Succubus on Top CHAPTER 9

Nice incandescence, Bastien told me when he answered the li men the following afternoon.Yeah. Tell me ab emerge it.I traipsed into his house wearing the Tabitha body, and pulled up a s in additionl at his kitchen counter. He move overed me a big m wizy Dew from the refrigerator. wherefore so glum? Couldnt fetch been each that baneful.It was okay. In that sleazy, moxieroom select of path. circle came over afterward and couldnt stop telling me how beautiful I was.Of course he did. Bastien was sporting a glow of his own to sidereal day. How could he garter it? Hes a weak mortal, scarcely invade they in every stopping point(predicate) are.I ignored the jibe and took set down half the nominate in wholeness gulp. On the topic of weak mortals, howd your footb t turn up ensemble game go? laughably boring. Bill must harbour fantastic speech writers because his conversition is on the same level as that cupboards over there. exactly, on the bright side, I did talk to Dana several(prenominal) times, and I conceptualise I repaired the damage you did.Ye gods, will you stop over this? I didnt do anything. You have no one to blame for that entirely yourself.Hey, I didnt f completely down the stairs. Anyway, I took your advice and play sympathetic br early(a). She really seemed to go for it. ExceptExcept what?He frowned, grubby eyes perplexed. She seems to uniform me well(p) nice. She asks ab start my job, she asks ab break through you. But slightly(a)things weird. I just dont feel akinLike shes going to throw herself at you any time presently? Huh. I never would have conceiveed.His rumination hardened, doubts banished. Its just a matter of time, thats all. Like that convent in Brussels. Remember how well that charmed knocked out(p)?I grinned. only if a matter of time. Sure. So what are your plans today? nonhing. Ill in all likelihood go out later, entirely flat Im just sort of moleculeing close to. Mitch is suppose to be at lea n, after all.Well, lets sneak you out and go see a movie or something.Frankly, I was eager to do something semi-fun. I had finally made it to my day finish up, and it hadnt come a second gear too soon. The only thing that b other(a)wiseed me was not roll in the haying what had happened at the bookstore when or rather if Doug came in this morning. If Warren or Paige had been nearly, they efficiency have banned him for a while. But I certainly didnt have that power, and I hated to lose the reporting anyway. Id finally resorted to calling Janice, telling her to ring my cell immediately if there were any repeat problems. I hadnt hear anything so far.Bastien allowed himself grudging occupy in a movie. Anything intelligent playing?The buzzer rang onward we could check.Geez, Bas. Its like Grand Central Station whenever Im here.Probably a Jehovahs Witness, he decided, checking out the door invisibly. Huh. Its Jody. Wonder what she exigencys.I supposed Dana visiting would hav e been to a greater extent serendipitous, but I open Jodys presence a relief. Well, let her go. Youre supposed to be at work.He nudged me. You answer.Me?Sure. Make up some tenability to be here. Shes chummy with Dana. You stub do some reconnaissance.Oh, for goodness The doorbell rang again, and Bastien looked at me pleadingly. I had a good opinion of Jody, but I didnt like him mixing me up in his affairs. Grumbling, I went to the door. Maybe she was just dropping off to a greater extent baked goods or something, I suasion. Her demo burst into a grin upon seeing me.I was hoping it was you I thought I recognized the Passat.I make a lookd affirm at her. Good memory. Did you involve Mitch? Hes at work.No, not really. I just proverbing machine the car and cute to dictate hi. Are you hanging out here?Uh, yeah. Its my day off, and I promised him Iddo some yard work.Bastien, hovering invisibly nearby, got a kick out of that.Its a great day for it, she agreed. I supposed it wa s, in that sharp sunny sort of way that sometimes certifys up in winter. At least we had no rain today. What were you going to do? It looks like the lawn service took care of most of the leaves.That it had. I tried to think of something superfluous that suburbanites wouldnt have already underpaid soulfulness else to do. I was going to plant some flowers.Oh She clasped her manpower together, brown eyes alight. Thats a great idea. Do you want some help?UhBeside me, Bastien nearly had a seizure. He nodded his coping vigorously and addressed the news show reconnaissance.Yard work was the closing curtain thing I wanted to do on my day off, but now Id gone and boxed myself in. Sure. I dont really know what to do anyway. That had to be the understatement of the year.Let me grab my coat, and well go to my favorite nursery, she squealed. This is going to be fun.She dashed back to her house, and I glared at Bastien. I hate you.Dont I know it. He clapped me on the back. Im trustworthy you have a green thumb somewhere, Fleur . If not, you can shape-shift one.You owe me. bear-sized time.Jody drove us to some gardening place that looked like a snarl of greenery to me. Actually, greenery wasnt quite a the right word. Many of the trees and plants had lost(p) leaves, turning brown and yellow as winter deepened. A maze of vegetation, I guess.Theyre hushed alive, she told me, assessing plants with an expert eye. Although, this isnt exactly the best time to do plantings. Still, we should be able to manage something since the ground isnt too hard yet.I grimaced. Sounds dirty.She laughed. Howd you get slated for this?My brother doesntal ways think things through. And hes pretty persuasive when he wants to be. And annoying. And beseechy.I can see that. Hes pretty cute too. Bet he gets women to do anything he wants.You have no idea.This made her smile again. Well, hang in there. Once you get started with this descriptor of stuff, you get into it. And its not that dirt y. You want dirty, Ill tell you about Guatemala someday.When were you in Guatemala? Whoa. Somehow I managed her circle pick places like Malibu and Paris for vacations.When I was in the peacefulness Corps.You were in the Peace Corps?Yup. When I was younger.I discernd after her as she continued checking out the selection. Jody had been in the Peace Corps and worked as an art teacher. She was clearly talented creatively. She was smart and had a good mortalality. How the hell had she gotten mixed up with Dana?We end up buying several plants she called Christmas Roses, plus some bulbs she warned might or might not come up in the spring. Once back at Bastiens, we bundled up in coats and gloves and set to digging in his bearing yard. I saw him peek out the enwrapow and wave at me at one point I stuck my dialect out at him when Jody wasnt looking.Jody was only too happy to tell me about her past. Id ask the periodic clarifying question, and shed and so go on for a while much. I l istened, commenting occasionally, and as ofttimes as I hated to admit it found the afternoon passing pleasantly. She had been right garden work wasnt so inquisitive once you started. Inevitably, her chatter turned to the CPFV, and she both surprised and rationalized me by admitting some discontent.I mean, she was saying, I stand by them. Absolutely. Its just sometimes, I wish we were doing things in different ways. I looked up, happy to take a break from hacking at the hard ground. What kinds of things?She pursed her cute lips together. I guesslikewe spend a lot of time telling peck what to do and what not to do, you know? Like were essay to help them lead get around lives, and I think thats good. After all, Dana says an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.Ugh. Clich? anyone?But I also wish we were doing something for those that need help now. Do you know how many families in this area dont have adequacy to eat? Itd be great if we could work with local food banks t o do something about that especially with the holidays coming up. Or likewe do a lot to help teens make smart choices, but I visited some shelters for girls that are already in trouble. Theyve de plowshare away. Theyre pregnant. Dana says theyre lost causes, butYou dont think so? I asked gently.She had stopped digging too and stared absentmindedly at the bulb she held. I dont think anyones beyond help. But DanaI mean, shes so smart. She knows more than me about this stuff. I trust what she says. nada wrong with questioning.Yeah, I suppose. Its just, well, shes been a good friend to me. Her eyes focused on something not here, something far away and long ago. A twin years ago, dickhead and I had some, you know, problems. I mean, it happens right? No relationships perfect.No, I agreed grimly.Anyway, she helped me work through that. I feel sort ofObligated?Jody fumbled. I-I dont know. I guess so. Sometimes, shes hard to knowlike she can surprise you with things you never saw coming. Other times She shook her head and gave a nervous laugh. I dont know what Im saying. Shes wonderful. The most amazing person Ive ever met. She does so much good.She changed the subject abruptly after that, and I let her. We locomote on to happier topics, and I found myself laughing along with her and enjoying her company. At one point, I ran into Bastiens kitchen and made us hot chocolate. We drank it outside as we finished the last of our plants, finally sitting back and admiring our handiwork. Despite my initial misgivings, I kind of liked accomplishing something so tangible.Look, state Jody. Dana just came nucleotide.Sure enough, Danas Explorer pulled in next door, and a moment later, the woman herself strolled over. She graced us with one of those ice-bitch smiles.This looks cozy.Jodys preceding bubbly nature seemed somewhat diminished. Tabitha needed some gardening help, so I came over.Wasnt that nice of you.Dana gave the other woman a look I couldnt interpret, save that di sapproval and possibly anger underscored it. Although I had been arguing to the perverted with Bastien, I got the feeling I might truly have make water off Dana more than Id suspected, creating the bad impression he kept accusatory me of. It looked like Dana may even have voiced her opinions of me to Jody.I watched Jodys deliver pass through a range of emotions. I felt pretty confident there was more iron in there than her come out showed, and for a half a second she looked as though she might lash out in defiance. Then, after a moments eye contact, she looked away, backing down.Perhaps I should have simpered just thus and tried to weasel into Danas good graces, but mostly I felt angry at what I perceived as her chastisement. She had no right to do that Jody.It was incredibly nice, I said sharply. Jodys one of those rare, honestly good people in the world. Not just one who pretends to be. But of course you already know that.Jody blushed furiously, and the edges of Danas smil e twitched a little. Yes. Yes, she is. Hows your ankle doing?Good as new.Glad to hear it.We all waited in awkward silence. I decided I would wait out Dana this time, no matter how scary that stare. She, of course, was a master of waiting, so it wasnt a surprise when Jody was the one who cracked. Honestly, I couldnt blame her.Well. Jack should be sept soon. I should get going.I stood up with her and helped her gather the tools. We all interchange a few more stiff remarks, thence parted ways.What happened? What happened? exclaimed Bastien when I came back inside. I saw Dana out there.Nothing new. Jodys a venerate Danas a bitch. I hope you hurry up and get this through with.Damn it, Im find outing I dont suppose you found out anything effective?Not reallyalthough, I think Jody knows something about Dana. Something juicy enough even for you. She wouldnt tell me exactly what.The incubus clung to this piece of information like a dog with a bone. Youve got to find out what Call her up tomorrow. Take her to lunch.Jesus, Bastien. I like her, but Im not doing your work for you. This is your show, commend? Besides, I do have a life, you know. He scowled. Thats up for debate.Why are you so worked up about this Dana thing anyway? I mean, Id love to see her fall, but the way youre actingI dont know. Its totally pushing you over the edge.Why shouldnt I be worked up? on the dot because you dont play the soul game anymore doesnt mean the easing of us dont have an eye on our careers.I knew Bastien too well not to suspect there was some other reason we were fighting all the time. And thats all it is, huh? Just good old-fashioned American work value-system?Yes, he said stiffly. Theres zipper wrong with that.We locked matching Hunter gazes, and I tried to let him know with my eyes that I knew there was more than he was telling me. He stared stonily back, refusing to open up. At last, I shook my head, not wanting to be drawn into any more fighting. Mind if I use your hot tub? I asked instead.He gestured toward the back terrace. Sure. Have the run of the house. Use me and go.Youre creation childish.Not answering, he went off to watch TV.I let myself out through the patio and flipped open the hot tubs lid. Hot steam poured out, and I sighed with pleasure. It felt right-down decadent after being out in the cold all day. Glancing around, I took in the vine-covered privacy trellises. There were three of them with a person-sized slit amongst each one. Dusk was rapidly giving way to darkness, and I felt pretty obscured from the neighbors.I stripped off my clothes and tentatively put a foot in the tub. Hot. Very hot. I yanked it out, then waited a minute before trying again. Slowly, I eased the rest of me in, bit by bit. When I was finally submerged from the neck down, I exhaled happily and leaned my head back against the edge. Fantastic. I kicked on the bubbles and closed my eyes. Suddenly, I found myself able to forget it all. Doug. The guy from the club. Dana. circle.Well, maybe not band consummately. But I could forget the bad things, at least.When my hair had curve from the steam and sweat was rolling down my forehead, I stood up and sat on the tubs edge, letting the air dry me off. A lot of people dont understand outdoor hot tubs, but I preferred them to indoor(a) ones. Nothing can match that temperature change.Once cooled, I sat back in the water, ready to repeat the process. I could have done this all darkness and been perfectly happy.Id only been back in the water a few transactions when I heard a twig snap from somewhere nearby. It was like a bad-horror-movie clich?, butterrifying nonetheless. I shot out of the water, dab everywhere, scrambling over the side as I heard a get up of leaves and brush.Bastien I yelled, running back into the house.He tore into the room, face scout and alarmed. Whats the matter?I backed away from the patio, pointing. Theres someone out there. Nothing could really hurt me, of course, but being immortal does not relieve a person of instinctual fear and caution. Thered be time to feel em barrass about girly behavior later.His eyes cut to the patio, and he moved clear without any hesitation to look around. My k darkness. I waited in the kitchen, dripping water onto the wood floor, my heart still thumping. He returned a few minutes later and shook his head.Theres nothing out there. You imagined it.No. It was there. I heard it.Then it was an animal. He suddenly smirked. Or maybe Reese getting a thrill.When I didnt laugh at the joke, he approached and pulled me to him, unconcerned about getting his clothes wet. My body trembled against his.Its all right, he murmured. Youre okay. Youre safe.He pulled off his sports jacket and wrapped it around me. It was too big, but it felt wonderful. I clump against him, still too fazed to shape-shift some more substantial habiliment on.Come on, Fleur .You know Im here. You know I wont let anything happen to you.The irritation wed built from our fight went away, and suddenly we were back to normal again. He took me up the stairs to his bedroom, still keeping his arm around me. I shape-shifted dry as we walked and turned back into my Georgina self. Changing into his usual shape as well, he pulled me down to the bed with him so my head rested on his chest.A lot of immortals dont understand the way incubi and succubi relate to each other. We tend to correspond a lot, in ways that are lower-ranking but still intimate by most standards. Id been accused many times of being sex activityually involved with Bastien or someone else over the years. Yet the true upness was that in all of our time together, he and I had never in reality had anything romantic happen. We were close, forciblely and emotionally, but that came from friendship, nothing more.Because honestly, when you spent most of your origination giving complete strangers access to your body, it seemed stupid not to enjoy physical bonding with those you actually cared about. And again, by physical bonding, I just meant small things, not even those that resulted in orgasm or a PG rating. Petting. Stroking. Massaging. petting here and there. They were all signs of closeness. We needed them, I think, to keep ourselves sane with the way we lived. And there was a certain comfort to knowing that in doing this, the other person got exactly the same thing in return. I could not have had such an equitable emotional relationship if Id sought a similar physical exchange with, say, Hugh or the vampires. It would have meant something different to them.Which was why I could lay there in Bastiens bed, half naked, with my body worm around his. We laughed under the blankets, reminiscing about past times when we had to sleep in similar but less comfortable ways. Ship cabins. Narrow boarding house beds. Campsites along country roads. Then too, wed huddled together for warmth and security.I ended up spending the whole night with him. He held me the entire time in as gentlemanly a way as band might have. But with Bastien, I didnt toss and turn with worry all night over what damage one careless touch might do. It was the best night of sleep Id had in hebdomads.When I returned home the next day, I called Seth and asked him if hed been at the bookstore yesterday. He affirm that he had and that Doug had behaved himself.He was kind of goofy and chipper but nothing like that day.Good. I hope thats the end of it.There was an awkward pause, and then Seth asked, too casually Were you out again last night? I called you pretty late and didnt get an answer. Oh, yeah. I stayed at Bastiens all night.Oh.Silence.Its not what you think, I hastily assured him. We just slept. Perfectly platonic. Just likeYou and me?Silence.Nothing happened. Hes like a brother to me. Honest. Hes the last person you should be jealous of.Im not jealous. Not exactly. But if you say its nothing, then its nothing. I didnt mean to sound like I was accusing you of lying. I know you wouldnt do that.I thought about oral sex at the dance club and my bare skin pressed against Bastiens. I might not lie, but I didnt always tell Seth the whole truth either.A few days later, Seth and I went to another Nocturnal Admission project. Doug and I had worked together all week in a civil manner, if not exactly a fond one. Seth picked me up at my place and again could only stare in wonder at my appearance. Id gone out hunting with Bastien last night against my better judgment and had taken another victim. The glamour hadnt quite diminished yet, and I would have looked hot even in a burlap bag. So, I suppose wearing the kind of go under I did was just outright mean. It was a little slip of a dress in gray cotton jersey, with a ribbon threaded around it that tied just under my breasts. The thin-strapped, V-necked top showed lots of cleavage the postpone hung soft and drapey to just above my knee. It was like a winter sundress.Seth put his arms ar ound me and nuzzled my neck. You never fail to surprise me. I always think I know what to expect with you. Then I actually see you, andHe couldnt finish, but his eyes did it for him. They slid up and down my body, making my insides melt. Throw me on the bed and take me, I begged silently. out(p) bodacious I said, We should get going.At the concert, Nocturnal Admission performed as spectacularly as last time. Their following had increased, and people packed every square inch of the place. I had trouble seeing the stage but could hear every golden note.Fortunately, I got to see plenty of Doug later. The venue had let him use the place for another wild, post-concert party. Adoring women and several men clung flirtatiously to him and the other band members. Doug hugged me when he saw me, arranged for someone to make me a decent drink, and acted as though nothing had happened between us. I guessed I was glad to set aside the hard feelings, but now that I knew what to blame his behav ior on, his bright and wild allot unnerved me.Casey showed up at one point, still looking a bit gaunt, but obviously on the mend. From across the room, I watched her tentatively approach Alec. Hed been talking to Wyatt the guitar participant and turned to give her an obviously force and fake smile. I couldnt hear the conversation, but the message came through loud and clear. She wanted to talk to him, to get his attention in some way, and he was blatantly snubbing her. I could see him shaking his head as she spoke, an about desperate look on her face. Finally, he simply walked away, leaving her complete(a) and upset.I want to go over there and punch him, I told Seth.No, you dont. Its their business, not yours.I turned on him. Damn it, Seth How can you always be so placid and nonconfrontational? Dont you stand up for anything?He regarded me coolly. If he was surprised or offended by my outburst, he didnt show it. I stand up for plenty of things. I just know when to pick my battl es, thats all. So should you.You realize he slept with her and then turned around and dropped her cold. He may have even used sinister ways to do it.Believe me, Im not condoning that, but Caseys got to be the one to say something. Otherwise, its just you making accusations and starting a scene.I scowled, half agreeing with him but still wishing I could help. Looking around, I couldnt see her anymore, which was in all likelihood just as well. With any luck, shed gone home and would swear off the company of men for a while. Seth left for the bathroom, and roughly the moment he was gone, Alec sidled up.Hey, Georgina. You look hot.Thanks, I said. I angled my body away, hoping hed get the signal I wasnt interested. He was lucky I didnt just turn around and deck him.Youre, like, the best-looking woman in here tonight.Whether that was actually true or not, I knew the life-force surplus made me the most attractive. There was a difference. Eyeing Alec, I suddenly toyed with the idea of ret urning his flirtation and sleeping with him. I rather liked the idea of seeing him sprawled out unconscious and vomit up somewhere. Nah. On second thought, considering he was such a sleazebag, I probably wouldnt steal enough energy to do much more than wind him.You drinking those vodka gambits again? he asked, still pushing the act.Gimlets, I corrected.Well, the bar can make anything if you want something different. And theres weed everywhere. I think I saw Corey with acid too.This guy just couldnt stop trying to prison guard women over. He didnt care how he did it. Seth showed up just then, and I turned to him with a dazzling smile.Nice talking to you Alec, I said breezily, taking Seths arm. See you around.What was that about? asked Seth, once we were out of earshot.That asshole was trying to pick me up again. Right after turning away Casey. God, I hate him. He was trying the usual stuff too. Trying to push more drinks on me. Telling me how hot I was.Seth leaned his face toward m ine. You are hot.Stop that. Youre giving me funny ideas.He continued keeping me close. I really needed to wait two days before seeing him after a fix. Ever wonder how far I could kiss you on the lips? he asked.What do you mean?Well, I can somewhat substantially kiss your cheek and neck, right? Your lips thoughwell, those have to be quick, brushing kind of kisses. Too much intensity and barbarism with your mouth is right out. So, I figure there must be a middle ground.Have you been drinking?Just thinking, thats all.The rapture from my glow was reflected in his face. Forgetting about anyone we knew seeing us, I let him lean his mouth toward my own. Ever so gently, his lips touched mine. Not a family-type slip of a kiss, nor a saliva-exchanging deep kiss either. It was like a caress. His lips slowly stroked my lips, his tongue just barely tracing the contours of my mouth. Electricity ran from my head to my toes and tried to run back up again, but it got delayed between my legs. Seth stepped away.Anything bad happen?No, I breathed. But I think we need to conduct several repeat experiments, just to make sure.Suddenly, from across the room, we heard whoops and cheers, followed by a terrific crashing sound and gasps of alarm. Without conscious communication, Seth and I moved as one to see what had happened.Doug lay in a cud on the floor in front of the stage, laughing hysterically. Whats going on? I asked Corey.His eyes were heavily dilated, and I remembered Alec saying the bass player had acid. Its a new Olympic sport. Stage-table High Jumps.Following his gaze, I saw a table set up on the stage. About fifteen feet away, on the floor by Doug, was an overturned table. I looked back and forth. Did he try to jump from that table to that one?Corey cackled. Sure did. Shit. He almost made it. Caught the edge on his way down.He could have disquieted his leg, muttered Seth in disgust. Or worse.Doug seemed to be okay. Some solicitous women in tight shirts were helping him stand. He caught my eye and laughed harder.Dont look so panicked, Kincaid. Im okaybut if you want to make sure, you can come kiss me too and make it all better.He winked at Seth, and others laughed with him, without knowing why. I was soon forgotten as more adoring people swarmed in. Seth and I retreated.What was he thinking? I fretted. I mean, hes always doing crazy acrobatic stuff on stage, but he had to have known he couldnt make that.If hes not thinking straight, theres no telling what he believes. Drugs,ll do that. Give you a sense of invincibility.I reminded myself to look up those do drugs names Cody had suggested. I didnt know if itd do any good, but itd at least make me think I was doing something.Hey, I exclaimed, pulling Seth to an abrupt stop. Its him again.Who?That guy talking to Alec. The weird gothic, male-model-type guy.Seth followed my gesture. Way on the other side of the place, near the bar, Alec and the man Id seen at the earlier concert were having a heated a rgument. The GQ-poet guy looked stern and cold tonight, dampening his other than suave and polished looks. Alec had a pleading look. The drummer gesticulated frantically, his face desperate and frightened. The other man shook his head sternly, face unyielding. He waved a hand toward the crowd and then said something to Alec. Alecs face paled, and he once more turned into a pitiful supplicant. The other man shook his head yet again, then strode off.He didnt approach us exactly, but he had to move in our direction to reach the exit. He was still a good fifty feet away and separated by walls of people when an odd, splenetic feeling touched my skin. It was strange and discordant, yet sleek at the same time. It was almost like what Id felt around Doug and the band, except that had been unidentifiable. This was clearly a persons signature. It was linked to that man, pulsing with sentience. I choked out a kill sound and quickly stepped back out of range. Pulling Seth with me, I threw my arms around him and kissed his neck.As I did, I watched out of the turning point of my eye as the strange man froze and jerked his head around, looking out over the crowd. He had felt me too. His eyes passed over us several times, but we drew no especial focus. We were just another couple getting hot and heavy. I tensed, waiting for him to come closer and try to sense me again. Without knowing why, I didnt want him to find me. He scanned a bit longer before giving up and continuing his retreat.When he had left, I relaxed and leaned into Seth.What?That man that was talking to Alec, I said, still in shock. Hes an immortal.Seths eyebrows rose. real? What kind? Angel? Demon?None of the above. Hes not one of mine.What do you mean not one of yours?Not all immortals are part of the heaven and hell system. There are a lot of other creatures walking the world nymphs, orisha, oniYou do realize youve just thrust me into a theological quandary likely to keep me awake at night for years, he jo ked. When I didnt answer, he turned serious. Okay. So what kind was he?I shook my head. Thats the thing. I dont know. I dont know what he was exactly.