot of paperwork to file, and I managed to work in a corporate trip.Corporate trip was a nice way of saying shed visited the inner(a) offices of Hell.Kristinif youd been caughtI wasnt, she said proudly. And I embed your contract and read it.Id come to a complete stop now. The world around me didnt exist. And?Andnothing.What do you mean nothing?I mean, theres nothing wrong with the contract. I went over and over it. Everythings in order.It cant be Niphon was trying so hard to mess with meto get me recalled. Hugh was certain it meant he was trying to reassign attention from the contract.I dont know about any of that, said Kristin, sounding rightfully sympathetic. All I know is what I read. You sold your soul and took on standard succubus servitude in exchange for every mortal you knew forgetting who you were. That sound right?YeahThats what it said. All the language was exactly as it should be.I didnt really have any response, s o I gave none.Georgina, are you still there?YeahIm sorry. I just thoughtId been so certain It had been a foolish hope, that maybe somewhere there was a loophole for me. But then, I seemed to authorize for those things all the time, just like I had with Nyxs dream and the impossible chance of getting pregnant while in stasis. I was as nave as Dante had said. Thanks. I really appreciate you looking.Im sorry you didnt get what you wanted. If theres anything else I can do for you-that doesnt use up breaking into records-let me know.Thanks. I will.We disconnected, and I stared bleakly at my surroundings, at the quiet residential block Id stepped off onto. There is no way, I said out loud, that this day can get any worse.A rustle behind me made me jump, and I spun around. I had thought I was alone and now felt like an moron getting caught talking to myself. I proverb no one, though. Then, a bush by the sidewalk twitched a little. I took a few steps toward it and knelt down. Yellow eye s peered out at me, followed by a piteous meow. I made the clicking sound thats universal to cat owners, and after a few moments, my observer emerged.It was a cat, a very scraggly one-and a cat I was pretty sure Id seen before. It was smaller than Aubrey, maybe younger, and I could see its ribs carrier bag out underneath the fur, which was matted and dirty. When I petted the cats head, I noticed a dry texture to the fur that often indicated fleas. The cat seemed unsure of me-but not enough that it ran away. It generally seemed curious for now, like it was trying to go in me out-and maybe score some food.Which was fine, because I was trying to figure it out too. Clearly, this cat had no owner, or if it did, that ownership needed to be revoked. I studied its sensationalistic eyes and every frail line of its body. The cat looked so different and yetI was certain it was the one. And in a musing that was worthy of Carter, I curtly wondered if the universe might not be done with me after all.I let the cat sniff my hand a bit longer, and then I reached out and picked it up. It was a she. She didnt fight me as I held her to my chest and walked home. In fact, she started purring. Maybe she knew me. Maybe she was just weary of fighting all the time too.When I shouldered chip in my door, Aubreys head immediately jerked up from where shed been napping. She made no noise, but all the fur on her back stood on end as she studied our new visitant with narrowed eyes. Roman, lying on the spue as usual, also studied us. He looked at the cat, taking in her orangeness and brown patched coat. Then, he looked up and met my eyes. Im not sure what he saw, but it made him smile.Let me guess. Thats a tortie.Yes, I agreed. This is a tortie.