Succubus Blues CHAPTER 17

I woke to the sound of Aubrey purring in my ear. Sensing my consciousness, she moved closer and licked the part of my cheek near my earlobe, her byssus gently rubbing against my skin. It tickled. Squirming slightly, I opened my eyes. To my astonishment, light, color, and shapes came through to me albeit in a blurred, distorted manner.I tush see, I muttered to Aubrey, straining to sit up. Immediately, myriad aches and pains screamed alto deposither everywhere my body, making the motion difficult. I lay stretched egress on my couch, an old afghan tossed over me.Of course you spate see, Jeromes cold vocalize in straininged me. Aubrey fled. Though itd serve you remedy if you couldnt. What were you thinking, looking at an angel in full form?I wasnt, I told him, squinting at his dark-clad shape pacing in front of me. Thinking, that was.Obviously.Lay dour, came Carters compendious voice from roughwhere behind me.Straightening up and peering around, I made out his fuzzy form inclination against a wall. Peter, Cody, and Hugh excessively stood nearby in the room. It was a regular, dysfunctional family reunion. I couldnt protagonist just now laugh.And you were in that location, and you were thereCody sat down beside me, his features materializing into sharp focus as he leaned in to study my count closer. Gently, he ran a finger along integrity of my cheekb hotshots, frowning. What happened?I sobered up. Is it that bad?No, he lied. Hugh was worse. The imp made a nondistinct noise crossways the room.I already cut what happened, snapped Jerome. I didnt privation to see the demons face in detail to know he was glaring at me. What I dont understand is why it happened. Did you actually try to come up with the most dangerous situation possible? Hmm, lets see dark bowling alley, no i around That sort of thing?No, I shot concealment. I wasnt thinking of that. I wasnt thinking of anything except cash in ones chipsting home. I related the evenings even ts to the best of my ability, beginning with the footsteps, ending with Carter.When Id stop overed, Hugh sat down in an armchair across from me, pensive. Pauses, huh?What?The way you tell what happened you got hit, pause, because a nonher one, pause, then another one. Right?yea, so? I dont know. Isnt that how fights get to? Punch, draw back, get ready for another? Besides, were talking astir(predicate) breaks of, deal, a second or so. not real breathing time.There was nothing like that for me. I had slashing too. It was an onslaught. A stream of blows, continuously. It defied thought or ability. Definitely supernatural.Well, so was this, I countered. Believe me, I couldnt fight against it. It wasnt some mortal mugging, if thats what youre suggesting. Hugh just shrugged.Silence fell, and I gave the imp a sidelong glance to the best of my limited visions ability. Theyre looking meaningfully at distributively other, argonnt they?Who?Carter and Jerome. I brush off feel it. I o ff to Carter, suddenly wondering if my hinge on last shadow had been for naught. I dont suppose you salvaged the shopping bag I had on me?Walking over to my kitchen counter, the angel produced a bag and tossed it to me. My depth perception still off, I missed, and the bag bounced off the couch onto the floor. The book slipped out. Jerome snatched it up in an instant and read the title.Fuck me, Georgie. Is this why you were out skulking in dark corners? This is what you nearly got killed for? I told you to lay off the vampire hunter investigating Oh come on, cried Cody, jumping up in my defense. no(prenominal) of us count that any more than. We know theres an angel doing this An angel? I hear heavy amusement and even a scoff in the demons words.No mortal did that to me, I agree hotly. Or to Hugh. Or to Lucinda. Or to Duane. It was a nephilim.A nephi -what? asked Hugh, startled.Isnt that a character on Sesame channel? Peter spoke up for the first time.Jerome stared silently at me for a moment, then finally demanded, Who told you about that? Not waiting for an answer, he turned toward the angel. You know youre not supposed to It wasnt me, retorted Carter mildly. Im guessing she figured it out on her own. You dont put enough faith in your own people.I did find out on my own, though I had help.I briefly detailed my string of leads, how one had led to another, from Erik to the book at Krystal Starz.Shit, muttered Jerome, after listening to my spiel. Fucking Nancy Drew.Okay, said Peter, compelling chase or no, you still puddlent told us what a nephilopogus is. Nephilim, I corrected. Hesitantly, I looked at Jerome. Can I?Youre asking me for permission? How quaint.Taking that as acquiescence, I began uncertain(p)ly, Nephilimare the offspring of angels and humans. Like in that passage in Genesis. Where the angels fell and took human wives? Nephilim are the result. They baffle certain abilities I dont know all of them strength and precedent like Greek heroes Or like study nuisances, added Jerome bitterly. Dont forget that.How so? Hugh asked.I continued when Jerome didnt. Well what I read said they used to vitrine strife and slaughter among humans.Yeah, but this ones not going after humans, pointed out Peter.Carter shrugged. Theyre unpredictable. They dont play by anyones rules, and honestly, were not really sure what this ones intentions are. Its playing a game, thats for sure, what with its attacks on random immortals and that note it sent Georgina.Two notes, I corrected. I got another one just before Lucinda died, but I was with Seth all night and didnt read it until the next day.Hugh and the vampires turned to stare at me.You were with Seth all night? asked Cody, astonished.Which ones he again? Hugh asked.The writer, provided Peter.The imp regarded me with new inte sopor. Whatd you do all night then?Can we not discuss Georginas love vivification right now, fascinating though it may be? Jerome gave me a speculative look. Unless, o f course, this Seth person is psyche of strong moral character and principle whose life energy you plan on stealing currently in support of the greater cause of evil and its goals.Right on the first, not on the rest. fiendish it. I need a drink.Help yourself.Jerome wandered over to my liquor cabinet and sifted through its contents.So how can we spot this nephilim ? asked Cody, getting us back on track.I glanced uncertainly at Carter and Jerome. I didnt know any of the technicalities.You cant, the angel announced cheerfully.They can hide their signature too, then. Like higher immortals. He nodded back at me. Yes, they hold up the worst characteristics of both their parents. Ample power and pseudo-angelic abilities, mixed with rebelliousness, a love of the corporeal world, and poor impulse control.How much power? I valued to know. Theyre half-human, right? So half the power?Thats the clincher. Jerome looked much more cheerful with a glass of gin in hand. It varies wildly, just as each angel has a different level of power. One thing is clear Nephilim inherit a dance orchestra more than half their parents power, though they can never exceed it. Its still plenty which is why Ive been arduous to knock sense into all of you to stay clear. A nephilim could easily blow one of you out of the water. save not one of you. Peter spoke the words more as a statement than a question, despite the uncertain note lacing his voice.Neither angel nor demon responded, and another piece clicked into speckle for me.Thats why you guys are going around with your signatures masked. Youre hiding from it too.Were merely taking appropriate precautions, Jerome protested.It ran from you, I reminded Carter. You must down been stronger than it.Probably, he agreed. I was more concerned with you, so I didnt get a hot sense. An angel in full form will freak most macrocosms out itll kill a mortal so I could have been stronger than it or not. Hard to say.I didnt like that answer, not a t all. What were you doing there anyway?The angels trademark sarcastic smile appeared. What do you think? I was following you around.I started. What? Then I was right that day at EriksAfraid so. My God, said Peter, amazed. You really were on to something, Georgina. At least about him stalking you.I felt semivindicated, even if Carter obviously didnt seem to be the culprit anymore. Hugh had been right in accusing me of bias. I had really penuryed Carter to be the responsible company for all these attacks, as a sort of payback for all the times hed mocked me. His timely intervention in the alley only muddled my opinion of him now.Carter explained, After realizing that first note was probably from this nephilim, I thought itd be prudent to pop in once in a while since our friend here seems to have an especial interest in you. My intention was to catch him or her off-guard, not to help you, though Im content to have been able to. Plus, that day at EriksHe looked over at Jerome. The d emon threw his arms in the air. Sure? why not? Tell them. Tell them everything. They already know too much.Erik? I prompted.This thing, this nephilim Carter paused thoughtfully. This being knows a surprising amount about us and about the immortal community.Well its like you said, right? asked Peter. This nephilim would find one of us and follow him or her around.No. I mean, yes, thats possible, but evidence indicates this one knows much more than simple surveillance might give itFor Chrissake, Jerome snapped, if youre going to tell them, tell them. can speaking in riddles. The demon turned to us. Hes saying this nephilim is working with a leak. Someones feeding it information about the immortal community here.Cody caught the insinuation just as I did. You think Eriks doing it.Hes the strongest suspect, admitted Carter apologetically. Hes been here for decades, and he has the natural endowment to sense immortals.And to think, he spoke so well of you, I murmured, feeling aghast. Wel l, youre wrong. Its not him. Not Erik.Dont get huffy about it now, Georgie. Hes not our only lead, just the most likely.And I dont like it any more than you, the angel added. But we cant dismiss any possibilities. We need to neutralize this nephilim threat soon. Its out of hand well get outside involvement before long, and thats always a pain.Then why arent you letting us help you? I cried. Why all the secrecy?Are you deaf? Its for your own protection. This thing could blast you to Armageddon Jerome downed the rest of his gin in a flurry.I didnt buy it. There was more than just our safety at stake here. Jerome still hadnt come clean. Yes, but The committee meeting is over, he interrupted me icily. Would the rest of you justify Georgina and me?Oh shit. I looked desperately at my friends, hoping they might stay and defend me, but they all scurried out. Cowards, I thought. None of them would cross Jerome when he spoke like that. Okay, I wouldnt have either in their shoes.Carter, I no ticed, did not leave. The directive apparently did not apply to him.Georgie, began Jerome carefully, once the others were gone, you and I seem to be facing off more often than not lately. I dont like it.Its not exactly facing off, I noted, squirming uneasily, recalling his march of power at the hospital and threat to stash me somewhere. Were just having differences of opinion lately.Differences that can get you killed.Jerome, this cant possibly just be about No more.A wall of power slammed into me, throwing me back against the couch. It was like one of those carnival rides where people stand along the sides of a round room that spins faster and faster until inactivity pins everyones limbs to the walls. Moving became agony. Even breathing was a struggle. I felt like Atlas, bearing the brunt of the worlds weight.Jeromes voice boomed inside(a) my head, and some brave part of me cursed his parlor tricks, even as the rest of me recoiled.I need you to listen to me for once without con stantly interrupting. You cannot keep poking around here. Doing so calls attention to yourself, and you already have a lot more of it on you from this nephilim than I would like. I neither need nor want a new succubus. Ive grown accustomed to you, Georgina. I do not want to lose you. I am more lenient with you than I should be, however. You get away with things no other archdemon would allow. I havent minded indulging you thus far, but things can change especially if you continue to be insubordinate. I can have you transferred somewhere else, away from this cozy delusion of a human life youve established. Or I can call Lilithin and report your behavior to her directly. Im sure shed he happy to do a little develop with you.My heart stopped at the mention of the Succubus Queen. I had met her only once, when I first conjugated the ranks. That encounter, rather like seeing Carter in all his angelic glory, was not an experience I wanted to repeat anytime soon.Do you understand?Y-yes .Are you sure?The pressure increased, and it was all I could do to contend a weak nod. The psychic cage abruptly dropped, and I slumped forward, taking in deep breaths. I could still feel where his power had touched me, rather like a tactile version of the afterimage one sees with a camera flash.Im glad you understand, and Im sure youll also understand if I dont entirely believe you. Its part of the nature of our side.Is this is this the part where you stash me somewhere?He chuckled softly. Menacingly. No. Not yet at least. Frankly, I think you just need a little supervision to stay out of trouble. Im also not entirely convinced you and the nephilim merely have a passing relationship.A retort was on my lips, but I bit it off, my skin still burning.Id have one of your friends do it, but I dont doubt you could wrap any of them around your smallest finger. No, you need babysitting by someone who wont bend, who wont fall for your tricks.Tricks? Who then? For a minute, I half thought he referred to himself until I noticed Carters smug smile. Oh man. You cant be serious.Itll go steady you toe the line, Georgie. Whats more, it will keep you alive.Youre practically our best lead at the moment, Carter explained. This nephilim has some interest in you, even though that interest seems to have shifted a bit from note-passing to assault.Carter will be ready if it tries to finish what he interrupted. He can also shield your apartment from prying eyes.But itll sense him when we go out I tried weakly.No more than you can now, Carter reminded me. And Ill be invisible. A ghost at your side. An angel on your shoulder, if you will. You wont even know Im around.Jerome, please, you cant do this I can, and I will. Unless, like I said, you want me to have a chat with Lilith ?Damn him. The threat of Lilith was stronger than any potential stashing, and he knew it.Good. If theres no get along discussion then, Ill take my leave and let you two get situated. Jerome glanced between u s, dark eyes resting on me a moment. Oh, by the way. Do check yourself out in a mirror at some point.I scowled, thinking of Codys scrutiny of my injuries. Thanks for reminding me.What Im reminding you of is that youre a succubus. Those bruises are a manifestation of believing youre human. You are not. You have to feel them, but you dont have to wear them.With that, the demon vanished in an eye blink, leaving a faint smell of brimstone in his wake that I suspected was pure showmanship.So, do I get the couch? Carter asked me cheerfully.Go to hell. I left the room to go check out my reflection. simply a nice way to treat your new roommate.I didnt ask for your I stopped center(a) down the hallway. Id spent the last couple of weeks suspecting Carter of murder and other terrible things Id spent the last half-century hating him as a person. Yet hed just saved my life, and I hadnt uttered one word of thanks.I turned toward him, dreading what I now had to say.Im sorry.He wore a look simila r to the one Jerome had had when I asked his permission earlier. unfeignedly? For just now?For not thanking you earlier. For saving me out there. I mean, Im not happy about you shacking up here, but I am grateful for what you did then. And Im sorry, too, if I havent exactly been nice to you.The angels expression was unreadable. Glad to have helped.Not knowing what else to say, I turned and kept walking.What are you going to do now? he asked.I paused again. Look at the damage and then go to bed. Im tired. And I hurt.Aw, no slumber party games or popcorn? No makeovers?Dont take this personally, but you could use a makeover. You look like a refugee. Why I swallowed and rephrased my words as I studied him. When I saw you out there, on the street, you were you were so beautiful. The most beautiful thing Ive ever seen. My voice came out as a whisper.Carters face turned grave. Jeromes the same way, you know. In his true form. Just as beautiful. Angels and demons come from the same stock. He look ats that washbasin Cusack wannabe shape by choice.Why? Why does he do that? And why do you choose to look like a junkie or a bum?The edges of the angels lips turned slightly upward. Why does a woman who claims she wants to avoid the attention of nice men choose a form that makes everyone around her do a double take and stare?I swallowed again, lost in the far reaches of his eyes, but not in the same way I had been lost in Romans or Seths eyes. It was more like the angel could see all the way through me, through all of my facades, down to my soul or what remained of it.With great effort, I broke that scrutiny, turning back toward my bedroom.No one is punished forever, he told me gently.Yeah? Thats not what I hear. Good night.I went into my bedroom, closing my door behind me. Just before it clicked, I heard Carter call, So, whos making breakfast?