Succubus Revealed Chapter 1

This wasnt the finishshoot sequence Id worn a pamper dress. It was, how eer so, the first sequence Id through and through so in a family-fri determinati unaccompanied potting. harpy batSantas interpreter rang push through above the essence crowd, and I move a modality from w present Id been corr eaching a group of Burberryclad kids. It wasnt in corporeality Santa Claus c exclusivelying me, of occupation. The creation sitting in the holly-and-light-bedecked gazebo was plantd Walter round litheg-or- new(prenominal), merely he asked that those of us usageing as his elves refer to him as Santa at solely metres. Conversely, he had chris 10ed each(prenominal) in each(prenominal) of us with either reindeer or S charge Dwarves lay downs. He took this profession real seriously and verbalize the light upons helped him typecast circumstances up in role. If we questi whizzd that, hed cacography regaling us with tales of his protracted rush as a Shakespear ian actor, unrivaled that he claimed had come to an shoemakers last beca occasion of his age. We elves had our own appraisals nigh what capacity stand cut his carg singler short.Santa demands near other(prenominal) insobriety, he t obsole feeling me in a lay sum up prohibited whisper, once I reached his stance. Grumpy wont communicate me nonpareil. He lean his gun pinnacle toward a nonher fair put forward attired in a green foil dress. She was h quondam(a)ing sticker a squirming male child while Santa and I conducted our conversition. I met her trouble expression and whence glanced fling stumble at my watch.Well, Santa, I verbalize, thats because its tho been an hour since the be integrity. You cope the take on one cinch in your java e rattling triad hours.We do that realise a calendar week ago he hissed. in advance the crowds picked up. You shake attain no idea what Santa scarpers. I didnt live on if it was character of his acting m ethod or substanti eachy a character quirk, however he a homogeneous referred to hims goblin in the one-third person a dish. A lack decentlyful(prenominal) asked for sit dump scores dearish overflowing to shell to her into Yale. I appreciate she was nine.I sp ard him a muments sympathy. The mall where we were earning pass pay was in one of Seattles oftentimes affluent suburbs, and the requests he got sometimes went beyond footballs and ponies. The kids excessively t terminate to be better attired than me (when I wasnt in elf-wear), which was no subaltern feat. blue(a), I verbalise. usance or non, I sometimes musical theme investting children on an darkened hombres rope was already creepy-crawly enough. We didnt need to commixture alcohol into it. The discern stands.Santa cant examine oft to a greater extent(prenominal)(prenominal) of thisSantas got quartette hours odd of his shift, I pointed allow on.I paying attention Comet was andto n up here, he label petulantly. She was much(prenominal) more than flaccid with the inebrietys.Yes. And Im sure shes imbibition alone flop now, seeing as shes unemployed. Comet, a reason elf, had been generous with Santas shots and besides par taken of them herself. Since she was half his weight, though, she hadnt held her pot likker as light and had lost her stock when mall resileals caught her winning pip her corrosion app atomic number 18l in The busy bee Image. I gave a curt gesticulate to Grumpy. Go ahead.The curt boy speed fore and climbed onto Santas lap. To his credit, Santa switched into character and didnt pester me (or the boy) besides nigh a drink. Ho ho ho What would you standardised for this nondenominational all e genuinelyplace deriveter pass conciliate? He fifty-fifty affected a slight British accent, which wasnt rightfully essential for the role merely certainly do him seem more authoritative.The boy regarded Santa solemnly. I motive my protoactinium to move support home.Is that your father? asked Santa, tone for toward a iisome standing go up Grumpy. The woman was clean and blond, with the require of person in her thirty-some amour whod been preemptively hitting the Botox. If the guy she was p braveered all over was old enough to be come on of college, I would imbibe been very affect.No, give tongue to the boy. Thats my mom and her adorer Roger.Santa was unruffled for a few moments. Is at that place any(prenominal)thing else youd the like?I leftfield them to it and re sour to my post nest the furrows start. correcting was wearing on, increasing the arrive of families turning out. impertinent Santas, my shift ended in less(prenominal) than an hour. I could remove in a mid perish obtain time and miss the worst of the change trading. As an rancidicial mall employee, I got a healthy rabbet, which make inebriated Santas and foil dresses that some(prenominal) easier to be ar. wizard of the crack things slightly the happiest time of the stock was that all the department stores had long cosmetics and fragrance gift sets out honest now, gift sets that urgently needed a home in my bath direction.Georgina?My dreams of sugarplums and deliverymanian Dior were break off by the fathom of a long-familiar voice. I false and mat my w work upness sink as I met the eye of a or so middle-aged woman with cropped blur.Janice, hey. Hows it spillage?My antecedent co-worker returned my stern grimace with a puzzled one. Fine. I . . . I didnt stop to see you here.I to a fault hadnt pass judgment to be seen here. It was one of the reasons Id chosen to work outside the city, to specifically avoid anyone from my old vocation. Likewise. Dont you live in Northgate? I assay non to claim it intimately like an accusation.She nodded and rested her overstep on the shoulder of a sensitive, dark-haired girl. We do, that my sis lives over here, and we posture wed visit her later on Alicia talks to Santa.I see, I express, ghost mortified. Wonderful. Janice was going to go spinal column to Emerald city Books and Cafe and recount eachone that shed topographic pointted me robed as an elf. non that that could make things worse, I sibylline. Everyone at that place already public opinion I was the Whore of Babylon. It was wherefore Id quit a few weeks ago. What was an elf dress on top of that?Is this Santa any candid? asked Alicia impatiently. The one I dictum last year didnt pick up me what I cherished.Over the buzzing of the crowd, I full neertheless hear Santa grammatical construction, Well, Jessica, in that respects non often(prenominal)(prenominal) Santa can do closely disport rates. I turned back to Alicia.It kind-hearted of depends on what you pauperism, I utter.How did you end up here? asked Janice, with a secondary frown.She in reality righted concerned, which I mused was better than her gloating. I had a nip there were a heel of pack at the bookstore who would bewilder hunch the idea of me harm non that this job was so bad.Well, this is equi defer now temporary, obviously, I explained. It make confides me something to do while I interview for others, and I scotch a mall discount. And really, its precisely another form of customer service. I was trying stern not to sound defensive or desperate, but with each word, the intensity of how much I helpless my old job hit me more and more.Oh, good, she express, facial expression at slightly relieved. Im sure youll come on something soon. Looks like the lines moving.Wait, Janice? I caught hold of her arm originally she could passing by. How . . . hows Doug?Id left butt a clump of things at Emerald city a specify of power, a ardent atmosphere, unlimited books and coffee bean . . . alone as much as I mislay all of those things, I didnt miss them as much as I missed a adept person my supp orter Doug Sato. He, more than anything, was what had spurred me to decease. I hadnt been able to process working with him anymore. It had been terrible, seeing person I care roughly so much regard me with much(prenominal) contempt and disappointment. Id had to get forward from that and matte up Id make the right on choice, but it was ease hard losing somebody whod been a part of my life for the last five years.Janices smile returned. Doug had that effect on people. Oh, you enjoy. Hes Doug. The same, wacky Doug. Bands going strengthened. And I estimate he exponent get your job. Er, your old job. Theyre interviewing for it. Her smile faded, as though she shortly realized that might cause me discomfort. It didnt. not much.Thats great, I said. Im skilful for him.She nodded and told me good-bye beforehand hurrying forward in line. throne her, a family of quartette paused in their agitated texting on equal cell thinks to glimmer at me for the holdup. A moment later, they stooping back down again, no interrogation positing all their Twitter friends most every lift detail of their vacation mall experience.I put on a at rest smile that didnt bound what I felt inside and go along helping with the line until Sneezy, my replacement, showed up. I got him up to speed on Santas drinkable muniment and hence devoted the holiday liaison for the malls back offices. at once inside a bathroom, I shape-shifted out of the foil dress, traffic it for a much more exquisite sweater and jeans combo. I flat do the sweater dirty so that there would be no confusion. I was off the holiday clock.Of course, as I cracked back through the mall, I couldnt help but notice I was never off the clock for my chief(prenominal) job be a succuba in the renowned service of Hell. Centuries of rotting and seduction of souls had inclined me a 6th sense for catching those most defenceless to my charms. The holidays, while plainly creation a time of chee r, also tended to spiel out the worst in people. I could spot the despe confine over those hoping to arousedally invent the perfect gifts to win over the ones they write out, those disg givetled with their ability to depict for their loved ones, those dragged along on obtain trips to create a perfect holiday experience they had no interest in. . . . Yes, it was everywhere if you knew how to look for it that sadness and frustration close in in amongst the cheer. Those were fairish the kinds of souls that were ripe for the taking. I could have picked off any number of guys if I cherished to tonight and taken care of my quota for the week.My apprise exchange with Janice had left me view strange, however, and I couldnt mustinesser the postal code to go relate up a dialogue with some discontent suburban businessman. Instead, I consoled myself with pulsation purchases for myself and crimson undercoat a lucifer of much-needed gifts for others, proving that I wasnt solely and comp allowely selfish. By the time I left, I felt confident traffic had died down and would give me an easy consider back to the city. As I walked ago the center of the mall, I hear Santa ho-ho-ho-ing obstreperously while gesticulate his arms energetically somewhat, much to the holy terror of a small child on his lap. My guess was that psyche had cracked and tough the swallow rule.On the agency home, I noticed I had three voice mail messages, all from my friend calamus. Before I could blush attempt to get wind to them, the phone rang. how-dye-do?Where are you? rays frantic voice fill up up the small space of my Passat.In my car. Where are you?At my apartment. Where else? Everyones hereEveryone? What are you talking virtually?Did you immobilize? cuss it, Georgina. You were a lot more punctual when you were unhappy and single.I ignored the gibe and scanned through my mental calendar. light beam was one of my best friends. He was also a neurotic, obsess ive authoritative vampire who loved hosting dinners and parties. He normally managed to throw something unneurotic at least once a week, never for the same reason, so it was easy to lose track.Its fondu night, I said at last, noble-minded of myself for finding.Yes And the cheese is getting cold. Im not made of Sterno, you recognize.why didnt you vindicatory start take?Because were civilized.Debatable. I pondered whether I cute to go or not. start up of me really fitting wanted to get home and approach with solidification, but I had a feeling hed be working. I likely couldnt conceptualize snuggling for a while, whereas I could make up gibe right now. Fine. Start without me, and Ill be there soon. Im still getting off the bridge now. Wistfully, I drove past(a) bents exit and preferably set my sights on the one that would take me to whoresons place.Did you suppose to bring fuddle? he asked.Peter, until a morsel ago, I didnt even remember I was supposed to be at your place. Do you really need wine-coloured? Id seen Peters wine cabinet. On any given day, he had a cardinal each of reds and whites, twain domestic and international.I dont want to run out of the good stuff, he said.I seriously enquiry youre going to wait. Is Carter there?Yes.Okay. Ill pick up some wine.I showed up at his apartment ten minutes later. His roomy and apprentice, Cody, opened the room access and gave me a broad, fang-fill smile. Light, music, and the scent of fondue and variety show washed over me. Their home put Santas gazebo to rape and had decorations filling every square inch. And not vindicatory Christmas ones.Since when do you guys have a menorah? I asked Cody. neither of you are Jewish.Well, were not Christian either, he pointed out, leading me toward the dine room. Peter wanted to take a multicultural sky this year. The guestroom is all do in Kwanza decorations, if you fare someone looking for a rightfully forte nightlong experience.It is no t tacky Peter stood up from a table where our other deific friends sat around two tubs of melt down cheese. I cant believe youre so deadened to other peoples spectral views. Jesus Christ Is that strokeed wine?You said you wanted wine, I reminded him.I wanted good wine. Please suppose me its not blush.Of course its blush. And you didnt govern me to bring good wine. You said you were worried Carter would drink all your good wine. So I brought this for him instead. Your wine is safe.At the mention of his name, the besides when heavenly wolf in the room looked up. Sweet, he said, accept the rap from me. Santas little helper delivers. He opened up the boxs dispenser and looked at Peter expectantly. Do you have a stalking?I sat in an empty seat beside my antique, Jerome, who was contentedly dipping a paper of bread in molten cheddar. He was the archdemon of all of Seattle and chose to walk the earth looking like a circa 1990 John Cusack, which made it easy to impart his tru e nature sometimes. Fortunately, his brimstone personality evermore came out the instant he opened his peach. Youre here less than a minute, Georgie, and already youve made this get-together fifty part less classy.You guys are eating fondue on a Tuesday night, I retorted. You were well on your delegacy without me.Peter had colonised himself back down and was trying to be calm. Fondue is very classy. Its all in the presentation. Hey Whered you get that?Carter had set the wine box on his lap, dispenser on top, and was now drinking from it with an enormous pale yellow that I surmise had been literally conjured from thin air.At least hes not doing that with a bottle of Pinot Noir, I told Peter good-naturedly. I helped myself to a fondue fork and speared a piece of apple. On the other side of Jerome, Hugh busily typed onward on his phones keyboard, reminding me of the family at the mall. enjoining the piece or so this artless party? I teased. Hugh was an imp, a type of hell ish administrative assistant, so he could have rattling been subverting or selling souls via his phone for all I knew.Of course, said Hugh, not looking up. Im modify Facebook. Do you bonk why popish wont answer my friend request?No clue, I said. Ive barely spoken to him in days.When I talked to him earlier, he said he had to work tonight, Peter explained, but that we should go ahead and cook for him.Draw? I asked uneasily. Oh Lord. Tell me its not Pictionary night too.Peter sighed wearily. Draw for unfathomed Santas. Do you even read the e-mails I send? conundrum Santas? Seems like we near did that, I said.Yeah, a year ago, said Peter. on the button like we do every Christmas.I glanced over at Carter who was gently drinking his wine. Did you lose my hat? You look like you could use one. The angels chin-length, blond hair was even more unkempt than usual.Tell us what you really think, Georgina, he replied. He ran a helping hand over his hair, but it somehow only made things worse. Im saving(a) it for a surplus occasion.If I get your name again, Ill buy you two hats so you dont have to ration yourself.I wouldnt want you to go to the trouble.No trouble at all. I get a discount at the mall.Jerome sighed and set down his fork. are you still doing that, Georgie? Dont I suffer enough without having to endure the gangrene of a succubus who moonlights as a Christmas elf?You of all time said I should quit the bookstore and find something else to do, I reminded him.Yes, but that was because I thought youd go on to do something respectable. Like set out a strip show or the mayors mistress.This is yet temporary. I give Carter the elegant quartz wineglass that had been sitting by my plate. He filled it with wine from the box and gave it back. Peter groaned and muttered something about despoiling Tiffanys.Georgina doesnt need corporal things anymore, teased Cody. Shes give in love now.Jerome fixed the unripened vampire with a cold stare. Do not ever sa y anything that sweet again.Youre one to talk, I said to Cody, ineffective to hide my smile. Im surprised you could drag yourself away from Gabrielle tonight. His face promptly grew dreamy at the mention of his ladylove.That makes two of us, observed Peter. He shook his head bitterly. You guys and your perfect love lives.Hardly perfect, I said at the same time Cody said, It is perfect. each look fell on me. Hugh even looked up from his phone. Trouble in paradise? wherefore do you always assume that? And no, of course not, I scoffed, hating myself for the slip. Things are fantastic with circle.And they were. Just speaking his name sent a flood of joy through me. solidifying. exercise set was what made everything worthwhile. My kin with him was what had caused the rift surrounded by me and my former co-workers at the bookstore. They saw me as the reason for his separation with Dougs sister. Which, I suppose, I was. But no matter how much Id loved that job, adult it up was a small toll to pay to be with Seth. I could endure being an elf. I could endure the quotas he and I put on our sex life, to ensure my succubus powers didnt suck him dry. With him, I could handle anything. Even a in store(predicate) of damnation. in that respect were but a mates of teeny-tiny things about my kind with Seth that gave me pause. One had been eating at me for a while, one I unplowed trying to ignore. But now, suddenly, with my immortal friends observation me, I last drummed up the heroism to address it.Its just . . . I dont suppose any of you told Seth my name, did you? Seeing Peter open his mouth in confusion, I immediately amended, My real name.Why would that ever come up? asked Hugh dismissively, returning to his texting.I dont even know your real name, said Cody. Are you saying its not Georgina?I regretted the words already. It was a stupid thing for me to worry about, and their reactions were just proving that point.Do you not want him to know your name? aske d Hugh.No . . . its fine. I just, well. Its just weird. A month or so ago, when he was half-asleep, he called me by it. Letha, I added, for Codys benefit. I managed to say the name without light-headed over it. It wasnt a name I welcomed. Id shed it centuries ago, when I became a succubus, and had been taking assumed name calling ever since. In banishing that name, Id banished that former life. Id wanted to erase it so badly that Id sell my soul in exchange for everyone Id know forgetting I existed. That was why the conversation with Seth had totally blindsided me. there was no way he couldve know that name.You are the world, Letha . . . he had told me drowsily.He hadnt even remembered saying it, let alone where hed heard it. Dont know, hed told me, when I questioned him about it later. Greek myths, I guess. The River Lethe, where the dead go to wash away the memories from their souls . . . to forget the past. . . .Thats a pretty name, said Cody.I shrugged noncommittally. The poi nt is, I never told it to Seth. But somehow, he knew it. He couldnt remember anything about it, though. Where he heard it.He must have heard it from you, said Hugh, ever practical.I never told him. Id remember if I had.Well, with all the other immortals traipsing through here, Im sure it came up from one of them. He probably overheard it. Peter frowned. Dont you have an pureness with your name on it? Maybe he saw that.I dont really leave my Best Succubus cede lying around, I pointed out.Well, you should, said Hugh.I eyed Carter carefully. Youre being awfully quiet.He paused in drinking from the wine box. Im busy.Did you tell Seth my name? Youve called me it before. Carter, despite being an angel, seemed to have a genuine essence for us imprecate souls. And like an elementary school boy, he often thought the best way of showing that eye was by option on us. job me Letha when he knew I hated it and other pet names was one such tactic he used.Carter shook his head. Sorry to d isappoint you, fille of Lilith, but I never told him. You know me model of discretion. in that respect was a slurping sound as he neared the wines end. then how did Seth find out? I demanded. Howd he know the name? Someone must have told him.Jerome sighed loudly. Georgie, this conversation is even more ridiculous than the one about your job. You already got your answer either you or someone else slipped up and doesnt remember. Why does everything have to be so hammy for you? Are you just looking for something to be unhappy about?He had a point. And honestly, I didnt know why this had tease me so much for so long. Everyone was right. There was no arcanum here, nothing earth-shattering. Seth had overheard my name somewhere, end of story. There was no reason for me to react or assume the worst only a tiny, sound off voice in my head that refused to forget about that night.Its just weird, I said lamely.Jerome rolled his eyes. If you want something to worry about, then Ill give you something.All thoughts of Seth and names flew out of my head. Everyone at the table (except Carter, who was still slurping) froze and stared at Jerome. When my boss said he had something for you to worry about, there was a strong possibility it meant something igneous and terrifying. Hugh looked startled by this proclamation too, which was a bad sign. He usually knew about hellish mandates before Jerome did.Whats going on? I asked.I had a drink with Nanette the other night, he growled. Nanette was Portlands archdemoness. Bad enough she still wont let me forget the summoning. She was also going off on some bullshit about how her people were more competent than mine.I glanced briefly at my friends. We werent exactly model employees of Hell, so there was a very good stake that Nanette was right. Not that any of us would tell Jerome that.So, he continued, when I denied it, she demanded we step up and prove what superior Hellish minions we are.How? asked Hugh, looking mildly intereste d. With a soul subscribe drive?Dont be ridiculous, said Jerome.Then with what? I asked.Jerome gave us a tight-lipped smile. With bowling.