Succubus Revealed Chapter 3

The frizzly paper with its laser printing was a heap different from scrawling script on vellum, solely I k wise an official transfer garner when I cut ace. Id received dozens in the piddle millennia, in various forms, agitateing me on to new assignments and locations. The stand up one had lessen to me piece of music I was in capital of the United Kingdom fifteen categorys ago. From at that place, Id moved here to Seattle.And right off this one was advertiseing me it was time to move on yet again.To leave Seattle.No, I breathed, far in whatsoever case soft for exercise set to hear. No.I knew this letter was legitimate. It wasnt a forgery. It wasnt a joke sent on conflagrations stationery. What I was praying for was that this official transfer order had on the aloneton been sent to me in error. The letter had zero(prenominal) learning rough my next assignment because, per protocol, employees were rough-cutly briefed by their archdemons earlier a transfer. The l etter because came afterward, to adopt the termination of the old job and start of the new one official.Id seen my archdemon less than twelve hours ago. Surely, trustworthyly, if this was real, Jerome could live brought himself to at least mention it. The transfer of a succubus would be a big deal for him. Hed save to juggle both the fall expose of losing me and gaining roundone else. provided, no. Jerome hadnt be use upd as though he had a major(ip) personnel change coming. Hed say nothing to raze hint about it. One would think this would thrust trumped his bowling league erect a little.I realized I was holding my breath and coerce myself to start breathing again. A mistake. Who ever had sent this had clear made a mistake. Lifting my eyes from the paper, I revolve about on solidifyings sleeping form. He was spraw lead in his universal way, with his limbs all all over the bed. Light and shadow vie across his face, and I felt tears bounds to my eyes as I studied those lamb features.Leaving Seattle. Leaving Seth.No, no, no. I wouldnt cry. I wouldnt cry because there was nothing to cry about. This was a mistake. It had to be because there was no way the man loving could be this cruel to me. I had already departed through too much. I was happy now. Seth and I had fought our battles to be together. Wed finally achieved our dream. That couldnt be interpreted apart from me, not now.Cant it? A nasty articulation in my head pointed out the obvious. You sold your soul. Youre damned. wherefore should the universe owe you everything? You dont deserve happiness. You should commit this interpreted away from you.Jerome. I had to whistle to Jerome. He would categorisation this out.I folded the letter four times and stuffed it into my purse. Grabbing my mobile phone phone, I headed for the door and shape-shifted on a robe. I managed to slip out of the room without a sound, but my victory was short-lived. Id hoped to be able to lift outside, fo regone Ian in the living room, and call Jerome in privacy. Unfortunately, I never made it that far. Both Ian and Marg argont were up and awake, forcing me to getey-block middial.Margargont stood in the kitchen preparedness any(prenominal)thing on the stove while he sat at the kitchen table. Mom, he was saying, it doesnt way out what the water-to-umber ratio is. You cant rent an Americano out of drip. Especially with that Starbucks diddly Seth buys.Actually, I express, slipping the phone regretfully into my robes pocket, I bought that coffee. Its not that bad. Its a Seattle institution, you discern.Ian didnt look as though hed take out the shower yet, but at least he was dressed. He regarded me critically. Starbucks? They might film been okay to begin with they became mainstream, but now theyre just virtually other corporate monstrosity that all the sheep plentitude to. He swirled his coffee mug virtually. Back in Chicago, I go to this in truth great hole-in-the-wal l coffeehouse thats run by this guy who utilise to be a bass maneuverer in an independent rock band youve be equal never perceive off. The espresso he serves is so authentic, its mind-blowing. Of course, most people have no clue because its not the variety of mark mainstream people tend to frequent.So, I said, suspecting one could throw away a drinking game out of how umpteen times Ian used mainstream in a conversation, I guess that means theres plenty of Starbucks here for me.Margaret nodded before long toward Seths coffeemaker. Have a cup with us.She off around and continued cookery. The phone was burning in my pocket. I wanted to sprint toward the door and had to force myself to cause normally in front of Seths family. I poured myself a cup of delicious corporate coffee and tried and true not to act framered they were keeping me from a phone call that could change the rest of my flavour. Soon, I told myself. Id have answers soon. Jerome probably wasnt even up. I could match here in brief for the sake of politeness and then get my answers.Youre up first, I said, taking my coffee over to a corner that gave me a strong view of both Mortensens. And the door.Hardly, said Margaret. Its nearly eight. Ten, where we baffle from.I cipher so, I murmured, sipping from my mug. Since signing up for Team North Pole, I hardly ever saw this side of noon any more(prenominal). Children didnt usually construct Santa up for Christmas requests so early, not even the ones at the mall I worked at. atomic number 18 you a author too? asked Margaret, flipping over something with a flourish. Is that wherefore you pull much(prenominal) crazy hours?Er, no. alone I do usually work later in the day. I work, um, retail, so Im on mall hours.The mall, scoffed Ian.Margaret off from the stove and glared at her son. Dont act wish well you never go there. Half your wardrobes from Fox Valley.Ian actually turned pink. Thats not trueDidnt you get your coat at Abernathy & Finch? she prodded.Its Abercrombie & Fitch And, no, of course I didnt.Margarets expression verbalise legions. She took down two home plates from the cupboard and stacked them gritty with pancakes. She delivered one to Ian and the other to me.I started to hand it back. Wait. Is this your eat? I cant eat this.She fixed with me with a hard view and then looked me up and down. It gave me a strong behaved view of the quilted teddy bears on her sweatshirt. Oh? Are you one of those girls who doesnt eat real food? Is your usual breakfast coffee and grapefruit? She gave a careful pause. Or do you not trust my cooking?What? No I hastily put my plate on the table and took a chair across from Ian. This looks great.Usually Im vegan, said Ian, pouring syrup on the pancakes. tho I make exceptions for Mom.I really, really should have let it go but couldnt economic aid saying, I didnt think usually and vegan go together. You either are or you arent. If youre making exceptions some of t he time, then I dont think you get the title. I mean, sometimes I put cream in my coffee and sometimes I dont. I dont call myself vegan on unrelenting days.He sighed in disgust. Im vegan ironically.I returned to my pancakes. Margaret was back to cooking again, presumably her own breakfast now, but clam up continued the conversation. How long have you and Seth been beholding each other? strong . . . I used chewing as an excuse to formulate my thoughts. Thats soma of hard to answer. Weve, um, dated off and on for the last year.Ian frowned. Wasnt Seth act for part of the last year?I was on the verge of saying, He was engaged ironically, when Seth himself emerged from the bedroom. I was grateful for the distraction from explaining our kin but not pleased to see Seth up.Hey I said. Go back to bed. You extremity more sleep.Good good morning to you too, he said. He brushed a kiss against his mothers cheek and the joined us at the table.I mean it, I said. This is your prospect to sleep in.I got all the sleep I need, he countered, stifling a yawn. Besides, I promised to make cupcakes for the twins. Their class is having a holiday party today. Holiday, muttered Margaret. some(prenominal) happened to Christmas?I can help you, I told Seth. Well . . . that is, after I take care of a couple of things.I can make them. Margaret was already spill through the cupboards, seeking ingredients. Ive been making cupcakes before any of you were born.Seth and I exchanged glances at that.Actually, he said, I can make them on my own. What would help the most, Mom, is if you could go to Kaylas school today. Shes got a half(prenominal) day, and Andrea will need baby academic session. He nodded at me. You work tonight, right? Come help me with the twins. I contend they can use more volunteers. Elf habilitate pickaxeal. And you . . . He turned to Ian and trailed off, at a firing for how Ian could actually be helpful.Ian straightened up importantly. Ill go influence an org anic bakery and pick up some stuff for the kids who want to eat baked goods that are made with free-range ingredients and dont contain animal products.What, like free-range flour? I asked incredulously.Ian, theyre seven, said Seth.Whats your point? asked Ian. This is my way of helping out.Seth sighed. Fine. Go for it.Cool, said Ian. He paused eloquently. Can I borrow some money?Margaret soon insisted that Seth have breakfast before attempting anything else, and I took advantage of his becoming the center of attention. I quickly put on free-and-easy clothes and made a polite exit, thanking her for breakfast and telling him that I would meet up with him at the twins school for cupcake distribution. As soon as Id clear(p) the condo, I began dialing the phone again.Unsurprisingly, I got Jeromes voice mail. I left him a message and made no attempt to hide my urgency . . . or irritation. That kind of attitude wasnt going to endear me to him, but I was too pissed off to care. This transf er was a big deal. If there was any happen of its legitimacy, he really should have given me a greater heads-up.Back at my designate, my cats Aubrey and Godiva were happy to see me. Actually, I think they were just happy to see anyone who could head for the hills them. They were lying in front of popishs destinationd bedroom door when I walked in and immediately jumped up. They pranced over to me, snaking around my ankles and bom ceaseding me with piteous meows until I refilled their food dishes. afterwards that, I was old news.I toyed with the idea of vigilant up Roman. I really, really wanted to talk out this transfer news with someone, and Seth hadnt been an option this morning. Roman, unfortunately, shared his fathers fondness for mornings, and I wasnt entirely sure Id have the most productive conversation if I woke him against his will. So, instead, I took my time showering and getting ready for the day, hoping that Roman would get up on his own. No such luck. When ten r olled around, I left another voice mail message for Jerome and finally gave up on Roman. A new idea had hit me, and I went to go check it out first, cathode-ray oscilloscope the mental condition that if Roman wasnt up when I returned, Id wake him then.The Cellar was a favorite stripe for immortals, especially Jerome and Carter. It was an old dive of a place down in historic Pioneer Square. The bar didnt generally do a lot of line of merchandise this time of day, but angels and demons were hardly the types to care about propriety. Jerome might not be answering his phone, but there was a very good chance he was out and about for a morning drink.And, as I came down the steps that led into the establishment, I did indeed feel the wash of a greater immortal signature over me. Only, it wasnt Jeromes. It wasnt even demonic. Carter was sitting alone at the bar, nursing a spyglass of whiskey while the barkeep punched in 1970s songs on the jukebox. Carter wouldve sensed me too, so there was no point in trying to sneak off. I sat on a kitty beside him.Daughter of Lilith, he said, waving the mixologist back. Didnt seem to see you out and about so early.Ive had kind of a weird morning, I told him. Coffee, please. The bartender nodded and poured me a mug from a pot that had probably been sitting there since yesterday. I grimaced, recalling the espresso shops Id passed on the way here. Of course, Ian would probably love this stuff for its authenticity.Do you have any idea where Jeromes at? I asked, once Carter and I were in relative privacy again.Probably in bed. Carters gray gaze was focused on the glass as he spoke, carefully studying the play of conflagrate off of the amber liquid.I dont suppose youd take me there? I asked. Carter had teleported me once before in a crisis, but otherwise, I had no clue where my boss hung his boots.Carter gave me a small smile. I may be immortal, but there are still some things I fear. Showing up at Jeromes this early in the mornin g with you in tow is one of them. Whats so important? Did you come up with a name for the bowling team?I held out the memo Id received. Even before he looked at it closely, Carters smile fell. I didnt question that the paper had some type of Hellish quietus that my senses couldnt pick up. When he didnt take the note, I exclusively set it down in front of him to read.A transfer, huh? His tone was odd, almost like he wasnt surprised.Allegedly. But I have to assume theres some kind of mistake. Jerome is supposed to meet with me first, you know? And you saw him last night. There was no indication that anything weird was going. Well. Weirder than usual. I tapped the paper angrily. Someone in HR messed up and sent this on accident.You think so? asked Carter sadly.Well, I certainly dont think Hells infallible. And I dont see any reason why I would be transferred. Carter didnt answer, and I studied him carefully. Why? Do you know of some reason?Carter still didnt reply right away and ins tead downed his drink. I know Hell well enough to know they dont need a reason.A strange feeling settled over me. But you do know of one, dont you? You arent that shocked by this.Hell doesnt really surprise me anymore either.Damn it, Carter I exclaimed. Youre not answering my questions. Youre doing that stupid half-truth thing angels do.We cant lie, Georgina. But we cant always tell you everything either. There are rules in the universe that even we cant break. Can I have another? he called to the bartender. A double this time.The bartender strolled over, arching an eyebrow at Carters request. Kind of early for that, dont you think?Its turning into one of those days, said Carter.The bartender nodded sagely and liberally refilled the glass before deviation us alone again.Carter, I hissed. What do you know? Is this transfer real? Do you know why I got it?Carter pretended to be intrigued by the light sparkling on his whiskey again. But when he suddenly turned the full force of his gaz e on me, I gasped. It was this thing he did sometimes, like he was peering into my soul. Only, there was more to it this time. It was as though for a brief moment, his eyes held all the trouble in the world.I dont know if it was a mistake, he said. Maybe it is. Your people certainly get their wires cross often enough. If its legitimate . . . if it is, then no, Im not surprised. I can think of a million reasons, some better than others, for why they would want to move you out of Seattle. None of which I can tell you, he added sharply, seeing me start to interrogate him. Like I said, there are rules to this game, and I have to chase them.Its not a game I exclaimed. Its my life.A rueful smile played over the angels lips. very(prenominal) difference, as far as Hells concerned.Within me, I began to feel an echo of that terrible sadness Id briefly seen in his eyes. What do I do? I asked quietly.That seemed to catch Carter off guard. I demanded answers from him all the time, clues to estimate out the many puzzles that seemed to follow me around. I was somewhat sure, however, that this was the first time Id simply asked for such unrestricted life advice.Let me guess, I said, seeing him gape. You cant tell me.His expression softened. Not in specifics, no. First, you need to find out if this was an error. If it was, then thatll make everyones life easier.I need Jerome for that, I said. Maybe Hugh or Mei would know.Maybe, said Carter, though it didnt sound like he believed it. Eventually, Jerome will pick up his phone. then(prenominal) youll know.And if it is real? I asked. Then what?Then, you may have to start packing.Thats it? Thats all I can do? Even as I said the words, I knew they were true. You couldnt refuse something like this. Id had dozens of transfers to prove it.Yes, said Carter. We both know you dont have a resource there. The question is, how are you going to let this call for your future?I frowned, starting to get wooly in angel logic. What do y ou mean?He hesitated, as though reconsidering what he was about to say. At last, he rushed forward with it, leaning close to me. Heres what I can tell you. If this is real, then theres a reason for it, absolutely. Not some random re-org. And if theres a reason, its because youve been doing something Hell doesnt want you to do. So, the question becomes, Georgina, are you going to keep doing whatever it is they dont want you to do?