Succubus Revealed Chapter 5

Id been bracing mys pixie for Cleveland or Guam. I was too lots of a pessimist to c exclusively back I might be offered nigh(a) subject sluice moderately appealing. If I was already freeing by dint of the trauma of leaving Seattle, then accredited full it would be for roundw here terrible.Did you grade Las Vegas? I retained, sinking down onto my couch. Immediately, I guessed the catch. Ah. Its not Las Vegas, Nevada, right? Its a different Las Vegas. New Mexico ? Or virtually other continent?Sorry to disappoint you and your martyr fantasies, Georgie. Jerome lit a bottom and inhaled deeply. Its Las Vegas, Nevada. I recall you even k this instant the archdemon at that place Luis. Isnt he a friend of yours?I blinked. Luis? Yeah. I mean, in as much as an archdemon can be. That got a sm whole smile from Jerome, though I only barely noticed. I had worked for Luis a long clock ago, and if I had to be honest, he was probably my favorite boss of all date. That wasnt to sece rnate Jerome was a terrible one, entirely Luis while strict all the same had an belatedly expression close to him that could approximatelytimes mould you for green goddess you were damned for all timeless existence. So . . . my orders are to go to Las Vegas and work for Luis.Yes, said Jerome.I looked rearwards at him from where Id been perfect(a) vacantly out the window. Is there any way to change that? To kick downstairs it? Isnt there anything I can do to beneficial stay here? And are you sure its not a slip what with the delivery mix-up?Jeromes dark eyebrows rose. It was one of those rare moments when hed been caught off-guard enough to disc everyplace surprise. You dont deprivation to go? I mean, Im flattered youd indirect request to stay under my rule, only if Id phone you would be pleased with this situation. Las Vegas is perfect for a half-ass succubus exchangeable you.I ignored the jab though he had a point. Las Vegas was such a breeding ground for s in and salvation that it was nearly packed to bursting with servants of both enlightenment and blaze. It probably had one of the highest concentrations of succubi in the world, meaning it was flaccid to slide by with quotas. Here, I was the only succubus, so my number of vitiate souls was scrutinized heavily. In Las Vegas, thered be plenty of go-getter succubi to cover for slackers the bid me.Its not rough you, I said slowly. Its most . . . lot.Jerome sighed loudly and stamped out his cigarette on my coffee table. I supposed I should be happy it wasnt my couch or carpet. Of course it is. Because in the grand scheme of the universe, your dandy is important enough to move over underworlds HR change their minds most a re-org. Come on, Georgie. How naive are you? How many transfers assume you had over the eld? Or perhaps I should ask, how many transfers do you k now of that were turned because mortal didnt feel wish well it? nonee, I admitted. At most, Hell would tar get unhappy employees into account and move them out of places they werent world productive. I had pass along transfers in the lead and gotten a couple of them. however once HR do up its mind? That was it. The cold truth of this, that it wasnt a mistake and that I couldnt stop it, was beginning to wrap around me. I tried to make sense of it some other way. But why? why did they watch to this? Ive been a good employee. . . . Yet, even as I spoke, I grew uncertain. Jerome looked at me knowingly. pretend you?I havent been a severe employee, I amended. Not precisely.This isnt a game. We dont compulsion mediocre employees who can keep the status quo. We want souls. We want to win. And youve exhausted most of your time here being mediocre. Dont glare at me like that. You know Im right. Youve had fits and starts of productivity, the most notable being when you were under duress. Even thats been inconsistent. Id do a bargain with Jerome a year ago, in which Id behaved like a mod el succubus for a while. After Id helped rescue him from summoning, thered been an unspoken bankers featureance of me slacking off once again without getting any trouble from him. If youd thrived here and turned over large amounts of souls, I doubt youd be leaving. So, if youre looking for someone to blame, look in the mirror.You sure sound self-satisfied about this, I pointed out petulantly. Like youre happy about it. beaming? Happy about the gamble of getting a new employee or of inheriting Tawny permanently? Hardly. But unlike you, I accept that my happiness means zip fastener to my superiors. The only thing that matters is me following their orders. His brass and expression clearly said that the same was true for me.I well-nigh never held back from sparring with Jerome, scarce today I did. wherefore? Because there was vigour I could say, no bargain I could make with him. Id negotiated a number of favors and allowances in my years with him, things specifically pertai ning to my existence here within Seattle. That was his domain. But the rest of the world? That was out of his control. in that location was nothing he could do to change this reassignment, even if he wanted to. on that point was nothing I could do either. You right couldnt fight against some things. Hell was one of them. When Id signed my soul by, Id signed away control of my eternity to them as well.Its not fair. Guessing Jeromes snappy retort, I chop-chop added, I know, you dont have to say it. Life isnt fair. I get it. But its tho . . . its effective cruel. solidification and I finally managed a working relationship. And now I have to leave him.Jerome shook his interrogative, and I could carve up by his restless stance that he was ready to go. His patience with this conversation was ravel thin.You know, I might missy some of your witticisms when youre gone, but one thing I wont miss? Your overwhelming sense of melodrama and despair. Its too much even for me.The sorrow and self-pity within me transformed to anger. Im gruesome, but this is serious to me How can I not be mad? I roll in the hay Seth. I dont want to leave him.So dont. Take him with you. Or age long distance. I honestly dont give a fuck, so long as you stop your whining. How can you not attain solutions here? Youve apparently decided that you being unfading isnt a deterrent to your great love . . . but a two-hour plane ride is?I matte up form of cowed. Normally, I resented Jerome for jeering me when I was up couch because I blamed it on his lack of empathy. But now, I had to admit that maybe he was onto something about me being overly histrionic. Why couldnt I take Seth with me? If Seth really love me, a move shouldnt be a problem. And of all the jobs in the world, he had one of the best(p) suited for a change of venue. Unfortunately, it was a snatch more complicated than that. I sighed.I dont know if he would. His familys here, and his sister-in-laws sick. He cant leave t hem anytime soon. . . .Jerome shrugged. Were back to the part where I dont give a fuck. I do, however, sustainment that you go there to visit sooner rather than later. Luis asked if Id stake you down in advance to scope out the area for a couple of days. beholding as wheel practice doesnt start until Monday, I cant help but conceive this weekend would be an excellent time to get that out of the way. Im happy to oblige him but not at the cost of interfering with my team.Really? I scoffed. You expect me to vex about bowling in light of all this?He gave me a thin-lipped smile. Seeing as youre muted my employee for the next four weeks, yes. I expect you to look at about it immensely. He glanced over at papistical, who had observed all of this silently. And I expect you to move into up with an excellent training regimen for them. Ill see you both then.Jerome vanished in a poof of smoke, further verifying how self-satisfied he entangle about all of this. Losing me might be in convenient for him, but I think his demon nature still took some delight in seeing the torment of others.I covered my eye and rolled over to lie flat on the couch. Oh God. What am I going to do? This cant be happening.Breaking up with Seth expiry year had torn my heart apart. I had wanted to die. Being reunited with him had felt like being born anew. Id loved life, even my damned one. forthwith I was starting to feel that terrible, aching desperation again. It wasnt possible that someone could go through so many extreme ups and downs in so short a time span. Welcome to being in love, I fantasy.I felt Roman sit down by my feet. A moment later, both cats joined us. I uncovered my eyes and fix his sea green ones staring down at me. He wasnt exactly tactful, but I have to admit he had a point. Why wouldnt Seth hardly move with you?Under normal circumstances . . . I had to pause in order to not start laughing. Our circumstances were never normal. Under normal circumstances, he would . But like I was saying, with Andrea, I dont even think he can. And honestly, I wouldnt want him to. I didnt bring about that was true until I spoke the words. If Seth dropped everything to run off with me, he would be hurting both himself and his family for my sake. I could never allow that. My heart sank. I cant call back this. How could this have come about so readily? I was so happy.Roman scratched Aubreys head and leaned back. Thats an excellent heading. This was all physique of sudden. Is that how it normally is?Well, I mean, we never get much warning of transfers. sometimes you know a re-org is coming. Sometimes you get one after requesting a transfer. Usually, though, someone has a meeting, plans your fate, and you find out about it later. The only supernatural thing here was Jerome apparently having less notice than me.Roman had been staring at the ceiling and then snapped his head back to look at me. I flinched under the intensity of his gaze. Explain that again. Wha t happened and what was unusual.I started to tell him Id just explained it but instead swallowed off any sharp retort, knowing he wasnt the true source of my irritation. Normally, your archdemon meets with you to tell you the details, and then the letter with the transfer date follows. This happened so fast that I got the letter before Jerome had a risk to babble to me.Hell doesnt do things without a reason. He reconsidered. Well, impromptu bowling competitions aside. But they like their bureaucracy, their paperwork, and all their details in order. Even if they quickly decided to do a transfer, theyd still follow all their foolish procedures. For the letter to have jumped ahead of Jerome getting his instructions, things moldiness have been disadvantageously expedited. The question why? Why such a rush to get you out of Seattle?I couldnt help a smile. Youre looking for a confederacy here. I mean, dont get me wrong, I think this sucks. Its terrible. But I dont think theres anythi ng more to it than what Jerome said about me skimping at my job. Which . . . well, which is my fault.Yes, but Hell deals with bad employees all the time. They go through reams of procedure to figure out the best way to deal with those people. Pop might be right that Hell cant tolerate mediocre workers, but its not to the extent that they have to deal with it right that second. Whats so special about you that someone would all of a sudden decide to initiate a hasty transfer?I appreciated that Roman was trying to help me, but I didnt want to get caught up in what could easily become an obsessive quest for him. Nephilim had serious grudges with Heaven and Hell and were always looking for ways to challenge and thwart them. Roman himself had once gone on a killing spree of high immortals. There was something in his nature that wanted there to be more than bad luck here, but I just wasnt sure I believed there was.Carters words echoed in my head, no matter how much I tried to shrug them off If theres a reason, its because youve been doing something Hell doesnt want you to do.You should talk to Carter, I muttered. Hes certain theres a reason too. Seeing Romans expectant look, I halfheartedly tried to humor him. I dont know what it could be. perhaps because I got captured by Oneroi? Maybe theyre worried Im unstable or something. Or that this isnt a condom place for me.Roman nodded along with my words. That does make you special. However, if I was worried about an employee losing it, Id want to keep them in a place where I knew they felt stable. Im sure Hell knows youre happy here, and if anything, they might think that experience outpouring you to Jerome more closely. Theyd want to encourage that loyalty.Hell doesnt need to encourage loyalty, I told him. All they care about is that I signed my soul over to them. Thats bigger than loyalty.A startled look crossed his face. That is all they care about. Georgina, when did this happen? Exactly when did this happen?Er, t he letter?There was a fanatic look in his eyes. No question. He was getting obsessed. Yes.This morning. It showed up at Seths. I sensed the courier and woke up to it.You were at Seths. What were you doing at the time? What were you doing just before then? Hed stopped petting Aubrey, and she slithered toward me in a huff, seeking a more attentive audience. Walk me backward from that point.Well, like I said, I was sleeping. Before that . . . I winced, intending getting into seam with Ian. I met Seths mom and younger brother. Before that, I was at Peters fondu party. Before that, I was at the mall Peters. Tell me about Peters. Did anything spiritual happen to you there?I cut him a look. It was a fondue party at a vampires. Everything about that is weird.Im trying to help you There was a strained, agitated quality to his voice as he leaned toward me. provided hold off on the jokes, okay? Think. What happened to you specifically? What did you talk about? What did they say to you? I was growing increasingly uncomfortable at his intensity. They were mocking me about my job, I said.Jerome too?Of course. He said me being an elf was an embarrassment and that I should do something else. A shocking thought bear on me. Roman . . . you dont think Jerome requested the transfer, did you? Could he really be that upset with me? That embarrassed?I dont know, admitted Roman. He absentmindedly ran a hand through his curling dark hair. Its possible. Some of the weirdness might be explained away if Jerome was trying to hide that he initiated all this. But then, its not like any of your other friends are exactly normal. If something was going to embarrass Jerome enough to get rid of an employee, I kind of feel like there would have been a lot of other opportunities before you. Anything else come up?I asked them about I hesitated. The topic was still sensitive for me. It was fractious to mention to Roman, and I could hardly believe Id had the guts to bring it up to the gan g that night. Roman caught my uncertainty and pounced. What? What else? What did you ask them about?I waited a few more moments and then decided to tell him. It couldnt hurt, and besides, for all I knew, Roman had mentioned my name to Seth.About a month ago, when we were in bed, Seth called me Letha when he was half-asleep. When I asked him how he knew that name, he couldnt remember. He couldnt even remember calling me that. So, I asked the group that night if any of them had told my name to Seth.And?And they all said no. Cody didnt even know my name. I got berated for being melodramatic again, and the general consensus was that Seth had just overheard it from me or someone else and forgotten.Roman was silent, which was almost more unnerving than him grilling me. I straightened up and nudged him.Hey, you didnt tell Seth, did you?Huh? No. He frowned, caught up in his own thoughts. What did Jerome think? Did he sustain with that theory?Yes. He thought me manner of speaking it up wa s a amount of money waste of time and didnt hesitate to tell me. He was so tire by it that he started talking about bowling instead.Thats when he told you about the bowling team? The bowling team that came out of nowhere?Yeah. . . . at once I was frowning. It was clear that Romans thoughts were cartroad off to a place I wasnt at or able to follow. Why? What are you thinking? Is this colligate somehow?I dont know, he said at last. He stood up and paced the living room a couple of times. I need to think about this. I need to ask some questions. What are you going to do now?I rose as well and stretched, suddenly feeling weary. I need to talk to Seth. I have to tell him what happened. And I suppose . . . I make a face. If I do have to go to Las Vegas, this weekend is the time to do it.So you dont miss bowling practice? teased Roman.That, and I have it off from work. Seths beauteous tied up with his family in town, which makes it another good time to go. Although . . . itd kind of b e nice if he went with me. I mean, if he was going to think about moving, he could check it out too. Yet, again, that worry returned to me how could I ask Seth to abandon terrycloth and Andrea?Actually, said Roman, humor vanishing, I think its best he doesnt go.Why not?Because whatever the reasons, somethings just not right about this. I dont know whats waiting for you in Las Vegas. Maybe nothing. But I just feel like theres a larger hand in all of this, guiding it, and that its safest for Seth if you dont drag him into immortal drama. Romans face softened. Im actually not thrilled about you facing it alone, but Im not sure me walking into a hotbed of immortal activity is so smart either.Ill be fine, I said, trying to not be launch off by his ominous words. No matter how terrible a transfer is, I have to admit, I got kind of lucky with this one. I mean, Im not saying I trust any demons, but if I had to, it would be Luis. Hes really great, and Vegas is, well, Vegas. Like I said. I got lucky.Roman grew heedful again. Yes. Yes, you did.The next day, I assemble Seth later at his brothers house. Andrea had had another treatment that day and was sleeping it off. Seth and Margaret were helping take care of the household as best they could, cooking a late dinner party and watching the girls. I arrived at about the same time as Terry got home from work, and our double entrance was greeted with shouts and hugs. I scooped Kayla up in my arms and kissed her while Terry asked what I had been wondering.Wheres Ian?Seth and Margaret exchanged looks. Ian had some things to do, she said neutrally.Yeah, agreed Seth. In the form of scoping out ironic split of Seattle.So much for Ian stepping up to help the family. No doubt hed found new hipster friends at a coffee shop and was now hanging out with them somewhere, drinking PBR and regaling them with stories of all the obscure bands he knew.Terry smiled good-naturedly. Well, thats his loss because dinner smells great. More fo r us. He swung Kendall around and kissed his other daughters before going upstairs to check on Andrea. I felt a lump form in my throat as I watched him go. He put on such a good face for the kids, but I knew this had to be tearing his heart apart. My own petty concerns seemed exactly that petty. Small. Inconsequential.Nonetheless, news of the transfer weighed on my mind throughout dinner. Id wanted to wait until Seth and I were alone at his place, but my face must have betrayed my feelings.Hey, he said gently, slipping an arm around me. The family was poised in the living room, starting a movie, while Seth and I stood in the inletway to the kitchen. Everything okay? I hesitated, unsure about bringing it up here. Sensing that, he pulled me into the privacy of the kitchen. Thetis, talk to me.I got some bad news today, I began. I tried to think of a clever or funny way to lead into it, but nothing came. So, I just blurted it all out, explaining the inarguable nature of transfers and the details of mine.Las Vegas, he said flatly. He looked as though hed been slapped. Youre moving to Las Vegas.Not for a month, I said, clasping his hands. And believe me, I dont want to. God, Seth. I still cant believe it. Im sorry. Im so, so sorry.Hey, dont apologize. Not for this. He drew me near, the kindness and compassion on his face nearly making me cry. This isnt your fault. You have nothing to be sorry about.I shook my head. I know, but . . . its just so crazy. I thought this was it. Our chance to be together. And now I dont know what to do. I cant ask you to . . .Ask me to what?I leaned my head against his chest. Come with me.He was allay for a few moments. Would they let me? I always thought . . . I mean, whenever youve talked about your past, it always sounded like you reinvented yourself. New name, new appearance. I thought you had to leave your past life behind.I have, but that was always just my choice. For you . . . I mean, of course I wouldnt do that. Id stay Georg ina Kincaid, just as you know her. But you cant leave them. I gestured to the living room. Its not expenditure it.Seth moved his hands to my head, tilting my face up so I could look him in the eye. Georgina, he said softly. I love you. Youre expenditure it. Youre everything to me. Id follow you to the ends of the earth. And beyond.That doesnt make sense. I smiled sadly. And Im not everything. You love them too. And youd hate yourself for running off with me while they need you so much.So, what? Youve made my choice for me? he asked. There was a playful note to his voice, despite the deadly seriousness of the topic. are we breaking up?No Of course not. I just . . . I just want you to know that I dont expect you to come with me. Do I want to be with you? Yes, of course. But I love your family, Seth. I love all of them. My happiness . . . It was strange, speaking those words. My happiness. For so long, Id been miserable. satisfaction wasnt even a concept Id imagined for myself in ages. My happiness isnt worth theirs.He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. What about mine?I stared in astonishment. Are you saying youd abandon them and run off to Las Vegas?No, he said firmly. I would never abandon them. But there must be some middle ground here. Some way that doesnt involve sacrificing us or them. We just have to figure it out. What we have is too important. Dont give up on us yet, okay?I hugged him, losing myself in the sweetness of his heating plant and scent. My heart had lightened a little at his words, but I still didnt want to get my hopes up. There was too much at stake, still too much that could go wrong.I love you, I told him.I love you too. He squeezed me tight and then kissed me again before draw apart. Now. Lets go watch that movie and pretend to be social so that we can leave early.Why?Because if youre going to Vegas this weekend, then I want to get you home and get some quality time in tonight.I grinned and put my arm around him. Does quality time mean what I think it does?Yes, he said, as we walked back to the living room. Yes, it does.Well, then, you know thats against the rules.Rules that you made up, he pointed out.Rules that are for your own good, I corrected. Its not time yet. Remember, we have to ration ourselves.It was part of the conditions of us getting back together. Keeping strictly platonic before had strained us, so this time, Id agreed that some charge up was okay . . . even though I cringed at the thought of how from each one act, no matter how small, would take away some of his life. Seth had told me he didnt care, that hed take any risk to be with me. I was still cautious, and hed yielded to me to set the schedule for our rationed elicit life. I still wasnt entirely sure what constituted proper rationing in this situation, but something in my head said we should have sex only every few months. I hadnt told Seth that, though. It had been one month since the last and only time wed had sex si nce getting back together as a mortal and a succubus, and I knew he was getting restless. It was especially difficult for him because although he well-thought-of me, he also didnt think such caution was needed when he was the one who faced the dangers dangers he swore he didnt mind.Not tonight, I continued.Its very much a special occasion, though, he told me. A big send-off.Hey, I didnt say we couldnt do anything, I replied. Just not as much as youd like to do. One thing wed inherited from our chaste days was a set of several creative workarounds, mostly involving doing unto ourselves what we couldnt do unto each other. The question is, is there going to be a problem with your houseguests?Not if were quiet, Seth said. After a moment, he shrugged. Scratch that. I dont care. Let them hear.I scoffed. Oh, yeah. So that your mom can come break down your door with her baseball bat.Dont worry, he said, kissing my cheek. Shes no match for you and that dictionary.