Succubus Revealed Chapter 9

It wasnt until I landed in Seattle on Sunday eveing that the teeming surreal nature of my spend in Las Vegas hit me. Being thither had felt so . . . natural. I suppose part of that was just having erstwhile(a) friends the the likes of Bastien and Luis approximately. Yet Id been pleasantly surprise at how easily I got along with my newer acquaintances, like Phoebe and Matthias. Id even gr aver to like Jamie, though I never did see him after that night. Despite my confinements to honour him and contain him nigh Milton, the imp had remained elusive for the rest of my hit.And the show . . . how had that happened? I couldnt even grab a solid job here in my authorized hometown, yet hours after paseoing shoot the devisee in a strange city, Id landed what was, in many ways, my dream job. By the succession wed holy our second practice, Matthias was already talking round a superfluous part he planned on creating for me, and several of the other dancers were so disappointed a t me leaving for a month, youd commemorate wed recognisen individu aloney other for years.It had, in spite of my mis bragging(a)s, been a fantastic weekend.Reality readiness in when I walked into my condo. papistical was erupt, with however a de flirt with training Bowling practice tomorrow night to mark his passage. Natur exclusivelyy, the cats were as halcyon to see me as always. Scratching their heads in turn, I began to think close to the logistics of moving both of them with me across state lines. Id be taking them external from papistic, whom they loved, scarcely there was nothing to be d angiotensin converting enzyme for that. He couldnt list with us. As a nephilim, he was in constant danger of being hunted down by other immortals, and it was tot entirelyy Jeromes protection that allowed him to drop a seminormal life in Seattle. Roman originally wasnt release to treat place that up, and besides, Las Vegas was probably the worst place in the world for hi m to attempt to pelt out.A vase of pink-tipped white roses sit on the kitchen table, filling the air with sweetness. I opened up the card and read bands scrawled writingWelcome home. Ive been calculation the minutes. SI texted him that I was back and received an answer urge on me to come oer to terry and Andreas for dinner. After leaving a note for Roman assuring him Id be at practice, I headed out, my mind soundless spinning with to a greater extent of the consequences of moving. The condo. Id induct to sell it. Unless I inadequacyed to stock split it to Roman? netherworld would likely compensate any moving costs, hardly itd be up to me to start making the actual arrangements now for things like movers and whatnot.I was good at making plans and organizing things, besides all of my skills were bootless against the one thing I wanted to bring with me to Las Vegas the some hardening. I still had no solution for what to do with him.I was met with the usual effusion of l ove from his nieces when I arrived, just in duration for a disorganised family dinner. With the additional family members, theyd given up any pretense of eating at the kitchen table and had simply taken their opus dwelling houses and homemade pizza score to the living room. The casualties of food and furniture were ones Terry and Andrea were long since utilize to, merely Marg art couldnt focus on her dinner for fear of constantly ceremony the girls and what she sensed as imminent tomato-stained disaster.I was happy to see Andrea out with the family, which wasnt roundthing that happened since cuss often freshly. She wait oned tired but was in good spirits, and from the way the girls vied for liveu next to her, it was clear they were delighted to down her up and around alike.Seth labels you were out of town, she told me. Anywhere fun?Las Vegas, I replied. Visiting friends.Man, tell Ian. I wish I had friends in Las Vegas.I figured itd be too commercial for you, s aid Seth, deadpan.Ian swallowed a bite of his pizza it app bently wasnt a vegan day before responding. Only if you stay on the Strip and their overprice luxury hotels. If you poke around in most 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. Why would you want to stay in a dive, Uncle Ian?Because its nonmainstream, he told her. E veryone stays at the nice places. besides I like nice things, she argued. Dont you?Well, yes, he said, frowning. hardly thats not the point thus wherefore would you want to stay at bad places? she pressed.Youre too preteen to understand, he said.Seth chuckled. Actually, I think she understands perfectly.Andrea decided to rest in brief after that, but not before extracting a promise that soul deliver her dessert later on. After doing dishes (which was pretty docile with paper platefuls), our group dispersed into sepa rate activities. Kendall, Brandy, Margaret, and Terry started up a post of Monopoly while Kayla and the twins settled down to watch The Little Mermaid. Ian fall in them, excited for the chance to show how the movie was an example of capitalism destroying America. Seth and I curled up on a nearby loveseat, obviously to watch the movie, but instead used the time to catch up.How was it, really? he leaded me in a low voice. Ive been worried most you. Was it as bad as you feeling? none I said, leaning my head against his chest. It was truly . . . pretty good. Would you believe I welcome a job already ? resembling . . . one thats not on Hells payroll.You cant even lead off one of those here, remarked Seth.Yeah, the ironys not lost on me. Im dismissal to be a Vegas showgirl, end 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 grind. Well see .There was a long pause. So . . . its real. This whole thing.Yeah, I said in a small voice. Its real. I felt him tense and sensed the worry radiate off of him. Its okay. Well figure this out. Its still a month away.I know we allow, he said. You and I have overcome crazier things than this, right?Crazier doesnt always mean harder, I pointed out. I mean, when Peter tried to moderate a retro candle sconce out of a Pringles can last month, that was pretty nutcase but it was also pretty easy to deal with once we make his fire extinguisher.You see? said Seth. This is what I love closely you. I dont even consider that crazy. I consider that ordinary life with you, Georgina. You transmit all the definitions.He pressed a kiss to my forehead. We fell tranquil and watched the movie, though I suspected Seth was paying as olive-sized attention as I was. We were both lost in our own suasions, and I didnt really snap out of it until I heard Ian coitus Morgan, I like the original fairy tale better. Its pretty option, so youve probably never heard of it.I glanced at the clock and sat 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 arrest when I came in with the pie. You didnt have to do that, she told me. You shouldve awaited Terry.Hes busy buying and exchange property, I told her, helping her settle 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 looking after everyone else.I settled down on a chair near her bed, respect how often it must be filled lately. Andrea always had soulfulness watching over her. Its just for a little while lasting, I said.That got me other smiling as she chewed a bite of pie. Youre very optimistic.Hey, why shouldnt I be? You look great today.Great ironically, as Ian would say. She ran a extend to through her limp blond hair. But I do determine better than I have for a while. I dont know. Its deceptive, Georgina. There are days I feel confident Ive beat every crabmeat 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 eyeball 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, then so be it.I felt a knot clench in my stomach. I couldnt say much about God, but Id seen enough of Heaven and Hell to impersonate angry when I heard humans accept their helping as part of some higher purpose. Half the time, it seemed to me the divine powers were m aking 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 sprightly Seths here. I dont know what we would have done without him. Hes the rock supporting us all right now.The anxiety inside me eased for a some moments, replaced by a spreading warmth as I panorama about Seth. Hes wonderful.Andrea set down the fork, finished, and extended her flip 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 desire a strong woman mathematical function model. someone to help them through growing up.Im not that good of a role model, I said, not concours e her eyes. I was a creature of Hell, someone full of weakness and fear. What could I possibly have to offer such(prenominal) bright, promise-filled creatures like the Mortensen girls?You are, said Andrea adamantly, squeezing my hand. They love you and admire you so much. I know theyre in good hands.I swallowed back tears that were bounteous(a) to overwhelm me. Well, I said. Theyre in even better hands with you, since we all know youre going to get well 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 assured 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 double take back toward the living room. What happened to Monopoly?Kendall bought us out, said Margaret.Man, I hate play wi th her, grumbled Brandy. No one her age should be that good.Dont knock it, said Seth, strolling in. Shes going 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.Ask 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 macroscopic 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 expression 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 distemper had played a role. Whatever it was, I could see faith wasnt on the line here, so much as a teenage girls unreserved desire to participate in something fun with other p eople her age. It was a normal rite of passage, one I was stakeing she didnt feel decent of, in light of everything else going on right now with her family. No wonder she was hesitant to quote it. I wondered if maybe there was a boy involved too but certainly wasnt going to ask. She looked broken enough to be having this discussion in front of her uncle and grandmother.You need to fail for a dress? I guessed. People always called me for shopping. I used to be bothered by that but then figured 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 work and bowling practice. That didnt leave a lot of time. We mogul be great 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 he r hair. She squirmed out of his reach. delight the bill to me. You know where I live.Brandy protested this, but 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 branch 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 braced 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 life funding the whole family. Is that enough for what she demand?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. Get 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 unbendable 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 gaze 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 saying, largely because it too seemed to go along with the imagination of a universe having a plan for everyone, something Id seen no evidence of. They have the strength to get through this. An d they have our strength to help them.I smiled at that. Youre a remarkable woman, Margaret. Theyre fortunate youre here. I meant it. She and I might have different philosophies about prenuptial 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 magnanimous man, no matter how much Id like to pretend otherwise.That made me smile even more. Dont worry. I wont tell 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 r ule, he tried to avoid immortal goings-on, but I think he had a morbid fascination with the idea of bowling for Hellish honor.Thank God, said Roman, when I walked in the door. I ideal 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. surprisingly good, I told him, sitting down in an armchair.His eyebrows rose. He hadnt expected that answer. Oh? fall apart 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 hide but gave him what I c ould.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 conspiracy ?I think its terribly convenient that this seemingly terrestrial impart is fulfilling every possible wish you might have.I scoffed. away from the fact that Im being transferred in the first 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 analogous sense of humor and interests. idiotic 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 m eet this wonder succuba anyway? Through your closest immortal friend, who just happened to have been coincidentally transferred to Las Vegas, hired 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 affix you with new ones. A zany drunken imp. Seth 2.0. If youd stayed longer, they probably would have unearthed an angel and a couple 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 knowing to keep me happy, why would they do it at all when the thing that would make me the most happy is to sta y 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 have. 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 licitly odd. Any contradiction.I started to deny it but then paused. The timeline.He leaned forward-moving 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 suddenly pulled in on a moments notice to coincide with your transfer?I dont know, I said, not liking the thought of Bastien being part of some potential conspiracy centered around me. He corrected himself, said he misspoke.Im sure he would say that. Roman leaned back now, letting all of this sink 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 throw out of kilter off and on with our superiors, his Seattle venture last year a despairing attempt to restore status. If he were pressured enough threatened, even to tel l me hed been transferred longer than he actually had, would he? Especially if he thought it was benignant and knew of no nefarious conclude behind it?But what nefarious reason would be behind all this? I muttered, not realizing Id spoken my thoughts loudly 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 pronto 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 immortal s. 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 develop 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 plot?Romans sea green eyes were gazing off in the distance, thoughtful. Its not the most ridiculous distraction Ive known a monstrosity to use. He couldve brought up bowling.Not that again.Roman snapped his attention back to me, thwarting all over his face. Georgina, how can y ou 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, angry 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 performer 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 scheme 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.