Succubus Heat CHAPTER 21

T here was re comp permitelyy unaccompanied one thing I could say.Youre here to kill me.That would have been a great discriminative stimulus for him to say something kindred, No, of course non or Why would you designate that? Any of those responses, or a variation, would have been immensely reassuring.Instead he verbalize not yet.Shit.I took a couple treads back, knowing it wouldnt do any good. Even if Id been in full succubus mode, there was no way I could fight against him. papist was a nephilim, Jeromes half-human bastard son. Nephilim were a kind of odd mix between lesser and greater divinitys. Nephilim hadnt been around since the universes creation, merely they had been born immortal and could potenti altogethery possess the same range of powers as a greater immortal. papist was every bit as strong as Jerome, tho conflicting my boss or his equals, Roman didnt answer to any higher power. He was rogue, which made him dangerous when he was pissed off.And he had every right to be pissed off at me. Angry at the way Heaven and Hell hunted their kind raze, Roman and his twin sister Helena had gone on a vigilante hunting spree to get back at separate immortals. I hadnt known that when he and I were dating, and eventually, Id been instrumental in stopping them-and getting his sister killed.What are you doing here then? I asked at last.Romans posture was casual as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. He looked scarce as I remembered, enormously tall compared to me, with soft black hair and those gorgeous eye. You sound disappointed, he said. Do you want me to kill you?No Of course not. But I send awayt truly think of any other primer youd be here. Somehow I doubt youre here for a kindly call. Despite my fear, my sarcasm palliate managed to function. Carter had told me it was un uniformly Roman would ever return to Seattle, knowing that he and Jerome would be on the lookout. omit, I realized uneasily, Jerome was no longstanding h ere to keep watch.Im here to help find my illustrious sire. Romans voice was smug as he spoke, and I was sure he was taking a great amount of pleasure in watching my reaction. I hoped he was satisfied because while my jaw didnt exactly hit the floor, it came moderately close.Bullshit.Why dont you intend me?Because you have no reason to My fear was being overridden again, this sequence by incredulity. You hate Jerome.Yeah, thats true.Stop playing with me then. Youre not here to help.No? Then how go far I helped you with the seals notes?You didnt- I froze for a moment. Oh lord. That was you.Really, said Roman amiably. You should be a lot nicer, considering all the things Ive done for you.Yeah? I dont recall you wasting your term wandering aimlessly along beaches.Nah. Ive been too busy blowing up stoves and carrying injured damsels to bed.I sank into a chair and closed my eyeball. It genuinely wasnt Carter. The angel had been divideing the lawfulness virtually noninterference . I opened my eyes again. And you gave me the matches, didnt you? Thats exactly the kind of fucked-up thing youd do.He put on an offended air. That was pretty nice of me, considering how you looked the like you were ready to have a withdrawal seizure then and there.This doesnt make sense. You commodet be here to help find Jerome. Whats really passage on?Does the reason matter if I help find him?Yes It matters if you want to find him, provided so you can promptly destroy him.I dont want to destroy him.I have no reason to trust you.His eyes narrowed a bit. And I have no reason to trust you, if memory serves.I shrugged, more than or less too weary to be afraid anymore. Well, then, were even, huh? Except, of course, that you can channel your mistrust into blowing me off the face of the earth.And you could tell the demon horde out there that theres a nephilim in the city. Roman laughed. Oh, theyd love that, wouldnt they? If one of them could hunt down and kill a nephilim, thatd pre tty much cinch their position here.Yeah, like Id get a chance to tell anyone. I sighed. Roman, if youre not going to destroy me, then what exactly do you want with me? Why did you save me all those times?Because youre the only one in this fucking town with any chance of finding Jerome. And you can move around a lot more freely than I can.Um, last time I checked, youre the one in the Junior Smiting League, not me. I dont have any pow-abilities right now to defend myself.Yeah, but if youre caught paper bag around, people arent going to declare open season on youI mean, aside from that bitch demoness.I grimaced at the memory, and Roman pushed forward.Look, Georgina, we can sit and make out whether Im going to kill you or not, or we can depict to figure this out and get your boss back. Then we can explore me killing you in more depth.God, I groaned, standing up. I needed my cigarettes. Roman watched me light up.New habit since I was last around.Old one, very. And Im not in the sens ory system for lecturing. I sat back down, feeling much more settled with my nicotine. Aubrey wandered out shortly thereafter, apparently not afraid of a sociopathic-yet still spookily sexy-immortal hanging out with us. So, whats there to figure out? It was Grace. You said you saw the seal around her neck.Roman eased himself into a chair from my kitchen table and scooted up. I did. Makes sense that shed keep it as close to her as possible, though that takes some balls to have it out in the open that much.So wherefore wont you let me tell anyone, then?He tsked. Think, Georgina. Who are you going to tell? Which demon in this whole mess do you think you can trust? None of them like Jerome. None of them want him back.I was going to tell Hugh.You cant tell anybody . I was walking along with you today when Cedric popped in. It figured. at that place was no telling how long Roman had been following me invisibly. If he was telling the truth active not telling Nanette about your theories, then that means one of your friends tipped her off.No, I said stubbornly. Its more likely that Cedric was lying. None of them would have betrayed me.To my complete and utter astonishment, Aubrey jumped on Romans lap. He scratched her head absentmindedly. Well, believe what you want, but I dont think its safe to tell anyone yet. Except me, of course.Right. The guy who wants me dead.Eh, we can talk about that later. For now, lets go over what we know.I wasnt really keen on the casual way we were tossing around my impending doom, nor did I like that I still didnt know why he was here. Keeping my mind on Jerome did help, though, and it was nice to finally have someone to truly brain wave this stuff with.We know Grace was the demon who helped with the summoning, I said.There could be more, you know.Yeah, but theres only one archdemon position.True. Just dont rule other possibilities out. She and that other demoness here are pretty tight.I model about Mei, whose poker face was as good as Graces. Yeahalthough, they seem to be operating pretty independently now. But, for the sake of argument, well stick with Grace. So, we know she was part of the summoning and has half of the seal. What we dont know where the other half of the seal is, who helped her, and where Jerome actually is.Kind of daunting, he mused.A thought suddenly came to me. Wait a minuteyou might make this simpler. A greater immortal can break up Jeromes prison. With you, we dont need to actually find the whole seal to free him-or get the half we know about from Grace.Roman turned sheepish. WellI dont know for sure that I can do that.Why not? Youve got the same powers as Jerome.My strength is the same as his when it comes to fighting and whatnot, but I dont have exactly the same powers. Im not truly a greater immortal. I dont know if I could break him out without the seal.Lovely. Were back to where we started.I dont know. We should just take this one step at a time. Lets keep trying to find him and fig ure out where the other half of the seal is.Were running out of time, I murmured, stubbing out the cigarette.So, why are you smoking again?Thats not really important right now, I snapped.I dont know. If I had a mortal body, Id be kind of distressed about that.Im not mortal. And Ill be back to my normal self in a some days at most. Probably much sooner.Is it because of Mortensen?We are not talking about that right now.Never thought youd be one to take a break-up so hard, seeing how easily you deal them out. In situationhas anyone ever even broken up with you before?I fixed him with a glare, so annoyed that I didnt care if he wanted to try to kill me. We are not talking about that right now.Fine, fine. What other info do we have, then?I racked my brain. The cultthe Army of Darkness. I think theres a connection with Jeromes summoning and their activities. Whoevers controlling them- rise up, Grace, I guess-times their stunts to take attention away from other things. I recapped what I knew of their stunts and what they ripd up with. Not all of their activities correspond exactly to some part of the summoning, though. At least not that I know about.Roman was thoughtful. Hmmwell, its possible some may not line up with anything. A few may be red herrings, sort of to establish their presence. I didnt always follow you to Canada, so I dont know exactly what theyre like.Wow. Your stalkerdom has limitations.Seemed like a big pain, he said. Aside from maybe going to Tim Hortons.Nephilim couldnt teleport like greater immortals, so he was limited with normal fare when following me around. Uneasily, thinking of my activities with Seth, I wondered just how much Roman had spied on me. It wouldnt have been the initial time hed taken a front-row seat to my intimate activities. If he wasnt going to mention it, I wasnt going to.Theyve been quiet ever since the day of the summoning, when they were down here. I guess Grace has nothing left for them to do, I said. probable His m ind was still apparently spinning with suspicion. But if I were you, Id talk to them again.I cringed. NoI want to be done with them. You dont know these guys like I do. Its ridiculous.All I know is that youve got to turn over every rock you can find-no pun intended-if youre going to rescue Jerome.Oh, Ive got to, huh? I asked. I didnt really like the presumption in his voice. I thought you were going to help find him too?I will. Tomorrow. When are you going to search again?I thought about it. Noon. After work.There was a knock at the gate, and I moved over to the eye hole. Its Dante, I murmured. To his credit, he usually knocked first before using his key. I rested my hand on the knob and gave Roman a questioning look.Ill find you at noon, he said. Hold the door open a sec after you let him in.Roman turned invisible, and I pulled the door open. Dante came in, and I stood there a few more moments until I felt the sweep of someone moving past me. Everything had happened so quickly tod ay that I barely had time to realize that not only I had just made contact with the guy who wanted to kill me, but Id also just made arrangements to spend time with him. Man. This was going to keep me up when I tried to sleep later.I shut the door and gave Dante a quick kiss on the cheek. He was carrying a bag, and I had to do a double-take.Did you buy something from Macys? I exclaimed. I somehow imagined you stepping into a department store would be like a vampire stepping into the sunlight-I mean, current situation aside.Dante rolled his eyes and set the bag down. Crossings his arms, he leaned against the wall. Well, maybe Im in stasis too. Forget about this for a sec and tell me if youve gotten yourself on any demons shit list today. There it was again, the sweet concern in spite of his best efforts.Not that I know of, but hey, the days not over yet.I glossed over the specifics of who Id gone inquisitive with, mainly emphasizing that my time at the beach hadnt turned up anything . I also mentioned Cedrics visit and his claims that he hadnt told Nanette about my suspicions. Dante seemed skeptical of that. Finally, I wrap up with Graces appearance, and at that point I faltered. I wanted to tell Dante about my amazing discovery, about how Grace had the seal. Yet Roman had urged me to keep it all to myself. Why? Was he really that mistrustful of everyone? Did he have his own ulterior motives? Against my better judgment, I bit my lip on telling Dante about my discovery. It killed me to do it, particularly since I had a feeling Dante could have some insight. Romans warning was too strong, however, as was my fear that he might actually still be around invisibly. And of course, I could hardly tell Dante about Roman.Fortunately, Dante didnt pick up on any omission of information. You had kind of a full day, succubus. Did the somatic demon ever come talk to you?Not yet. I havent had a chance to talk with the gang to see if hes been making the rounds. I eyed the Mac ys bag, end to know what was in it.Dante kicked it behind him. What are you going to tell him?I shrugged. I dont know. Ill tell him what I know about Seattle, and as far as recommendationswell, I dont know. I could no longer trust Grace, and Meis role was still a mystery. Dante noted my change of feelings but not the reasons.From what youd said before, I thought you were a fan of Grace and that other demoness.Mei, I supplied. I dont know. Its all just wearying. Eager to shift away from the subject, I pointed at the bag. Are you going to tell me whats in that?He gave me one of his mocking grins. Why do you think it has anything to do with you?Because theres no way youd shop at Macys for yourself. You dress only marginally better than Carter.Dante shook his head, wearing a long-suffering look. Fine, fine. Ill keep it for myself. He picked up the bag and headed off down the hall. After a few moments, I followed and tackled him in the doorway to my bedroom.Come on Give it up. I snatche d the bag away, but my victory was small since he didnt put up a fight. I opened it up and gasped at what I found. Folds and folds of shimmering purple fabric, silk the color of new spring crocuses. Hesitantly, I lifted it out of the bag, revealing a long, ankle-length robe. I looked up at him in astonishment. Whats this?Youre the one with years and years of higher learning, he pointed out, looking extremely pleased with himself. You tell me.I held it up, gauging its height. It looked just about perfect. Its gorgeous. Whats the occasion?I was tired of hearing you bitch about that ratty one youve got. And tired of seeing it, to be honest. He ignored my glare. Besides, youve had a, uh, difficult time lately. Even for you.I thought back to other things, like the flowers and breakfast. All the attempts at dinners. Dante-He pressed a finger to my lips. Look, be quiet a second. Im not blind. I can tell how much all of this is stressing you out. And fuck, if I could get my hands on that bi tch demon Anger glinted in his eyes, and he took a moment to shake it off. Anyway, you can keep making your jokes or whatever and keep doggedly doing your best to sleuth away and find Jerome, but youre running yourself into the ground. Youre depressed. Youre distracted. When we talk, its like your minds somewhere else. Same with our sex life.I opened my mouth to argue, but I wasnt sure what to say. He was right. I had been distracted, but a good part of that-particularly during intimate activities-hadnt had anything to do with Jerome. It had been Seth on my mind. Dante kept speaking before I could get a word out.See, now, youre going to apologize. Because thats what you do-but theres no need, succubus. If anyone gets some selfish time right now, its you. In another week or so, thingsll be back to normal, and Ill be the selfish one.Something in my heart twisted. Everyone said he was scum, but in the end, it turned out I was the untrustworthy one. I averted my eyes.So wheres the robe fit in?Something to cheer you up. Since your wardrobes been trimmed.Dante, youve been getting me a lot of stuff lately. You dont have to throw money at me-money you dont have-to make me feel better.If I didnt have it, I wouldnt throw it, he remarked dryly. And anywayIm not really the kind of guy who does, likethe candles or the moonlit beaches or recites poetry.I grimaced. I dont mind staying away from beaches for a while.But, he continued, I know you well enough to know that mochas and silk make you smile, and that, at least, is something I can do.My heart twisted further, and I reached out to catch hold of his hand. I understood what he was saying. It wasnt in his nature to do over-the-top romantic gestures, but material purchases were something he could handle, and it was the only way to show me he cared. My guilt redoubled because no matter what he said, I knew he was tight on cash. Yet, my actions and fixation with Seth were worrying Dante enough that he felt he had to do some thing. I was driving him to it.Youre sweet, I said. But dont worry. Itll be our secret.He brushed his fingers through my hair. Not that sweet. Look in the bag.I did. Underneath the robe, unnoticed by me, was a bottle of bubble bath. I held it up questioningly.I thought we could take a bath together.I laughed. Thats almost romantic. You might be closer to moonlit beaches than you think. Although, my bathtubs kind of small.I know, he said. Thats what I meant about it not being very sweet. Mostly I want to see what kind of interesting positions we can cram ourselves into while au naturel(p) and in a small space.Well, thank God that in a world gone mad, some people neer change.It turned into a wet, soapy mess, but it was more fun than I expected. No matter what he claimed, the whole feat was semi-romantic. Conversation was easy and light, and we laughed and joked a lot. I almost forgot about Seth-almost. But when things started to get a little hot and heavy, I pulled back. No matter h ow sexy it was to be wet and naked with someone, it just didnt feel right if that person wasnt Seth.What made me feel worse was that Dante was accommodating about my mood. He figured my lack of desire was part of my stress, and so we eventually left the tub as chastely as wed entered. We toweled each other off and then curled up on the couch and watched TV together while I tried not to feel too guilty about the purple robe wrapped around me.I decided the next day to finally add myself back to the bookstores work schedule. I only put me down for part-time shifts until the demon business was settled, but at this point, it seemed unlikely Id be recalled to Canada again. My limbo status couldnt last forever if I wanted to keep my job Warrens leniency would only last so long.Roman and I had our plans to go to Edmonds at noon, so for my first official day back, I only worked a morning shift. Part of that shift involved advance in before the store was even open, and I welcomed the solitu de. The store always soothed me, and if ever there was a time I needed soothing, it was right now. It was short-lived, however, since my other coworkers began trickling in not long after my arrival. Maddie was among them.Hey, she said brightly, popping into my office. Is this another check-in or are you back for good?For good, I think. Not that it matters. It looks like everythings been fine without me.She grinned and shut the door behind her. Oh, weve missed you, believe me. No ones been here to referee my fights with Doug.I laughed and watched her sit down. Well then, I guess I got back just in time. Nice shoes.Maddie extended her legs and admired her candy apple red pumps. Thanks. Nordstroms having a sale.The brown leather Mia heels I currently wore were among my favorites, but after a week now with no shape-shifting, my wardrobe was starting to make me stir-crazy. It was kind of like my hair, I realized. I hadnt realized how dependent I was on shape-shifting to enhance my appear ance. Id lauded myself for living like a human when in truth, Id been cheating the whole time.Seeing my wistful look, Maddie asked, You want to go downtown for dejeuner and check it out?I shook my head with regret. Looking at shoes sounded a lot better than looking at rocks. Cant. Ive got to meet someone.Ah, well, let me know when you get some time. You know Im game. Silence fell, and Maddie shifted uncomfortably. She bit her lip, like she wanted to say something. I started to prompt her, but she spoke first. So, what did you think of the condo listings?Oh, they were Fuck. Id never even read through them. Roman and Dante had spent more time looking at them than I had. Which one had Dante mentioned? They were great. I really want that new one-the one where you can still get in on the choices and stuff.Her eyes lit up. Ooh, yeah. I loved that one too. I actually looked them up on the builders website. It doesnt look like there are many left, but there has to be at least one, or they wouldnt be listed. We should go down there and talk to them in person.I smiled, feeling horrible about the lie. Surebut it may be awhile before I can get a break. Well have to do it and the shoe trip at the same time.Maddie nodded, face kind and sympathetic. No problem. I understand.More silence fell, and I realized it wasnt the condos that she wanted to talk to me about. That had been a distraction to build up her own courage.Maddie, whats going on?Her cheery look disintegrated into something much more glum. It was startling. I was so used to her always being in a good mood that the thought of something upsetting her was on par with the laws of physics breaking down.She met my eyes and immediately looked away. Oh God. I cant believe Im about to bring this up.I was seriously worried now. You can tell me. Its okay. Whats up?She sighed. Its Seth.Oh, fuck.