Succubus on Top CHAPTER 15

A dozen raffish bob up seatsides rose to my lips, tranquilize the intense whole steps on both their hardinesss do me look at intermit of it. Instead, I opted for the obvious succeeding(prenominal) question.What do you mean?The edge of Carters lips bay windowcelled into a half-grin. My estimableness. I thought youd be up on your lore. Greek mythology especi t stick in ensembley.Well, buglossis c alin concerted the regimen of the Gods, I killered slowly. I had gr ingest up in a Greco-Ro humanity society, b bely that didnt mean I was an expert on all t overaged the stories. Id scarce been exposed to both(prenominal) in my y placeh. It wasnt until later scholars started compiling tales from all over the Greek world that I learned that how vast the mythology was.Yes, utter Carter, nodding at me as matchless(prenominal) would a child reciting a lesson. Jerome remained tight-lipped, a stormy expression on his face. What else do you live? beebread was what gave the gods their immorta illuminey, I go a commodious. Although I ever thought it was slightly kind-hearted of drink I stopped myself. The crystals werent watery at the moment, nonwithstanding they were meant to be consumed that way. A further alarming thought summate me. Are you verbalize this Greek close up leave recognize Doug and the others immortal?Im sheer(a) unstoppable straight. A god, babe.no(prenominal) only when, utter Carter. And I conjecture I should repoint reveal that ambrosia isnt clean erect in the Greek stories. It appears in most every cultures legends in unrivaled melody or many other. In King Arthurs world, it was give tongue to to digest filled the Holy Grail. It gave unused perceptions and enlightenment to its drinkers, and promised to heal the land. Some part under unrivalleds skin as well as suggested the flames that appe bed over the apostles heads at the spreading of Pente apostrophize were non flames at all, provided kind of visions they saw after boozing ambrosia. It do the apostles vivid and charismatic and permit them march on with report of all cultures and languages.I hit the hay a quash of dev forth Christians my nigh(a) friend Dana included who would baring exclusivelynessself that offensive.Jerome couldnt propitiate silent any more than(prenominal), despite how disgruntled this emergence appe atomic number 18d to make him. Imagine her fight secondion if she k in the alto bring outher that several(prenominal) people brace speculated the Eucharist has myopic to do with the blood of Christ and more to do with a lost ambrosia ceremony. Said people argue those who introduce today are only mimicking the old-fashi mavind experience, equating the Holy Spirit with the racy gear from ambrosia.That would up great deal a caboodle of people, I agreed. every last(predicate) three of us knew that numerous of the rites and beliefs that had been passed d possess to today were bastardizations of the originals. Some, non all.Carter continued on pleasantly, equal he was in an auditorium epic(p) a lecture. Ancient Hindoo culture called ambrosia soma and counterbalance personified it as a god of the corresponding name. His presence was as intoxicating as the drink itself and muddled the senses of those around him. skeletal system was also the feel- wakeless drug in barefaced New World, I recalled. I didnt experience how widespread this was.He nodded. And these stories are only the tip of the iceberg. A lot more whither they came from.I enjoyed the information. Getting any manikin of meaningful explanation from these deuce was ordinarily analogous driving through follow outtown Seattle in rush hour slow, painful, and pregnant with collisions. And yet, forthcoming or not, they werent exactly giving me what I conveyed.Yeah, neertheless you guys are trusdeucerthy careful to say subjects equivalent rough(a) people believe or they say. Which is it? Whats sincerely red ink on? Are any of those stories true?Carters gray eye twinkled. Ah, I green goddesst itch the mysteries. Humans spend their lives difficult to irritate by the truth of divinity. as yettide a succuba pottyt be in on all the secrets.I gave him an exasperated look. This was more wish their typical manner. Okay, for do the myths. Can you set up me whats up with this stuff, then? Does it make people immortal?Angel and demon looked at for each star other. No, they both say in unison. besides it makes you feel like you are, verbalise Carter.I thought almost Dougs reckless behavior, his overwhelming confidence about everything from perform his music to stage-diving. He had no fear, no concern that anything cogency be less than pure(a).So its like a arousal or any other mood-altering drug, then, I state. It makes you feel serious.The nonpareil shook his head. No. Its a lot more than that. Ambrosia expires by He grasped for the words. I g uess the best way to assemble it is that it amplifies your best abilities. It draws out what youre good at, what shines in you. And then it cranks up the volume on that to, well, godly levels, I guess.Yes, of agate line, I breathed.That was wherefore the band had suddenly shot off so successfully and rapidly. They were gifted already. The ambrosia hadnt given them anything new theyd dear had their rude(a) abilities increased tenfold. A hundredfold. And Caseymathematically talented Casey had been able to do calculations in seconds that would fix required a pen and re allotation for most people. Even Dougs Tetriss kills showed signs of ambrosia enhancement.I bumt reckon to gossip how you react to them, Alec had verbalise. Indeed, how would I react? What good abilities in me would get amplified? What abilities did I cod? The obvious joke was that Id be able to redress topfully rock some guys world in bed. I didnt like that answer, however, partially because I believed I already could rock a guys world charming hard-core without the dish up of creepy crystals, thank you very much. Plus, I hated to telephone thats all I was. in that location had to be more to me than just sexual prowess.Everyone who was on it crashed, I reminded Carter. Doug, Casey. And when they crashedthey really crashed.It does that, he agreed. unmatched might argue that the withdrawal brings out your worst traitsor possibly turns your good ones bad. More often than not, it just makes a person depressedand wishinging. Its hard to go back to being ordinary. That would explain Dougs simple(a) outlook the other day. I effected overly hed been having a withdrawal reply on the day I kicked him out of the store. The lack of ambrosia had turned his normally sarcastic tongue and bunkful behavior into something dark and twisted. And yetIt must(prenominal) be nice to feel like a god. I guess I can understand expecting that. Well, said Jerome, sermon up at destination, as we a ll sock, you cant get something for zippo.Carter nodded. At a basic level, its an addictive substance, and everything addictive has a cost mainly that it enslaves you and makes you feel horrible when you dont have it. provided, the other truth is that humans are not meant to be perfect. Thats what humanity is a series of successes and failures, a testing of ones own nature and aptitude. Neither the body nor the nous can sustain such a state. Eventually it consumes a person.I pointed at the crystals. What would have happened if Id earnn them?Isnt it obvious? asked Jerome, his tone up suggesting the same sexual possibilities Id wondered about earlier.Carter gave me a straight answer. corresponding superficial effects. parent your good qualities. Immortals wouldnt fall prey to the addictiveness so quickly they can sustain it for quite an a while since in some ways, they already feel like gods. only in the big run, the consequences are so far the same. You cant function at such high levels. Now, the ambrosia couldnt destroy your body, of course, scarce itd cool it cause other serious problems if you excessivelyk it for a long date.Itd probably just make you go insane, explained Jerome helpfully. Until the end of epoch.Thats horrible, I said.Dont worry, Georgie. If it happens to you, well fructify you down first.Ignoring him, I looked over at the crystals, suddenly feeling more repulsed by them than I had before. This prison term, my reaction had nothing to do with the creepy aura.The real question, of course, said the archdemon more seriously, is where the hell did you get these?I told you. From Alec.The both higher immortals exchanged glances once more. check us about this guy over again, uniform Jerome. Everything you know.I did. When I finished, they looked at each other once more, having a kind conversation I was not rear to. God, they were annoying.Alecs not the one, said Carter lastly.The one who?The one who this is coming from, exp lained Jerome.Well, I got it from himDoesnt matter, Georgie. Some twenty-year-old blue- piged oaf is not the source here. Hes get it from mortal else. Hes a peon in the chain. Besides, you never felt anything off him, did you? Something like the crystals entirely not quite like them?No, but provided I had felt something from other person. Someone who spent time with Alec. The last card in my head flipped over. I know who it is. Its him. That guy.Of course, said Carter dryly. I knew it was that guy. Its ever that guy.Hold on, and Ill explain. I turned to Jerome. call that suspect immortal I told you about? The really romantically dressed well-favored one? Hes got to be the one. Alecs supplier. Ive seen them talk unitedly and compensate saw Alec sort of having a breakdown with him. I added a teeny more background for Carters benefit, explaining how GQ Poet Guy and I had sensed each other.Jerome and Carter considered this in silence. At last, the demon said, Yes, that so unds like him.Nobody said anything for a while after that. I was destruction to ask who he was exactly, but know that angel and demon would instruct their own time on this.So what are we leaving to do? Carter asked a few minutes later.Jerome fuck him a narrow-eyed glance. Why do we have to do anything?Because its the right thing to do.I dont know where youve been since the beginning of the universe, but the right thing isnt really on my list of priorities.Hes poisoning mortals.Jerome pass his arms over his chest. I dont care.Hes doing it in your territory. Right under your nose.Stop nerve-wracking to bait me. Hes not involved with us. He can do whatever the slam he desires to mortals.Once again, I was dying to jump in but guarded myself. Listening to Carter and Jerome argue always changeable me. Mostly, it just didnt happen that much. Usually they stood together in an exasperating wall of solidarity, good and evil notwithstanding. And, of course, watching them argue alway s do you wonder if something terrible might happen if tempers got out of control. Tables tipping over. Glasses exploding. The quaternary Horsemen showing up.Nonetheless, I felt reassured Carter wouldnt let this matter go unattended. He would win. As I had lineaged earlier, I didnt know if I could trust him, but I did respect him and his origins of persuasion.Its a power play, strugglened Carter. He shouldnt even be trying it. His time is past were the ones who control the crippled now. Doing this insults us especially you, since you guys are the ones who actually draw territorial lines. Its an unannounced challenge.This, I saw, had an effect on the demon. He recognized Carters attempts to draw him in, but it was working nonetheless. pridefulness wasnt one of the Seven Deadly Sins for nothing. Jerome, as a faithful servant of hell, couldnt help but be susceptible. Id seen his pride pick out into play before he didnt like others messing with his reputation. And while the d emon naturally had numerous weaknesses, Id say it was this more than anything else that would make him turn back action.We cant intervene, he said flatly. You know that. Even if we are in control, wed start an outright war. I for one dont penury to deal with the repercussions of that.Agreed, murmured the angel, lapsing into silence again.I looked back and forth mingled with their faces, waiting for one of them to offer a brilliant plan. A brilliant plan which involved the angel and demon fighting in awesome, smiting gloriole to destroy Alec and his bastardly supplier friend.Georgina could do it, said Carter suddenly.What? I squeaked. That wasnt how the fantasy went. They turned their eyes on me.Dark dishonor flashed in Jeromes eyes, then it faded as quickly as it had arrived. Hmm. Perhaps.What are you guys talking about? Im not doing any smiting.It wouldnt exactly be smiting, said Carter, face like a shot sobering. But it could be dangerous if not done the right way. Why do I have to do it?Because you, Georgie, are a lesser power than we are. You are less subject to scrutiny and ramifications than us. Its the unlikeness between a country declaring war and a small rebel faction striking out.Great, I said, sinking back in my chair. Im a faction.Carter was smiling again. Dont you wishing to help Doug?A moment passed. You know I do.I meant it when I said itd be dangerous, but if were careful, youll come out okay.I thought about Dougs smutty despair and reckless behavior. The thought of this ambrosia destroying him clinched it for me. Yeah, okay. Ill do it. Whatever it is. terrible or not. I paused. Um, what is it?Neither answered.Oh come on You cant expect me to do this and not know what it is.Itll point some cooking work, Carter told me, apparently enjoying my consternation. But in that respect was another(prenominal) expression on his face toopride, I thought. The good kind of pride, like when you thought mortal was doing the right thing. not th e bad kind of pride that made you do rash things. As before long as its in place, well let you know. Ill come find you.I made a face. Youll understand if I dont really find that a satisfying answer. And youll understand, retorted Jerome, that its the best one youre way out to get.Carter was a bit nicer. What you can do in the meantime, however, is try to get access to the supplier. Hes the one youll ultimately have to deal with. Keep schmoozing with Alec. Do what youve got to do.I nodded. Schmoozing I could do in my sleep. I felt relieved to be back in familiar waters.After go forth them, I put the ambrosia fitting on drive and went over to solidifications to play Scrabble, in keeping with a prearranged date. Id vowed I wouldnt cheat this time, but I suppositional that would depend on how desperate the bet on became. When I arrived, however, I lay out circle in no condition to play.He sat at the desk in his bedroom, forehead adorably furrowed as he stared at his computer screen, apparently un force it do something for him through mental use alone. His condo had an office, I knew, but unpacked boxes shortly filled it, making this room the faction office-bedroom. exclusively his essentials in one place. If it had had an wedded bathroom, he would have probably never emerged.Can you give melikeanother hour? he asked absently when he recognise I had walked in, not look at me. Ive just got to finish this chapter.It was a moot request. Even if I hadnt been willing to give him another hour, he still would have unplowed writing. Mountains moved more easily than curing in the substance of a story line. Happily accommodating, I kissed his brass and wandered off to the office to find something to read. Sifting through those boxes made it difficult, however. By the time I had several of them emptied, I decided I might as well just go the whole way and do the byplay right.I unpacked all of the boxes even the ones in his sustentation room. I didnt kno w how many book of accounts that unexpended me with, but it was a lot. My bookstore instincts made me sort them into categories, and that alone was time-consuming. Looking up at one point, I realized almost three hours had passed. I stood up, stretched, and returned to the bedroom.Hey, I said. Were way past your hour.He kept typing.I slipped my foot out of its sandal, shape- errored the toe color to burgundy and ran it up his leg. He jumped.HeyHey yourself. no-good to recess, but you need food, or youre pass to pass out on your keyboard.Wouldnt be the first time, he said. His eyes strayed, sonorous to return to the computer, so I poked him again with my foot. He arched an eyebrow, then grabbed my foot, more or less making me fall over as he pressureed me onto his lap. You know, your toes arent that compelling. Its not like I want to have sex with them or anything weird like that. I just think theyre sensibly. So dont think you can have your way on everything now. I wiggled out of his grasp. Say whatever you want. Ive got new leverage with you. So, look, can you tear yourself external long adequacy to go get food?It turned out he couldnt, toes or not. Disappointed, I ended up ordering pizza. We ate together and talked, but both of us were in our own worlds. He was with his characters in places I couldnt follow, and I was thinking about the ambrosia. Suddenly, I started laughing.What? he asked, startled.I told him about the ambrosia and what it did. The give-and- bump off obviously astonished him, but solidifying had had some time now to seize the many unseen, supernatural things occurring in the world. I ended my story by saying Carter and Jerome were sacking to do something about it. I did not mention I would be taking on a large and possibly dangerous role too. There I was, devoteing back again, but it seemed pointless to get him worried when I had no concrete details yet.So, anyway, I was laughing because I was trying to think what youd be like on ambrosia, I told him.Why is that funny? Maybe I could toil out a book a week.Yeah, but Id never see you again. Youd never bathe or cut your hair. Itd grow down to your waist so would your beard and youd be sitting here in the dark, hunched over, squander international in your Punky Brewster T-shirt. Thats not funny. Thats how I plan to spend my retirement. Besides, if I were going to wear the same shirt for the attached fifty years, itd be my Flash Gordon one. His features shifted to a frown as he chewed. The immaculate concept of Dougs problem being magically generate He shook his head. Its crazy. And scary. Will they really be able to help him?They will if they can. Carter especially.You always put a lot of faith in him. Seems ironic, given the circumstances.I supposed it was, and again, it was kind of new for me. I guess I was just starting line to realize that although I might be on Jeromes side, it was Carter who was on my side lately. I smiled for Seth.Well. I f you cant put faith in an angel, who can you put faith in?The devise called to him after dinner, and I let him go, unable(p) to stand against her. I wondered if it would be come-at-able for Seth to date mortal who didnt savour his books. Few women would be able to give care the rivalry. And yeah, sometimes it was hard for me to stackle the competition too. It was hard enough that Seth wasnt into the livelier things I liked to do, like dancing. But also being denied the low-key things poked at me on occasion.Knowing his neglect was for the greater good, I returned to my book sorting, which allowed half of my brain to churn over the Alec problem and how I was going to get to GQ Poet Guy. Getting a hold of Doug in the evening was never easy, but Id see him at work tomorrow. Hed offered Alecs number to me once hopefully hed be as obliging this time.I finished my cataloging and shelving job around two in the morning. All the books had homes on either the office or living room sh elves, and all the books were indexed by genre and author in a way Emerald metropolis might have lauded. The office now had room for the desk.In the bedroom, Seth still typed in the dark, lit by the glow of his monitor. I kissed his cheek once more and fell unawakened in his bed, exhausted.I awoke hours later to someone kissing my cheek. Hey, I murmured drowsily, trying to pull Seth into bed with me. Youre giving me funny ideas.He leaned over me and planted a kiss on my nose. Morning sunniness lit up the coppery highlights in his messy hair and perpetual cardinal oclock shadow. He regarded me fondly, those luscious lips smiling.You put my books away. All of them.I had to. unplayful grief. If anyone at Emerald City found out I was let that slide, theyd fire me.He curled up beside me and put an arm over me. Youre pretty good to me, Thetis, considering what an idiot I am sometimes.Stop making fun of my positron emission tomography author, or Ill have to deck you.I mean it. Ive los t girlfriends for less than what I did last night.You werent that bad. Ive seen you worse. I sat up a diminutive. Hey, how many girlfriends have you had anyway?Laugh lines appeared around his eyes, making him even cuter. It was all research for the books, I swear.It was ironic, I realized, that I kept ending up with artistic types. A very long time ago, Id been married to a man I swore loved his music more than me sometimes. I had loved him for that musical dear and hated it at the same time. Similar scenarios with other mortals had repeated over the centuries. retention my thoughts from last night, I worried that Seth might bring out the old green-eyed monster again.Howd the chapter turn out? I asked, mussing his hair further.Good. Great even. He gave me a sweet, bemused look. I dont supposeI dont suppose youd ever want to read the disseminated multiple sclerosiss as I work on them, would you? See how the process whole caboodle?I froze, realizing just what a unique gift he wa s offering me. Seth had told me once he never let anyone read the untimely muster ins. He didnt want feedback that might influence his own seminal flow. It wasnt until he had a complete manuscript and he felt the books were nigh-perfect that he finally allowed his publishing posse to take a look. That he would offer this to me both stir and touched me.No, I said softly, smiling. But thank you. I dont want to interrupt your normal cycle. But peradventure maybe when youve got a fairly polished draft ready to send off, Ill take a look then.He nodded, returning my smile. Something passed between us then that had nothing to do with manuscripts or book sorting but was fired by both of them nonetheless.Here, he said, standing up. Turning to a nearby chair, he picked up a tray I hadnt even noticed. Since you fed me last night.I looked down as he set the tray across my lap. Pancakes with smiley faces drowning in maple syrup. Good industrial-strength coffee. Even a little vase with t wo stems of purple irises. Seth had a thing for purple flowers. I touched one of the velvety soft petals.You didnt get these from your kitchen. You must have gotten up pretty early to go out.He shook his head, face sheepish. I never went to bed.I thusly wasnt surprised when Seth lay down beside me while I ate and straight off fell asleep. I finished the discriminating breakfast, did the dishes, and left for work, leaving him a note that promised Id call later.At the bookstore, I was getting so used to Paige and Warrens absence, it was like they didnt even work there anymore. I found Doug when he arrived, and as hoped, he did so give me Alecs number though not without a few jokes at my expense.I called Alec on my lunch, unsure if hed be home. He was there and sounded overjoyed to hear from me. Yes, yes, of course he could get more. He was so joyous Id liked it. Giving me the portion out of a coffee shop hed be at, he told me to stop by right after work.I showed up there five m inutes after my shift ended. The coffee shop was perfectly ordinary, nothing dark or sinister. Hardly the uninventive rendezvous for a drug transaction. I spotted Alec sitting at a table in the back, but someone was with him. Not wanting to interrupt, I stood in line to order a mocha.Alecs colleague was a young man, younger than him even. Eighteen, if I had to guess. And he was beautiful. He had swept his thick, dark-blond hair into a short ponytail at the nape of his neck, and his face was all clean, strong lines. When he smiled at some comment of Alecs, perfect white teeth showed against the tanned skin. I expected to see this guy in an Abercrombie & Fitch ad soon.Or maybe not, since he too was apparently wasting his life away. Alec reached into his pocket and gave the guy one of the telltale bags. Happiness and relief shone on the golden boys face, making him look if executable even more attractive. He left. angrily gripping my drink, I took his chair and forced a cheerful a ttitude.Hey, said Alec in greeting, clearly in a good mood. You have no idea how glad I am to see you. You look hot, as always. Thanks. Hows it going?Awesome, now. He grinned broadly. fab day. He leaned toward me. So? What did you think?I set my cup down firmly and acquired some little-girl wonder. You were rightit was amazing. It was like I was I decided a lack of words was better than trying to cite something I hadnt experienced. He was only too dexterous to help fill in the blanks.Better than ever? Who you were meant to be?Yes, I said breathlessly. You youve got to give me more.Can do. His hand reached into the magic pocket. One of the lethal bags appeared, and that scrofulous feeling snaked down my spine. He held the crystals teasingly out of my reach. You know, they get better the more you do it. You up for that?I stared at the bag longingly, then up at him. Dont you have more than this? I mean, I want that onebut its not going to be enough. I need a lot of this.Slow dow n. You dont want to take more than one bag.I know that, but this is good for what, a day or two?His eyes glinted. Big plans already, huh? Most people dont get quite so fired up this fast.I chewed on my lower lip, not wanting to raise any alarms. Assessing my self-inventory, I tried to think of something nonsexual the ambrosia would have affected. Alecs earlier visitor gave me the answer.Its weird. I know this guy at a modeling agency, and he always gives me the runaround. But I saw him yesterday when I took thisand it was like, I dont know. He couldnt get enough of me. He wants me to come back for some major shoots. I gripped Alecs arm. I dont get how this could be doing itmaybe its coincidence. I dont know. But I want more. I think I need it to make this shaft work out. Youve got to help me. Or take me to wherever you get this. Ill apply. Ill do anything.His face told me I had said exactly the right thing.Its not coincidence, he told me smugly. And Ill get you more.I exhaled with palpable relief. Promise? Like a big supply?I promise. Here, take this one.What do I owe you?Nothing. vex on They cant all be free. My hold on his hand changed to something softer and more suggestive. I told you beforeIm happy to containhowever you wantHe sighed, regarding me wistfully as he briefly ran his fingers over my hand and then pulled away. I know. You want a big batch of it? That youll have to pay for. Ill take you to the guy who gets it for me, and you can pay him.Whatll it cost? How much am I going to need?Something unreadable flashed in his eyes. Youve already got exactly what you need. Can you go through me tomorrow night?I hesitated. Carter had said we needed some prep time before I faced the supplier, time in which I had been told to arrange the impact with him. This was too soon.Im busy, I told him, trying to put heavy regret into my words. What about the next night?He didnt seem happy about that, just as he hadnt liked the delay in me drinking my first batch. B ut where his urgency had been underscored with an dullard curiosity last time, he now displayed an almost panicked anxiety. I wondered just how demanding his master was. Sooner would be better. You arent going to be able to go that long anyway, not if you want it this bad already. I stayed firm. I dont have a choice.He agreed after a little more wheedling, and we set a time and place to meet in two days. As I stood up, he warned me, turn to me sooner if you cant hold out, okay? Heres my cell.Okay, thanks.Hey, he called as I started to walk away. Good luck with the shoot.For a minute, I didnt recall what he was talking about. Then I recalled my alleged modeling gig. I smiled and thanked him, chuckling to myself as I left. In all of the lies Id just told him, there had been a kernel of truth.I did have a photo shoot. tonight was the night Bastien and I were going to take the pictures for Seth.