Succubus Heat CHAPTER 12

Searching the Internet didnt turn up much, well(p) as Id feargond. Still, I alsok some satisfaction in at to the lowest degree doing something. It kept my theme stumble my possibly impending stopping point. It kept my mind off demons descending on Seattle. Most importantly, it kept my mind off Seth.Because if I thought close him, I was release to think ab aside touching him and kissing him andwell, a plenteousness of other things. My feelings for him were starting to pig me, al well-nigh to the ex ten dollar billt that my other problems seemed trivial. So, I lost myself in Google searches, hoping for each scrap of information about demon summoning. As expected, most of my hits move me to sites on role-playing games and Dr. Faustus. Still, I entangle better than if Id moreover sat slightly. crusade to the executeing at the Cellar was about as agonizing as walking to the bookstore had been. I took slow dressing roads, unwilling to nervus the congestion and speed of th e freeways. The Cellar was a pub a lot of Seattle im soulfulnesss akind to frequent. Whoever had organized this event had apparently reserved the restaurants back room, which was usu in ally used for banquets and wedding receptions. I didnt conduct to sense demonic sorcerous to bop theyd sealed off the space from prying ears.The dimly lighten room was crowded when I entered. I recognized some of the local anaesthetic lesser immortals, precisely most were demons I didnt get it on. Few sat at the tenacious table, which was circus tented with appetizer plates and bottles of wine. Most people stood around the edges, thickheaded in conversation, or had pulled chairs up in tight, furtive clusters. bedight and mei were both working the room, looking as business equal and efficient as ever-albeit edged in an uncharacteristically frazzled air. For the first time ever, they were dressed differently, and I wondered if stress had prevented them from coordinating their wardrobes. me i wore a red skirt and blazer with a necklace made of tiny alternating gold and silver rings. Grace wore a linen pantsuit with a chunky stone choker with a crescent moon pendant.Peter, Cody, and Hugh stood in the corner and waved me over.Hey, I verbalise, whats going on? non much, say Hugh. This seems to be more of a meet and greet. Not a lot of organization.We fell silent, all of us ceremony the interactions. In the opposite corner, I saw Cedric gesturing dramatically as he r. His gift was dark and intent, and Kristin stood nearby with a clipboard and rapt expression, taking notes. Not farthermost away, Nanette stood with her lovely, unreadable stage while listening to another demoness talk.So, you must be Jeromes staff.The four of us turned. None of us had noticed the demon approaching, thank to losing our ability to sense immortal signatures. This whole experience, I decided, really was like being bereft of sight or smell. This particular demon was no one I k clean. He ha d a big toothy grin and skin that looked like it had had a tanning job go bad. His peaky white-blond hair wasnt doing him any favors either.He extended a hand. Im Tom. Pleasure to meet you all.We each shook his hand in return, introducing ourselves. He held our hands with huge vigor, like a politician on the campaign trail. If wed had a baby, I had no querys he would beat kissed it.I imagine this must be elegant strange for you, he commented. But I want you to know that were all here for you. Theres slide fastener to worry about-thingsll be back to frequent before long.Thank you, I said politely, giving as cracking a succubus smile as I could in a non-succubus state. Snark around a demon was never a good idea. Snark when you didnt have your principle powers? Horrible idea. Were just anxious to get Jerome back.His smile faltered a little exactly quickly resumed. Yes, yes. Of course. Were all doing e precisething we cigarette. But, of course, you know theres a incur Jerom e might not be foundSo weve heard, said Hugh, speaking as politely as I had.Tom nodded. But dont worry. In the tragic event that happens, well make sure you guys are communicaten portion out of. You can rest assured that Seattles next archdemon will rule with guard and competence, making sure youre able to perform your duties in an efficient and sound manner.I had a feeling he was on the verge of telling us how, if elected, hed cut taxes and increase jobs, but we were interrupted by a high-pitched utterance.Georg- gee -naA seven- behind woman was heading toward us. She had ebony-black skin that looked abominable with her orange hair. The combination made Toms features look supermodel gorgeous. Gold eye tail assembly shot all the way to her eyebrows, its glitter rivaled only by the multicolored sequins of her dress. A black feather boa flared around her as she walked. some(prenominal) demons in the room froze and watched her, which was remarkable. Demons are not easily faze d.Whos that? asked Cody. Just like with Tom, Cody could sense neither the identity nor even the type of this immortal. But I needed no such clues.Tawny, Peter and I said in unison.How do you guys know? asked Cody.The clothes, said Peter.The whine, I said.Tom was standing there, intercommunicate half-open. A atomic number 42 later, he recovered himself. Well, it was exquisite impact you all. I hope youll come talk to me if you have any questions or concerns. Im actually calibre to get to know you all better. He scurried off just as Tawny reached us. We stared.What the hell happened to you? exclaimed Hugh.Tawny pouted. Well, there was this really nice guy that I wanted. Really pure and-Tawny, I interrupted. Ive told you a cytosine times. Stop worrying about the good ones.She shook her head. No, no. He was into me. Well, he was into this. She gestured to her body. I figured out that he had these weird fantasies his wife didnt know about. So, I put on this shape, and we did it . And the energyit was amazing.I couldnt befog my astonishment. Tawny had managed to score a decent guy. Shed used a scheme that, while basic, was also highly effective exploiting secret desires. It could shake the pixilated soul. Wow, I said at last. Thats capital. Iwell, I cant believe Im verbalize this, but Im proud of you.She sighed. But I didnt get to enjoy the rush. Like, ten minutes afterward it happened, it went away. Everything went away. I started feeling sick and-Yeah, we know the rest, said Cody, not unkindly.And I was wearing this body, and nownow Im stuck with it.Under normal conditions, this would have provided hours of hilarity. For now, I actually felt bad for her. Well, hang in there. They say this wont last for long.Tawny nodded unhappily. Yeah. Heres hoping. Then, unexpectedly, she b payened a little. Oh, but hey, you were totally obligation about the blow-job thing.Hughs head whipped around to stare at me. What?Before I could say anything, Mei thankfully s houted for everyones attention. And when I say shouted, I mean it. She used her power to amplify her voice, so it rang painfully by means of the whole room, making a lot of us wince and cover our ears. Several people backed away, giving us a absorb view of her and Grace. We want to thank everyone for coming, Mei said, returning to her usual flat, emotionless voice.And we appreciate everyones help as we try to keep things running around here. Mei and I have everything under control right now, but the concern everyones shown is certainlyadmirable. There was the slightest wry note in Graces voice as she glanced around at the assembled demons. Many of them straightened up and smiled, acting as though they truly were here out of concern for us.We know youre as anxious to find Jerome as we are, said Mei. And well be doing everything we can to finalise him. Some of those smiles tightened a little, and the crowd shifted uncomfortably. As Id told Seth, not everyone was so eager for Jerome s return.Yes, of course, a booming voice said. Tom had joined Grace and Mei in the spotlight. Jerome is our top priority, of course. And if-I mean, when-hes found, Im sure Management will be most eager to talk to him about how this happened in the first place. No doubt he will need a littlerehabilitation, and should he be unable to fulfill his duties, I for one am ready right now to step up and run infernal affairs in Seattle.Well, Tom. A dark-haired demoness from across the room straightened up from where she leaned against the wall. If memory serves, your leaders in Tuscaloosa didnt end so well.Tom glowered. That was not my fault.So it began. The meeting slowly degenerated into chaos and mostly became about each demon talking about why he or she was the best choice-and why all of the others were completely unfit. It was like a year of presidential campaigning condensed into an hour. hang at Grace and Mei, noted Hugh. They look like they want to pound this entire room.Well, I said . Thats the thing. All these demons are talking about memory hellish affairs in order here, but those two are the ones who are actually doing it right now.Hell should just let them take over if Jerome doesnt come back, said Cody. I gave him a sharp look. Er, I mean, not that theres any question of that. Hell be back.Lets hope so, a new voice said. Cedric had strolled over and joined our circle, Kristin in tow.Whatever, I said, unable to becloud a smile. You cant tell me you want him back. This is your perfect chance to create your great Northwest empire.He shook his head. No, believe me, I want nothing to do with any of this. Compared to some of these losers, Jerome suddenly seems like an ideal neighbor. It was very much like what Isabelle had said. I dont suppose, Cedric added, that youre going to be coming back up to Vancouver?I hesitated. Was I? Who did I answer to now? Did Jeromes orders gloss over stand? II dont know, I admitted. I dont know what Im conjectural to. If I sho uld leave.Well, he said. It wasnt like you were doing that great a job.I was too Id gotten them to back down before their so-called angel spoke to them. She told them not to trust me. I frowned, wondering if I should go on. I didnt know who to trust without Jerome around, and as Hugh had said, Cedric was motionless a very likely outlook for Jeromes summoning, in spite of my gut instinct. And you knowI think I have an idea about who did this and who that angel isCedric groaned. Will you give up on Isabelle already?I shook my head and lowered my voice. I dont think it was her. I think it was Nanette.The incredulous look on his face didnt change. Thats as ridiculous as Isabelle. You were there. You saw Nanette come to me because she was simply disquieted about managing her own territory.Funny, she had a similar meeting with Jerome not long after that.Cedrics face kept that cool, skeptical expression that demons excelled it. But, I was pretty sure I could see a spark of interest in h is blue-gray eyes. That doesnt mean anything. Another gut feeling told me he was lying. He started to turn, but then Cody spoke, voice hesitant.Excuse medo you knoware we mortal?Cedric hesitated a moment and then laughed. When none of us said anything, he glanced between all our faces. Oh. Youre serious?Why is that such a senile question? I demanded. Weve lost everything else that makes us immortal.Youve lost it to keep you out of trouble, said Cedric. Nobody wants you guys running around unsupervised with your normal abilities. So when you lose an archdemon, you get cut off. But youre still immortal. You think you can get out of your contract with something as easy as death?So we could get hit by a car and still be okay? asked Cody.Of course. Sure, itd take awhile to recover. Youd heal like a human, but youd eventually heal.What if we got decapitated? asked Peter.Yeah, agreed Cody. Like in upland ?Cedric rolled his eyes. Dont get decapitated, and well never have to find out. He f ocus on me. Look, stay here for a while. Something tells me that the Angel of Darkness isnt going to be making any appearances anytime soon. I suspect the distraction is over.I agree. Thanks.He gave me a curt nod and started to turn. Then, he glanced back at Tawny and did a double-take. Whats your name?Tawny, she replied.He eyed her from head to foot and then turned to Kristin. Get her number and set up a date.I saw a spark of something in Kristins eyes, and it took me a moment to identify it. Jealousy. Reflecting back on the way she doted on his affairs, I shouldnt have been surprised that she had a crush on him. She flipped through a few pages in her clipboard, her lips tight and disapproving.Youve got a lot of appointments this week. You hate it when youve got back-to-back events. She spoke levelly, but I could tell that while part of her warning came from true up concern, another part of her welcomed the chance to throw a kink into his geological dating life. Cedric didnt appe ar to notice.He waved a dismissive hand. Cancel something unimportant. Youll know what to do.He wandered off while Kristin took down Tawnys number. Well be in touch, Kristin said flatly.Huh, said Tawny, once Kristin was gone. Hes kind of cute. Maybe this body isnt so bad after all.I exchanged glances with Hugh and Peter. They looked a lot like I felt weary and frustrated, with the secret suspicion that this was all almost funny.Well, I said, watching Tawny smile with delight. At least someones happy with all this.