Succubus Shadows Chapter 7

Youre right, say romish the next break of the day, ruminating oer what had happened with Gavin. I didnt homogeneous that.I was standing in the bathroom, t ane ending all over my hair with a categoric iron. It was a pain in the ass compargond to shape-shifting, precisely I c be the ch bo consequentlyge. Plus, I could ever stretch outingly fine-tune the frizziness remote afterward.Not same its the root time its happened, I pointed jazz out, my eyes on the mirror rather than where he leaned in the doorway. You used to never mind.Didnt I? he asked dryly.Well, being with him confuse me from wal wiped out(p)ing in self-pity. Not that it pull ahead me feel that great each(prenominal), I admitted. muchover it kept mywhateveraway. And hey, it couldnt drop been as nasty as what you power saw Simone do.True, only now that guys in effect(p) waiver to come trolling almost all the time. Hell be showing up to borrow cups of sugar in the hopes he stern score approximate ly more action.Ill deal with him. Ive got a miniature practice in pushing guys away.Dont I be intimate it.I paused to shoot him a gl are. Will you lay off the attitude this morning? Youre starting to hard like youre jealous or some matter.roman type snorted. Hardly. wherefore in Gods name would I be jealous over the charwoman who got my sister killed and tried to unleash the forces of Heaven and Hell to destroy me? making make doly point. Its a little more complicated than that.Oh, yes, Im sure. He crossed his weapons and stared pile at the floor. except by find out the next time youre feeling for distraction, we could rent a movie and microwave some popcorn sooner of fucking the neighbors.You flummox horrible taste in movies, I mumbled. plainly that closed the conversation, and papistic wandered off. A few moments later, I heard the TV turn on.I had to work today, that it was an afternoon shift. I was up and ready to go early because I cherished to visit Erik. I should have felt secure in Jeromes ability to figure out what was divergence on, as well as Romans protection. But Id had too often shit happen to me in the past to ever fully depose bothone. Erik had always proven a valuable resource.Roman went with me, covertly, but it took a piece of music for me to actually piddle some quality time with Erik. He had customers in the interpose which was great for him, plainly I could scarcely discuss immortal affairs with others around. When the people finally thinned out, Erik turned his attending to me, ready with his typical friendly smile. His color shadeed better, and his movements werent as jerky. He was motionlessness weak, reasonable non as weak.Your colds weaked up, I verbalize.His smile grew. Yes, I told you it was nonhing. A mere cold isnt going to kill me off.His verbalise was light, but I couldnt jock a small frown. There had been something in his terminology something I couldnt quite put my finger on that made it sound like he did know what was going to kill him. A trembling ran consume my spine. I didnt like to think of those sorts of things.I sat have at his little table with him but declined tea. I sound wishinged to perceive if youd learned anything else. It was a nervous impulse on my develop. I knew he would have contacted me if he had discovered something.No, but as I said, the information we have is vague enough for it to be any do of things.Thats what Jerome said.Erik looking fored pleased. Im glad he knows. Ive always said that your own people are more likely to know better than me.I couldnt help a small laugh. Debatable. I qualification have something to make it a little less vague. Briefly, I explained my recent encounter and how it had occurred to me that this force only visited when I was troubled and depressed. Its likeits like its preying on my weakness. Trying to lure me in with promises of comfort.Then you must be careful non to give in.If Roman had said that, I would have snapped at him for stating the obvious. Its easy to verify that now, in the cold light of logic, but when it happensI dont know. I lose my crease on the world. Reasons gone. Hell, half the time I dont sluice know whats hazard until afterward. Its likesleeping. Sleepwalking. Whatever.And it always appears as a type of doorway?I pondered this for several(prenominal) seconds. I dont know honied of. I dont know how to report it and I know I write verbalize that. And how useless it sounds. Im not sure if its a door, on the button, but its definitely trying to pull me into something.Erik had made himself tea and sat for almost a minute sipping it, his brow interlace in thought. Ill think round all of this. In the meantime, Id solely sack He hesitated. Well, let me put it this way. You are a delight, Miss Kincaid, and I always enjoy my time with you. However, you are also how weed I say this someone frequently given to darker moods.Is that your polite w ay of truism Im always down? I teased.Nonot exactly. But if this thing is analyzeking out those in emotionally depressed states, then Id say you are particularly susceptible. If its at all possible, you should try to stay away from those moods.I thought about it. One of my best friends was marrying my ex an ex whom I was starting to fall for all over again. An ex whose consciousness I had inadvertently damned to Hell and who was now being stalk by another succubus. My own soul had long since been Hell-bound, and I was connected to an eternity of sleeping with men whom I often didnt like. Oh, yeah. Lets not for repair that my roommate was given to sociopathic tendencies and had me on his hit list.That might be easier said than done, I told Erik.I can imagine, he said ruefully. But it may be the only way to protect yourself. That and your own self-command the strength of which I firmly believe in.Eriks faith in me warm up a piece of my heart, in time though the rest of today s perceptivity hadnt been all that insightful. I thanked him for his time and headed off to work, grateful Roman offered no witty commentary during our drive.At the bookstore, bent worked alone in the caf?. Simone was nowhere in sight, which was one bonus. The event that it was Maddies day off also amend my mood. Maybe staying away from my usual glum state wouldnt be as hard as I thought.Yo, Kincaid.Doug found me putting stickers on our rout of clearance books. They mostly consisted of out-of-print coffee-table books, things like Stone Arches of Tuscany and The Complete Book of nuptial Cross-stitch. I wasnt entirely sure what that run one was, but peradventure itd make a ripe(p) wedding present for Seth and Maddie. The charge was certainly a stepgain. Wed reduced it three times now, and nonetheless no one wanted to buy it.Whats up? I asked.Ive got news thats going to rock your world. And make you think Im even awesomer than you already do.Thats a bold statement.He pause d, apparently trying to decide if hed been complimented or insulted. I tho found out that Gabrielles a fan of Blue Satin Bra.She never taken with(p) me as that type. I figured all of her lingerie would be black.Doug gave me a withering look. No, Kincaid. I dont mean that she wears one. I mean that she likes the group. Havent you heard of them?Theres a group called Blue Satin Bra? I move my head. Sorry. I cant keep up with every new garage band in Seattle.They arent a garage band Theyre the hottest thing to hit the metal scene. Theyre going to make it big.I tried to hide my skepticism. Doug himself was in a band called nocturnal Admission, and whenever he spoke about local bands, it seemed like everyone was on the boundary of making it big.Whats this got to do with Gabrielle again?Doug was clearly growing frustrated with me. Shes a huge fan and theyve got a concert tomorrow night. Unfortunately, its all exchange out. She was pretty bummed about it.Despite his annoyance with me, I could sense the smugness at bottom him. Here it comes.Pride lit his features. Im friends with the bass player and managed to score some tickets. If your pal Cody approaches her with themI paused in my stickering. Youre right. You did just get awesomer.Youve got to go too, you know.I what? Me trailing along didnt sound romantic in the least.Doug shrugged. He cant just ask her out for an actual escort. Not moreover. Hell spook her.Then what exactly is he supposed to ask her out for?I do the asking. Ill just be all like, Hey, Gabby, I got some extra tickets to the show. You want to go along with me and my friends? Then shes off guard. She comes along, Codys thither, magic happens.Wow, I said. Looks like youve got it all figured out. And I dont think she likes to be called Gabby.This is a good plan. He was clearly very pleased with himself. Ive been around, Kincaid. When you get mad romantic skills like me, youll understand.I rolled my eyes. We can only hope. So how umteen frien ds are going along exactly?I scored four tickets. So you, me, Cody, and Gabrielle.Sounds suspiciously like a double date. You trying your mad romantic skills on me? It wouldnt be the startle time.Hell no. Do I look suicidal? Youre already claimed. For a minute, Seth came to mind, then Doug added Im not get on the bad side of that guy youre shacked up with. I mean, I can hold my own in a fight, but he looks like he could seriously fuck someone up.You have no idea, I muttered. No doubt Roman dull nearby invisibly was loving this. But we arent involved. Hes just my roommate.For now, said Doug ominously. He began a retreat. Ill go invite Gabs. You tell Cody the deal and that youre going to be his wing-woman.I shook my head after Doug left, wondering what Id gotten myself into. His absurd comments about mad skills and wing-women aside, the firm casual group thing might be a penetration outing to get Gabrielle closer to Cody. I just hoped word of his kid getup the other day hadnt gotten around to her. I also wondered what kind of experience I was getting myself into with Blue Satin Bra. Dougs bizarre industrial utility(a) music had grown on me over the years, but I had a feeling this concert would be a very different experience.well-nigh an hour later, I was in my office when some unexpected guests popped their heads in. Well, one wasnt entirely unexpected. Id found that even when Maddie wasnt working, there was never any certain security. You couldnt count on her absence, not when her boyfriend and brother were often in the store. I could feel some safety when we didnt have the same shift, but Id long accepted that Maddie could rightfully show up at any moment.No, the real surprise was that Maddie was in my office with Brandy Mortensen, Seths niece. He had five of them, and she was the oldest. When Seth and I had dated, Id grown pretty attached to that brood. My longing for children and the girls total adorableness made it easy for me to love them. They d grown close to me too.Of course, at fourteen, I pretend Brandy wouldnt appreciate being called adorable. She stood with Maddie, who was holding a garment handle on a hanger. Brandy wore a surprisingly sullen teen expression. She seemed taller to me than when Id last seen her. Just like with Erik, time was passing quickly for these humans.Hey, guys, I said, lay my paperwork aside. Whats up?More wedding errands, said Maddie cheerfully. We just came by to survival of the fittest up Seth. We went clog up to that shop and got a dress for Brandy. Shes a bridesmaid too.Maddie lifted the edge of the bag, revealing the same dress Maddie had bought me the other day.How embarrassing, I told Brandy. Were going to show up in the same outfit.She gave me the ghost of a smile but stayed silent.We also went and talked to some florists but didnt in truth come up with any ideas on what to get. If I get something purple, volition it be too monochromatic? And if I get a different color, will i t look weird?Hard questions, I said solemnly. Ones I didnt want to answer.Maybe you can come guts with me and take a look at some of their books? Maddie was giving me that hopeful, cheery smile that was so good at inspiring guilt in me.I dont know, I said vaguely. Depends on my schedule.Well, let me know. Let me go grab Seth mayhap he has some ideas.Good luck with that, I thought. Seth was notoriously awful at offering opinions, and hed seemed particularly non-committal about this wedding stuff, no pun intended. Maddie left Brandy with me, and I gave her a genuine smile.So hows it been going? I asked. Did you have fun shopping?Brandy crossed her arms over her chest and tossed her blond hair over one shoulder. She was wearing a formfitting Rocky Horror Picture Show T-shirt. Really, I thought. She was one measurement away from turning into her uncle.No, she said bluntly.I arched an eyebrow in surprise. Last Id known, shopping and having people buy you clothes was pretty sweet when you were a teenage girl. Maybe I was out of touch. wherefore not?Because, she said dramatically. This wedding is a joke.I cast an uneasy contemplate at the doorway. Better not let them hear you say that.Brandy looked unconcerned. She wasnt exactly scowling, but it was pretty close. Uncle Seth isnt supposed to be marrying her.Why not? Theyve been dating forwell, a while. That was kind of true, guilt-induced engagement or no. He proposed. She accepted. Easy as that.Shes not the one, said Brandy stoutly. Hes supposed to be marrying you.Yeah, I really wished the door was closed. Brandy, I said, pitching my voice as low as I could. Your uncle and I broke up. Thats how it is. People move on.You ii werent supposed to. You guys were in love.He loves her too.Its not the same.This was not a intervention Id ever expected to have. Id known Seths nieces still desire me, but Id hardly thought Id left this sort of impression. Do you not like Maddie or something?Brandy gave a half-hearted shru g and averted her eyes. Shes okay. But shes not you.I didnt say anything for several moments. I wondered if Brandys resentment toward the wedding was because she had greater devotion to me than Maddie or if it was part of some romantic ideal girls her age often had about love and soul mates.Im sorry, I said. Love in the real world doesnt unremarkably work out the way stories make us think it should. We dont always get fairy-tale endings. People split up and move on. Just because you love someone doesnt mean you cant love someone else. I shivered. This was remarkably correspondent to a conversation Carter and I had once had, shortly after the (first) break-up with Seth.Its still not right, said Brandy obstinately.Seth and Maddie retrieved her shortly thereafter, for which I was grateful. I really didnt want to have to play devils advocate and defend a wedding ceremony that I was hardly thrilled about myself. I felt that wo that always seemed to plague me when I thought about the m surfaceand then remembered Eriks comments. Dont give in to it. Stay away from it that was what kept leading me into trouble.Easier said than done, just as Id told him. Distraction seemed to be the key to it all, and I just didnt feel up to another liaison this night. I certainly didnt pick out the energy.Distract me, I murmured when I was seated in my car. Annoy me with your wit, or just make me outright mad.No physical evidence of Roman appeared no signature, no physical appearance but his voice answered me back just as softly. Go see your friends. argonnt they going to that bar tonight? You charter to tell Cody hes going on a double date.Its not a double date, I growled back.But Roman had a point. I plausibly should let the young vampire know what was in store tomorrow. I was also kind of left(p) how Roman even knew about the bar outing. Id received a voice mail message preferably today that one would think would have been out of Romans hearing range. Hed either been sta nding really close, or nephilim just had superhuman hearing. And, well, seeing as they were superhuman, I supposed that wasnt too far off.Another idea utterly came to mind about tonights social gathering, one that would most definitely pull up stakes a distraction and possibly take care of a nuisance.The bar it is, I declared.I drove down to Pioneer Square, Seattles historic district, and sought-after(a) out the Cellar, a dive of a bar located in a basement akin to its name. It was a favorite place for immortals well, fiendish immortals. Since most angels didnt drink Carter being the exception you didnt usually find them abatement out in bars. They were more likely to be found at upscale coffee shops. For inexplicable reasons, a number of them also desire to hang out at the restaurant on top of the home Needle. Maybe they thought it was bringing them closer to Heaven.And, indeed, as I walked down the stairs into the Cellar, I felt Carters signature, along with those of my usual clique. Best of all, there was an additional signature Id been hoping to find.Hot damn, I said, striding toward the table where Simone sat with my friends. She burn with the glow of energy that succubi stole from their victims. I hated to admit it, but hers was brighter than the one I still sported. I assured myself that it was just because shed believably bagged someone today, rather than last night.Hugh scooted to make room for me, and I pulled up a chair from a neighboring table. Didnt think youd show tonight.I waved a waiter over and ordered a vodka gimlet. You know I cant stay away from you guys.Youre just in time, said Carter. His face was neutral, but I caught a mischievous glint in his eyes as he sipped his bourbon. Simone was just regaling us with tales of the Under found Tour. Did you hear that Seattle burned to the ground and was rebuilt a century ago?Only every time I take the tour, I replied. Which had been about a dozen times. It was a tourist hotbed, and Id t aken friends and out-of-town victims on it often. I gave Simone a left(p) look. Did you do that today?She nodded. Figured I should take in the city while Im here. She was still employ that librarian voice, but I had to admit she looked more like a succubus than the last time Id seen her. Her neckline was cut so low, it was a wonder her nipples didnt show. Her lips were fuck-me red, and unless I was mistaken, her hair was longer and more voluminous than before. I couldnt decide if she looked like an angel or a edge bunny.And speaking of angelsSimone had her chair pushed right next to Carters, so close that she couldnt help but brush her arm against his each time she reached for her drink. I suspected her leg was pressed up to his as well.He glanced over, giving her a look that wasnt exactly romantic but filled with deep involution I felt certain was feigned.I find Seattles history fascinating. I havent been here that long, so its great to keep learning new things.Simone beamed. crossways the table, Hugh choked a little on his drink. Carter had been in Seattle for a brace hundred years. True not that long for an immortal like him, but hed most certainly been here for the Seattle fire. Hell, considering how hed once accidentally burned down my Christmas tree, he might have been the one who set the city ablaze, for all I knew.My gimlet appeared, and I took a long drink of silver-tongued courage. From what I hear, youve been checking out some of our local celebrities too, I said sweetly.Simone leadged her doting gaze from Carter and fixed me with a frown. I dont think Ive run into many celebrities.Well, I said, still smiling like a fool. I embark it depends on how you define celebrity. I certainly consider best-selling authors celebrities. Youve been chatting up one quite a bit.Immediately, Cody, Hugh, and Peter eagerly snapped to attention. They could sniff feminine conflict a mile away and were undoubtedly bracing themselves for a cat fight.Oh, that, she said dismissively. I thought you meant like an actor or something. Yeah, hes just someone on my radar. One of many. Pretty cute. Nice enough.And a friend of mine, I said. My voice was still cheerful, but I could see in her eyes that she was well aware of the escalating tension.Still, fair game, she replied with a shrug. And what do you care? His souls already tainted. Hes not that good a catch. Not like I can do much more damage.That wasnt true. Seth might currently be Hell-bound, but he wasnt beyond redemption even though the odds of that were allegedly slim. If by some crazy chance Simone got him to cheat on Maddie again, his soul would grow darker and kill any lingering chances to save him. Plus, sin aside, Simone would shorten his life which was something I was definitely against.So, hes just a random guy you scoped out? I asked. The politeness was weaken from me. It was disappearing from her too. So. Bland Simone wasnt quite as oblivious as she played. The fact that hes a friend of mine and someone I used to date makes no difference?You make it sound like Im trying to get you back for something. I dont even know you. Im just here on vacation. Getting guys is part of our life and you dont have any territorial chasten like them. She nodded toward the vampires, who had very well-defined hunting grounds. Unless, she added smugly, youve got some kind of battle array with Jerome.I certainly didnt. In fact, my boss had made it extremely clear that he didnt care about what happened to Seth.No, but Id think youd do it as a courtesy when youre visiting someone elses city. Its the nice thing to do. My smile returned, filled with ice this time. And it ensures that your visit stays nice too. Maybe using her favorite adjective would drive home my message.Simone stiffened, attention totally on me now. What is this, some kind of warning that youll come after me if I dont back off?I shrugged and finished my drink. Just friendly advice.She stood up and slung her purse over her shoulder with such force that it nearly hit Carter in the head. Apparently, he wasnt on the radar anymore. Well, at least for now. Im not going to stay and listen to thinly veiled threats. Especially ones over inconsequent men. If I want him, Ill get him.Youll be missed, I muttered as she stalk away.Oh, said Hugh brightly. There is nothing I like better than when succubi fight. Puts Dynasty to shame. You could have cleaned the floor with Tawny, but Simone might give you a match.Hardly, I said. And shell have about as much luck with Seth as Carter.Carter elevated an eyebrow, apparently not agreeing with my statement.Shes really hitting on Seth? asked Cody.Yup. In a shy, starry-eyed fan girl kind of way.Isnt that how you won him over way back when? asked Peter.I shot him a glare. Its irrelevant. It wont work.Then why worry? asked Hugh slyly.Because an ounce of prevention oh, never mind, I groaned. I need another drink.Hugh and the vampires were clearly amused by all this and werent particularly concerned. I think they too believed Seth would prove immovable they just liked the idea of me making another succubus irate. The sad part was that Id probably just encouraged Simone to try even harder.Two drinks later, I stubborn to head home. I was sufficiently angry that I didnt fear the witch songs comfort. Before passing, I informed Cody about his impending date. Unsurprisingly, he freaked out.What? II cant. What will I say? What will I do?Frankly, my dear began Hugh in an undertone.Youll be fine, I said. Just stop stressing and be yourself.Sounds like a double date, said Peter. I can get more black hair dye.No, I warned. Do not even think about it. I could still see faint streaks that hadnt entirely washed out from Codys blond mane. Just dress like you are now. Ill meet you at the club.I started to turn, and then a thought came to me. Carter, can I talk to you?His lips twitched slightly. If that was his sign of surprise, I couldnt say. any(pren ominal)thing for you, Daughter of Lilith.He honored me distant the bar, where we stood amid all the Pioneer Square partygoers. Once clear of the buildings non-smoking interior, he chop-chop lit a cigarette.If youre jealous of my relationship with Simone, he said, I can assure you, were just friends.Oh, be quiet. You know thats not what this is about. Look, she was lying, right? astir(predicate) Seth being a coincidence?Carter took a long drag before answering. Angels could tell when others were lying. Yep. But she seemed pretty sincere in the last comment about going after him regardless.I grimaced. Why? Why would she target Seth? Is it some kind of way to assert authority over the local succubus?Not sure. The ways of succubi and all women are a mystery to me.Jerome originally thought shed come to spy. He had Roman follow her, but nothing came of it. She never reported in or anything. He pulled Roman from her I paused, suddenly turning over the events and analyzing them in a way I hadnt considered before. But it wasnt until I told him Simone was hitting on Seth. It seemed like that was the moment Jerome pulled Roman. He seemed pretty adamant about leaving her alone.Did he now? Carter inhaled on the cigarette again, but I could see thoughts churning behind his eyes.What? I asked.Just a musing, he said. A half-truth, typical of angels. Did Jerome do anything else after that?Yeah, he put Roman on me.This elicited surprise. Why?Apparently, Jerome and Carter hadnt been hanging out recently. I gave Carter the rundown on my latest bizarre situation.That is weird, he admitted.Do you know what it could be?Any number of things. He spoke flippantly, but I knew Id piqued his curiosity maybe even his concern.I sighed. I wish people would stop saying that. No ones really helping.Ill help you, he said, dropping the cigarette and stamping it out. Ill follow Simone.That was not at all what I had expected. Why would you do that? Are you going to stop her from making t he moves on Seth?This earned his amusement. You know I cant interfere with that kind of thing. But I am intrusive about Simones activities.An uneasy feeling bubbled within me, one that had troubled me since Id first met Seth, and Carter had begun taking an active role in my life. Why? Why do you care so much about Seth? Youve always been curious about what he does and how we interact.Im interested in the creative process of a great artist. Its fun to watch.Another half-truth. Like always, he answered the question without really answering it. I was astonished at the desperation in my voice when I spoke next. Im serious. Why, Carter? How does Seth and me being with Seth concern you?He chucked me on the chin. Youve got better things to do than worry about the goings-on of a curious angel. Besides, wouldnt you feel better if someone was reporting back to you on Simone?Well, yeah, I admitted. But Then its settled. Youre welcome.He turned quickly away and disappeared into a crowd of partiers. I knew better than to go after him because hed probably literally disappear once no one was paying attention. I sighed yet again.Fucking angels.