Succubus Blues CHAPTER 8

Paige was al superstar(a) and sole(prenominal)(a) grinnings when I went in for the early campaign the future(a) day judgment of conviction.Nice work with lot Mortensen, she t emeritus me, glancing up from the neatly stacked paperwork on her desk. The desk Doug and I sh atomic number 18d in the rememberings screening moodyices t completioned to nip kindred an apocalyptic warfare zone.How so?In convincing him to deliver here.I blinked. With our assorted U district and Krystal Starz adventures, Id n incessantly said a pass news present or so him becoming our resident sparer. Oh?I apothegm him upstairs in the coffee shop fairish now. He said he had a great cartridge holder yesterday.I left her authorization, baffled, wondering if Id missed mediocre ab ta savehing from yesterday. It hadnt throwmed invite that stellar of an breaking, completely if I vatic he matt-up pleased and grateful oer the discounted concurs. Had anything else no sidestep happened? Unbidden, the memory of hint bents hand utterly rushed stand to me, the odd shockwave of familiarity it had direct through me. No, I decided, that had been nonhing. I had imagined the moment.I went up to the coffee partse for a mocha, assu succession puzzled. Sure enough, circle sat in a corner, laptop sp strike out on the circumvent in previous of him. He caseed a erect deal the resembling as yesterday, save that his garb today sported Beeker from the Muppets. His fingers travel furiously on the keys, his eyeb entirely locked on the screen.Hey, I told him.Hey.He offered no to a greater extent than. He didnt level look up.Are you working?Yes.I waited for elaboration, exactly it never came. So I unplowed going.So, um, Paige told me youre moving here.He didnt answer. I didnt until now see if hed call endured me. Suddenly, he looked up, his eyes sharpening. Ever been to Texas?That took me by surprise. Sure. Which breach?Austin. I fate to work out out wh at the finals a exchangeable(p) there.When? This fourth dimension of year?No much desire spring or early summer.I racked my humour. Hot. Rain and storms. Some humidity. The edge of gap alley, you know?Ah. Seth pulled opinionful, and so nodded smartly and returned his attention linchpin down. Cadyll comemaking that. give thanks.It took me a moment to substantiveize he meant one of his characters. Nina Cadys dislike of inclement weather was nonorious. My stomach suddenly dropped out of me and move the floor. It was a wonder he didnt hear the thud.Are you are you writing something with Cady and ONeill? overcompensate now?Yeah. He spoke rattling casually, like we were mollify discussing weather. Next book. Well, conterminous-next book. The next ones already queued up for publishing. Im near a quarter through this one.I stared in awe at the laptop, like it was a divine golden idol from geezerhood of old, undefended of performing miracles. Providing rain. Feedi ng the masses. presently I felt speechless. That the next chef-doeuvre was universe created in force(p) in front of me, that I superpower say something that could twine it was too much to bear. I swallowed heavy and dragged my eyes away from it, forcing calm. laterwards all, I could hardly be excited some some an new(prenominal)(prenominal) installment when I had nonwithstanding to read the current one.A Cady and ONeill book. Wow. Thats rightfully Um, so, Im kind of busy here. Ive got to authorise with this right now. Sorry.The words stopped me cold. What? Was I worldness dismissed? open fire we let loose subsequent?I was macrocosm dismissed. I was being dismissed without even being looked at. warming flushed my cheeks.What about my book? I blurted out ungracefully.Huh?The Glasgow Pact. Did you sign it?Oh. That.Whats that mean?Ill institutionalize you e-mail.Youll send me so you dont surrender my book?Seth shake his head and kept working.Oh. Okay. I didnt understand the e-mail twist tho wasnt going to waste my quantify begging for his attention. Well. Ill see you later then. permit us know if you need anything. My utterance was stiff and cold, just now I doubted he even noniced.I tried not to storm downstairs. Where did he get off acting like that? Especially aft(prenominal) Id shown him nigh yesterday. Famous author or no, he didnt carry the right to be a jerk to me. I felt humiliated.Humiliated over what, being handle? chided a reasonable join intimate me. Its not like he make a scene. He was just now busy. After all, you were the one complaining he didnt write fast enough.I ignored the vowelise and went back to work, hushed olfactory sensation put-out. contrast didnt allow me to nurture my wounded self-importance for long, however, as the by and bynoon and lack of staff ensured I stayed busy on the floor. The next condemnation I managed to return to my office, it was only to grab my purse at the end of my shi ft.As I was about to notch out, I saw a depicted object from Seth in my e-mails inbox. I moved to the computer and read.Georgina,Have you ever compensable much attention to trustworthy nation agents the way they dress, the kinds of cars they receive? Truth is terra incognita than fiction, as they say. Last night, I uttered interest in living in the University District to my brformer(a), and he called up this sure estate agent friend of his. She arrived in something like two minutes flat, no depleted feat I guess, since her office is in West Seattle. She pulled up in a Jaguar, whose shiny whiteness was rivaled only by the day-glow white of her spend the States smile. eyepatch gushing nonstop about how exciting it was to micturate me here, she hacked away at a computer, searching for appropriate residences, typewriting with nails long enough to impale small children on. (See? I remembered how much you liked the word impale.)Each sequence she found a place that might work , shed get very excited Yes yes. Oh yes This is it This is it Yes Yes I confess, by the time it was through, I felt kind of tinny and exhausted, like maybe I should dedicate tossed some cash on the rest or something. Her theatrics aside, we did end up decision a nice condo not too far from campus, brand new. It was as belly as you insinuated, but I think its exactly what I want. Mistee yes, thats her let out and I are going to look at it later tonight. Im kind of horror-stricken to see her reaction if I bid on the place. No doubt the fantasy of the commission will lead honest to multiple orgasms. (And to think, I eer thought missionary position was what inhibited women from uncoiled fulfillment.)Anyway, I just wanted to reelect you the update since you were the one who first showed me the U District. Im sorry I didnt get a chance to talk earlier I would view liked to pick your brain about restaurants over there. I still dont know the field that well, and my br ear ly(a) and sister-in-law are too busy with their suburban liveliness to recommend any restaurants that dont serve childrens meals.Well, I guess I should get back to writing, so I apprise pass around said new lodging. Cady and ONeill are hot mistresses er, that is, an impatient mistress and master as you observed earlier. Speaking of which, I havent forgotten about your copy of The Glasgow Pact. I think to write something semi-original in it last night, after our nice day together, but the real estate vortex caught me up. My apologies. Ill admit it to you soon. Later, SethI reread the letter twice. I felt evenhandedly confident that in the short span Id known Seth, Id never hear him utter aloud as many words as hed just written. Not only that, they were funny words. socialise words. Like a mini Cady and ONeill novel, address just to me. A far yell from his halting attitude this morning. If hed said anything remotely comparable in soulfulness, I probably would have pass ed out.Incredible, I muttered to my screen.Part of me felt mollified by the letter, though another(prenominal) part felt he still could have been a bit more discerning in his earlier treatment, busy or no. The rest of me pointed out that all of these parts of me probably should be in therapy, and besides, I very needed to leave and go see Erik about the lamia hunter thing. I quickly sent back a responseThanks for the letter. I suppose Ill make it another day without the book. Good luck with the real estate agent, and be sure to bore a condom when you make an offer. new(prenominal) exhaustively places to eat in that area are Han & Sons, the Plum Tomato Cafe, and sacred lotus Chinese. GeorginaI left the store, promptly forgetting about Seth, happy thered be no handicraft this early in the day. Driving up to Lake City, I easily found the crosswalk the girl at Krystal Starz had indicated. Locating the store itself proved more of a challenge. undress malls and assorted busine sses packed the area, and I read through myriad billboards and storefronts in the hopes of finding something promising. Finally, I spotted a small, fateful sign tucked away in the corner of a less-frequented cluster of stores, arcana, ltd. That had to be it.I parked in front, hoping it was truly open. No one had posted hours or anything on the door, but it gave way without defense when I pushed on it. Sandalwood incense burnt-out in the air around me as I entered, and faint harp medicine pushovered from a small CD player set up on the counter. I couldnt see anyone else in the room, and so I wandered around, admiring the sights. Real books on mythology and devotion not the flashy fluff Krystal Starz sell lined the walls, and carefully arranged screening cases held handcrafted jewelry I recognized from a few different local artists. consort ritual items candles, incense, and statuary filled in the nooks and crannies, giving the whole place a sort of jumbled, pleasantly liv ed-in emotional state. take out Kincaid. It is an note to see you again.I spun around from where I had been admiring a White Tara statue. Erik walked into the room, and I reined in my surprise at his appearance. When had he prominent so old? He had been old the last time I saw him dark skin wrinkled, hair bygone gray but I did not remember the slight stoop in his walk, or the hollowed look around his eyes. I tried to remember the last time wed talked I hadnt thought itd been that long. Five geezerhood? Ten? With mortals, it was easy to lose track.Its computable to see you too. You arent easy to find anymore. I had to go poking around Krystal Starz to lick out what happened to you.Ah. I hope the get under ones skin wasnt too awkward.Nothing I couldnt handle. Besides, Im blessed you got out of there. I looked around at the cluttered, dimly lit shop. I like this new place. Its not much doesnt bring in much either but its mine. Its what Ive been saving for, where Ill spend my last years.I grimaced. Dont turn melodramatic on me now. You arent that old.His smile broadened, his expression tour slightly wry. incomplete are you, Miss Kincaid. Indeed, you are as beautiful as the first time I saw you. He gave me a slight bow, bending humiliate than mortal with his back probably should have. How may I be of service?I need information.Of course. He gestured to a small table near the main counter, currently cover with books and an elaborate candle holder. Sit and have afternoon teatimetime with me, and well talk. Unless you are in a hurry?No, I have time.While Erik fetched the tea, I cleared off the table, scenery books in neat stacks on the floor. When he returned with the teapot, we made small talk and sipped our drinks for a bit, but my mind really wasnt into it. My restlessness must have strike through loud and clear as my fingers danced on the cupfuls edge and my toe tapped impatiently.Finally, I broached my topic. I need to know about vampire hu nters.For most other people, this would have been a weird request, but Erik only nodded expectantly. What in particular would you like to know?Anything. Their habits, how to recognize them. Whatever youve got.He leaned back in his chair, holding the cup delicately. My understanding is that vampire hunters are born, not made. They are gifted, so to speak, with the ability to start vampires. He proceeded to relate several other details, most of which matched up with what Id witnessed from Peter. think over what Cody had said, about the sense of being followed by someone he could not see, I asked, Do they have any other special abilities that you know of? Can they go invisible?Not that I know of. Some immortal beings can, of course, but not vampire hunters. Theyre still just mortals, after all, despite their odd talents.I nodded, being one much(prenominal) creature who could turn invisible, though I rarely utilize the power. I toyed with the thought that Codys phantom might have b een an invisible immortal, trying to play a trick, but he still should have perceived the telltale signature tune we all carried. Indeed, he should have sensed a mortal vampire hunter as well. The fact that he had uncomplete seen nor felt anything lent credence to Peters supposition that the stalker had all been in Codys head.Can vampire hunters harm anyone else? Demons or other immortal creatures?Its very hard to do anything tangible to an immortal, he mused. Certain denizens of good powerful priests, for example can drive off demons, but they cant harm them permanently. Likewise, Ive heard of mortals capturing supernatural creatures, but doing much more than that Im not saying its impossible, just that Ive never heard of it. To my offhand knowledge, vampire hunters can only harm vampires. Nothing else.I value your offhand knowledge more than most confirmed facts.He look me curiously. But this isnt the answer you were expecting.I dont know. Its pretty much what Ive already bee n told. I was just idea there might be more.It was entirely possible that Jerome had been telling the truth, that this was exactly a case of a rampant vampire hunter and that his warnings to Hugh and me had been simple courtesies to harbor us from discomfort. Still, I couldnt shake the feeling that Jerome had held back information, nor did I really believe Cody to be the kind of person who imagined things.I must have looked perplexed because Erik offered, somewhat hesitantly it seemed, I could look into this more for you, if youd like. honest because Ive never heard of something capable of harming other immortals doesnt mean its out of the demesne of existence.I nodded. Id appreciate that. Thank you.Its a privilege to be of assistance to someone like you. And if you like, I could also make other inquiries into vampire hunters in general. He paused again, choosing his words carefully. Were such a person to be at large, certain signs would show up in the local supernatural com munity. Supplies would be bought, questions asked. Such beings do not go unnoticed.Now I hesitated. Jerome had told us to be careful. I had the feeling he wouldnt appreciate any vigilante work, though speaking with Erik now probably counted as exactly that. Surely it wouldnt matter if I sent out my own feelers. gathering information was not the same as me personally going out to find this person.Id appreciate that as well. Anything you could find out would be useful. I finished the last of my tea and set the empty cup down. I should probably leave now.He rose with me. Thank you for having tea with me.. being with a woman like you is principally the sort of thing that only happens in a mans dreams.I laughed gently at the veiled joke, referencing the old story of succubi see men in their sleep. Your dreams are safe, Erik.He returned my smile. Come back in a few days, and Ill tell you what Ive learned. Well have tea again.Glancing around at the empty store, thinking how no customer s had shown up during our visit, I suddenly felt the need to give him some business. Let me buy some of that tea in front I go.He gave me an soft look, his dark brown eyes diverted like he knew the game I played.I always took you for more of a black tea advocate or at least an admirer of caffeine.Hey, even I like to shake things up once in a while. Besides, it was good in an herbal, decaffeinated sort of way.Ill pass your wishing on to my friend. She makes the blends, and I sell them for her.A lady friend, huh?Just a friend, Miss Kincaid.He walked over to a ledge behind the register where several varieties of tea lay. Approaching the counter to pay, I look up to some of the jewelry under its glass. mavin piece in particular caught my eye, a three-stranded choker of peach-colored, freshwater pearls, occasionally intermixed with sloven beads or pieces of sea parking lot glass. An ankh made of copper hung as its centerpiece.Is this from another of your local artisans?An old fr iend in Tacoma made it. Erik reached into the case and took the choker out for me, laying it on the counter. I ran my manpower over the fine, polish pearls, each one slightly irregular in shape. He mixed some Egyptian captivate in with it, I think, but he wanted to sort of invoke the shade of Aphrodite and the sea, create something the ancient priestesses might have worn.They wore nothing so fine, I murmured, turning over the necklace, noting the high price on its tag. I found myself speaking without aware thought. And many of the ancient Greek cities did have Egyptian influence. Ankhs appeared on Cyprian coins, as did Aphrodite.Touching the copper of the ankh reminded me of another necklace, a necklace long since lost under the circularize of time. That necklace had been simpler only a string of beads etched with tiny ankhs. But my hubby had brought it to me the morning of our wedding, sneaking up to our house just after dawn in a gesture uncharacteristically plain-spoken f or him.I had chastised him for the indiscretion. What are you doing? Youre going to see me this afternoon and then every day after thatI had to give you these in front the wedding. He held up the string of beads. They were my mothers. I want you to have them, to wear them today.He leaned forward, placing the beads around my neck. As his fingers brushed my skin, I felt something warm and tingly run through my body. At the tender age of fifteen, I hadnt exactly understood such sensations, though I was eager to look them. My wiser self today recognized them as the early stirrings of lust, and well, there had been something else there too. Something else that I still didnt quite comprehend. An electric connection, a feeling that we were bound into something bigger than ourselves. That our being together was inevitable.There, hed said, once the beads were estimable and my hair brushed back into place. Perfect.He said nothing else after that. He didnt need to. His eyes told me all I n eeded to know, and I shivered. Until Kyriakos, no man had ever given me a trice glance. I was Marthanes too-tall daughter after all, the one with the sharp tongue who didnt think before speaking. (Shape-shifting would eventually take care of one of those problems but not the other.) But Kyriakos had always listened to me and watched me like I was someone more, someone tempting and desirable, like the beautiful priestesses of Aphrodite who still carried on their rituals away from the Christian priests.I wanted him to come to me then, not realizing just how much until I caught his hand suddenly and unexpectedly. Taking it, I placed it around my waist and pulled him to me. His eyes widened in surprise, but he didnt pull back. We were almost the same height, making it easy for his mouth to prove mine out in a crushing kiss. I leaned against the warm precious stone wall behind me so that I was pressed amongst it and him. I could feel every part of his body against mine, but we stil l werent nigh(a) enough. Not nigh enough.Our kissing grew more ardent, as though our lips alone might close some(prenominal) aching distance lay between us. I moved his hand again, this time to push up my skirt along the side of one leg. His hand stroked the smooth flesh there and, without further urging, slid over to my inner thigh. I arched my lower body toward his, nearly writhing against him now, needing him to touch me everywhere.Letha? Where are you at?My sisters voice carried over the wind she wasnt nearby but was close enough to be here soon. Kyriakos and I broke apart, both gasping, pulses racing. He was facial expression at me like hed never seen me before. foment burned in his gaze.Have you ever been with anyone before? he asked won- deringly.I shook my head.How did you I never imagined you doing thatI learn fast.He grinned and pressed my hand to his lips. Tonight, he breathed. Tonight weTonight, I agreed.He approve away then, eyes still smoldering. I love you. You a re my life.I love you too. I smiled and watched him ago. A minute later, I heard my sister again.Letha?Miss Kincaid?Eriks voice snapped me out of the memory, and suddenly I was back in his store, away from my familys long-since crumbled home. I met his teasing eyes and held up the necklace.Ill take this too.Miss Kincaid, he said uncertainly, fingering the price tag. The help I give you theres no need no costI know, I assured him. I know. Just add this to my bill. And ask your friend if he can make matching earrings.I left the store wearing the choker, still thinking about that morning, what it had been like to be touched for the first time, touched only by someone I loved. I exhaled carefully and put it from my mind. Just like I had countless other times.