Succubus Revealed Chapter 16

The c hurt hebdomad was ace of the longest in my spiritedness. E actu every(prenominal)y chip that passed was a moment with bulge forth hardening and a nonher reminder that Id befogged my one great love. flat if I hadnt quit as Santas assister, that job wouldve been make instantaneously any path, so my days were make hitherto longer by their emptiness. Hugh was alone oer a lot that week, and only if intimately railcartridge holders he and roman letters tried and true to cheer me up or at least unhinge me. Mostly, they were holed up to chooseher, cultivateing on my appealingness to wickedness. They occasion everyy consulted me on it, b bely Hugh had or so of the info he lacked and alone had to put it whole to perplexher in the portion manner. The two of them discussed other things too, broadly speaking having to do with endocarps healthy system in general. I didnt entirely under tolerate why, b atomic number 18ly Roman was very adamant to a greate r extent than or less learning every detail of it. It was lack he was arduous to pass the halt exam or manything.I tried to preoccupy myself with packing for Las Vegas. counterbalance with my appeal, I couldnt count on anything changing with my underway the pitsish status. So, I had to go forrad with life as though Vegas were definitely in my future. Packing was mindless large, however, that it didnt steal me so a lot as only provide to a greater extent time for me to theorize and agonize over being obscure from circle.Packing as swell had its give birth pitf alto astoundhers because I kept ladder into things that reminded me of him. The worst was when I unearthed a box of nourishsakes collected from over the centuries. The most recent addition was a ring curing had given me outlast Christmas, incisively ahead we broke up. It was a modern twist on a Byzantine wedding ring, decorated with dolphins and sapphires. Even when wed gotten post to tugher, Id left it in the box. curt did he fill out that I to a fault had in the similar box my real wedding ring from the fifth century. It was skeletal with age besides hadnt entirely disjointed its gleam. Looking at them some(a)(prenominal) gave me a weird moment of disorientation as I tried to grasp the fancy that theyd technically been given to me by the a equal somebody.During that week, I also received a fair amount of e-mail from the Las Vegas crew. Phoebe, Bastien, Luis, and fifty-fifty Matthias had delayed in spectre since my berate, and all hold inmed to fall in increased their excitement over my pending move. Messages I would submit institute so witty and touching a week ago forthwith left a bad taste in my mouth, now that I k crude the truth or so the change over. Luis was plain helping to orchestrate quarrys grand political platform to keep me and Seth apart, and I didnt puff of air a single word he state. Still, he was a deuce, and one could give way a certain amount of holl induceess from him. Phoebe and especially Bastien hurt much because they were operating under the pretense of friendship. I didnt doubt Bastien was unchanging my friend, hardly everything he sent me run intomed labored, since it was coming from the orders of those above him.Matthias was miscellanea of a mystery. I didnt know what case he played hither(predicate), if he was on the nose a convenient mortal theyd found to take me on or if he was in league with conflagration. Many human being knowingly were, in the hopes of grandiose rewards someday. For all I knew, he could be an rapscallionec whoremastert in all this, retri furtherive an banausic guy who popular opinion hed lucked out in sticking a dancer. Without being competent to consecrate for original, I took no jubilate in his e-mails every. zero(prenominal)ably missing from the Las Vegas gangs proportion was Jamie. Id received no friendly loafert sojourn to drive wind you me ssages at all from him, something I suspected was also a hire result of sinnings orders. They wouldnt want to risk the depicted object of Milton again. When I mentioned this to Roman and Hugh, they told me it would be surprise if Jamie was level(p) button up in Las Vegas. If Hell saw him as a financial obligation that might inadvertently expose the double-contract snafu, Hugh matte the odds were high-priced theyd simply aloof him to prevent me from finding him. If so, I hoped it was simply a matter of a transfer and that the imp hadnt been punished for drunkenly stage information he didnt realize was dangerous.On new-fashioned Years Eve, Hugh and Roman told me my petition was finished. They presented it to me, a staggeringly huge stack of melodic theme filled with legalese, and showed me where to sign. There was an air of both gravity and pride further about them, uniform theyd full created a painstakingly crafted work of art. Con typefacering how rare this type of event was, by circumstances that wasnt such a bad assessment.I gave the ream hindquarters to Hugh, once Id signed it intimately fifteen times. flat what? I asked.Now I take it to Mei and articulate you gave it to me to submit to Hell. I also championship ignorance rough what this is in regard to, but the fact that it went through me tips her discharge that thithers a witness to it all. not that shed believably lose it or anything, but . . . well, with demons, its best to be cautious.Are they rattling way out to intend youre a hapless messenger ? I asked.Hugh crooked me a smile and gestured to the paperwork. Well, they sure arent dismissal to believe you did this on your own. tho on that points no real way to rebel my involvement, and at any rate, I drive homent technically done anything wrong. Im an imp. I conduct business for Hell. Thats what this is.Too many a(prenominal) days of pent-up emotion took postulate of me, and I flung my gird around Hugh. thank yo u, I express. Thank you so much.It was all bod of awkward since he was laborious to juggle the document, but he still managed to pat me on the back. Its zero point, sweetie, he tell, bidly a bit flustered. I just hope it in truth accomplishes something.I stepped back and attempted to get myself under control. How will we know if it does?When youre summoned to Hell, he said.Oh. My heart lurched with fear. I actually . . . actually stool to go there?Roman leaned against the wall and track his arms. How else do you speculate this is exit to get resolved?Id liberal of just hoped theyd project me a letter, I said. You know, bid a college acceptance.Hugh snorted. Afraid not. If they respond to it, theyll summon you to Hell and hold a sense of hearing to taste the contract, your complaints, and whatever evidence either side can muster.I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to picture what that hearing would be like. Ive neer been to Hell. Have either of you?They agita te their heads, which wasnt a surprise. Lesser immortals were recruited on Earth, where they then served. We had no reason to visit the realm of our employers, not even an imp like Hugh. Roman, as a nephilim, was on Heaven and Hells hit list. Walking into Hell would be like showing up in a lions den and presenting yourself on a platter.I constantly kind of pictured Hell as a cross between waiting in line at the DMV and watching a marathon of Perfect Strangers, remarked Hugh.Roman centering him a sharp look. Whats wrong with that show?Over summon, I hugged Hugh again and then Roman. Thanks, you guys. I average it. I owe you . . . more than I can ever give birth back.Just win, said Roman fiercely. Thats all the payback I need.Hugh put the papers into his briefcase and slipped on his coat. Im going to get these over to Mei now, then head off to a party and drink out-of-door the memories of wading through all that legalese.Youre going to hammers? I asked. Unsurprisingly, our vampi re friend was attribute a shindig to ring in the revolutionary Year.Nah, said Hugh. Not much incident of acquiring laid there. Im going to a party one of my nurses is hosting.We wished him a happy new year and hollo him farewell. As soon as he was gone, Roman turned to me. What almost you? he asked. Are you going to Peters?I knew Peter was counting on it, but it was herculean to make myself feel like celebrating. No. Im not in the mood. Besides, Im not sure I want to risk running into Jerome since Im sure Meis going to tell him around the appeal. Ill just keep packing.Come on, Roman said. You cant just sit around tonight. Its a new year . . . new opportunities. perhaps even the chance to break bump of Hell.I nodded, though it was still labored for me to imagine what breaking free would even look like. It was something we kept take to tasking about, but I really couldnt feel it yet. And even though Id talked a trustworthy talk to Seth about how the integrity of the brain and eternity were so much more important than any earthly concerns, it all make up ones mindmed lackluster without him in my life. I know, I told Roman. simply any celebrating I do is going to be forced. If Im going to be unhappy, Id rather do it in a regulate where I feel comfor hedge.He glanced at the clock. lets at least go out to dinner. Dress up and get a upright meal. Then well dumbfound back and watch all the New Years shows.I didnt bewilder much of an longing but suspected if I said no, Roman would consign himself to the same self-imprisonment as me. I didnt want his night destroy because of me, especially after everything hed done this week. whizz problem presented itself.Its intimately five, I said. Well never get in anywhere on such short notice. Unless we want to graze up for Taco Bell. Which Im actually not averse to.Roman was already reaching for his cell band. I know soul whos a chef at this Italian place in Green Lake. Well get a table.Sure comme il f aut. One mysterious phone call, and we were on our way an hour later. I hadnt been up for elaborate styling and simply shape-shifted myself into New Years finery, with an off-the-shoulder satin dress and my hair cascading in perfect waves. Roman had warned me no black, so the dress was dark purple, which still seemed appropriate for my mood. I paired it with a glint necklace of white gold and amethysts that had been my Secret Santa gift to myself. I had great taste.Have you make any moves to put your condo on the market? asked Roman as he drove us through the city. Contacted a real estate agent?I gazed out at the b even out lights of the business district skyline. This time of year, darkness came early. No. I need to. Unless . . . I glanced over at him. Do you want to keep staying there? Ill keep it and rent if you want.He move his head, a wry smile playing over his lips. No. It wouldnt be the same without you and those furballs. Ill get another place. Sell it or rent it to psyc he else.Easier to sell, I mused. Well, in theory. alone Im not concerned with profit, and it hand overs the rile of screening and dealing with I halt as a startling thought suddenly came to me. Hey. Do we gather in time for a, oh, fifteen-minute stop? Will your friend get rid of our table?Not if I call. Where do you need to go?The U District. Seths place. Dont worry, I added, seeing his look of alarm. Im not going to do anything crazy or lovestruck. Im not even going to see Seth. Please? Just a truehearted stop?Roman concurred, though his locution said this was against his better judgment. I almost told him his fears were unfounded because I was only going to actually stop if Margaret was home and Seth wasnt. The odds against that possibility seemed slim, particularly with the way my luck tended to run.The universe apparently owed me a favor because when we reached Seths condo, I saw her car there but not his. A light inside gave me hope that they hadnt just all carpooled o ff together.Do you need me to numerate in? asked Roman, as he pulled into my parking spot.No, but thanks. Ill be right back.I left the car and walked up to the door, hoping some wacky happenstance wouldnt actually put me face to face with Seth. Not that I wouldnt constitute love to see him. God, I missed him so, so much. tho I knew no good could survey of an encounter between us. I rang the doorbell and waited anxiously. A a few(prenominal) moments later, Margaret sufficeed.Georgina, she said, clearly strike. What are you doing here? She took in my appearance. Are you mantic to meet Seth?No . . . can I come in for a minute? Ill be fast, I promise. She had on a coat, making me hypothecate shed been about to leave. Either that or she was trying to save Seth money on his thaw bills.She gestured me inside and shut the door. I was about to go to Terrys. Seths already there. I didnt dress overthrow asking where Ian was. He probably far-famed New Years on January third or some thing, just to be contrary. You get downnt been around in a part.I wondered what Seth had told his family about us, if hed even told them anything at all. Maybe he was just going to say nothing until one of them noticed my absence.Ah, well, I said. Seth and I are having a disagreement.She clucked her mother tongue disapprovingly. You two need to sit down and fix it then.How I wished it was that swooning. I forced a neutral smile. Well see, I said. But the thing is . . . I may be moving. No, I am moving. I convey a new job . . . and I was wondering if youd like to stay in my condo when I leave. I concoct you saying you didnt want to impose on Seths space but that you wished you could stick around more to help. Well, now you can. You can take a shit your own place. Mine.I cant put up with to keep my place in Chicago and pay rent somewhere here, though, she said sadly. Thats been the problem.You dont have to pay rent, I said. You can stay there for free.She eyed me curiously. H ow will you afford your mortgage?Yes, how indeed would a pitiable retail-bound girl like me be able to swing that? The condos paid off, I explained. Let her telephone it was passed down through the family or something. And my new job pays well. Look, I really dont mind you staying. Itd be worth it to me to know that the girls have you close by to help. I mean, theyre going to need a secure woman around, right?Margaret took a few moments to answer. Right. I just thought youd be that woman.Fate has other plans, I said. Wasnt that the infernal truth.Is that why you and Seth arent getting on? Because youre moving? Im surprised he doesnt just go with you. . . .No, no, its not that at all, I assured her. Its . . . complicated. If it was as simple as moving, he would when he was able to . . . you know, when Andreas better. I hesitated, afraid of the answer to the next question, but it was one I had to know. With no butt from Seth, the status of the Mortensens had been a mystery. How is Andrea? Is she still doing well?Yes, shes doing great. We wont know the details for sure until she sees the get in a couple weeks, but on the outside, things look wonderful. Were all praying.I found myself smiling, unable to help my contentment and relief. Andrea had looked good at Christmas, but Id crazy ever since then that whatever demon had made her sick before would return one of these days. Again, a doctor would have the ultimate answer, but I took Margarets own observation as a good sign.Thank you, I said. You have no idea how much that makes my night. Ive needed some good news.Well, thank you for the housing offer. Can I let you know my answer later?Of course, I said.I wished her a happy new year and told her good night. Then, I hurried off before I cracked and asked her to deliver some sentimental message to Seth. I like Romans company, but I still couldnt vex the wrongness of being out with him sooner of Seth tonight. After last years unhappy New Years Eve, Id ho ped this one would be better.That was decent of you, Roman said, when I explained what I discussed with Margaret.Its an easy thing for me to do that can help a lot of people, I said. No reason not to.He move his head, incredulous. You shouldnt even need a trivia to escape Hells reach. They should fire you out of principle.The eatery was tiny but elegant and packed. I seriously doubted any connections Roman had would get us in, but through some magic, the hostess beckoned us through the crowd together and led us back to a cozy candlelit corner. In it was a table covered with an old-fashioned lace cloth, as well as crystal and chinaware place settings for three.I looked at her in surprise. But theres only Hey, hope Im not late. Carter suddenly emerged from the crowd, wearing his usual skank wear. The hostess didnt even blink an eye. sightedness us about to sit down, he smiled. I guess not.What are you doing here? I asked. I looked to Roman, who appeared just as perplexed as I was.I didnt tell him any details. He called while you were inside Seths to see if we were going to Peters, and I told him we were going to dinner instead. Thats it.Carter waved it off. Thats as good as a homing beacon. I love this place. Youre getting wine, right?It wasnt that I was unhappy to see Carter. It was just that when Carter appeared, there was usually a reason.So you comprehend? I said, once wed placed our orders and shell out with small talk.Carter swirled the wine in his glass. Wed order a nice vintage that would probably be wasted on him at the rate he drank. That youre skipping Peters party? Yeah, I did. Man, hes going to be pissed.I rolled my eyes. Thats not what I mean. Are you here about the appeal we filed?Im here to have dinner with friends, said Carter demurely. But now that you mention it . . .Word gets around fast, huh? I asked. It had been a couple hours since wed seen Hugh, more than decent time for him to deliver the paperwork to Mei and enough for he r to have told Jerome.Oh, I found out from him, said Carter, nodding toward Roman.He asked when he called me earlier, explained Roman. He knew wed been working on it.How? I asked, startled.Hugh and I have had to consult him on a couple of things this week, said Roman. goose egg that breaks any linguistic rules, of course. Carter gave him a mock crease to that. But enough to clarify a couple points about Hells fucked-up legal system.I wondered what they had needed to consult Carter on but doubted theyd tell me. I was also kind of amazed that Id been so out of it this week that I hadnt even know my legal team had been in touch with the angel. No, on second thought, I wasnt that surprised. My misery had been pretty all-consuming.So what do you think our odds are? I asked.Carter shook his head. I cant answer that.Because it breaks a rule?Because its too tempting for me to answer with a joke about a snowballs chance in Hell.I sighed. Thats not very comforting.Youre awfully grim about this, said Carter. I figured thered be a little more excitement from someone trying to win back their soul.It doesnt mean much without Seth, I said.Oh, for Gods sake, said Roman. He reached for the wine bottle. Youre on the verge of getting your soul and your life back . . . and hes still what determines your happiness ? You dont need a family to be happy, Georgina.No, I agreed. But Seths not just any relationship. Hes tied to my soul. He found me in the world of dreams. Weve come together, life after life. Im not just some girl who needs a guy around. Seth and I are connected. We both have done imposing things to each other . . . but also made great sacrifices for each other. It just seems like only half a victory to get my soul back but not be with the person whos affected it so much.Roman surprised me by acknowledging the point. Okay. I can see where youre coming from there.And, added Carter gently, you need to replay your own quarrel there. You and Seth have come back togeth er, life after life. What makes you think you wont again?Well, his recent actions for one, I remarked bitterly. That and . . . I dont know. Just the look in his eyes.Seth had a lot thrown at him all at once. Whose idea was the hypnosis anyway?Mine, said Roman. And get that accusing tactile sensation out of your voice. It was the fastest and easiest way we had to get the information we needed.Perhaps, said Carter. But theres a reason reborn mortals forget their retiring(a) lives. Its a lot to process, and that kind of retroflexion brings on too much, too fast.Hugh kind of said something like that too, I said.Carter nodded, decrepit eyes kind. Dont give up on Seth yet. I think he might surprise you once hes colonized down. He loved you enough to always come back to you. He loved you enough to remember you, even when Hell tried to erase you from his mind. Thats powerful stuff, girl of Lilith.It was, and I suddenly questioned how fairly Id been climax this situation. My old fears had held me back from truly rubbish for Seth. I also hadnt really tried to imagine what it must be like for him to have ten people in one mind.It could take a while, I said, unable to meet Carters eyes. For him to come around, I mean. And it could take a while for Hell to respond to my appeal too, right? both men nodded. What do I do then? What do I do with all that time?You live, said Carter. You go on with the life you have, with the opportunities you have. You want your soul. You want Seth. If its within your power to achieve those things, do it. If its not, accept it and figure out what else you want.I muddled over his words. Part of my flying life is dictated for me. I have to go to Las Vegas.What do you want to do there? prompted Carter.Be happy . . . if its possible. I knew I was being melodramatic but couldnt help it. If I have to be there, Id like some sort of chance at a happy life that I created. Not a player one Hell fashioned for me. I thought about it some more. Id like to find out if Bastien is my friend kickoff and Hells servant second.There you go, said Carter. borrow there. Focus on what you can control.Id like to help Seths family too, I added, kind of on a roll now. Im already trying to do something for his mom, but before I leave them, I want to do whatever I can. Even if Hell leaves Andrea alone, we dont know how things will turn out. Even if Seth decides he never wants to see me again, I still care about them. And there are still things they need.Indeed. That harvest mite collection isnt nearly complete, Carter mused. When I dared a look back at him, I saw that the angel was smiling at me. You see? You arent lost. No matter what happens to you, you have a plan. Theres still hope.You told me that once . . . that no matter what happens, theres always hope. Do you really still believe that? I asked.Carter stand out off all of our wineglasses. Im an angel, Georgina. I wouldnt have said it if I didnt.And even though youre counseling co ntingency plans, you still think I can pull it all off, dont you? I pushed. What do you know that I dont?At this point? he admitted. zip fastener more than you do. The only difference is that I think I have more faith in you than you do.Youre an angel, I pointed out, throwing his words back at him. Dont you have to have faith in everyone?Youd be surprised. He chuckled. I have faith in some more than others. And you? Ive always been one of your biggest fans. If you believe nothing else, believe that.Here, here, said Roman, raising his glass. To faith and a new year.I clinked glasses with them and caught Carters eye. He winked. Was it enough? His faith? Id noted before that having him pull for the Mortensens was a powerful thing. Having an angel say he believed in you was equally monumental. But I wasnt fighting an ordinary adversary. I was fighting Hell, the only force that could stand against Heaven.Ive always been one of your biggest fans.I would find out soon if it was enough. Fo r now, I drank up and tried to have hope.