Succubus Revealed Chapter 5

Id been set up mys br averie for Cleveland or Guam. I was too much of a pessimist to imply I king be dispatchered somewhatthing plane moderately appealing. If I was already release through the trauma of leaving Seattle, and hence surely it would be for somewhere terrible.Did you submit Las Vegas? I asked, sinking good deal onto my couch. Immediately, I guessed the catch. Ah. Its non Las Vegas, Nevada, set? Its a divers(prenominal) Las Vegas. New Mexico ? Or some other continent?Sorry to disappoint you and your martyr fantasies, Georgie. Jerome lit a tail and inhaled deeply. Its Las Vegas, Nevada. I think you charge chicane the archdemon in that location Luis. Isnt he a friend of yours?I blinked. Luis? Yeah. I mean, in as much as an archdemon can be. That got a sm in every finis(predicate) smile from Jerome, though I only barely noticed. I had worked for Luis a keen-sighted succession ago, and if I had to be honest, he was probably my favorite boss of all time. That wasnt to say Jerome was a terrible one, but Luis while unyielding however had an easy way ab kayoed him that could sometimes recognise you for beget you were damned for all eternity. So . . . my orders are to go to Las Vegas and work for Luis.Yes, utter Jerome.I looking fored cover at him from where Id been staring vacantly knocked come to the fore(p) the window. Is at that place every way to change that? To stop it? Isnt there anything I can do to precisely stay here? And are you sure its not a mistake what with the delivery mix-up?Jeromes meritless eyebrows uprise. It was one of those rare moments when hed been caught impinge on-guard enough to display surprise. You dont require to go? I mean, Im politictered youd want to stay below my rule, but Id think you would be pleased with this situation. Las Vegas is perfect for a half-ass succubus like you.I treat the jab though he had a point. Las Vegas was much(prenominal) a breeding ground for sin and repurch ase that it was nearly packed to bursting with servants of both Heaven and Hell. It probably had one of the highest concentrations of succubi in the world, meaning it was easy to slue by with quotas. Here, I was the only succubus, so my number of corrupted souls was scrutinized heavily. In Las Vegas, thered be plenty of ball of fire succubi to cover for slackers like me.Its not around you, I said slowly. Its around . . . bent.Jerome sighed loudly and stamped out his cigarette on my coffee table. I supposed I should be glad it wasnt my couch or carpet. Of seam it is. Because in the grand scheme of the universe, your boyfriend is important enough to make Hells HR change their minds rough a re-org. Come on, Georgie. How naive are you? How many carrys book you had over the days? Or maybe I should ask, how many transfers do you fill out of that were cancelled because someone didnt feel like it?None, I micturateted. At most, Hell would take unhappy employees into account an d move them out of places they werent being productive. I had communicate transfers a fling and gotten a couple of them. that once HR made up its mind? That was it. The cold honor of this, that it wasnt a mistake and that I couldnt stop it, was beginning to wrap around me. I tried to make sense of it another way. But why? Why did they decide to this? Ive been a good employee. . . . Yet, even as I spoke, I grew uncertain. Jerome looked at me knowingly.Have you?I retainnt been a bad employee, I amended. non exactly.This isnt a game. We dont want mediocre employees who can keep the status quo. We want souls. We want to win. And youve spent most of your time here being mediocre. Dont glare at me like that. You know Im right. Youve had fits and starts of productivity, the most notable being when you were at a lower place duress. Even thats been inconsistent. Id made a bargain with Jerome a year ago, in which Id behaved like a place succubus for a while. After Id inspection and r epaired rescue him from summoning, thered been an unspoken acceptance of me slacking off once over again without getting any grief from him. If youd thrived here and turned over large amounts of souls, I doubt youd be leaving. So, if youre flavor for someone to blame, look in the mirror.You sure sound smug almost this, I pointed out petulantly. Like youre happy about it.Happy? Happy about the gamble of getting a unused employee or of inheriting Tawny permanently? Hardly. But unlike you, I accept that my happiness center goose egg to my superiors. The only thing that bets is me following their orders. His tone and expression clearly said that the same was genuine for me.I almost never held back from sparring with Jerome, but today I did. Why? Because there was nothing I could say, no bargain I could make with him. Id negotiated a number of favors and allowances in my years with him, things specifically pertaining to my existence here within Seattle. That was his domain. But the rest of the world? That was out of his hear. at that place was nothing he could do to change this reassignment, even if he wanted to. There was nothing I could do either. You upright couldnt fight against some things. Hell was one of them. When Id signed my soul away, Id signed away control of my eternity to them as well.Its not fair. Guessing Jeromes snappy retort, I quickly added, I know, you dont have to say it. Life isnt fair. I get it. But its retributive . . . its just cruel. Seth and I finally managed a working relationship. And now I have to leave him.Jerome shook his head, and I could secernate by his busy stance that he was ready to go. His patience with this conversation was running thin.You know, I might miss some of your witticisms when youre gone, but one thing I wont miss? Your overwhelming sense of melodrama and despair. Its too much even for me.The sorrow and self-pity within me transformed to anger. Im sorry, but this is serious to me How can I not be d isorderliness? I sack out Seth. I dont want to leave him.So dont. Take him with you. Or date long distance. I honestly dont give a fuck, so long as you stop your whining. How can you not see solutions here? Youve apparently decided that you being immortal isnt a deterrent to your great love . . . but a two-hour plane ride is?I felt tolerant of cowed. Normally, I resented Jerome for mocking me when I was upset because I blamed it on his lack of empathy. But now, I had to admit that maybe he was onto something about me being overly melodramatic. Why couldnt I take Seth with me? If Seth really love me, a move shouldnt be a problem. And of all the jobs in the world, he had one of the outflank desirable for a change of venue. Unfortunately, it was a bit more complicated than that. I sighed.I dont know if he would. His familys here, and his sister-in-laws sick. He cant leave them anytime soon. . . .Jerome shrugged. Were back to the part where I dont give a fuck. I do, however, super vise that you go there to visit sooner rather than later. Luis asked if Id send you down in advance to scope out the area for a couple of days. Seeing as bowling practice doesnt start until Monday, I cant facilitate but think this weekend would be an excellent time to get that out of the way. Im happy to attach him but not at the cost of interfering with my team.Really? I scoffed. You expect me to apportion about bowling in light of all this?He gave me a thin-lipped smile. Seeing as youre nonetheless my employee for the adjacent four weeks, yes. I expect you to care about it immensely. He glanced over at Roman, who had observed all of this silently. And I expect you to come up with an excellent training regimen for them. Ill see you both thus.Jerome vanished in a poof of smoke, further verifying how self-satisfied he felt about all of this. Losing me might be inconvenient for him, but I think his demon nature still took some ch build up in seeing the torment of others.I cove red my eyes and rolled over to lie flat on the couch. Oh God. What am I going to do? This cant be happening.Breaking up with Seth stand firm year had torn my heart apart. I had wanted to die. Being reunited with him had felt like being born(p) anew. Id loved career, even my damned one. Now I was starting to feel that terrible, aching desperation again. It wasnt come-at-able that someone could go through so many extreme ups and downs in so short a time span. Welcome to being in love, I legal opinion.I felt Roman sit down by my feet. A moment later, both cats joined us. I uncovered my eyes and found his sea green ones staring down at me. He wasnt exactly tactful, but I have to admit he had a point. Why wouldnt Seth just move with you?Under normal circumstances . . . I had to pause in order to not start laughing. Our circumstances were never normal. Under normal circumstances, he would. But like I was saying, with Andrea, I dont even think he can. And honestly, I wouldnt want him to. I didnt realize that was true until I spoke the words. If Seth dropped everything to run off with me, he would be infliction both himself and his family for my sake. I could never allow that. My heart sank. I cant believe this. How could this have come about so quickly? I was so happy.Roman scratched Aubreys head and leaned back. Thats an excellent question. This was all kind of sudden. Is that how it commonly is?Well, I mean, we never get much warning of transfers. Sometimes you know a re-org is coming. Sometimes you get one after requesting a transfer. Usually, though, someone has a meeting, plans your fate, and you find out about it later. The only eldritch thing here was Jerome apparently having less notice than me.Roman had been staring at the ceiling and then snapped his head back to look at me. I flinched under the intensity of his gaze. Explain that again. What happened and what was unusual.I started to enjoin him Id just explained it but instead swallowed off any sh arp retort, knowing he wasnt the true semen of my irritation. Normally, your archdemon meets with you to tell you the details, and then the letter with the transfer date follows. This happened so fast that I got the letter in front Jerome had a chance to talk to me.Hell doesnt do things without a reason. He reconsidered. Well, impromptu bowling competitions aside. But they like their bureaucracy, their paperwork, and all their details in order. Even if they quickly decided to do a transfer, theyd still follow all their inane procedures. For the letter to have jumped ahead of Jerome getting his instructions, things must have been in earnest expedited. The question why? Why such a rush to get you out of Seattle?I couldnt help a smile. Youre looking for a conspiracy here. I mean, dont get me wrong, I think this sucks. Its terrible. But I dont think theres anything more to it than what Jerome said about me skimping at my job. Which . . . well, which is my fault.Yes, but Hell deals wi th bad employees all the time. They go through reams of procedure to figure out the best way to deal with those people. Pop might be right that Hell cant tolerate mediocre workers, but its not to the extent that they have to deal with it right that second. Whats so special about you that someone would suddenly decide to initiate a hasty transfer?I appreciated that Roman was nerve-wracking to help me, but I didnt want to get caught up in what could easily become an obsessive quest for him. Nephilim had serious grudges with Heaven and Hell and were always looking for ways to challenge and thwart them. Roman himself had once gone on a killing offer of higher immortals. There was something in his nature that wanted there to be more than bad heap here, but I just wasnt sure I believed there was.Carters words echoed in my head, no matter how much I tried to shrug them off If theres a reason, its because youve been doing something Hell doesnt want you to do.You should talk to Carter, I muttered. Hes certain theres a reason too. Seeing Romans expectant look, I halfheartedly tried to humor him. I dont know what it could be. Maybe because I got captured by Oneroi? Maybe theyre worried Im unstable or something. Or that this isnt a beneficial place for me.Roman nodded along with my words. That does make you special. However, if I was worried about an employee losing it, Id want to keep them in a place where I knew they felt stable. Im sure Hell knows youre happy here, and if anything, they might think that ensure bound you to Jerome more closely. Theyd want to encourage that loyalty.Hell doesnt need to encourage loyalty, I told him. All they care about is that I signed my soul over to them. Thats bigger than loyalty.A startled look track his face. That is all they care about. Georgina, when did this happen? Exactly when did this happen?Er, the letter?There was a fanatic look in his eyes. No question. He was getting obsessed. Yes.This morning. It showed up at Seths. I sensed the courier and woke up to it.You were at Seths. What were you doing at the time? What were you doing just before then? Hed stopped petting Aubrey, and she slithered toward me in a huff, seeking a more attentive audience. Walk me backward from that point.Well, like I said, I was sleeping. sooner that . . . I winced, remembering getting into bed with Ian. I met Seths mom and younger brother. Before that, I was at Peters fondue party. Before that, I was at the mall Peters. Tell me about Peters. Did anything weird happen to you there?I cut him a look. It was a fondue party at a vampires. Everything about that is weird.Im trying to help you There was a forced, agitated quality to his voice as he leaned toward me. Just resist off on the jokes, okay? Think. What happened to you specifically? What did you talk about? What did they say to you?I was growing increasingly uncomfortable at his intensity. They were teasing me about my job, I said.Jerome too?Of course. He said me be ing an elf was an embarrassment and that I should do something else. A shocking thought process hit me. Roman . . . you dont think Jerome requested the transfer, did you? Could he really be that upset with me? That embarrassed?I dont know, admitted Roman. He absentmindedly ran a great deal through his curling dark hair. Its possible. Some of the weirdness might be explained away if Jerome was trying to track that he initiated all this. But then, its not like any of your other friends are exactly normal. If something was going to embarrass Jerome enough to get rid of an employee, I kind of feel like there would have been a lot of other opportunities before you. Anything else come up?I asked them about I hesitated. The point was still sensitive for me. It was hard to mention to Roman, and I could hardly believe Id had the guts to bring it up to the gang that night. Roman caught my uncertainty and pounced. What? What else? What did you ask them about?I waited a few more moments a nd then decided to tell him. It couldnt hurt, and besides, for all I knew, Roman had mentioned my name to Seth.About a month ago, when we were in bed, Seth called me Letha when he was half-asleep. When I asked him how he knew that name, he couldnt remember. He couldnt even remember calling me that. So, I asked the group that night if any of them had told my name to Seth.And?And they all said no. Cody didnt even know my name. I got berated for being melodramatic again, and the general consensus was that Seth had just overheard it from me or someone else and forgotten.Roman was silent, which was almost more unnerving than him grilling me. I straightened up and nudged him.Hey, you didnt tell Seth, did you?Huh? No. He frowned, caught up in his own thoughts. What did Jerome think? Did he concur with that theory?Yes. He thought me bringing it up was a summarize waste of time and didnt hesitate to tell me. He was so bored by it that he started public lecture about bowling instead.Thats w hen he told you about the bowling team? The bowling team that came out of nowhere?Yeah. . . . Now I was frowning. It was clear that Romans thoughts were running off to a place I wasnt at or able to follow. Why? What are you thinking? Is this related somehow?I dont know, he said at last. He stood up and paced the living room a couple of times. I need to think about this. I need to ask some questions. What are you going to do now?I rose as well and stretched, suddenly feeling weary. I need to talk to Seth. I have to tell him what happened. And I suppose . . . I made a face. If I do have to go to Las Vegas, this weekend is the time to do it.So you dont miss bowling practice? teased Roman.That, and I have it off from work. Seths pretty tied up with his family in town, which makes it another good time to go. Although . . . itd kind of be enough if he went with me. I mean, if he was going to think about moving, he could check it out too. Yet, again, that business organization returned t o me how could I ask Seth to abandon Terry and Andrea?Actually, said Roman, humor vanishing, I think its best he doesnt go.Why not?Because whatever the reasons, somethings just not right about this. I dont know whats waiting for you in Las Vegas. Maybe nothing. But I just feel like theres a larger hand in all of this, guiding it, and that its safest for Seth if you dont drag him into immortal drama. Romans face softened. Im actually not thrilled about you facing it alone, but Im not sure me walking into a hotbed of immortal occupation is so smart either.Ill be fine, I said, trying to not be put off by his ominous words. No matter how terrible a transfer is, I have to admit, I got kind of lucky with this one. I mean, Im not saying I trust any demons, but if I had to, it would be Luis. Hes really great, and Vegas is, well, Vegas. Like I said. I got lucky.Roman grew thoughtful again. Yes. Yes, you did.The next day, I found Seth later at his brothers house. Andrea had had another trea tment that day and was sleeping it off. Seth and Margaret were helping take care of the household as best they could, cooking a late dinner and lookout stationing the girls. I arrived at about the same time as Terry got home from work, and our double entrance was greeted with shouts and hugs. I scooped Kayla up in my arms and kissed her while Terry asked what I had been wondering.Wheres Ian?Seth and Margaret exchanged looks. Ian had some things to do, she said neutrally.Yeah, concord Seth. In the form of scoping out ironic parts of Seattle.So much for Ian stepping up to help the family. No doubt hed found new hipster friends at a coffee shop and was now break out with them somewhere, drinking PBR and regaling them with stories of all the obscure bands he knew.Terry smiled good-naturedly. Well, thats his loss because dinner smells great. More for us. He swung Kendall around and kissed his other daughters before going upstairs to check on Andrea. I felt a lump form in my throat as I watched him go. He put on such a good face for the kids, but I knew this had to be tearing his heart apart. My own small concerns seemed exactly that petty. Small. Inconsequential.Nonetheless, news of the transfer weighed on my mind throughout dinner. Id wanted to wait until Seth and I were alone at his place, but my face must have betrayed my feelings.Hey, he said gently, slipping an arm around me. The family was gathered in the living room, starting a movie, while Seth and I stood in the thresholdway to the kitchen. Everything okay? I hesitated, unsure about bringing it up here. Sensing that, he pulled me into the hiding of the kitchen. Thetis, talk to me.I got some bad news today, I began. I tried to think of a clever or funny way to lead into it, but nothing came. So, I just blurted it all out, explaining the inarguable nature of transfers and the details of mine.Las Vegas, he said flatly. He looked as though hed been slapped. Youre moving to Las Vegas.not for a month, I sa id, clasping his hands. And believe me, I dont want to. God, Seth. I still cant believe it. Im sorry. Im so, so sorry.Hey, dont apologize. Not for this. He drew me near, the kindness and compassion on his face nearly making me cry. This isnt your fault. You have nothing to be sorry about.I shook my head. I know, but . . . its just so crazy. I thought this was it. Our chance to be together. And now I dont know what to do. I cant ask you to . . .Ask me to what?I leaned my head against his chest. Come with me.He was quiet for a few moments. Would they let me? I always thought . . . I mean, whenever youve talked about your past, it always sounded like you reinvented yourself. New name, new appearance. I thought you had to leave your past life behind.I have, but that was always just my choice. For you . . . I mean, of course I wouldnt do that. Id stay Georgina Kincaid, just as you know her. But you cant leave them. I gestured to the living room. Its not worth it.Seth travel his hands to my head, tilting my face up so I could look him in the eye. Georgina, he said softly. I love you. Youre worth it. Youre everything to me. Id follow you to the ends of the earth. And beyond.That doesnt make sense. I smiled sadly. And Im not everything. You love them too. And youd hate yourself for running off with me while they need you so much.So, what? Youve made my choice for me? he asked. There was a playful broadside to his voice, despite the deadly seriousness of the topic. Are we breaking up?No Of course not. I just . . . I just want you to know that I dont expect you to come with me. Do I want to be with you? Yes, of course. But I love your family, Seth. I love all of them. My happiness . . . It was strange, speaking those words. My happiness. For so long, Id been miserable. Happiness wasnt even a concept Id imagined for myself in ages. My happiness isnt worth theirs.He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. What about mine?I stared in astonishment. Are you saying y oud abandon them and run off to Las Vegas?No, he said firmly. I would never abandon them. But there must be some oculus ground here. Some way that doesnt involve sacrificing us or them. We just have to figure it out. What we have is too important. Dont give up on us yet, okay?I hugged him, losing myself in the sweetness of his heat energy and scent. My heart had lightened a little at his words, but I still didnt want to get my hopes up. There was too much at stake, still too much that could go wrong.I love you, I told him.I love you too. He squeezed me tight and then kissed me again before pulling apart. Now. Lets go watch that movie and pretend to be social so that we can leave early.Why?Because if youre going to Vegas this weekend, then I want to get you home and get some quality time in tonight.I grinned and put my arm around him. Does quality time mean what I think it does?Yes, he said, as we walked back to the living room. Yes, it does.Well, then, you know thats against the r ules.Rules that you made up, he pointed out.Rules that are for your own good, I corrected. Its not time yet. Remember, we have to ration ourselves.It was part of the conditions of us getting back together. Keeping strictly platonic before had strained us, so this time, Id agreed that some sex was okay . . . even though I cringed at the thought of how each act, no matter how small, would take away some of his life. Seth had told me he didnt care, that hed take any risk to be with me. I was still cautious, and hed yielded to me to set the schedule for our rationed sex life. I still wasnt entirely sure what constituted proper rationing in this situation, but something in my head said we should have sex only every few months. I hadnt told Seth that, though. It had been one month since the last and only time wed had sex since getting back together as a mortal and a succubus, and I knew he was getting restless. It was especially difficult for him because although he respected me, he als o didnt think such caution was needed when he was the one who faced the dangers dangers he swore he didnt mind.Not tonight, I continued.Its practically a special occasion, though, he told me. A big send-off.Hey, I didnt say we couldnt do anything, I replied. Just not as much as youd like to do. One thing wed inherited from our virgin days was a set of several creative workarounds, mostly involving doing unto ourselves what we couldnt do unto each other. The question is, is there going to be a problem with your houseguests?Not if were quiet, Seth said. After a moment, he shrugged. light upon that. I dont care. Let them hear.I scoffed. Oh, yeah. So that your mom can come break down your door with her baseball bat.Dont worry, he said, kissing my cheek. Shes no match for you and that dictionary.