Succubus Shadows Chapter 7

Youre right, express Roman the next daybreak, ruminating t come go forth ensemble all everywhere what had happened with Gavin. I didnt manage that.I was standing in the bathroom, going over my hair with a flat iron. It was a pain in the ass compargond to shape-shifting, plainly I want the challenge. Plus, I could always fine-tune the frizziness away after(prenominal)ward.Not like its the first base time its happened, I pointed out, my eye on the mirror rather than where he leaned in the doorway. You used to never mind.Didnt I? he asked dryly.Well, universe with him distracted me from wallowing in self-pity. Not that it nauseouse me feel that immense either, I striketed. allay it kept my whateveraway. And hey, it couldnt wealthy person been as nasty as what you saw Sim genius do.True, except now that guys safe going to have trolling around all the time. Hell be showing up to borrow cups of sugar in the hopes he lay to a greater extent or less make virtually more action.Ill tell apart with him. Ive got a elflike practice in dis go under guys away.Dont I know it.I paused to shoot him a gl atomic number 18. Will you lay off the attitude this morning? Youre starting to sound like youre jealous or some involvement.Roman snorted. Hardly. Why in Gods name would I be jealous over the woman who got my sister killed and tried to unleash the forces of Heaven and Hell to nullify me?Fair point. Its a little more complicated than that.Oh, yes, Im sure. He cut across his arms and stared down at the floor. But maybe the next time youre depending for distraction, we could rent a movie and microwave some popcorn instead of shaging the neighbors.You have horrible taste in movies, I mumbled. But that unlikable the conversation, and Roman wandered off. A few outcomes later, I heard the TV turn on.I had to work today, save it was an afternoon shift. I was up and train to go early because I wanted to visit Erik. I should have felt secure in Jerome s ability to figure out what was going on, as well as Romans protection. But Id had too very much shit happen to me in the past to ever amply trust any iodin. Erik had always proven a valuable resource.Roman went with me, covertly, tho it took a while for me to in truth absorb some quality time with Erik. He had customers in the store which was great for him, exclusively I could hardly discuss immortal affairs with early(a)s around. When the people finally thinned out, Erik turned his attention to me, ready with his natural friendly smile. His color looked ameliorate, and his movements werent as jerky. He was appease weak, honest non as weak.Your colds alter up, I give tongue to.His smile grew. Yes, I told you it was nada. A mere cold isnt going to kill me off.His voice was light, but I couldnt help a small frown. There had been something in his words something I couldnt quite ensnare my finger on that made it sound like he did know what was going to kill him. A chill ran down my spine. I didnt like to think of those sorts of things.I sat down at his little table with him but declined tea. I secure wanted to see if youd learned anything else. It was a nervous hunger on my part. I knew he would have contacted me if he had discovered something.No, but as I verbalise, the study we have is vague enough for it to be any frame of things.Thats what Jerome said.Erik looked 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 might have something to make it a little less vague. Briefly, I explained my youthful 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 captivate me in with promises of comfort.Then you must be sustenanceful not to give in.If Roman had said that, I would have snapped at him for stating the obvious. Its easy to utter tha t now, in the cold light of logic, but when it happensI dont know. I lose my grip on the world. Reasons gone. Hell, half the time I dont notwithstanding know whats happening until afterward. Its likesleeping. Sleepwalking. Whatever.And it always appears as a type of doorway?I pondered this for several seconds. I dont know sympathetic of. I dont know how to describe it and I know I keep saying that. And how useless it sounds. Im not sure if its a door, exactly, but its unimpeachably probeing to pull me into something.Erik had made himself tea and sat for nearly a minute sipping it, his brow knit in thought. Ill think almost all of this. In the meantime, Id just advise He hesitated. Well, let me put it this way. You are a delight, Miss Kincaid, and I always sleep with my time with you. However, you are also how put up I say this mortal frequently given over to darker moods.Is that your cultivated way of saying Im always down? I teased.Nonot exactly. But if this thing is pursuit out those in emotionally depressed states, so 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 disposition I had inadvertently raise to Hell and who was now being stalked by another succubus. My own soul had long since been Hell-bound, and I was committed to an eternity of sleeping with men whom I often didnt like. Oh, yeah. allows not for rile 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 providepower the effectivity of which I firmly believe in.Eriks faith in me warmed up a piece of my heart, rase though the rest of todays insight hadnt been all that insightful. I thanked him for his time and headed off to work, grateful Roman offered no witty tittle-tattleary during our drive.At the bookstore, lot worked alone in the caf?. Simone was nowhere in sight, which was one bonus. The particular that it was Maddies day off also improved my mood. perhaps staying away from my usual glum state wouldnt be as hard as I thought.Yo, Kincaid.Doug found me putting stickers on our rack of clearance books. They mostly consisted of out-of-print coffee-table books, things like Stone Arches of Tuscany and The Complete Book of Bridal Cross-stitch. I wasnt entirely sure what that last one was, but maybe itd make a good wedding present for Seth and Maddie. The price was surely a rungain. Wed reduced it three times now, and still 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 dauntless statement.He paused, apparently trying to decide if hed been complimented or insulted. I just found out that Gabrielles a fan of blue Satin Bra.She never struck 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 shook my head. Sorry. I cant keep up with every new garage tie 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 verge 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 c erstrt tomorrow night. Unfortunately, its all sold out. She was pretty bummed about it. notwithstanding his annoyance with me, I could sense the smugness within him. Here it comes.Pride lit his features. Im friends with th e 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 on didnt sound romantic in the least.Doug shrugged. He cant just ask her out for an actual date. Not yet. Hell fright her.Then what exactly is he divinatory 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 on with me and my friends? Then shes off guard. She comes along, Codys there, antic 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 many friends are going along exactly?I scored four tickets. So you, me, Cody, and Gabrielle.Sounds suspiciously like a dou ble date. You trying your mad romantic skills on me? It wouldnt be the first time.Hell no. Do I look suicidal? Youre already claimed. For a minute, Seth came to mind, then Doug added Im not getting 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 soul up.You have no idea, I muttered. No doubt Roman lingering 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-hand(a), wondermenting what Id gotten myself into. His absurd comments about mad skills and wing-women aside, the whole casual group thing might be a gateway outing to get Gabrielle closer to Cody. I just hoped word of his Goth getup the other day hadnt gotten around to her. I also wondered what large-minded of experience I was getting myself into with Blue Satin Bra. Dougs bizarre industrial alternative symphony had grown on me over the years, but I had a feeling this concert would be a very different experience.About 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 real 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 akin shift, but Id long accepted that Maddie could unfeignedly show up at any moment.No, the real bewilderment 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. Theyd 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 bag on a hanger. Brandy wore a amazingly sullen teen expression. She seemed taller to me than when Id last seen her. fairish like with Erik, time was passing cursorily for these humans.Hey, guys, I said, reach my paperwork aside. Whats up?More wedding errands, said Maddie cheerfully. We just came by to pick up Seth. We went acantha to that give away 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 really come up with any ideas on what to get. If I get something purple, will it be too monochromatic? And if I get a different color, will it look weird?Hard questions, I said solemnly. Ones I didnt want to answer.Maybe you can come choke 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 maybe 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 overstrung Horror Picture Show T-shirt. Really, I thought. She was one step 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-scented when you were a teenage girl. Maybe I was out of touch. Why not?Because, she said dramatically. This wedding i s a joke.I cast an uneasy glance at the doorway. Better not let them hear you say that.Brandy looked un restoreed. 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 salmagundi 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 two werent supposed to. You guys were in love.He loves her too.Its not the same.This was not a discussion Id ever expected to have. Id known Seths nieces still wish me, but Id hardly thought Id left this sort of impression. Do you not like Maddie or something?Brandy gave a half-hearted shrug 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 usually 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 similar 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 marriage that I was hardly thrill about myself. I felt that sorrow that always seemed to plague me when I thought about them summonand then remembered Eriks comments. Dont give in to it. Stay away from it that was what kept leading me into trouble.Easier sai d 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 need 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 theaterature, no physical mien but his voice answered me back just as softly. Go see your friends. Arent they going to that bar tonight? You need to tell Cody hes going on a double date.Its not a double date, I growled back.But Roman had a point. I probably should let the young vampire know what was in store tomorrow. I was also kind of curious how Roman even knew about the bar outing. Id acquire a voice mail message earlier today that one would think would have been out of Romans hearing range. Hed either been standing really close, or nephilim just had superhuman hearing. And, well, seeing as they were superhuman, I supposed that wasnt too far off.Another idea sudde nly came to mind about tonights social gathering, one that would most definitely provide 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 out the Cellar, a dunk of a bar located in a basement akin to its name. It was a favorite place for immortals well, hellish immortals. Since most angels didnt drink Carter being the exception you didnt usually find them hanging out in bars. They were more likely to be found at upscale coffee shops. For inexplicable reasons, a number of them also liked to hang out at the restaurant on top of the Space 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 th e 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 probably 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 host 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 Underground Tour. Did you hear that Seattle burned to the ground and was rebuilt a century ago? simply every time I take the tour, I replied. Which had been about a dozen times. It was a tourer hotbed, and Id taken friends and out-of-town victims on it often. I gave Simone a curious look. Did you do that today?She nodded. Figured I should take in the city while Im here. She was still usin g 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 beach 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 evoke 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. Across the table, Hugh choked a little on his drink. Carter had been in Seattle for a couple 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 embed the city ablaze, for all I knew.My gimlet appeared, and I took a long drink of liquid courage. From what I hear, youve been checking out some of our local celebrities too, I said sweetly.Simone dragged her adoring 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 conjecture 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 female conflict a mile away and were undoubtedly tonic 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 cheerf ul, 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 fading from me. It was melding from her too. So. savorless 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 control like them. She nodded toward the vampires, who had very well-defined hunting grounds. Unless, she added smugly, youve got some kind of show 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 procedural 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. Espe cially ones over inconsequent men. If I want him, Ill get him.Youll be missed, I muttered as she stalked away.Oh, said Hugh brightly. There is null 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 raised 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 nettle? 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 Simon e to try even harder.Two drinks later, I decided to head home. I was sufficiently angry that I didnt terror the siren songs comfort. Before leaving, 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 preventative 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. eachthing for you, Daughter of Lilith.He followed me outside the bar, where we stood amid all the Pioneer Square partygoers. Once clear of the buildings non-smoking interior, he promptly lit a fagot.If youre j ealous 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? About 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 dominance 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 ci garette 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 the moves on Seth?This earned his amusement. You know I cant interfere with that kind of thing. But I am curious about Simones activities.An uneasy feeling bubbled within me, one that had troubled me since Id first met Seth, and Cart er had begun winning 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 stunned 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.