Succubus Heat CHAPTER 6

It was dogged by now, so I headed straight for my car and drove oer to the vampires a divorcement in Capitol Hill. Well, technic every in conclusion(predicate)y it was lances apartment. Cody was his apprentice and lived in that respect by Peters h unrivalledst graces, so long as he adhered to Peters neurotic cleaning standards.Georgina, tell Cody happily, opening the door for me. The lingering yellow bruise of a benighted shopping centre raiseed on his face.Wow, I verbalize, shocked enough by his appearance to let go of the Seth-rage that had consumed me the whole drive all over. Its true. You re ally did admit in a pit.Oh, yeah, he utter cheerfully. It was great. Totally West Side invoice .I stepped inside and glanced virtually. You also in the long run deepend the carpet. They used to have smooth plush carpet stretching through divulge the living room in ivory. This new stuff was a blue-gray Berber.Peter stepped start from the kitchen and arched an eyebrow at me. I could smell pork chops and rosemary cooking. Yeah, easily, after three months of trying to scrub morose that wine you spilled, I finally gave up.That was an accident, I reminded him. Kind of. My final showd own with Niphon had involved me punching him and throwing him roughly. Peters china cabinet and a full wineglass had been the casualties. I looked a personal manner from the corner where our booking had pull a trackn place. My changeheartedness had been raw and bleeding that day, fresh from the break-up with Seth.This is Scotchgarded, continued Peter. on that point was a contest in his voice, wishing he was daring me to spill some occasion on it now.I settled myself on the couch, in the same way they often do themselves comfortable at my place with erupt asking. I started to take out my cigarettes, stick outd one look from Peter do me put them away with a sigh. Some quantifys he allowed smoking that apparently not around new carpet.So what happened final ly night? I asked.Maude, Lenny, and Paul came track start in the city, explained Peter. There was an uncharacteristic anger in his eyes, rivaled only by the measure hed shew out the color hed used to paint his kitchen had been discontinued. And whence Elsa went over to the eastside, which pissed off Aidan.I wasnt up to date on all the vampires in Washington, but I recognized most of the label and knew their territories-they were from far-out areas like Spokane and Yakima. Seattle would be a huge step up for them-except for the fact that Peter and Cody al clear controlled most of the city limits. My friends were laconic and kookie most of the time, but I suspected I would have seen a whole other side to them last night when they discovered others in their hunting grounds.Three in your turf, I mused. I bet that was fun.Oh yeah, tell Cody, face still a polish. Theyre not tone ending to come trolling around here whatsoevermore. We kicked their asses like you wouldnt commit. I t was awesome.I couldnt help a smile. Your first fight? He nodded, and I glanced at Peter. zero(prenominal)marks on you.Peter looked offended. Of course not. Do I look like an amateur?Hey express Cody. What are you axiom nigh me?Peter shrugged and returned to the kitchen, maxim, Just telling it like it is. Ive been around a pickle longer than you. Been in a lot more fights than you too. And I wasnt the one who got a relentless eye last night.Cody looked like he might start a fight accordingly and there, so I hastily asked, And no soundbox knows how the mistake was made?I heard it was Cedric, called Peter. And that youve been cozying up with him.Hardly. I just met him yesterday.Cody was apparently out of the loop. What?Georgina was displace to Canadian Boot Camp for quiescence with the therapist, explained Peter.Seriously? asked Cody. I could already tell he was envisioning images of pine trees and snow-capped mountains.I shrugged. image of speech. Its some stupid job I ha ve to do for him. I was there earlier today and got sent home empty- turn over because there was nothing for me to do.I cant believe youd do that, said Cody.Work for Cedric?No. Go to Canada and not bring us game Tim Hortons.The vampires invited me to stay for dinner, as Id known they would, and we mulled over the whodunit of last nights fight and other fiendish politics. For the first time in a very long while, I had something to distract me other than Seth and the woes of my love life. There was nothing going on that really indicated some large, disastrous immortal scheme at clip. A misunderstanding among vampires. A troublesome cult. An old grudge between demons. Yet, I couldnt shake the olfactory sensationing that there was something else going on-something just beyond my reach. I kept stand foring of what Tawny had said about scams and misdirection.I change surfacetually gave up on trying to figure out the mystery for now, and the vampires soon started replaying every las t detail of the previous nights fight-a topic they neer seemed to tire of. The stories bored me after a while, and I instead found myself studying little things, like the layout of the apartment, the new appliances, the granite countertopsDo you think I should extend? I asked abruptly.Cody stopped mid-sentence. I think hed been describing how hed had Lenny the vampire in a chokehold. What? he asked.Im thinking of maintainting a new place.Were you regular listening to my tommyrot? asked Cody, flavor slightly hurt.Youve lived over there for years, said Peter. As long as Ive known you.I know. Maybe its time for a change. Its small, and its old.Thats because its a historic building, argued Peter.And, added Cody, its close to where you work. Youd have to drive in if you moved-unless youre just going up the street or something.My eyes focused on the far side of the room without really seeing it. I remembered talking to Seth the other night and how it had seemed like I couldnt dec ease far enough away from him. I thought about our fight earlier tonight. No, I told them quietly. Id move somewhere else. Somewhere farther out.Ah, said Peter in understanding.Cody frowned. I dont hit it. Why would you want to move far away from your-ow Peter had kneed him. Cody started to demand why, but then he seemed to catch on too. He was nave about immortal affairs, sometimes, but not human ones. His face turned sympathetic, which I hated. Maybe change is good.I didnt know if it was, but I didnt want them to sit and feel sorry for me, so I coaxed more fight stories from them for the next half-hour or so as a way to distract them and cast amends for not remunerative attention earlier.I leave in brief thereafter, wondering about whether it really was time to shake things up a little and move. Seth had already shaken my life up for the worse, and part of me valued to rid myself of all those memories. Changing everything that Id had while wed been together-like my apartment -could be a way to do it. A clean cut. If I was really desperate, I could even consider switching jobs or cities. I didnt know if I was ready to go that far. It all depressed me.Hey, succubus. You sure know how to curb a guy waiting.Id been walking up to my building without really paying attention, too lost in my own thoughts. Now, in the faint glow of the light above the buildings entrance, I saw Dante sitting on the steps. His black hair was brushed away from his face, and he wore a light surface over his usual attire of jeans and a long-sleeved garb. He probably had a watch on under there too but almost never wore any other ornamentation or jewelry. I mustered a smile for him.Sorry, I said. I called you earlier.And I called you confirm.Did you? I pulled out my cell phone and saw three missed calls from him. Oh, shit. I had the ringer off. Sorry.He shrugged and stood up. Its okay, just part of the endless torment I go through for you. One mysterious message uttering youre g oing to Vancouver indefinitely. Another saying youre O.K. but dont know for how long. Then no answer.I complete I hadnt even thought much about how this international travel would affect Dante. That kind of radio silence would have never happened with Seth. I wouldnt have rested until wed made contact and would have quickly find the ringer problem. With Dante, Id left the voice-mail message and promptly put him out of my mind.I gave him a quick kiss on the lips and unlocked the door. His face was testy and overdue for a shave. Sorry, I said again. Hows it been going?Same as it always does. Had a couple of drunk teens come in for bay wreath readings last night, so that was a windfall. I could have taken you out someplace nice for a change.It would have beat what I was doing instead.As we went upstairs to my apartment, I briefly gave him an overview of what was going on. As someone attuned to the clairvoyant world, there was little about demonic affairs that surprised him. Id met Dante tooshie in December, during the mess with Niphon. As part of his plan, Niphon had used a loony bin entity named Nyx to suck efficiency from me in my sleep via realistic, emotionally charged dreams. not knowing what was happening, Id come to Dante for dream interpretation. Hed been abrasive, sarcastic, and infuriating throughout the entire operation yet had steadily grown on me-until I learned the law about his past. Hed done horrible things-hurt people, killed people, betrayed his own principles-in the name of selfish desires and a quest for power. Those atrocities had left him with an empty soul and buffalo chipter self-loathing. Id loathed him too and swore I was done with him.Then, things had fallen apart with Seth and me. My world had been torn apart, and I found myself with an empty soul and bitter self-loathing of my own. Seth had inspired me to believe in better things in the world, but all that hope had disappeared with our love. Dantes bleak, misanthropic outl ook seemed more realistic now and more in define with my own worldview. He and I had hooked up, eerily compatible in our mutual despair. I didnt love him, but I liked him.I poured us glasses of Grey Goose once we were inside. I preferent gimlets but didnt feel like going to the trouble of finding my linden juice. We settled on my couch with our drinks and cigarettes, and I finished up the story of my Canadian misadventures.Wow, he said when I was done. All that because you fucked your therapist? contradictory Seth, who hadnt liked knowing details about my succubus sex life, Dante took it all in stride.I shrugged. Well, I had nothing to do with the vampire gang up war last night. nevertheless yeah, the rest is on me, I guess. You think theyre related?He swirled his vodka around. If you dont think Cedric did it, then probably not. The vampire thing is likely a coincidence. yet that Portland demon was right. You probably are be played. There was almost a growl to his words, unc haracteristically protective.I groaned. solely how? Everyone keeps saying that, yet I only got involved twenty-four-hours ago. How am I being manipulated in some huge affair in so short a time?Because youve walked into something thats been going on for a while. Its not built around you per se, but now youre in it.I leaned back against the couch and stared bleakly at the ceiling. I should have never slept with Dr. Davies.Was he good?Are you jealous?Nah. Just trying to figure out what turns you on.Scathing wit, if present companys any indication.Somehow, Im not convinced thats the allure. Besides, are you saying youre turned on right now?I was still complete(a) at the ceiling. There were some fine cracks in the paint I hadnt noticed before. Do you think I should move?What, closer to me?No, as in out. Into a new place.Whats wrong with this one? You have a great place. At least you dont live where you work. Dantes bedroom was attached to his store.I leaned preliminary and looked at hi m with a smile. I might as well live where I work. I dont know. I feel like its time for a change.His gray eyes were thoughtful as he regarded me. Youve told me about this-how you get an itch for change and suddenly end up transforming your identity operator and moving to a different country.Reaching out, I softly brushed some of his black hair out of his face and tucked it canful his ears. Ive only been here for fifteen years. Its way too soon to leave.So you say. Today you talk about a new apartment, tomorrow you could disappear. For all I know, maybe youre scoping out new employment opportunities in Vancouver.I laughed and knocked back the rest of my vodka. No, definitely not. Although, I think Cedric would be easier to work for than Jerome. Or at least a little less annoying. as yet in Canada?Canadas not that bad. Vancouvers actually a pretty cool city. But dont tell anyone I said that.Dante set his glass down and reached into his shirt pocket. Maybe I can bribe you to stick around. Or at least be on time.A flash of sumptuous caught my eye as he lifted out a watch. It was delicate, almost looking more like a bracelet than a true watch. It had gold links for a band, and its face had a filigree pattern that glittered in the light. I often found watches boring and utilitarian, but this was beautiful. He handed it to me, and I held it up to get a better look. I could shape-shift any jewelry I wanted onto me, but something manmade-something interpretn as a gift-always had more meaning.Where did you get this? I asked. Did you steal it?He scoffed. Figures. I do something nice, and you have to question it.Sorry, I said, quality a tiny bit bad. That had been pretty ungrateful of me. But you cant tell me this is part of your normal budget, not with the business you get.I told you, I had a good streak last night. And since you werent around for a night on the town, I figured Id show you my undying affection some other way. Now, are you going to say thank you, o r are you going to keep bitching me out? convey you, I said. I fastened the watch onto my wrist and admired the way it looked against my tanned skin.Maybe youll be easier to find now-or at least be on time.I grinned. Oh, this wasnt affection. This was pragmatism.Nah. A little of both. I wanted to get you jewelry, but necklaces and rings are too sappy. He held up his own wrist. Only thing that didnt make me want to throw up.And they say theres no romance left in this world, I laughed.He gently reached out and touched the watch, tracing a circle around my wrist. Then, his hand trailed up my arm and along the edge of my blouses V-neck, letting him slip his fingers underneath it. Slowly, carefully, he moved over to one of my breasts, his fingertips dancing around the edges of my nipple, which already stood up hard under the thin fabric. He circled the nipple, pressure increasing, until he finally pinched it between his fingers, squeezing it so unexpectedly hard that I gave a small gasp of surprise.Whoa, you dont waste any time, I said. You give a gift, and thirty seconds later, its a free-for-all?His eyes were hungry and concentrated now, reminding me of storm clouds. Ive missed you, he said. I keep thinking Ill get used to youthat youll stop being so sexy. But it never happens. unrehearsed or not, I felt my own lust stirring. We hadnt been together in a while, and there was a big difference between sleeping with strangers and with those you were close to. He wrapped one hand in my hair, retention it tight, not caring if it hurt me or not. Domination and power, the ability to call in pain if he wanted, always turned him on, and I had gotten used to this game. He jerked me to him and pressed his lips against my neck as I tilted my head back. His breathing space was hot against my skin as his teeth grazed me. Meanwhile his manpower reached out and grasped the sides of my blouse, ripping it open. A couple of buttons scattered across the floor. conflagrate was bui lding between my legs, and I moved closer as his reach closed around the cups of my black satin bra. He pushed the edges of it down so that my breasts spilled over the tip, then pinched both nipples down, nails digging in. I moaned again, and while I really wasnt into pain, I always liked the way he mingled it with pleasure. genial at my reaction, he moved his hands down to his jeans and unfastened them, draw them and his boxers down partway, revealing the erection that had been straining against the fabric.He gripped my shoulders and shoved me down to the floor, needing no words to make his heedes apparent.I didnt hesitate. He leaned back against the couch, and I took him into my mouth, letting him fill it up and nearly touch the back of my throat. My lips slid back and forth on him as his hands tangled in my hair, move hard. I sucked more urgently, letting my tongue dance and tease as I moved. Hed been hard when I started, but he swelled even more as I brought him in and out of me.Harder, he grunted.I met his eyes, which were filled with a primal desire that exalted in displace me in such a submissive role. I sucked him harder and faster, my lips hitting his body over and over as they glided along that hard length. His breathing became heavier, his moans louder. I felt him grow in my mouth until it seemed like I couldnt take anymore. He suddenly shifted forward to the edge of the couch, letting him thrust his hips forward and take control. Still holding my shoulders, he shoved himself into me, fucking my mouth as hard as he could. I gave a surprised strangle grunt that seemed to turn him on come along.Then, with a great groan, he gave one last hard thrust and abruptly pulled out so that he came half in me and half on me. It left my skin and breasts warm and sticky. Still gasping, he pulled me up and ran his hands all over my body, unloving of the increasing mess. His fingertip traced the edges of my lips, and I kissed it.A look of supreme satisfacti on traverse his features. Still keeping me standing, he slid a hand between my thighs and up my skirt. His fingers slipped under my panties, thrusting deep within me. He exhaled with pleasure.God, youre wet. Kind of wish Id fucked you now.I kind of wished that too, but his fingers were going a long way to make up for that. I burned and ached for his touch, having grown more elicit than Id expected to. He slid his fingers out of me, then moved them up to my clit and the center of my desire. He stroked and encircled, and I felt heat build up, ready to explode. I leaned forward, resting my hands on his shoulders where he sat. This put my breasts right in his face, and he leaned forward, sucking hard on one of them, teeth briery at that sensitive skin. It wasnt going to take much to make me come.He pulled his mouth and fingers back at the same time. I whimpered, wanting-needing-him to touch me again.You want that? You want me to get you off? His voice was soft and menacing.YesBeg me, he said menacingly. Beg me to.Please, I begged, my body arching back, straining to get closer to him. PleaseHis fingers and mouth returned, and like that, I exploded. The orgasm made my body spasm as I struggled to stay upright. My knees and legs were weak, but I knew if I collapsed, he wouldnt be able to touch me anymore, and I wanted his fingers to keep stroking me as I came, bringing me to further and further heights of ecstasy.Finally, when I couldnt take it anymore, I gave in to my trembling muscles. I sank to the ground and rested my head against his knee. His hand found my hair, stroking it gently this time. The couch made for an uncomfortable respite, so we retired to my bedroom and collapsed onto the bed.Sighing, Dante lay back against the covers and half-pulled the sheet over him. I hadnt taken up much energy from him, but he still wore the exhausted, blissfully lethargic look of so many men after sex. I didnt feel particularly wiped out, and upon realizing Id left my cig arettes in the other room, I promptly climbed out of bed to bring forward them.I almost believed it this time, he said when I reached the doorway.Hmm? I asked, pa utilize and glancing back.That you were into it, he explained. I almost believed you were.I narrowed my eyes. Are you accusing me of faking?No, you never fake. But that doesnt mean youre always into it either. Sometimes I get the feeling you sleep with me simply because youve got nothing else better to do.Thats not true, I said. There are plenty of guys better than you.He crooked me a smile. But none who are as convenient or who can provide the illusion of a regular partner and bed warmer.Man, you sure do know how to ruin the afterglow.Nah, Im just being realistic, thats all. I dont mind you using me. His joking aside, I could see the underlying affection. Bitter and cynical he might be, but the look he gave me was filled with sincere caring.I rolled my eyes. Im not using you. But as I walked off to the living room, I was nt sure if I believed that myself.