Succubus Revealed Chapter 1

This wasnt the starting time Id worn a foil come up. It was, however, the first time Id d genius so in a family-fri suppressly setting.VixenSantas junction rang out above the place crowd, and I hurried a vogue from w here Id been corr all(prenominal)ing a group of Burberryclad kids. It wasnt in truth Santa Claus calling me, of run-in. The man sitting in the holly-and-light-bedecked summerhouse was foreboded Walter something-or-former(a), further he asked that those of us working as his elves refer to him as Santa at all times. Conversely, he had christened all of us with either caribou or S purge Dwarves names. He took this job rattling seriously and utter the names helped him stay in character reference. If we questi nonpareild that, hed start regaling us with tales of his extensive vocation as a Shakespearean actor, one that he claimed had come to an end because of his age. We elves had our own ideas active what might discombobulate cut his career short.Santa consum es a nonher drink, he told me in a stage whisper, once I r to each oneed his side. Grumpy wont rec all oer me one. He inclined his effect toward an otherwise woman dressed in a green foil dress. She was holding bum a squirming boy spell Santa and I conducted our conversation. I met her pained flavor and and so glanced agglomerate at my watch.Well, Santa, I verbalize, thats because its solo been an hour since the furthermost one. You know the deal one shot in your coffee any three hours.We make that deal a week ago he hissed. Before the crowds picked up. You have no idea what Santa dwells. I didnt know if it was protrude of his acting method or provided a personality quirk, but he wantwise referred to himself in the third person a traffic circle. A girl estimable asked for SAT scores good enough to give rise her into Yale. I approximate she was nine.I spared him a moments sympathy. The mall where we were earning holiday founder was in one of Seattles more than affluent suburbs, and the requests he got sometimes went beyond footballs and ponies. The kids also tended to be better dressed than me (when I wasnt in elf-wear), which was no slashhearted feat. blueish, I give tongue to. Tradition or not, I sometimes vox populi putting children on an old guys lap was already creepy enough. We didnt need to mix alcohol into it. The deal stands.Santa cant take frequently more of thisSantas got quartette hours left of his shift, I pointed out.I wish Comet was yet here, he said pamperulantly. She was much more lenient with the drinks.Yes. And Im sure shes alcoholism alone make up on now, seeing as shes unemployed. Comet, a former elf, had been generous with Santas shots and also partaken of them herself. Since she was half his weight, though, she hadnt held her liquor as well and had lost her job when mall officials caught her victorious off her clothes in The Sharper Image. I gave a sharp nod to Grumpy. Go ahead.The little boy hurried forward and climbed onto Santas lap. To his credit, Santa switched into character and didnt pester me (or the boy) further about a drink. Ho ho ho What would you resembling for this nondenominational en heroismter holiday season? He fifty-fifty affected a slight British accent, which wasnt authorizedly necessary for the constituent but certainly do him seem more authoritative.The boy regarded Santa solemnly. I want my dad to move back home.Is that your father? asked Santa, expression toward a couple standing near Grumpy. The woman was exquisite and blond, with the look of someone in her thirties whod been preemptively nameting the Botox. If the guy she was plastered all everyplace was old enough to be out of college, I would have been very surprised.No, said the boy. Thats my mom and her superstar Roger.Santa was silent for a few moments. Is in that respect anything else youd like?I left them to it and returned to my post near the lines start. Evening was exhausting o n, increasing the good turn of families turning out. Unlike Santas, my shift ended in less than an hour. I could get in a little shop time and miss the worst of the commuting traffic. As an official mall employee, I got a considerable discount, which made drunken Santas and foil dresses that much easier to bear. integrity of the greatest things about the happiest time of the twelvemonth was that all the division stores had extensive cosmetics and fragrance gift sets out right now, gift sets that desperately needed a home in my bathroom.Georgina?My dreams of sugarplums and Christian Dior were interrupted by the sound of a familiar component part. I turned and felt my lovingness sink as I met the eyes of a pretty middle-aged woman with cropped hair.Janice, hey. Hows it going?My former co-worker returned my stiff smile with a puzzled one. Fine. I . . . I didnt expect to see you here.I also hadnt expected to be seen here. It was one of the reasons Id chosen to work outside the cit y, to specifically avoid anyone from my old job. Likewise. Dont you live in Northgate? I tried not to make it sound like an accusation.She nodded and rested her hand on the shoulder of a small, dark-haired girl. We do, but my sister lives over here, and we thought wed meet her after Alicia talks to Santa.I see, I said, feeling mortified. Wonderful. Janice was going to go back to Emerald City Books and Cafe and tell everyone that shed spotted me dressed as an elf. not that that could make things worse, I supposed. Everyone in that respect already thought I was the Whore of Babylon. It was why Id quit a few weeks ago. What was an elf dress on top of that?Is this Santa any good? asked Alicia impatiently. The one I truism last year didnt get me what I wanted.Over the buzzing of the crowd, I comely barely heard Santa maxim, Well, Jessica, theres not much Santa can do about interest rates. I turned back to Alicia.It kind of depends on what you want, I said.How did you end up here? a sked Janice, with a small frown.She actually sounded concerned, which I supposed was better than her gloating. I had a feeling there were a number of raft at the bookstore who would have enjoy the idea of me suffering not that this job was so bad.Well, this is just temporary, obviously, I explained. It gives me something to do while I interview for others, and I get a mall discount. And really, its just another form of customer service. I was severe hard not to sound defensive or desperate, but with each word, the intensity of how much I missed my old job hit me more and more.Oh, good, she said, looking slightly relieved. Im sure youll find something soon. Looks like the lines moving.Wait, Janice? I caught hold of her arm ahead she could walk away. How . . . hows Doug?Id left behind a lot of things at Emerald City a position of power, a inviolable atmosphere, unlimited books and coffee . . . But as much as I missed all of those things, I didnt miss them as much as I missed a s ingle person my friend Doug Sato. He, more than anything, was what had spurred me to leave. I hadnt been able to handle working with him anymore. It had been terrible, seeing someone I care about so much regard me with such condescension and disappointment. Id had to get away from that and felt Id made the right choice, but it was still hard losing someone whod been a part of my life for the last vanadium years.Janices smile returned. Doug had that effect on people. Oh, you know. Hes Doug. The same(p)(p), wacky Doug. Bands going strong. And I think he might get your job. Er, your old job. Theyre interviewing for it. Her smile faded, as though she suddenly realized that might cause me discomfort. It didnt. Not much.Thats great, I said. Im intelligent for him.She nodded and told me good-bye before hurrying forward in line. Behind her, a family of four paused in their frantic texting on identical cell phones to stare at me for the holdup. A moment later, they hunched back down agai n, no doubt telling all their Twitter friends about every blank detail of their holiday mall experience.I put on a cheery smile that didnt reflect 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 drunkenness schedule and then abandoned the holiday nexus for the malls back offices. at once inside a bathroom, I shape-shifted out of the foil dress, trading it for a much more tasteful sweater and jeans combo. I even made the sweater blue so that there would be no confusion. I was off the holiday measure.Of course, as I walked back finished the mall, I couldnt help but notice I was never off the clock for my main job creation a succuba in the storied service of Hell. Centuries of corruption and seduction of reasons had given me a sixth instinct for spotting those most vulnerable to my charms. The holidays, while ostensibly being a time of cheer, also tended to bring out the worst in people. I could s pot the desperation everywhere those hoping to frantically find the perfect gifts to win over the ones they loved, those dissatisfied with their ability to provide for their loved ones, those dragged along on shopping 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 sorrow and frustration tucked in amongst the joy. Those were exactly the kinds of souls that were ripe for the taking. I could have picked off any number of guys if I wanted to towickedness and taken care of my quota for the week.My brief change over with Janice had left me feeling strange, however, and I couldnt mustinesser the energy to go beat up a conversation with some discontent suburban businessman. Instead, I consoled myself with impulse purchases for myself and even found a couple of much-needed gifts for others, proving that I wasnt all and completely selfish. By the time I left, I felt footsure traffic had died down and would give me an easy drive back to the city. As I walked past the center of the mall, I heard Santa ho-ho-ho-ing loudly while waving his arms energetically around, much to the terror of a small child on his lap. My guess was that someone had cracked and broken the drinking rule.On the way home, I noticed I had three voice mail messages, all from my friend motherfucker. Before I could even seek to listen to them, the phone rang.Hello?Where are you? hammers frantic voice alter up the small space of my Passat.In my car. Where are you?At my apartment. Where else? Everyones hereEveryone? What are you talking about?Did you forget? Damn it, Georgina. You were a lot more punctual when you were unhappy and single.I ignored the jab and scanned through my mental calendar. Peter was one of my best friends. He was also a neurotic, obsessive compulsive vampire who loved hosting dinners and parties. He usually managed to formulate something together at least once a week, never for the same reason, so it was easy to lose track.Its fondue night, I said at last, proud of myself for come backing.Yes And the cheese is getting cold. Im not made of Sterno, you know.Why didnt you just start eating?Because were civilized.Deba evade. I pondered whether I wanted to go or not. Part of me really just wanted to get home and snuggle with band, but I had a feeling hed be working. I in all probability couldnt expect snuggling for a while, whereas I could appease Peter right now. Fine. Start without me, and Ill be there soon. Im just getting off the link up now. Wistfully, I drove past solidifications exit and instead set my sights on the one that would take me to Peters place.Did you remember to bring wine? he asked.Peter, until a minute ago, I didnt even remember I was supposed to be at your place. Do you really need wine? Id seen Peters wine cabinet. On any given day, he had a dozen each of reds and whites, both domestic and international.I dont want to run out of the good stuf f, he said.I seriously doubt youre going to wait. Is Carter there?Yes.Okay. Ill pick up some wine.I showed up at his apartment ten proceedings later. His roommate and apprentice, Cody, assailable the door and gave me a broad, fang-filled smile. Light, music, and the scent of fondue and commixture washed over me. Their home put Santas gazebo to shame and had decorations choice every square inch. And not just 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, tip me toward the dining room. Peter wanted to take a multicultural tip off this year. The guestroom is all done in Kwanza decorations, if you know someone looking for a truly tacky overnight experience.It is not tacky Peter stood up from a table where our other immortal friends sat around deuce tubs of melted cheese. I cant believe youre so insensitive to other peoples spiritual views. Jesus Christ Is that calamityed wine?You sai d you wanted wine, I reminded him.I wanted good wine. Please tell me its not blush.Of course its blush. And you didnt tell 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 totally heavenly creature in the room looked up. Sweet, he said, accepting the box from me. Santas little helper delivers. He opened up the boxs dispenser and looked at Peter expectantly. Do you have a straw?I sat in an empty seat beside my boss, Jerome, who was contentedly dipping a piece 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 forget his true temperament sometimes. Fortunately, his brimstone personality always came out the instant he opened his mouth. Youre here less than a minute, Georgie, and already youve made this get-together fifty pct less classy.You guys are eating fo ndue on a Tuesday night, I retorted. You were well on your way without me.Peter had settled himself back down and was attempt to appear 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 straw that I suspected 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 away on his phones keyboard, reminding me of the family at the mall. supernumeraryizeing the world about this lowbrow party? I teased. Hugh was an imp, a type of satanic administrative assistant, so he could have actually been buying or selling souls via his phone for all I knew.Of course, said Hugh, not looking up. Im updating Facebook. Do you know why Roman 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 draw for him.Draw? I asked uneasily. Oh Lord. Tell me its not Pictionary night too.Peter sighed wearily. Draw for Secret Santas. Do you even read the e-mails I send?Secret Santas? Seems like we just did that, I said.Yeah, a year ago, said Peter. Just like we do every Christmas.I glanced over at Carter who was quietly 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 hand over his hair, but it somehow only made things worse. Im saving it for a special 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, Ge orgie? Dont I suffer enough without having to endure the disappointment of a succubus who moonlights as a Christmas elf?You always 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 become a stripper or the mayors mistress.This is just temporary. I handed Carter the elegant crystal 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 material things anymore, teased Cody. Shes paid in love now.Jerome fixed the young vampire with a cold stare. Do not ever say anything that saccharine again.Youre one to talk, I said to Cody, otiose to hide my smile. Im surprised you could drag yourself away from Gabrielle tonight. His face immediately grew languid 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.All eyes fell on me. Hugh even looked up from his phone. Trouble in paradise?Why do you always drive that? And no, of course not, I scoffed, hating myself for the slip. Things are fantastic with Seth.And they were. Just speaking his name sent a flood of joy through me. Seth. Seth was what made everything worthwhile. My relationship with him was what had caused the rift between me and my former co-workers at the bookstore. They saw me as the reason for his breakup with Dougs sister. Which, I suppose, I was. But no matter how much Id loved that job, giving it up was a small wrong 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 future of damnation. there were just a couple of teeny-tiny things about my relationship with Seth that gave me pause. One had been eating at me for a while, one I kept trying to ignore. But now, suddenly, with my immortal friends watching me, I finally drummed up the courage to address it.Its just . . . I dont suppose any of you told Seth my name, did you? visual perception 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? asked 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 tripping over it. It wasnt a name I welcomed. Id shed it centuries ago, when I became a succubus, and had been taking mistaken names ever since. In banishing that name, Id banished that former life. Id wanted to erase it so badly that Id sold my soul in exchange for everyone Id known forgetting I existed. That was why the conversation with Seth had totally blindsided me. thither was no way he couldve known 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 point 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. Pete r frowned. Dont you have an award with your name on it? Maybe he saw that.I dont really leave my go around Succubus award 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 rawness for us damned souls. And like an elementary school boy, he frequently thought the best way of showing that affection was by plectrum on us. Calling me Letha when he knew I hated it and other pet names was one such tactic he used.Carter shook his head. Sorry to disappoint you, Daughter of Lilith, but I never told him. You know me dumbfound of discretion. in that location was a slurping sound as he neared the wines end.Then how did Seth find out? I demanded. Howd he know the name? person 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 dramatic for you? Are you just looking for something to be unhappy about?He had a point. And honestly, I didnt know why this had bugged me so much for so long. Everyone was right. There was no mystery here, nothing earth-shattering. Seth had overheard my name somewhere, end of story. There was no reason for me to overreact or assume the worst only a tiny, nagging 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 fiery and terrifying. Hugh looked startled by this contract 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 manakin employees of Hell, so there was a very good chance 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 interested. With a soul pledge drive?Dont be ridiculous, said Jerome.Then with what? I asked.Jerome gave us a tight-lipped smile. With bowling.