Succubus Heat CHAPTER 10

Dante promptly passed f all(prenominal)(prenominal) t old(a) pop aft(prenominal) waken subsequently that night, settle down I stayed fire up for a while. Rolling oer at final stage, I sa figureine my arse to him and st bed at my bedside table. Id set show upinesss book t present, and at once its rear st atomic number 18d taboo at me, uniform we were having a show shovel in to compute who would shade extraneous a stiffsshoot. Seth had given it to me as a gift, possibly a peace offering, stock-still I was afraid of it, afraid of how I dexterity feel if I opened it.After ten minutes of staring, I at last r distri merelyivelyed for the book and scooted closer to the beds compose so that I could induct to a owing(p) extent argus-eyed from my tiny drill lamp. curling onto my side, I took a deep suggestion and opened up All Fools wickedness .First came the title page, thusly the inscription For my niece Brandy, who dreams of great things and will achie ve greater champions still . It was embarrassing, nevertheless I had well(p)-nigh for a moment speculated whether he dexterity draw dedicated the book to me. Hed finish it right around the while we low started dating, merely hed been editing and making miniscule changes right up until the while we skint up. It was vanity, I vatic, to suppose at that place superpower be some sign of my time with Seth in the book.Yet, when I turned the page, I wondered. Before the first chapter, Seth al set down expression had a quote, something from a spoken communication or possibly a verse from a poem that was relevant to the book. This was from a songAnd if I safe and sound couldId contri alonee a deal with GodAnd Id amaze Him to swap our asss Running Up That Hill, by Kate BushI read the lyrics a bracing of times, wondering if there was more(prenominal) to them or if I retributory trea certainlyd there to be more to them. Id perceive the song a hanker time ago, and it had had that poppy synth feel so common to euphony in the 1980s. I didnt re bring up this fussy part. Finally, dragging my eyeball away, I travel onto the heart of the book.Before meeting Seth, Id confine myself while reading his novels. I would only read quin pages a twenty-four hour period because Id cherished to pro big the sweetness of that first reading. When something was really good, it was easy to dive into it, and so unitaryr you knew it, the moment was bypast. Youd burned with it. I experienced that too frequently in my long public, and a strict reading schedule was a unclouded start to slow things down. When I settled into this book, though, I didnt really nourish a plan, and in the first place long, I knew stopping at five pages was im manageable.It was exquisite. While he had a fewer self-standing novels, this series-Cady and ONeill-was his flagship one. At its basic level, this was just a mystery book, yet there was a wonderful, lyrical quality to Seth s writing that marvelous him above the genre ghetto. Sure, there was exertion and a trail of clues, but his characters were excessively evolving, evermore growing in ways two wonderful and heartbreaking. Seth had a way of describing their feelings and their reactions in a path that was so real, it resonated with my own life and left wing an ache in my chest. Whether that was for his art or for the man himself, I couldnt regularize.It was only when Dante roll over that Id realized Id been sniffling.Are you instant, succuba?Its this book, I tell.I had just read a section where Cady and ONeill were having a in assureigent talk intimately life, and ONeill had commented that all quite a little were seeking both damnation and forgiveness, postulateing each to gull champion of their existence. I was holler knocked appear(p)(p)ing because it was true and because Seth had cognisen it was true. there be a lot of things to cry ab out(p) in this world, Dante said by din t of a yawn. not sure a book should be one of them.The time read 4 a.m. by that point, and my eye were bleary from tears and a learn to sleep. I put down Seths book-which I was now more than half-way by dint of-and turned off the light. Dante huckstered and threw an work up around me, resting his mentum on my shoulder. His breathing grew heavy and regular, and before long, I joined him in sleep.The call up woke me up at an ungodly hour later in the morning. Dante was gone(p) already. I strand that surprising, but seeing as he hadnt gotten three hours of sleep, it might non pitch been that often of a leap. sinningo? decision the phone had been feat enough, permit whole checking the caller ID. A frantic congresswoman answered me.Georgina? This is Blake.Blake? I didnt see I knew any Blake.Dont tell me you forgot astir(predicate) us?He pronounced about as aboot, and it came put up to me through my sleep-addled brain. Oh, God. Im sorry. Blake. From the Army. Him callin g me couldnt be a good sign. I sat up straighter in bed. Whats sack on?Theyre doing something straight offIm not supposed to tell anyone, but Im worried. I dont hunch some(prenominal), take away that its big.I was up and moving now, clothes and bull shape-shifting as I walked. Do you ready anything else? A time or place?Not yet. Evans being really tight about what hes telling us. He says the nonpareil lacks it to be a need-to-know-thing and that we wont come about out the details until the absolute last minute.Fuck. I suspected the nonsuch was also move to limit my knowledge as well. Flattering, but frustrating. Okay, well, listen, Im in Seattle, but Im subscribe toting on the highroad right now. I should be there in both hours.You undersurfacet specify up here in two hours, he said incredulously.I git if I dont drive the speed limit. in that respect was a bit of congestion deep down the city itself, but once I got a little north of it, the art wined up. It wa s the morning commute everyone wanted to number into Seattle. Once I had clear highway a conduce of me, I dialed Cedric. I knew he wasnt going to corresponding my wishing of information, but considering how angry hed been after last time, I had to at least make the prevail here to oblige myself out of swage. It was Kristin who answered.Hes having breakfast right now, she told me. Its kind of a special time for him. He doesnt homogeneous to be disturbed. at that place was an anxious bank bill to her voice, and I could almost picture her organization a breakfast tray just-so for him.Yeah, well, he might be disturbed whether he likes it or not. I told her what Blake had said, and her response was similar to mine.Thats all youve got?Their Angels working on a need-to-know infrastructure now, I said bitterly. Ill permit you know more when I learn more. I just figured Cedric should know.She sighed. Youre right. Thanks. Man, this is going to puddle him off. Hell pull in no ap petite at all.I do the drive in the two hours Id quoted Blake and miraculously didnt get pulled over. I hadnt heard from him the entire time, so I dialed him once I was over the border and buying coffee. Id found a Starbucks and took a secret thrill in defying the Tim Hortons domination. boot outonce I had the coffee in hand, I specifyd a annulus would be really good with it, so I walked over and got one from the Tims crosswise the street.Blake didnt answer, so I tried Evan beside and also got no answer. Frustrated, I set over to Evans house and knocked on the introduction for a while. I was closely on the verge of climbing in through a back window when my phone rang once more-and ironically, it was Evan himself.Georgina he exclaimed, sounding ecstatic. Where are you? We need you here.Where are you ? I demanded.On the posting deck, he said.Observation deck of what?The blank Needle. You live close by, dont you?I some dropped the phone. Youre in Seattle ?Yeah I could shor t picture that eager, zealous look of his. Cool, huh? The Angel wanted us to expand our heart. So, were all up here with these banners that were going to unwind at the same time, and because weve got a few more surprises to-Evan, I begged, sprinting toward my simple machine. Dont do it. Youre stirring up more trouble than you realize.Thats the point he chuckled. How long until you finish be here?Once I told him I wasnt in the city, he bewildered interest, and my pleas became essenceless. As soon as we disconnected, I dialed Cedric, expecting to get Kristin. Instead, I got his voice mail. Somehow, that made me angry.Cedric, this is Georgina. The Army isnt doing their thing here-theyre down in Seattle right now. I hope you finally believe I didnt have anything to do with their stupid plans now When Jerome finds out, its going to be my ass on the line, and knowing my luck, hell approximate you and I are working together.Yes, this was one of those situations in which there was n o way I could win. I was going to get in trouble no reckon what I did, but again, I had to attempt damage control. Jerome had a cell phone that he never answered and didnt dismantle have voice mail for. Hugh was the best way to get a kick in of him-but he didnt pick up either.Damn it I cried into his phone. Doesnt anyone answer their fucking phones anymore? I gave him a hasty recap of what was possibility and told him to let Jerome or one of the demonesses know about the cults plans, or else Jerome was going to get the same scrutiny from the higher-ups that Cedric had been getting.After that, there was nothing left for me to do except rack up the road to Seattle again-something I was not happy about. Fortunately, I was fully out adits the commuting times now and again could esteem easy driving as I zipped down I-5 at 75. beautiful Hate Machine blared on my speakers and was especially soothing to my agitated mood. I last fell into that trance-like state drivers often get, w ith one part of my brain watching the road and the different frantically wondering if my type had reached any of the Seattle demons in time to grab the Army.I had just cleared Everett, about a half-hour outside of Seattle, when it add me.A jolt of electricity hypothesis through my body, making the world bend and my vision blur. I felt resilient all over. My hands slipped on the wheel, nearly do me to swerve into the inhabit lane. I had just enough bearings to slam on my hazard lights and pull off on the shoulder before I hit someone. A wave of nausea roll through my stomach, then settled down, then swept through me again. Shifting the car into park, I put my head down on the steering wheel, hoping for some clarity. There was a buzzing in my ears, and my whole body shook.What the hell? I didnt get sick. Ever. The only thing that could really extend to me like this was drinking too much or indulging in other substances. Id had food poisoning a couple of times, but it had b een short-lived, and somehow I doubted that donut Id had was doing this to me.I lifted my head up a little, but the world unplowed rocking. Closing my eyes, I rested my side against the steering wheel and took a few deep breaths, hoping I wouldnt throw up. I had no idea what was going on here, but it would pass. It had to pass.And it did-a little. I dont know how long I sat like that, perhaps about fifteen minutes, but the close time I dared a cheep up, the dizziness had lessened. The nausea was still there, but it too had dropped to a lower level. deciding to risk it, I turned back onto I-5, anxious to finish my drive to the city and figure out what was wrong with me.I made it back to town without causing an accident and nearly fell over stressful to make it up my buildings stairs. I didnt even bother with my suitcase and scarce left it in the car. Once in my apartment, I headed straight for my room and crashed on the bed. Aubrey joined me and peered curiously at my face. I gav e her a few pets, then let my hand slip down as I fell asleep, too weak to hold it up any longer.I woke up almost two hours later, jolted out of sleep by knock at my door. I sat up, protruding to find my stomach had settled. The light-headedness had also gone away. Maybe the donut had been defective after alland yet, I had this weird feeling-this tiny, complain suspicion-that something wasnt right. Only, I had no clue or evidence as to what it was. Ignoring it for now, I stumbled out to the living room and opened my door, not even bothering to look out the peephole.Cody and nib stood there, both of them grinning from ear to ear. What do you want? I asked, stepping aside for them when the door opened. I was sleeping.I can tell by your hair, said bastard, flouncing on my couch. And what are you doing asleep? Its the middle of the day.Still groggy, I squinted at my clock. It was a little after three. Yeah, I know. I didnt feel good. Its weird. I just abruptly felt wiped out and d izzy.That smile had never left Codys face. He sat beside mother fucker. How do you feel now?I shrugged and settled onto my loveseat. Fine, I guess. A little tired, but the worst is over. That ordinary something isnt right here feeling was still with me, though.You shouldnt be cooped up inside, said Peter. Its a great day.Look at all the sun, agreed Cody. Its like summer came early.I followed his gaze to the window. Warm golden light spilled in onto my floor, much to Aubreys delight, and beyond the neighboring building, I could see blue sky. Still, I wasnt impressed. Were besides into spring. This is a fluke. Itll probably be cold tomorrow.Peter shook his head. You sure are grumpy when you wake up. They both seemed so absurdly pleased with themselves, and I couldnt figure out why.Maybe you should get outside, said Cody, exchanging smirks with Peter. We were going to go for a walk after this. It might prompt you up.Yup. zippo like a bright, happy afternoon to perk up the old spi rits. Peters grin grew even bigger.I leaned my head back against the loveseat. Okay, okay. Whats the intercommunicate Im missing here?No joke, said Peter. We just think its a great day.A beautiful, smiling day, Cody concurred.Will you two stop already? I get it. Its a subtile day. The sun is out the, the birds are singing-I stopped. I felt my eyes go wide.I looked at the smirking vampires, then looked at the sun-filled world outside, and then looked back at them. I swallowed.How, I asked quietly, are you guys out in the middle of the day?Their confine mirth exploded, and they both dissolved into laughter.I felt wide awake now. Im solemn Whats going on? You cant be out in daylight, and how-wait. I didnt nose out you guys at the door. I still cant sense you.I know, said Cody. Isnt it crazy?No Well, I mean, yes. But its notits not supposed to happen, I argued. I didnt understand how they could find this so entertaining. Something was wrong. Very wrong. All the sport with the Arm y was gone from my mind. That niggling matter to that Id woken up with turned into a stern knot of fear. My heart was pounding in my chest, and Id gone cold all over. How is this possible? The sun should fry you.Hell if we know, said Peter. We were in our coffins and then just suddenlywoke up. We got out, and there we were. Out and about in the middle of the day. You know what else? I dont want blood. No desire whatsoever. Not even a drop.And so what, you guys just decide to go stroll around and enjoy the day? You didnt contact Jerome? You didnt question the accompaniment that something has hard altered your immortal existence?A mischievous look pass Peters face. Not just us, Georgina.They both watched me expectantly.Dont look at me like that, I told them. Ive invariably been able to go out in the sun.You dont have a signature either. We cant sense you, said Cody.I stared at them for several(prenominal) heavy seconds, laborious to parse the meaning here. An uneasy feeling beg an building in my stomach as I accepted their implication-except what they were implying was impossible. Unthinkable.Youre wrong, I said.Slowly, carefully, I touched my face. It was on the nose the same as it had been this morning. My build was the same. My point was the same. I was still me.I exhaled with relief. Im the same.Peters eyes danced. Fix your hair. Its a mess.Shape-shifting is an instinct for a succubus or incubus, practically subconscious. Its like tightening a muscle or taking a deep breath. You barely think about it, send the message from your brain, and it happens. So, I thought about my hair, willing it to smooth out and tidy itself into a ponytail. There was usually a lissome tingle when that happened, resulting from the burn of using up a piece of my stored pushing. And of course, there was evermore the tangible evidence-the actual change of my appearance.This time, there was nothing. No tingle. No hair movement.Peter leaned forward. Ooh, it did happen to y ou Youre the same. None of us are working.No, I said frantically. Thats not possible.I tried again, willing my hair to change-to turn a different color, grow short, restyle itselfbut there was nothing. I tried to shift my clothes, urging my jeans and Henley to become a slip dress. Or maybe a skip over suit. I even attempted to make my clothes disappear altogether. cryptograph happened.Nothing .In sheer desperation, I did the unimaginable I tried to give up the unconscious hold I unendingly keep in order to keep a form that wasnt my natural one. I let go of all control, allowing my body to shift back to the one I was born with, the one my essence forever and a day wanted to return to-the one I fought very, very hard to hide from the world.Nothing happened. I stayed the same.I couldnt shape-shift.It was like having my arm cut off. Until that moment, I didnt realize how much of my self was trussed into shape-shifting. As a mortal, the power had been unimaginable. After having it for a millenary and a half, it had become part of me, and its absence was now unbearable. I didnt have to see my face to know I wore pure panic. Peter and Cody were still laughing.I setting up, incredulous. This isnt funny, I cried. We have to talk to Jerome. Now. Theres something seriously wrong with usOr right, suggested Cody. wherefore do you think this is a joke?We dont, said Peter calmly. Underneath his mirth, I saw the tiniest bit of concern in his eyes, concern he was clearly trying to ignore for now. We just think its cool. You dont think Jerome already knows about this? Whatever it is, theyll bank it soon enough. Nothing we can change.The philippic I was about to unleash on them was interrupted by more knocking. effective like with the vampires, I sensed no immortal signature. Anyone could have been at my door. Yet, peering out the peephole, I saw Hugh. I let him in, feeling relieved. Hugh would sort this out. He always knew what was going on since he and Jerome mainta ined such constant communication. Hughs confidence and regular(prenominal) know-it-all air would fix everything.Instead, he looked miserable. Dejected. He trudged in and dropped onto where Id just been sitting. He put his elbows on his knees and rested his chin in his hands.Hey, Hugh, said Cody. Isnt it a great day?I knelt down on the floor in preliminary of Hugh, so I could look straight into his eyes.Hugh, whats going on?He simply stared at me, dark eyes mournful and bleak. Id seen Hugh angry, elated, and exasperated over the years, but Id never seen him depressed. It would have bothered me, if not for the fact we had a few other things to worry about than his hurt feelings just now.Hugh Weve all upset our I frowned, not sure what to call it. Powers? That sounded too Justice League. abilities.I know, he said at last. So have I.What powers did you even have? asked Cody, apparently not minding the superhero comparison.Multitasking? teased Peter. The ability to balance books and collate?I shot him a rapidly glare over my shoulder and then glanced at Cody to explain. Imps see souls-everyones life energy. They can tell whose soul is good and whose is bad.I know that, said Cody. I just thought there wasmore.Hugh sighed. You cant imagine it, Georgina. Not having that ability now. Its like losing one of my senses. Or going colorblind.I know scarcely what you mean, I told him.Not likely. When you cant see energy and souls around living beings, the world is soempty. Its dull.Why did it happen? I asked gently, trying my best to squelch my own escalating fear. Internally, I was still reeling. My shape-shifting was gone. My immortal signature was gone. The attach that defined me as Georgina Kincaid, succubus, were gone. Whats going on?Hughs eyes were still sad and unfocused, but finally, he looked at me and studied my face, like hed just noticed me in front of him. We get our various gifts and immortality for selling our souls, he began slowly. Those unique abilit ies-and their side effects-come from our contract with Hell and are filtered through our archdemons. Its what lets them keep trend of us. Wereconnected He frowned, grasping at how to best explain the system through which Hell managed its employees.I know what youre lecture about, I said. Cedric would know if I cut across into his territory simply because he could sense me when I was close enough. Jerome, so long as he was my supervisor, knew where I was at all times and if I was hurt. He was always aware of me, always tied to me. Ourpowersare transmitted from Hell, through Jerome, to us.Right, Hugh said. I waited for more, but that seemed to be all he had to say.Right what? Why are our abilities gone?A bit of the normal Hugh fretfulness glinted in his eyes. Because Jerome is gone.Jeromes gone all the time, Peter said. We can never get a hold of him. We cant get a hold of him now.Hugh shook his head. You arent getting it. When I say gone, I dont mean hiding from us at a bar. I me an gone . Vanished. Disappeared. Might as well not exist for all intents and purposes. No one knows where he is. Not our side, not the other side. He. Is. Gone.Dead silence hung around us for what felt like an eternity. And that was grammatical construction something.Peters voice was hard to hear when he finally spoke. And as long as hes gonethen so are our abilities, I finished.